My Favourite Stores For Online Shopping

By Marie Kelly
01st Apr 2017

In terms of online retailers without any physical store space, finerylondon.com is one of my favourites. When online shopping, women worry most that the quality of the garment they buy will turn out to be sub-standard. Have no fear with regard to Finery. The quality of the fabrics and the finish is superb. I’ve bought several pieces and each item has washed beautifully, even the T-shirts, which I would highly recommend. I’ve yet to find a T-shirt elsewhere that fits and washes as well as those at Finery. Plus your package will arrive beautifully boxed and carefully wrapped in tissue paper. The entire Finery experience feels luxury, but at high street prices.

Wrap T-shirt A-line dress, €75 at finerylondon.com

I’m not a regular Hobbs customer, but I’ve picked up a few gems over the years, both from the mainline collection and from its NW3 diffusion line, which unfortunately was discontinued in 2015. It’s a great brand for occasional high-quality essentials, such as blazers and sweaters. My last online purchase from Hobbs was a pair of brogues. They arrived two days ahead of time (very impressive), were beautifully packaged and they’ve proved to be one of the most comfortable pairs of flats I own. Also, the sizing was perfect.

Sadie sweater, €57 (reduced from €95) at hobbs.co.uk

I frequently buy from Zara online, firstly because anytime I make it into a store the queues for the changing room are so long they make me want to walk back out again, and secondly because I know the fit there and which sizes suit me. Delivery is prompt, and the brand uses recycled packaging, which is a nice (if slightly ironic) touch for a purveyor of fast fashion. I love these loosely tailored khaki trousers. They’re perfect for spring or autumn.