Finding an online shopping destination to suit your fashion needs is no easy task, but we've found a handful for you to browse through. As most of the sites are based overseas, you'll need to use a currency converter to work out exactly how much those fabulous wedges or that gorgeous dress will set you back.
MODCLOTH (
http://www.modcloth.com)
Indie and vintage fashion is taking over the rails of every major retailer at the moment. Since you don't want to bump into someone wearing exactly the same outfit as you around every corner, US-based ModCloth offers the trendy COSMO girl equally-stylish alternatives, including a wide range of vintage-styled tops, skirt dresses, oversized blazers and shoes. Expect to pay about R220 for ballet flats, R300 for a skirt and anywhere between R300 and R1000 for a dress.
Bonus Feature: ModCloth offers their customers a chance to vote and comment on the newest options via their 'Be The Buyer' icon. The clothes with the most votes make it into the online shop.
WITCHERY (
http://www.witchery.com.au)
This Australian online boutique is for the more sophisticated COSMO girl. Think simple, stylish tees, sequinned waistcoats and batwing dresses. While some of the shop's items, like jackets and shoes, may be a bit pricey, accessories and tops are surprisingly affordable. Elegant fringe scarves retail for about R130, cardigans for R650 and jeggings for R390.
Bonus Feature: Witchery has an extensive sale section, where you're bound to find a few bargain buys.
BIRDMOTEL (
http://www.birdmotel.com.au)
Whether you prefer vintage style or trendy glam, Birdmotel has managed to find the perfect balance between both fashion genres. Find great rock 'n' roll tees, funky bodysuits and cute minis. Beware, however; unless an item is on sale, you're likely to splash out a minimum of R515 for a skirt or a dress and R1 067 for a trench coat.
Bonus Feature: Check out the site's interactive 'Shopalog' before you start browsing. It might narrow down your search.
FOREVER21 (
http://www.forever21.com)
Think of this site as an international, online version of Mr Price. Prices are reasonable to say the least: you'll pay just over R200 for a blazer and, in a few cases, no more than R100 for a super stylish dress. While the prices are definitely below average for such fashionable pieces, the shipping fees cost more than some of the clothes do. However, if you spend over $100 (R782), there is a flat rate of $35 (R274) to ship internationally.
Bonus Feature: Forever21 also stocks chic gym wear at low prices, including v-neck tees for around R37 and sports bras for approximately R53.
ASOS (
http://www.asos.com)
Asos is the Dubai of online shopping. You name the style and they've got it. You'll be confronted by pages and pages of leggings, tees, jumpsuits, skirts and jackets, not to mention shoes and accessories too. Each section is divided into handy search-related subsections, so you can search for a pair of jeans or a coat, for example, by style, size, colour, price, brand or celebrity influence. Be prepared to pay about R350 for a pair of skinnies, R245 for leggings and R290 for a jersey dress.
Bonus Feature: Not only do you get a 360-degree view of every item you click on, you can watch a video clip of it being modelled on the catwalk.
REVOLVECLOTHING (
http://www.revolveclothing.com)
This site is for you if you're interested in big-name fashion. Whether you like the idea of celebrity designers, (check out our article on celebrity fashion lines) or would rather be toting the latest Diane von Furstenberg wedges, you'll be able to find it on Revolve Clothing. Obviously, prices vary depending on which designer you choose. Make sure to click on ZAR to view the prices in Rand before you start browsing.
Bonus Feature: Click on the 'Trend' section and find out what's hot, how you can wear it, as well as where you can find the style (and buy it) on the site.
NET-A-PORTER (
http://www.net-a-porter.com)
Arguably the better known online shopping destination, Net-a-Porter.com is similar to RevolveClothing.com in the sense that you can only buy from designer labels. Think Chloé, Versace, Zac Posen and Marc Jacobs. Simply by referring to those four names as examples, you can only imagine the prices. Don't go near this site if you're on a tight budget or trying to save.
Bonus Feature: Are you only looking for denim? A wedding dress? Or perhaps you're concentrating on work wear? Well, for those of you who dare to browse through skirts that cost over R65 000, this site does offer a 'Boutique' section to suit your specific needs.
ONLINE SHOPPING TIPS
1. Before you get your heart set on an item, make sure to check whether the site offers international delivery, how much it will cost to ship your purchase and how long it takes before you get the product in your hands.
2. Aside from shipping fees you may have to pay a separate import duty as well.
3. Beware risky sites. If you come across a site that doesn't look trustworthy, go with your gut. You don't want to hand over your credit card details to just anyone. Rather stick to well-known sites. And just to be sure, read the site's privacy policy to ease your mind.
4. PayPal is finally available in South Africa! So, to avoid handing over your credit card details entirely, opt for the safer choice and use this service. You can buy items online without handing over your banking information at all. Visit PayPal for more information, as well as to find out which online shops work with this service.