Online Shopping Secrets

I think it’s safe to say, we’re all doing a little more online shopping. The deals are just too good, and you can usually find interesting pieces that you can’t find in stores. As much as shopping the mall is my cardio, sometimes I just like shopping in my jammies. Online shopping is quick and easy, if you know what to look for, and is even sometimes cheaper. The art of mastering online shopping like an expert, is to know the tips and tricks they use to score all the best deals. Today, I’ll breakdown some of my online shopping secrets that allows me to save time and money.

Start by finding a trustworthy e-commerce. Sure we all know about Amazon, Pretty Little Things, Misguided, Zaful, Asos, Shin when it comes to our fashion needs, but there are so many other smaller retailors out there that are equally, if not, better. Start by scrolling social media or your favourite celebrity or fashion bloggers. Chances are, they could be already showcasing some of these. Use Instagram as a platform to find these unique businesses. This is where I came across Bam Social, a fashion site ran by 3 girlfriends who had an addiction to shopping but couldn’t always find what they were looking for.

Keeping with the social media theme, take inspiration from those influencers and jot down which outfits and pieces speak to you. Look for items that will pair beautifully with your current wardrobe and make a list of new items you want to incorporate into your collection. Keep in mind which fabrics you’re drawn to, which pieces best suit your body shape, and what colours you love the most. Knowing which styles look best on you, and which ones you tend to gravitate towards, will help the online shopping experience that much easier.

Now that you know which styles, cuts and materials look best on you, you’re ready to shop. Make sure to take a close look at your current closet and determine which pieces you need, and which pieces you absolutely love. The ones that you reach for on the daily, or the styles that make you feel more confident will help the online process run more smoothly. Look for shades that are the most flattering on you and the materials that you feel more comfortable in and write them down. This is key when looking for those special pieces to add to your collection. This will also help you stay away from trends that you might not look or feel great in.

Many quick-fashion sites can be overwhelming, with hundreds of styles added daily, it can feel like you never see it all. It’s important to have an idea of what you’re looking for before you get started. Once you have found that perfect clothing item, pay attention to the size chart. This is where people make mistakes when online shopping. They think the sizes they are in regular retail stores are the same as online. Not the case. Be sure to read the brands’ size chart, or look to the model in the picture, like on the Bam Social site to get an idea of your size. I love that they use real models, so you can get a general idea of the size. Although you may not be her exact size, it will help you determine the fit and shape, along with if it runs true to size.

I talk about this all the time, but just because you see something you love or that you’re drawn to, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s something you should invest in. Ask yourself, where does this fit into my current wardrobe, or do I already own something like it. If you can’t think of 3 different ways to wear it, without having to go out and purchase new pieces to pair with it, or you already have something similar in your collection, it might not be the best option for you at that moment.

Finally, do your research before you buy. You’ve followed all the “rules” above and found that perfect piece, but before you hit that purchase button, have a quick look around the net and see if you can find a similar piece for less. Sometimes these fast-fashion sites carry the same or close to the same items, so always double check the price. Also, look out for coupon codes, many online shops offer discounts upwards of 50-70% off.

What I Wore- Tasha Dress- c/o Bam Social, Necklace- c/o Victoria Emerson, Sunglasses- Forever 21, Purse- Gucci, Coat- c/o Na-kd, Watch- Daniel Wellington, Boots- Zara