Forget Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Barney’s, and Bergdorf Goodman. It has become ever apparent that luxury etailers are taking over. There is an assortment for every consumer, frequently free shipping, sometimes duties, access to forthcoming collections, and sales worth noting. I am going to break down the big six: Cettire, FRWD, Matches Fashion, Moda Operandi, MyTheresa, and Net-a-Porter.
Cettire
Cettire landed on my radar when I was shopping for a pair of Golden Goose sneakers, and they were all on sale! Similarly, I had a friend who was shopping for a Loewe handbag and found it on sale as well at the etailer. We do not know how Cettire is able to sell so many items at the markdown prices that they do, but we will take it. That is probably the strong suit of the Austrailian-based company; I cannot speak to shipping, duty, and access.
Cettire brands I like: Golden Goose, Tory Burch
FRWD
FRWD is the older, elevated sister of Revolve, and though I don’t love that they are ostensibly doling out a salary to the older Jenner sister, I have purchased a Bea Bongiasca ring on markdown. The company is LA-based which means that shipping is minimal and moreover duties are nil. The merchandise selection is…fine. It is better for accessories and jewelry as opposed to clothing. Likely because I am not the Revolve clothing shopper, I am also not the FWRD clothing shopper.
FRWD brands I like: Bea Bongiasca, Golden Goose, Fry Powers, Smythe
Matches Fashion
Matches Fashion has the best brand and merchandise assortment, hands down. My favorite etailer also has a wonderful client program, The Curator. As a member of The Curator, I can expect early access to sales, as well as a birthday treat. I am also promised three rewards a year, but honestly, I never seem to catch these.
Matches Fashion brands I like: Bea Bongiasca, Emilia Wickstead, Fry Powers, La Vie Style House, Loveshackfancy, Toteme
Moda Operandi
The draw to Moda Operandi is the trunk show. Lauren Santo Domingo was so forward thinking, that she developed a model that allowed us normal Janes to shop several collections ahead. At any given time, brands offer Moda Operandi customers to shop forthcoming items, thus planning one’s upcoming wardrobe. A fifty percent deposit reserves and orders you any item in the trunk show, with the delta due when the merchandise is actually shipped. Revolutionary!
Moda Operandi brands I like: Jennifer Behr, Juliet Dunn, Loveshackfancy, Toteme
MyTheresa
MyTheresa is fine. There is not anything remarkable about it. Some might say it is like Matches Fashion; I just have allegiance to the British etailer rather than the German etailer.
Moda Operandi brands I like: Jennifer Behr, Juliet Dunn
Net-a-Porter
I hate that I cannot use my Discover card at Net-a-Porter. Say goodbye to the cash back bonus when shopping Net. For that reason I do not shop the OG of luxury etailers unless it is an item that I truly cannot get anywhere else.
Net-a-Porter brands I like: Bea Bongiasca, Emilia Wickstead, Loveshackfancy, Toteme