What woman doesn't love to feel sexy?

Browse Victoria's Secret for the perfect lingerie set, the sexiest babydolls, pajama sets you can't sleep without, and a whole lot more.

The secret is out - Victoria's Secret has the hottest assortments of lace, nylon, silk, polyester, and spandex so shop to your heart's desire! Load up with lingerie from the comfort of your own home, shop at Victoria's Secret!

For many people, the most frightening thing about Halloween is finding a new costume. A trip to the dentist, scaling Mount Everest or accomplishing world peace all seem less daunting than deciding what to don come October 31.

This year, save your fear for horror films and haunted houses, and let CostumeManiacs.com take care of your costume worries. From sexy costumes to silly costumes, kids’ costumes, pet costumes and more, CostumeManiacs.com has what you need—at below-retail prices!

Besides providing shoppers with already reduced prices, this one-stop Halloween shop offers money-saving deals and clearance specials, plus a hassle-free return policy that lets you shop with confidence.

Once you’ve decided what to wear, why not order a few decorations and props to throw a Halloween party or two. After all, isn’t showing off your new costume what it’s all about?

It’s on! Nordstrom’s fashion event of the year has begun. The super-retailer’s biggest sale boasts discounts on apparel, bedding, jewelry, watches, beauty and more. So, if you’re in the market for a trendy pair of ankle boots, a sleek bomber jacket or even a shiny new clutch, now’s the time to buy.

Plus, with Back-to-School season approaching, it’s the perfect opportunity to start stocking up on the coolest new clothes for kids and teens.

Not to mention, if you love high-end labels but hate high prices, don’t miss the money-saving deals offered on Nordstrom’s chic Designer Collection. You’ll shop to your heart’s content on names like 3.1 Phillip Lim, Donna Karan, or Tse, and still have enough cash for a wide belt and tights!

Don’t bother driving to your local store, just visit Nordstrom.com to avoid being shoved around by voracious bargain hunters. With standard $5 shipping on orders of any size, how can you resist? Prices go up August 6, so there’s not a moment to lose!

Shopping, dancing, eating...could it get any better than that? How about 20% off everything from Guess’s new fall line before it hits stores! Where and when you ask? This Wednesday, July 25th from 6PM - 9PM. There, you’ll get VIP access to fall’s must-have duds all at discounted prices while grooving to DJ beats and keeping your energy up with free tasty hors d'oeuvres.

If you’d rather get great Guess deals from the comfort of your own home, then click on over to buckle.com. While they may not have the unreleased fall line, they do have incredible markdowns on swimwear (bikinis reduced from $84 down to $24.99) denim and outerwear. Plus, with their “primo” frequent shopper card, you can save even more. With buckle.com, there’s no guessing involved when it comes to saving money!

In Los Angeles, our sunglasses are as important to us as breakfast. Sometimes worn at night, occasionally indoors, and always in our cars, it's a wonder we were not born with a pair. Oh, and we use them to shade our eyes when it's sunny. Sunglasses are no longer a simple accessory. They are now a fashion statment no matter when you wear them. EyeSave.com has a great supply of sunglasses to help shade your eyes and keep you looking cool.

EyeSave.com offers more than 80 brands of sunglasses at prices up to 70% off retail and has established itself as the leading e-tailer of discount designer and name brand sunglasses. Find brands such as Black Flys, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Gucci, Juicy Couture, Marc Jacobs, Oliver Peoples, Prada, Ray-Ban, Maui Jim, and many more.

Everything at EyeSave.com is 100% authentic. Merchandise is offered in the latest styles and colors, and is covered by a manufacturer's warranty. According to EyeSave.com, "The number one goal, to satisfy all customers, is accomplished by providing the largest selection of products at the lowest possible prices, delivering products in a timely fashion, an automated and bar coded warehouse and an in-house customer service center."

In addition to sunglasses, EyeSave.com has the largest selection of reading glasses and optical accessories available online. With the addition of eyeglass frames and contact lenses offered at 50% off retail, EyeSave.com is quickly establishing itself as a complete source for every customer's eyewear needs.

At EyeSave.com, save up to 56% on Gucci, 50% on Juicy Couture, and 53% on Ray-Bans. Check their clearance sale where you can save up to 60%.

-Jane M.

You didn't spend an entire winter bundled up, avoiding chocolate, and breaking sweats just to hide yourself when flowers blossom--new season, new styles, new you. Get a fresh start this spring with contemporary looks from LizClaiborne.com.

LizClaiborne.com is the online presence for Liz Claiborne Inc. Designers and marketers of an extensive range of women's and men's fashion apparel, accessories, and fragrances, Liz Claiborne's lines each have their own distinct style, audience and attitude.

Spring trends are LizClaiborne.com's specialty. Find plus and petite size styles, as well as golf looks, accessories, and shoes. For fashion ideas, take a peek at their "Top 5 Trends," "Outside the Suit," or "Linen Shop" links. Featured in magazines such as Marie Claire, Glamour, InStyle, and O: The Oprah Magazine, LizClaiborne.com offers a fashion glossary, pants and jeans finder, customer testimonials and "Everyday Classics." They make it easy to get dolled up for spring.

Whatever your personal style may be, chances are LizClaiborne.com has something for you. Receive 25% off new, and plus-size reductions. Find sweaters on sale for $20 and other great deals under $30. With over 10,000 customer reviews, gift wrapping and certificates, shopping guides, and size charts, LizClaiborne.com will have you smiling this spring.

-Natalie L.

It was a sad day when you realized the closest you were going to get to Johnny Depp was a Netflix DVD. Although, that hasn't stopped you from buying into the pirate and skull craze, he may have spawned. Diesel, Marc Jacobs, and Paul Frank have all jumped on the skull-as-fashion craze and you can too at PirateMerch.com.

Discover your booty at PirateMerch.com,. It's a one-stop treasure trove of skull and pirate bags, t-shirts, hoodies, flags, belt buckles, rings, pins, novelties, costumes, accessories, and more.

PirateMerch.com also features useful and fun pirate-related information such as, "How to Throw a Buccaneer Pirate Party," "How to Throw an Adult Pirate Party," and "How to Make Pirate Cocktails and Drinks." Check out their list of bestsellers and customer reviews on pirate products such as aprons, chess sets, party supplies, boots, and swords.

PirateMerch.com is an in-demand store as they have received 1,924,885 product requests since January 2005. Most of the pirate-themed products found at PirateMerch.com are made in the USA by PirateMerch.com and cannot be found elsewhere.

-Sara R.

If it wasn't for sub-seventies water temps, they'd call you Gidget. You have no problem slipping into a bikini, baiting the fellas, or waxing your board; yet, submerging your body into nature's aquatic wonderland is rough enough to keep you landlocked. When surfing the Internet, drop into Swell.com's rad supply of ocean related apparel and gear, and remain beachy-cool (even in your basement).

Swell.com carries tons of apparel for women. Check out their tanks, t shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, skirts, pants, dresses among other cool items. They also have a feature where you can shop by outfit. They pair styles together to create beachy-sweet looks. Men's styles include shirts, polos, sweatshirts, tanks, boardshorts, pants, denim, and more. Men can also buy the same outfits that pro surfers wear.

Swell.com has cool contests where you can win big. Past contests have included $500 shopping sprees, become a Roxy Girl for a day, Billabongs Denim Designer for a Day, and more. Featured in Teen Vogue, O, and Radiant Magazine, Swell.com is a leading trend-setter in surf wear. Find surf brands such as Vans, O'Neil, Hurley, RVCA, Roxy, Billabong, Rip Curl, and Nixon.

Okay, we've covered apparel (although not really as their selection is huge), and now onto gear. Shop for wetsuits, rashguards, surfboards, fins, watches, skateboards, books, and dvds. And, if you're just bored and not in the mood to shop, check out Swell.com anyway, because their models are quite the lookers.

-Natalie L.

For you, underwear is optional. For Britney, Lindsay and Paris--it's a must. While your bed is your domain, and the boy prefers the buff, you have enough class to cover up in public. Check out WebUndies.com's major supply of novelty underwear and loungewear, and get covered in style and humor.

WebUndies.com is the largest novelty underwear, loungewear and sleepwear site on the Internet. The store launched in 1999 as a specialty retailer focusing on licensed novelty boxer shorts with about 15 designs. Now, WebUndies.com product offerings have expanded and currently exceed 1,500 styles. They have recently introduced new lines that include lounge pants and t-shirts for men; boxer shorts;, pajamas for children; and panties, thongs and loungewear for women.

WebUndies.com features hundreds of designs for men, including The Sopranos, WWE Wrestling, Star Wars, sports teams, Monster Garage, Blues Brothers, Napoleon Dynamite, NASCAR, and King of the Hill. Women's loungewear, underwear and sleepwear are designed with images of Trendy Wendy, Peanuts, Dukes of Hazzard, Betty Boop, Strawberry Shortcake, rock bands, beer brands, and more. Find children's styles with images of Barney, Barbie, Sesame Street, Little Mermaid, Hello Kitty, King Kong, SpongeBob SquarePants and Power Rangers.

WebUndies.com offers custom printing options allowing you to print any image you would like on boxers, underwear, and more. Peruse their clearance deals, top sellers, new arrivals, and sale items. Receive free shipping on all orders over $65. They also offer solid-color Hanes Tagless T-shirts, and solid-color Champion Tagless T-shirts. Profiled in Cosmopolitan Magazine, CNN, MSNBC, and on the Howard Stern Show, WebUndies.com is a great place to find a little something to keep you covered.

-Amanda S.

While you no longer streak through the quad, guzzle beer bongs, or pull all-nighters cramming for exams, you miss your college years. You can do without the Freshman Fifteen, dorm-room dwelling, and 7 a.m. nuclear physics classes; but, nobody is gonna take away your team spirit. National television, the NCAA package, the Final Four, whatever, you don't care -- you love college sports. It's March Madness and you need eCampusColors.com to stay true to your school.

eCampusColors.com carries one of the largest selections of top quality, licensed collegiate sportswear and novelties in the country. Their merchandise is authentic--they buy from the same top companies that supply collegiate bookstores across the country. That’s why they truly are “The Authentic Off Campus College Store.” In addition, every single item they carry is officially licensed. That means, each item they sell is school- approved, with a portion of the proceeds from each sale going directly to that institution. With merchandise representing over 200 colleges and universities, you’re sure to find something for collegiate fans of all ages.

Featuring top quality merchandise by brands including Nike, Adidas, Champion, JanSport, Twins Enterprises, Top of the World, and more eCampusColors.com offers a wide selection of sweatshirts, t-shirts, shorts, pants, hats, jerseys, and novelties for men, women, and children. Ranging in size from toddler to XXL they can outfit just about anyone.

With over 250 different hooded sweatshirts, 750 different t-shirts, 400 different pairs of shorts and over 1000 different novelties, eCampusColors.com's selection is unparalleled and unique. They offer free ground shipping on all orders over $99 and feature great bargains. March Madness is here, so shop eCampusColors.com for the latest NCAA Tournament merchandise, featuring schools from the ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Pac-10 and SEC just to name a few. Their officially licensed selections feature the 2007 tournament logo or the name/logo of your favorite school. Now, about those 15.

-Paul T.

Your desire for the newest thing sometimes lands you back in the arms of an old friend. The lastest is not always greatest, and you know that quality is queen. The best aspect of an old friend is that they represent a level of comfort that you can always return to. Orvis.com, the oldest mail order company in the USA, is the best old friend you may ever have.

Orvis has been outfitting customers for the sporting traditions since 1856. At Orvis.com, find women's jackets, blouses, skirts, shirts, vests, dresses, robes, sleepwear, and pants. Discover products for men such as coats, cashmere sweaters, travel clothing, chinos, shoes and outerwear. Frequent travelers will find convenient accessories, luggage, and the most comfortable travel wear available in their travel shop. Search their home furnishings shop for Orvis classics, such as insulated tab top curtains and campaign furniture.

At Orvis.com, shop by departments such as Living the Orvis Lifestyle, 150th Anniversary, Sporting Collectibles, Corporate Sales, Best Sellers, Personalize It, Hunting, Fly Fishing and more. Dog lovers will find a variety of dog supplies including their famous dog beds, dog bowls and dishes, dog toys, dog apparel, and dog furniture. Fly fishermen searching for fly fishing gear and equipment will find everything they need. Orvis.com has a broad selection of the world's finest fly rods, fly reels, wet and dry flies, waders, and fishing apparel.

Orvis.com seriously carries thousands of items. They feature a 100% satisfaction guarantee, live customer service chats, warehouse sales, gift cards, repairs, hunting and fishing schools and guides, dog training, and on and on. We challenge you to find a more dependable store with a bigger inventory, and easier customer service.

Old friends, old friends,
Sat on their parkbench like bookends
A newspaper blown through the grass
Falls on the round toes
of the high shoes of the old friends

-Marc G.

Have you peeped Product Appeal yet? Product Appeal is a simple and fun concept. We troll the internet searching for the coolest appliances, gadgets, clothes, electronics, games, movies, shoes and accessories and bring them to you. We help you discover great bargains, cutting edge technology, esoteric items and off beat goods such as the Deluxe Red Rider Leg Lamp as featured in the movie, A Christmas Story. C'mon, this stuff is important. So, without further delay, we proudly present, the Product Appeal Best of 2006:

Best Accessory:

OPI's Mrs. O'Leary's BBQ Nail Polish

Best Apparel:

Skinny Jeans

Best Appliance:

Cooper Cooler Tailgater

Best Baby Gear:

Kaloo Soft Baby Sleeping Bag

Best Cell Phone:

Blackberry Pearl 1800

Best 10 Digital Cameras:

Digital Cameras

Best Electronics:

Apple Nike iPod Sport Kit

Best Game Console:

Nintendo Wii

Best Video Game:

Guitar Hero 2

Best MP3 Player:

Apple iPod

Best Shoes:

Steve Madden Brandey Boots

In the new year, be sure to check Product Appeal for the latest and greatest in items available on the world wide web. Have a happy and healthy new year.

-Store and Product Appeal

Oprah's favorite things are cool, but Store Appeal's favorite things...save you money. As 2006 comes to a close, Store Appeal reflects on some of the wonderful stores we have profiled for you over the past year. We have featured a wide variety of merchants selling everything from cigars and sunglasses to flip flops, wetsuits and Disney Halloween costumes. We hope that you have enjoyed Store Appeal, and will continue to remain loyal readers of our newsletter. Your responses to our blog entries have been both gratifying and informative. We encourage you to continue writing to us with your comments, ideas and criticisms. The new year will bring more blogs dedicated to your specific interests, and our usual casting of the widest possible net, to discover the web's freshest, hottest and most unique stores. We now present, Store Appeal's favorite online stores of 2006:

Favorite Electronics Store:

Tigerdirect.com

Favorite Clothing & Accessories Store:

eLuxury.com

Favorite Baby Store:

Strollers.com

Favorite Outdoors Store:

REI.com

Favorite Toys & Games Store:

eStarland.com

Favorite Home & Garden Store:

Factorycard.com

Favorite Pet Supplies Store:

Chimpfeet.com

Favorite Food Store:

Trufflemarket.com

See you next year!

You are a sophisticated consumer, and you want the best, without a wait. You have been called Miss Convenient, and he never knew what hit him. Clerks worldwide have heard your battle cry, “hold the fuss, bells and confetti, and ring me up!” As temperatures drop, your focus is winter, and all the great gear and accessories that come with the most magical time of the year. This winter season, you have the mountain bug, and to keep you in your sophisticated state, Store Appeal suggests that you stick to convenience by clicking on Proboardshop.com, the best online snowboard shop in cyberspace.

Proboardshop.com boasts the largest collection of snowboards and snowboarding gear on the ‘net, with top brand names such as Rossignol, Burton, Spy, and Volcom. They offer a variety of sizes and styles for men, women, and kids looking to hit the slopes in style. Proboardshop.com has been in the boarding game since 1982, long before most ski areas opened their slopes to boarding. No matter what time of year, Proboardshop.com is stocked with thousands of boards, boots, bindings and accessories.

For only $45, purchase the Burton Welsh Headphone Snowboard Beanie. It comes with a two foot cable that you can connect to an iPod or other stereo device. Plug the beanie into an iPod Nano 4GB and you will never run out of tunes at a 10,000 foot elevation, far, far from hot chocolate.

Keep your feet nice and toasty with a pair of Volcom Snargyle Socks. These super-warm socks have quick dry, moisture wicking, antimicrobial features that provide necessary arch support. They also have shin padding and a dropped-out heel for easier boot entry. This season, be sure to treat yourself well at Proboardshop.com and pick up something for those close to you. Happy – and convenient – shopping!

-Mara P.

Oh, and for even more cool snow gear, check this out.

The holiday season rolls around, and you feel naughty. It’s nothing new; you feel the urge at this time, every year. Like an anxious child tearing a tiny hole in the biggest package under the tree – you take a peek at your boyfriend’s credit card bill and find a charge for an upcoming trip to the Bahamas. Of course it’s not your fault, he should not have left it out. Who knew you could taste pina coladas, feel a massage, and picture your new bikini with a glance at a credit card bill? You bypass guilt, and dip into generosity. It’s there, it needs to be unearthed and dusted. Dignity restored, you immediately surf to eWatches.com and find the perfect gift for your benevolent man and maybe a lil' something for you.

eWatches.com is an authorized dealer of Bulova, Citizen, Festina, Longines, Luminox, Movado, Pulsar, Swiss Army, TechnoMarine, Tissot, and Yes watches, among many other brands. You can go here and find these watches, but all of eWatches.com’s products come brand new in the original gift box with a full factory warranty. They offer free shipping, free gifts with purchases and ship promptly. An incredibly easy site to navigate, shop by price, brand or features, including diamond, military, gold, dive, titanium, chornograph and more. Check out their watch education page with information on the history of watches, and how watches work.

The Tissot Official MotoGP 'T-Race' Chronograph is a super cool watch. With its Swiss Quartz movement and stainless steel casing, it is water-resistant up to fifty meters. Plus, its black rubber strap will look sharp with your wetsuit and snorkel gear.

-Mara P.

You have Nicole Richie’s willpower, yet you gorged yourself beyond belief this past Thanksgiving—and that’s not including seconds. The big feast has come and gone, and you know that signals the glamorous side of the season. Parties—from company fetes and glamorous galas to intimate cocktail soirées, it’s your time to shine. However, it’s not all champagne and giggles, because with holiday parties and festivities comes the suck-in-your-gut task of finding that perfect party dress. You are not scared, intimidated or in denial. You know that eLuxury.com carries plenty of flattering frocks for every shape and figure, even if you overindulged on Turkey Day.

To find that dream dress, surf on over to eLUXURY.com for the latest in glamour-girl wear, men's essentials and more. You’ll find looks from top designers such as Missoni, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Juicy Couture among many other fashions. Besides the best in ready-to-wear, eLUXURY.com also features must-have handbags, shoes, accessories and leather goods.

The 7-year-old company is an authorized e-commerce retailer for all the labels they carry, so you can shop with confidence for that authentic designer dress—and pick up a matching clutch, coat and heels to boot!

To save even more time and money, check out the store’s handy holiday gift boutique. You’ll find everything from perfume & cologne to jewelry, wallets, skin care and all the designer duds a guy or gal could want. Holiday shopping has never been so effortless. If only resisting that third helping of stuffing was that easy.

-Jenni T.

You are a pack rat. Your closet of acquisition rivals H&M's warehouse, and your shoe collection has reached Imelda Marcos proportions. You have thought long and hard and now realize, the beat-up teddy bear, shredded security blanket, and dirt-crusted slippers have to go. Oh, and, wait...you forgot something--your sweater collection.

Yes, nobody notices the tear in your black, Dolce & Gabbana Batwing Sweater, or the cigarette burn in your Ya-Ya Turtoise Turtleneck Sweater, but at some point you have to ship out the old and bring in the new. Your body called, it wants its style back. Seasons change and so will you. So, recycle your old styles here, and ring in the new at Sweater.com. Sweater.com is a premier on-line address for everything knitted and more. Find incredible cashmere and wool collections from top brands such as One Girl Who, Charlotte Tarantola and Rico Hand Knits.

Sweater.com carries more than what the name implies. Discover cute T-shirts, leather jackets, and affordable gift items such as their Handknit Popcorn Yarn Scarf. If you are not happy with your purchase, Sweater.com isn't happy either. They have a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee and free shipping on all orders. Get hot at Sweater.com.

-Marie C.

You love the water like Paris craves publicity: anytime, anywhere. The Polar Bear Club? Nah, they jump in and jump right out, the faster the better. You are undaunted by temperature, and, as if lying in a warm bath, you get in and stay in until your skin prunes. Winter is coming, and for water junkies, there is no better time to hit the water and have fun. How about you wakeboarders, bodysurfers or windsurfers, you like to go big and winter is your season.

It may seem paradoxical but, waves are best in the wintertime, especially in Southern California when the swell picks up. You know it’s getting cold, you would rather be in the water than anywhere else in the world, so you log on to Wetsuitwarehouse.com to find a killer wetsuit that will keep you warm, in the water, all winter long.

Wetsuitwearhouse.com is an online retailer specializing in wetsuits and accessories. Established in 2002 to provide a one-stop shop for all types of wetsuits, their massive selection includes specialized suits for all sports including surfing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, kayaking, SCUBA Diving, triathlons, pool rehabilitation, swimming and more. Discover top of the line water gear from brands such as, Body Glove, Hyper Flex, Rip Curl, Billabong and more.

Not only do they have a great selection of wetsuits, but they will help you in the selection process as well. If the suit doesn’t fit…you must not quit. Check out their very cool exchange policy; guaranteed to make any shopper happy. Find gift certificates, closeout deals and items for men, women and children. Do you possess an odd body shape? Give Wetsuitwearhouse.com your body measurements and for a mere $75, they will build a custom wetsuit just for you. Stay warm, and get rad this winter!

-Big Kahuna Adrian B.

To say you are a sports fan is an understatement. You are living proof that the word fan is short for fanatic. Not only do you know who the Iron Horse and Donnie Baseball are, you know their numbers—in fact, you know all the important retired numbers. Your favorite address is 161st & River Ave, and your cell phone rings with this. Die-hards' show their colors like rappers wear bling so you stock up on the latest gear at Modells.com to stay true to your team.

Modells.com is the nation's oldest, family-owned and operated, retailer of sporting goods, sporting apparel, menswear and brand name athletic footwear. Discover large collections of products from top name brands in the sporting goods and apparel business—and all the best fan gear from your favorite Major League Baseball Team.

Whether you’re looking for a customized jersey, some cool kicks with your team’s logo, or something to hang over the fireplace, Modells.com is the place to find it. Speaking of Santa, how about a usable gift for the generous giant? They even have the perfect stocking stuffer.

Okay, so not everyone is a Yankees fan. Perhaps you are a Cardinals fan, looking to buy the perfect gift to commemorate the 2006 World Series Victory. Well, in that case, look no further than Modells.com—they have the gift to knock Christmas out of the park. Dodger blue, Cardinals red or Giants orange, Modells.com has it all. Play ball!

-Joey Z (The Cucina Clipper)

Fake, manmade, animal-friendly or the PETA-provoking real deal, fur is everywhere this season and you should begin your hunt. From extreme Elmo-inspired coats and fur skirts (that’s right, fur skirts) to fur-trimmed hats and handbags, designers have made sure there is no escaping the hairy beast.

Caveman Couture anyone? Bold, bright, and very diva-ish, J-Lo and Paris Hilton can certainly start fires with this look, the rest of us, maybe not. If you like the look of fur (real or faux), but are not sure you can pull off such over-the-top styles, there are plenty of toned-down options out there.

Try an understated pair of boots that show just a hint of fur, or maybe a simple fur-trimmed jacket instead. Check out these gloves, which prove a little goes a long way.

SmartBargains.com is the place to go when you are ready to add fur to your wardrobe. This friendly online retailer has professional buyers that scour the globe to bring shoppers an edited selection of brand-named apparel, footwear, home décor and more. Their experts weed out the bad from the good for you. Plus, everything is offered at incredibly reduced prices, so you can easily pick up some skinny jeans and tops to go along with your fab new boots. Check out cool features such as Just In, Almost Gone and Buyer's Picks. Find bargains on luggage, toys, electronics, clearance items and more. Join their Smart Shoppers Club and discover first access to new arrivals, exclusive items and inexpensive shipping rates. In business since 1999, Smartbargains.com has served over 2 million customers!

And, once you’ve purchased your goodies, there’s no buyer’s remorse as SmartBargains.com offers a 30-day return policy. So, what are you waiting for? Tame the furry beast. With SmartBargains.com, it might not be so scary after all!

-Jenni T.

You were strictly East Coast, worked in finance, and are now headed west to the laid-back, sunny skies of Southern California. The job called, you answered. Your business attire, collared shirt and slacks, have been replaced by business casual attire--flip-flops, jeans and a clean (sans cigarette burn) t-shirt. You used to wear, and try to hold onto, the roots of your former wardrobe, but with weather forecasts a predictable 74 degrees and sunny, you have to get used to your new look.

You remind yourself that any day in California is always going to be better than 90% of your Boston days, so, you laugh when co-workers break out their “winter” coats as October and November approach. You know better. Working for an Internet company provides plenty of surf time, and with a wave across the mouse pad, you found the perfect clothing store, Originalpenguin.com.

Originalpenguin.com features loads of men’s and women’s clothes, from hoodies and sweaters, to suits, swimwear, sunglasses, ties, watches and anything else you might need for the eastside or westside. Search for items by categories such as New Arrivals, Classics, Collections, Get A Clue and Killer Instincts. You can also shop by size and choose from a big selection of apparel listings.

At Originalpenguin.com, discover shoes, kids stuff, gifts and sale items such as the $29 Not Innocent and $19 Sweet Surrender. The $49 Sand Dollar Dress is ideal for Martha’s Vineyard summers and Santa Monica winters. In need of a holiday gift? How about a fancy Original Penguin Gift Certificate? They are available in amounts ranging from $50.00 to $350.00 and can be sent via e-mail to anyone with a valid e-mail address.

Once you’ve completed the checkout process, both you and the recipient will receive a special e-card containing the Gift Certificate Code, which can be used to make purchases on OriginalPenguin.com, at any time!

-Adrian B.

“Double, double, toil and trouble!” Alex, Jana, and I chanted the opening lines to Shakespeare’s Macbeth while enjoying cocktails and discussing what to wear to the all-company costume contest. As the discussion moved to memories of All Hallow’s Eves past, Jana reflected, “When I was a little girl, every Halloween was an excuse to wear glitter, a tutu, and twirl around with a wand! Whether I was a fairy princess or Glinda the Good Witch, Halloween was all about the sparkles.” We laughed and agreed.

Alex reminisced, “In college, it was all about looking sexy at frat parties. Nurse, French maid, Playboy Bunny, Cheerleader, Devil, Angel. As long as it was short and low-cut, it was a great costume. It was the only time I could wear something outrageous and nobody could say anything about it! I once spent a hot minute in the closet with the Incredible Hulk and exited with green paint covering my sexy white nurse’s costume for the rest of the night!” More laughter. We determined that Halloween allowed us to satisfy our inner urges.

“Now that we’re professional women, what kind of costumes should we wear?” Jana asked. “It’s hardly appropriate to show up at the office in those costumes. Plus, I hate perpetuating the stereotype that Halloween for women is all about showing some skin.” Alex, chimed in, “you know, Halloween is really about expression. Find the right store and you’ll have no problem expressing yourself. I found a great costume store called Spirithalloween.com. They offer customers the newest and most complete selection of scary, fun and silly adult and children’s costumes, accessories, masks, wigs, makeup, party goods and decorations.

Their site is so easy to find what you need. I’m going to be Velma. My boyfriend is going to be Shaggy! I’ve got these fabulous nerd glasses and we’re going to bring our dog, Amelia, out with us. She’s brown just like Scooby Doo! They have a Top 5 in men’s, women’s boy’s and girl’s costumes. Their selection is monstrously massive featuring Pirate costumes, Theatrical costumes, Plus Size Costumes, baby costumes, and more. I love their Find a Haunted House Nationwide thing where they help you locate a haunted house in your city! Even their coolest costumes are on sale, such as the Batman costume, Wicked Witch and Yu Gi Oh costume. You can search from low to high prices and take advantage of their Guaranteed Halloween Delivery. Also, you can save dough at Spirithalloween.com as they offer free shipping on all orders over $50.

Jana exclaimed, “I know! They do have the best costumes. I think I want to wear a strait jacket to work this Halloween. No free arms, no computer work. That will satisfy my inner urge to not work. Or I could be a sumo wrestler. I don’t think I could reach the keyboard if I wore that, either! We ordered another bottle and celebrated our costume discovery. Alex is going to be Velma, Jana, the Sumo Wrestler, and I told them, “I’m going to be a flapper for Halloween this year. No, wait! What do you two think about Cleopatra? I think it could be really fun! Maybe I’ll find my Marc Antony! Yes, I’m definitely going to be the Queen of the Nile!” We pulled out Alex’s Blackberry, and ordered our costumes from Spirithalloween.com right on the spot.

-Mara P.

With Fall fashion in full swing, now is the perfect time to try out the latest styles of jeans -- and we have the perfect fit for you! Whether dressing down for a casual day at the office, or dressing glam for a night on the town, this season’s style is all about the skinny jean.

Inspired by 1950s trendsetters Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, skinny jeans are now available from the hottest brands, in a range of prices. And, there is a fit for everyone. Levi’s Drainpipe Skinny Jeans, the modern woman’s choice, is a classic five-pocket stovepipe shape with a fuller coverage in the back – no plumbers necessary to fix these pipes! They come in three washes: blackbird, char, ultramarine, and are a perfect fashion addition to any wardrobe.

The slim-slacked look coincides with the development of Rock ‘n’ Roll in the 1950s, and our current revival never lost a step. Elvis wore a pair of black slim slacks when he first appeared in 1957, albeit from the waist up, on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Jeanhotspot.com, an online boutique featuring the latest trends in ladies ware, sells many of the styles mentioned here. Updated daily, Jeanhotspot.com's 100% authentic products come with their original dust bags and or tags/labels of authenticity. Most orders are shipped out within 24-72 business hours of receipt of your order. In addition to the designs we've mentioned, they also carry jeans by True Religion, Paper Denim and Cloth, and Juicy Couture among many others.

Skinny jeans returned in the 1980s during the original punk rock explosion. Now, they’re back in style and edgier than ever. For those looking to invoke the spirit of rock, try Diesel’s Matic Jean, which features a distressed look with a low rise, one-button closure and metallic stitching at the seams.

For women who have trouble finding a longer inseam, Rock and Republic offers the sleek and slim look in both jeans and slacks.

How to wear them: Jeans that fall right at the ankle flatter taller figures, whereas a longer leg creates the illusion of length. A skinny fit slouched at the ankle flatters fuller figures by visually balancing the hips. For those who are still a little cautious, a straight leg is a perfect way to stay with the trend while maintaining classic style. And for those convinced that a flare is still the most flattering, a boot cut will still suggest the same lean silhouette.

Don’t forget that skinny jeans are the perfect way to show off some fabulous footwear – pair them with sweet ballet flats for a day. We like J. Crew’s women’s Marbella wool ballet flats. Wanna set the night on fire? Try a sexy stiletto heel. Another great look is to tuck your new skinny jeans into a great pair of boots! Any way you wear it, you’re sure to turn heads.

-Mara P.

As a youth, when October hit, my friend and I would skip home from school singing, "almost Halloween, almost Halloween, almost Halloween." It was our ode to the greatest day of the year. We discussed our costumes, the 'hoods we planned to troll, what kind of shaving cream to buy, and the candy we hoped to receive. Each passing day equalled one step closer to the ultimate kid night...free candy and a legitimate excuse to trick and receive treats.

However, one Halloween, many years later, the seemingly endless night of costumes, candy, parties and ghouls took a dark turn. I might have Scream-Studios.com and their spookily, spectacular collection of Halloween items to blame. Scream-Studios.com is a Halloween store featuring the creepiest masks from your favorite characters and horror movies. They also carry makeup and special effect appliances used by the pros.

Their sinister collection includes the Jigsaw Puppet Saw Mask for $35, V for Vendetta Grand heritage Costume, Leatherface Deluxe Mask with Hair, and Napoleon Dynamite Full Mask. Many of their masks and costumes are categorized by movie including, Shrek, Harry Potter, Hellboy, The Munsters, Psycho and Freddy Kreuger. Check out their collection of Universal Studios Monsters. Don't bring apples to your next Halloween party. Discover Scream-Studios.com's gift cauldron with themes such as Vincent Price, Cult Classics, Donnie Darko, Devil's Rejects and more. This Halloween, deck your Halloween party with their sale items including the Bloody Cut-Off Leg, Crawling Arm, Box o' Bones and Severed Hand. Most of these items are under $15! Their easy to use, sticky, yet sweet, web of accessories is frighteningly fantastic.

Find Kids Cute Color Makeup and Kits for under $2, Reel FX makeup, Reel FX Prepainted Latex Prosthetics, Barbie Makeup, Candy Bags, and 2nd Skin Foam Latex Appliances. These guys have it all, with great prices, and the scary masks that make Halloween so much fun. For $2 you can buy Face Adhesive and take it off with Remover for $3!

So, here's the rest of the story. I was the last to leave a friend's Halloween party. With the number of sexy nurses, school girls and gangsters, how could I leave? The doorbell no longer chimed, trick or treaters safely counted their candy, and outside, the streets were dark. The playful sounds of trick or treaters, haunted houses and proud parents were replaced with an ominous and eerie silence. I opened the front door and looked apprehensively at the daunting walk I had to get to my car.

While walking and removing my cape, I noticed someone standing 2 blocks away, right next to my car. I couldn't make out the person's face as they wore a dark sweatshirt with a hood that was up. I continued to walk towards my car, and the figure stood, facing me, as I approached. The dimly lit, tree lined street provided nothing but thoughts of Friday the 13th, Halloween and any other slasher film I could think of. The figure never moved except for occasionally lifting it's head to look at me. I still couldn't see it's face, although I knew it was waiting for me. Running back to my friend's house, and pounding furiously on the door was a thought. Now one block away, I was scared. Nerves raced, fear grew.

At a half a block away, I stopped, and like two western gunslingers, we stared each other down. I was terrified, the figure was still unknown and nobody was around. Without eye contact, I mustered up my candy corn sized courage and moved towards my car. The figure never twitched, standing stoically by the driver's door with it’s hands in it’s pockets. I reached the car, pulled out my keys, slipped past the spook, opened the door and locked it from inside. I slowly turned my head, and winced at the mystery under the hood.

The terrifying spirit turned, faced me, and while looking down, through the window, revealed the scariest, creepiest mask I had ever seen. I wanted to scream, but instead, roared my engine, slipped past the morbid figure and sped away, making sure the doors were locked. Why did this “thing” stand by my car, not say a word, and not make a move of any kind? The reason why I thought maybe Scream-Studios.com is to blame, is because I can’t imagine any other place where this person could find such a scary mask. Almost Halloween, almost Halloween, almost Halloween.

-Tariq K.

I had a crush on a girl. Although I pried and tried, it was tough to tell how she felt about me or what type of person she fancied. While having lunch, she squeaked out that she loves the way a watch looks on a person’s wrist. She said it oozed confidence, strength, sexuality. “A watch has this much power?” I thought. A quick glance at my wrist revealed freckles, hair and my jelly bracelet. The following day, my brother told me he collects watches. I realized that I’ve been so consumed with finding handbags and shoes that I completely overlooked the watch world.

After days of searching online for a hot watch that would transform me into a sexy piece, I came across a super-sweet online watch store, Jomashop.com. Not only do they have the coolest collection of watches, but Jomashop.com also sells many of the handbags, glasses, and accessories I’ve been looking for anyway. Score! They’ve got watches by Armani, TAG Heuer, Omega, DKNY, Brietling and on and on. They also carry fine pens from Mont Blanc to Waterman as well as Fendi Handbags and iPods.

Their watches range from the uber pricey Rolex GMT-Master men’s watch to the totally affordable and cute Swatch Roboboy Watch. Jomashop.com has a 30 day money back guarantee, free shipping on every order over $150, 1 to 5 year warranty on all watches and tons of customer support. The coolest deal they have now is, savings up to 66% off on Ray-Ban sunglasses. These are my favorite.

I purchased the simple Casio Baby G Shock and strapped on the bait. A few days after my order came in, I called the girl and we had lunch again. She stared at my watch, I wondered if she got the hint.

-Carrie J.

25 years ago, furniture behemoth IKEA hit US ground with a Swedish bang, and boy were we schooled. The day’s lesson was that good design does not need to be expensive, and superior styles, whether devoted to furniture, kitchenware, or clothes, matched to a lower ticket price equals higher sales! No, this ain’t Econ 101 but we do have some economical tips for you.

Thankfully, our favorite designers took note that day, and introduced secondary labels capturing the designers’ signature style with price tags so affordable that even those with the wee-ist of incomes can afford a stylish something. One such store that showed up for class that day, is top designer clothing, e-commerce site, Yoox.com.

The leading online, luxury clothing retail website in Europe, the US, and Japan, Yoox.com features countercultural cuts from Vivienne Westwood’s Red Label, Stella McCartney, Chloe’s See by Chloe, Giorgio Armani’s Armani Jeans, and Roberto Cavalli’s Just Cavalli among many others.

Yoox.com also has cool features such as the Fashion Fringe, The Yooxer, and Kidswear Prodigy, which offers new kids clothes. Why the name Yoox you ask? Y and X are the male and female chromosomes, and the zero represents the binary code. With 4,000 new arrivals daily, Yoox.com is all about people, code, clothing, shoes, bags, and more! Check out the Fall and Winter Collection now and with free shipping, and hassle free returns, this may be the best class you never ditched.

-Jennie D.

Fall is here. The Leaves are turning, weather is cooling, and Baby Suri has emerged to see her own shadow. It’s so fall, I can almost taste the candy corn stolen from my son’s Halloween stash.

Why not kick off the season of change with a new look for your tootsies? At Simplysoles.com, find a bounty of beautiful shoes plentiful as Mom’s Thanksgiving spread: rich suede flats, buttery soft boots and this season’s highlight: the sassy and sexy, patent-leather Mary Jane platform pump. Candy, feasts, shoes…I love fall!

Shopping at Simplysoles.com is a fantastic way to indulge your shoe cravings. Like a trip to your downtown boutique, this sole haven offers unique feet treats with delicious deals such as the price reduced, strut-worthy Miss Sixty gold pumps, marked down from $170 to $85. You can also find styles designed exclusively for SimplySoles.com, such as the adorable Terre Peck suede-fringed kitten heel.

Like your neighborhood boutique, the folks at SimplySoles.com encourage you to try on a few things. Need to exchange your purchase for another size or style? Let Simplysoles.com pick up the shipping costs. Committed to helping women’s causes, they’ve teamed with Suited for Change, a non-profit organization that provides professional clothing for women in need. If you order a pair of shoes from SimplySoles.com and return a pair as a donation, SimplySoles.com will give you 10% off your next order.

Good souls--and soles--indeed.

-Jennifer S.

Okay, this may seem a bit early, but, buy your Halloween costume now. You’ve put too many last minute costumes together, and always curse yourself for not getting a costume sooner. Last year, you threw on some makeup and went as a “zombie.” Boring.

Two years ago, you put a sheet over your head. A ghost. Hmmm. And three years ago, you rushed to the costume store, and found aisles so littered with half opened costumes and broken masks that you raced back home, put on some lingerie and went as a…French maid? Not this year. Fly through the front door of any costume party or troll the neighborhood, (kids in tow), in a costume that will turn, scare and delight the coolest of ghouls.

BuyCostumes.com is the world’s largest e-tailer as certified by the Better Business Bureau for costumes and accessories, and we suggest you buy from them today. How did they get to be the largest? Simple, they sell costumes year-round! They cater to Halloween enthusiasts, theatre groups, performers, children and adults alike. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Buycostumes.com features same day shipping on over 10,000 items including adult costumes, kids costumes, party supplies, make up, hats, wigs, decorations, pet costumes, and more.

Owner Jalem Getz and his Buycostumes.com crew are certified by VeriSign and Bizrate.com so you know they must be good. Prove to us, by selecting an original costume from Buycostumes.com, that not all women use Halloween as an excuse to look as sexy as possible (although, we wouldn’t mind if we were right).

The moose jaws for itself. Moosejaw.com could be the most fun and entertaining retail site since, um, actually very few retail sites cover both lifestyle and sales ground the way these adventurers do (just ask MTV's Travis Barker). Moosejaw.com appears to be another online retailer, but once you begin roaming, you’ll find a grand canyon’s worth of loyal, Moosejaw lovers (and they prove it) in addition to tons of items for sale.

It would really do Moosejaw.com a disservice to attempt to list some of their inventory. Just know that no matter what type of gear or clothing you need for an outdoor experience, they carry it. Their Moosejaw Madness section is awesome, featuring a Daily Remark, Moosejaw Flags, Customers Who Like Moosejaw, Moosejaw Playlists, Music for Frenching and more. The site is peppered with photos from loyal customers atop Mt. Vinson at Machu Piccu, in front of the Kremlin, on VH1, and in locales throughout the world wearing their Moosejaw garb.

They encourage their customers to send in photographs of themselves, in Moosejaw gear, and they do it! They don’t just ask for the photo, but a description of the setting as well. A super user-friendly site, Moosejaw.com wants to keep in touch with you after you make your purchase. Their rewards system is rad! Shop online at Moosejaw.com and earn 10 points for every dollar you spend on regular priced items and you earn 5 points for every dollar you spend on discounted items. So, if you buy a Moosejaw Hoody at Moosejaw.com for $50, you earn 500 points. Now if only Dating Girl would give us some advice on how to date her!

Find your jeans at Kitson, handbags at Fred Segal, and try on say, 100 or so of your favorite pairs of shoes at Neiman’s. Checked your gas gauge lately? The amount of time, energy, gas, and miles spent trekking from store to store is taking it’s toll, and eventually you’re not gonna care what’s on your feet, as long as it’s not your weight.

We know you're a hunter, but why not trap your prey in the comfort of your own home, office or wherever you like to chill, by logging on to Adasa.com. Based in Hawaii, featuring hassle-free returns and free shipping, Adasa.com has perfected the online boutique; selling the stuff you want, minus cab fare, parking fees, crowds and aching achilles. The online outlet for 60’s chanteuse Donna Loren and partner/husband Jered Cargman’s Waikiki and Kailua boutiques, Adasa.com features the latest in apparel, handbags, jewelry, and more from designers such as Vince, Juicy Couture, Lacoste, Isabella Fiore among others. While we can’t do all of our shopping on Oahu or Maui, Adasa.com brings the same elegant selection featured in their stores, right to your computer…then your door.

Adasa Waikiki Boutique is nestled in the Tapa Concourse at the famous Rainbow Tower in the Hilton Hotel right next to Louis Vuitton. The Kailua Boutique, located on Maui, offers an impressive array of contemporary designer clothing for women and men including designs from Buddhist Punk, Morphine Generation and True Religion. But, who really cares what’s happening in Hawaii. You’ve got the internet, a place to soak your feet, and a new store with Hawaiian flair to get excited about. Crack open a can of macadamia nuts, mix yourself a mai tai, throw some island sounds on your stereo and shop away, all in the comfort of your home and underwear.

It’s Sunday, 9 am. The neighbor is mowing loudly and your mouth’s as dry as a sand-filled canteen. Your super saggy, too-many-vodka tonics, why-didn’t-I-drink-more-water-eyes are baggier than a Balenciaga LeDix Motorcycle handbag.

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If you’re planning on, laps around the pool, motoring (top down) in the sun, or, just scampering for the morning paper, finding your shades is the quickest way to go from baggage handler to first class somebody (or at least look like one). Madonna does it. Bono does it. Kate Moss does it (among other things), but let’s talk SOS, ASAP. No need to squint when focusing on Sunglassesitaly.com’s inventory of designer sunglasses to hide your troubled eyes. Their list of styles reads like a Black Eyed Peas lyric sheet. Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Valentino…ya-da ya-da ya-da. Sunglassesitaly.com, a family owned and operated business located in Firenze, Italy, features nearly every brand of designer sunglasses from Gucci to Prada at discount prices and takes the lumps for you. Because they are local to manufacturers in Italy and buy in massive quantities, they are able to obtain hefty discounts and hand the savings to you. With over 80 different Chanel design sunglasses alone, Sunglassesitaly.com is the largest online Chanel sunglasses retailer. So, you’re thinking, buy sunglasses from Italy when I live in Butte, Montana? Uh, no. Well, slide your humps down the exotic-locale-scale and order from their Los Angeles location. The savings are just as haute, and you’ll still look like a million bucks, despite last night’s three bottles of Two Buck Chuck.

What are you doing this summer? Exfoliating? 54 hot dogs in 12 minutes? Moonlit strolls around the lake? Oh, sorry, beer bongs on the lake?

Whatever it is, chances are, you’ll be using your feet, unless you’re boot-knockin’ in which case, oops, sorry, don’t mind us. Flip flops a little stinky? Keep your dogs from barking this summer in a new pair of summertime kicks, why don’t you. We’re not talking Jimmy Choo’s to lure a boo. Instead, let’s get physical. Y’know, sandals, flip flops, clogs…yeah, clogs. Spongy, foamy, comfy even in the water, clogs. Clogs are thee perfect shoe for summertime sloshing, maxin’ and relaxin’. Get you feet wet by diving into Summerfootwear.com’s pool of Havaianas, Sanuks, Salomons, Acorns and gallons more. If the name, Summertimefootwear.com, doesn’t say it all then…Calgon, take us away.

Ahhh, wet, summer fun. 5 more minutes, then you’ll get out. Make it 10, then you’ll bounce. Actually, how about everyone go home or look away, then you’ll get out. Sound familiar?

Your skin is wrinkling, water’s a chill and your towel is an island away. Yikes, what to do? Jumping in was easy, but now, the thought of getting out or struttin’ about half naked with a clinging swimsuit is terrifying. As you contemplate the potentially hazardous walk of shame (watch that bikini bottom!), you curse yourself for not finding a new summer swimsuit. Swimoutlet.com makes it safe to enter (or exit) the water again. Take a few breath strokes and find a suit that keeps you covered, or decidedly not, for any type of water activity. Women, they have everything for competition, fashion, fitness, triathlon, maternity, and cover ups in plus sizes, among boatloads more. Men, point your rudder towards briefs (be careful), training suits, jammers, board shorts, technical, wetsuits and briefs. Oops, we already mentioned briefs, but it’s still funny.

You can hear ‘em comin’ a mile away. Thwack, thwack, thwack, thwack. Hawaiian’s call them slippers. Mom calls ‘em thongs. Everyone knows them as flip flops (for their flippin’ and floppin’ sound as you stride).

Your uber comfy, sometimes leather, sometimes foamy, sometimes plastic, always cool sandals are no longer just pads for your aqua bound feet. But hey, don’t just buy any flip flops, that’s no fun. From Barney’s to the 99 cents store, everyone sells flip flops. However, Mellas and havaianas are the coolest and Shopbop.com does not flip flop on the issues! You’ll be thwack, thwack, thwackin’ around in style with their Mella Terry Flip Flops or Havaianas Golden Flower Flips. Flip Flops are high fashion and everywhere now. Just ask the 2005 Northwestern Women’s Lacrosse team whose members wore flip-flops to the White House when meeting W after their National Championship. Perhaps they flipped out like John Kerry?