5 Tips for Online Shopping
Truth, I don’t like shopping. Okay, maybe only half true. I love to buy new things but I do not love spending an entire day in and out of stores trying on clothes. Countless times I have spent my day trying on clothing and bringing home items I loved in the store only to find they don’t quite look the same in my home mirror. I’ve been so much more successful with online shopping and personally prefer it.
But how do I do I shop online without living in a constant state of returns? I’m sharing 5 tips for online shopping I’ve picked up and hope they might help you have a more successful time shopping online and insuring the packages arriving on your doorstep make you happy!
Know Your Closet
You’ve been there right? Browsing online during a great sale and you see “all the things” at really great prices and your heart starts beating fast as you add the items to your cart before they sell out and next thing you know all these packages arrive and you are staring at several items very similar to ones you already have. No? That’s just me? Oops…well this is how I use to shop and the trap I may still fall in here and again when I don’t know my closet.
Having an organized closet really is a big deal. A closet which is not overwhelmed with items can also make shopping in general easier because you can see what you have. When I shop online I try to ask myself two questions; will this item pair with something I already own and is it versatile. I will always be shopping because it is so fun to me to have a new piece here and there to freshen up my closet but I also want to be strategic about it. I spent lots of time and money buying 14 tanks in different colors because they were $3.99 and that is just not really practical for my closet. I need items that are easy to pair together and items which work well for both work and play.
Model Stats
Some websites will actually post the stats for the models. I’ve found many times I’ve almost passed trying a dress because it looked way to short on the model but on further research I realize the model is 5’10” and end up giving it a try. This is the best thing about following fashion influencers and finding looks on Pinterest as once you find a “model” who has a similar body shape it is easier to know how the item is going to work on your body. I’m definitely more of a pear shape so finding models shaped similarly, regardless if they are a size 2 or a size 16, has really helped me know if I’ll love the item.
So many vendors are doing a great job showing their clothing on varying sizes and shapes these days such as Old Navy, Madewell and Target. Nordstrom typically will list the height of the model. Definitely look for this information when shopping online.
Check the Pictures
If there are multiple pictures for an item click on them ALL. You may remember a few weeks back when I posted an adorable rainbow striped dress. The colors and style all looked to be something I would love but upon receiving I realized the back was completely cut out in the dress. Evidently I didn’t look at all the pictures!
If the item comes in several colors I typically try to view in more than one up close. Sometimes it is easier to see the texture of the material in one shade online versus another. I have saved myself many times from ordering something I know I will not love simply by realizing the material is not for me.
Read the Reviews
Don’t just look at the overall rating actually read a few reviews for an item! Just because someone else hated the item or thought it was “boxy” may mean it will work perfectly for you. I particularly pay attention to notes regarding the sizing as this can typically save me every time from having to return for a different size. I’d go further to say write some reviews and help your sisters out!
Return Policy
Check the return policy up front! Even when I follow all these tips I rarely receive an order and love every single item. I tend to make sure I only order when free shipping is available but who wants to pay to return what you don’t love? I know I don’t but I also do not live near good shopping which typically means a trip to Houston to make returns. Be sure to know your timeline when ordering. Do you have 30 days or 45 to return? Is it free to return or will you be accessed the return shipping charge? Do you have time in your month to deal with a shopping trip to make returns?
There are so many amazing online boutiques out there but, while I’m all about supporting small business, I struggle with this online shopping the most. I do not have a standard body and boutiques typically only offer a 2 week return window and often only offer store credit. Being able to actually see the item on an actual body is huge for me so if there are just pictures of the items I will typically pass.
Bonus: Find Your Brand
Every once in awhile I will venture out and try new things, but I have definitely found some tried and true brands which typically give me the best results. Not only am I basing my decision on the fit of an item but also the quality and price. While I love the style and quality of J. Crew clothing, I also know by looking at the models most of the clothes are just not going to work for my curvy body. While Loft is definitely a go to for me many times for work tops and such, I typically will lean on Ann Taylor to invest in the more long term quality pieces for my work wardrobe because they typically do hold up just a bit longer. Nordstrom is a favorite but I typically head straight to the filter and choose only the brands I have come to love because I know I can trust the fit, quality and sizing. It’s a BIG website and I can go down a rabbit hole so fast if I do not do a little filtering.
So what did I miss? Share some of your tips for insuring your have happy mail!
Speaking of finding others who share your style, Cassie at Hi Sugarplum definitely shares mine. While she is teeny and petite compared to me, she does have a similar shape and style and I often am able to shop the same items and know they will fit my frame. If you don’t follow her you need to start now because her new Gibson X line launches May 29th! Here are a few of my faves and I’ve already placed my first order!
If you just can’t wait until Tuesday to shop, there are of course some amazing sales going on right now for Memorial Day. I’ve added some picks to the Shop Tab in the navigation bar from some of my favorite brands in case you know what I’ll be adding to my list. Some are already on the way to me!
J Crew 40% off site wide + some up to 50% off
J Crew Factory 50% off everything even new arrivals
Ann Taylor 40% off – great time to stock up on work staples
Old Navy 20% off + $8 dresses for the fam
Target 40% off sandals and flip flops
Hope you all have a beautiful long weekend! Our plans are still up in the air but May is almost over so I’m going to embrace the crazy and carry on!
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Linking with||Friday Favorites with Erika, Andrea & Narci, Friday Frivolity, High Five for Friday, The Blended Blog, Fab Friday and Awesome Life Friday
