|
 Shop like a pro: FASHION
www.ilovejeans.com
Who it's for: Denim junkies searching for the coolest and the newest - as well as for the girl who shudders at the thought of shopping for jeans.
Why we love it: This site helps take the guesswork out of shopping for jeans - finally! Type in information about your shape and the Bodytype Guide will introduce you to your most flattering style and offer loads of denim-wearing tips. Even if you choose not to purchase over the Internet, there's tons of information here: style description, the fit, fabric content, price, which website has it in stock and even the manufacturer's style number. You can make a shortlist in the comfort of your own home, then confidently trek to the stores to get exactly what you want, minimizing your change-room time.
On our wish list: 7 for All Mankind's Ginger jean. The retro wide-leg style comes in a lightweight denim and sinfully dark wash-perfect for spring. And for those who are more JLo than Uma below the belt, check out Paige Premium Denim or the H&M Loyal-style cut.
www.yoox.com
Who it's for: Hip Mary-Kate Olsen types on the lookout for hard-to-come-by items from their favourite de-signers. We found stylish embellished sandals from Dsquared2 (who knew they made shoes?).
Why we love it: Take your pick from international design labels such as Costume National, Dirk Bikkem-bergs and Stella McCartney, end-of-season goodies, never-sold-before vintage numbers from Sartoria Tiz-zoni and hard-to-find books, art and magazines. Better yet, Yoox.com regularly partners with designers such as Jeremy Scott to create one-of-a-kind items specifically for the website. Don't miss the section coined the Dream Box, either. There you can create a shopping list and send it to friends (hint, hint).
On our wish list: Viktor & Rolf's grey short-sleeved jacket, Marc Jacobs' blue ballet flats and Diane von Furstenberg's cuffed shorts.
www.like.com
Who it's for: Trendy types on the hunt for a bargain, especially shoes and accessories.
Why we love it: This site truly does the shopping for you. Browse through the celebrity file and pick up Sienna Miller's modern aviators or Rachel Bilson's cool camel platform pumps. Not only will this site transfer you to the online store that sells your chosen accessory but it showcases other items that closely resemble what you're seeking - usually at more wallet-friendly prices. And we're all over the link that compares prices with other online websites so you can truly get the sweetest deal.
On our wish list: A hammered-gold bracelet like the approximately $1,300 Jennifer Meyer Jewelry ones worn by Cameron Diaz (this site will show you a less expensive version for about $30) and any of Chloé's leather bags-the bigger, the better.
Return Shop like a pro page
next page >
 Shop like a pro: BEAUTY
www.beautymark.ca
Who it's for: Beauty junkies who covet old-school favourites such as Marvis toothpaste and Smith's Rose-bud Salve.
Why we love it: This site carries a roster of niche lines, ranging from cute and quirky (Principessa) to so-phisticated (Monyette Paris's pure perfume oils) to cult favourites (Kiss Me makeup from Japan). It re-minds us of what a traditional European pharmacy would carry but also stocks familiar lines, including Cargo, Philosophy and DuWop.
On our wish list: Anything from the Juara skin-care line (inspired by Indonesian herbal traditions) and Clean Shower Fresh fragrance.
www.beautyofasite.com
Who it's for: Beauty enthusiasts who like to add new and innovative beauty products to their routines.
Why we love it: It offers a well-edited array of hair accessories (Babyliss dryers, Mason Pearson brushes) and lesser-known brands, including Avalon Organics, Bee & Flower and Urban Apothecary. The site also shows you how to "steal" a look and offers products that celebs have snatched up. (It's too bad, though, that only U.S. residents can sign up for the free beauty-booty prize.)
On our wish list: We're in love with the antioxidants, amino acids and botanicals in Urban Apothecary Supernatural AfterGlow.
www.thebodydeli.com
Who it's for: health-conscious women looking for unfussy, good-for-you skin care.
Why we love it: The duo behind the brand create their own organic skin-care products, aptly named Fresh Cell, which are free of preservatives and parabens.
On our wish list: Any of the Botanical Souffle body creams (Island Ginger or Coconut Cream, s'il vous plaît).
Return Shop like a pro page
next page >
 Shop like a pro: DECOR
www.vivre.com
Who it's for: From followers of the Tinsley Mortimer preppy set to the wannabe Martha Stewart types who can't stand the thought of giving a mediocre hostess gift.
Why we love it: From little-known beauty brands such as Alchimie Forever to Sergio Rossi footwear to a gor-geous corkscrew-and-drop-ring set from Christofle, there's a fierce selection of goods you may want to keep for yourself.
On our wish list: The crocodile Rockstar clutch lined in suede from B.Romanek or the Victorian python cuff by Sharai. And for a hip hostess gift? The silver-plated and mango-wood ice-cream pints by Vivre.
www.gnr8.biz
Who it's for: the fashionista who's ready to move on from collecting Jimmy Choos to decorating her maison.
Why we love it: This site showcases the coolest contemporary designs in lighting, housewares and furniture (we spotted a chic rubber side table as well as an illuminated bathtub) by designers such as Bertjan Pot and Jasper van Grootel.
On our wish list: We've already found a spot for the cork coffee table and wooden sideboard designed by Ca-nadian Karim Rashid for Horm.
Return Shop like a pro page
main page >
|