Calling for input on the Racked 38! While our local sister sites update the list every quarter, we here at Racked National refresh the list in winter and summer only, since new online shops don't change over as often as brick-and-mortar shops. Today, we're republishing the January 38 as a refresher for anyone who missed it, or a happy bonus for anyone who would like to relive the glory. Please make your preferences known in the comments, as they'll be taken into consideration when we make changes on the summer edition.
Here's a quick rundown of the format, which makes space for the variety of online shopping out there. We've broken the list into four categories: multi-brand retailers, where you'll find your department stores and your boutiques; online-only favorites, where you'll find your e-boutiques, like Net-a-Porter, and your internet novelty experiences, like Rent the Runway; discount go-tos, which includes the best of online off-price shopping; and new arrivals, where we give a special shout-out to e-commerce sites that have arrived within the past six months or so.
You won't find solo designers like Ralph Lauren or Burberry here because we believe that the beauty of online shopping is the many multi-retailer stores at your disposal, only a click away. Exceptions to this rule are new arrivals (because they deserve some applause for joining the party) and online-only retailers. Oh, and J.Crew. They get a pass.
ANTHROPOLOGIE
Best for: Ultra-feminine clothes, accessories and home items.
Strong points: Its dress selection is super-solid.
Weak points: This is not the place to go for basics. Every piece has a decorative touch, whether it be a print, an exaggerated sleeve, an extra zipper or contrasting pockets. Occasionally fabrics can feel cheap.
Shipping: From $6.95 up to $15.95, depending on the cost of your order.
Returns: Full refund plus price adjustments within 14 days of purchase.
Price range: $$ to $$$
BARNEYS NEW YORK
Best for: Luxury shopping without the stuffiness.
Strong points: Bringing a younger, fresher, hipper perspective to the department store experience.
Weak points: The site experience is so five years ago.
Shipping: Free ground.
Returns: Full refund within 30 days, minus shipping costs.
Price range: $$$$
CREATURES OF COMFORT
Best for: Hip indie designers.
Strong points: Its selection of Rachel Comey and Isabel Marant; shoe section.
Weak points: Site does not allow you to search by size.
Shipping: Not free; depends on the cost of your order and where it's being shipped. Utilize FedEx Ground, 2Day and Standard Overnight.
Returns: Full price, unworn, unwashed merchandise can be returned within 10 days with all original tags and packaging materials for a refund. To return, shoppers must email online@creaturesofcomfort.us for a "Return Authorization code." You are responsible for return shipping costs; all sale items are non-returnable.
Price range: $$$$
J.CREW
Best for: Eminently wearable basics with a fashiony twist.
Strong points: Whatever item you're looking for, you're bound to find a reasonably chic version of it here.
Weak points: None, really.
Shipping: Free ground on orders over $175, otherwise $8.95 flat rate.
Returns: Full refund within 60 days.
Price range: $$ to $$$
MATCHES
Best for: Prints, tints, and generally standing out.
Strong points: Beautiful, easily navigable, and Paltrow-approved website.
Weak points: Shipping and returns will cost you.
Shipping: $20 to the US
Returns: $20 from US
Price range: $$$$
NEED SUPPLY CO.
Best for: Unleashing your inner arty-cool girl.
Strong points: Chic, on-trend, high-quality pieces at attainable prices.
Weak points: Stuff can sell out quickly.
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $50, otherwise standard rates apply.
Returns: Full refund within 30 days minus shipping charges.
Price range: $$
NORDSTROM
Best for: Throwing it in the bag.
Strong points: Free shipping and returns means you can order at will, no buyer's remorse. Ever.
Weak points: Despite recent rebranding efforts, Nordstrom is still searching for its footing when it comes to contemporary fashion.
Shipping: Free ground.
Returns: Full refund with no time limit.
Price range: $$ to $$$
OAK NYC
Best for: Lovers of all things asymmetrical and black.
Strong points: Offers cool goth-glam at all price points.
Weak points: Pretty narrow point-of-view.
Shipping: Ship by UPS; rates vary by shipping destination and weight. International orders ship at a flat rate of $38.
Returns: Unwashed merchandise can be returned with original tags within 14 days of purchase. Items purchased at a discount of 30% or more are final sale. Email returns@oaknyc.com to obtain a return authorization number.
Price range: $ to $$
STYLEBOP
Best for: Street-style photographer baiting.
Strong points: Rare items and hard-to-find designers.
Weak points: Absurdly pricey shipping.
Shipping: $25 for US orders.
Returns: Full refund within 14 days.
Price range: $$$$
UNIQLO
Best for: Spreading the Uniqlo love beyond the brand's few US stores.
Strong points: We're just happy they're finally here on the internet. Welcome to the web, Uniqlo.
Weak points: Compared to the color-coded precision with which the stores are merchandised, the site design is kind of all over the place.
Shipping: $7 to $22.
Returns: Full refund within 30 days, minus $7 return fee.
Price range: $
YLANG23
Best for: Delicate gold and silver jewelry.
Strong points: Casual-looking yet very expensive necklaces from the likes of Ten Thousand Things and Jennifer Meyer.
Weak points: Not a lot under $150.
Shipping: Ground is $10 or free with orders of $100 or more.
Returns: Unworn items must be returned within seven days; offer free shipping for returns on purchases of $100 or more.
Price range: $$ to $$$$
ONLINE-ONLY FAVORITES
AMAZON
Best for: Finding everything under the sun.
Strong points: Hard-to-source beauty brands; a wide variety of home goods at all price points.
Weak points: Amazon's un-glam interface makes even nice merchandise look a little cheap.
Shipping: $3.99 to $7.99 for standard shipping; up to $17.99 for one-day shipping. With Amazon Prime membership, two-day shipping is free.
Returns: Most new, unopened items sold and fulfilled by Amazon.com can be returned within 30 days. Here's the full policy.
Price range: $ to $$$
ASOS
Best for: Trying out a trend on the cheap.
Strong points: Adorable, spunky clothing, and tons of it.
Weak points: In terms of quality, you get what you pay for.
Shipping: Free ground.
Returns: Full refund within 28 days.
Price range: $
Bona Drag
Best for: The inner gypsy in all of us.
Strong points: Printed maxi dresses, lacy blouses, exotic-looking jewelry.
Weak points: Merchandise isn't updated very frequently.
Shipping: Via USPS, cost depends on your zip code.
Returns: Unworn, perfect-condition merchandise may be returned within 14 days. Beauty, swim, lingerie or custom items are not returnable.
Price range: $$$
EVERLANE
Best for: Jeans-and-t-shirt days.
Strong points: Cool, pared-down, quality basics at unbelievable prices.
Weak points: It's kind of annoying that they make you become a "member."
Shipping: Free ground on US orders of 2+ items, otherwise starts at $4.95.
Returns: Full refund within 90 days.
Price range: $
EBAY
Best for: Hunting and gathering.
Strong points: Probably the best thrifting around. Your absolute best bet for designer scores on the cheap and unusual finds.
Weak points: Like real-life thrifting, it requires a certain amount of patience to find the diamond in the rough.
Shipping: Case-by-case basis.
Returns: Case-by-case basis.
Price range: $ to $$$$
FARFETCH
Best for: Stalking a specific item across the globe.
Strong points: Shopping the best boutiques around the world from your couch.
Weak points: The inventory system isn't 100% perfect. We once placed an order, only to get an email from the boutique a few hours later saying the item was actually out of stock.
Shipping: US orders range from $7 to $52, depending on location and size.
Returns: Full refund within 5 days.
Price range: $$$ to $$$$
LA GARCONNE
Best for: Incredible selection of Frenchy, cool designers.
Strong points: Stocked with everything you could see a fashion editor wearing, including skinny jeans, chic bags, cool heels and understated coats.
Weak points: Slouchy, unhappy-looking skinny models.
Shipping: Free ground shipping on all orders under $200.
Returns: Items that are not worn, washed or damaged, and with all tags attached, can be returned. Shoppers must request a return authorization number from returns@lagarconne.com within seven days of receiving their item and must return it within 14 days of receiving the RA number. Final sale items can not be returned.
Price range: $$$$
LYST
Best for: Shopping from your iPad.
Strong points: It's like a very fancy, personalized version of Amazon with gorgeous design.
Weak points: There's a lot of preference info to fill out, so you really have to commit.
Shipping: Varies by store.
Returns: Varies by store.
Price range: Varies by store.
MODA OPERANDI
Best for: Any oil-money princesses you happen to know.
Strong points: Pre-ordering straight from the runway is still an innovative concept, and, even better, they do sales now!
Weak points: This is truly a "price is no object" destination.
Shipping: Free ground.
Returns: Full refund within 30 days.
Price range: $$$$
MY WARDROBE
Best for: Statement-making pieces.
Strong points: A tightly curated selection young and innovative designers.
Weak points: Even the sale section is a wallet blow.
Shipping: Free on orders over $200, $31 for express.
Returns: Full refund within 7 days, minus shipping.
Price range: $$$$
NASTY GAL
Best for: Experiencing the world dressed like Rihanna.
Strong points: Distinct and unapologetic urban Amazon style, if that's your thing, for next to nothing.
Weak points: Bring your confidence with you. It's going to be a wild ride.
Shipping: Free ground on orders $75+, $8 to $29 on other orders.
Returns: Full refund within 30 days.
Price range: $
NET-A-PORTER
Best for: The fashion-forward 1%.
Strong points: Every runway and contemporary brand worth caring about together in one beautifully styled destination.
Weak points: There's not much here for anyone on a budget.
Shipping: Free ground on all US orders.
Returns: Full refund within 28 days.
Price range: $$$$
OF A KIND
Best for: Thoughtful, cool gifts. (Gifts to yourself count, too.)
Strong points: Limited-edition capsules with emerging designers means you knew about it before anyone else.
Weak points: Items can sell out fast.
Shipping: $9.50 for standard ground.
Returns: Return within 14 days for store credit or a refund minus the shipping costs.
Price range: $ to $$
RENT THE RUNWAY
Best for: Your personal Cinderella moment, minus the singing mice.
Strong points: Renting special occasion dresses made affordable and easy. Win win.
Weak points: The rentals can be pricey, too, so do your math and make sure it's a better value to rent than to buy.
Shipping: Standard shipping is $9.95.
Returns: Free returns.
Price range: $$
REVOLVE
Best for: Cali-casual looks.
Strong points: Designers from the West Coast are strongly represented here. Plenty of sexy dresses.
Weak points: Site could use a facelift.
Shipping: Ground and two-three day priority is free.
Returns: Full refund within 30 days of purchase; merchandise exchange within 60 days. No refund on final sale items.
Price range: $$ to $$$$
SHOPBOP
Best for: All-around wardrobe bliss.
Strong points: From undies to overcoats, Shopbop covers all your bases in style.
Weak points: We haven't found any yet.
Shipping: Free ground.
Returns: Full refund within 15 days.
Price range: $$ to $$$$
SKINSTORE
Best for: Consumers who are too picky (or snobby) for Sephora.
Strong points: Wide selection of eco-friendly brands.
Weak points: Once they have your email, you'll be getting notices from them for life.
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $49.
Returns: Must obtain a return authorization number from returns@skinstore.com and send in return within 30 days of purchase. Full policy is here.
Price range: $ to $$$
SSENSE
Best for: The best pieces from haute houses like Saint Laurent, MSGM and Zuhair Murad.
Strong points: Colorful, street-style-bait dresses, jackets and accessories.
Weak points: According to customer reviews online, items can take a while to ship.
Shipping: Ground is $12; expedited is free on orders of $200 or more.
Returns: For full-price items, a Return Authorization number must be obtained within 14 days of purchase. Final sale items, lingerie and swim are not returnable.
Price range: $$$$
TORRID
Best for: Plus-sized trendiness.
Strong points: Affordable clothes in sizes 12 to 26, clean website.
Weak points: Massive range of styles, so shoppers have to be their own curator.
Shipping: $6 flat rate.
Returns: Full refund within 60 days.
Price range: $
YOOX
Best for: Luxury emporium shopping.
Strong points: Great sales, incredible designers, massive selection.
Weak points: That massive selection can be overwhelming.
Shipping: Free ground on orders over $150.
Returns: Full refund within 20 days, minus shipping costs.
Price range: $$
DISCOUNT GO-TOS
BARNEYS WAREHOUSE
Best for: Sale stalkers.
Strong points: Great merch, no flying elbows like the real-life warehouse sale.
Weak points: NO RETURNS ACCEPTED. REPEAT. NO RETURNS.
Shipping: Free ground shipping.
Returns: No returns accepted.
Price range: $$$
HUKKSTER
Best for: Budget-concious shoppers that always use discount codes.
Strong points: Ease of use; money-saving capabilities.
Weak points: Need to sign up and use their bookmarklet tool to mark products that you're interested in. The name.
Shipping: You transact on other retailers' sites.
Returns: See above
Price range: Whatever you want.
Intermix
Best for: Trendsters that don't want to veer too far from the mainstream.
Strong points: Immense online sale selection; frequent price chops.
Weak points: Slim number of labels stocked; not a ton of sizes available.
Shipping: Ground is $10; free standard shipping on orders of $150 or more.
Returns: Full refunds will be issued within 14 days of purchase. All sale items and swim are final sale. Online orders may not be returned in stores.
Price range: $$ to $$$
THE OUTNET
Best for: Discount luxury.
Strong points: Unlike many discount sites, there's no filler here. Every piece offers legitimate discounts on the highest-end designers.
Weak points: Last season is still last season.
Shipping: $4.95 to $11.95.
Returns: Full refund within 28 days, minus a $7.95 return fee.
Price range: $$ to $$$$
NEW ARRIVALS
THE DRESLYN
Best for: Edited, on trend designer items.
Strong points: Fashion forward, easy to navigate, interesting layout.
Weak points: Not a lot of color.
Shipping: Free for orders over $100 in two to five business days, $10 for orders under $100.
Returns: $10 restocking fee, within 14 days of Return Authorization number reissued.
Price range: $ to $$$$
H&M
Best for: Quick, cheap, giant variety.
Strong points: Frequent, well-publicized discounts.
Weak points: Can be overwhelming, just like the store.
Shipping: $5.95 flat rate, delivers in four to seven business days.
Returns: $5.95 flat rate, ship within 30 days.
Price range: $
THE LINE
Best for: Streamlined simple clothing and objects.
Strong points: Gorgeous photography; includes beauty, fashion and home.
Weak points: Does not ship internationally.
Shipping: Free two-day shipping on all US fashion and beauty orders, home might take longer. Same day shipping is $25.
Returns: Free within 14 days, accepted withing 30 days.
Price range: $ to $$$$$
· Home Goods 38 [Racked]
· Shoe 38 [Racked]
· Beauty 38 [Racked]
· Indie 38 [Racked]