Editor’s Picks: The one where we find the best local online shopping.

Credit cards at the ready…

Remember when a new-season wardrobe meant trudging down to the CBD and traipsing from chain store to surf store to department store?

I, for one, am glad those days are over — not only because you get double the excitement now when you shop online (one thrill when you buy something, the second when it arrives…) but because we now have access to a veritable smorgasbord of cute, interesting and affordable options at our fingertips.

And yes, you can order them while you’re still at work ahem, or from the comfort of home on a Sunday morning.

Just as an FYI, you should know that this is an advertorial for StarTrack.

This week’s editor’s picks are dedicated entirely to Australian online stores. Whether they’re homewares, clothes or accessories, each of these stores stock awesome products – and they have the extra feel-good element of supporting home grown business.

Ready? Here we go…

1. Hard to Find.

Hard To Find is my latest go-to for birthday gifts. The site’s handmade and unique offerings include personalised products and cheap, quirky prints and jewellery.

Think Etsy, but more tightly curated.

Hero product: Geometric Frida Print, $20. Buy it here.

Related: I suffer from present pressure. Do you?

I wanted this on my bedroom wall as soon as I saw it – it’s bold, playful and interesting (and no way would you guess this only cost the price of lunch).

2. Incu.

Okay, Incu is pricier than my usual online haunts but if you look hard enough, you can find some gems.

Incu hosts a mix of international brands and emerging Australian talent, but I’m craziest about the jewellery — a lot of which is delicate and stackable in that very on-trend way.

Hero product: Honeymoon bracelet, $45. Buy it here.

If you’re into wearing neutral colours (any fellow Melbournians reading?), these pops of colour will brighten things up. And if you’re into wearing colour (everyone else) you’ll feel right at home with this cheery bracelet on your wrist. Everyone wins.

3. The Iconic.

If you haven’t explored The Iconic yet, you’d better get on that, stat.

The online company has a huge range … and there always seems to be a pretty decent sale on.

Hero product: Blesse’d Are The Meek construction cape, $179.95. Buy it here.

I suspect this simple black item is about to become my Autumn/Winter go-to: I can just sub it into every outfit, when I would’ve previously worn a blazer. Easy.

4. Zilvi.

Zilvi sells trendy, whimsical interior décor and wall art for home and kids. You know the kind: splashes of neon colour, cursive scripts, and cute flamingo motifs…

Can all my friends have babies, please, so I have an excuse to shop this store more often?

Hero product: Wreath Plaques by Hello Little Birdie + Zilvi, $35. Buy it here.

I know one could argue this would look at home in a nursery – but I can get away with it in my Sydney apartment too, right?

5. Booktopia.

Booktopia is the country’s leading online bookstore so chances are, it’s not the first you’ve heard of it.

But I do like having a local online book shopping option, and I have yet to search for a book that Booktopia doesn’t carry.

HERO PRODUCT: Only Ever Yours by Louise O’Neill. Buy it here.

Got a feminist friend with a fondness for page-turners and an upcoming birthday? This is the title you want.

I’ve heard this dystopian love story described as a cross between Mean Girls and The Handmaid’s Tale, and that’s pretty much spot on. I read it over the Easter break in a day and trust me, it’s good.

6. Samantha Wills.

The Australian jewellery designer’s online store is one of the best I know. Expect a lot of wood, raw and polished stones, and large faceted jewels.

Hero product: On Film Ring – Onyx $89.00. Buy it here.

This black onyx and rose gold piece is so delicate that it’s pretty, but so interesting that it’s almost edgy. *Insert wishful sigh.*

7. Grace Loves Lace.

Attention, engaged friends. Lots of wedding dresses cost thousands, but this range –made in Brisbane – hovers around the $1000 mark. The dresses feature lots of off-the-shoulder, low-backed action; think Jessa from Girls.

Hero product: Loren dress in tulle, $1100. Buy it here.

I grew obsessed with the Loren dress before my wedding and, to this day, I wish I’d at least tried it on.

Related: Eight things to do with your wedding dress (once the wedding is over).

That appliqued lace around the bust area is so interesting and feminine.

8. Princess Polly.

Princess Polly, which started as a little bricks-and-mortar boutique in Surfers Paradise, now stocks more than 50 Australian labels online.

It’s far more affordable than many online boutiques and its ethos is very customer service-focused (there’s even a phone number you can text if you have an online store enquiry – rather cool, I’m sure you’ll agree).

Hero product: In The Rain top, $35. Buy it here.

I’m a sucker for embroidery detailing, and I love this cropped tee’s versatility: it might look summery, but paired with your high=-waited jeans and some ankle boots, it could take you right through autumn.

And while we’re on the topic of online shopping, here’s your chance to thank your favourite online retailer.
The StarTrack ORIAS People’s Choice Award is decided by the people – which means it’s up to you guys.

This is the first time ever that the public will decide on who their favourite online retailer is. Not only that, but your vote puts you in the running to win one of ten $1000 gift cards.

Terms and conditions apply, find out more at startrack.com.au/peopleschoice and vote for your favourite online store.

Too easy.

What are your Aussie online shopping recommendations?

“Love online shopping and want to win $1000!

Vote for your favourite online store and you could win 1 of 10 $1000 gift cards in the People’s Choice Award, brought to you by the StarTrack Online Retail Industry Awards.

Terms and conditions apply find out more at startrack.com.au/peopleschoice and vote for your favourite online store.”