Spring Shopping 2015 - Poshmark, Outnet, Blue & Cream, Forward

Shopping is something I thought I knew everything about. It's my sport, my hobby, my past time and my dream. It goes without saying, in todays' world that I do it almost exclusively online.

So, being a shopping guru meant that I thought that I had seen it all. Until recently. This summer I bounced around a few new sites and struck GOLD with a few. Let me share, with a warning that this information is not for the weak. The sites below offer some serious hardware for true soldiers of fashion and could potentially break your bank.


Forward by Elise Walker: This is a no joke, high end retailer for both women and men. Shop online here and enjoy free 2-day shipping and returns. They take you away from the tedium of shopping on foot and into the comfort of your laptop by setting the traditional brick-and-mortar boutique into a singular online shopping experience. FWRD transcends traditional e-commerce with its combination of first-class customer service and elusive roster of designers and the latest emerging talents, all of style's leading names are here, shot in ever-evolving and striking editorial imagery.

I found the site easy to navigate with a wide selection of quality names. I bought a brand I otherwise would never have known, Cushnie Et Ochs. A fabulous white dress with corset detail, hot.


Blue and Cream: a Hamptons based multi-label Mens & Womens retail clothing store. Since opening it's first retail door in Spring 2004, B&C has built a devoted customer base and garnered massive media attention for it's unique product mix, shopping experience, and celebrity clientele.

B&C is the brainchild of entertainment marketer Jeffrey Goldstein who defined the B&C lifestyle by appealing to the Hamptonite's Jet-set existence. Jeffrey has captured a niche in the highly competitive retail market, and expanded to transcend the online market. They also offer to both women and men.
 
Although there was much to wish for at Blue and Cream, I selected a super-special pair of Pierre Balmain Moto Jeans.
I couldn't be happier!




The Outnet : This was a SCORE by fashion standards. After buying the pricey Balmain jeans (above) I tried a web search for "balmain" and "outlet store" trying to find a cheaper source for similar items. That search led me straight to the Outnet. What luck. Shopping here would be fun!

Described as the most fashionable fashion outlet Since its launch in April 2009 by The NET-A-PORTER Group Ltd, The Outnet.com has established itself as the go-to destination for
the global style-conscious shopper. With new arrivals every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, shopping at The Outnet is guaranteed to take your style to the next level! 

At the Outnet I found one of my favorite designers, Issa London (known as one of Princess Kate's faves). I narrowed down my choice to a flirty fit-and-flare dress which retailed for $695 for a mere $278. wow.

Poshmark: I stumbled onto Poshmark as the result of a web search for a photo of a shoe that I already owned. The classic, red patent leather, Gucci Sophia with an original sticker of $650. I just needed a photo, really. When I clicked to it I was brought to a new pair of the same for the sale price of $385, offers accepted...hmmm

So let me get this straight. 
It was like eBay, but not. These were high end items in someones closet, just looking for a new home. I browsed my seller's other items and found a pair of new, black Dior mules, also listed at $385. I registered as instructed, and made a fair offer of $300 for each pair.


At this point Poshmark holds your offer until accepted. My bids were taken and I scored with over $1300 worth of new shoes for only $600. The items are shipped to you for your approval. Once you give it Poshmark sends the payment to the seller, offering you total protection.

Poshmark works around a theory that you have shopping mates, others who share your particular styles and tastes in fashion. They describe it this way,

Ever wish you had a style-mate and could shop her closet? Now you can. Poshmark connects you to people whose style you adore, allowing you to shop their closets, anytime you’d like.

Have items in your closet that you love, but just don’t wear anymore? List it for sale on Poshmark in less than 60 seconds. Sell what you have in your closet so you can shop for what you really love today.

With Poshmark, you’ll fall in love with your closet…again.