At OU, we have an abundance of bars yet our shopping options are limited. Don’t get me wrong, I love the few boutiques located in Athens like The Other Place, Artifacts and Figleaf. But sometimes it’s hard to find just what I’m looking for when I’m being limited to only three stores. So how are the fashionable women of Ohio University supposed to feed their shopping appetite? The answer is simple: Online Shopping.
When it comes to shopping online, you need a bit more savvy than you do during a standard shopping excursion. And with a few simple tips, you will be a successful online shopper in no time.
Sizing
The biggest issue for most people when shopping online is sizing. Since you can’t try things on, and many stores vary in size, this can make things a little difficult. To avoid the hassle of shipping back too-big or too-small clothes, use the size chart available on the site. If you’ve yet to familiarize yourself with this handy device, it gives you which dimensions go with each size. Measure your dimensions and find the size that best fits you. Also, if you are nervous that the items you’re buying won’t fit, check to see if the site includes free returns. This will save you money in shipping and restocking fees.
Shipping Cost
The second issue with online shopping that tends to be the most annoying is those pesky shipping fees. To overcome paying six dollars just to have one dress shipped to you, try searching for coupon codes for the various sites you are shopping on. Sometimes sites even offer a maximum for free shipping (ie buy $25 or buy $50 and get free shipping), so try getting together with your roommates and seeing if they need stuff off the same site too. That way you can get up to the maximum and get free shipping without having to spend more money by yourself.
The Best Online Offers
When it comes to the shopping sites themselves, there are a variety of great online stores. Here are the rankings:
Best One Stop-Shop: Beso.com
Beso is the perfect site for if you aren’t looking for a specific item from a specific store. Instead, Beso is like a catalog of clothing from a variety of stores from designers to department stores to small boutiques. Plus Beso’s is currently offering the chance to win a $250 shopping spree.
Best European Store: ASOS.com
ASOS is a London based store that sells stylish pieces for men and women. The best part about ASOS is that even though is based in Europe, it offers free shipping to the United States regardless of the price of your purchase. Even better, ASOS is currently having a sale on summer accessories.
Best One-Stop-Designer-Shop: Shopbop.com
If you want to find deals on a high quality designer piece then Shopbop is the place for you. Shopbop has a catalog of a variety of designer pieces being sold for a deal. It makes shopping for that designer bag a little bit easier. Shopbop is currently offering free worldwide shipping in three days (or less) and free return shipping
Best Discount Store: Forever21.com
Forever 21 is known for great deals on stylish clothes and they don’t hold back on deals on their online store either. What’s great about Forever21.com is that you have access to all its lines at the same affordable prices as you would in the store. The only downside is shipping fees, but Forever21 does offer free shipping for orders of $50. So get together with your friends and combine your orders for great clothes without the shipping cost. And, Forever21.com offers yellow tag deals, which are present low costs on special items.
Online shopping can seem to a bit scary but hopefully with these tips it will make it seem a bit easier. Stop spending your days dreaming that Athens’ shopping scene will change and instead fulfill all of your fashion needs with online shopping.