Ask A Denver Expert: Tips On Finding Deals Shopping Online

The Daily Meal Staff|Aug. 19, 2014 7:00 am EST

Shop (credit: keriblair.com)

One of the easiest ways to save money when supplementing your wardrobe is by shopping online. Not only can you shop on your own schedule, but you can also find several steals that you'd spend hours looking for in stores. Whether you're new to online shopping or you are a pro who is always looking for new tricks, Kimberly Ade, Image Consultant for The Style Studio by Keri Blair, offers you some great advice for finding killer steals online.

Kimberly Ade
The Style Studio by Keri Blair
300 Josephine St., Suite 260
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 575-1606
www.keriblair.com

A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, Kimberly Ade spent 10 years as a professional stylist working with high profile clientele and various publications. She is now an Image Consultant and loves helping clients look and feel their best. The Style Studio by Keri Blair works with clients of all types from those who are embarking on new careers to those who simply want to make a change. Ade helps clients connect to their new style and find their confidence through style.

Sign Up For The Flash Sale Sites

Like in-person sample sales, flash sale websites offer discounts on merchandise; and many of these sites offer discounts on designer brands. Ade shares some of the best flash sale sites and other sites at which to shop. "[We shop at] Gilt, RueLaLa, Zulily, Bluefly, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Off Fifth and The Outnet. They all have great deals on high-end, high-quality products." Other options include Hautelook, which is a Nordstrom company, and Ideeli. Sign up for daily alerts and be the first to find the best deals.

Clip Coupons

Before the Internet, it was time consuming to scour the newspaper and other circulars for coupons; but now they are available with the click of the mouse. Ade states, "We would recommend visiting coupon websites such as Retail Me Not." These sites and others like Deals Plus and Shop at Home allow users to search thousands of coupons from many different retailers. Before perusing the websites of your favorite stores, hop over to these sites and find coupon codes and discounts.

Watch Out For Knockoffs

Outlet stores are perfect for finding discount designer items but people often look at auction sites to find these deals as well. While the deals can be good, some of these sites also put you at risk for being ripped off. Ade recommends carefully examining an item before you buy it. "If the price seems too good to be true, then it is and is most likely a fake. Knock-off designer items are usually a lot cheaper than authentic ones." If you've bought an item only to receive one that looks completely fake, Ade advises taking it to a store that sells similar items and having it checked out.

Used Merchandise Can Save You Money

Much like consignment shops, there are several places online at which you can find gently used brand name items. Sites like Shop Hers and phone apps like Poshmark allow users to sell their own items. However, you still need to shop with caution. Ade offers some more tips about how to spot phony merchandise. "Study the identifying brand tags and logos and see if the so-called 'authentic' designer item has those same markings. If they look a little off, it's probably a replica."

Check The Return Policy

One drawback to shopping online is that you can't try before you buy. Most of the sites mentioned above have generous return policies (items purchased through Hautelook.com can be returned in person to Nordstrom Rack stores). However, you need to make sure to read the return policy before clicking "Buy." That way, if you find something that doesn't fit, doesn't suit your style or you do end up with defective merchandise, you can send it back for a full refund.

Alaina Brandenburger is a freelance writer living in Denver. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.