Lesser-Known Online Stores
You’d be forgiven for thinking that online shopping begins and ends with the likes of ASOS, Oki-ni and Mr Porter. But what those behemoths of e-commerce offer with regard to choice, they sometimes lack in originality.
Hence, we’ve hand-picked five of our favorite lesser-known online retailers, which are well worth checking out this spring/summer.
1. Lou Dalton’s Online Store
Until last week, the only place you could lay your hands on British designer Lou Dalton’s covetable pieces was on the polished shop floors of some of London’s most upmarket retailers (think Harvey Nichols, Liberty and Opening Ceremony).
But with the launch of a new online store comes a refreshingly accessible route into the world of London Collection: Men’s darling and her killer spring/summer 2015 collection.
Expect 1950s-inspired shirts, summery baseball cuts and her signature ‘Charm, Charm, Charm’ T-shirts. All of which – for the first time – you can pick up without having to leave the comfort of your couch.
Web: loudalton.com
2. OTHER/shop
Not content with being one of central London’s most handsome fashion destinations, OTHER/shop (located on Kingly Street in Soho) has carved itself a niche as the online purveyor of exclusive collections from the capital’s most exciting emerging design talent.
Its online store boasts a well-edited selection of pieces from new-to-our-shores brands, such as Japanese import Kics Document, and is supplemented by a robust own-label offering and established favorites, including Agi & Sam and Craig Green.
Web: other-shop.com
3. The Idle Man
There are few who nail the online retailing game like relative newcomers The Idle Man.
Not only does the website offer a wealth of must-own pieces from brands you love – including streetwear favorites System and Eleven Paris – it also seamlessly integrates handy how-to guides, style inspiration and fashion features into your digital shopping experience.
On the one hand, this is obviously a great help in editing the site’s vast product catalog down, but on the other it makes adding to basket that little bit too easy. Make sure to check out its city guides for clever, localized wardrobe hacks and insider travel tips.
Web: theidleman.com
4. Oi Polloi
We’ll take one of everything, please.
The website of Manchester’s premier menswear store (and one of our top 10 independent UK retailers) is packed to the virtual rafters with covetable items, including hard to find pieces from the likes of Margaret Howell and TSPTR as well as core basics from internationally renowned labels such as Levi’s and Sunspel.
Not only is this an e-commerce site with variety and quality at its heart, it’s also packed with personality and will always leave you wanting more. Keep your eyes peeled for when Oi Polloi launches its new London bricks and mortar store later this month.
Web: oipolloi.com
5. Orlebar Brown
Although it may not feel like it, summer is just around the corner, which means you’ll soon be looking to refresh your holiday wardrobe.
And your first port of call for poolside staples should always be Orlebar Brown, who specialize in high quality, contemporary resortwear.
Renowned for its tailored, quick-drying swim shorts that are designed to take you from beach to bar, the British label have teamed up with legendary print brand Emilio Pucci for SS15, producing a selection of styles that incorporate classic 1950s motifs from the Pucci archives.
Yet these days Orlebar are so much more than swimwear, with the brand’s premium cotton tees, toweling polos, well-cut chinos and lightweight linen shirts offering an easy way to upgrade your high summer attire.
Top Tip: The brand offer 10 percent off first orders when you sign up for its official newsletter.
Web: orlebarbrown.co.uk
