It’s the era of independent retailers.  And we’re not just talking real life, but virtual too.  Today you can do it all from the comfort of your own couch without ever having to put your pants on.  That includes browsing, zooming and clicking your way to a whole new wardrobe.  No lines, no overly enthusiastic (or excessively irritable) salespeople, no fluorescent lighting and fat mirrors. 

In the international language of fashion, online shops have translated into fixtures for people worldwide to find the latest, safest way to buy.  And corporations are following suit: revamping online shops and introducing seemingly independent (and unrelated) online boutiques in order to cash in on the phenomenon (like Amazon.com’s new sister site, Endless.com, for shoes and handbags).  We’re all for a world where convenience and consumption collide (and where living outside big cities doesn’t mean you can’t find specialty fashions), and we’re forever partial to the young guns doing their part to contribute.  Here, our five favorite places to do web business:

Refinery29shops.com
The independent fashion aficionados at Refinery29.com have, since their launch a year and half ago, offered the latest in all things sartorially sovereign: shopping guides, street style and thoughtful editorials on trends and budding designers.  As of last Thursday, Refinery29 gave hip fashion-lovers one more reason to take the cyber-streets by storm - Refinery launched its own online shop replete with droolworthy men’s, women’s and (soon) children’s garb and accessories.  The shop sells offerings from downtown and Brooklyn favorites like Lyell, Steven Alan, Freeman’s Sporting Club and Oak, as well as stylish gadgets and home décor.  Not to mention, the shop’s designer profiles and style sheets (the first of which focus on designer Shelly Steffee and Paris Vogue’s NY Correspondent Sophie Lamant, respectively) will keep you logged on well past checkout.

Aloharag.com
When you hear the term fashion-forward, the city of Honolulu may not immediately spring to mind.  That is, if you haven’t been busy buying up the fantastic fashions available at aloharag.com.  In addition to the fact that the Oahu-based boutique stocks (both in-store and online) sought-after designs from Ann Demeulemeester, Martin Margiela, Tsubi, Pierre Hardy and more, Aloha Rag remains one of the best places to look for hard-to-find favorites.  And, if that’s not enough incentive: if you’re willing to blow over $500, the folks at Aloha Rag will treat you to free shipping anywhere in the world. 

Wesoldout.com
Speaking of hard-to-find gear, the retail mavericks at wesoldout.com just made tracking down limited-edition pieces and collectors’ items a hell of a lot easier.  The brainchild of top French brands LA MJC and Colette, the website previews the best in international urban-wear via an ultramodern, eye-pleasing page.  A BBC Ghettoblaster Hoodie will set you back a pretty penny at 315 euros, and a pretty-in-pink wallet or backpack courtesy of Japanese Frabrick’s collaboration with notorious graffito and hotel and nightlife impresario Andre, are 83 and 170 euros, respectively.  Yet, getting your hands on a long-coveted, one-of-a-kind tee, toy or tracksuit may just be priceless. 

Pollyanna.com
While this Brit-based shop is far from new –it was launched decades before cyberspace’s conception – its literal and virtual racks are filled with the latest from avant-garde designers including Comme des Garcons, Adam Kimmel, Raf Simons, Carpe Diem and Lanvin.  And the online shop’s design is as painstakingly-crafted as the clothing it sells.  Who says shopping isn’t exercising: Perusing jackets and trousers from Jil Sander or Junya Watanabe at half-off retail will get your heart racing.  

~Alisa Gould-Simon