{Image Credit: Instagram / @ShopRouche]
Last Friday, Walmart announced in a press release that they had recently acquired trendy online retailer, ModCloth as part of their marketing tactic to take on online giant, Amazon.
While ModCloth will remain a stand-alone online merchant, independent designers who currently sell their exclusive collections on ModCloth will gain the chance to expand their reach as per the release.
It might seem odd for some customers to understand Walmart’s motives, but in recent years they have been working hard to attract younger and more affluent shoppers. But alas, like every sort of merging of businesses, this might prove a bit challenging for the American giant as customers of indie seller ModCloth are not too happy about the recent acquisition.
For years ModCloth was branded as a hip, quirky, independent retailer for smart bookworms who upheld their feminist values and believed the company too followed suit. While the owner, Susan Gregg Koner took to Facebook to share her enthusiasm for the news, many called out her hypocrisy and expressed their disappointment, asking how she can still empower, celebrate and inspire women through fashion when owned by a company that doesn’t value its workers and is the subject of much investigation when it comes to consumer ethics.
Whether you’re disappointed or not, variety is the spice of life and the same should stand for your wardrobe. If you are looking for the next best “ModCloth,” we share a few of our favorites that are bound to help you ring in spring with style!
Boutique 1861
Soundly emphasizing Parisian elegance and nestled in Montreal’s utmost cosmopolitan district, Boutique 1861 lets customers travel back in time to the fashionable glamour of yesteryear with dozens of vintage and immaculate pieces that you really won’t find elsewhere.
Lace Affair
Understanding the need for creativity and independence, Lace Affair values fashion for its pure uniqueness rooted in individual style. Aiming to wardrobe the fun and fearless woman who appreciates vintage inspiration and delicate lace, this online boutique is a wonderful gem with a collection that is fun, flirty and sweet.
Dottie Couture
Dottie Couture is the kind of online retailer that blends that wholesome Americana vibe with a city chic stylista. From beautiful tops, dresses, accessories and more, this Indianapolis-based online retailer not only offers its catalog online for customers around the world, but for those living in the state, there are a few locations in and around the city.
Ruche
Fresh, eclectic and incredibly sophisticated, Ruche offers a collection of apparel, accessories and more that is inspired by everything beautiful. Not only do they hope to help you redefine what makes life beautiful with their latest trends, but they encourage happiness and positivity through vibrant color, pattern and texture.
Dress 911
In what might be the closest thing to ModCloth’s collection, Dress 911 is an independent retailer with one store in London, Ontario that offers unique vintage-style apparel, including many retro designs you won’t find elsewhere in Canada. That said, a few of this boutique’s items can be found at ModCloth if you browse long enough.
Jules Boutique
Epitomizing that warm Midwest feel through its fashion and style, this charming online boutique has it all and manages to maintain its rich country flair. With a brick-and-mortar shop in Goshen, Indiana, Jules Boutique is the quintessential online retailer with rare merchandise. Best of all, we love the customer service and how everything in their store gives us a cozy feel.
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What are some of your favorite online retailers? Let us know in the comments below.
The Hudsucker 
Vestique.com is one of my favorites!
This isn’t quite an alternative, but I’ve had a lot of luck finding Modcloth items on the secondhand clothing app Poshmark. They are often in perfect condition, and the prices are great. And I don’t feel guilty buying from there post-Modcloth-Walmart-acquisition since it’s all secondhand.
Check out Elison Rd: https://www.shopelisonrd.com/
Spring is a spell when your little effort can make you look extra stylish. You just need to make sure that your pieces are not bulky. Staying trendy does not mean wearing a branded and expensive outfit. Sometimes, an inexpensive wardrobe can unleash your classy personality. Everything relies on your choice and the place you pick your outfit. Your choice can be good all the times.