Totally Postal - a Guide to Online Shopping

It's April, and with the weather unlikely to become consistently civilised any time soon, the smart way to shop is indoors and online. Although the majority of high street retailers now also boast e-shops, there's still a wealth of online-only fashion stores to be found by those with keen enough clicking fingers. But in order to save you a Google search or two, The Skinny has compiled a guide to the very best the internet has to offer in terms of eclectic, fashion forward online shopping. Each store boasts standard postage under £4, and a cornucopia apiece of designer and designer diffusion ranges for the keen girl and boy fashionista. So stick on the kettle, fire up your laptop, and then wait for the postman to bring all those lovely parcels.

The Fast Mover: Asos.com

With a mind-boggling 200 new items launched every week, ASOS has the swiftest turnover of our pick of online retailers, complete with a frequently updated style news blog and trend reports. Offering the highest of high end designers in their Premium Brands section, from Balenciaga to Miu Miu, ASOS also stocks independent designers and its own, celebrity fashion-led label. If this weren't enough, many items are accompanied by a catwalk video, providing a look at each garment in motion. Honourable mention also goes to their inclusion of niche and hard-to-find north of Oxford St. brands. Opening Ceremony, McQ by Alexander McQueen, and L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani shoes are all on here. But our picks all come from ASOS' formidable own-brand collection. For girls, three pieces that can be jammed together to generate an outfit that channels early Sienna and dreams of the summer. And for the boys, a trompe l'oeil tee (that tie is screenprinted on, boys), a graphic print alternative, and a versatile duffel bag.

GIRLS' CHOICES:

1. Stripe Racer Back Waistcoat, £25

2. Leather Cuff Flat Sandals, £35 (Camel colour)

3. Premium Silk Full Skirted Halter Dress, £50


BOYS' CHOICES:

1. Fine Stripe Tie Print Shirt, £28

2. Destruction Wears a Bowler Hat T-Shirt, £14

3. Digi Camo Print Bag, £18

The Designer Stockpile – Oli.co.uk

The newest kid on the mail order block, Oli launched itself firmly into the centre of the fashion radar from the get go in 2007 with an impressive commitment to designer diffusion. In addition to securing ranges by PPQ, J.J. Park, and Thomas Vicary amongst others, Oli also supports new designers with its On/Off Boutique collaboration with London Fashion Week. Giving young designers a chance to show alongside established names in London, the On/Off Boutique on Oli's website then showcases and sells their work. One to note is Scottish designer Aimee McWilliams, whose metallic dresses cost the same as a small family car, but will make all your latent glam-rock fantasies come true. Our slightly more affordable ladies' choice from Oli is this sweet Maria Grachvogel drape top, mirrored court shoes by Ann-Sofie Back, and skinny jeans, which are still in - especially when they're fire-engine red and by PPQ. For boys, investment jeans aren't just a female prerogative, as these killer ready-worn Replay numbers demonstrate. Pair with a classic Penguin polo shirt and this bargain Peter Werth watch.

GIRLS' CHOICE:

1. Oli Fusion by Ann-Sofie Back Mirror Court Shoes, £35

2. Oli Fusion by Maria Grachvogel Top, £35 (white colour)

3. PPQ Skinny Jeans, £50 (red colour)


BOY'S CHOICE:

1. Replay Jeans, £130

2. Peter Werth Watch, £35

3. Penguin Pique Polo, £49



The Ethical Showroom: Adili.com

Taking its name from the Swahili word for 'ethical & just', Adili is an online retailer with a serious conscience. Stocking only brands who pass muster against their criteria for ethical trading practices, Adili's mission is to demonstrate that fair trade production and stylish design are not mutually exclusive. Their innovative logo system allows consumers to make a truly informed purchase, guided by the symbols denoting attributes such as the use of recycled fibres, and traditional skills. Although the men's range is admittedly more limited than the women's, the range of fashion on show more generally is impressive and well-selected, including eco-friendly superstars Ciel, and Mrs Bono's high-end brand, Edun. On the girls' side, we love this button-back tee by Beaumont Organic, worn with this People Tree military jacket and a set of Kenya-produced brass bangles by Made. For the boys, some dark wash Ascension jeans, with a classic Frank & Faith v-neck, and a pair of whiter than white kicks to match your conscience. These trainers also hold an extra little treat, as Brazillian company Veja Grama engrave the quantity of natural rubber used on each shoe on the sole, making every shoe truly unique.

GIRLS' CHOICES:

1. Roll Sleeve T by Beaumont Organic, £48

2. Matterhorn Jacket by People Tree, £75

3. Farhani Bangles by Made, £12


BOYS' CHOICES

1. Manhattan Denim Jeans by Ascension, £50

2. Adam V Neck by Frank & Faith, £50

3. Grama White Shoes by Veja Grama, £79