Debt-a-Porter

Spending all your money on clothes – it’s pretty much the equivalent to trading your cow for magic beans. And yet it’s so appealing.

Much celebrated Net-A-Porter is deep in summer sale mode, and many bargains of the still-too-expensive designer variety can be found. There are a few items that I want but can’t afford and/or would never fit me, like the Celine bow front tank top (in next season's best colour, inky blue), the Luella bomber jacket (the wet look is so in next season) or the Kenneth Jay Lane pyramid cuff. Everything is so beautiful, and so expertly chosen, and the site boasts the most covetable brands. Natalie Manhasset is to be congratulated for gliding into the gap that previously existed when it came to online designer retailers.

However, if you are larger than a size 16, perhaps you feel she is actually owed a flaming bag of poo on her porch. Did you know that designers like Chloe, Missoni and Miu Miu make clothes in a size 18? If you are a regular visitor to Net-A-Porter, where a size 14 is described as “XL”, you probably would not have guessed that designer clothes can go up to a 20 in some cases.

Thank you Yoox for expanding my education. Though their selection is a times a bit odd, or just too fashion forward for my pedestrian tastes, there are several items that are making my mouth water. Highlights, include an adorable skirt by Chloe (pictured), some Armani Collezione wide leg linen trousers, a Chloe blouse with A/W’s essential ruffles, and a cashmere and silk coat by Missoni. And best of all, you can search by size, so you don’t have to wade through hundreds of items of tiny clothing to get to something that fits. And then don't forget to check out the selection of bags, which includes items by Celine, Gucci, Corto Moltedo, Chanel, and many others.

I won’t abandon Net-A-Porter, who, in their own words, deliver ‘impeccable packaging and unrivalled customer care.’ Their sleek black boxes, with the magnetic closure and black tissue paper make for the best packaging around (next to Penhaligon) and the delivery and returns services are second to none. And the second I find an extra £255 lying around, that Marc by Marc Jacobs magazine clutch is mine. But just because they were the first doesn’t mean they are the only, and there are many other online designer retailers to explore.

Other sites to check out:
My-wardrobe
Mytheresa
Koodos
Beige (for plus sizes)

And for shopping in Glasgow, check out Jaeger on Ingram Street for their increasingly stylish offering, and Aquascutum and Pringle (who both do XXL) at House of Fraser.

PS Dear Ms Manhasset, if you are reading this, I don't really want to leave flaming poo anywhere near your house, and I am a very loyal customer, and I wouldn't say no to that Marc by Marc Jacobs clutch