Best retail purchases on TaoBao

Hi zesties!

Belonging to the millennial generation, I’ve seen prices of retail items shoot up exponentially. If you walk around the mall or browse an online shopping site, a decent piece of clothing starts from $40 now. If you’re lucky, you can snatch a piece on sale from $10 (sadly by the time I know about the sale, my sizes are sold out).

Some of us may have already known, you can find similar designs for clothings, bags and even shoes on TaoBao – of course, material and sizing may vary. It’s almost a game of luck. If you shop on PLUS free shipping and regretted your purchase (not fitting, uncomfortable material), you can request for a refund at a fee (around SGD3) - set an appointment in advance and they will pick up the parcel from your mailing address!

I’m writing a post today to share some of my top retail purchases on TaoBao so you can consider buying next time (will do one on household purchases soon).

Top 9 purchases so far (refer to prices in photos above), ranked in descending order:

1. Short schoolgirl skirt (zero complaints, great material and colour as pictured, has inner lining, super fitting)

2. Work dress (hem of dress not sewn but fitting and worth the price)

3. Pleated flare pants (came crumpled, difficult to iron but super flattering when worn)

4. Loose stripped pants (unexpected find, super comfortable when worn, good for everyday wear)

5. Knitted top with knot (soft and comfortable material, thickness acceptable for non air-con places)

6. Simple flats (minor abrasion when worn >8h for first time, no discomfort afterwards, great to pair with any outfit)

7. Sweetheart top (came with padding- which I removed, a bit loose at the shoulders but sweet looking)

8. Cropped top with mesh sleeves (another sweet/ sexy top, perfect as dance outfit)

9. Mesh long top (great to use as inner wear for sleeveless dresses, personally prefer the black over white one)

Bonus tips

- Chat with seller to ask for size recommendation, it’s almost 100% accurate

- Check out TaoBao SG Instagram for latest sales and updates, sometimes there’s free air shipping vouchers up for grabs

- Link your web browser/ mobile with Shopback before checking out to get a cashback of up to 20% (not sponsored).

If you come across any highly recommended shops, please share with me too!

#mindfulspending #taobaorecommendations #taobaofinds #taobaohaul #taobaofashionsg