Online Shopping Guide

I've been shopping online since we got the internet.  My love for shopping overpowered the fear of internet trolls and identify thieves.  Good thing!  I have amassed quick the bookmark collection and email list and I thought it was time to share with you.  Of course this isn't even half of them, but hopefully you'll find a few new obsessions!


Trend
lulus.com
karmaloop.com
shopnastygal.com
pinkclouds.com
oaknyc.com
asos.com
us.allsaints.com
shopspanishmoss.com
mikkatmarket.com
zalando.de
needsupply.com
revolveclothing.com
thievesboutique.com
romwe.com
80spurple.com
idontlikemondays.us
modcloth.com
zara.com
cusp.com

Discounters
lastcall.com

yoox.com

renttherunway.com

outnet.com

Sample Sale
ideeli.com
gilt.com
ruelala.com
myhabit.com

Department Stores
macys.com
barneys.com
nordstrom.com
saks.com
neimanmarcus.com
henribendel.com
bergdorfgoodman.com

Luxury
couturelab.com
vivre.com
ssense.com
net-a-porter.com
luisaviaroma.com
kirnazabete.com
farfetch.com
luxirare.com
shopbop.com
herviabazaar.com

Jewelry
boticca.com
maxandchloe.com
catbirdnyc.com
stkildajewelry.com
ippolita.com
davidyurman.com
baublebar.com
shoplemode.com
tandjdesign.com
aracano.com

Shoes
endless.com
6pm.com
zappos.com
dsw.com
gojane.com
solestruck.com
piperlime.com

Specialty or Gift
moxsie.com
fredflare.com
spoonsisters.com
rablabs.com
patriciafield.com

Beauty
sephora.com
rickysnyc.com
manorhallsoap.com
smallflower.com
loccitane.com
sallybeauty.com
kiehls.com
maccosmetics.com
ulta.com
dermalogica.com
us.lizearle.com
makeupforeverusa.com
birchbox.com

Food
foodzie.com
479popcorn.com
rubysnap.com
vosgeschocolate.com
mariebelle.com
deandeluca.com
earthy.com
harryandavid.com
igourmet.com
mastbrothers.com

General
etsy.com
ebay.com
amazon.com

If you have suggestions, please leave them in the comment and I'll add once I make a separate page with the final shopping guide!

Bloggers & Budgets

I follow a ton of blogs.  I don't know how many exactly, but it's a lot.  I would say 200+ minimum.  I notice trends that go in and out, but one that never seems to go away is designer duds.  Chanel handbags, DVF dresses, Louboutin heels, Birkin bags.  They're everywhere.  I have to ask myself: how do these girls (and guys) afford all of these luxuries?

Chanel Ad featuring Lily Allen

Granted, some bloggers are professional and make a pretty sweet salary.  Some bloggers are blessed with a trust fund or family wealth.  Some are lawyers, doctors, etc. and make good money.  Some just married into money.  So what about the rest of us?

YSL Ad

How can the average blogger afford $350 rings, $800 heels, and $1000+ handbags in excess?  Is it all charged?  It is on loan?  This is a rarely discussed issue that I am very curious about, because I would love to know the secret.  There are a few rare bloggers that have admitted to having credit card debt due to shopping, but most don't mention anything about their spending habits.

Jimmy Choo Ad

Is their lifestyle just a facade?  Is it too taboo or embarrassing to discuss?  I, for one, want to put my spending budget out there.  I get paid bi-weekly.  One paycheck basically goes to bills, groceries, utilities, and rent.  The other paycheck is basically for whatever.  I could spend that entire paycheck on things I would love: Rick Owens leather jacket, Celine mini-luggage, a fur coat.  However, I am saving for a wedding.  I have major student loan debt.  And mostly, I want to save and plan for my future.

Lanvin Ad

At some point, I will be a wife and hopefully a mother.  I want my future kiddies to be taken care of and not have them see their parents stress over money.  Now, I get that this is a lifestyle choice and not everyone will go down this road.  My concern is that there is no safety net for these people spending their entire paychecks.  What if they become hospitalized and get behind on payments?  I'm sad to say, but that YSL artsy ring will not pay your phone bill.

Gucci Ad

I guess my overall concern is that in the blogging world, spending and shopping are considered a norm.  Everyone likes to show "What's New" or "New In" or even their hauls on Youtube.  (Granted I have done this, please note that I rarely buy things full price.  I usually only shop at discount stores.)  There is a very strong "Keeping up with the Jones" vibe within blogging and it's a constant rat race to see who can amass the best stash.  Considering the current economic environment, I just wonder how sustainable the shop shop shop lifestyle really is.  They may be able to pay for the merchandise, but can they afford the lifestyle?

What are your thoughts? I'm sincerely very curious about how people maintain this lifestyle.