Tips for Successful Clothes Shopping Online

1.  Use retailmenot when you can.  Before I ever shop online, I always check out this site.  They have the largest database of online coupon codes for the best stores.

2.  Take advantage of shopping at sites that have free shipping and free returns like Nordstrom.  I used to hardly ever shop at Nordstrom.  Why?  Because my closest one was 4 hours away.  But now with free shopping and free returns, it is one of my favorite stores for clothes shopping online because I have nothing to lose.  Also, there is no time limit on returns.

3.  Pay attention to size charts and item measurements.  One of the questions I get asked more than anything is how does that top from ASOS, Shein or Chicwish fit?  How does their stuff run – small, TTS or big?  The great thing about Shein and Chicwish is that they have actually added measurements onto their sites for each item.  So if you’re like me and you have to check the chest measurement for each top you ever buy, this is extremely helpful.  So don’t worry about whether the brand runs small or large, just go by the measurement of each particular item.  Sometimes I wear a small and sometimes I’m a large, but their measurements are always on point.  And at ASOS, they list the models size, her measurements and even will recommend what size you need for your true fit just by filling out a profile with other similar brands, items and sizes that fit you perfectly.  These little things help SO much, especially when ordering clothing from another country where you know it will take just a bit to arrive only to have to exchange for a different size.  For stores that don’t vary much, know what size you do wear (like Loft.)  I am almost always a M or 6 at one of my favorite stores, Loft.

4.  Know your measurements.  It doesn’t help to know how clothing runs if you don’t even know your own measurements.  I know them in inches and centimeters so I can always quickly tell what size will fit at first glance.

5.  If you REALLY want something and it doesn’t come in your size, at least size up instead of down.  I promise it’s always better to get something a size too big than a size too small because you can always take something in.  And invest in a good tailor; they are SO worth it!  I have even been known to buy designer dresses on deep clearance (I’m talking around $20) and then have it taken in by my tailor for a perfect looking custom fit…for like 90% off the original price.

6.  When clothes shopping online on sites from other countries, I definitely recommend paying for the expedited shipping.  It is usually only a few dollars more but is SO worth it.

7.  Read the details of each item before you buy.  The second most asked question I get about clothes shopping online is how do you know if the items are good quality??  Read the reviews for the item if there are any, and make sure you read the details such as the material of the pieces.  If it says sheer, polyester and no stretch, you might want to run.  Most of the time ordering a low quality piece can be avoided just by zooming in on pictures and looking at the material of the clothing piece.

8.  Research prices before you buy.  There are a lot of online comparison sites out there like Shoptagr or even Google shopping.  They sure make a difference.  The worst thing is ordering an item to find it somewhere cheaper shortly after. Find the cheapest price up front before purchasing when clothes shopping online.

9.  Ask a friend!  When you see me wearing something you like, feel free to ask me what size I’m wearing.  It doesn’t bother me a bit.  I text my friends all the time asking what size they got in something when I still can’t tell how something will fit when shopping online.  = )

On Me:  Jeans // Top c/o // Wedges // Bag c/o // Watch c/o // Ring c/o // Bracelet c/o

On Collins :  Dress // Heels // Bag c/o // Bracelet c/o // Earrings c/o // Ring c/o