Online shopping malls and comparison engines have long been servicing the thousands of shoppers that like to do their shopping online. As many cyber shoppers would already testify, shopping online is ridiculously convenient. Apart from being able to compare prices online, you can purchase something you want at virtually any time of the day… even the groceries.

Sites like Ebay stepped things up a notch by allowing a competitive market to flourish among small businesses who hadn’t had the opportunity to trade online before.  Such an environment as kept people chained to their computers for hours, searching for the latest bargains or simply just trying to out bid ‘crzyshpr01’. (If you haven’t tried Ebay yet then I’m sure you’ll be quickly addicted).

Ebay is great fun, but it costs money. I recently discovered an alternative that is completely guilt free and involves no impulse credit buying! Window Shopping on Myspace.

Myspace is famous for launching the careers of budding musicians the world over. Many stores and emerging designers are following suit (no pun intended) and have begun to flog their own product through Myspace. I have been sifting through dozens of designer’s pages in the name of ‘research’ and there really is no better way to spend your time! Myspace can really give you the full picture of what a product can do, especially when it involves clothing. Not only can you marvel at the beauty of every piece of a designer’s latest collection, you can watch the model walking in it, see how it moves and whether or not it would suit your body. Seeing something in a small still frame on Ebay is really no comparison.

Take for an example the Amy Taylor Collection http://www.myspace.com/amyleataylor

http://www.myspace.com/amyleataylor

Having only a small shop in Sydney, Australia, Amy Taylor uses Myspace as way to promote her clothing and accessories available to people everywhere. You can see the style of her creations and if you live in Sydney you may choose to organise a time to go down to Cronulla and get a piece made for you, or you could send her your measurements and say what style you’d like.

Not only can you see the product in better detail, you can get to know the designer better; the music they like, their friends, heroes and inspirations and, of course, upcoming shows. You can see what sort of an attitude is supposed to go with what clothing, and whether or not the designer suits you. If you do finally decide to purchase something, you will of course usually be taken to another site to complete your transaction.  You can’t shop on Myspace (yet), although still provides a handy way to view slide shows and the online shopping experience definitely feels more personal.

Try searching for “clothing designer” on Myspace and then filtering the results for your area. Happy Window Shopping!

- Ingrid

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