Over these last few years, e-shopping has become hugely popular... it seems now we no longer feel the need to go
literally shopping, when we can get that same andrenaline rush virtually. Who hasn't put off work or studying to sneak a peek on the Asos website, only to go on a huge shopping spree without even getting up off the sofa?!
So, what does this actually mean for the future of shopping? Are actual shops losing a huge percentage of their trade to online sites, where less staff are employed and there are lower costs all round e.g. no electricity, shop fittings, maintenance. And what does this mean for the ever-increasing shopping savvy customer?
I, for one, think that whilst internet shopping will continue to grow in bounds and leaps, the role of the shop is still going to be a huge asset to our economy. I love the escapism of shopping, when the shops don't have that horribly hectic atmosphere but you can quite calmly view the different collections at your leisure. For me, I love to feel the textures and different fabrics of clothes I like - part of the fun is the trying on process, especially when you try on clothes you know you'll never be able to afford - it's all part of the 'dress up'. Even if you're feeling particularly down, a good shop is always hugely beneficial to your spirits, especially when punctuated with lovely coffee and cake breaks where you can sit and ponder all the items you're lusting after. I try and plan at least one of these truly self-indulgent days at least once every two months (obviously depending on the funds!) but it's something I always look forward to and I don't think that high from clicking 'Add to basket' will ever be able to overtake that, however nice it is to wake up in the morning with a nice fat parcel from net-a-porter!!
While we're on the subject of e-shopping, these are a few of either my coveted pieces that I got while surfing the old interweb...
These are Lipsy highwaisted shorts which I got from the sale at Asos for fifteen quid. They were an unusual find, seeing as I'm averse to Lipsy usually - just think that most of their items are tacky and sold at ridiculously extortionate prices but these shorts are cute and I wear them with tights and high ankle boots.
My beautiful Helene Berman coat which I got again, on sale, from Asos which is now becoming my second favourite website (after google). It's faux fur collar gives it a vintage ladylike feel and it looks gorgeous with a hat, wooly tights and t-bar shoes. However, the faux fur collar has been molting slightly - that's one of the problems about buying online. It can sometimes make you incredibly lazy when deciding on what to buy and you can never really get a true feel for the quality of the item. Either way, I'm obviously addicted!
