Three of my best friends and I are in a continuous group chat, and this morning while we chattered on about our weekends and how the the deals this black friday are outrageous two of them mentioned that they "need to learn how to online shop". I figured that this is the perfect time to give some tips on how I manage to get awesome deals without having to step foot in a busy mall, or fight to find a parking spot.
Tip # 1: Pre-shop! Go to the mall a day or two before the big sale event, and try on anything that catches your eye. On the day of the sale go online and shop your size straight to your door without the hassle, or having to put pants on. (Hint: Take pictures of the price tag so you get the right style name/number and color)
Tip # 2: Buy brands you already own! I know we all get frustrated when we wear one size at one store and a different size at another. Does H&M drive anyone else mad? The sizes there are ridiculous....but I'm not going to go off on that rant today. Buying brands that you already own helps to guide you in the right direction in terms of sizing. My three favourite pairs of jeans are a size 29Reg from the Gap so I know 99% of the time that size is going to fit me. Same thing with shoes, I ALWAYS wear a size 9 in Sam Edleman which makes me feel more comfortable in getting the right size if I am ordering online.
Tip # 3: Measure yourself! Or get someone you know to do it. Every online store will have a size or fit description in the item details section. If you have accurate measurements you will be able to better decide which size to order. If you are in between sizing I would suggest to go up, its easier to get things tailored and often can be the same price as return postage. Click Here to learn where exactly you're supposed to measure for bust, waist and hips.
Tip # 4: Silhouettes! Look through your closet and see if you own anything similar to what you are interested in purchasing. If you don't own anything in that silhouette the chances are that that style doesn't flatter your body type, and will be something you will want to return.
P.S.
This isn't online shopping related but a super sneaky move for anyone who loves to shop at The Bay like I do, is to go and pick out everything you want the morning of Christmas eve or the day before Black Friday and collect all the thing you want to buy and put them off to the side somewhere or in a corner (staff will often be to busy or rushing out to get to their families to put the clothes away). When you get to the mall on the day of the sale simply collect your stash and save big.
