Shopping Online

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Online shopping is one of my favourite things about the age that we live in. Shopping online is shopping from the comfort of your own home (or anywhere else for those who have a portable computer) and is a blessing to those who live in small towns that just haven't got the range of physical shops that a city does. While shopping online can be fun, it can sometimes be a little confusing and difficult for shoppers to know exactly what they are buying. I've written this article to help make things a little simpler.

 

IS THE SITE SAFE?

I think the thing that scares most people away from online shopping is that they are scared the site won't be genuine and that they will be giving someone access to their personal details and money. I think this is a silly reason to discard the possibility of buying something online because there are so many measures you can take to ensure that the site you are using is safe.

 

How to tell a Site is safe:

-If the site has a "Veri-sign trusted" logo on it. (not all trust-worthy sites have one on the home page)

-If it is a well-known site. If people you know have used it and they got what they were supposed to get, then it should be trust-worthy

-The web-design looks legitimate. A site that looks cheap and tacky is probably not a good place to spend your money.

-If you add an item to your cart and click on the "checkout" button, you should be taken to a new page where the URL now says "https" instead of "http". (Note: this is only after clicking on the "checkout" button.

-Sellers on ebay and etsy should have a feedback rating.

 

SIZING:

When buying clothes, the sizing can be hard to follow. There is Chinese sizing, American sizing, UK sizing and a few "One-size" items. The easiest thing with the sizing is to check a size chart and use a tape measure. "One size" normally means "One-size" in china and "small" in other countries. So be sure to read the fine print. Also, because sizing can be difficult there are some things that should just not be bought online. Unless the seller has a good return policy things like bras (unless they are the stretchy sports-bra kind), shoes or any garments that are very fitted should probably stay out of the shopping cart.

 

I tend to buy things that stretch, because they can possibly stretch to fit me, things that are meant to be loose fitting (because they allow more room for sizing discrepancies), skirts/pants with elastic or drawstring waists, And accessories (because bags, scarves, earrings, necklaces and belts don't actually have to fit).

 

WHAT EXACTLY AM I BUYING?

To ensure that you get what you paid for be sure to read up on all the details about the item and look at all the pictures. Look at the weight/measurements of the item, find out what is or isn't included, if you are buying a DVD check the region is compatible with your DVD player and remember that the colours aren't going to be exactly the same as those on your screen. I like sites that offer plently of pictures of the item (if it's a bag, I want to know what the inside looks like. I like to see the back of a dress that I'm buying.) and specifications, this way I can be sure that I am getting exactly what I want to get.

SEARCH FILTERS:
Learining to use search filters can help you find exactly what you want in shorter time than what it would normally take you to scroll through everything. I normally use the category filters (eg womens clothing>skirts) and price filters (Eg. price +postage= lowest). The trick with filters is to not over do-it (if you select too many filters you will narrow your selection an awful lot), but to narrow it down enough that you can find what you want to find.
 

SHIPPING COSTS and RETURN POLICIES:

So you've picked out ten items at reasonable prices only to discover that it's an overseas site and it's going to cost you $20 to ship it to your town... If you divide the shipping cost between the items is it still reasonable? Before you start shopping I suggest you check out the shipping cost (there should be a table or a calculator to enter your post code into) and the return policy. Some sites offer free postage on orders over a certain amount, and some online stores offer an "in-store pick-up" option where you can pick up your parcel from your nearest store of that name. As for return policies; if the item is able to be "picked-up in-store" then you can possibly return it in-store too. Clearance items might not be returnable. And, some sites will allow you to return something, but you'll have to pay the postage to send it back.

 

PAYMENT METHOD:

This depends on the site. I normally use paypal, but some sites only allow a Visa card (credit card or a prepaid visa) or a gift card for the store. Some sites also have the option of B-pay.

 

DON'T BE AFRAID TO SHOP AROUND:

The Internet is the best place to shop around, because it's so convenient. Rather than having to travel back and forth (physically) between shops, customers can have two windows open at once (or three or five or seven...) to compare prices online. I've found that while some sites do have really cool stuff, they aren't sites that I can afford to buy from, so I look at what stuff they've got for sale and I look at it elsewhere.

 

DON'T FORGET TO GIVE FEEDBACK:

Buy giving feedback (or "reviewing" the item- as it's called on some sites) you are helping yourself, and other possible future customers of the online shop in question. This is your chance to tell the store whether or not you were pleased with your purchase and what they could do to improve their store.

 

I BOUGHT SOMETHING I'M NOT HAPPY WITH:

Before reviewing or giving feedback, contact the seller/store. Some supplier's will try their best to ensure that your needs are met, and that you don't need to give negative feedback. If the seller can not offer you a postage-free return or money-back, then you are entitled to negative feedback. If you can't get the item back to the seller, you could sell it on a facebook buy/swap site, give it to someone who can use it (as a present maybe) OR, donate it to charity.

 

ONLINE SHOPPING IS STILL SHOPPING:

Sometimes shopping online can feel a bit unreal. Because, you can't physically touch the items or feel the money leaving your hands it might feel more like some sort of game than reality. Please remember: Online shopping is real. You are purchasing things. You are spending money. Don't let it get out-of-hand.

 

MY FAVE SITES:

Some of these are Australian.

 

For clothes- www.ebay.com

For Jewellery- www.etsy.com

For accesories, books and homewares- www.modcloth.com

For CDs and DVDs (and guitar tuners) - www.jbhifionline.com.au

For Books, CDs and DVDs- www.fishpond.com.au

My Favourite online department stores- http://shop.target.com.au and www.bigw.com.au

Clothes and Accesories - www.yesstyle.com.au
Clothes and Accesories- www.dorothyperkins.com

 



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ONLINE SHOPPING CHECKLIST:

1. Is the site secure?

2. What's the shipping cost/ return policy?

3. What payment method do they take?

4. What's the sizing like?

5. What are the item specs?

6. Compare prices to other stores

7. review cart; Do I really want all of these items?

8. Purchase

 

AFTER PRODUCT IS RECEIVED:

1. Am I happy with product?

2. Do I want to keep it or am I going to return it? (skip step three if keeping it)

3. contact seller and arrange return. If item cannot be returned organise to sell or giveaway item.

4. give feedback.

 

So that's it. My guide to shopping online.

 

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie



 

Style: Keeping things interesting

5 things that you can purchase to help mix things up in the wardrobe department.

 

I came across this idea when I was planning another blog post. I was thinking about the things in my wardrobe that I have absolutely flogged. To me, items that get a lot of wear are good value for money. When you aren't really sure about what it is you should be buying when you buy clothes, maybe you should look back on those articles of clothing you wore until they were holey, shrunk in the wash and/or discoloured beyond belief. What was it about that shirt that made it so wearable?

If we bought clothes that we knew we were going to wear this much, instead of buying other garments we rarely wear we might not only save money (because, you'll obviously decide to replace the things you never wear with more things you'll never wear and so on), but it also makes for a more interesting wardrobe. E.g. you're less likely to be recognised by friends or family in crowded places because of your t shirt (which lets face it is probably more like a uniform). Also, I noticed when I was jotting down some ideas, that most of the items I selected were the anti-basics; a new term I have come up with to describe essential wardrobe items which are in fact, not basic.

While the type of clothes that I'm normally attracted to is of the vintage, sartorialist or dorky variety I don't want to limit this blog to just that. I have decided to write this post in a such a way that, no matter what your style orientation is, it can still be of use.

THE FIVE ITEMS:

1. THE T SHIRT

Whether it be a reference (to a band, novel or film), a dictionary meaning, a saying, a cute artwork  or something applique'd, a t shirt is a fun and comfortable way to change-up your wardrobe.

- T shirts can be dressed-up or down, depending on what you pair them with. E.g.  tucking a shirt into a high waisted maxi skirt and teaming it with a blazer gives it a classier edge than say a pair of denim shorts and trainers.

- Pick the fit that suits you most. I prefer a looser fit. Also, you can purchase things like tank tops, sweaters and tube dresses with similar prints etc to T-shirts. E.g. you can now purchase band tube-dresses.

-According to Sexy Nerd Girl (Youtube) , T-shirts can be a great way for people to express themselves and start up conversations with other fans etc.

-Also according to Sexy Nerd Girl (Youtube), you should be aware that wearing a fan shirt may require knowing things about your chosen fandom.

-Apparently great T-shirts can be found in online stores. I haven't come across any great ones lately, but if you know any please feel free to leave a link in the comments.

-Chain stores often sell a range of nice T-shirts.

2.JUNK JEWELLERY

Jewellery is something that dresses-up outfits. And, not just any jewellery. It needs to be the right jewellery.

-Junk jewellery is a very important part of 21st century fashion. Now also a way of expressing your fandom (through cameo necklaces and such), the range of jewellery available has become quite varied.You can purchase telephone box earrings, spider rings, octopus necklaces, beaded bracelets, colourful resin brooches.... The possibilities are now endless.

-Etsy.com is a great place for purchasing jewellery. Please note that like ebay, each store charges postage individually. So, it may pay to try and find one or two stores that you like and purchase most of your jewellery through there.

3.SKIRTS OF THE PRINTED AND PATTERNED KIND

It could be polka-dotted, stripey, ditsy print, stars, geometric... I find that patterned skirts allow for a lot of different colours to b matched up with them.

-Pretty typical op-shop find. Especially the elastic waist, floral variety.

-Online stores like yesstyle.com also have heaps of options for sale at decent prices.

4.LIPSTICK (OR COLOURED COSMETIC OF CHOICE)

To me, lipstick generally finishes off my look. I feel naked without it if I'm going out. If you're not into lipstick, maybe nail polish or eyeliner is more of your thing?

-Usually available at your local pharmacy. Mine stocks a cheaper no name brand, that lasts just as long as the more expensive ones and has a larger, more abstract variety of colours available.

-I'm becoming a lipstick collector. So far I've got: Black, mauve, brown, purple, dark red, bright red, coral, bright pink, dark pink, orange...

5. HOSIERY

I'm talking socks, footless tights and stockings.

- These things are both cheap and necessary. I'm always losing socks, getting ladders in my stockings and hate wearing socks when you can see that they have aged to the point where they are growing fluff-balls.

Sooo, what do you think? Helpful? I'm thinking about doing a "five things that..." segment on fashion.

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie 



The Op-shoppers guide

I put the idea of a guide for Op-shopping on my end-of-year blog survey and after a little bit of interest (I didn't even get ten people to fill out the survey) I decided to give it a go. I think this will be a very basic guide to begin with, but if it goes well I will definitely be writing a part two or putting some more ideas out there for stuff that you can do with stuff that you buy 2nd hand. I also want to talk a bit about sites like etsy and ebay.

WHEN YOU ARE BUYING CLOTHES TO WEAR:
If you like going op-shopping to buy clothes and wear them as they are there are a few things you will need to make sure of:

1. Ensure that there are no stains or marks on the item. Check all the places you normally wouldn't think of such as the back of the item or the sleeves. If you are buying an item to reinvent you may be able to add detail or cut the item (get rid of the collar for example) depending on where the mark is.

2. Look for tears, fraying or missing buttons. Most of these things can be altered. Tears and fraying can often be sewn up or covered by something else and buttons can often be replaced. If you are not much of a seamstress you might do well to stay away from these things.

3. Try the clothes on. If they are too big you may be able to take the clothes in. Again, if you are not much of a seamstress you will want the clothes to be able to fit well.

Ready to wear clothes that you can find plenty of in a thrift store:

-Women's suits: Well I don't know about your local thrift store, but our local one seemed to have plenty of these. I call them mother-of-the-bride or grandmother-of-the-bride suits. Last time I checked the local shop had 3 or 4 of these made from tweed. They are often in larger sizes, but the jackets look pretty cool as an oversize jacket worn with leggings.

-High waisted bottoms: I have found many skirts and shorts at thrift stores that actually sit on the waist. i find these to be more flattering and comfortable than many of the hipster bottoms that you pay $40 dollars for at other shops.

-Evening wear: Old deb dresses, grad dresses, wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses.... Many of them get worn once and are then thrown into the donation bin without a second thought. If you live in a small town like me though, and depending on the style of the dress you may want to alter it a bit so somebody doesn't recognise the dress from another event. Sometimes you can get away with this... I guess it all depends a little bit on how you wear the dress too.

WHEN YOU ARE A SKILLED SEAMSTRESS:
So if you know your basic stuff or your really advanced stuff when it comes to dressmaking op-shopping can be a really cheap way to get your stitch on. If you see an outfit with a really nice fabric you could cut it up and use the fabric or change the style of one part of the garment. If you see a clothing item that  you really like that is made out of ugly fabric you could try and deconstruct the item and use it as a pattern.

Great treasures that you can find in an op-shop:

-Buttons: There are often jars or packets of buttons available in op-shops. Metallic ones are the hardest to come by

-Old jewellery: I know many people don't like op-shop jewellery because it can tend to be a little gross sometimes. Some of the beads and pendants are still quite usable though.

-Collared, button up shirts: There are plenty of these in supply at thrift stores and they can be used to create detachable collars Miu Mui style, have the shoulders cut out of them or be made into sleeveless collared shirts. all looks which I have seen quite frequently in Frankie Magazine.

-Petticoats

-Belts, bags and shoes

-Hard cover books: The paperbacks at thrift stores always tend to be quite creased, but the cloth bound books are always in pretty good condition. If you happen to come across a cloth bound classic it's a keeper

-Tea cups and homewares: Things like mirrors, clocks, vases and trinket boxes.

WHAT ABOUT ONLINE?
Shops like etsy and ebay have made op-shopping and buying craft supplies a lot easier. The only thing to be careful with on these stores is to check  the details and pricing. Etsy especially tends to be overpriced. I think the online shops are better for the supplies side of things. While ribbons may be pretty easy to buy at the local $2 shop, buttons and beads are pretty cheap finds online.

On ebay you can often purchase bulk lots of vintage buttons and 2nd hand jewellery for cheap prices. These are probably around the same as your $2 shop prices, but there tends to be a bigger range online. Etsy is good for buying jewelery making supplies and bulk metal book marks. Be sure to search for things under 'all items' or 'supplies' as handmade and vintage items tend to have a hefty price tag.

So how did I go? Hopefully this will be informative to some of you budget shoppers and creative geniuses out there. I know this is a pretty basic guide, but like I said before, if I get a good response I am hoping to upload more guides for shopping, some DIY and op-shopping hauls AND some more DIY ideas.


Natalie

Imitation Perfume

Are Imitation perfumes really so bad? I know I see a lot of people say that they would love to own this one or that one, but are they really interested in the scent or do they just want "the name" and "the beautiful bottles"? I'm starting to think that imitation perfume is a great saving, especially when perfume is something often bought in large quantities that in hot places like Australia does indeed have an expiry date.

I went into the what-we-call-a-$2-shop today. As I often do being the bargain hunter I am. I stumbled across  a few bottles of imitation perfume. Only $4.00 each (yes hardly anything in the $2 shop is actually $2). It may have been watered down, but it was well worth my money. In fact I'm starting to think that I prefer my perfume watered down as some of the more expensive perfumes can be quite overwhelming and cause feelings of nausea and headaches in the lovely summer heat.

You may also find yourself reapplying the fragrance due to the fact that it is so watered down, but in reality many scents need to be reapplied. I actually found that one of my imitation perfumes lasts longer than a Revlon one(No dissing Revlon though as I do like those perfumes as well). Basically if it isn't a concentrate you will need to reapply, no matter how much you spend.

While the bottles aren't always as pretty as the elaborate designer perfumes and the names aren't as creative, I find that the saving is quite large. Even on discounted websites some designer perfumes still cost around $80. In comparison I can purchase up to twenty $4 imitation perfumes for the same price. I could have my own library of scents...

The only problem with imitation perfumes so far is the range. Lately more trendy perfumes by Marc Jacobs and DKNY are being made into imitation perfumes, but depending on size and  location of your home town a larger range may be hard to come by. The types of perfumes being imitated is varying more in recent years. Years ago people could only buy classic scents line Chanel No.5 or Dior Poison. Now trendier younger designers perfumes are available as well as celebrity scents.

Overall I think Imitation perfumes are the way to go. I understand that these companies are copying perfumes by other brands and taking advantage of the mass appeal, but the perfumes are so much cheaper and if they go out of date it doesn't matter because they were so cheap. As for the pretty bottles, when the perfume runs out what will you do with them? and the name? Just lie and say that you really are wearing "Lola by Marc Jacobs" even if the box actually says 'Flora'...

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie