Pearl of Wisdom: Sigh. Here's How To Get Free Stuff.

This might be a little controversial, but it's totally related to what we're all about.

Absolootely teaches protection instead of abstinence.

Wait, what? Is this a Sex Ed class I just walked into?

No, this is a How-To-Illegally-Download-And-Not-Get-A-Virus class. Because I think some people need it. I had a conversation with my BFF the other day in which she said "There is nowhere on the internet to download Photoshop. And I'm sick of having to do all those surveys, you know, to unlock the site." I hear stuff like that a lot.

Sometimes, you simply won't be able to pay money for something you want. My favourite film is an obscure Israeli drama. I tried really hard to give Nadav Lapid my money in exchange for a dvd, I swear. I like to fund excellence. It isn't available to buy in my dvd region, so I just ended up torrenting it.

It's not your job to provide income to someone else. It's their job.

Right, now that we've excused ourselves, let's get into some downloading!


TORRENTS

The Torrents
by Folography.

The Pirate Bay is the first place I go when I'm looking to download something. TPB is a Torrent Site. A Torrent is something you download that is 'Seeded' by other people and 'Leeched' by you. The more 'Seeds' a torrent has, compared to Leechers, the faster it should download (relative to size, internet speed, etc).

To Torrent, you need a Torrent Program. UTorrent is the best one, get it here.

To download something using Torrenting, simply search The Pirate Bay. When you're an expert, you can Google and use other sites, but for now, we'll stick to the most popular site. When you've found the thing you're looking for, find the version with the most seeders. Check the comment section. The comment section will let you know if it's a fake, if it's good quality, some common issues, etc.

When you click 'Download Torrent', you'll want to open it straight into UTorrent. The .torrent file itself is just a set of instructions for UTorrent, telling it to download your file(s). In UTorrent, you'll pick the destination file, chose which files to download (if there are multiple) and watch the progress of your download.

Torrenting is the most reliable form of illegal downloading. It's the absolute best for large files, as you can pause it or restart your computer and the download won't be affected.

Once you've finished Leeching (downloading) the file, it will start to upload and you will become a Seeder of the file. This helps other people get the file, but it isn't compulsary. It's just nice.

Here's a useful article on avoiding fake torrents.


STRAIGHT DOWNLOADING

I don't know the official term for this, but this is how you usually download stuff. Depending on your Web Browser, it'll work differently. I use a site called FilesTube to find specific files, but you can always try Google.

As there isn't a space for user feedback, it's harder to weed out fakes than with Torrenting and it's much less stable. However, there are far more files available, and much more obscure stuff. If you're looking for your favourite indie band's first EP, this is the way to go. Your first stop should be to look for a Torrent, as a rule of thumb.


I totally turn into Roy from The IT Crowd when I talk about this stuff. But, like, I've been told that I'm totally like Jen? Whatever, let's just have a #relevant The IT Crowd break, shall we?



STREAMING

If you don't want a copy of a tv show or movie on your hard drive and you want to watch something right away, instead of waiting for it to download, then you can Stream it.

A common misconception is that Streaming doesn't use up Bandwidth. Well, it's the exact same as downloading, in terms of internet usage.

Finding a Streamed video can be hard. There are loads of fakes! Stick to trusted sites, such as Watch Series. Open a few options, because sometimes things get removed and some sites are better than others, in terms of quality and speed.

I use Streaming because it's generally safer. You're not downloading a physical file to your harddrive and it's just easier to work out if something's fake or not. 

Some sites I aim to use when watching online are GorillaVid, DaClips, PutLocker, SockShare, AllMyVideos, VidBull and ClickToView. There are some good ones and some terrible ones. You'll work it out.



Things to Avoid

-"Do a Survey to watch", as I told my aforementioned friend, is a scam.
-"Download this program to download this file", as I told another friend, is probably a virus.
-If you're looking to download a music file, for example, check the extension. '.exe' is not a music format. It's probably a virus.
-Get an AdBlocker. That's just good common sense, really.
-If a '.rar' or '.zip' file requires a password, that doesn't mean it's a fake. MikkiSays is a good music download site that uses passwords. If they give you the password, it's fine (MikkiSays is the password for MikkiSays btw). If they require you to download the password, it's probably a virus.
-Your Anti-Virus program will not like a lot of things, that aren't actually viruses. Torrents make mine really twitchy, but they're fine 99% of the time.
-The standard episode titles are S00E00 and 00x00. For Episode 13 of Season 5 of a show, the code would be S05E13 or 5x13. There are some variations.
-I once downloaded Moonrise Kingdom, only to end up with Machine Gun Preacher. 
-Use common sense! If something claims to be a DVDRip, yet is too new to have been released on DVD, well, you deserve a virus if you still download it.
-Check for things like subtitles, language, source (eg. CAM means it was recorded via a camera, and will be terrible quality).


I hope that wasn't too boring! I'm just a little tired of having to explain this stuff to people, over-and-over again. So, it's there. My years of experience, summarized in a post. Happy Piracy!

Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

Top 4 Dupe/Haul Videos

"Damn, I also need a photo for this post!"

I'm really into watching 'haul' videos about things people have bought of Aliexpress/eBay. Especially when people can compare originals to dupes, sometimes to amazing results.

Here are some good ones (note: if you're not into people rambling, you will not appreciate this):


1. $20 Triangl Swimwear Dupe Comparison by MsPinkaholic0405


I really don't know if she's right about dupes and originals being from the same wholesaler, but I have often suspected it. I have a couple of dupes that are spot on too. She does note that the swinsuit design isn't good (that zip seems like a terrible idea), which just goes to show that money doesn't always equal quality.


2. Haul/Review: Black Milk vs Aliexpress Dupes/Knock-Off (Leggings, Dresses) by Oxana124


Black Milk dupes are a big thing on Aliexpress. I've had good experiences (check out our leggings review here), and I totally believe that it's a waste of money to buy the original. Unless you're heinously wealthy.


3. UNIF Hellbound Dupes + Jeffrey Campbell Dupes Collection by CherrysLittleSecret


I have seen HEAPS of Jeffrey Campbell knockoffs, usually in chain stores. They're another thing I wouldn't pay full price for, but that's just because I'd only wear them once and they look very uncomfortable, no matter the quality. 

4. Fashion Dupes by Lily Melrose


I like it when popular bloggers discuss dupes, because it's becoming a big part of the fashion world. Dupes used to be frowned upon, but they've started to become acceptable. Probably because they've started targetting smaller brands aimed at people who can't really afford them. Like those Charlotte Olympia flats are coverted by heaps of young women, such as myself, but I can live without a Louis Vuitton handbag. I guess it comes down to product vs brand value. Charlotte Olympia is a great brand, but I couldn't even draw you their logo.

Phew, I am exhausted! Haul videos are super long and there are some very tedious ones out there! I watched them, but I'll spare you. If you've done a dupe/haul videos about online purchases, or you've seen one you really like, link it below!

Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

Pearl of Wisdom: Sewing 101

The Absolootely's 101 series has thus far covered the basics of certain forms of shopping. We've covered Etsy, Aliexpress, eBay and Opshopping. Now, things take a bit of a turn and I'm going to focus on a more DIY approach.


Being able to make your own possessions is undoubtedly an awesome skill to have in your consumer toolkit. Everyone should learn the absolute basics of sewing, because sometimes you'll need to fix things and you'll probably want to make something at some point. It's ridiculously satisfying when people ask "Where did you buy that?" and you get to say "Well, I actually made it!" Also, having an individual item tailor-made for you is pretty stellar. And it's even better when you share that with someone else by gifting them a handsewn creation.


Here are Absolootely's top tips for learning to sew and doing it economically:

-First, you need a sewing machine. A basic, second-hand one shouldn't be too expensive, like, under $50. Ask around before buying, as you'll find that your Baby Boomer relatives may have one lying around that they're not using. My mum has three I only learned about recently. People just tend to have sewing machines, it's weird.

My old Bernina Nova.
-If you're not confident, attend a course or, better yet, ask a friend for help. I've started teaching two of my good friends to sew, and it's a really fun group activity. Picking fabrics together, working out how to fix tricky mistakes, planning new projects...

-Basic sewing kits are really easy to find, but be careful, as the cheaps ones tend to be diffuclt to use. Things you'll definitely need, for hand-sewing, are hand-sewing needles, thread, some spare buttons are always useful, an easy fabric such as cotton, fabric scissors, an unpicker and pins. For machine sewing, you'll also need spare needles for your machine, a couple of empty bobbin spools for using different threads, a good sturdy desk, a rubbish bin by your machine for useless cut offs and threads, your machine's manual (if it has one) and extra parts (such as additional presser feet).

-For tutorials, there's this thing called The Internet. I won't take you step-by-step through how to thread a sewing machine and do button holes in this post, because there are heaps of tutorials available online that would do a better job!

-The best place to find pattern pieces (which are the sets of instructions and templates used to make clothing, etc) is at your local Spotlight/fabric store or at opshops. Always check the Bust-Waist-Hip measurements on the packets, same with buying clothes. Pattern pieces will let you know how much fabric you'll need, plus the details of embellishments and fastenings, on the packaging. They're really easy to use!

On older pattern pieces, the sizing charts are totally different. Be careful!
-There are two really useful 'fabrics' you'll want to become acquinted with: Interfacing and Vliesofix. Interfacing is an Iron-On (it comes in other varieties, but stick with Iron-On) fabric used to add strength and structure to other fabrics. If you're following a pattern piece, it will almost certainly require you to use Interfacing. Vliesofix is like double-sided tape. You peel off a layer, iron it onto a piece of fabric, peel off another layer, then iron that fabric + adhered Vliesoflix to another piece of fabric. Bam, two pieces of fabric stuck together, with one piece of Vliesoflix inbetween. Vliesofix is almost always used for applique. It's really useful.

-80% of the time I commit to working on a sewing project is spent ironing and pinning/cutting fabric. Sewing without ironing is foolhardy, trust me, I used to do it. Never hem without ironing first. NEVER. And get prepared to wear out your fabric scissors.

So. Much. Cutting.
-The fastest way to ruin a sewing project and waste your time/energy/money is, ironically, to go too fast. I know, you want to get it done ASAP, but this ain't Project Runway. Take your time, have loads of breaks, make sure you're eating well, keep track of the time. Don't rush. Unless you're on Project Runway, or have a deadline. Then, you are excused.

-The best way to get into sewing is to start with little projects. I spent my summer holidays just making plushies when I was a young lass, both by hand and with a machine. It's best to learn by doing. Namely, you'll make a million mistakes and learn how to fix them, so you'll be ready when you're doing a project that has higher stakes. Plushies and pencil cases are where most people start sewing. They teach you about zips, buttons, buttonholes, hems, seams, patterning and many other basics.

-Before you throw out that ugly old dress, stop and check it over. Could you use the fabric for something else? Are there any zippers or buttons you could scavenge? Is there a way you could improve the garment?

I hope this helped get you into the spirit of sewing! It's a fantastic hobby that no one has ever regretted learning. If you're currently in the middle of a project or about to start one, let us know in the comment section!

Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

Fool's Gold: 'Cross My Heart...' Sunglasses

I've seen these sunnies making their way around a few fashion blogs, usually courtesy of an online store called "Choies". Who are selling them for US$11, not including shipping. 


Surprise, surprise: they're far cheaper on AliExpress. I'd be extremely shocked if they weren't the exact same sunglasses, plus they come in lots of different colours.

The cheapest version of the product I found was under US$4, but the best option I found was this one. $4.04 per pair and loads of colour choices.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Personalized-letter-2014-HARAJUKU-sunglasses-vintage-round-box-sun-glasses/2011035907.html
From Product Page

If you want to find a cheaper version, a different colour or the above link has expired, click here for a pre-made search and you'll find the best results!

Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

Recommended: Bone Hair Ties

I'll keep this short, because they're just hair ties.


I've had these for a few months, so the tie is starting to wear.

THESE ARE REALLY COOL. BUY THEM. 

Seriously, I get so many compliments on these beauties (they come in pairs). It's a really easy way to add some fun to a simple outfit, plus they're practical! Flintstones Chic, I call it.

Photo from Product Page
OMG, just remembered that they come in loads of different colours! YES! Add To Cart....

Ratings
Product Quality: 5/5
Accuracy of Description: 5/5
Similarity to Original: N/A


Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

Pearl of Wisdom: Let's Talk About Advertising.

The sickest I have ever felt in a lecture theatre has either been because I was hungover or because someone else was loudly vomiting out their insobriety, after sprinting out the door, or because the subject being covered was something I found morally outrageous. For example, a Psychology lecture on children who grew up in dungeons and a Marketing lecture in which the lecturer blindly preached about how wonderful and amazing Advertising. Both were very difficult to sit through. Both were equally revolting to me.

There are leading marketing academics who argue that the whole discipline of Marketing is for the consumer's own good. Harvard professor, Theodore Levitt, claims that it fulfils our basic human need for art and embellishment of an otherwise dreary existence. Advertising is "the poetry of capitalism" in the eyes of many. Naturally, to be a Marketer, you've got to believe in the field, or why would you be doing it at all? But there is a core sickness as the centre of the subject that needs to be evicted, for the sake of everyone.

To an extent, I agree with the idea that Marketing is essential and Advertising is an artform that benefits the consumer. I'm not even remotely against the whole field of Marketing (of which Advertising is merely a single element in a much larger subject), because it's what I want to do when I grow up and it's just as much my passion as Classical Studies is to an Arts student majoring in it. There is undoubtedly value, and art, in Advertising and you only really truly understand the world we live in if you have a grasp on the sheer power of Marketing.

However, I'm not studying Marketing because I think it's amazing and consumer-centric. I'm studying it because I think modern Marketing is a dreadful influence on our society, and that's obvious through the immense amount of study modern Business/Commerce students have to do on How To Not Become Corrupt & Amoral Tycoons, as a reaction to the corrupt state of Capitalism.

Cigarette advertising is the ultimate immoral practice.

B.O. was invented by Marketers. Before a company decided people should smell nice, there was no need for a product that would eliminate our natural scent. Why do most of us girls shave our legs obsessively? Because someone wanted to sell us something, so that someone created a Need and fulfilled it. It's just ridiculous, really. Clever, brilliant and ingenius, yes, but I don't think it can be argued that Advertising is "for the consumer's own good" when it spends so much time telling us we're terrible, oh, and buy this product that will make you less terrible.

BO smells better than BO mixed with Deo, to be honest.

So much of our daily ritual can be traced back to those very businesses who took our hard-earned cash and used it to pollute our planet, bribe politicians and otherwise make our world a little bit shittier a place. Why do you do what you do? Because Marketing. Marketing is just what happens when someone profits from an idea, a social attitude, a formation of cultural practices. It's pervasive and the all-powerful force behind our civilization.

Of course, there is some great Advertising and it does do good things a lot of the time. Free-to-air television is backboned by Advertising, communities are created around brands and products, and real art and healthy messages are displayed on large-scale platforms. As a Marketing student, I love what it can do. As a consumer and a member of society, I'm not going to stand for the negative aspect being ignored.

Dove is a tricky subject. One on hand, they have amazingly positive advertising, but is that really for OUR benefit?

We like to chat about larger issues in the field of Consumerism here on Absolootely, so expect more of these heftier posts and please tell us your thoughts on the matters at hand!

Personally, I think that Brands add value to our lives by turning commodities into experiences, which is one of the key ethical beliefs Absolootely holds, and by bringing people together. But I also find the sheer power of the Brand a little abhorant and unnerving, especially when Advertisers target kids and people with low self-esteem, and when my nation demands that I vote in an election based solely on how well marketed a Politician is ("Yes We Can" is Marketing, not Politics). I think it's super important to discuss the morality of Marketing, because it has the capacity to do real damage to people and our world in general. With that in mind, the next person who accuses me of 'studying the art of manipulation' will get punched...... in the mind, by a furious rant (I'm a pacifist)!

 Overall, do you think your life would be improved if there was an absence of Advertising? What is your general, nonspecific stance on the subject?

Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

Online Shopping Gems: Shoes

We had a bit of a break, due to University starting and Bloggers' Fatigue (four posts a week for two months is hard!). Posts will probably slow down a bit from now on, because it's a busy time of year, but the quality will not diminish with the quantity, I will promise you that!




Without further ado, here is an assortment of some fantastic shoes I found, for under $20 (as of the time I clipped 'em). Buying shoes online is a tricky issue, but you just have to be SUPER careful about sizing. It is doable, if you're smart about it.


Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

DIY: If You Hate It, Then You Should Just Put A Fringe On It

...I think I just improved 'Single Ladies'.



One of the best things a human being can do is to put a trim on something (no joke). It covers an ugly or raw hem, adds length and weight and imbues things with an extra dose of flair. Plus, it's really easy and inexpensive.

BEFORE
I bought this Glassons dress second-hand and was surprised when I tried it on and found that it was VERY short. This is unusual for Glassons, who usually go for added length in their dresses and skirts. It didn't help that the dress is very floaty, so a mere gust of wind would put me in an awkward position.

AFTER
Adding a fringe to this dress added length by literally adding to the length of the garment, and it also weighed the bottom hem down, so the skirt section sits better now and the fabric is stretched out nicely. Trims are just great like that.

Here is a very generic (as there are loads of different types of trims and things to attach them to) guide to applying a trim:

1. Measure how much you'll need, and get a bit extra. Guessing tends to leave you short, as it's very hard to tell by sight just how much trim you'll actually need. Do measure before buying!




2. Starting at a seam, pin the trim on. Don't be lazy and think you can just sew it straight on. Pin carefully and diligently. I pinned every inch or so, which took a while, but luckily I had a very tedious Finance lecture to watch.




3. Sew at least 2 lines of straight stitch (or in certain cases, you may want to use zigzag or applique stitches) to secure the trim. Sew with the fabric facing down and the trim facing upright, using the trim as a guide. Avoid sewing too close to the edge of the fabric, as you might miss it and just sew onto the trim. With a thick trim like the one I used, you can use a pretty long straight stitch, which will be faster and look better.




4. Where the trim ends/starts, secure with a zigzag or overlocking stitch. You may also want to use glue to stop the trim from fraying or undoing. 



So easy! I'm so into a fringe, if you haven't already noticed. It adds a effortless "boho chic" vibe to things and makes them just that little bit cooler. Happy Trimmin', everyone!


Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

Pearl of Wisdom: The One Store System

Recently, I received a box of jewellery. I'd picked out each piece and it all came to about $15, which is about how much each would cost individually in any chain store. It was The Best parcel to receive and unpack, as you can probably imagine.

Mail Order Treasure Chest!
The trick, I find, to buying jewellery online is to pick a single seller, on eBay or Aliexpress, and select from their products. Most stores have a "minimum order" for small, cheap items like jewellery, so this gets around that, so long as you buy enough items to reach the minimum order price. It's cheaper if you buy in bulk anyway, due to the shipping costs.

If you are buying something cheap off of Aliexpress, it is worthwhile to have a look through the store and add something else to your cart from the same seller. Aliexpress and eBay both have really good systems for purchasing multiple items from a single store, allowing you to pay for them all at once. It's also great to have one package for multiple objects!

Browsing through stores also gets rid of pesky duplicates and gives you a random array of items to chose from, which is fun!

Also, if you've had a really good experience with a seller, do favourite their store and try to buy from them in future. There are some dodgy stores online and sticking with the ones you trust is a great way to ensure you continue having good experiences with online shopping.

I'm going to give a shout out to DX Jewellery, who I bought my bulk lot from. Each of their items are amongst the cheapest options for identical products on Aliexpress and they are good with shipping/packaging. Their minimum order is $9, which is really easy to hit with a mixed order.

Other Aliexpress stores I recommend are:
Red Blooded Woman
Tomato Clothing Store
Hangzhou Weido Apparel Co.
Elizabeth's Wonder Store
Jewelleries4U
Hottest Girls' Choices

Over the next few months, I'll be reviewing some pieces of jewellery I've bought (Absolootely has a one-month-use-before-review guideline, so I can't review them straight away). Keep an eye out for that!
Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

Fool's Gold: Is Buying Dupes Immoral?

When writing for Absolootely, a common issue I find myself facing, and ignoring, is whether or not it's ethical to purchase a product that has ripped off another. Is it unfair to the original designer/brand?

I don't think it is, to be honest. Most of what is in chain stores has trickled down from major brands, so it's actually hard to avoid buying clothes ripped off, or just 'inspired' by, other designers. It's a part of the fashion industry that is generally accepted. Chanel are doing just fine, don't worry.

A bigger grey area, I find, is whether buying fake merch is okay. I have a collection of band tees that each cost me over $30 each. I love supporting my favourite artists by buying their products, and I also have a dream that someday I will make a new BFF when some random notices the Devendra Banhart logo on my shirt. It hasn't happened yet, but I remain hopeful.

I do have three band t-shirts that aren't official merchandise, but I feel as if I can justify owning them because I've already given money to the bands. I own an official The Vaccines baseball shirt, three of their cds and four vinyl singles, so it's okay for me to also own this tee. I have all three of Vampire Weekend's cds, so I'm justified in owning this top. If I haven't given money to an artist, I don't buy fake merch. I'm not sure what logic that is, but it works for me. Spent $100 on an Arctic Monkeys ticket. Spent $6 on this t-shirt...


Fool's Gold: Is Buying Dupes Immoral?


Dupes are unavoidable, because upholding copyright is difficult. If a brand is confident in itself, it should be fine with dupes. However, there is a problem where people might hold the brand culpable if the fake item isn't high quality, so it should always be clear whether an item is the real thing or not. If you want to check for yourself, running an image through Google's Image Search is a fast way of checking.

I guess what it comes down to is whether or not you want to support the brand (or band, etc), both financially and through using your body as a billboard. As a consumer, you have the right to decide. I know companies make a big fuss out of buying legally, especially with the rise of piracy and all, but ultimately it's THEIR fault for not providing a superior product and by having an inefficient business model. They are responsible for their own failings. For most of us, the opportunity cost (second best alternative) to buying a dupe isn't buying the original, and is actually just not buying anything, so it's not like they're losing sales.

Someday, we'll all be wealthy beyond measure, and then we can just buy originals and fund the people who deserve it the most, but until then, we're just regular people trying to make the most out of our short lifespans. It's not our responsibility to maximise the profits of others.

Unless those 'others' are The Vaccines. They can just take my money.

"Get outta the frame, Dupe Scum!"


Have a think about this issue and let us know your thoughts. Hopefully, I've at least given you an excuse to buy dupes without feeling guilty!

Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

Review: Silver 'Jacket' Earrings

This year I have been totally enamoured with a type of earring called the 'jacket' earring. Jacket earrings are comprised of a stud earring with an extra attachment that sits between the ear lobe and the butterfly or stud component. They are a brilliant way of adding a little bit of edge and interest to an outfit, without being too overstated.


My favourite pair are these silver diamante ones, which I bought off eBay a few months ago. They are super cheap, at under $4 (USD+Shipping) for two!

From Product Page
They have a stud with a long wire that is slightly crooked, so they sit better. There are two holes on the attachment, for different sized earlobes. It's great design and I haven't had problems with it yet. Aside from the classic earring problem of getting caught on clothes and coming off.




The photos on the Product Page, as seen above, suggest that the earrings are decorated with little stars, but they are actually more like flowers. I don't mind this, as it's a minor difference, but it's still a thing to note. I haven't found a version of this product for sale that has pictures of these flower ones. Are all the advertised star ones these flower ones? Who knows...


Overall, I'm really happy with these. For their price, I've gotten a lot of use out of them and I'm sure I will continue to. They're only slightly starting to go that bronze colour cheap silver jewellery inevitably goes, and I think I'll just buy another couple if they break or go too brown.

If you are considering buying earrings like these off eBay or Aliexpress, double-check how many the page is selling. For a pair of these, I ordered 2 and received a pair, but for another, similar, item I ordered 2 and received 2 pairs.

Ratings
Product Quality: 4/5
Accuracy of Description: 3/5
Similarity to Original: N/A (I think!)

I have another two pairs of jacket earrings, so keep an eye out for reviews of them, coming up in the next couple of months. If you're a fan of a jacket earring, let us know in the comments below and/or come squeal in excitement with me on Twitter!

Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

Online Shopping Gems: Backpacks


I hear backpacks are in at the moment? Apparently the tiny, dainty ones are, at least. I'm into that, it seems pretty practical, and there are some really cool designs out there.

Whatever the current trend is, from huge to novelty to pintsized, Absolootely has you covered for all types of backpacks. And these are all under $20, including shipping, which is pretty damn sweet! Here's a collection of my top finds:


Read our latest review, which was about a backpack? Check it out here.

Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

Pearl of Wisdom: Etsy 101



So far in Absolootely's 101 series, which focuses on basics of certain types of shopping, we've covered Aliexpress, eBay and Opshopping. If you haven't checked those out yet, you totally should, there is some really good advice in there! I often find myself rereading rules I myself have written, just to remind myself how to be a smarter shopper.

Etsy is one of the best online marketplaces, but it has a lot of pitfalls. It's typically more expensive than other shopping outlets we cover on Absolootely, as a lot of the stuff is high quality vintage/handmade. However, there are still bargains-a-plenty to be found! 


Here are my top tips for getting the most out of Etsy:

-Double check with other sites before buying. As I discussed in the last Fool's Gold post, there are heaps of Etsy sellers who buy in bulk from wholesale sites, that you yourself can access, and sell for a much higher price. Etsy is home to some wholesalers, but their prices will still be higher because of the nature of the site, plus Etsy charge a relatively high price to operate a store, so the costs of providing the goods are higher than sites like eBay. Do a quick search over Aliexpress or eBay.

-Follow people with similar taste! If you like a store or item, have a nosey through other people who have also liked it. This is a really good way to find cool stuff. The first person you should follow is me (cheeky plug!), because I have over two thousand likes and most of it is pretty awesome.

-Use Etsy primarily for handmade, personalised products. That's really what the site specialises in. Also, there are loads of 'boutique' stores that do cool, high-quality clothing for reasonable prices, such as Clashist, Supayana and Nelixie Apparel. My favourite recent find is a store called Fiber Friends that will make you a custom felt version of your dog! Etsy is a great platform for manufacturers and small businesses. I find that it isn't so good for vintage and secondhand goods, as they tend to be overpriced, but there are still some cool e-opshops.

-A fun place to find completely random products is on the recently listed page! 

-If you want to search for products with a max price of an amount not listed in the options, simply change the number in the url! Eg, I went through Etsy's menu system to find necklaces for under $5, but they only have an option for "Under $25". By changing "max_price=25" in the url bar to "max_price=5", it listed only necklaces under $5! 

-Watch out for shipping costs! The main reason why I don't use Etsy so much anymore is because most of the stores seem to be located in the USA and Europe. I live in New Zealand, so shipping is very expensive, especially compared to Asian based wholesalers. Most Etsy stores ship worldwide, and have a standard rate for 'Everywhere else', but a lot don't, and that's a nuisance.

-If you're concerned about shipping costs, and/or want to shop locally, check out the Shop Local page! If you live in Wellington, like me, check out all these cool folks from our city!


Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

Fool's Gold: Return of the Pizza Necklace

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a Fool's Gold comparing a very expensive Pizza Necklace to a cheaper alternative. In that post, the necklaces were quite different, though similar in pizza-ness.

Browsing an Etsy store, I stumbled across the exact same necklace as the Aliexpress one, but for twice the price and far fewer the quantity!



Here's the one sold via ShopSpaceTrash:


Not only is it supremely cheeky that they sell 5 for around $40 (USD, inc shipping costs), they also sell ONE necklace for around $15ea! It's likely that they bought these necklaces from a wholesale site like Aliexpress, so the sheer amount of profit they make per purchase is ridiculous.

Here's the one sold via Aliexpress:


See, it's exactly the same!

Over Aliexpress, 20 pieces will cost you $22 (USD, inc shipping).
Over ShopSpaceTrash, 20 pieces will cost you $156.

That's a difference of $134! And on ShopSpaceTrash, you can't even buy 20 so easily, as they have a maximum order of 3 sets of 5. ShopSpaceTrash is a very popular store, and just the 5 piece Pizza Necklace set has over 100 favourites on Etsy. But they are really having a laugh with the price tag.

I love Etsy, but a lot of the stuff for sale can be found for much cheaper elsewhere. They buy in bulk, take nicer photos and sell amongst their handmade guff. All is fair in love, war and e-stores, and it's not illegal, just good marketing. However, we're on the consumer's side, so screw it, it makes us angry.

ShopSpaceTrash, consider yourself absolootely called out.

Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

Review: Large Patterned Backpack

Trying to find a good-sized backpack is a mission and a half. It's especially hard finding one online, because you have to rely on accurate measurements and descriptions! My friend, Rose, managed to find a really cool one that fits all of her stuff (she is the type of person who is apocalypse-ready whenever she's away from home, she needs a big bag!), which she said I could review for her.


I got some photos while we took the train together today, and quizzed her about how her bag's been going over the 3 months she's had it. I have an investment in this backpack, as I was there when she scaled Aliexpress for her perfect bag. It was a real test of our friendship, because it took about an hour and it was very tedious! She landed on this one after an extensive search.






Her number 1 complaint is that the straps are thin and hurt her shoulders. This happens when backpacks get heavy, as all school kids will tell you, so it's not so much a design flaw as a caution. Another problem she has is that while the depth is good, the width is a little tight for her Uni books. 

We both appreciate that it had heaps of pockets! There's even one on the back! The fabric is also really pretty and it's a really quality product. Rose did shell out a little for this, because a good backpack isn't cheap, and it's not something you want to be faulty. 

If you're looking for a nice, reasonably priced backpack for your schoolbooks, packed lunch and gym gear, then this is a really good one! It's good enough for my pseudo-doomsday-prepper friend, which is the best credit a backpack can get, IMO. 


Ratings:

Product Quality: 5/5
Accuracy of Description: 4/5 (Many flowers is, indeed, brown. However, the page is quite confusing, because there are two variations, but only one is for sale.)
Similarity to Original: N/A








Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

Online Shopping Gems: Pyjamas


It's pretty impressive how cheap some pyjama sets are, because you're getting two items for one. I swear by pyjama sets, especially your classic flannelette set, so I had loads of fun seeing how cheap I could get them.

Here are the best PJ sets I found for under $20:


Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

Fool's Gold: Screw You, Samsung!

My laptop screen has been broken for a while and I finally got around to getting a quote from Samsung's repair centre as to the cost of getting a replacement LCD screen. They said it would be $280, which is outrageous.

They can charge that much because people buying repairs want their item fixed ASAP, and tend to just throw money at the problem, putting speed and reliability before price. I'm in that camp. I was perfectly willing to pay them whatever they wanted, so I could finally be reunited with my Sims 3 family.

At the advice of my super geek brother, I had a peak around the web to see if I could find a cheaper alternative. I found my way to aliexpress, which I've never used for electronics before, and they had the absolute cheapest options. There were multiple stores offering the exact same LCD screen that Samsung would've sent me, but for $100 instead of almost $300!

The moral of this story is that stuff is cheaper online. Groundbreaking, I know.

If you do decide to buy replacement parts online, be SUPER careful. It's really easy to accidentally order the wrong part! I have a Samsung NP300V5A-S04NZ, and I almost bought a screen that would fit an NP300 laptop, but not the exact one I have. Check all the numbers and letters! Make sure the photo looks right.

Also, if you don't have a tech genius sibling, you can order the part yourself and use a PC fixing service to replace it, if you're not confident.

Fool's Gold: Screw You, Samsung



Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield

Review: Dupe Leggings

Aliexpress is pretty well known for doing dupe Black Milk leggings. If you want to have a look at some of the best ones on there, check out this Gems post. As with most Gems posts, we can't account for the quality of each product. But I have gotten my hands on two pairs of leggings, so I can give an overview of what to expect from these lower quality, cheap knockoffs.


I bought these excellent nautical tights, and my friend bought these skyline ones. We're both happy with the look of them. Hers are slightly more pixelated than mine, but it's because the image is a lot denser and more detailed, so it matters less. I was really impressed, actually, at the crispness of mine! They're very nice!




The reason I have my friend's tights in my possession is I refused to let her wear them until I fixed the crotch for her. I got my leggings before her and after only a day of wearing them, there was a hole in the crotch! She wore hers for about an hour after receiving them and they also were starting to come apart at the seam, so I think it's a problem the majority of these types of tights will have.

Crotch hole alert!
You can see where the stitching has come undone.
If you buy a pair of these leggings, I highly recommend reinforcing the crotch before wearing them. It only takes a couple of lines of stitching on the sewing machine. Since it's a very stretchy fabric, you'll want to use a zigzag, or preferably an overlock stitch, like the one my grandma's sewing machine can do (see photo below). Go further than the problem area, just for extra reinforcement.


The weak crotch problem wasn't an issue for me, because I'm an avid sewer, and it really is the only flaw I've had so far. I love my tights and I'm really glad I didn't buy the originals, because I will certainly not get $100 worth of use out of them. I only have, like, one top I can wear these with, they don't go with very much! Once I fixed the crotch (how many times can I write 'crotch' in one post...), they were totally worth over the $7 (USD) I paid for them.

Also, note that neither of us bought Free size. A lot of these leggings only come in one size, which might seem reasonable because they're very stretchy, but it's best to look for variations that have multiple sizes.

Ratings

 Beige Nautical Tights
Product Quality: 3/5
Accuracy of Description: 5/5
Similarity to Original: 3/5 (the brown is slightly more purple, the images bigger and the fabric is cheaper. But pretty good still.)

NYC Skyline Tights
Product Quality: 3/5
Accuracy of Description: 5/5
Similarity to Original: 3/5 (the image is much more pixelated and the fabric is cheaper, but also still pretty good.)

UPDATE 3/8/14: Prone to shrinking dramatically in the washing machine!

Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield
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