We all have our favorite stores. But as college students, going out to shop seldom fits in our schedules. Luckily, there are ways around the bustling traffic in malls, the crying children in stores and, most importantly, skyrocketing gas prices. Online stores offer easier ways to shop, more items and several online discounts that can make your purchase even cheaper.

I’ve found there are three online stores that top my own personal list, which rank high in the categories of popularity, affordability and resourcefulness. Based on my own experiences and reviews, I’ve rated these online stores. The list of competitors was extensive, including AMIClubwear.com, UrbanOutfitters.com and charlotterusse.com, but my personal winners should sound familiar to many college-aged shoppers.

  • My second runner-up is LuLus.com. This site can be high-end in both price and collection of clothing, but I’ve found it to be among the most popular. Overall, the selection is very affordable and as far as resourcefulness goes, everything on this website is easy to find. The website also offers free shipping for purchases of $75 or more. LuLu’s has become one of the most talked-about online stores for girls, thanks in part to a great deal of advertising featured on PerezHilton.com.
  • The first runner-up is GoJane.com. Not only is this site affordable, but it is also very fashion-forward. If you want to make a lasting impression when you walk into a room, then visit GoJane.com. I would describe it as a cross somewhere between Urban Outfitters, H&M and Forever 21. This site is gold.
  • Drumroll, please! The No. 1 online store on my list for college-aged girls is Forever21.com. I receive large boxes in the mail from this store all the time. Not only are the clothes very affordable, but Forever 21 makes it even harder to get off the site by providing free shipping on purchases of $50 or more, as well as daily flash deals that offer 21 percent off the price of featured items. The one negative I’ve found is the wait for the purchase. I’m always so anxious to receive the items that weeks feel like months to me.