From mainstream favourites ASOS and Topshop to my new favourite website RockettStGeorge everything you could ever want is literally underneath your fingertips. I am a product of consumerism to the highest degree, but I'm ok with it. I love those unique things to be found when you aren't even looking. Although it is a little frustrating when you only meant to google something for an essay and you ended up spending an hour analysing the virtual merits of various handbags, most of which are too expensive *sigh*.
The internet is a perfect, free outlet for creativity. The retail industry favours chains and mass production leaving out the opportunity to be unique and everyone ends up wearing the same topshop dress. Take Rocket St George as an example of individuality as they sell products I had never considered before, a glass bowl designed to look like a standing up sandwich bag to name but one genius kitchen accessory. I kid you not, it is possibly the coolest bowl I've ever seen. I'm inspired by the ingenuity of these kinds of things, that will make you smile smugly every time someone asks "ooh where did you get that".
We all know the pessimistic problems with online shopping "you don't get to try it on first" or "you don't realise how much you spend" blah blah blah... Let me put it this way: if it doesn't fit? send it back, and get real, you know exactly how much you've spent. When you can buy things whilst in your pyjamas at 11 o clock at night, I think that's pretty great.
I will concede its not preferable to spend our every waking second browsing the internet, we all need to get out and be sociable. I am not encouraging everyone to become a Howard Hughes recluse. It is an added bonus of the modern world that we have the option of easy peasy shopping. You can scour the stock as many times as you like and always come back for more. Even better that it doesn't matter what your self-esteem level is at whilst you shop. Online there is no pressure from a judgemental shop assistant or pretentious minimalistic shop design "sorry I came here looking for a coat but you appear to have hidden the clothes from me in order to look tidy/modern/intimidating".
Style-note emails are a phenomenon about which I am undecided. I have been inspired to try out something new prompted by the input to my inbox from ASOS and Net-A-Porter. However I can't escape the feeling of being subject to extreme, unapologetic product placement. As if my free-will is being stripped from me and it would be rude not to at least look at the outfit being advertised as I sift through my emails.
Mission Accomplished. The online shops have hooked me in and now I'm in I can't stop.
I will continue to shop in real shops, with my friends who can offer me their opinion on how I look in something before I buy it. I will also continue to cheer myself up and/or procrastinate with a spot of internet shopping, looking for something new to make me smile.
Some of my favourite websites
Rockett St George - especially the wall stickers
Totally Funky - I love the bags on here
Not on the High Street - brilliant for present buying
Please please please let me know of any little gems of websites that you like, and what do you think about my favourites?
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