The secret to successful online shopping
Online shopping… My arch-enemy, my nemesis! Not because I do it too much but because it causes so many of my clients and friends’ sheer pain and utter frustration. I think it plays a huge role in why women have fallen out of love with their clothes and bodies and results in slowly giving up and telling themselves the way they dress is not important and style is irrelevant.
Arguably, it can be a similar experience flying solo in a hot and stuffy changing room on a Thursday night after work. You are tired and hungry and don’t even want to shop but you can touch and feel the fabric on your skin, and you know it fits you perfectly. Shopping should bring you joy and excitement, not fear and self-loathing
Both shopping and online shopping requires these three skills.
1. A positive outlook – none of this ‘I hate shopping, I’m rubbish at it, I can’t find it’ malarkey – take your time over it (you don’t have to order everything straight away – take a few days if you need too there’s no pressure) Enjoy learning and discovering new brands – I promise you it is FUN and no one knows your taste and style more than you (well… unless you are a personal stylist haha) Read reviews about them too, it can help you get a feeling for the company.
2. Brand knowledge – Having an understanding which brands work for you eradicates ordering poor-fitting clothing that makes you think it’s your fault they do not fit when actually, it’s just not the brand for you. Knowledge is power here! Plus waiting for new clothes in the post should be EXCITING
3. Planning - Knowing what you need and what styles suit your figure when browsing means you can use the filters on all shopping platforms so that you are not immediately overwhelmed by choice
So now you know about the three skills of shopping… where do you start?!
Firstly, get off ASOS and Boohoo… they make me shudder just thinking about them. I can’t stress enough about having less but better-quality clothing. It is a more sustainable way of living and the pieces fit, look and feel so much better on your body. It also stops you from opening a jam-packed wardrobe with things flying out at you like the Tupperware draw and thinking ‘I have nothing to wear’ when you can have a curated wardrobe with a collection of well made and beautiful items you know suit you and most importantly you know HOW to wear for the occasion. Also, with the beauty of promo codes and sales, it doesn’t have to break the bank.
I recommend checking out my five top online platforms to shop below. Each company has a huge variety of brands that I champion for all budgets and body shapes as well as less known independent brands that are so exciting to explore. There is something very special about discovering new companies that not many people know about! I adore small brands; you can really sense the passion and love behind the designs and the care and quality given to each piece.
Zalando is the epitome of online shopping and represents designers from high street to high-end fashion with more brands than any other retailer. They stock great brands such as Mango, Free People, and Converse. My recent collection discovery by fashion journalists from Who What Wear and designer brands like Zadig & Voltaire and Malene Birger
I adore everything about SilkFred. They were the first online platform I discovered that I bought from and have had recommended them to many clients with great results. My go-to is my beloved Traffic People for their dresses and jumpsuits. Yull shoes are available there too and if they don’t elevate your outfit I don’t know a brand that will (plus they are the comfiest shoes going and vegan options are now available) Also, Dancing leopard make the most versatile shirt dresses especially when WFH in so many stunning prints it takes me ages to decide on one!
Anthro is a little slice of heaven. It also stocks the most delightful interiors pieces that you didn’t know you needed until you seem them (it also makes a good break from clothes shopping if you need to take five) I recommend BL-NK London for their luscious fabrics and prints. Levi for all thing’s denim and for exquisite sleepwear, Desmond and Dempsey. PJs to dreamily float about in all evening (ok fine - all day long)
A wonderful online platform that are on a mission to ensure that the future of retail is a responsible one, where independent designers are incentivised to manufacture and source sustainably and ethically. They are the holy grail of sustainable and stylish activewear championing super brands such as H.Holderness and Evveervital. They also stock head turning Oceanus swim wear that incorporates hand embroidery into their collection, it’s simply stunning. My latest and most exciting find is Kith and Kin, a brand that celebrates equality, joy and the desire to live using bold colour and strong shapes. It is the most striking SS20 collection. I’m obsessed
Moda Operandi empowers style through exceptional design, the piste de resistance destination for high fashion devotees. Inspiration at its very finest (prices too) and my dream to own quite literally anything from. My personal favourites are Stine Goya, Borgo De Nor and of course Rixo. Their daily emails are TO DIE for so sign up for some dreamy inspo.
Finally, if you struggle with not knowing where to find any fashion and style inspiration, I highly recommend signing up for the Who What Wear newsletter. Their daily blogs cover all trends from the high street to high end and are a joy to read!
I hope this really helps you to browse online with a fresh approach and answers some of your dilemmas. If you still struggle, please get in touch for a free style session over the phone with me and we can see if I can help point you in the right direction. I now offer virtual wardrobe and online shopping services which could be the answer to your problems.
Stay safe and stylish wishes,
Sian x