Shopping Blog - Pocket Change from Become.com » fashion

Guide to Shopping Globally Online

Linda — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:00:58 +0000

The wonderful thing about the worldwide web is that suddenly we have access to stores all over the world. BUT how many of us actually ever shop online outside of our home territory? The answer is not many; less than 1% in fact. What a shame that is. There are so many incredible products out there. In fashion, global shopping is the perfect way to ensure your look is totally unique, after all, who else at the next office party is going to be wearing shoes from Spain, designer jeans from the US, lingerie from France, and silver jewelry from the UK?

The most popular reasons people give for not shopping on foreign websites are:

Language – Clearly if you can’t read the site, you aren’t going to shop.
Currency – If the store is not in your own currency it is hard to tell what you are spending.
Security – Many people are concerned about the security of their card details on foreign sites.
Shipping costs – Many sites either do not offer overseas shipping or charge a huge amount for it.
Import duties – Many people fear that their orders will be taxed on arrival into their home country. BUT in fact the US duty free allowance is $800, so you shouldn’t get billed any extra costs unless you have really gone crazy.
Shipping times – Many people are concerned that their order will take weeks or even months to arrive and they will have no comeback.

These are all fair concerns, but if you shop around, there are some fantastic British sites offering unique and unusual jewelry and fashion accessories you should consider. They are obviously in English, and with the weak British pound, they are also now also great value for money.

If you do decide to try shopping online in the UK, these are the things you need to look out for:

Currency – Look for sites which offer the option of switching prices to US dollars. These will be guides only; as your bank will make the final conversion; but the reality is usually slightly better than the guides.
Security – Make sure you only shop on sites offering secure, encrypted credit card processing with a reputable provider like Worldpay.com.
Shipping times & costs – Look out for sites offering fast order processing and good value delivery. At Corazon Latino, we ship silver jewelry to the US from $6.50, and 90% of our orders arrive in less than 2 weeks.

November is the perfect time to get your orders in for the holidays. There is still time to ship from the UK and by buying overseas, you have a chance to give your loved ones something really different.

Fascinating Fact: The first ever online purchase was a CD in the US in August 1994. Over $800m is spent per day in the run up to the Holiday season.

If you are located in the UK and wish to get the best deals from UK merchants, checkout Become.co.uk for more info.

Guest Blogger: Cathy (CorazonLatino.com)

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Fox Racing Sweatshirt for Men

John — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:39:06 +0000

The brands you wear indicate your interests, personality, and essentially your lifestyle. Clothing is more than just fabric; it depicts meaning through design, colors, and various other aesthetic elements. Personally, I prefer clothing with no logos or designs. Solid color shirts are definitely my prime choice for t-shirts. Others, however, enjoy clothing that is very logo-driven with neat artwork, which is fine too. If you’re into action sports and happen to enjoy visually stimulating designs, Fox Racing is definitely the brand for you. With use of a fox head outline as the logo, their clothing offers extravagant designs that complement the action sport lifestyle it associates with. With the fall/winter season coming up, Fox Racing sweatshirts are sure to be in demand!

The Fox Overload sweatshirt truly lives up to its name with oversized graphics that cover parts of the back, front and sleeve of the sweatshirt. It features a lightning bolt design across the chest, back and left-sleeve, and dots on the opposite sleeve. It is constructed of 80% cotton and 20% polyester. Its neutral colorway makes it great to wear with any other colors from your closet and is the perfect item for teens and young adults.

Whether you are doing some back-to-school shopping or just need new, trendy clothes, this Fox Racing sweatshirt is a great piece. It will definitely turn heads and is sure to be a practical article of clothing that is durable enough to last through the upcoming fall/winter weather.

-John

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Our Editor’s Pick You!

Linda — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:00:48 +0000

Here at Become, we look at product feeds day in, day out. It’s no wonder that we’ve grown attached to a few oddball products out there!

We are proud to present the release of our new serial: Become Editor’s Picks. Our Editor’s Picks page reflects a long vetting process by which we pick and choose the best of the best products in Fashion, Electrionics, and Eco-Friendly categories! Each month our product specialists turn editors review and publish a list of top 5 products in their respective areas of expertise. Don’t you want to know what people who look at products all day have to say?

Come meet the editors:

Justine: Always a big city girl at heart, Justine combines her love of fashion and money saving saavy to create an engaging picks list.

Will: Always at the forefront of internet and tech news, Will shares his favorite tech gadgets and writes detailed electronics reviews to keep you informed. He also doesn’t shy away from a great web comic or satirical articles (read: The Onion)

Linda: A crusader for the green revolution, Linda believes that the best way to be green is to reduce waste and to support budding eco techonologies. You can find her scavenging at a local thrift store, sharing eco-friendly tips with friends or saving the world. General everyday stuff, ya know?

Come check us out!

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Board Shorts for the Beach

John — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:51:39 +0000

Board shorts are a great article of clothing when you’re out in the beach surfing, skimboarding, swimming, or just lounging in the sand. They’re known for being lightweight and breathable, so when you’re out in water it does not feel like your shorts are weighing you down. Best of all, most, if not all, board shorts dry very quickly. This is an awesome feature to have when you’re transitioning from the water to land and want to get yourself dry as soon as possible. I own 2 pairs of Billabong board shorts and they’re so comfortable that I find myself lounging around the house wearing them.

The Volcom Henry 4th Mod board short has a very unique design and just screams attention, so if you’re out there riding those huge waves, you’re sure to be the center of attention at the beach. This men’s board short is made of 100% recycled polyester fabric, so you’ll be glad to know that you’re doing your part to go green and save the environment.

There’s also women’s board shorts that would look great on all female beach enthusiasts. The Aquatica women’s board short is constructed of 100% polyester, includes a dual button front, and a back pocket. It provides great comfort and freedom of movement while you’re out in the water showing the guys how it’s done.

If you’re still wearing gym shorts to the beach, consider adding board shorts to your closet. They’re extremely comfortable, lightweight, and actually constructed for the beach and water.

-John

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Alfred Dunner Blouses for the Summer

John — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:00:34 +0000

Summer is here and it’s time to pull out your best outfit for the beach and those family vacations. If you’re a woman and want a blouse that is comfortable, stylish, and appropriate for the season, consider adding Alfred Dunner blouses to your closet. Alfred Dunner has been established for 50 years and has always provided women with high quality, yet moderately priced, clothing. One piece that may be of interest is the America the Beautiful blouse which features a floral design in a red, white, and blue colorway; very appropriate for going out and watching fireworks this upcoming July 4th.

Another nice blouse is their Classics Tropical blouse, which features an all-over floral print in warm tropical colors. It’s 100% polyester, machine washable, and has a petite fit. The perfect top during the spring or summer season for those casual outings.

Whether your main concern is price, comfort, or style, you really can’t go wrong with an Alfred Dunner blouse. They’ve been designing apparel for women for many years and have a formula that works just right for current and prospective customers.

-John

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Keeping In Style With John Varvatos Clothing

Takeshi — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:00:44 +0000

If you’re looking for hip, vintage style, it’s hard to go wrong with anything from John Varvatos’ line of clothing. John Varvatos clothing is known for its weathered and old-school style, and they’re the perfect choice for anyone going for a retro or rocker type of look.

When it comes to John Varvatos clothing, the one item that’s a must-have is their line of Converse shoes. These are the shoes that put John Varvatos on the map, and taking a look at his Converse lineup, it’s no surprise why. John Varvatos shoes have a great vintage look, featuring frayed canvas, metal grommets, and hard rubber to create a casual shoe like no other. Sneakers and slip-ons have never looked so good.

John Varvatos clothing also offers a line of men’s wear which is worth checking out. John Varvatos has a number of vintage crew shirts, along with a variety of long sleeve tees and canvas short coats that will definitely make a fashion statement.

To complete the look, John Varvatos also has a line of sunglasses that make looking cool effortless. From dark rimmed glasses reminiscent of Bon Jovi to the ever popular aviators, John Varvatos sunglasses are the perfect way to keep your eyes shaded this summer.

-Takeshi, shopping blogger and John Varatoser

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Urban & Hip: Marc Ecko Shoes

Takeshi — Fri, 29 May 2009 16:00:47 +0000

When it comes to hip, urban shoes, Marc Ecko is the brand that immediately comes to mind. Created by the designer of the same name, Ecko shoes have come to be known for their creative mix of high fashion, hip hop, and sports influences, to create a unique brand that is both street and couture at the same time.

My preference for Ecko shoes are their wide collection of sneakers. These shoes really strike a delicate balance between fashion and comfort. Not only do they look great, but they feel great to wear as well. These shoes are also casual enough to wear on the street, and classy enough to wear to the club.

High Fashion Marc Ecko Shoe

For those looking for a more refined look, Ecko also has a wide selection of leather shoes, as well as shoes made from denim and other innovative materials. These shoes definitely will take a little more work to coordinate with your outfit, but if you are shooting for a more high fashion look with a little bit of edge, it’s hard to go wrong with Ecko shoes.

Marc Ecko Shoes for Women

Ecko also offers a wide collection of women’s shoes. Like their male counterparts, these kicks are a perfect mash-up of urban and high couture influences, and are perfect for any girl trying to create a hip-hop or urban look.

Ecko shoes have become more and more popular, especially being featured by celebrities and some members of the MMA community, but the brand has lost none of its edge, and continues to innovate with creative and daring footwear designs.

-Takeshi, shopping blogger and mark echo chamber

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Become.com Fashion Thursdays: Fickle shopper

Linda — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:17:31 +0000

Hey, if you’re a fickle shopper who often browses and browses and never buys (or buys and is prone to returning), then you may be happy to know that many of our reputable online merchants are not only offering free return shipping but also generous return policies! Zappos.com boasts one of the most generous with a whopping 365 day return policy! Granted, Zappos may not offer promotional coupons or many sales, but they more than make up for in price with amazing service!

Another way to beat the returns blues is to purchase timeless items that will still be in style (and intact) in the years to come. One of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe is a fitted leather jacket. Durable and warm, it is a versatile staple! Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been seen pairing the rebellious style jacket with soft, cotton jersey tops and dresses.

To add an updated twist to a classic, try an asymmetrical zippered leather jacket! For him, a great leather bomber will last him years and years (and can even be an inheritable item!). So as the weather gets a little chilly outside, add some cool into your wardrobe and grab yourself a leather jacket and save at Become! Happy shopping!

XOXO,
Linda

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Become.com Fashion Thursdays: Become Fabulous!

Linda — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:47:39 +0000

Happy Thursday Folks!

Today marks the first post of the Become.com Fashion Thursdays! What better way to celebrate our move to a new office than with a brand new weekly editorial? Courtesy of our resident Fashion Gurus (with the help of Polyvore.com), we bring you:

Fall ’08 Fashion Picks: Become Fabulous!

Blacks & Bold Red

Blacks & Bold Red by Become.com

All over the runways of New York and Milan we are catching bold streaks of color against jet black basics. One of our favorite colors here at Become is red! Using red to offset the somber shade of black adds a pop color and personality to any outfit! Try adding red to your fall outfit with:

Red Pumps

Red Pencil Skirt

Red Cuff Bracelet

Bright Blue Shoes!

Black & Blue by Become.com

It’s a black and blue autumn, but nothing to get hurt over here! Continuing with the bold color trend, bright blue pumps are a HIT this fall. Because the color is so over powering, it is best to pair it with solid blacks and/or whites.

Blue Pumps

Blue Ballet Flats

Funky!

Still want a bit of blue without breaking the budget? Try a cute bold blue skinny belt! Perfect for wrapping around a dress or white button down.

Editor’s Pick: Day to Night!

Day to Night! by Become.com

Here at become, we love bargains. And what better way to get the most out of your wardrobe than to get versatile pieces that transition well from day to night! Jazz up work day outfit with a POP of color with a red tote. And for afterwork drinks, change into some gold flats & hoops earrings! Accessories with a snakeskin clutch and you’re good to go!

Remember, find the best deals on these hot items at Become.com!

XOXO,

Linda

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Bow Down to Boudicca

jill — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 21:50:25 +0000

Designers Zowie Broach and Brian Kirkby are the duo behind Boudicca, the fashion label that is anything but just another clothing line. The eponymous label derived from an ancient British queen who led a formidable uprising against the Roman Empire, creates a women’s line that takes inspiration not from media and celebrity hype, but art, film, and conversations between friends.

With collections described more as a documentary or story rather than mere garments to cover the body, the pieces are reminiscent of the rigidity of Victorian form intermixed with architectural silhouettes that defy conformity to fashion norms. The exquisite tailoring and attention to detail, with each carefully sewn pleat and dart, complements the minimal color palette of black, white, and the occasional silver.

Accordion pleating, binding corsets, exaggerated juliette sleeves, and asymmetric shapes are some defining features of the line. Focusing on concept over profit, Boudicca has quickly gained the respect and credibility of fashion’s top names and built a devoted following of fans who appreciate and consider clothing as an art form.

Jill

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