The internet provides us ladies with a vast array of possibilities. It allows us to catch up on our favorite television shows, Google important questions we can’t get out of our head, and Facebook stalk out ex-boyfriends all from the comfort of our bed. To put it simply; it’s fabulous. But probably the most fabulous thing about the internet  is the unlimited shopping. It’s a mall that never closes.

So many ways to find the perfect pair of boots! Sites created just to help you find the best necklace! Blogs determined to make you trendy!

I’m a bit of an expert in this whole online shopping area, so in an effort to share my wisdom with you I’ve listed my top five shopping sites. You’re welcome.

1. Lulus.com. Because these are designers you won’t know. These are pieces you won’t have seen before.  Lulu’s features designers from all around the world and only snags a few of each piece. So if you want an item no one else will be wearing, this is where you should be shopping. And if you really want a super unique piece, check out their vintage collection. They’ve got it all from jumpsuits to bell bottoms — at prices that won’t break the bank.

The best part? The atmosphere of the entire website. It’s warm and welcoming and so girly you just can’t help but giggle. From the awesome names of their ensembles to the cute descriptions that accompany them, Lulu’s feels like more than just a shopping site; it’s a shopping experience. And in my opinion, it’s one no girl should go without.

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[The following post is courtesy of our most fashionable friends over at CollegeFashion.net.]

Fashion is commonly considered glamorous and carefree. The phrase “a day of shopping” instantly triggers images of lazy Sundays, shopping bags in one hand and an iced latte in the other. Well, I’ll admit to the occasional lazy Sunday, but just as often as I’m strolling around like Holly Golightly at Tiffany’s, I’m also frowning with the stress of tactical financial decisions à la Barack Obama regarding healthcare.

The financial side of fashion is tricky – and every girl, with her individual budget, figures out her own strategy to deal with it. A common move is to choose a cheaper alternative over the expensive, upscale original. There are a myriad of reasons for doing this. Maybe in a particular situation, it’s very, very important to save money, but simultaneously very, very important to own those boots. Or the boots are nice but not nice enough to buy as an investment, since they’re trendy and will be gone with the season. Or maybe you love a pair of expensive leather boots but want to save animals, and money, by buying the faux version.

Whatever your motivation, going for a cheaper alternative instead of a high-end item can be very effective when done right. Here are five tips on shopping for substitutes: Read More »

The economic crisis has not stretched my wallet to the breaking point just yet, but our intelligent President-elect does say that it’s going to get worse before it gets better, so I’m not about to dole out any more than I have to on holiday gifts this year.We all know the traditional ways of saving money on gifts (knitting scarves for everyone on your list, offering homemade coupons or baked goods in lieu of actual presents, etc.). But what if you do want to get actual gifts for people without going bankrupt? Try these hot tips to save some moola while doing your shopping.

Tip 1: Search/Clip Coupons

I ordered my dad $30 worth of merchandise from Land’s End the other day and almost had a heart attack when I saw that the shipping was $8. Let’s get real here—it does not cost $8 to send two turtlenecks via 7-day delivery. In my incensed state of rage, I went to Google and typed in “land’s end coupons”—and lo and behold, a page with a free shipping code on it popped up.

Deals like that are only a few clicks away, so make sure to search every time you buy something online. If you prefer to do your shopping in the flesh, cough up a few quarters for the Sunday paper and comb all the ads. You can clip coupons from there and learn about the hot sales going on near you. It takes extra time, but you’ll make up for it in extra money. Read More »