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Online shopping has become incredibly popular over the last few years, with more and more customers heading online from the comfort of their homes to pick up products. But as the cost of living crisis continues, and with clothes seemingly getting more expensive, everyone’s on the lookout to save a bit of cash here and there.
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis, known and loved for helping the UK cut back on its spending, has now recommended an online store known as everything5Pounds a go. The website lists brand-new unsold clothes from well-known brands such as M&S and River Island, at a fraction of their original price.
A Senior What’s On, Showbiz and TV writer at Nottinghamshire Live’s sister site, MyLondon, Lea Dzifa Seeberg, decided to try out the site for herself. With a budget of £15 budget, she challenged herself to find a full outfit. Here’s how she got on:
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I expected to find some frumpy polyester dresses and shoes my nan wouldn’t be caught dead in. However, I wasn’t even five minutes in before I had 15 tabs open with prospective purchases.
This floral off-the-shoulder dress (£5.75) came in a lovely green shade that would look stunning once I’d got rid of my winter-induced pastyness. Paired with this kicky denim jacket (£5.95), I could wear it from now and all through summer.
But by adding these Nike-esque platform trainers (£5.95) my total came to £17.65. The jacket made the look, so I emptied my basket and started over.
I immediately stumbled upon a midi dress (£5.95) in a rainbow of colours. Paired with some chunky sandals (£5.75) I could slide into summer with £3.30 to spare – just 10p short of a Tesco meal deal.
Of course, these high rise trousers (£5.75 for trousers!) would look unreal paired with a pink top (£5.25) or a cropped orange one (£5). But I had just discovered the beauty section and suddenly my £3.30 could be put to very good use.
Foregoing matte lipstick for £1.95 and the temptation to restock my entire makeup drawer, I settled on a gold hair clip. Not only would it hold my hair back adorably on sweaty days, but it also cost just £1.50.
(Image: Lea Dzifa Seeberg)
Of course, cheap fashion sites often get you by adding ridiculous delivery charges. But no, £3.95 for Royal Mail was all they squeezed out of me. The only issue I found with Everything5Pounds was the sizing. I’m a UK 8 and wear the same in shoes. While I could easily get clothing in my size, it was the only one available for most things I clicked on.
Sandals were my only option for footwear, as most seemed to go up to only a 7. That’s fine in a bind, but sandals leave some breathing room.
A Money Saving Expert forum also noticed the issue, and one shopper offered some advice. They said: “Best time to get a good range of sizes is by logging on for the new arrivals, around 8.30/9am the new arrivals can go fast.
“I have received clothing from Zara and New Look this week, as well as unknown brands. I have just returned a parcel today, postage returns are at your own expense but refunds are made quickly once received.”
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