Winter wardrobe sorted: online!

Not only are there some terrific online stores in Australia, there are great ones in the US and UK too. Postage is quite reasonable and paying careful attention to the size guide means your new clothes will fit just right.

Now is the best time to buy from the UK and US as they’re no longer in winter, so boots, jackets, and jumpers are on sale! And colder climates often have a wider range of clothes for the chilly months. I got two lovely coats on sale from Evans in the UK - this pink swing coat (above) reduced to $AU41, and a beige funnel coat for about $AU58.

Measure yourself - carefully!
Take your bust, waist and hip measurements in both inches and centimetres. For pants and jeans, also measure your inseam - I find it's easier to measure a pair of pants you already own that are the perfect length. Stand naturally and don't be tempted to breathe in! Check your measurements against the store's size guide, and if you are between sizes, it's a good idea to opt for a size up.

Check the store's returns policy
Stores are usually happy to give refunds if an item is the wrong size or you change your mind. But shipping costs are usually non-refundable and you may have to cover the cost of sending the item back. In some cases, if you're just after a different size, they may even send the reordered item without charging you postage again. It's important to check the returns policy first, so you know what to expect.

Buy in bulk, or with a friend
Shipping costs vary and it's often more expensive to have items sent from overseas. But if it's a flat fee no matter how many items you order, decide what you want and get one bulk lot. Or why not buy with a friend? You can both get what you want and pay half the postage! Always check that overseas sites offer postage to Australia before you start shopping, and check shipping costs before you buy. You don't want to find out your $US15 top costs $US30 to ship!

Want more? Read Nikki's blog - CLICK HERE.

Got a question for Nikki? Email tl.features@pacificmags.com.au with "Ask Style Blogger" in the subject line.

Got any great tips for shopping online? Share them by leaving a comment below.

Also Marks & Spencers online. They do stuff for short people like me, so I can actually buy slim fit jeans in the right leg length in a size 18! Trousers/jeans are a nightmare to buy in Australia as everything is inches too long, so I gave up and went back to England for my clothes. And tops are always a nightmare because I'm 155 cm tall but have to buy a size 22-24 because of my bust, so everything hangs off my size 14 shoulders or needs a vest underneath because it's too long in the body and is indecent. Does anyone else have this problem

Posted by Heather from WA on 26/07/2010 1:18:32 PM

Grab the NEW LOOK that's life! for just $2.95!