Unlike most fashionistas and shopaholics I know (reformed or otherwise), I am new to online shopping. Perhaps it's because there are still few stores that will ship to Canada. Or perhaps because in the past read: my pre-Fashion Rehab days, I simply didn't spend that much time on my computer. As such, I did my purchasing old school style; I'd pick up a large cuppa joe and wander the shops, floating in and out of fitting rooms, weighing the pros and cons of each item while talking (quietly) to myself. By the end of said shopping trip, I would feel exhausted, dehydrated and, more often than not, starving! (Most times that grande soy latte is all I would've ingested; the thrill of the purchase eradicating any thoughts of actually eating something.)
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But lately, being so busy with writing, blogging and (a little) traveling, when I gotten the urge to splurge, I have had little choice but to turn to my trusty laptop. I will tell you this; I have found the experience to be quite enjoyable. I am not completely surprised by this. Many, many people (including A) have long extolled the brilliance of the online shopping experience: No lineups, no bad lighting, you can munch on your favorite snack all the while without fear of spilling or sticky fingers and glass of H2O is only as far away as your kitchen sink.
So, as I dip my toe into this brave new world of online ordering, I thought I would share with you some of the things that have caught my eye around the web this week...
Tucker for Target top $39 (thanks to Basic Cravings for the image), Exchange by Charles David leopard flats $42 at Solestruck
The Rhapsody bag from J Crew. I wrote about this beauty in our regular feature "Lust or Must" and because of one of our amazing readers (who chose to remain anonymous), I have been alerted that it is on sale - $250 (down from $325). I originally chose the burnt sienna-ish "Nutmeg" color, but upon further reflection am now digging this gun metal color called "Carbon".
The voting on this one is open for a few more days, so if you haven't had your say, help me out and vote now!
P.S. Sadly, everyone on this list but Target ships to Canada. C'mon guys! What are you waiting for???
Because of my recent cyber shopping adventures, I am curious to know if many of you prefer to buy online rather than live and in person and why. Vote in the poll below and feel free to click on the "comment" button below to further back up your choice!
Love, P
13 comments:
I chose the 3rd choice because I believe that things like accessories or shoes can be purchased online. However, I think it wouldn't be such a good idea to purchase jeans or any pants for that matter because I would feel the need to actually try them on since it's too hard to tell how they would fit from the picture. Other than pants and maybe some dresses, I love online shopping!
www.rachaeldiab.blogspot.com
When shopping in Canada I find online shopping too frustrating. But in the States? It's. Amazing.
yay if you are going to buy something that you know it's going to fit you, like say j.crew who's things fit me right almost always, nay because you can't try things on and see how they look on you before buying.
I said it depends. Haha, if I'm not sure of my size in something I won't buy it online and will have to try it in stores. But most of the time I prefer online shopping since there aren't tons of people around :p
But I am always nervous things won't fit XD
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/
I chose yay for some things and nay for others because as you mentioned, it is a fabulous way to get what you want/need without leaving the comfort of your own home, skipping the lines & traffic and it allows for a certain amount of anonymity. Years ago (in college), I stocked shelves at a warehouse and drove a forklift, so my wardrobe only consisted of jeans and t shirts (men's). So when it came time to be a professional and dress like one, I had some major wardrobe building to do in a short amount of time. I actually had sales people make remarks about the amount that I spent and the frequency that I was shopping which was not only a huge turn off, but it made me totally self concious. Hence appreciating anonymity factor. But then again, unless you know a retailer and their cuts/fits extremely well, its a hassle to by online because if it doesn't fit, you have to send it back and re-order. Then you're talking about several weeks (depending on the retailer) and shipping costs while you struggle to find the right piece or color. Sometimes you just have try it on in order to know if you love it enough to buy it.
YES welcome to your new addiction. Have you perused Shopbop yet? It's my favourite (and also extremely masochistic).
x Niki
A Haute Mess
ps. I'm not sure if you've entered already but I'm having a "Haute Giveaway!" You can win a gorgeous cuff valued at over $100. Thought you might be interested :)
Giveaway posted here xoxo
I chose the 3rd option. My online shopping depends upon the vendor and what I am buying. Some vendors have better selection at a brick and mortar store versus their online selection. Online sometimes has a better sale than the physical store of a vendor (especially book vendors like Borders and Barnes). In some cases, a blouse may be sold out of most stores, but still available online in your color/size. At other times I like the physical search: a smaller-with-less-traffic store may have an item versus the bigger mall-version of the same store. So, it just depends...a lot of times I do some of each.
I'll be honest...I do almost all of my shopping Online. I find that the Forever 21 location near me NEVER gets anything that I fall in love with in stock; then I visit their website and I want everything. THUS, Online shopping is my savior! :P
"Yea" for gifts and jewellery, as well as for vintage sewing patterns (they are only really widely available online), but "nay" for clothes. I need to be able to try it on. Better yet, I need to be able to return it easily, without a trip to the post office.
Ooh! Also, we have to pay duty on stuff shipped from the States-- if you need to send something back, you have to pay duty AGAIN when they resend you the better s;)ize (or whatever) = extremely off-putting. Also, hello, Revenue Canada-- I understand charging me duty on things I could buy in Canada and choose instead to buy from the States. I do-- I totally get it. But, HELLO, if I could buy it in Canada, I would not be buying it online from the U.S., would I???? ;)
Love online shopping, just for the wide range of things you can find...and the unique factor. Don't go to ETSY, you'll get hooked. Some styles of clothing I won't buy online though, usually pants / shorts because I got a booty, dresses that are made of non-stretchy fabrics etc. The sorts of things you'd absolutely try on in a store. That being said, I have been adventurous and broken those rules and the results weren't catastrophic. On the other hand, I've also purchased things that I ended up giving away or just stuffing to the back of my closet because I do agree that returns are a bit annoying.
I am in month 10 of my own Fashion Rehab, so I am not shopping at ALL right now. However, I love shopping on-line, and will buy just about anything on-line, including jeans, shoes, etc. Zappos is my choice for shoes, they are there the next day and if they don't fit, they are gone the day after - or sometimes even the same day. I buy from J.Crew, Garnet Hill and Sundance for a variety of things - all no hassle returns.
But the thrill of being in the stores is still with me. I too, will get my one latte and spend the day perusing in shops and discriminately trying things on. But again, I am usually more successful at brick and mortar stores when I don't HAVE to find something. I am much better if I just accidentally wander upon something so fabulous that I can't resist. And honestly, I really miss that.
One thing I will only buy in stores: Bra's. I have to try them on, period.
I have 46 more days before I can pull out the credit card again. Your site has been an inspiration so thank you.
Susan
I have to stress the duty charges that YYZ mentioned. Major pain!! While more and more websites are shipping to Canada, customs is sure feeding off of it. So prepare to pay a ridiculous percentage of whatever you paid when the delivery man shows up at your doorstep. It used to be hit and miss, but lately all the purchases I've made have gotten zapped.
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