High Fashion Online Deals

Over the years, I've become a veteran online shopper. When I find a great site, I bookmark it so I can go back again and again. I've gotten so good at it, I've even considered going into business as a personal online shopper. Not everybody wants to spend the time in front of the computer that it takes to find something truly fabulous. If this sounds like you, read on-I'm going to share some of my favorite sites with you.

Let's start with www.bluefly.com, one of the more well-known sites to buy hot designer clothing, accessories, and home furnishings. Here you will find, as the site states, "over 350 designers. Up to 75% off." We're talking Prada, Nicole Miller, Diane von Furstenberg, Dolce & Gabbana, Marni, Max Mara, and hundreds more. There's something here for every taste, and it's very easy to navigate through the thousands of items by designer, category, and size. Prices are low, and there's always some kind of special offer happening.

La Redoute was the first catalog of women's clothing and accessories in France in 1928. Over the decades, the company developed close relationships with talented designers, many of whom designed collections specifically for La Redoute. You can shop for Jean Paul Gaultier, Cacharel, Vanessa Bruno, and others inexpensively at www.laredoute.com.

From England, we have the crisp, fresh fashions of www.bodenusa.com. Their Web site premiered in 1999 and has expanded exponentially since then. You can find simple, stylish, comfortable clothing for women, men, and children at great prices here. I just put an order in myself for an army-green A-line cotton skirt and some flowered ballet flats. Can't wait to wear them!

www.zappos.com offers the biggest selection of shoes I've ever seen online, including Puma, Marc Jacobs, Bruno Magli, Kenneth Cole, and many more. They've got all of the hottest trends at any given moment for up to 50% off. With free shipping and returns, it's easy to have an enviable collection of flats, wedges, heels, and slides in no time.

If you just have to have a Fendi, Prada, Tod's, or Marc Jacobs handbag, visit www.citymoda.com for 50% to 80% off. On a recent visit, a Fendi Zucchino purse that retailed for $930 was offered at $389. Still costly, but what a bargain!

Trendy, timely Scoop NYC is where Manhattanites get their wardrobe staples by the hottest designers. No surprise there. The good news is, their Web site features an outlet section where you can buy overstock items, like Helmut Lang jeans or a Stella McCartney dress, for much, much less! Check it out at http://www.scoopnyc.com

Head to www.teenytee.com for totally cool tees of every flavor. Embellished, ethnic, rock & roll, arty, one-of-a-kind--they have it all. New stock arrives on a regular basis, and sales are good, so sign up for e-mail updates.

Delia's is geared toward teenagers, but don't be discouraged if you're a grown woman. Incredible deals abound on this site-why pay a lot for trendy items when you can get them for next to nothing here? Look on www.delias.com for embellished tank tops, multicolored beaded necklaces, adorable sequined bags, cropped pants, and more.

Warm weather was made for espadrilles. To find the genuine article, go to www.espadrillesetc.com and the only problem you'll have is picking just one pair. They have high-heeled espadrilles, low-heeled espadrilles, striped espadrilles, flowered espadrilles...even men's espadrilles! Made in Spain, they've even been featured in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.

For something a little edgier, set aside some time to browse through the merchandise at www.girlshop.com. Up-and-coming designers are features on this site, with each having their own "boutique" to showcase their items. Some are handmade or limited edition, so you won't run into anyone with the same outfit on! This unique site gives you the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a talented new designer's career.

Net-A-Porter isn't exactly a bargain site--it features high-end items that can be hard to locate if you don't live near a Barney's or a Neiman Marcus. Visit http://www.net-a-porter.com browse through gorgeous tops, skirts, dresses, and more from Chloe, Matthew Williamson, Pucci, Moschino, and Missoni, to name just a few.

For breathtaking vintage items, check out www.enokiworld.com and prepare to drool. This site began in 1999 (apparently a good year to launch on the Internet!) and has grown more and more alluring every year. Started by some women in St. Louis who had nowhere to shop for stylin' vintage clothing, the site offers stunning pieces by designers you will know and many you won't at competitive prices. It may cost you a little, but you will have something completely unique.

Alternatively, if you have a little more time to spend, great vintage as well as brand new trends are always available on www.ebay.com. Be specific in your search terms, read the descriptions and terms carefully, then bid away! I personally have gotten many, many things from eBay I adore wearing that always elicit compliments. A tip: make a note of designers' names or items that you like but can't afford on a site like http://www.vivre.com then search for them on eBay. Have patience.

That's it for now. Happy shopping!