To the fashion-forward Bucknellian, living in Lewisburg has its downsides. As much as I love a great find at Wal-Mart, I can’t exactly say I’m rocking the fashion world in my new Miley-Cyrus-made tank. Of course, we are not without some great stores; I love Dwellings’ new upgrade, now stocked with clothes from New York and California. Retrah is wonderful and finding a hidden gem at Wilson Ross is always exciting. However, when it comes to putting together an entire wardrobe, us Bucknell collegiettes must turn to the online world for fads, free shipping, and fashion.
So, to all of you trying to study, I apologize in advance, but without further ado, I give you the best online shopping sites for every type of collegiette!
The Trendy Collegiette:
Nasty Gal: Nasty Gal offers great accessories, party dresses, and “hipster” flare with a penchant for intricate designs, unique prints, and a party-rock mentality. They also serve up an online magazine for fashion inspiration and offer free shipping on orders over $50.
Modcloth: From stylebooks to vintage looks, this site offers everything from clothing to apartment accessories all with a vintage feel. You can shop by ensemble or check out their blog. If you invite your friends to check out the site you also get $20 towards your next purchase!
ASOS: ASOS was an abroad find, offering free international shipping and returns, stylish and trendy clothes at a variety of price points, and great sales, this is one stop shopping for those who love Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and Free People. Plus, if you become an “ASOS insider” you can receive even more deals and promo codes.
The Cinderella Collegiette:
Zappos: Cinderella would have never needed Prince Charming if she knew about Zappos. A staple if you’re looking for Hunters, heels for formals, or a pair of winter boots. Free shipping and returns with a huge selection of shoes, bags, clothing and accessories.
Shoe Buy: Similar to Zappos but with a slightly more eclectic selection, they also offer free shipping and returns and if you sign up you can get points on every order to earn rewards.
DSW: I love going to DSW when I’m at home, but their online site has a large selection as well. Huge sales, free shipping, and lots of offer codes available on their site to get even further discounts.
The Frugal Collegiette:
Forever 21: If you’re looking for trendy pieces but don’t have the bank account to get the real thing, Forever 21 is a great option. Trends of the season you want to try out but not break the bank for can almost always be found here. The clothes are made well, their selection is infinite, and their sister brand Heritage also offers some great options.
Know Label: Basically designer imitated styles for a fraction of the cost. I’ve never ordered from here but have spent enough procrastination time on the site to know it’s good.
The Beauty-Crazed Collegiette:
Sephora: If you’ve ever walked into a Sephora store, you know the feeling of perfume ladies choking you with scents, incessant naggings for a “make over” (I think I look just great, thank you), and the rush of tweens to put too much blush on their still pudgy cheeks. Basically Sephora online offers you all the amazing products of the brand without the madness the store brings. You can select samples with every purchase and if you become a beauty insider you’ll get “point perks” that add up to major giveaways.
Ipsy and Birch Box: I discovered these two this summer and let me say I’m loving both. These two sites offer samples that are targeted towards what you like. By paying 10 bucks a month you’ll get a whole lot of samples from hair ties to make up brushes to deep conditioning treatments. Another perk? They also come in cute pouches you can use to keep your makeup in, for a night out, or to use as a pencil case.
E.L.F.: Also known as Eyes Lips Face this inexpensive beauty option has appeared in countless magazines for it’s amazing quality and super low prices. They offer great products, both mineral and not, and free shipping on orders over $25. My favorite is their brush set which has lasted me years.
The Artsy Collegiette:
Etsy: Etsy is often overlooked as a DIY hippie site, but it offers such a wide variety of unique and original products, it’s amazing more people aren’t using it. It is a one stop shop for everything from iphone cases to wall decals to jewelry. Best of all, it’s made by small businesses and start-ups so you never have to feel like your giving into the big businesses.
Shop Ruche: Shop Ruche has a very vintage feel and is moderately priced. Definitely leaning towards more artsy and hipster with some indie influences.
Pixie Market: Hipster/indie clothing by up and coming designers.
The Coupon-Cutting Collegiette:
The Outnet: The Outnet has a great selection offering huge discounts. You can create a wishlist on their site and check out their partnership with Marie Claire, which brings their fashion advice to a new level.
Blue Fly: Bluefly offers major discounts and mark downs on designer clothes and seasonal trends. They have great promos, an awesome blog, and their sister site Eyefly offers a crazy selection of glasses and sunglasses, giving a child in need a pair for each purchase that’s made.
The Brand-Obsessed Collegiette:
Piperlime: Moving to a higher price point, there are definitely more brand names here from Seven to J Brand to Dolce Vita. Perk: You can get 15% your first purchase.
Rent the Runway: Most collegiettes know the benefits of renting high fashion. Like Jennifer Hudson’s Bag Borrow or Steal obsession in Sex and the City, Rent the Runway offers designer dresses for any occasion that you can rent for various events. They’ll even send you an extra size just to make sure your dress fits. You can chat with a stylist, check out their awesome blog, and use promo codes to get even more discounts.
Need Supply: Though this site is definitely at a very high price point, they offer crisp, beautiful pieces that would be staples in any collegiette’s closet.
Shop Bop: Always a good one, they offer designer trends, will sometimes have unbelievable sales, and consistently offer great items.
The “Members Only” Collegiette:
Tobi: If you become a member of Tobi, you’ll get access to a great selection of clothes. They have free shipping and offer 50% off if you become a member and another 50% off if you invite five friends to the site.
Gilt: Gilt is another club that will email you when sales start. Their sales are daily and they essentially offer the best brands for 60% the original price.
Rue La La: This club ups the ante, offering 80% off designer clothing and accessories. The catch? Sales are only for 48 hours, so you have to act quickly!