Online Outlets

While I think every woman should try going to a thrift or consignment store at least once, it may not be your cup of tea. But through the Internet, I have found two more fashion discount sites that are worth mentioning. The first is ShopeHers.com. This website is dedicated solely to pre-owned designer fashion. To purchase an item, you contact the seller directly to talk about price and any other questions you may have. Since these are top-label items, the prices can get very expensive. For those who want to set a maximum price you are willing to spend, an option for that. When signing up with ShopHers, you are asked exact measurements for your shoe size, waist, hips, and inseam. You are also asked to pick your favorite designers off a list given to you. The point of this site is to tailor your profile as close to your likes as possible.

After signing up I gave my measurements, picked my designers, and shortly thereafter, my homepage displayed items I have been admiring for years. For example, a pair of Jimmy Choo sandals originally priced at $455 were being sold for $145.  Spending $145 is relatively cheap compared to the original price but is still a good amount of money. When I do spend that much, I want to know that the item I am buying is legitimate. I don’t want to open the package and see “Timmy” Choo, and realize I was scammed. Luckily for us, ShopHers has taken care of that. After you buy an item, it is shipped to website headquarters where it is authenticated. Once everything is approved, ShopHers then sends the item to you. Michelle Katz, my previous interviewee, told me about this site. She has gotten a few things from this site including a pair of light blue Salvatore Ferragamo flats.

Left: Jimmy Choo pumps; Right: Salvatore Ferragamo flats (Instagram @meeshkatz)

The second site is OutNet.com. As opposed to selling pre-owned designer items, OutNet is a fashion outlet. The website sells discounted designer women’s wear and accessories. The people who started Net-A-Porter.com also created this site. Most of the items on this site are 40%-50% off their original prices. This website is ideal for women who love designer labels but don’t want anything pre-owned. Designers who are featured on this website almost never put their clothes on sale. So to see Oscar De La Renta pumps at 50% off their original price is amazing.  

I have known two people who have ordered from this site, and neither have gotten clothes. One of them is Michelle, again, and the other my cousin Stephanie. Each ordered a pair of shoes and both were happy with their purchases. I do know that they charge for returns so when ordering, you must accurately know your size. Michelle’s boyfriend got her a pair of Jimmy Choo pumps from this site. She was happy with the present, and he was happy that he saved money. A win-win situation for everybody. Stephanie bought a pair of Tory Burch flats; she would wear them everyday if she could.

I’m really excited when I find websites like ShopHers and OutNet because it’s the only way I can afford to keep up with my tastes. I can shop for hours without having to leave my bed and still make smart shopping choices. Signing up for both of these sites is free. It never hurts to look around. Think of it as window-shopping, or whatever you would call the online equivalent.