Everyone loves shopping – and especially so during the festive season. Associate editor Lucy Rees highlights the Female team’s favourite online shopping sites, from the big players to more obscure finds.
USP: Founded 15 years ago by former fashion journalist Natalie Massenet, the concept of designing a website like a glossy magazine completely revolutionised the online shopping game. We love how you can peruse weekly edits and fashion spreads that you can order directly from.
“I go to Net-A-Porter regularly for Christian Louboutin, Valentino and Sacai. The site has the easiest return policy and they deliver in three days. And if I want to ask something about a fabric, fit or style, I can email one of their stylists. ” – Moh Shuying, associate beauty editor
Shipping to Singapore: Express shipping cost US$15 (S$20) and orders take two to three days to arrive.
Returns: You have 28 days to return free of charge.
Photo: Valentino SS ’16
USP: Over the past 10 years, the fashion e-tailer headquartered in New York has become well known overseas for its upscale, minimalist designer apparel in menswear and womenswear.
“I don’t buy a lot of clothes online, but when I do I head here. I really like their curation of brands, which includes insider favourites like Lemaire and Vetements. There are also a lot of essentials like slips and dresses you can just throw on and go. Delivery does take a bit longer – I once waited close to three weeks – but it’s worth the wait.” – Noelle Loh, editor
Shipping to Singapore: All standard shipping is free. For FedEx express, the cost is US$30-$45 (S$42-S$63) depending on the order amount, and it’s free if you spend over US$500 (S$704).
Returns: You must get a return number within seven days and send the item back within 14 days to get a refund.
Photo: Lemaire, La Garconne
Starting out as a brick-and-mortar store in London in 1987, Matches Fashion since grown into a dominating online fashion presence that features over 400 emerging and established brands.
“If you do your research, this site tends to have better (read: more affordable) prices for the same item compared to other sites. I like their range of Preen and Carven.” – Moh Shuying, associate beauty editor.
Shipping to Singapore: Two to five working days with a shipping cost of US$15 (S$20).
Returns: You have 14 days from receipt of order to request your returns number, which will be displayed online and emailed to you.
Photo: Carven SS ’16
Australia-born shopping site BNKR is synonymous with fresh Australian street-style threads. Fans of the labels include streetstyle stars Aimee Song, Margaret Zhang and local fashionistas like Selina Chai, who’ve been featured on the site’s Instagram feed.
“I buy a lot of my basics and work dresses here. Brands like C/meo Collective and Finders Keepers are pretty affordable – tops generally cost about S$100 and pants are less than S$200.” – Isabel Ong, fashion and beauty writer
Shipping to Singapore: Free express shipping for orders over AU$39 (S$40).
Returns: Full refunds offered within 14 days, but you need to fork out the shipping costs.
Photo: Salina Chai on @fshnbnkr Instagram
Launched in the same year as Net-A-Porter, Shopbop may not have the same glamorous appeal in its shopping choices as the former, but holds its own in offering modern day-to-night pieces at more accessible prices from brands like Self-Portrait. Another plus: A wide range of denim-focused labels like Rag & Bone and Current/Elliott.
Shipping to Singapore: Free for orders over US$100 (S$140).
Returns: Every package will have a return fee of US$35 (S$50).
Photo: @mrselfportrait Instagram
The super-luxe retailer Moda Operandi allows you to pre-order looks directly from designers, immediately after their runway show. The idea is a nod to the days of old when couturiers showcased their creations in trunks to clients. It wins points from us for its stylised imagery and editorially-driven shopping experience.
Shipping to Singapore: The estimated delivery window for each trunkshow item is located on the product page, and you need to pay 50% of the total amount upon ordering.
Returns: Free return shipping within 15 days.
Photo: Marni Pre-fall ’15 pieces from @modaoperandi Instagram
An extension of Net-a-Porter, this site offers designer threads at up to 70% off, from Helmut Lang’s minimalist wardrobe staples to party-worthy pieces from Balmain.
Shipping to Singapore: Between four to five working days for £24.00 (S$50).
Returns: You have 14 days to request a returns form, and another 14 days to send it back for a full refund.
Photo: @theoutnet Instagram
Started by two friends in 2003, the L.A.-based apparel startup has taken on cult status in fashion circles by stocking up-and-coming designers whose pieces come with a laidback Californian vibe.
Shipping to Singapore: US$28 (S$40) for express shipping, and free if your order is over US$100 (S$140). Delivery is within three to five days.
Returns: You can return within 28 days, and exchange for another item on the site within 60 days.
Photo: @revolveclothing Instagram
For fashion-forward shoppers who are after something a little different. Farfetch is unique in that it features products from 300 of the best boutiques around the world, from fashion capitals like Paris and New York to far-flung cities like Bucharest, Riyadh and even Singapore. When you purchase through the site, your order is delivered directly from that boutique to your door.
Shipping to Singapore: Express deliveries to Singapore cost S$20 and take two to four days.
Returns: You have 14 days to return the product free of charge.
Photo: @farfetch Instagram
Founded by Sophia Amoruso in 2006 (the American entrepreneur first started an eBay store selling a selection of vintage pieces), it stocks a good range of new and vintage clothing, shoes and accessories.
Shipping to Singapore: Express shipping takes two to four days and costs USD$49 (S$70). Standard shipping takes one to two weeks and costs USD$15 (S$20).
Returns: You can return unsuitable items within 30 days.
Like this? Here’s what tops our Christmas wishlists.
Photo: @nastygal Instagram