Browsing ShopGirl’s computer A dozen links, a world of shopportunities

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What a tangled Web I weave.

And I’m not even practicing to deceive. It’s just that I’m online so much, my work computer crashes under the pressure. Of course, that could be due to the fact that it’s running Windows 98, but that’s a column for another day.

I’m not on MySpace or YouTube. If I tried to download iTunes, my IBM might explode. I’m not even e-mailing photos to friends. I’m just doing a little research. You could call it Windows shopping.

The Web is a bargain hunter’s paradise. It lets you comparison shop without leaving your desk. But it also opens up a world of shopportunities. So we don’t have a Banana Republic or an Ann Taylor here. Who cares? We’ve got the Web. And not even the Mall of America can offer the millions of options online.

Above, you’ll find a few of my favorite sites. Some you may already know. Others may be new to you. And I’d love it if you’d e-mail me the shopping sites you rely on. I’ll include them in my column or in my new blog.

Yes, I said blog.

Starting Monday, Jan. 22, I will contribute shopping news online on a regular basis. You’ll want to check in often for new stores, fun finds and off-the-cuff musings. It will be a place where readers can come together and share tips, as well. I can’t wait.

I’ll be on vacation next week, so there won’t be a column next Saturday, but I look forward to blogging with you on Monday, Jan. 22.

I hope my computer can handle it.

Fredflare.com

Looking for a little kitsch and bitch? Look no further than this fabulous site for inspiration. I heart the cute T-shirts, ’80s inspired duds and quirky accessories.

Zappos.com

Every shoe you could ever imagine – including hard-to-find sizes – for men, women and children. What’s not to love?

DWR.com

It’s not quite as affordable as Target, but Design Within Reach brings high style to the masses. Modern lines from Isamu Noguchi and Maine’s own Angela Adams are highlights of this ultra-chic collection.

Smallthings.com

I saw an ad for Smallthings in the back of ReadyMade magazine and it changed the way I shop online. The site offers gorgeous handmade silver and stained-glass jewelry – and one of the best links sections on the Web.

Endless.com

The name says it all for this new shoe and bag site from Amazon. Hundreds of brands, Amazon’s usual slashed prices and free overnight shipping. It’s a shoe-in.

eLuxury.com

You live in Maine. You want a REAL Louis Vuitton bag, Juicy Couture sandals and the right-now jeans from Citizens of Humanity. This is where you go. Yes, you pay full price, but the upshot is, no snotty sales girls.

Zafu.com

It shouldn’t be so hard to find jeans that fit, and yet, it is. Zafu makes it easier. Answer a few simple questions and voila! Your perfect jeans. No fitting room required.

LaRedoute.com

French fashion. Bargain prices. Outfits that none of your friends have. Enough said.

SilverCrowCreations.com

I discovered this site while looking for a Christmas present, and can’t wait to shop there again. My gift arrived immediately, impeccably packaged, with a bonus ornament and a gift certificate toward my next order. Now that’s service.

DailyCandy.com

The site’s founders describe it this way: “It’s like getting an e-mail from your clever, unpredictable, and totally in-the-know best friend.” All true. The daily newsletter highlights what’s hot, hip and unique. And I love it.

Stylebakery.com

This fashion site gives you all the ingredients you need to cook up a delicious look. With daily deals, great links and an advice column, Stylebakery has you covered.

Overstock.com

Need slipcovers? A new washer and dryer, perhaps? Or a Kenneth Cole peacoat? You’ll find them all – at a substantial savings – on Overstock.com. I like to think of it as the TJ’s of the web.

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329, or by fax to 941-9476. Tune in to ShopGirl at 5 p.m. every other Friday on WLBZ-2.