The gracious and beautiful Beth over at Every Road a Runway was kind enough to contribute a guest post, enjoy!


It’s frustrating when that perfect garment seems impossible to find. Whether you discovered it in a magazine or admired it from afar on another person, the want for that special item burrows deep in your head, and the itch to hunt it down only becomes more intense as time goes on.


Never fear, fashion addicts, the internet offers many opportunities to seek out whatever you lust for. Tools, techniques, and little tricks ensure the hunt is easy as one click of the mouse.




1. Rephrase Terminology
Think of different names and terms that describe the item you’re searching for. A pair of bubble shorts could actually be called bloomers. A tunic could be referred to as a t-shirt dress. Skinny jeans become cigarette pants and platform ankle boots become wedge booties.





Minimal differences between the garments may exist, but more often than not, the pieces are merely titled differently. So make a mental list of terms to search for and be patient. The great thing about this tactic is that along the way, you’ll be adding vocabulary to your fashion dictionary.


2. Use Search Tools Made Specifically for Fashion
ShopStyle.com is a very strong and reliable search tool. It sorts results by garment type, color, price, and even brand. The search tool links items directly to their source, so browsing becomes effortless.





Rephrasing terminology proves to be an extremely important tactic. While ShopStyle is accurate and timely, (including updated sale prices) it still falls prey to minor differences in title. Searches with tiny alternations yield substantial differences.


3. Browse Unlikely Places
Items become less difficult to find when they are trendy. Places like Ebay and Etsy always promise an interesting browsing experience, yet they don’t always end up in success. Try visiting a store that hosts a variety of items. Hot Topic offers fantastic skinny jeans, and J. Crew sells beautiful basics, yet many people avoid these brands because of their images. Do not be fooled by the typical demographic of the store. Pleasant surprises await.





With fashion comes creativity, and attempting to find that perfect garment is no exception. Arm yourself with smart tactics, and the search becomes short and sweet.