I assume that everyone knows how to shop online.But there's more to it than a credit card,an address and an email account.
Far,far more.
As online shopping here has only really boomed in the last decade or so,I will just go through things that you may or may not know which will help you shop.
Have you ever felt queasy about buying a dress or a pair of shoes online in case it comes and doesn't fit? You shouldn't have that fear. Did you order something online and it came in the wrong size? You shouldn't have had that disappointment. Did you order something and it never came? You should not have felt that anger.
First up: Know Thyself. And please, know yourselves WELL.
You see, the sizes you see from brands vary quite a lot. I may be a size 8 in one store, and a size 10 in another. You can't check you clothes size by just looking at the tag.
You need actual cm/inches measurement,which you should note down,keep,and update whenever you feel you have gained or lost weight.
If you are fairly good with a measuring tape and know that you can measure yourself accurately,follow the Topshop size guide.
This is as accurate a guide as you can get,people.Here you will find tips on measuring yourself as well as sizes compared to other countries.
Be seriously aware: A UK size 8 is NOT a US size 8. It's a US 4.
Always check the conversion chart and once you are buying please look what country you are buying from and what clothing standards they are using.
Now,if you are like me and are just USELESS with measuring tapes and so on then please let someone else, preferably with experience doing so, do it for you.
Know what you are paying for.
Did you ever take the time to see what material the clothes were made out of?
Was it actually shown on the site?
It should be if the site is credible enough. If you are paying for something that will endure after washes, resistant and timeless, then its proper value for money. Someone could now think"we are not material experts".
Please. If its made out of wool,then just type "properties of wool" into google. It shouldn't take long to know the benefits and the problems of having something made out of wool, should it?Anyway,knowledge is power. Also verify for potential allergies to fabric ,such as angora.In addition, learn how to take care of your clothes.
You should check the website for specific instructions on care and handling of the clothes you are purchasing. For example:
ABOUT ME
Check the return policy and shipping charges.It may seem cheap but transport isn't-and could be the largest part of the cost you are paying for.And if you have paid for all of that,not satisfied with the product and want to return it but can't,it's all for naught,isn't it?ALWAYS check this.Its of primordial importance.
Have you really not seen anything similar here that you may like? Are you SURE the material isn't available here or that the tailoring couldn't be done here either? Trust me,you will be surprised if you took the time to know all the tailors who work here and are just brilliant at their job. Pick the material yourself, if need be.We are not exactly lacking in that department here.Get it made,if you can-and of course if its cheaper than buying it online.
The model wearing the clothes and yourself are two completely different people.Its easy to think "Wow this looks amazing!!"and then when you try it on it looks odd. Know yourself. If you are like me-simple,strict minimalist - it's not the best idea to go for wild extravagance in clothes online.
That said,you should always try something new in life, and take risks.But don't let risk-taking be purchasing something you won't wear because it doesn't suit you or your personality.The model in the photo may not have curves-think how the dress would look like on you.
And be realistic.
Now is not the time for "maybe if i walked/accessorised/dressed it up in another way,it would look great".It should look perfect,full stop. Keep in mind all the shapes,sizes and materials that have and have not worked for you as references. Trust me,it works.
Here are some amazing and safe online shopping sites you must try:
ASOS.com: http://www.asos.com/
NO shipping charge(unless you can't wait two weeks) and free delivery on almost all items.They specify their measurements,fabric and care instructions too!
Oriya by Annabelle Fleury:http://annabelle.fleury.mu/ligne-de-vetement/ One of our Mauritian top designers.Her clothes are affordable,too.
Saskia P: http://www.etsy.com/shop/saskiap
La Redoute: laredoute.fr
net-a-porter.com
theoutnet.com
Take care
xoxo
Alex
