I should clarify this point about shipping, some European stores are ok with it but not all are and again, that depends on how long they have known you and if they are comfortable doing so.
A lady I know who moved back to the US still shops at her European store via phone and emails. Her SA and SM keeps her informed of what's new, she orders her stuff, RTW, scarves, bags, shoes, accessories etc. She faxed over a letter of approval for the credit card company to the store. The store keeps her items until she visits to pick them all up. As it's all been paid for whenever her orders arrives, the store happily stores them away for her.