Online Shopping 101
I’m sure this comes as no real surprise but I shop a lot. I mean a lot. And as you know if you read my article on Label Lust, I like a designer label. However my eyes are much bigger than my wallet and after getting myself into more credit card debt than I was comfortable with, I realized that I had to figure out a way to satisfy my sartorial predilections and still be able to pay rent. Over the years I have refined the way I shop. I’m more thoughtful with my purchases. I consider the cost per wear of every item I buy. Before I buy something new I make sure that it will fit with my current wardrobe buy figuring out 5 ways I can wear it with items I currently own. I don’t buy trends just because they’re trendy- I buy things that work for my body and my personal style aesthetic. This way I don’t end up with a crazy closet full of brightly colored faux fur and patterned denim that can only be worn with one other item and for one season.
I have also cultivated several trusted online shops where I know I will be able to find high end wares that are current and relevant (meaning not a bunch of unattractive cast offs that couldn’t be sold at regular price) at a price point that won’t break the bank. Read on for my 5 favorite e-commerce sites for scoring great designer deals.
The Outnet was launched in 2009 by the Net-a-Porter group. They offer 250+ brands from designers like Alexander Wang and Isabel Marant to Balmain and Oscar de la Renta. What I love about this site is that they offer free shipping and no sales tax within the U.S. (except in New York and New Jersey). They offer same day delivery in Manhattan and London which comes in handy for those that find themselves needing something STAT during Fashion Week. New arrivals come in every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Currently, they have a huge selection of fabulousness at up to 80% off. I just scooped up these dresses by Diane von Furstenberg and Victoria, Victoria Beckham .
I heart this site so much. Their customer service rivals that of Nordstrom, they offer free shipping and returns and items are delivered quickly, usually well within a week. Shopbop has been around since 2000 and they are known for offering harder to find labels and for supporting up and coming designers. It’s a great place to go to find cool items that you won’t see on everyone else in West Hollywood. They also offer all the brands we know and love like Loeffler Randall and J Brand (I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of this dope top). The site offers a lot of fashion inspiration with sick editorial lookbooks and fashion features. They have several e-boutiques like Editor’s Picks, Current Trends and Fashion Finds under $200. They also have a great sale selection with items from 20% to 70% off. Items 70% off are final sale, though, so be certain of what you’re purchasing. The site makes it easy to be sure of what you’re getting, however, with great customer reviews and detailed fit descriptions. If you sign up for email alerts, they will let you know when something in your shopping cart or on your wish list goes on sale or is low inventory.
Last Call is like the Nordstrom Rack for Neiman Marcus. The site offers most of the amazing labels you’ll find at the main store- Burberry, Vince, Stella McCartney and The Row to name a few- but at heavily discounted prices. Currently, the y are having a Friends and Family sale- everything on the site is an extra 30% off through 3/16/15 and shipping is free on orders over $75 with the code LCFREE. Sign up for their Fashion Dash program and get texts alerting you of limited time flash sales (text LCDASH to 725437). Enroll in their InCircle program and get free 2-day shipping on all online orders (includes orders from Bergdorf Goodman as well!).
Like with Last Call, Saks Off 5th offers most of the same high end labels Saks Fifth Avenue offers but at prices that won’t make you weep. Browse 800+ brands including 3.1 Phillip Lim, Valentino, Rag & Bone, Helmut Lang and Elizabeth and James. This site frequently offers deals where they take an additional amount off already discounted items. As a matter of fact, they are currently offering an additional 25% to 40% off most items on the site using the code FFSAVINGS. They are also offering free shipping on orders over $75 with the code SHIP75. I scored these Stuart Weitzman boots there a few months ago and consider them one of my favorite purchases of the winter. Sign up for their More! Insider program and receive exclusive discounts and new arrival alerts.
Who doesn’t love Barneys? Nobody, that’s who. Barneys New York in Beverly Hills is a magical, wonderful place where one can easily spend an entire happy afternoon- and max out your credit cards. The infamous annual Barneys Warehouse sale started in NYC in 1970 and has since become one of the city’s greatest traditions. Now we can score the same deals all year around online. Alaia, Marni, Derek Lam and Gianvito Rossi are just a few of the designer labels you’ll find on the site but at up to 75% off. They offer free shipping on all U.S. orders and have an amazing clearance section. All sales on Barneys Warehouse are final, though, so do your research before you buy.
These sites will have you in the labels you covet and your kids will still be able to go to college. So go and get your shop on.
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