Buying clothes online

Lisa Sloan goes window shopping on the web.

THESE DAYS you can do almost anything online. You can check your bank balance, research assignments and talk instantly with friends around the world. You can even buy groceries and get them delivered to your door. So it seems only natural that you should be able to shop for clothes on the internet.

The benefits are endless. You don't have to spend ridiculous amounts on petrol, or bribe Mum or Dad to take you to the mall. You don't have to spend half an hour waiting for buses that are always late. There are no crowds, no lines for the dressing room, and you don't even have to leave your chair if you don't want to.

But, as any fashionista knows, shopping for clothes is an involved process. What looks good in a picture may not look as good when you try it on. Worse still, what if your credit card details get into the wrong hands? Many internet users are put off by the risks of shopping online, but shopping websites have come up with solutions to these problems.

Most websites have sizing charts, so you can get a good idea of whether items will fi t. At Supre's website, you can view colour and size charts for every item. If you are stuck, you can ask 'Miss Fashionista' for advice. The site offers a selection of clothesfrom the Supre range including pants, jumpers, dresses and accessories.

It also has a bank pay option, so you don't even need to have a credit card. Ezibuy is another great place to shop. You can browse the catalogue and look at pictures of the latest styles. There's a detailed size guide to help you make the best purchase. And if you can't fi gure out what to buy, you can consult your fashion horoscope for inspiration.

You've got the outfi t but need the shoes. Overland should be your next port of call. The site has the full selection of shoes, from boots to casual. Transactions are made through email and a consultant will fi nalise your payment, so you don't need to worry about where your money will end up. If you love Overland's shoes but can't stomach the price tag, check out Funky Shoes or casual shoes in local and international brands. The site offers affordable shoes with free delivery anywhere in New Zealand.

If you would love to shop online, but your account balance won't stretch to it, don't give up yet. Trade Me is fast becoming a New Zealand phenomenon. You can hold an auction to sell almost any item online to the highest bidder. Trade Me is a great place to pick up clothes, whether you want something brand new at a fraction of the cost, or something second-hand and priceless. I have purchased a number of items of clothing and jewellery online at Trade Me, including a beautiful, brand new black evening dress for $30 which had a retail price of $70. I now fi nd any excuse I can to wear it.

Lisa Sloan is in her final year of a journalism degree at AUT.

Links

www.supre.co.nz
www.ezibuy.co.nz
www.overlandfootwear.co.nz
www.funkyshoes.co.nz
www.trademe.co.nz