Source: blog.ebates.com
If there’s one past time that the majority of all collegiettes can agree is a favorite, I think it’d be shopping. No matter the budget or style, shopping is there for all of us. Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of living in Gainesville is that it is basically in the middle of nowhere. Although cute and trendy boutiques are slowly popping up in the area, and we have a modest mall for fashion emergencies, the real wonder of the 21st century is online shopping. The vastness of the Internet means there are almost infinite possibilities of fashion to explore.
Here are some tips to get the most for your money online from a self-confessed shopping addict:
1. Browse and compare
As fun as online purchases are, it would be fiscally irresponsible, if not impossible, to buy everything you want. And you wouldn’t buy a skirt without asking your friends if it looks good on you right? Right. This brings us to the real love of my life, Pinterest. Not only is pinning an awesome time waster, but it is an easy way to find items you love and save them for later. When lusting over a variety of different maxis, the perfect solution is to save them all on a cheekily named pin board, for later comparison. Also, when you stumble upon a perfect out-of-season or special occasion look, it can always be saved for when the time or funding is right.
2. Search for those deals
You’ve found a piece of clothing you absolutely need (or want) ASAP. Hold yourself back for a second. The beautiful thing about the Internet is that in all likelihood, there are a million other virtual boutiques carrying the same exact thing. Searching the designer and style if available, or even just a description will often yield a range of prices.
But what if you’ve fallen to the ultimate first world tragedy of a broken Pinterest link? The answer here is the same as the solution to the entire Catfish series (I know, bizarre, but stick with me). Save or screenshot the image. Go to Google Images, and click the small camera at the right end of the search bar. You can upload any image to Google and search where else it appears on the web.
But back to the important thing: shopping. There are a few websites like www.TheHunt.com and www.Wanelo.com that try to track down awesome products for you. Always check eBay for bigger buys because you can filter to only search new items with their tags attached.
Disclaimer: eBay isn’t necessarily the lowest price, always double check.
3. Extreme Couponers! (Not actually extreme.)
Almost every website I order clothing from includes a tiny box somewhere throughout checkout for redeeming coupon or discount codes. Do this! A quick search of the website name and “coupon codes” brings up tons of sites dedicated to sharing percentage off codes. A majority of them offer a one time newsletter sign-up discount they’ll email to you… Maybe I’m evil, but I have no problem with the immediate unsubscribe. No shame.
Codes are constantly expiring, but at the very least, you can almost always get free shipping. Some, but not most, will allow you to use several codes at once, and there’s no harm in trying. If you can’t find any codes, scan the company Facebook or Twitter, because a lot will be announced there. Larger and more established sites often have student discounts, redeemable by using university email addresses. More saving means more shopping.
Source: Subtlyfabulous.com
4. Know your size
Not being able to try on clothing means a lot of possible guess work. If you don’t already know your measurements, figure them out. Once you take your own measurements, compare them with individual product size charts. Make sure you’re converting to American sizes. There’s always the option of getting some types of clothing altered if it’s the only option. It’s also a good idea to buy styles and brands that you know look good on you. Although some of the really fashion-forward styles look great on the website’s model, crazy fashion statement pieces are better tried on in the store. Personally, I can’t bring myself to purchase any of the adorable high-wasted denim shorts I find online because the fit has to be perfect or else it won’t look right.
In addition to those tips, here are some of my favorite websites to get your online shopping cart started.
- Tobi.com
- Etsy.com
- Asos.com
- Modcloth.com
- Shopbellac.com
- Loveculture.com
- Apricotlanepeoria.com
- Shopdandynow.com
- Reddressboutique.com
- Lulus.com
- Shophopes.com
Although online shopping is, as we have established, pretty much a perfect clothing playground, there are some drawbacks. When it comes down to the less established (especially foreign websites), information safety should always be considered. PayPal is a good, free third party for transactions, which not only eases the oh-so-heavy burden of retyping your card information every purchase, but also ensures the seller is reputable. Another concern is quality; where you can find awesome bargains, you might also find awkward flimsy clothing — both a waste of money and time. Search for reviews, look closely at pictures, and don’t be afraid to return sub-standard goods.
I’m almost sad to divulge my oddly thorough shopping directory, but I suppose ‘Do onto others as you would like them to do onto you.’ If you have any other tips or awesome sites, add them in the comments! Happy shopping, collegiettes!