Online shopping is big business. Honestly, how could it not be? As someone who loves shopping, the chance to do it from the comfort of my own home in stretchy pants while I eat Nutella with a spoon is a pure dream.
Unfortunately, I’ve also had my fair share of web-induced issues. Late parcels, overpriced shipping, and size errors are just some of the perils of buying merchandise online. To make the experience a little smoother for us all, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular online stores and shared the inside scoop on what to expect.
Price Range: $10 – $600
Shipping: Up to $39, but free with orders over $150
The DL: How can you overlook a site that Refinery29 lauds as “a kickass selection of contemporary designer duds?” A bar at the top of the page allows you to browse pages of Jeffrey Campbell shoes and colour-blocked inventory according your budget. Browse through their sale section to find prices slashed by over sixty per cent. But watch out for fabrics– NastyGal neglects to mention when dresses and shirts are more see through than sheer. Shipping can take more than a month when you’re outside the U.S., which not only leads to forgetting what you ordered in the first place, but also makes returns and exchanges a pain in the ass.
Price Range: $7 – $700
Shipping: Up to $24, but free with orders over $25
The DL: Created to alleviate the pains of cross-border shopping, this site boasts labels like Tibi, Mackage, Missoni, Rebecca Minkoff, and Line Knitwear. I have to admit that my initial reaction to the site was something along the lines of: “With a name like DEALuxe, I don’t see very many deals.” I can admit it, I’m a cheapie. But the merchandise is pretty amazing, particularly the jewellery by Rebekah Price. Just don’t make this your first stop to search for online deals.
Price Range: Everything under the sun
Shipping: Depends on the seller
The DL: In need of a ring that looks like a plate of cupcakes? Etsy. A vintag-esque phone to plug into your iPhone? Etsy. The list of categories to scour seems to grow by the day, while the inventory gets more ecclectic every time I visit. Not only are you guaranteed to find exclusive stock, you can be sure it was crafted by a passionate independent retailer. The clothing and accessories sections can hold either great finds or great disappointments; you’re not offered the same sizing options as coprorate websites, and stock can be limited at times. When shopping here don’t forget to mentally convert the prices (or wait until checkout does it for you) as they are initally appear as USD.
Price Range: $79.98
Shipping: $19.99
The DL: You know when someone asks you for a favour and then proceeds to smooth talk their way through a particularly unpleasant task? That’s what signing up for ShoeMint feels like. “Have our stylists pick out shoes for you!!” Murmur, murmur, murmur. Sorry, what was that? Oh, I have to pay a membership fee in order to shop the shoes. The $79.98 charge at the first of every month is brilliantly labelled as ‘credit,’ but if you don’t like the shoes, you can opt out for 30 days by clicking “Skip this Month.” Right now the site doesn’t allow for one-time only purchases, but you can always sign up, get your credit, buy a pair of shoes, and then cancel your membership. While I’m already put off by the idea of obligatory credits, I do like that the site offers a video of each shoe from every angle imaginable. To add to my concerns, ShoeClubReview.com writes “[Shoemint] does not offer a true personalized shopping experience and the shoes themselves seem way overpriced.”
Price Range: $15 – $470
Shipping: Up to $12
The DL: If I had a vision board, it would look like the homepage of NetALaMode.com. With Coachella being the big thing right now, a collage of slouchy dresses and wildly printed pants are posted and compared to celebrity festival goers. Under the heading “Look a la Mode,” the site’s stylists offer head-to-toe looks that can be purchased all together for a combined price. Like a certain trend? NetALaMode shows a list of trends and three different ways you can wear them. As it should be, the sale section is a constant stream of good deals and frequent “Sold Out” signs. Score as much as sixty per cent off any of the fabulous brands they offer like BB Dakota, Pink Martini, Whitney Eve, Cobalt, and many more.
Price Range: $16 – $250
Shipping: Changes based on what you buy but free with orders over $150.
The DL: The first on the list (besides Etsy) to offer a section just for men, Ukamaku is based in Toronto and offers a diverse collection of emerging Canadian designers and small fashion retailers. Everything from dresses to swimwear, innerwear, and outerwear is available for women, and menswear isn’t lacking either. Formal and casual pieces are offered for gents, complimented by a truly fascinating collection of raw stone cufflinks. The sale section can be a little dicey, with anywhere between five dollars to fifty per cent off. When you purchase, Ukamaku generously offers 24 hours to make any changes or adjustments to your order before it’s finalized.
Price Range: $29 – $280
Shipping: Up to $24.95
The DL: The only thing I’m not crazy about when it comes to Peacock Parade is the urgency behind their sales. While they offer some great designers brands for up to 80 per cent off, what they don’t offer is time! Sales only last between three and seven days, and when you do make a purchase, there’s a daunting countdown while you fill out your information. While most of their stock is a limited, one-time only deal, they do offer returns and exchanges. A membership is required, but, instead of a monthly fee, your inbox will pay the price with constant alerts about forthcoming deals.
Price Range: $11.99 – $69.99 (for now)
Shipping: $10
The DL: Consider this site ThePeacockParade for men. In fact, it was brought to my attention by my own man. The site boasts contemporary brands at a members-only price. This is one of those shopping sites where you register, wait for approval, and then invite friends to get ten dollars off a purchase. But if I thought PeacockParade had pressing sales, JackThreads is worse. Every day, at least three or four sales start at noon, but only last 72 hours! Clothes from Members Only, Element, True Love, and many more are only the beginning of this site’s extensive collection of brands. Watches, sportswear, jewellery, headphones, shoes, and even artwork are all up for grabs. Quickly now!
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Bianca Teixeira writes about style for the Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter at @BeeLauraTee.
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