By SUZY TURNER suzy.turner@algarveresident.com
Suzy Turner has lived in Portugal for 22 years and works as a freelance writer. As well as putting pen to paper for the Algarve Resident’s beauty section, she also contributes to the parenting and fashion columns and is also the Features Editor.
Knowing your way around the internet can be one of the best things you’ll ever do, if you’re after a real bargain or something a bit different. These days, most websites give us local residents the opportunity to purchase from them, regardless of whereabouts they are. Most will post anywhere in the world… for a price, of course.
If you’re a little fed up with shopping in the Algarve, and want to wear something that you’re unlikely to see on anyone else in the region, then online is where you should head. Here are some exciting websites that will leave you drooling… and panting for more!
Seen something on the catwalks last season that you wished you could afford? A recently launched outlet website by the award winning Net -a-Porter team, offers designer goods that are discounted by as much as 80 per cent. With a wide variety of clothes and accessories to choose from, theoutnet is a designer-lovers paradise. Find items by the likes of Chloe, Marni, Anna Sui, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, Fendi, Stella McCartney, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin and Alberta Ferretti. New items are uploaded Tuesdays and Thursdays, but you have to be quick to snap up those real gems. Two other websites also offering discounted designer gear is www.catwalktocloset.com and www.koodos.com.
A fabulous site for anyone who wants to wear what the stars are wearing (As Seen On Screen), asos is a treasure trove for fashionistas everywhere. If you see something in a magazine on the likes of Sienna Miller, for example, chances are that asos will have what you want. Although the prices are affordable, they also frequently have sales on, where you can get your hands on some even greater bargains.
www.thealgarvewalkinwardrobe.blogspot.com / www.bigwardrobe.com
If you’re desperate for some ‘new’ clothes but simply cannot afford a shopping spree, then why not swap them? Following the success of its first event in February, The Algarve Walk In Wardrobe is organising its second swishing event on May 23 near Portimão. More details are available from the blog (above) or by calling Karen on 916277733. However if you’re looking for even more choice, check out Big Wardrobe, based in the UK, where people can swap items online from swappers in over 70 countries worldwide. There, you’re bound to find something you like!
I’ve just discovered this site myself and couldn’t believe the low prices! With a huge selection of clothes in the current trends, including ‘80s Retro’, ‘50s Hollywood Chic’ and ‘Glamazonia’, boohoo is a great site, particularly for young trend followers (as opposed to trend setters).
A favourite site of mine, not just for clothes but for just about anything. Some of my favourite clothes were found on Ebay and they were all serious bargains! You can easily specify exactly what it is you’re looking for, and chances are that you’ll find it, whether it’s a vintage 20s flapper dress or the latest designer handbag.
