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Unlocking the secrets to successful online shopping overseas.

The fashion universe has become a whole lot smaller since the rise of internet shopping. Hop online and you can quickly lose yourself in the dizzying array of international boutiques and designers stores overseas.

Thanks to the web, that Burberry trench coat or Chloe Paddington can be yours, so long as your credit card can manage it! Even better, designer bargains are perfectly timed for Australians. Because we are a season behind the US and Europe, we're able to take advantage of huge discounts by shopping on sale OS when the new season range is hitting the stores here.

But is it really that easy? The perils of online shopping are present and well documented. Bad sizing, misjudging the garment and the hidden costs are all the perils of successful hunting and gathering.

To help you minimize disappointment, here are a few golden rules to ensure those coverted Kate Spade boots arrive safely, and fit when they do.

 

The Golden Rules to Shopping Overseas Online.

Rule 1. Shop at reputable sites with great fashion

With so many online store in the US and UK - where do you start? First stop might be an online department store for great labels - but they often won't ship OS. Smaller independent online stores often ship OS - but be aware that shipping costs can be high.

With a bit of research, you can find stores listed on larger networks which will guarantee the stores have great service, and security. For the US, check out www.shopsafe.com The UK has a similar site - www.shopsafe.co.uk, and also www.safe-shopper.co.uk.

To start you off, here are ten well established stores which will ship to Australia.

www.topshop.com - Topshop knows how to take a hot trend and turn it around – fast. You will find the latest in affordable high street designs, and you can even purchase from Kate Moss’s upcoming collection.

www.shopbop.com- Shop by designer, trend or category at this fabulous site stocking an amazing array of designers and garments – many hours can go missing when you log on for a shopping spree.

www.bluefly.com - A great site for bargain hunters, you will find new season stock from 40% off – don’t forget to do your conversions to make sure you are saving rather than spending.

www.net-a-porter.com - The whole kit and caboodle, find not only the hottest high fashion buys, but designer profiles, tips on style and information on all the latest trends. Find new season pieces before anyone else does.

www.shopkitson.com - Our brand new favourite, LA cult fashion store Kitson, now ships internationally. Fall in love with their cheeky ‘Little Miss’ and Astro Boy tees.

www.satineboutique.com - Fresh off LA's catwalks, Satine Boutique offers us a deluxe fashion experience. Featuring a wide array of designers such as Lanvin, Balenciaga, Chloe and Stella McCartney, as well as cult labels like Tsumori Chisato, Lover, Vanessa Bruno and many more, its selection appeals to fashion conscious women.

www.shopatmilk.com - Milk is a designer haven filled with shoes, clothes andaccessories by cult American designers such as Diane Von Furstenburg, Jill Stewart and Autumn Star, and big name European designers such as Derrek Lam and Missoni. Also find beauty products and cute kids tees - Just beware of the $80 shipping fee.

www.harrods.com All the high end goodies you can dream of are now available down under via our computer screens. This is a must-see for guys - you will find the likes of Paul Smith, Henri Lloyd and Burberry all waiting to dress you for a very special occasion.

www.knickerbox.com The very latest in chic lingerie designs can be found on the UK's Knickerbox e-boutique. Make use of the handy 'bra finder' to find the perfect colour, size and style for you.

www.RodeoDriveResale.com Find couture and High End designers with regular deliveries from covertable US boutiques. RodeoDriveResale.com ships worldwide. Fancy a Miu Miu Red Leather Bowling bag for US$249.99?

Rule 2. Read the fine print.

Your first port of call on an international shopping site should be their shipping policies. Brands that don’t ship to Oz aren’t necessarily off limits (we will get to that later) but if you want to save yourself a little hassle, shop at sites that clearly state they ship down under.

Rule 3. Calculate the cost in Australian Dollars.

Prices will be in foreign currency, so you should always convert the price to Oz dollars – www.xe.com is the place to go - and add in any taxes and shipping charges to find out whether the garment is actually as much of a bargain as first thought.

And don’t forget shipping costs - international shipping charges are based on several factors, including total price of items, the weight of the package, and its destination. When you reach the check out page of your site, you should be about to view the shipping costs – you can cancel or proceed from here.

Rule 4. Sizing up the possibilities.

Sizing guidelines differ from country to country, but quality fashion websites will have a sizing chart for reference. Before you embark on a full-blown shopping spree, take your measurements – bust, hips and waist – even the width of your arms and thighs - then cross reference these on a sizing chart. Always keep these details handy while you shop, so ordering the correct size will be easy. Don't be afraid to email the site before you purchase to ask for verification of sizes if you're purchasing a big dollar item.

Rule 5. Keep track of your order.

A reputable website will send you a confirmation once your order has been successfully processed. A shipping confirmation e-mail should also be sent once your order is on its way. Keep these notices and receipt numbers to ensure your purchases don’t lose their way to your wardrobe.

Read up on expected delivery times (from the US, expect about 5 days, from the UK, expect between 7-10), and don’t hesitate to send an email to the operators of the site if you have any queries.

Rule 6. Know the return policy, check the terms.

Reading up on a website’s return policy will save much heartache later. Most importantly, make sure you will be able to return the merchandise to the company within its return date guidelines. When returning, securely pack and seal the merchandise and invoice in an appropriate shipping box or envelope, and send back to the company using an insured service.

More Hot Tips!

You don’t ship to Oz??

Finding the must have additions to your wardrobe can be the easy part – retrieving it from its international home may be a little harder. Unfortunately, not all websites ship to Australia. Many U.S labels such as Banana Republic, DKNY and the world famous department stores won’t let their precious goods make the trans Pacific journey to our shores. If you have fallen in love with that must have piece from GAP, set up your own mail forwarding account in the U.S.

Interested? We recommend www.mailforwarding.biz and www.myus.com. These sites will provide you with an American address where your goods will be shipped to, and from there, the company will forward them on to you. You will also save money on shipping and taxes (up to 70%!), making the purchase much more of a bargain than a splurge. Don’t forget to check out the joining and membership fees, averaging about $30 for initial set up, and $15 a month for membership.

Keen on a pair of boots from a UK site that doesn’t ship to Australia? These sites will more often than not ship to the US – order to your hearts content, and cite your mail forwarding US address – Easy!

USA Designer Direct gives you access to great labels.

Taking it all one step further is www.usadesignerdirect.com. Designer Direct offers a personal shopping service for Aussie fashion addicts. You can browse and buy the goods from Ralph Lauren Polo.com, Gap.com, oldnavy.com and BananaRepublic.com, with the use of an American credit card.

You can expect your glorious new clothes within 7-10 working days, and you will be saving precious dosh – each brand regularly have amazing sales, and with savings on shipping and taxes, bargain hunting designer fashion has never been easier.

Shop the Sales

Now armed with the knowledge of a successful online shopper, you’re ready to go! Spring fashion will go on sale by June – and Autumn just after Christmas. Get ready for a world of fun - the designs you want by the designers you love, fabulous bargains and up to the second fashions – even shop at 3 in the morning if the mood takes you. Just beware - online shopping addiction is common, and expected.

 

Got some hot shopping news? Contact Missy's editor by email: editor(at)missyconfidential(dot)com.au or click here.