...you want free shipping.

Image from asos.com.

Our informal poll of fabulous lady shoppers at a recent softball game brought home the fact that no one likes to pay for shipping.  So much so that we will purchase elsewhere rather than fork over for shipping.  You've been there, haven't you?  You carefully fill your cart and complete your shipping information only to find a $15 dollar shipping fee, and no in-store return.  Frustrating!  Here are some of our favorite places to shop online and ways to get around paying good money for shipping:

J.Crew - Forget free shipping with a $150 purchase or trekking in to use the instore red phone!  Call J.Crew at 1-800-562-0258 and make a friend with the Customer Service professionals.   My Customer Service friend, Kevin, and I have been together  for a little over two years now.  He can help me with anything I need – tracking down hard-to-find items, tips on size and styling, putting outfits together, sneak peeks at upcoming collections, you name it. Just about everything shy of balancing my checkbook and watering my plants.   It's all about service and Kevin takes care of me in spades, plus free shipping.  All the time.

Net-a-Porter - For the latest designer women's clothing, shoes, jewelry and much more from over 350 of the world's leading designers.  Free shipping all the time.  (And, as an aside, they have complimentary gift wrap too.)

Image from net-a-porter.com.

Amazon - Feep your eyes on this powerhouse as the company finally recognizes the opportunity and refocuses to fashion.  Amazon PRIME gets you free shipping. 

Asos - Over 850 fashion labels, and offering free shipping, both ways.  Everyday.

Under the heading of obvious:  Nordstrom, L.L.Bean, Zappos, Gap family (Piperlime, free shipping all the time, Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic, free shipping on orders over $50), Neiman Marcus (usually with a code, but NOT Bloomingdales or Saks), and Kate Spade.  

I got a fabulous leather t-shirt (which you'll see more of this fall) from Topshop.  And it came with....free shipping (on orders over $100).

ShopBop has one of the best selections of Diane von Furstenberg I've seen, and has a  limited edition collaboration with Current Elliott.   They feature familiar brands like Rachel Zoe and more obscure, coveted ones like Soludos.

If you're like Jen, in the eternal search for T-shirts, try StyleMint from Mary Kate and Ashley. You complete a fun profile and then voila! The Olsen sissies put together a ensemble of tees to choose from. All $29.99 and shipped free.

For men, Bonobos is at the top of my list.  Featured in the NY Times, Bonobos was started to solve a simple problem: men’s pants just don’t fit well. They’re either too tight to be comfortable or too baggy to look good. But, by innovating in a few key areas, they’ve developed a fit that they say actually looks and feels great for a wide variety of men.  They have sweaters, jackets, accessories, golf, swim, outerwear and boast "Fast and Free shipping.  Insanely easy returns."  Keep talking 'cause I like what you're sayin'.

What are your favorite shopping sites that offer free shipping? ~ LB