How to shop wisely on the internet

The way we shop, that includes shopping for clothes, has been changing over the last few years. Online sales are continuing to grow at a fast rate. There is a increasing preference for shopping for clothes from the comfort of our own homes.

This strategy has plus and minus aspects. Some of you will continue to want to touch and feel a garment before committing to a purchase. In my opinion internet shopping does have benefits. Some of us, me included like to try on garments in the comfort of our own homes as opposed to struggling in an often small changing room. Don’t get me started on some of the discomforts of high street changing rooms. It is also possible to try your potential new purchase with existing items in your wardrobe. This ensures that it will co-ordinate with your basics; plus you can check that the new purchase will have the flexibility to create at least three new looks.

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Brown knitted cape at Uniqlo. // Leopard print shoe at Boden. //Cross body sale bag at Nordstrom. // Red coat at Winserlondon. //Jeans at John Lewis. // Blue sweater at MeandEm. // Dress at Jigsaw. // Leather jacket at Baukjen.

As in many aspects of life preparation and an effective strategy is important.

Below are a few tips that can help you make the most of your online experience.

Getting the correct size can be tricky. I am a size 10 top and size 12 bottom so am often in-between sizes. I would suggest ordering two sizes so that you can make a comparison.

Most good online brands offer free returns (always check) so it will not cost any more in postage to order multiple items.

Once you find a brand that works for you size-wise it makes life easier for future purchases.

Know what you are looking for just as you would if you were hitting the high street or stores.

Search boxes are useful as they will take you to the relevant pages i.e. coats. Then refine by colour style length etc.

I always check the description, fabric content and cleaning instructions. It is no good finding the item is dry clean only when you want washable.

You can always return the garment. Check the brands return policy. How many days do you have before you have to return it. You don’t want to presume it is 28 days and then find out too late that it is 14 days.

I am lucky in that I have a post office very near to my house. This definitely makes my on line shopping easier.

HERE ARE A LIST OF MY FAVOURITE BRANDS FOR ONLINE SHOPPING.

Nordstrom. I am going to try ordering from them this season. You can choose to pay the tax and duty upfront and for brands like Eileen Fischer they are much cheaper than in Europe.
John Lewis Never knowingly undersold and excellent customer service. For an extra £2 you can have your parcel delivered to your local Waistrose and pick it up with your groceries.
Boden – Good for basics.
Uniqlo – Good for merino wool and reasonably priced cashmere at this time of year. Also light down coats and jackets.
Jigsaw – Good classics with a stylish edge.
MeandEm – I buy a lot from them. Their trousers fit well and I love their knitwear.
Winserlondon – Excellent quality and good for us more mature women. Ship internationally.
Hopefashion  – Good for all ages and shapes. Excellent fabrics. Ship internationally.
MarksandSpencer – Some good basics. Now have USA site.

Do you shop online or prefer in store? Do you have any useful tips for shopping online?