Rules For Successful Online Shopping

Shopping online is my favorite way to shop....well...most of the time.  I love to know that I have the ability to look at items from every store in the mall and many more, without having to spend the time to get dressed up, gas up the car, and walk around looking at items.  I can get out of bed,  get into my comfortable bathrobe, grab a cup of coffee, and sit in front of my computer screen. I can shop away, all while relaxing in my favorite chair, with my favorite TV shows, and Mr. Bean (my cat) in my lap.  This is the life!

However, there are some keys to keep your online shopping experience a good one. The one thing that can set your online shopping dreams on fire, is when the items you ordered are nothing like what you thought they would be.  The items don't fit, the colors are off, the blankets aren't fuzzy enough...Whatever the case may be, this list can help you keep your online shopping experiences on the up and up.

READ THE 'FIT' NOTES

Most websites have an area that explains how their garments are going to fit.  They will typically give you measurements for the models height and size, so you can compare how the garment will fit on your body shape.  This will you'll be able to check for things like neckline, hemline, wasitline...The fit notes typically also tell you if the garment is loose or tight so you know if you need to size it up or down.

BUY MORE THAN ONE SIZE

If you really want to be safe, buy more than one size of the same item. Most sites offer free shipping and returns, so if they do, you will be able to get your money back on the returned item, and you won't have to wait another week to get the items you were really after.

AVOID GARMENTS WITH SEAMS THAT FALL DIRECTLY UNDER YOUR CHEST

Garments that have curving or diagonal seams under the chest are probably going to hit you across the chest, rather than under it.  Avoid these unless you can try them on. (Some items are just not meant to be ordered).

SUNGLASSES

This can be tough. Because without really trying on a pair of glasses, you really have to know what looks good on you before you start shopping online.  Typically, rounder faces look good with angular frames, and angular faces look better with rounder frames.  Lots of sunglass sites allow you to sort frames based on face shape or frame shape, so you can really find the pair that you'll enjoy.

LOOK FOR STRETCHY OR ADJUSTABLE ITEMS

Knit tops are more flexible than woven tops.  sandals are easier to fit than pumps. Dresses with adjustable straps fit more people better than dresses without.

DON'T SIZE UP

Unless you're me, you probably won't wear something if it looks sloppy and too big. Even if you are layering, the experts say the layers aren't typically made '"thick," so you'll probably have more room than you think you will.

SHOPPING FOR DRESSES

Dresses that follow the natural shape of your body are going to typically fit better, and require fewer adjustments.  If you've got lots of curves, you should look for dresses that have built in waists.  Other shapes can work, but these are best saved for the times you can try them on, rather than ordering online. There is a time and a place for getting out of the house, and into the mall.

TAILORING IS IMPORTANT

Most people think tailoring is a thing of the past.  Have you ever seen that woman that always looks so good in her clothes, no matter what she's doing or where she is? She's being tailored.  Tailors can really help get the fit of things just right, and can be fairly inexpensive.

For the original article and more details, go to:

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/fashion/rules-for-online-shopping?click=main_sr