I used to live in a small town Rolla in Missouri. It is a university town and most
of the people in Missouri themselves do not know of its existence!
There is one walmart supercenter where we used to shop for groceries (:O)
and almost everything else. If I felt the need to treat myself to some quality clothing
(really??), I visited the not so far JC Penny. Now the kind of shopper I am, i need a
lot of variety to shop. I am not the one who shops just for need. Shopping is my
hobby!
I always love to shop the best for me. It needs to be rare and unique. I dont like
it when two people in the same place have the same stuff just because they had to
shop from the same store. Well I guess that is natural with every women to feel
special and unique :)
Thus started my never ending saga of shopping online.......
I have a wide variety of choice, I can hunt stuff from the remotest site and be
sure nobody in my locality is going to show up wearing it tommorow....and the
luxury of shopping in the comfort of my couch with a backrest, having my favourite
drink. Also each product I am trying to shop comes with a description of what it is
made of and its significance.( That matters a lot to me, as I like to be proud of what
I possess!). No sales person getting irritated with my questions and being restless
worrying about whether I will buy or not....
But the one thing you need for this luxury to be yours...is a lot of quality
time...else you will end up buying something that you imagined to be great...
looking at the photo, but turned out to be a piece of trash, not the right color, not
the right size, etc. Which I know is not possible for everybody with busy schedules.
I almost became an unofficial shopping consultant in my friends circle and inspired
by their suggestions, decided to help my friends and everybody in need of some
help with online shopping, through my website.
So what are you waiting for.....SHOP WITH ME!!!...and enjoy tips from my
experience...
APPAREL
Indian Ethnic
Chennai Bazaar
This is one site i would recommend if you are looking at buying a beautiful saree
for a special occassion. Especially a south indian silk saree or some trendy sarees
for party wear. The sarees are a bit pricey but will raise to the occassion. This is
one of the very few south indian saree sites that i have come across, which have a
wide variety of collection categorized based on their make and material. They also
have a collection of salwar suits and kurtis etc. I would strongly recommend this
site for a saree lover to add to her collection.
CTC India
This is a site of designer wear and heavy handwork on your dresses. This is
defenitely a expensive site but if you are looking for buying apparel for wedding,
engagement or other festive occasions, and cost is no bar then this site is
defenitely promising. almost every person i have showed this site to has fallen in
love with more than one of their dresses and sarees. beautiful selection of colors,
combinations and designs. their saree and ghagra collection is the best. I would
defenitely want to buy one for my marriage from these people. The grandeur is
unmatched elsewhere.
HomeIndia
This is a good site to browse through. they have a decent collection of sarees,
salwar suits, other ethnic wear. Their short kurtas are my favourite. Fashion Wear
is ideal if you are looking for bollywood fashion, as these people sell sarees,
salwars and sherwanis worm by bollywood stars in famous movies. Some actors
they focus on are, Aishwarya, Rani, Kajol, kareena, Shahrukh, Amitabh, etc.
Neerus
This is as they claim, the NRIs favourite shop. The best I love from their collection
is their Kurtis. Some of the best available online. I am a huge fan of kurtis myself.
they are ideal as fashion wear when you are in US and want to wear comfortable
indian ethnic for your local indian parties. their collection of short kurtas is also
among their best. This designer wear shop is based in Hyderabad...my city! as a
student, you were the so called POSH if you wear dresses from this store...people
used to make sure they mention it is Neerus, like you mention if it was a silk saree,
banaras, etc......:)
Kaneesha Boutique
'Kurtis!!!'....yes that is the best thing that happened to this site. very modern and
contemporary collection also paralleled by ethnic desirable kurtis. also has a very
good short kurta collection . some of the most interesting designs. almost like an
ethnic pant shirt at the heights of fashion for india right now. very trendy. awesome
sarees...a NY based site and hence prompt service and delivery.also shipping is
less expensive compared to the india based ethnic wear sites. recently
inaugurated their jewelry collection which is worth a browse.
Saree World
Saree world is a huge collection of sarees. for all kinds of indian occassions and
festivals and ofcourse for sending saree as a gift worldwide to your near and dear.
almost all traditional designs that you would find when you enter a saree shop in
chennai or tanjavur in south india.prices are reasonable for silk sarees online. but
ofcourse your would spend a great deal less for the same if you were in india. :)
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WESTERN WEAR
Coldwater Creek
This is the store you want, when you are looking forward to buying a evening gown
or a casual skirt. they have some of the webs best gowns. Priced reasonably,
although on the higher side. Their buissiness casuals are for the women in the 30s
and above. i would think it is too colourful for indian women. but some of their
sweaters have great looks and feel. Check out their double sided skirts and
princess seam gowns.
Eddie Bauer
This is defenitely one of my favourite stores, whether i shop in store or online. The
best way to shop at this store is with their catalogue around. Their stuff is of quality
and worth the money you shell...it might be appealing to people who consider
pastel colors ideal for their wardrobe. ofcourse this is defenitely one of the best
sites for guys to shop, as the store is famous for the collection.
Victoria Secrets
Although known for its angels and lingerie collection, this store is a great place to
shop for night dresses and great sweaters. they also have magnificient spring
designs. the stuff is a bit pricey, but the designs are unique and great. best time to
shop is when they have their sale running. although it limits your choices, you
might just get lucky sometimes.
Newport News
This site offers value for your money. especially its sale....is a true
sale...something that costed $90 comes down to $10-15....now that is something i
look forward to. They have a very good winter collection, pants, jeans, etc.
Spiegel
This is a sister site of Newport News. it is kind of pricey and i never really found
myself longing to buy somethig from this site. but sometimes they really have good
stuff. just have to keep your windows open!!
Petite Sophisticate
This is the best place for working women who wear petite like i do. they have an
excellent colleciton of formal, buisiness casual and casual. They have all the must
haves for working women. check it out...
JCPenny
This is defenitely a good store for clothing, casuals, informals, and formals....i like
their collection of sweaters. ofcourse i have not shopped with them online. but i
have done a lot of in store shopping here. so i know the quality is defenitely good.
Bloomingdales
A very expensive site according to me. but all the same it offers some of the very
classy stuff that i have seen. almost every other top or dress is made of silk and
satin. and i guess that is the main reason everything looks so pricey. but yes again
i say, for those special moments for which cost is no bar....this site is worth the try.
their collection of whites is my favourites. i think the clothing in white can make any
women feel pretty as an angel.
Urban Outfitters
For those living in fashion crazy cities like NYC or LA, where according to me
people have run out of ideas to be fashionable and resort to almost anything that
is out of normal (or CRAZY! in my view :) ) this is a good collection for the
youngsters. This site offers all the must have latest city looks. call it crazy but yes
that is what is IN!! well defenitely this site has more to offer than my cynical
comments part. if you are careful enough you will come across some really good
and trendy outfits. although i wrote this site off my list the first time i went through
it...accidentally i found an amazing skirt and a very trendy divided skirt and have
been so thrilled ever since that i respect the site for its 'Hidden Treasures'. the
clothing is very close to how it appears in the photograph which is the best part
about this site. every outfit is shown in various views and that too for EVERY color.
I really am appreciative of that. defenitely worth spending that time of browsing if
you find your treasure.
Allen Solly
I had bought one of my favourite black shirt from this store before i arrived in US
and after i burnt it under my iron box :( , i have been trying to get a similar material
but have been unsuccessful. so i strongly recommend formal and business casual
wear from this store for people working in India and UK. also if you happen to visit
these countries, be sure to visit their store. they dont sell online. anyways going to
the site will help you locate the store.
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LINGERIE
Victoria Secrets
According to me this is the only store online that gives you so much variety and
choice to buy your lingerie. colors change with changing seasons. also good
deals. best of all is the quality. most comfortable. but yes comfort comes with a
price tag :D
Fredericks
A good alternative to victorias secret, if you are bored of pushing that refresh
button in VS site and already thorough with their collection. I wouldnt say this site is
as good as VS collection wise. but defenitely some of their pieces are out of the
world and worth a try.
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JEWELRY
Fusion Jewels
This is defenitely my favourite site for buying ethnic indian jewelry, imitation
kundan jewelry, necklace sets, bangles, bracelets, etc. very reasonably priced and
excellent service. although based in India, these people manage to deliver my
order via fedex and it reached me in three days. I havent seen such a prompt
service from stores based in India for overseas order. The variety they provide in
each price range is amazing. also each design comes in various colors. choices
are unlimited. Must see for a person who is hunting for indian ethnic jewelry and is
not ready to shell great bucks...or if you just want to add to your collection.
Beaded Jewelry
This is the most economical site i have seen online for ethnic stuff. the average
price on this site is about $5.00....Yes!! amazing price range and great variety.
design range from simple to grand but the cost never disappoints you. do check it
out....
Lakh Jewellery
This is like a sister site of beaded jewelery. One of it slink for the kundan jewelry
points to it but there are other links which feature the lac jewelry famous innorthern
india. it also has some good collection of glass jewelry.
Jewelry bazzar
This is my recent discovery. Although i havent bought anything from these people
yet...their collection seems to be amazing. they have very good designs..at
reasonable prizes. I would defenitely not compromise on design for cost...when the
cost isnt absurd. it is appreciable to see some pleasing designs...unlike the regular
designs that you find in kundan jewelry...(forgot to mention i am a huge fan of
kundan jewelry and you might find my suggestions biased :) )
DMI India
This is asite where ethnic jewelry worn by actresses is sold custom made. If you
have seen a 'heroin' wear a pretty jewelry in some film, then this is one place you
can hunt for it. it is not uncommon for that to happen as, every hindi movie has a
wedding in it and the actress is sure to be spotted in some heavy jewelry.
Kaneesha Jewelry
Originally a Indian apparel site and now are exploring their creativity in the Jewelry
section and i must say 'They are goood'. very attractive designs. offer imitation
kundan jewelry but not the cheap kinds. almost every piece is either silver, gold or
gold plated. gives the classy look that an occassion deserves. and since this shop
is based in NY, the delivery is very prompt and not so expensive as the ones that
ship from overseas. good and prompt service.
Avon
This is the site my sister shopped to send me gifts and since then i have been a
great fan of the trendy jewelry they have. The designs are very modern and
attractive. the fine details that matter so much in jewelry are taken care of and best
to wear on western as well as tradiional dresses.
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BEAUTY
Mary Kay
I have been a very loyal customer of Mary kay for the past two years, as i have
never been dissappointed by any of their products and never have i had the need
to search for a better product. I am so comfortable with their products that i fear
now what happens if they sieze to exist. The best part about being their customer
is that, they do not sell their products by advertisement or by any other commercial
means. they have a way of touching peoples lives. if you happen to order their
product online, a consultant living in your area comes to your house, talks to you
about your beauty needs and makes sure if you have ordered the right product for
yourself. they sure have different products for different kind of beauty needs. and
every single person i have suggested their products to has been thanking me for
the discovery and happens to become another loyal customer. The best of their
products are the velocity series for normal skin and their pampering Satin Hands
cream.....that is worth trying on yourself. an easy and feel good way of doing
manicure. I would recommend their products to every woman who is keen on
looking and more importantly feeling good.
Victoria Secrets
A heavenly and very sexy collection. If it is fragrance, luxury and that heavenly feel
of yourself is what you are craving for, then try out the heavenly and divine
collection. if it is that unforgettable fragrance that you want on yourself or if you
want to leave that lasting first impression on someone...then be bold and try out
the Basic Instinct collection. the Lux lotion....is so divine that is vaninshes from your
very hands inbetween your fingers...now thats a feeling i hadnt experienced before
with body lotions. I would also recommend the lip moisturiser, which comes in a
lipstick holder and is very convinient to apply and carry with you anywhere. Luxury
and Sexy are the key words for their beauty collection. one stop for all your beauty
needs.
Avon
This company i hear was inspired by Mary kay and started their own set of beauty
products. I was lucky enough to try some because i was given a gift by my sister
which contained their beauty products and some everyday jewelry. I liked their
lipstick and shimmer body powder but the best of their products was the jewelry
sets and a hand bag, which have been a hit in my friends circle. defenitely worth
buying. and a proud gift.
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FOOTWEAR
Skechers
I am a big fan of the sneakers collection these people have. I had the picture of an
ideal pair of sneaker which matched only at their site. I have not bought a sneaker
in the past two years because i wanted a pretty looking, very comfortable, lace less
sneaker and i had decided i wouldnt buy one unless i love it at the first site. I came
across this slip on sneaker on the victoriasecret site and fell in love with it instantly.
later i found out it was from sketcers and have been window shopping their site
since then. they have an amazing designer collection. it is an ideal site whether it is
for a man, woman or kids. strongly recommended.
NIKE
Well i know you are thinking that you dont have to read through this because its a
famous brand and has been around for quite a while. and yes, i know there is not
much i can add. but i am a big fan of this brand and i bought my first sneaker here.
they are pretty cool and comfortable.
Payless
Pay less is a good source of shoes, sandals and all kinds of footwear for
everybody at a reasonable price and with a decent variety. very affordable and
best place to shop for people who are into durability rather than looks.
Victoria Secrets
Now wait... are you screaming "VS for footwear???????".....well i empathize with
you. I know that feeling. but trust me...i became a believer after i have come across
some very impressive and 'This is the one is want ' feeler sandals....defenitely
should check it out especially when you are a 'kerry bradshaw' type sandal crazy
person or if you are buying/browsing to add to your collection and NOT for NEED!!
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GIFT IDEAS
1-800-Flowers
best place to order flowers and chocolates for your your loved ones. they have
never disappointed me in their service or quality. excellent floral bouquet designs.
little pricey compared to your local stores. but as always time is money and money
is time :).
Popcorn Factory
This is an amazing place to order unique gifts for pop corn lovers. I ordered it as a
gift for my friend and it was loved and appreciated a lot. they have seven different
flavors and each one is supposed to be unique and thoroughly enjoyable. the
flavors range from spicy jalapeno to sweet chocolate dipped caramel corn. worth
trying it out on a family get together or if you are watching superbowl together, you
can make it more exciting.
Sky Mall
I got to browse through their catalogue on an american airlines flight. for a
shopping freak like me what better magazine could be entertaining? there are
some excellent gift ideas ranging for a prince to a pauper. you can sense
technology being used in every idea. they will be the most happening gifts ever if
you can pick the right one for the recepient. although gifts are a bit pricey, you
could atleast pick up ideas from this site and go search for a less expensive
version. this site is defenitely powerful with good ideas.
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GIFTS TO INDIA
Fabmall
Site is a sisterconcern of the well known MSN. has a collection of the very basic
needs of sending gifts to india. This site keeps coming with good offers for every
indian festival and season...I think their policy is...you really dont need to wait for a
reason to celebrate. they have a good apparel collection and ofcourse the sweets,
fruits, etc are the best part. good news is they also deliver the sweets in US. i
gifted my family in US sweets and dryfruits on diwali and it really added color to
their celebration. Check it out.
Bhaint
One of the band wagon sites that offer almost everything same...but i defenitely
have a soft corner for this one, as they have more than the band wagon things to
offer and the service is defenitley good. if you want to send, cakes, toys, jewelry,
saree, electronics...one stop site for your gifting needs....
Gujarat Gifts
Well if you are thinking this part is only for Gujjus...then let me clarify...this is a
national service site. serves almost all major cities and towns. my best words are
for their service. i defenitely had a good experience with them. once i had forgotten
an important birthday and had six hours before the party back in india was going to
begin. after calling a couple of cake and flowers service in India, they were the only
saviors who agreed to make sure they deliver the cake in a span of six hours
time...and did not cost me a penny more than the regular cost. now That is good
service. they saved my day. although one of the band wagon site...it has lot of
good things to offer.
Taj Gifts
Maintaining the royalty of the name. This site offers some quality special occassion
gifts like flowers, cakes, chocolates, indian sweets, etc., the bouquets are
unmatched and the service appreciable. This site also enables sending flowers
and gifts worldwide..they have a huge list of countries that they serve. defenitely
good news.
Path 2 USA
well this site is all about telling you how to adapt yourself to USA when you arrive
here and all the essentials you ought to know...but not just that...the tolshop they
have offers gifts to india and i have come across some of the unique gifts in this
site. check it out.
Home India
an exotic variety in the regular gifts of cakes and flowers. there is no other site that
offers so much variety in cakes. and ofcourse has all the regular sub titles for
gifting to india but all the same the quality and variety is one step above all others.
defenitely recommended.
Gifts 2 Guntur
For all the Hyderabadis and Andhrites out there. heres a site which specializes in
service the guntur district, krishna district and ofcourse the metropolitant Hyd and
Sec'Bad. from Lepakshi crafts to barbie dolls...there is everything in the site that
you can think of or cannot think of as a gift. must see site for gifting ppl in AP.
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