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My U.P.S. man brings my dogs treats, and during the holidays I serve him coffee and granola. You see we have a close relationship, he enables me to shop for the best deal, complete my fall wardrobe at 1AM and freshen up my basics. Online shopping, how did I manage my life before its existence?

I was an early adopter of online shopping. It was a natural progression from catalog, over-the-phone orders; yes, kids, you used to call and place your order. And I was a child of the J.C. Penny catalog order and pick up in store, after all. So online shopping just felt right. I know you are out there on the web, that’s how you found me. However, I know reading a blog is far less intimidating than the World Wide Web of shopping. No one wants their identity stolen, who can you trust and what are you shopping for out there? I mean, it's nothing for me to look at thousands of items a week to uncover the best 10 for you.

Here are some simple tips for making online shopping simple, easy and safe:

1. A dedicated credit card.

   Thought we were just talking fashion? Nope, safety first. There's only one you, let's keep it that way. I use a dedicated credit card for online shopping. It is not attached to my bank account. I only use it for online purchases. Why? Every credit card company protects you from fraud. I certainly don't want your bank account drained and someone telling me she is you. And the bonus, you know what card was used for your purchases.

2. Establish a dedicated email address to online shopping.

   This will separate sale emails, promotions and your e-receipt from your main line of communication. You will need an email address to establish your online account. For me, I prefer my personal email address to be private for communications with friends, family, and school.

3. Where to search?

   My two main search sites are Google.com and Shopstyle.com. I simply type in what I am looking for and hit find. So I might type in “black off the shoulder blouse”, a brand name or even as specific as the brand name and “call” for the item. In Google you will get a list of websites to visit. However, in Shopstyle.com you will see images.

4. Where to shop.

   I typically stick to large box vendors like department stores, discount stores, Amazon, Zappos to name a few. Why? Return policy. Larger vendors are more concerned about making you happy out in e-commerce land. My exceptions are Etsy and small vendors you have established relationships with at a brick and mortar store. So, if a strange listing pops up deep down the page, pass, between the return policy and lack of a mass market, it is best to shop elsewhere. When I make suggestions in the Vault, I have vetted out the return policy for you. We want to ensure that when you order thru the Vault you are doing so hassle free.

5. Sizing.

   Use the sizing guides provided if it is a brand you are not familiar with; when in doubt buy your size and one size larger since return shipping is free (I am getting to this). Also look in your closet, and if you own the brand rely on the sizing you have purchased in the past. Use the customer reviews for guidance. Shoppers are honest and will let you know how it runs and how it is fitting. Call me crazy (pun intended) but call customer service, they are lovely and want you happy with your purchase.

6. Returns.

   The most important rule of online shopping is returns! ALWAYS read the return policy. Many sites offer free returns; read the fine print! Some companies require you to establish an account and use their online form, some include a slip and some offer in-store returns. In some cases, you have to return to the site and scout the free print out. Make sure you adhere to the timeline for returns as well. I keep a roll of packing tape on hand and label and tape boxes prior to dropping them off at the appropriate location. Yes, most packing stores will do this for you but I like being a good steward of my return angels. Trust me they appreciate it. ALWAYS keep your return stub; it contains the tracking number in the event something happens. File them in one envelope for each month so you will have easy access.
   

7. What should you shop for?

   In order for a vendor to offer an item online they must feel confident they can secure enough inventory so the majority of what you will find is mass produced. I find that basics are easy to find and usually at a much better price – jeans, t-shirts, shoes, watches and the like. I will take inventory prior to the start of a season and make a list of what needs replaced; t-shirts, socks, basic shoes, etc. Then I will begin the online hunt. You can then focus on fun, knowing your bases are covered. I enjoy shopping local for specialty brands and items. Occasionally, a store is sold out and cannot reorder. In that case I snap a pic of the tag and label and search for it online with about 85% success. Once you are familiar with a brand and fit, you may find shopping its latest collection online saves you a trip out. Luxury items are best purchased in store so that you have a brick and mortar to return to in the event you need the item repaired.

Seriously, who has time for all this? I like to think I am an online shopping expert, I love this stuff. If you're rolling your eyes and wondering how in the world you're gonna track down an envelope in your house to store the receipts that are sprawled across the floorboard of your car, not to mention the hours you'll spend searching online for something you don't even know if you need, then...

You will find my looks in Style Vault and Style Vault Complete follow these rules. I am working hard to provide items of great quality and fit with no fuss, easy, free returns.

Now get inside the Vault and start hunting!

Jessica