Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt personally victimised by online shopping?
No, but seriously. It’s a story women are all too familiar with. We see something we like online, lust after it for weeks, finally pull the trigger and buy it only for it to arrive and either not fit, or look nothing like the photo.
In fact, I’ll go as far as saying that online shopping is the root cause of all my trust issues.
While shopping online allows you to skip carparks, long queues and hoards of people, it can be a huge hit or miss. And while most of us are willing to take the risk because of the convenience of it all, it does pay to shop smarter.
On this week’s episode of Nothing to Wear, Leigh Campbell is joined by journalist and stylist Amy Starr to chat about how to make online shopping work for you. If you’re someone who religiously shops in store because you hate the uncertainty of online shopping, Amy’s tips and tricks will convert you.
Image: Supplied.
With over 15 years experience in the fashion industry, it’s safe to assume that Amy knows her stuff. Her career highlights include being the Associate Editor of Shop Til You Drop Magazine and working at ELLE Australia as a Beauty and Lifestyle Associate.
Image: Supplied.
Amy is also the founder of The Good Ideas Co. — a creative agency that has worked with big names like Sephora and Lanolips.
You can listen to Amy on Nothing to Wear here. Post continues below.
So I’ve, of course, pulled together Amy’s genius online shopping hacks so you never have to worry about returning things again:
Triple check the return policy before hitting purchase.
“Free returns is the ideal policy you’re looking for but I think it’s pretty difficult to buy something online without it being returnable at all. For example, some sites only offer store credit if you change your mind. Personally, I prefer if they have a physical store where I can go in and return the item.”
Make the ‘Reverse Image Tool’ on Google your best friend.
“The Reverse Image Tool on Google is amazing. You can find where something is from, and you can see all your options. Plus there’s also a lot of businesses that sell white label stuff, so it’s a really clever way to find the same product elsewhere for much cheaper.
Ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up to Shopback.
“Shopback is basically free money. If you add it as an extension to your browser it automatically lets you know when a site you’re shopping on can give you a return on your spend. It’s not a huge amount but it’s something.”
Check the brand’s social channels for discount codes.
“If you’re shopping online, there’s no harm to check out their latest posts on Instagram to see if they’ve got a current discount offering.”
Sign up using a different email address to get a discount code.
“If you haven’t created an email address under your kids name just so you can get a new discount code, then we can’t be friends.”
Get yourself a credit card.
“I use a credit card purely for online shopping. It’s got a pretty modest limit, I don’t use it for anything else which means I can keep track of my purchases.”
Read the reviews — especially if you’re confused about sizing.
“I read ratings and reviews, but it’s important to know when to look away. I find it useful when it comes to sizing — so whether something is running too big or too small — but otherwise I think there’s value in reading a few and moving on.”
Buy local for good quality bras and undies.
“The underwear market in Australia is a really exciting space at the moment. There’s a brand Nala that makes beautiful bras and undies. There’s another one called Ola The Label, they do a lot of great knickers and is female founded. And lastly, Femmze, their products are great for when your on your period.”
Bougie & Budget.
On Nothing to Wear, Leigh and Amy shared their favourite bougie and budget items that will go with *literally* everything in your wardrobe.
Bougie.
Laura Lombardi Gold-Plated Necklace, $149.99.
Le Bon Shoppe Her Socks, $28.
Budget.
Lily Loves Gathered Side Midi Dress, $50.
H&M Sheer Rib-Knit Mock Turtleneck Top, $24.99.
Want more help with your wardrobe? We got you! Have a read of the latest fashion tips here.
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