Online Shopping

With the snow storm coming yet again, the best way to stay warm and sane, is to shop online (especially for people without cars!). It is to my opinion the best invention since the creation of the mall. In fact, in some ways it is even better, because they have more stock, everything looks neater, they have more variety, they sometimes have better bargains and they deliver to your doorstep!

But being the intelligent shopper that I am I don't just buy from any old website I see on the net. Here are a few rules that I live by:

1. Always buy from the official website of the brand you are looking for if its available. It may be more expensive, but it is also much more reliable.
2. If such is unavailable, buy from a well-known and reputable online store. They also have very good return policies in case they don't appear as they do online, wrong size, damaged or you just don't want them.
3. Always keep the boxes and all the sheets of paper (smart label) it comes with until at least a month after purchase, for easy return.
4. Never pay for shipping. This is AMERICA, you should always get free or even upgraded shipping. Give them a call if you don't.

I know, this is probably all common sense and old news for fellow intelligent shoppers out there, but it never hurts to reiterate. Here are a few of my favourite online stores:

• Urban Outfitters (of course!)
• Girl Shop (some of the cutest and most fashionable clothes out there)
• Amazon (for a healthy dose of chick lits)
• Intuition (for LA-style and celebrity buys)

Happy Shopping Everyone!

ps. Today is Bush's inaugural day, wear black and refrain from shopping in protest!