Not Just A Label (NJAL)
Topshop is well known, and greatly respected, for being a breeding ground for young fashion design talent. It famously sponsors emerging designers but so too does rival site Not Just A Label which has become the world’s leading online platform for new designer talent. NJAL started in 2008 and now represents designers from 150 countries and offers emerging talents publicity and promotion through its media channels and partnerships. Take a gander; we think you’ll like it.
Stradivarius
The lesser-known sister brand to Zara, Stradivarius can give Topshop a run for its money in the affordable style stakes. On their site, shoppers can browse by trend or by product and share their outfits. You can share your outfit with #stradilooks and let the world see it. Very millennial. The Spanish brand Stradivarius, which targets 20 to 35 year old women is in 23 countries, as well as online.
ASOS
First up is the global fashion portal ASOS revered by all fashion followers including Michelle Obama. ASOS was founded in 2000 as As Seen On Screen, the celebrity-inspired site selling clothes spotted in films or on TV. Now, it is widely considered the online go-to for affordable fashion. It sells over 850 brands and its fashion editor-approved own-label clothes to 20-somethings. Who needs the high street when ASOS offers Next-Day Delivery for a year for £9.95?
Miss Selfridge
Miss Selfridge is a great alternative to Topshop; frequently updating its site with affordable and trend-led dresses, shoes and accessories. In fact, it was one of the very first retailers to use Kate Moss in its campaigns. Miss Selfridge started its journey as a concession in the iconic Selfridges department store in 1967. It is now owned by fashion conglomerate Arcadia Group, which incidentally also owns Topshop and Topman. Miss Selfridge has over 250 stores worldwide, a strong site and partners with ASOS.
River Island
River Island has long been a loved British high street brand. Since its inception 60 years ago, the virtual shelves of River Island are changed weekly with stylish and affordable fashion that is almost all designed in-house. Their site is more than just shopping; their Inspiration page includes blogs on reading lists, recipes and catwalk stories. We challenge you to cruise the site and finish empty-handed.
If you like this, read on:
My Web with Becky Gunning, founder of lifestyle blog, Bricks & Stitches
The Belt Bag Trend
Under-the-radar Online Clothes Stores
April 2019