The thrills and chills of online shopping
Ever since enrolling at MU, I have been a big online shopping enthusiast. Without a car, and a limited selection at the Columbia mall, I have been virtually separated from my favorite stores. While I still cannot shop some places — why, oh why doesn’t H&M have an online store? — I’ve made myself very comfortable in cyber stores. Although there are some drawbacks to this method of shopping, it has its advantages too. The key to online purchases is to know and understand the products.
Proceed with caution
There are a few items I avoid buying online, and I advise you to do the same. Hats, in my opinion, are always a risk. When buying online, you have no opportunity to try on an item. For some reason, hats have the ability to do strange things to your face, perhaps making your nose appear longer or your forehead to appear larger. Sunglasses might also have this effect. Also, avoid buying makeup online. Worst-case scenario: you break out. Even if you don’t develop an allergy, it’s difficult to see what each color will look like on your skin. You may have difficulties with other purchases as well, so avoid styles you’ve never tried on, and be aware of your problem areas.
Ignorance is not bliss
Be careful when you buy from a store you’ve never purchased anything from before. Even if you’ve shopped there before, pay attention to brands. Stores such as Urban Outfitters carry multiple manufacturers. Before buying, read the reviews in order to make a decision and determine the right size. Also, make sure to look at the fabric content and care instructions. Is that $10 shirt worth the money you will spend in dry-cleaning? Probably not. When in doubt, note the return policy.
