Shopping Online Just Got Easier

Shopping online has obvious cons -- you can't try on the clothes to see how they'll hang, can't try on the shoes to see if they fit, run your fingers through the fabric to see how soft it is on your skin, not to mention how overwhelming seeing thousands and thousands of items at once can be. The only pros seem to be that you don't have to put on your pants to shop. 

The thing is, some people don't realize how much of an advantage we shoppers have shopping online. It's the internet! Here are some ways you can use the web and its unlimited resources to make the task of finding that perfect and inconveniently specific item of clothing or finding discounts much easier.

1. shopstyle.com
The Google for shoppers. Shoogle.

 So here's how it works -- you search what you're looking for, whether it's a pair of "patent oxfords," "black jeans," or so on, and this little tool looks all over the web (it really doesn't miss a thing) and puts them all together on one page. You can adjust the results by price, color, discount, brand, size, and store.

2. ebates.com
 Always save money. Always.

Ebates is essentially a cash-back program for everything that you buy, as long as you access the website you're making the purchase from through ebates.com. For example, you want to buy a top from Bloomingdales.com. Just go to Ebates, find the link to Bloomingdales' website under the "Clothing" section, and proceed as you normally would while also getting 3% cash-back. Most of the clothing stores qualify for about 3-5% discount, but hey, it adds up and then you get a check in the mail that you can use to help pay for the latest credit card bill. 

3. retailmenot.com
The ultimate coupon book. 

 Imagine shopping with a friend who has discount codes for almost every store you shop at. Fashion Qers, meet Retailmenot. Retailmenot, Fashion Qers. Type the name of the store or website you're shopping on into the search bar at the top and you'll get a long list of coupons, most with expiration dates and each with ratings showing how reliable they are. Mixed in with the coupons are notices for sales or special deals. Retailmenot doesn't exclusively deal with clothing stores, either -- I saved $50 on a hotel reservation made through Hotels.com with a code from this site. 

 4. Gilt.com, theoutnet.com, opensky.com, ideeli.com, hautelook.com, and so many more
Online outlet explosion!

These websites are like designer outlets, with Gilt offering everything from vintage Chanel handbags to Missoni scarves for significantly less than their original prices. Opensky allows you to follow celebrities, gurus, and even chefs and buy their recommended items at a discount. If you still can't find what you're looking for, other sites like Ideeli and Hautelook will give you thousands of more potentials to look at. There are flash sales, sales on sales, and the occasional gift of $10 credit in your account (specifically with Gilt and Opensky). Membership is free, and all you need to do is make an account. 


Enough jibber jabber -- happy online shopping!

Just a little more jibber: if you guys have any tips/sites/jokes/life experiences to share, please do so in the comments!