March 10, 2008

Taking Advantage of Discount and Department Stores

Mossimo Stretch White

(Mossimo Stretch White Tee, Target)
1. The White Tee
We can never have enough white t-shirts! If you wear yours underneath your blousy tops, simple tunics, and your cardis like me, I recommend heading to Walmart or Target to pick them out. If you choose the budget version, you're saving money, looking better (by replacing them more often), and still be able to take your pick between tanks, v-necks, crewnecks, and more.


Fruit of the Loom Striped Panties

(Fruit of the Loom Striped Panties, Walmart)
2. Novelty Undies
You've got to be able to giggle about something during your workweek, and wearing a "Hottie" boyshort set in hot pink beanth your corporate suit will certainly do it. Consider lacey and frilly bits for a little jolt of color underneath your most staid suits, as well as cami tops to wear underneath sheer chiffon tops that are so in for spring.


Xhilaration Terry Robe

(Xhilaration Terry Robe, Target)
3. Soft Robes
Do you love to shuffle around the house in a robe? Me too! I'm always looking for new cozy robes to wrap around me, and you can always pick up hooded robes and extra-long wrap-arounds.


George Firm Support Hose

(George Firm Support Hose, Walmart)
4. Hosiery
I am obsessed with those little sock/hosiery packs from Walmart. You can pick up these fantastic multicolored socklets in plastic "bubble gum" domes, and they're great for wearing underneath your flats and heels when your heavy knee-highs won't cut it under your work trousers anymore. I always stock up on emergency pantyhose, too.


Cubic Zirconia Earrings

(Cubic Zirconia Earrings, Target)
5. "Diamond" Earrings
Department and discount stores give you plenty of opportunities to stock up on rhinestone and cubic zirconia lookalikes. You can jazz up a going-out ensemble very easily with some elegant studs that are totally worth it. A high-quality pair in an equally high-quality setting can truly jazz up a beautiful dress.


c9 by Champion Yoga Pants

(c9 by Champion Yoga Pants, Target)
6. Workout Gear
Simple workout gear can be had at your local Target to save you quite a bit. I am always breezing into places like Nike and Adidas and then getting shocked by the prices. If you're a bargain hunter like me, you should consider shopping at your local Target to get some stylish workout gear by Champion. I was definitely pleased with the yoga pants I found above!

March 03, 2008

New Site Shopping Tips

I haven't been to eModa in a long time, and I thought I would check it out to see how things are going over there! To be honest, it's been long enough that I couldn't remember what it looked like.

Do you have a general attack plan when you're on a new website? If you are crushed for time like me, sometimes having a certain way to find and choose your favorite items can be very beneficial. Here's how I shop at new sites to get the maximum effect from the very best pieces:


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1. Scan the top banners and tags for quick links. Sometimes "Women" isn't always the best link to choose, and instead you can go straight to the links like New Arrivals or Top Spring Picks, for example. On eModa, I chose thge "Just 4 Me" section, which includes a super-cute line of t-shirts like this Just 4 Me Robin Evening Shirt, which is my top pick for this section and has a highly creative look.




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2. Check out the main page modeling pics and selections. It's an easy way to check out top pieces and new selections without searching. Having everything laid out for you on the first page is beneficial for each and every merchant, so you will most likely find just what you need-- or at least a hint-- since every shop wants to attract your attention as soon as possible to keep you from moving on. I suggest scrolling down to the very bottom of the page to find features like the Look Book to find pre-styled looks to inspire you and make shopping so much easier. I was drawn to this Rocker Top from Salvage Mind as well.




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3. Head straight to the sale. Looking for a bargain? Head straight to the Sale rack and don't look back! Instead of tempting yourself with full-priced fashions, get the most from your sale rack from a quick glance and price comparison. Make use of the "Sort By Price" function over at eModa. My most exciting deal? This Y.O.U. Skeleton Print Dress is currently marked down to 50% off.




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4. Hunt for special features. Each site has an interesting new feature, and eModa has a great Denim Bar function that highlights celebrity style and cool new jeans brands. I was drawn to this pair of True Religion Sydney Jeans in Mo Fo, which have a shapely back and stitching in bright orange.





February 25, 2008

Top Teen Shopping Picks for the Week

I have a passion for teen clothes. Even though I'm past the point of bright short-shorts and spaghetti-strapped tank tops, I do love to buy them for others. And point everyone in the direction of great pieces! If you need a few ideas when shopping with a teen or if you are heading out for spring break vacation, you should take a look at some basic tops I hunted out at Wet Seal, with both "Dressing Up" and "Dressing Up" options for each!

My favorite tops this season are bright and fun. I love the extra patterns like checks, plaids, and even a little extra embroidery. With a simple skirt, your designs pop, and with something more refined, these bargain-rate pieces look a lot more costly. Take a look at what I've found for you.

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39322401363_lg Surplus Plaid Babydoll Top, $15.50

The Plaid Babydoll Top from Wetseal is as stylish as it is affordable. It has a cool country flair but somehow manages to be at home with both denim and linen. Simple lines best complement this busy piece, so dig up some short shorts or a mini.

Dress It Up

39150189539_lg Linen High Waist Shorts

These high-waisted shorts give your top a very blousy effect, which looks very cute with strappy sandals and an anklet! If you're the bikini type, this top works well with string types as well as your basic halters in plain coordinating colors.


Dress It Down

153869_tea_w Perry Solid Short

Simple, fun shorts get you an "A+" every single time! Don't be afraid to push the envelope with some awesomely cool (and tiny) shorts that beg to be slipped on for pool lounging and couch lounging, too.


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3932341510_lg Striped Bra Cup Cami, $15.50 How I adore this striped piece! If you're looking for something to maximize that bust or something to show off a little pre- spring break bronzing, I recommend this find from Wet Seal. It even has lightly padded bra cups for that extra boost!


Dress It Up

4409466101 Satin Trim Trousers

There's no reason why something colorful shouldn't be paired with something very chic. You'll highlight the rainbow of colors in your top, while making it look like a little more refined. Perfect for hot nights out on spring break or layered underneath a wrap cardigan for work, with just the hem showing for a splash of color.

Dress It Down

4032721601 Julie Skinny Jean

These jeans are basic and easy. Pull them on with flip flops on a day after the fun when you need to wing down. They're shapely but with a touch of stretch for ease.

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39093127545_lg Embroidered Two-Pocket Tank Top, $22.50

Why not choose a top that's a little on the crunchy side this spring? This blue tank top comes encrusted with decorative designs and spells "F.U.N." It's definitely layering-worthy as well.


Dress It Up

39086037100_lg High Waist Mini Thought that this top had a hippie vibe? Not anymore! You've joined the international jet-set crowd when you combine a bright white, trendy skirt with this soft pastel piece. Consider wearing it with a silk scarf, too.


Dress It Down

154185_yel_w Brooklyn Bright Mini Rainbow bright, indeed! This skirt provides a welcome juxtaposition to your usual softer pastel wardrobe for springs. Take this top in another direction and see how things go.


Meieli Sawyer Detoni


February 15, 2008

Shopbop.com for Spring Trends

Shopbop.com has got some great new spring selections in! All of these blue-green colors are looking oh-so-tempting right now, and when I went over there to do a little late-night shopping, I found pieces to fit in with every spring trend under the sun. You'll be very impressed, too-- check out what's current over at Shopbop.com.

When shopping for trends, you can get overwhelmed with what's "in" if you concentrate on separate pieces. Instead of getting bogged down with random jackets and dresses, try to find pieces that you can easily mix in with your current wardrobe, such as tunics that you can pair with jeans or dresses than stand alone with all your favorite pumps.

Bohemian Style

Yaya Aflalo dress

This Yaya Aflalo dress is not for those of us who are afraid of bright colors like pink and purple. You'll be feeling like the star of the show in this vibrant piece, even with a Bohemian vibe that helps set you apart. Solid satin banding is perfect for women with a tiny waist and a bust that they'd like to highlight.

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Is sweet and simple more your thing? I fell in love with this Kathleen Tunic from Young Fabulous & Broke. Subtle tie-dye spots go undercover across a crisp white canvas with just a sprinkle of lemon yellow at the upper yoke.


Retro Tones

DAVIS by Ruthie Davis Ford Peep Toe Pumps

These DAVIS by Ruthie Davis Ford Peep Toe Pumps fit the spring '70s trend so well. They're high--just right for a miniskirt come nighttime--and they've got a chrome metal two-tone detail that's as unusual as it is stylish. A new must-have.

Rock n Roll Vest from LaROK

A Rock n Roll Vest from LaROK is totally tempting. I'd love to see it paired with the non-trad version-- a skirt and a cute top instead of the usual trousers. But you know what else I'd like to see? This vest with a pair of tuxedo trousers. . . uh oh! Maybe I'll need to get two.

Feminine and Romantic Versions

Diane von Furstenberg Saffy Top

The Diane von Furstenberg Saffy Top is a deliciously feminine confection that you'll fall in love with for spring. I love it when trendy pieces are so attractive and cute. Shopping just gets so much easier. . . I'd wear this with light-colored blue jeans and strappy sandals.

Alice and Olivia Pleated Sleeveless Dress

This <Alice and Olivia Pleated Sleeveless Dress might be the last on my list, but it wil just get you started on a Spring/Summer trend search that might lead you to similar sources like Pink Mascara and more. Have a great time getting yourself kitted out for spring. ;)

February 01, 2008

Dereon Dresses Things Up

I went over to Dereon on one of my usual clothes shopping sprees, and I was surprised at what I found- new pieces with an extra bit of style, and in plus sizes, too! If you wear a larger size jeans or tops, you won't need to go to another location just to find a full-figured option--it's all right there. I like larger tops that a roomy, swingier shape, and those can be found at Dereon along with skinny jeans and low-cut trousers.

But you know what really helped me out over there? Their featured Style Mixer. If you're looking for a way to mix and match cool pieces that you've run into over at Dereon, you can slide the Collection button to find full looks and reduce your personal coordination time.


Heavy Metal jeans

Dereon Jeans: My Top Pick
My favorite jeans surprised me over at Dereon: I ended up adoring the Heavy Metal pair despite my usually classic style. With stitching and charm details, they're certainly not for the faint-of-heart, but they're just what you need when you're having one of those I-need-a-makeover-and-fast kind of days. It has silver stitching along the rear and above the pockets, as well as some heavy metal accessories that are interesting and tastefully added.

Tip: Imagine this with a black smock top complete with sash as well as killer heels.


Gold Rope Top

Amazing Blouse Alert!
Are you on the search for your best feature-- or your skinniest? This Gold Rope Top hows off a peek of skin on the side, under your bust, for an unusual little view that's both sexy and unexpected. It's available in both white and pink--I'm partial to the white myself for matching purposes.


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Featured Design: Band Fresh Hoody
I was surprised at the design elements going on with this Dereon sweat top. It's certainly unlike any of my other gym pieces, and it could make for a great present for teens, too.

Metallic elements jazz up an already cool sweatshirt that has logo engraved buttons and a peplum flounce. If pink isn't your style, you can try black instead. I can even imagine this top with a comfy woolen skirt.


Ds Zipper Chain Jumpsuit

Plus Piece: Jumpsuits!
I can't say that I've seen many jumpsuits designed for full-figured women, but I like that we have that option, thanks to Dereon's Ds Zipper Chain Jumpsuit. A hood and a square neckline frame your face-- and you can't beat a kangaroo pocket with Lurex details.

Let me know what you find over at Dereon. These may be my top picks, but I'd love to know what catches your eye.

January 29, 2008

Great Dress Shapes for Spring

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1. Try Them Swingy:
Easy shapes are a cool and simple way to add comfort and style to a spring look. Embrace bodice tops that hug your midsection and flare out against your hips, like a sweet shift from bygone days.

Tip: You can modernize a look like this easily with the right current colors. This season, try unexpected pinks and a cool blue like the featured Stretch Bow Dress above by Jean Paul Galtier.

2. Get Feminine Slim Shapes: Do you feel uncomfortable when you wear slim-fitting dresses? One way to make you feel more at ease is to choose a dress with creative strap lines. Thicker straps allow for layering of shapewear or a comfy bra, so you’ll feel supported and confident when you’re out and about.

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3. Slip on Creative New Lines:
Look for pieces that push the boundaries. Are you the type who must wear a cardigan over her dress, or needs to for work? Consider a shaped jacket this spring, possibly in a cropped style to show off that waist! You can also go for slouchier shrugs with kimono or dolman sleeves if you like that look better.

Another option is simple layering for early spring. You can slip on a long-sleeved top under your dress, or buy it already layered for ease, like this Darimeya Layered Sleeve Circle Print Dress, above, from ASOS.com.

4. Find Cool Featured Elements:
Raw silk, painted-on flowers, and drawstring halter necklines are just new ways for you to explore fresh style this spring. From softer silhouettes to the ultra-modern, you’ll see that spring is here and very fashionable indeed.

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5. Pocket It:
Dresses with pockets may be unusual, but they’re oh-so-handy. When you slip your hands into roomy pockets that are easily filled with goodies, you’ll be giving yourself a treat—one more way to lighten the load on your purse!

The Vince Painte Brush Shift Dress, features deep, wide pockets that looks right at home. You can stuff your hands into your pockets as you sashay across the parking lot-- how novel--and perhaps even avoid carrying your usual clutch purse.

January 25, 2008

Jazz Up Your Work Gear with Ease

Do you have a new job? Are you looking for a way to dress up your current wardrobe and make it just right for spring? Thankfully, even in the most understated and professional work environments, you’ll find that there are ways to jazz up your look with simple accessories and smart styling elements.

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1. Choose unusually colored pearls. Pearls may be a common accessory at your place of work, but you can get pearls that are natural and irregularly-shaped, or tiny, clustered seed pearls instead. I personally like this unusual Louis Vuitton Two-Pearl Monogram Charm in Yellow Gold, which you'll have for years and years to come.


2. Splurge on statement heels. If there’s one place where you can find an opportunity for expression, it’s your heels. Even if you wear suits, be sure to find pumps and stilettos with interesting design details, even if they must be all black.


Prada Signature Tote
3. Toss on a tote. Do you have to carry a lot on our way into the office? Take this opportunity to grab a tote with some style, or at least decorate a basic black one with a tied-on scarf and a few brooches. The Prada Signature Tote has a soft shape, but in basic black, it blends in with anything you have in that closet.

4. Get good post-work shoes. If you must wear heels during the day, your arches can hurt terribly. If you like to slip on comfortable shoes when you left work, get a pair that looks great so you won’t need to change back when you do errands.

Mint Jodi Tank
5. Find white blouses with delicate details. There’s no reason why you can’t wear a blouse with fun, feminine details, especially if you cover it up with a blazer or a suit jacket all day. Find ruffled or lacy blouses that you actually enjoy wearing, and relish the opportunity to try something a little sexy under your work clothes. Mint Jodi Tanks from Shopbop are just one example of what you can wear underneath a blazer for work: they're simple, but add interest to an otherwise "blah" look.


6. Bank on the best lingerie. If you’re a lawyer or have a similarly restrictive job, wardrobe-wide, shop for lacey camisoles and garters to give you more confidence and add some bounce to your step. Stockings are the same—don’t wear pantyhose when you can wear something that’s three times as sexy and more comfortable.


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7. Hair tricks and tips. If your hair is longer, you probably tie it back into a bun or a French twist for work. Instead of using the same old tired hair combs, get ones that are slightly more ornate but still offered in “safe” work colors. This Jeweled hair Clip from Forever 21, shown, is a great compromise that's well within any budget.

January 23, 2008

Top 7 Tips to Save Money When Budget Shopping

Shopping online can be perfect. Being able to sit at home, avoid the traffic, and do amazing price comparisons in seconds are just a few of the reasons why I adore shopping on the internet. I may love to dig up a bargain in local thrift stores, but in general I'm an online-exclusive girl.

But I've picked up a few tips along the way. As much as I love to browse eBay, hunt out bargains on Bluefly, and order household appliances over at Walmart, I know that it's easy to make a few mistakes and not save at all! In honor of a successful online shopping week, I'd like to save some tips with you on saving while budget shopping.

1. Try things out-- and be sure that you can make a return if necessary.

This can be tricky while shopping online, but it's possible. If you have found an online deal from a major local retailer, it can be worth to combine a stop with your errands and establish your size in that particular label. That way, you can take advantage of "No Return" Final Sales without the riskiness.

2. Small changes can work wonders.

Instead of sticking to "must have" labels, don't forget that you can always get lookalike pieces for less. Some great places to do your research is The Budget Fashionista, which lists deals and price comparisons, and Fabcrush, which sponsors weekly "Dealcrushes" that can save you half off a designer outfit.



Old Navy Orange Tees
These peach and orange colored confections from Old Navy are perfect deals and are just my color! They will match many of the spring items in my closet.

3. Decide what you need.

Clean out your closet before you buy major items. Choose pieces as your seasonal core wardrobe, and only purchase items that support this look. Don't forget that separates are your friends.

4. Don't get sold by a sale.

Sales are magical, but only when you play your cards right. Sale shopping isn't always perfect, especially when you're facing an unfamiliar brand and unfamiliar sizing. Instead of investing in pieces that may not fit, look for mid-priced items that can be returned.

5. Do your research.

Check out forums where people discuss their online shopping experiences. Avoid shops with negative reviews if you want to avoid the strife and pressure that comes along with shopping smart.

6. Know your colors and style.

Shop according to what looks best on you, and not what's the cheapest. Sales tees can be great, but if they are all electric pink and banana yellow, you may want to head to regularly-priced items that will end of saving you money when you consider the "cost per wear" factor.

7. Make a list.

Make a little list at the beginning of each season, and keep it by your computer. That way, if you get a tempting sales email or a tip from a friend, you can guide your shopping and cross an item off your list.


January 21, 2008

5 Gorgeous Tailored Dresses

Do you work in an office where you wear smart dresses and skirts? Thankfully, there are plenty of sales to take advantage of and grab a few additional, highly stylish dresses to boost your performance this year at the office. After all, everyone knows that the better you look, the better you feel, and that means you'll be striding into the boardroom brimming with confidence.

Dresses aren't just a substitution for uncomfortable suit sets, but an opportunity to slip on a more creative piece for any office.

Generra Button Black Dress


Generra Button Black Dress: This devastatingly feminine piece has perfect drape and is very figure-conscious. Pleating adds to your comfort level when you need to sit at your desk or run from place to place doing errands. The cost-per-wear on this Generra Dress will be outstanding no matter what!





Abaete Navy Gabardine Marnie Dress


Abaete Navy Gabardine Marnie Dress: This navy blue dress has a fabulous shape that's so vintage. If you're the kind of woman that loves to wear work clothes with an edge, this could be a way to get more conservative looks to work for you.



Generra Pleated Dress


Generra Pleated Dress: Another great piece from Generra has stolen my heart. This time, this dress has a pleated shape that's considered similar to Audrey Hepburn's effortless style on the silver screen. The belted waist balances out its full skirt and shape.




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Contrast Waistband Dress: This soft and comfy dress has feminine appeal. Tiny buttons accent your waist if you like to show it off, and when paired with a cardigan, it's just perfect for presentations and casual meetings.



BCBG Maxazria Cross Front Dress


BCBG Maxazria Cross Front Dress: This fun dress is similar to the Generra dress in approach, but it has a slight touch of spring for those of us who live in warmer climates. Elasticized cuffs on fun puff sleeves will maximize your upper body and bust if that's where you would like a boost.

January 09, 2008

Top 5 Ways to Take Advantage of Sale-Time

You can save a lot on the sales right now, or you can save even more by shopping smart! Read on for a 5 tips on making the most of all the 50% percent off, buy-one-get-one, and free shipping deals we've been seeing online.


Make a list-- even before you shop online. While you might write an in-depth list before you go to the mall and hit the sales, online shopping can get a little more haphazard. Instead of randomly whizzing around the internet and hitting up sales as you find them, try to get a plan of attack to best take advantage of sales. Make a list of basics that you need to stock up on, like plain white a-shirts and t-shirts, jeans, and cute sneakers from pounding the pavement post-work.


Drop-Needle Hoodie

(Old Navy's Drop-Needle Hoodie, $14.70, was one basic that I needed to get, and it was on sale!)

Eschew seasonality. While buying things out of season is a perfect way to save, it can be also be a way to restrict your attire to half the year. Who wants to switch their entire closet back and forth as the weather changes, when you can keep a closet of essentials year round, and save on them, too? Look for medium-weight trousers in cotton or a natural blend, cotton wrap tops, and slip-on shoes that you can wear any time with the right accessories.


Tip: Aim for colors like navy, cream, green, medium blue, and some reds for a “season neutral” appeal.


Cotton Leaf-Print Scarf

(This Cotton Leaf-Print Scarf, $38, from Banana Republic, is a fresh piece that can be worn year-round.)

Know your size in the brand you're buying. This is often overlooked, but it's super important. When you're taking advantage of major sales and the like, you'll find that return and exchange rules can differ pretty significantly and might not allow you to exchange your deeply discounted pieces with ease. As boring as it can be for hardcore internet shoppers, get yourself to a department store, mall, or an outlet shop to note how each brand fits before you buy. If you've ever ordered Calvin Klein lingerie, you'll know what I mean!


Buy out of season for the basics. Yes-- I know I told you to ignore seasonal pieces, but if you live in the Northeast, travel to Europe, or spend time in the Caribbean, you know that you'll need a few pairs of Bermuda shorts, a fuzzy cashmere scarf, or a pair of snowboots. If you can possibly buy out of season, you will save. My tip? If you have trouble shopping for summer things in the winter, or vice versa, aim to buy pieces for next year at the end of each season when they go on sale.


Don't get frantic. There are so many sales to take advantage of, and there's no need to get everything in one day. Shop around and compare to find the right deal for you.


Meieli Sawyer Detoni

March 06, 2007

Shopping on eBay: My Tricks of the Trade

If I have one skill I'll admit readily without sounding boring, it's that I am an eBay Wizard. Nothing is too tricky for me to bid on, and I always find an item of the highest quality.

I still love eBay, but it's just too bad that buying clothes there can be tricky. If it were easier, we could all dress our best for less. But sizing issues, super-competitive bidding, and flaky sellers can make what is usually easy and fun a lot more difficult.

Protect yourself from sellers who simply won't come through with the sale, and protect yourself from counterfeit items, too:

1.Read the reviews.
You can learn so much from someone's seller reviews that it can be kind of incredible. If you have questions about designer items, then it is worth your time to use the seller reviews as a guideline. I never bid on an item from a seller who has received feedback questioning an item's authenticity.

2.Get savvy about location
If you're looking for Kooba, Coach or Chanel-or any other major name-you should keep in mind that some sellers are going to pull a fast one on you. It has been estimated, for example, that up to 95% of Tiffany jewelry is fake on eBay, so if you have your heart set on a designer piece, you need to be very careful.

Check the location of your seller. Pay close attention to sellers who base their shop out of Hong Kong-it's the counterfeit capital of the world, and quite a risk if you're searching for a special little something with a brand name attached.

3.Do your research
It's important to cross-reference when you are shopping on eBay. If you see a pair of Chanel sunglasses with tortoiseshell frames and smoky lenses that the seller says are from the "latest collection," verify your source.

Check out the official website, go to the store, or ask someone who specializes in that specific brand to confirm it's the real thing. Counterfeit items are often made in colors and details that were never offered by the brand, and that can help you find the real thing much more easily.

For clothes, ask about the fiber content. Some items-such as fleece pants from Juicy Couture
-will be offered in a cotton/poly blend that doesn't match the original item.

4.Don't go just for the price
No Guccis for 1.99, please. If an item seems too cheap, then it is. Browse through the Buy It Now section get an idea of the median price, and stick to it. You may feel tempted to cash in on an amazing Buy It Bow deal, but it's not exactly a dream if you get an inferior item. Ask for more pictures, and take your item into an official retailer to have it checked out post-purchase for authenticity!

by Meieli Sawyer Detoni

February 23, 2007

The Right Fit

Online shopping is a phenomenon for a reason-it's fantastic. It saves you money, time, and effort. We all know this, and that's all fine and good.

But if you're buying clothes or shoes from these online venues, the persistent problem is how to ensure they fit. Every brand varies slightly, so you can be an extra small in one brand and just as easily be a large in another.

If you're buying a brand you're familiar with, it's probably not an issue. But what if you stumble across something you're not familiar with? Will you be that large or that extra small?

Buying from an online auction such as Ebay can put you at a distinct disadvantage, because the listing doesn't always give measurements. If this is the case, simply click on the "Ask seller a question" link. You'll be conveniently taken to a template email where you can ask for all that information.

It's been my experience that sellers are phenomenal about getting back to you right away. If you don't hear back from them, it's a pretty good indicator that they're flaky, and you probably don't want to give them your business anyway.

The important thing is to ask specific and detailed questions. Otherwise, even after a response, you might still be left wondering if the item will fit. If you're concerned about the bust for example, ask for the bust measurements specifically (or the length of the sleeve, or the inseam, or whatever you're interested in). And of course, fabrics make a difference too. If it's a stretchy top, it will obviously be more forgiving than a cotton blouse.

Similarly, if you're buying shoes, it's easy to just rely on your shoe size. But then again, they're a lot of variance between shoe brands as well. Make sure to ask if the shoe is "true to size." Basically this means if the shoe is a size 7, it fits like a typical size 7.

Another way to go would be to visit the designer's official website. If the brand is Kenneth Cole, just hop onto the Kenneth Cole website. Click on any item, and you should be taken to the page where you select the specifics of your item (color, size, etc.). Somewhere on this page, there's almost always a "sizing chart" link. This will spell out for you in terms of bust, waist, and hip measurements what size you are in that particular brand.

But it's inevitable that even with the most careful calculations and measurements, some things still just won't fit right. Unfortunately, it's all part of the online shopping experience. If this is a big concern, make sure you only buy from retailers or online sellers that accept returns. So before you purchase, make sure to check the return policy. There's nothing worse than being stuck with a stylish, trendy article of clothing that doesn't fit and having no way to exchange or return it.

Good luck, and happy shopping!

by Liz Herrin