Essential fashionista websites

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Essential fashionista websites

In 2009 it’s all about intelligent shopping: indulging our love of the finer things but paying the best possible price. So move over ASOS and make way for six sites with their finger on the pulse of all things fashion.

A caveat however: each of these websites is horribly addictive – ten minutes just isn’t enough, log on to any one of these sites and before you know your lunch hour’s just disappeared!

But they also represent the savvy shopper's approach. Why do battle with hordes of Saturday shoppers when you can shop in comfort from home?

Here's to shopping that's both bargainous and chic. Enjoy!
Cocosa

Cocosa

Launched by Grazia-owners Bauer Media in October 2008, Cocosa hosts limited (and exclusive) sales of House of Holland, Peter Jensen, DVF, Lacroix and other lust-after labels. There’s an hourly countdown feature for upcoming sales so look lively for the pick of the pieces.

We love the serious discounts and the chic boutique virtual ambiance.
Chiconomise

Chiconomise

Launched by Michelle Dewberry of Apprentice fame Chiconomise is all about ‘living stylishly for less’. It isn’t a retail site, rather it’s the lowdown on the best deals in town: from sample sales to dining and travel. The site is still beta version but we’re liking what we see so far.

We love the weekly newsletter, like a little black book of all things desirable.
Brand Alley

Brand Alley

Launched in France in 2005 and here in 2008, Brand Alley’s modus operandi is to offer several different designer sales a week, each lasting 3-4 days and featuring a limited number of pieces. If you’re a devoted shopper, this is the site for you. Discounts range from 30% to 70% with delivery in 48 hours.

We love that it’s not too overwhelmingly big à la TK Maxx.
Stylefinder

Stylefinder

Condé Nast’s fashion portal Stylefinder features 5,000 fashion and beauty products ranging from high street to designer, handpicked by fashion experts. Say you’re looking for a bikini it’ll offer up fifteen or so to choose from, whereas ShopStyle will give you hundreds.

We love the Celeb Style looky-likies.
Shopstyle

Shopstyle

The Google of fashion. At Shopstyle you type in ‘black boots’ or ‘Fendi sunglasses’ and browse options from all the different online retailers and department stores. It’ll even tell you what sizes are available.

We love not having to spend Saturday afternoons trawling the high street for that elusive piece.
Koodos

Koodos

It's not as niche or luxey as Cocosa but the Koodos discounts are every bit as impressive, whatsmore the site is huge, offering tons of labels and both menswear and womenswear.

We love the Sale Preview feature which lets you browse sale items 24 hours before they’re made available.
 

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