Of course, some of these things I still enjoy doing in the old traditional way, like holding a hardcore book in my hands for reading. But when it comes to shopping, if I think I must organize time on a busy day or on weekends to go out, take the car and push through traffic, go in different stores and spend time to look around, search for the right size, try it on, I simply get exhausted. I mean, I prefer to spend that time doing something else, like relaxing in the company of my husband or cooking something delicious in our kitchen or meet with friends for a cocktail and chit-chat.

This is one of the reasons why every year I find myself giving more preference for on-line shopping. I can do it any time I have some free time, like during lunch or coffee break. Just look for the online stores of my interest, high-end or mass-market, select items I need and put them in the “like” box, and at the end check one more time my list. Afterward, select the right size and click on the “bin” bottom. Insert the payment and delivery address. Some days later I receive all comfortable at my address. Later, I can try on everything, see what else I have in my wardrobe to combine with, and after all, decide what to keep and what to return if I don’t like the material or if it’s not sitting right (too large or too small). Just pick up an online store with a good return policy.

ZALANDO (www.zalando.it) I found out to be one of the best for online shopping when it comes to mass-market brands and even for some high-end brands, at least here in Italy where I live. Although I know it ships in many European countries. Moreover, they often give coupon codes and come up with sales even in periods that are not necessarily related to sales, so you get the chance to save time and money, which is great!

Mostly I like to buy from their shoes! There’s a great variety of all styles and particularly I love they have the category “wide fit” - which especially for summer collections I prefer the most. That’s because, with heat and humidity, I retain more water, so my feet tend to extend in shape. So I stay much more comfortable by wearing shoes that are wider (particularly, if heels, as I love to wear so much all the year around)!Let me show you only some of the models I purchased this summer 2019 and that I enjoyed wearing, some of them on everyday base:

1. Red “Gigi Court” Wide Fit by TOPSHOP – the classic stiletto, in suede leather, very comfortable soft leather inside and medium-high heel. I loved them so much, that I’ve decided to get another pair from this brand, just a similar model. I’ve worn these with pants and dresses, daytime for business meetings in the city and evenings for “aperitivo time” with friends.

2. These are the black “Sammy Court” Wide Fit by TOPSHOP – a stiletto always in suede leather, higher on the back of the ankle that reminds a bit of the model Blade designed by famous Italian high-end fashion brand Casadei. On this model the heel is also finished with suede leather which makes it very classy and keeps the same comfortable high of about 8 cm. Since it’s so classic you can wear them with anything you like: from suits and LBD cocktail dress to jeans.

3. I also picked a pair of nude sandals "Catelina" Wide Fit by RAID with only two straps and a comfortable large heel. These, however, are in synthetic lacquered leather but so far, they resist very well on wearing. The nude color is very much the tint of my skin, so visually it elongates my legs.

4. From the same brand RAID, I picked these slingback pumps “Ruth” Wide Fit. This model is covered with fabric on the outside and has a simple strap on the back. If the office dress code does not require to be too formal and admits more casual outfits, this is the perfect summer shoe. The heel is perfect to take on the go from morning till evening without stress for your legs. A tip for a better hold: on the internal side of the back strap apply a segment of the adherent band so it will stick safely to your ankle and will not slip away (tested on my own). Great with summer dresses, jeans, shorts, skirts. Gives a summary country chic flair.

5. My shopping list concludes with two summer-beach related items: ones are the espadrilles, the second are the flip-flops, both in fabric and both made by the brand ANNA FIELD. I enjoyed very much wearing them on vacation to the beach and now that I’m back in the city I take them often on grocery shopping and while walking around in our garden or neighborhood.

In my shopping bag, there was another pair of pink suede décolleté “Gigi Court” by TOPSHOP which unfortunately I had to return because they were too small. This was the only pair I took that were not from the range Wide Fit and indeed it turned out to be too narrow for me to feel comfortable. The return policy was easy to submit on the site: must fill in the application form, indicate the problem, choose the day/time. The courier will pick them up at the address you give, and it will be completely free of charge. What you shall do is to stack the label which comes with the order and apply it on the top of the pack. Some days later the company will receive the package, check for integrity and in about a week later will reimburse the cost of the item. Overall, I must say it is a very good online shop with high credentials.

Which is your favorite online store? What was your experience shopping online: was it positive or did you have some issues? Were the models like you have expected? Or were you disappointed? Let me know in the comment section below.

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With my best wishes,

Nadiya 

MetropolitanMe Blogger