Needless to say, summer is fast approaching, and for many of us, that means saying goodbye to New York City and all its shopping. Which is lucky for our wallets, but unlucky for our closets.
So, the quickest way to satiate your fashion palette: online shopping. Of course, we all know the shopbops and blueflys of online shopping, but I wanted to share a couple of my newly found and newly favorite sites. They also, for the most part, are more reasonably priced than more well-known, super-designer sites.
The first is actually an online extension of a SoHo boutique—www.pixiemarket.com (the physical boutique is located on 100 Stanton St b/t Orchard and Ludlow Sts.
Their style is a little feminine, a little rocker but definitely all unique New York. Take, for example, the Ida Sjostedt’s Lace Ruffle Top ($288) and Horace’s Black Loose Knit Sweater ($139), both pictured below. Most designers on the site are foreign up-and-comers. Hop on the bandwagon now before it’s actually a bandwagon.
PixieMarket.com
And for once, the online shopping experience is far better than the in-store one. In Pixie Market’s tiny SoHo space, the often-textured and draped pieces are all squished together onto insufficient racks. The in-store selection also seems to be on the whole darker and less “pretty.” Meanwhile, PixieMarket.com has something to intrigue everyone, and uber-organized site makes for an easygoing shopping experience.
Second on my list is www.asos.com. Although this site features higher end favorites like Reiss and other well-knowns like French Connection, I find that the best finds are from the site’s namesake brand ASOS. It’s especially great for work-chic (summer internship anyone) pieces at extremely reasonable prices, like the ASOS Cross Hatch Linen Dress ($54.11).
ASOS.com
The only downside is that it’s a UK site, which means UK sizing. Unless you happen to shop often in jolly old London, it can be a bit tricky. They have fairly helpful sizing charts, but be prepared for your self-esteem to take a numbers blow—a UK 6 equates to a teeny US size 2.
Since the site is based in the UK, you would also think that shipping fees would be bloody brutal. Fortunately, the ASOS offers a $6 flat rate—i.e. cheaper than most shipping fees from Brooklyn to Manhattan.
Allison Malecha
Features Director
