Sponsored by birdsnest
For many of us, shopping online comes just as naturally as heading into a store.
Some may even say they find it an easier experience. Let’s face it, you don’t have to get out of your pyjamas and it’s perfectly acceptable to shop with a glass of wine in hand (insert Facebook meme here!).
birdsnest has lead the way in Australia with its online shopping customer service experience for many years. The store first launched online in 2008. I can tell you there were not many doing online very well in Australia at that time. Some of those early stores are still operating but most have disappeared.
Online shopping excited me. I saw it then – and continue to see it now – as a retail leveller. I grew up in a regional country town. I knew what it was like to not have access to a wide range of fashion choices. I’d read my beloved Dolly magazine, covet the clothes featured, only to discover that they were only available in Sydney or Melbourne.
In 2017, it doesn’t matter where you live. Online shopping brings the fashion experience to you, whether you’re sitting on the couch on a Friday night in the middle of a city or you’re 10 hours from the nearest town or city and probably won’t get into “town” for weeks or months.
Talk to any fashion-loving woman living remotely in Australia and they’ll tell you how much they love birdsnest – for its huge range of women’s fashion and accessories and for its customer service that helps them feel a little less remote.
If you’ve ever received a parcel from “the Birds”, you’ll know what I mean. It comes with a hand-written note, a cloth bag and a whole lot of care. Now birdsnest has taken that online customer service care factor even further, with the birdsnest Changeroom.
The birdsnest Changeroom has been a huge success – customers love the concept and the retail industry has recognised its genius by awarding the concept Best Online Marketing Initiative at the 2017 Online Retail Industry Awards.
I’ve also given it a big tick.
bird keepers The Ponte Tango 3/4 sleeve jacket | Belle bird Belle basic cami | Belle bird Belle small checked shorts (I’m in size 14 for all pieces)
SY style tip: I do love a shorts outfit for spring-summer. Add a blazer and heels and this is a look that can work for the office or an evening out.
How birdsnest Changeroom works
In a nutshell, birdsnest Changeroom is all about creating a change-room experience in your own home. A try before your buy, if you like. And if you pay with a ZipPay account, there are no upfront fees.
1. Get help to understand what pieces work for you. Before you shop, a good place to start is by completing your style profile. This is such a great exercise, even if you don’t upgrade for the Changeroom experience. The style profile is a detailed survey that takes you through your style personalities, lifestyle/occupation, size, shape, measurements and garment preferences. The end result is captured and you’re given so many buying options based on all those preferences.
2. Add up to $1000 worth of clothing and accessories to your basket. This is the fun bit, yes? That’s exactly what I did while selecting pieces for this photoshoot. I looked at what was new in store, what would be a great addition to my existing wardrobe and what would be fun to try because I really wasn’t sure that it would work.
3. Upgrade to the birdsnest Changeroom. For $9.95 – add this at checkout – you can take advantage of this try-at-home experience.
4. Wait for your haul to arrive. In most parts of Australia, you won’t have to wait too long. My order arrived the next day.
5. Try on your clothes. Do this in natural light, with a great mirror and also take time to see what pieces they’ll go back with in your current wardrobe. Ask an honest friend for their advice.
6. Return the pieces that aren’t quite right for you. Never settle on a purchase. Each piece of clothing you buy should make you feel fabulous when you wear it. Use the supplied, reply paid returns bag to send back any pieces you don’t love.
boho bird Butterfly Kisses tee (sold out for now in stripe but coming back in December – register your interest!) | bird keepers The Waist Tie pant (I’m in size 14 for all pieces)
SY style tip: a relaxed pair of white pants will serve you well all summer long. These are so incredibly flattering and comfortable on.
boho bird Femme Fatale blouse | bird keepers The Chambray short (I’m in size 14 for all pieces)
SY style tip: a white and chambray combination will always be in style for summer. Add tan accessories and a statement earring to make the look pop.
My top 5 tips for buying clothes online
1. Know your measurements. Get out a tape measure and measure your hips, waist and bust. birdsnest provides sizing information on each of the garments listed in its store. These are general guides but, where possible, individual garment measurements for each item are also provided. More info HERE. Keep a note of your measurements in the Notes application of your phone or leave at birdsnest in My Measurements in the sizing guide.
2. Get familiar with which styles of clothes suit your body shape. I know that tube skirts, skinny jeans, shift dresses and tops with a bit of flow around the hip suit my shape, so I feel more confident buying them online. What clothing shapes or styles work best for you? Your current wardrobe will give you a good indication.
3. Read the customer reviews. This is another thing that birdsnest does super well. The customer reviews are really helpful – particularly when it comes to making an educated guess as to whether you need to go up or down a size. I look at the review and it tells me what size the customer bought and what size she normally wears. This helps me to make my decision with more clarity.
4. Buy from a retailer with a returns policy. Even if you’re not using the birdsnest Changeroom service, birdsnest offers a “No Hassles” Returns Guarantee, that includes a $7.95 flat rate, pre-paid return option that’s free the first time you use it*, a 365 Day return window and an easy online returns process. (*available for Australian residents)
5. Don’t be afraid to contact a store’s customer service team for help. This is such a hot tip. There are people to help you – stores want you to be happy with your purchase. They really do. If you have a question about an item or items, phone or email them. I think a lot of people think they’d be “bothering” the customer service team but the truth is that’s what they are there for – to help you!
handpicked by birds Off The Shoulder top (I’m in size 14)
SY style tip: the off-the-shoulder looks are here to stay for now. A super cute print like this strawberry one adds an element of surprise to this trend.
bird keepers beach throw (I’m in size 14)
SY style tip: a beach throw is an essential part of your summer wardrobe – for holidays away or simply “playing resorts” at home. Choose one that can be dressed up or down.
Belle bird Belle Chiffon shift dress (I’m in size 14)
SY style tip: every spring-summer wardrobe needs a party option. Choose a frock that can be double as a work dress after the party’s done and dusted.
About birdsnest
birdsnest started as a small bricks-and-mortar boutique in the regional New South Wales town of Cooma. In 2008, despite everyone thinking she was crazy, owner Jane Cay launched online. Not only does birdsnest stock more than 250 brands, it has also developed fashion ranges for eight of its own brands. I’m excited to be the brand ambassador for birdnest’s “nest” of labels this spring-summer. In the outfits in this post, I’ve featured just a taste of what you’ll find in store from those eight labels.
WIN
Styling You and birdsnest has one birdsnest Changeroom experience and a $100 gift card to give away to one reader. Total value of this prize is $109.95.
To enter, answer the following questions in the comments below:
Which outfit shown here would you happily add to cart? How would birdsnest Changeroom help you create a better wardrobe?
Entries open on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 5am (AEST) and close on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 5pm (AEST). Australian entries only, sorry. The winner of the “answer the question” competition will be judged on originality and creativity. Photos can be uploaded in the comments section. The winner will be emailed and their name will be published here. Entrants must include an email address when the filling in the commenting system below to be eligible to enter. Full terms and conditions here.
This photoshoot was shot on location at the Emporium Hotel, Brisbane. Photography: The Photo Pitch; Hair and Makeup: Erin Bigg/Arc Creative
Comments 57
I really do love the whole first look, the Belle bird small checked shorts are one of my faves though! I think this idea is incredible and a more tempting way to try before you buy – def something I am interested in 🙂
I love love the boho bird Femme Fatale blouse and the chambray shorts. I have one disaster after another with internet shopping I seem to always choose the wrong style or size and end up with store credits or miss the cut off for returns as I am so unorganised. A disaster usually. The Birdsnest changeroom sounds fabulous and a little dangerous. I will definitely give it a go.
Just discovered your site tonight! Love the boho bird Femme Fatale blouse and Chambray short. Just clicked through and started my wishlist with those two.
P.S. the Chambray short link isn’t clicking through to the right spot
Welcome! And thanks for picking that up. Here’s the correct link: https://www.birdsnest.com.au/brands/bird-keepers/57651-the-chambray-short
I love the Boho bird Femme Fatale blouse. it looks so cool and versatile. I’d love the Birdsnest changeroom because I always get so overheated in store change rooms and find it quite a horrible experience. I usually buy things, take them home to try and then return the “rejects” to the store. Usually more rejects than keeps! However, my wardrobe also sparkles from the way I carry myself which has more of a “finishing touch” impact on how I look than any fashion item.
I have had so many bad experiences with online shopping. Incorrect sizing, photo looks better than actual garment. With Birdsnest change room, I will be able to check a garment fits and suits me before paying! Plus I love to be able to return products with ease just like the shopping mall to ensure my wardrobe is tailored to me! A Femme fatale blouse would be a basic essential that I can mix and match, dress up and down with for starters.
bird keepers The Ponte Tango 3/4 sleeve jacket perfect for when i go on a cruise later this year
I would definitely add the Black and White outfit to my cart. I love the white waist tie pants and stripey top. Black and white is a classic colour combo and the stripes give the outfit a great casual style. I would love to use Changeroom as I always have problems getting pants to fit so this would be a fabulous service!
I love the look of the Belle Chiffon dress. The changeroom experience will be fantastic as I have found my body shape changing over the last 12 months and I am needing to rediscover the styles and sizes that work best for me. It makes me hesitant to buy online however changeroom changes all of that.
PS. Go Birdsnest as a fantastic Aussie business success story 😉
Love the Belle Bird Belle Chiffon Dress, the colour combo is my favourite, I love the sleeve length, and it is just perfect for summer dazzle. I sure could use birdsnest Changeroom to steer me in the right direction for my size and colouring.
I love the femme fatale blouse and chambray short- classic with a twist. I always seem to get online purchases not quite right- whether it’s the colour, shape or fit, so I love that I can use Birdsnest to learn more about what will work for my body and style as well as easily returning when it’s not ticking all the boxes. So good for regional living!!
I’d happily add the femme fatale blouse and chambray shorts. The birdsnest changeroom would help me style a better wardrobe as you could try new styles with clothes you already have in your wardrobe to make new outfits and you have the opportunity to try an outfit on several times if your not sure about it no going back to the store numerous times. And the ultimate bonus it’s in the comfort of your own home no horrible changeroom lighting or mirrors.
The Chiffon shift dress – I am all about the easy but stylish. Changeroom is a genius idea – i always find online shopping a gamble cos my boobs are so big so i can vary about 6 sizes in tops depending how boob friendly they are. This would let me try things and send any ‘not on my boobs’ items straight back.
The Chambray Short because it’s super soft and super stylish! I’m like a bower bird so birdsnest Changeroom would help me to collect the best pieces for my nest!
After learning about Birdsnet I can’t wait to start using. Saving time and having a style profile to help with the process sounds amazing for a very busy mum. Very hard to decide as so many great looks, but I would love to wear the femme fatale blouse with those gorgeous chambray shorts such a great look for summer
Wow, Loving them all. And what a fabulous idea. Such a brilliant idea to be able to try before you buy. From these outfits I think I would love to try the first, I’m loving those shorts and may finally find some that I don’t feel so self conscious in, they are super stylish. The cami and jacket make the outfit so stylish, and I can think of a multitude of things these garments would go with already in my wardrobe. That’s smart capsuling. Right..I have signed up to the birdsnest website and have purchased a couple of garments in the past and can honestly say how impressed I have been with their service, quality and professionalism.
I’d buy the chiffon dress, looks light and feminine and flattering, perfect for lunch or dinner dates or a day at the races. Also the chambray shorts. I’m often between sizes and reluctant to buy much clothing online and often can’t be bothered with the hassle of returning things so the Changeroom experience would allow me to order something in multiple sizes and try looks that I might not otherwise try.
Love the Belle Bird black cami n checked shorts … Yes could easily dress casual.. Then just add heels..perfect… Also the Birds brst chambray denim shorts … To change the above look too
I think the small checked shorts would work well for me – you could dress them up or down, and wear them day or evening. You have to love those kinds of peices!
The changeroom really is going to change my life for the better because I am a serial online shopper who can’t be bothered returning things that aren’t quite right and so my wardrobe is full of things that are ‘okay’ instead of ‘wow I love them’ peices.
Would love to look like I mattered this Summer with the help of Birdsnest
Please let me look trendy this summer… I think the boho bird Femme Fatale blouse and bird keepers The Chambray short would get me there one day of the week!
Hi, I am a Birdsnest convert having just received my first order and loved the personal touches. I didn’t know about the change room and that is a fabulous addition to the service. Christmas is seeing us heading for the beach so to keep my Yummy Granny tag , I would choose the Birdkeepers beach throw. A definite winner if you want to look that little bit special and would be fabulous teamed with leggings for a lunch with the girls when I come home.
I love Birdsnest but I don’t seem to be brilliant at selecting the right things for me. However, I do think those gorgeous chambray shorts and Femme Fatale blouse would work on my curvy figure…thanks Nikki for the fabulous inspiration! I will definitely be taking up the change room option in future.
I have never shopped online, but have followed styling me for quite a while. I would pop the beach throw along with the off the shoulders top. Although I haven’t worn off the shoulder tops before, it is time in my life that I ‘take the plunge’ and move out of my comfort zone. I like the change room option as this could give me more confidence to purchase online knowing there is an option to return items that just don’t work for me!
I love The Ponte Tango 3/4 sleeve jacket and would add it to my cart ASAP because it is so versatile and could be easily dressed up for an after work function. I think the birdsnest Changeroom would be great for me as I am never too confident about online shopping due to my size and it would be so helpful due to my very very limited budget.
I would be popping that white shirt & shorts into my shopping trolley! I am already a devoted Birdsnest girl & would love to give the changerroom a go, I have returned a couple of things because they just didnt suit me so the changeoom could have averted that. Birdsnest is my go to store for everything, on monday I bought an outfit & it arrived on tuesday & is just perfect. I love getting my personalised emails with new outfits just for me, they always have something I MUST have, thank heavens for Zippay!
Love the boho blouse & chambray shorts. The change room experience is a great concept as provides the ability to mix and match with preexisting clothing.
I have been a Birdsnest customer for a while and I love the way your purchases come wrapped up and personalised! I love the convenience of online shopping but sometimes, its hard to want to part with your money when you know you may have to send things back! I love being able to try things on. So while I have known about the Changeroom experience for a while, I must admit, I was a bit confused about how it works exactly. Not any more! My favourite outfit is the Boho Bird Femme Fatale blouse and the the bird keepers Chambray Short. It looks cool comfortable and flowy and would definitely help break me out of my fear of wearing shorts!
I love the bird keepers Ponte Tango 3/4 sleeve jacket, basic cami and Belle bird Belle small checked shorts. The perfect cheeky summer work wear for me. A jacket for that chilly air con, but gorgeous stylish shorts and cami for lunch out of the office on a hot qld summer day.
I am a terrible clothes shopper. I never know what style suits me! I go into a changeroom with 20 items and am luckly to leave with one. I love the boho blouse and bird keeper chambray shorts. I can’t seem to get the classy casual look right but this looks amazing!
I love the dress! I live in dresses in summer and can always do with more. The changeroom idea is fantastic- I often find tops hard to size due to my lovely broad shoulders and would definitely try it for that 🙂
I love the ponte tango jacket, cami and checked shirt, such a great look. I love the idea of the birdsnest changeroom, since i am still struggling to find what suits my body with all the changes having 3 boys has made to it, it would make that process so much more stress free.
I would add the chambray shorts as I love them! The Birdsnest Changeroom is such a great idea. It would save time and my legs working all around the shopping centres and it would save my sanity too. I get so overwhelmed when I walk into large clothing stores. I just don’t know where to start!
I love receiving anything from birdsnest they are great! I would buy look 1 the keepers The Ponte Tango 3/4 sleeve jacket and Belle bird Belle basic cami but especially those Belle bird Belle small checked shorts. I have been looking for a pair of patterned shorts for summer this year and they look perfect!
The handpicked by birds off the shoulder top would be my pick. I haven’t dared to venture to off the shoulder yet, but this one is just gorgeous and I can just see it matching well with so many pieces I already have. The Birdsnest Changeroom would really help me create a better wardrobe because I make so many mistakes ordering online and spend a fortune in returns. To be able to select and choose a variety of pieces from their amazing and gorgeous range and try on at home before I decide would be such a dream come true.
I love the classics so I’d choose the butterfly kisses top and waist tie pants. With black and white you can’t go wrong and there are endless options for accessories to add a pop of colour. Changeroom sounds like the perfect opportunity to play dress-ups-and-change-ups to rediscover items I have owned for a while and new ways to renew my style.
I would very happily add the boho bird Femme Fatale blouse & bird keepers Chambray short to my cart! The Changeroom is such a clever idea. Buyers regret is a HUGE reason I don’t buy clothes & shoes online although I’d REALLY love to, it’s just been too risky getting the wrong size, the wrong colour, the wrong style etc etc. It would be such a relief to have that worry taken away & be able to enjoy the pleasure of successful shopping, online.
I love the third outfit, the
boho bird white blouse and birdkeepers chambray shorts and the last outfit, the belle bird chiffon shift dress. I’m renewing my passport and ready for a holiday destination and these two outfits would be in the cart quick smart. The benefit of a changeroom experience would hopefully stop me from ‘rebuying’ something that is already in my wardrobe as it is an opportunity to dust off last seasons goodies and mix and match with new favourites and on trend accessories.
The chambray shorts outfit would be added to my cart. The birdsnest changeroom would revolutionise my wardrobe because I am a mama struggling with a strong but changed body… which that lets be honest who the hell knows what fits it!
Well today is my birthday and I do like to gift myself so id happily add all your options to cart. Buuuut being realistic I’m opting for the first and last outfits! I shortly have a formal wedding, a race day and of course, then it’s the silly season coming up. Over the last month, I have saved literally dozens of maybes from Birdsnest into my ’styling me’ Pinterest account. The Birdsnest Changeroom turns the maybe to a definite yes/no. Being a classic apple, I find some styles that may suit can me be deceiving, therefore I can struggle purchasing online. Bring it, Moonlight Bird Nadine, Phillipa & Tilda, Sacha Drake Column Maxi Dress, Boho Bird Magic In Me Wrap Dress, Lula Soul Matisse Dress, PQ Collection Long 4 Way Dress, Oliday Florencia Dress and the Spring Weekender Capsule Collection. [email protected]
Happy birthday!
Thank you lovely
I’m loving this for 2 reasons…confidence and convenience! I haven’t worn shorts since highschool days but I love the first outfit you’re wearing teaming up the black blazer with the shorts. So glad to hear Birdsnest Changeroom have put the customer service back into fashion retail which is sadly missing from Department stores and shopping centre retailers today while providing the convenience of shopping ‘at your leisure’ online, not having to worry about the ticking of the parking meter. Your great tips have inspired me with confidence to shop online and maybe even go outside my comfort zone and wear shorts! Nikki, thank you for sharing your tips and showing the fashions in a relatable size 14. 🙂
The ponti 3/34 sleeve top is what I would pick – essential staple in wardrobe for ALL seasons! and great for covering arms that you ay not be happy with…With an ever changing shape due to age and body changes, Birdsnest have an enormous range to suit ANY shape! I love that you can build your profile and they send you recommendations! Who else does that !! – you buy and return so many as they just do not look as good on you as the models – another of my gripes! I love that some sites are now modelling the same dress in small sizes up to 14 then show how above a 16 will look – genius! Loving Birdsnest now for over 5 years and the girls are a wonderful help if you call them!
I love a frock. The Belle Bird Chiffon is one I would admire on the site, um and ahh about it for too long then miss out.
All because I hadn’t tried it on. Birdsnest changeroom would be a game changer for me.
I would pick outfit #1 – it is so difficult to find flattering shorts when you are curvy and want coverage – these Belle Bird shorts would also look great dressed down with a white tank and denim jacket!
I love Birdsnest! You look fab in them all, but I would choose Belle Bird Chiffon dress, I already have those Frankie heels to go with it 😛
Ooooh! The boho femme fatale blouse and the bird keepers chambray shorts – love, love, love! Birdsnest is a definite fave, but I’ve never used Changeroom, thanks for explaining it so thoroughly, I’ll be sure to give it a go now 🙂
The first outfit you model is gorgeous and would be in my shopping basket in a flash!
Birdsnest’s changeroom option sounds brilliant – I’m in Perth and the GOOD shops are spread so far and wide it would take 3 days to pick and choose staples for a new spring/summer wardrobe and so hard to mix and match between labels as they’re miles apart. Their garments are lovely, and I LOVE the flatlays and ‘outfits of the day’ for inspiration – it would be so easy to work through those and add to my basket!
I absolutely love the chiffon dress and being able to try before I buy sounds like a brilliant concept. I’m quite reluctant to buy more than basics online in case they don’t fit or don’t suit me, this could be a game changer!
I would choose the belle bird checked shorts outfit. It is classic yet would be so versatile allowing me to wear it for work or weekend with the family.
I love the idea of changeroom. I have recently lost 60kg and often have no idea of what size to buy. This would allow me to try a range of items and see what suits my new body.
Out of the outfits above the black shorts, top and blazer would be my number one pic for a Queensland summer.
I vote for patkat to win the prize – losing 60kg is amazing and it must be so hard to know what suits your new shape.
I already love Birdsnest and have purchased from them many times! Out of these outfits I would love the beach throw and the checked shorts, cami and ponte Tango jacket! The virtual wardrobe would be a great way for me to try some different styles and also to fill some gaps in my wardrobe while staying in the comfort of my own home!
The femme fatale blouse and chambray shorts would be a great purchase for my wardrobe. ..the changeroom would help me add items to my wardrobe that compliment what I already have but fill the gaps.
I would try the outfit with the chambray shorts. I’m so scared of shorts, I only own one pair but it’s so hot in summer and I really need to get over myself. I live regionally and it’s difficult to find stores that can help. This would be the perfect solution, a cart full of shorts, and a returns option for the few I don’t love. It’s like a magical shorts delivery fairy.
I adore the boho Femme Fatale blouse with the chambray shorts outfit Nikki!
I aldready love Birdsnest but the virtual wardrobe would be wonderful to upstate my wardrobe with gorgeous new season looks without walking around the shops all day!