Revolutionary Shopping

Hunting for additions to your wardrobe can be an onerous and arduous affair resulting in Starbucks bail-outs or worse…changing room breakdowns. Such hardship is only magnified in Durham where trendy, sophisticated students are compelled to lower their shopping standards in-line with the choices available. Such a dynamic holds true in other arenas.

Internet shopping sounds like the perfect solution but sending your clothes back because they are the wrong size or because the website twisted the truth (and the fabric) with safety pins and editing proficiency is actually just as draining…if not worse…

The more pricey websites tend to shine a light of truth on the item you wish to purchase, abiding by the ‘W-Y-S-I-W-Y-G’ maxim. However, a reluctance to throw £300 at a dress that’s asking for a red wine shower at the next smart event deals a devastating blow to this bright idea- let’s lower that to £200 – definitely still not worth it in Durham…

Then there is style and our strategic disadvantage here in our little City. Unless you’re an avid reader of Conde Nast’s biblical collection or follow some informed individual’s blog, whose dogmatic style-analysis and trajectory authorize their authoritarian status, there is a need for some style navigation…

Style insurgents – those who can organise, mobilise and address your shopping grievances. They are smart, technologically agile and in touch with the people. They hunt for loop-holes in the system, fashion leaks, ways to save some pennies and are really starting to revolutionise the entire ‘shopping experience’.

Scroll down to try out a few worth noting…

SecretSales.com – Melissa Odabash Bikinis, shoe brands, vinatge louis vuitton – a range of prices. Secretsales brings you luxury products you’ll love forever, at prices you can afford.

What they have to say for themselves: Our experienced team of buyers work with over 600 brands to bring you new sales every day. Each sale is carefully edited to ensure we sell only the best selection of products across a range of categories including fashion, accessories, beauty and homeware.

All sales last between 2-4 days and have amazing discounts of up to 70% off, so you’ll need to be quick to snap up the best buys.

Cocosa – Myla underwear, Day by Malene Birger, shoes, housemate got a Vince cashmere hoodie from there.

What they have to say for themselves: Cocosa is a luxury fashion website, selling designer clothes in time limited sales, at amazing prices. We work with over 500 brands to bring you the most fashionable womenswear and menswear, at a fraction of the retail price.

Our experienced team of buyers know exactly what you need, whether you’re looking for investment pieces, seasonal wardrobe top-ups or just a little me-treat. And, with new sales constantly being added to the site, make sure you check back daily to avoid missing out. Stock is strictly limited, so once it sells out, it’s gone!

Etsy – Mariella Tandy, at Tatler, suggested this site for finding a Winter coat.  If you are bored of wearing the same dress as someone else at a party then this site is for you. It is mostly vintage and their unique value makes it worth the hunt through the pages. You can converse with other buyers and sellers and then buy and sell your own stuff. Think of it as an upmarket ebay with a lot less rooting and a less tat.

What they have to say for themselves:

Etsy is the marketplace we make together.

Our mission is to reimagine commerce in ways that build a more fulfilling and lasting world.

• We are a mindful, transparent, and humane business.
• We plan and build for the long term.
• We value craftsmanship in all we make.
• We believe fun should be part of everything we do.

We keep it real, always.

Editor’s pick: RUFFLR: Every friend who has had a peak on the rufflr website has not left the webpage without signing up. You can collate your favourite fashion items, win points, follow people and discuss styles and generally enjoy hunting for clothes online. It emulates the twitter dynamic of sharing and trending. Rufflr have been involved in this year’s Durham University Fashion Show and have got all the exec totally addicted to the ‘rufflr button’ ( a bit like ‘pin it’ on pinterest) and the ‘I want, I love, I have’.

What they have to say about themselves:

“the smart way to shop for fashion online”

Organise products you love, want or own and create collections.

Our style genius technology adapts to your tastes to suggest products you may love. You can also follow real stylists and fashion experts to keep up to date with new trends.

With out unique style miles you can earn points while you shop online, giving you access to special offers, rufflr ownership, and much more.

Fun facts:

Did you know that Victoria Secret and Boux Avenue have special lighting in the changing room to give you a day or night mood when your changing into your underwear??

Know about ‘Bloglovin’ ?? It is a site where you collect all your favourite blogs and then follow them from one site – saves surfing miles and curtails opportunity for distraction!!!