Hey Curlfriends!

Last week, we spoke about sunglasses, but now we are going to talk about something I’m sure all of you know all about: online shopping. From hair products, to electronics, to clothes, many of us are spending time behind our computers shopping to our hearts content. I mean, why not right? It’s so convenient! Everything we need is just one click away. When it comes to shopping for clothes, I am not much of an online shopper because I prefer to shop in thrift stores.   Even so, I can appreciate how wonderful online fashion shopping is!  Care to explore some pros and cons of this diva sport?

PROS

1. Convenient. As I already said, online shopping is convenient. You don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to upgrade your wardrobe or divafy your look. All you need is a computer, some money, and the desire to SHOP, SHOP,SHOP!

2. You can do it anytime. Don’t you HATE it when you want to shop and all your favorite stores are closed? When you shop online, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Macy’s, JCPenny, etc. are open 24/7 for you to indulge.

3. Comparison shopping. It’s really annoying going from store to store to find the cheapest prices for your dollar. Not only are you wasting time, but you are definitely wasting gas! When you shop online, you can open multiple tabs and switch back and forth. Also, some online stores are beginning to have comparison options which does all the ground work for you.

4. Opens Doors. I’m from a small island with no Forever 21, Belk, or other commercial stores. If you’re like me, you can still have online access to all these stores though you don’t have access to their brick & mortar stores. This way, you can still keep up with the Jones’.

5. No lines. My biggest horror story was standing in the queue (that’s how Brits refer to “line”) in Primark (think of H&M, but a bit cheaper) while I was abroad in London. You could only try on EIGHT pieces at a time and then you’d have to re-enter the queue. Keep in mind, that would place me behind 30 or so women, just to start the process all over again. It was a NIGHTMARE but I’m the kind of person who wants to try on the entire store.

CONS

1. Shipping. Sometimes, shipping can be such a bear. Sure you think you’ve gotten a deal, but as soon as you calculate shipping, you are $20-$30 in a hole. Yes you can get offers for free shipping, but the instant gratification you get from shopping on the ground is gone. You’ll have to wait days or even weeks to get your package.

2. Can’t try things on. I’m the kind of person who has to try everything on. Whether it be blazers, sandals, jeans, etc. I need to know how they fit. Imagine waiting for your package to come in the mail only to find out your items are too tight, or too big. I’ve been there, and it’s the WORST!’

3. Limits Girl Time. We all love hanging with our girls. Over shopping, we help each other keep our style in check, talk about the latest gossip, and share our dreams and aspirations. When shopping online, we usually shop alone and our girls are kicked to the curb. What’s shopping without the girls though?

4. Returns can be annoying. So you get something and you don’t like it. What then? You’ll have to spend money sending it back to the company. Remember, 9 times out of 10, the company doesn’t pay for returns. That means, you spent time waiting for your package, then have to spend time going to the post office and sending it back. Not to mention, you’ll have to spend time waiting for your money to be refunded on your account or for your new items to arrive.

5. Identity Theft. It’s probably never happened to you, and it may never happen to you, but it’s a possibility. As safe as sites are, there are some pretty sick, but OD (very) smart people in this world that can get past the security systems. You are essentially taking a chance every time you shop online.

So what do I suggest? I suggest doing a little bit of both! Best of both worlds right? Just make sure you are having fun, regardless of where you shop.

Do you love or loathe online shopping?  

What are your favorite online shops?

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