As you know, I'm a Fashion Stylist, so you've probably guessed my preference for shopping in person trumps shopping online.

Not only because this keeps me in a job, but also because I think that nothing measures up to shopping in person. You can try before you buy, feel the fabrics, see the garment in horrible fitting room lighting and regular lighting, and decide to put it on based on the hanger - not the model we often compare ourselves to.

However, online shopping does have its benefits (damn it!). Quick delivery, unique options and even saving money, but when treading the waters of the online fashion world it can be a hit or a miss. A hit if what we ordered looks how it should and does what it's supposed to, and a miss if you get it home and the colours different, the item doesn't look as good on, or the fabric is poor quality. And then what? You're left having to pay the postage to send the item back for another size or get a credit note. Sometimes situations like these can take the thrill right out of being able to shop while at work, while your neighbour complains to you about something, and while in your pyjamas. So, it's time we have a serious chat, your online shopping habits can't go on like this, I won't allow it.

Get Your List Out

First things first, treat your online shopping like you would treat your regular shopping. Make a list, take inventory, yada-yada. If you're unsure on how to do this you can read my How To Prepare For Autumn Winter Shopping post here. You're very welcome, gorgeous. The last thing you want to do is over spend on items that are harder to return than regular clothing, so knowing what you've already got and what you actually need will help you separate the investment purchases from the impulsive ones!

Know Your Measurements - Plah-ease!

Don't just assume you're one size just because you're used to picking that size up off the shelf in store. Sizing isn't standard, not only in Australia but around the world and the idea of what a size could be also changes country to county. Dust off the old measuring tape and take your measurements, there are a few ways to do this and both are very easy. One, you could visit your local alterations shop or tailor and ask them to kindly measure you for your new threads, or you can read my other super fabulous post called How To Measure Yourself For Online Shopping! So convenient!

This will ensure you get the perfect fit, so you don't receive a disappointing parcel, and if you have any areas you struggle normally to fit, take extra care in these areas.

Read The Product Description

This is the most important part of online shopping, things can look different on a camera than they can in person. Look at what the garment is made out of, if it's lined and if there's washing instructions listed. If it's dry-clean-only, is it going to be a suitable garment to wear regularly and take care of? If you find you feel the heat often, make sure you cut down on your synthetics and opt for more natural fabrics, if you're the opposite, choose a mix of both.

Reading the product description also ensures that you know what is, and isn't included. If the top the model is wearing has a slip under it, make sure it's included in the price so you don't get a see-through top on your doorstep. This happens more often than not, especially with draped garments and fit and flare style dresses and skirts.

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Online Shopping Tips Continued:

Look For The Tricks Of The Trade

Not everyone is made for every type of clothing and believe it or not, this sometimes applies to the model who's wearing the garment you're about to buy. It may not fit her as well initially, so the companies stylist may have pinned it in at the back to make it look better, this is a common trick of the trade so look for pull marks around the midsection and fabric bunching anywhere.

Make Sure You Check The Exchange Rate

Things can seem too good to be true when you're shopping the sales online, but when you check your bank balance - it's a doozy. Every time you shop online, check the exchange rate so you don't over spend on items you can get cheaper elsewhere! Also, don't forget about international bank fees!

Read Reviews

Some online stores have customer reviews at the bottom of their products that rate things like quality and fit, ModCloth is great at this! These are extra helpful when you're unsure about your size, or how it would work for someone who isn't a model (yet). It's also a good idea to read these reviews if it's your first time shopping from the brand. The last thing you want is a tough returns policy or poor customer service!

Check The Returns Policy

If there's a small turn around time, like 14 days, to get your return back to the online store, does this give you enough time to return your item if you're not happy with it? Can you get a full refund or is it just a credit? Make sure you know all of these things if you're unsure about your purchase so you don't get left with an unusable item!

Size Up The Model

One of the biggest online shopping tips I can give is to consider the model wearing the clothing. You don't need to be the same size as the model to look good in something you plan on purchasing, but you do need to consider her body shape and whether or not it's the reason why the clothing suits her and not you. If you have polar opposite assets, like a big difference in bust, for example, you'll need to consider if what suits her is going to work for you. Think about the necklines you love wearing, the colours that suit you and the fabrics you feel fantastic and comfortable in so you can make the perfect purchase!

Save Your Money

I have a secret weapon I use called Honey, that is a plugin for your web browser that will search for coupons online and apply them to your shopping cart if they find any. This so far has saved me hundreds of dollars and it works not only for clothing but home decor too! Yay!