Princeton Happenings

Let’s get this out in the open, once and for all. I am a woman that hates shopping. Yes, I know that sounds like a lion claiming to be a vegetarian, but I have my reasons: crowds of people; bored, rude, or oblivious sales staff; racks full of clothing stuffed with everything but your size; or my number one complaint, exorbitant prices. That’s why I am all about shopping online and today I’m going to share a few of my go-to websites.

For me, one of the most distressing things about online shopping is making a return… There are two websites that make this bothersome possibility almost obsolete. First, <a href=”http://www.target.com/”>Target.com </a>gives you access to merchandise that isn’t necessarily carried in the store. Other benefits include regular internet specials, such as “buy 3 get one free ” or free shipping on select merchandise or on orders over a particular amount. In addition to clothing, Target.com carries all the goodies you’d expect to find in the department store, such as shoes, housewares, and electronics. Best of all, if you need to make a return, there’s likely a Target just down the road so you won’t pay return shipping.

One of my other favorite sites for easy returns is <a href=”http://www.modcloth.com/”>Modcloth</a>. This company appeals to a clientele who appreciates retro and vintage-inspired pieces (think Zooey Deschanel). One function I love about Modcloth is that the article description specifies the fit of the piece, whether it is true to size or if it runs small or large. New stock is added every day, so that cool little shift that appears today may be in the sale section within a couple of weeks. In addition to clothing, Modcloth carries shoes, jewelry, hosiery, and homegoods. Plus, if the sizing is not what you expected, you can print a return postage form, drop the parcel at the post office and pay nothing for return shipping.

I confess, I’m also addicted to <a href=”http://www.forever21.com/Product/Main.aspx?br=f21″>Forever21</a>, mainly because their inventory is so extensive. They carry Women’s, Men’s, Girl’s, and Plus sizes, as well as accessories and shoes. This company is trendy and fun and you never know what you’ll find – maybe that perfect party dress for a night out on the town, the boyfriend blazer for next weekend’s date, or a basic pencil skirt for work. Forever21’s sale section is enormous and often heavily discounted. Today’s sale page for skirts featured prices ranging between $4.99 and $15.99. What a deal! In addition to the traditional sales, Forever21 offers daily <a href=”http://www.forever21.com/Product/Category.aspx?br=f21&category=dailyspecial”>”Flash Deals”</a> that are 21% off select new merchandise.

My beloved new discovery is <a href=”https://www.zulily.com/auth/”>Zulily</a>. Yes, you must sign up to be a member (free of charge), but this allows you access to designer merchandise at greatly reduced prices. I recommend you use this website <strong>only</strong> if you are a bold shopper because there are several caveats to doing business with Zulily. First, Zulily does not carry inventory; they get their stock directly from the designers, so in addition to sizes and quantities being limited, returns are not accepted. Also, because they deal with such a variety of clothiers, sizing may be inconsistent. Finally, because items are not “in stock,” it may take up to two weeks before your order is shipped. That being said, the price is The Important Thing. I recently scored a stylish, python-print dress with black piping for just $16.00, a piece similar to one my supervisor swore she had recently seen in a fashion magazine.

I am not a fashionista by any stretch of the imagination, but over the years I’ve learned what I like and what is flattering on me. I’m certain that there are other amazing online shops and I’d love to hear where you score your deals, so please be sure to leave me your secrets in a comment below!