Miss Thrifty's guide to getting a designer bargain online
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By Sinead Van Kampen
Thursday Aug 20 2009
My theory about why some people don't shop online is that holding your laptop up to your friends, showing them a tiny picture on a white background and asking, "Do you think my bum will look big in this?" tends to make you look a bit like a teapot missing a spout.
Shopping online isn’t very sociable and you don't get the support required for a session of fevered buying. The upside is you'll probably never have a shopping frenzy and buy lots of stuff that sits in the wardrobe like a guilty secret and it's also impossible to be pushed to the floor in a wild stampede to get the last pair of size 4 Louboutins.
Bagging a designer fashion bargain online is getting easier and easier, and there are stores out there who appreciate that when you buy from a picture, it doesn't necessarily relate to what it will look like when you’re wearing it.
This week, I tried a few online stores to see who was doing what and I found some great pieces at prices that don’t break the bank. Here are the highlights from this week’s virtual catwalk...
Why you should - This British fashion website is a good place for one-off items and brilliant for online sample sales.
What we found -Beaded herringbone shorts by Chloé, £90
Off white jeans by Paul and Joe, £35
Elasticated belt with leather detail by Miu Miu, £14
Oversized safety pin brooch by Coco Ribbon, £25
What we loved -Canvas tote with contrast leather trim by Melissa Obadash , £65 and we have one to give way, simply visit thesavvyshopper.ie to enter .
Returns policy -Items may be returned within 7 days of receipt for a full refund or exchange (subject to availability).
Why you should - There’s a treasure trove of fashion finds on this UK-based site. My-wardrobe.com rotate stock regularly and their sale section has some great bargains for the shrewder shopper.
What we found -Yellow cape dress by See by Chloé, €166.80
Monochrome gingham tailored jacket by Alexander McQueen, €210
Cowl-neck loose T-shirt dress by Betty Jackson, €61.20
Wine striped dress by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, €151.20
Black minimalist glossy wrap jacket by Elizabeth and James, €150
What we loved -Apertive jacket by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, €146.40
Returns policy - All sale items may be returned for full refund or exchange. Customers must request via email to return items within 7 days of receipt and they should be returned using recorded delivery via Royal Mail or your own preferred courier.
Why you should - From the British team that brought us Net-A-Porter.com, theoutnet.com is the online designer outlet where everyone is invited. If you’re looking for some fancy footwear, you've come to the right place, theoutnet carries all the big labels from Jimmy Choo to Mr Louboutin himself.
What we found - Stella McCartney satin ballerina flats , €118
Jimmy Choo Jasmine patent sandals , €231
Marc Jacobs patent mouse loafers, €180
Bow-front camisole top by Marc by Marc Jacobs, €82
Fringe detail T-shirt by 3.1 Phillip Lim, €85
What we loved -Scalloped appliqué blouse by See by Chloé, €74
Returns policy - theoutnet.com charge a £16 (€18.60) return fee. If you wish to return an item, you need to request an RMA number within seven days of receiving your order. If you do decide to return an item, the website will refund the shipping charge paid on the original purchase.
Please note prices quoted were obtained from these websites on Wednesday 19 August. For more up-to-date information, please contact individual retailers.
Sinead Van Kampen is the editor of The Savvy Shopper. For a rundown on fashion and food bargains plus regular insider tips visit TheSavvyShopper.ie website.
- Sinead Van Kampen
