Gulf Shores, AL (ARA) - The Internet is reinventing how we shop for fashion. Now, no matter where you live and whatever your budget, the best designer offerings are available to those in the know.

Whether shopping through your phone, sharing shopping secrets through social media, or gaining access to specialized online shopping sites, like members-only private sales, Internet shopping has never been more rewarding. Here's what you need to know about these exciting shopping trends, and how you can be part of the action:

Get in on the secret
By going online, in a matter of minutes you can compare prices, see availability, place an order or get on a waiting list. Some women use special members-only sales sites that offer great merchandise at incredible prices. The best sites are invitation only, so be on the lookout for email invitations, or friends with memberships that can get you in the virtual front door.

Boutique bonanza
Flash sales - exclusive sales that only last a limited time - make online shopping fun and exciting. For instance, Rue La La offers members today's top trends, brands and designers with six to eight new daily Boutiques that last 48 hours. The experience is truly appointment shopping - each day you receive an email at 11 a.m. EST letting you in on the new items, brands and designers available that day. These premium and luxury items are up to 70 percent off retail pricing. If the item sells out, members can often still request it and the concierge will work hard to try to find additional availability.

Hassle-free haven
Shopping online allows you to find the best deals on designer fashion without the hassle of driving to the mall and waiting in a long line. When shopping, look for websites that use models to show the clothing and accessories, this and special zoom and angle features will let you know just what it looks like on models - better photography means you can view the item from all angles so there will be no surprises when it arrives at your doorstep.

Shipping and returns made simple
With the increase of online shopping, many retailers offer free shipping or specials to make the value of shopping online even more attractive. Weigh out the options - attractive websites will provide great customer service including the best shipping and return options. Rue La La, for instance, offers the option of paying a single low, shipping fee that covers standard shipping for any additional orders for the next 30 days. As for easy returns, pre-addressed return labels simplify the returns process and make returning an online purchase easier than ever.

Think social for the inside scoop
Online shopping and social networking go hand in hand. Facebook and Twitter are popular social networks for engaging with your favorite brands and gaining unique backstage access to exclusive offers, special savings, and even sneak peeks on upcoming deals.

Coveted convenience
Today there are more ways than ever to shop your favorite top brands through the Internet. Many online stores have apps that you can download to your phone to make the shopping process even more convenient, no matter where you are.

Private sale "appointment shopping" is perfect for mobile devices. For example, Rue La La members can download apps for their iPhone, Android and iPad allowing them shop wherever they are and never miss accessing a Boutique.

Have it all with in-store pickup
Some retailers are now offering the ability to place your order online and pick it up at the physical store location - even on the same day. Now you can shop for your favorite fashion on your lunch break and pick it up on your drive home.

Most of us remember the excitement of dressing up to go trick-or-treating; and with people ages 18-24 spending an estimated $86.59 each on the eerie evening, it's clear that while Halloween may be known as "The Day of the Dead," it is not a dead day. Though the adult version of the spooky holiday means drastically different costume options and ways to celebrate, Halloween can be a grown-up great time. Here are some ways to guarantee that you have as much ghoulish fun now as you did when you were a little girl.

Choosing a Costume

There's no doubt that choosing the perfect Halloween costume is just as important now as it was during the days when you went trick-or-treating. However, the options to choose from today are vastly different. As a child, it was easy to just dress as your favorite Disney princess. But now, every princess costume reveals much more skin than you remember. Tinkerbell has morphed into a sexy fairy with an up-to-there skirt and Snow White's dress comes complete with a push-up bra to enhance the goods stuffed into the plunging neckline.

Even those who plan on not wearing body-bearing costumes find that modesty on Halloween is easier said than done. Georgia Southern college student, Tiffany, initially planned to refrain from wearing anything too revealing this year, but was unable to find a costume that would still make her feel cute while being covered, and instead opted to go as a vampire vixen. "Nobody really wants to wear the cow costume with the udders showing when the woman next to you is flaunting her figure as Nurse Hottie," she says, "So, fishnets and vinyl with fake fangs and red lipstick is the way I ended up going."

While the costume options have changed, assuming your alter-ego on October 31st can be as simple as choosing an outfit that highlights your best assets. Got great legs? Maybe that thigh-high gingham dress and sparkly red heels that make up the Dorothy costume is perfect for you. If you're proud of your hourglass figure, go with the body hugging lady ninja gear. Just as in childhood, wearing what makes you feel your best will be the first step to insuring a great time during your Halloween festivities.

Capturing the Night's Festivities

As children, our parents doted over how adorable we looked in our Halloween costumes. The anticipation over trick-or-treating swirled about in us as we craved candy and a few good scares. Of course, before ever making it out the door to beg for sweets up and down the street, Mom just had to get a picture of her little angel in the witch costume, complete with fake warts and press-on finger nails.

Mom was on to something, too, because in snapping photos of me in my Halloween ensemble, she captured a moment in time. Now, when I see pictures of myself in various costumes, I am taken back to the goose bumps I got while walking up to the neighbor's porch with the spider web decorations and eerie music blaring from some speaker concealed by hedges.

Though Halloween has taken on a new meaning in adulthood, the antics of the night are (hopefully) going to be ones you'll want to remember later on. Bringing a camera along to whatever party you decide to check out ensures the freezing of those moments. You'll want to remember how smoking hot you looked at age 20-something in the Naughty Cop costume, and the proof will be in the pictures just in case anyone ever doubts you. And, between the alcohol and the excitement that adult Halloween parties are notorious for, you may not be able to have a clear grasp on the evening's events without photos.

Halloween Treats

As kids, Snickers bars and Airheads reigned supreme on Halloween night. But while name-brand candy was the ideal, we were often forced to settle for candy corn, Palmer's Peanut Butter Cups, and the dreaded Mary Janes (yes, the red and orange ones).

Naturally, as grown women we have to work a little harder on maintaining a great figure. With candy not really on the radar as a party favor or as a means to stay trim, there's no doubt that what's being served at grown-up Halloween parties has matured along with our bodies. Now, instead of candy apples we find candy apple shooters on the menu at the coolest spooky parties, and while booze is seldom chided for its health benefits, we are usually much more comfortable in an alcohol indulgence among friends than in a junk food fueled one.

There are many Halloween-themed cocktails and shooter recipes that can really bring life to all the party zombies out there. Here are some classic fright-fest beverages to try:

· The Vampire's Kiss

2 oz. of Vodka

½ oz. of dry gin

½ oz. dry vermouth

1 tbsp. of tequila

A pinch of salt

2 oz. tomato juice

Shake all ingredients with ice, and strain into a martini glass.

· Smashing Pumpkin

1/3 oz. of Kahlua

1/3 oz. of Bailey's Irish Cream

1/3 oz. of Goldschlager

Mix ingredients and strain into a shot glass.

· Salem Witch

½ oz. of vodka

½ oz. of raspberry schnapps

½ oz. of Midori melon liqueur

Splash of lime juice

Splash of Grenadine

Fill with 2/3 sour mix

Fill with soda water

Mix all alcohol in a Collins class with ice. Add splash of lime, and fill the rest of the way up with sour mix and soda water. Stir, and add a splash of grenadine.

Scary Risks

After running around various neighborhoods collecting as much candy loot as possible, I remember going home only to be delayed further in bridging the gap between having the candy in my pumpkin bag and having the candy in my stomach. My parents always insisted on going through all the goodies to make sure nothing had been unwrapped or tampered with.

Though Mom and Dad surely aren't going to be present to make sure that your Halloween is safe as an adult, there is always the risk that scary people can be lurking around at parties. With alcohol playing a role in 80% of all rapes, it's important to be attentive to your surroundings. Stick with friends you trust, never leave your glass sitting down unattended, and don't accept drinks from people you don't know. Staying in a subtly defensive mode will keep your spooky fun Halloween from being downright terrifying.

     While the Gulf Coast is known for its beautiful beaches and tasty crawfish, residents know just how much rain we endure around these parts during the summer and fall. For locals, the term "sun showers" gets thrown around like AP poll information, particularly around this time of year. Just when you think you're in for a sunny stroll around town, torrential downpour strikes. Puddles everywhere! So, you ruin a great pair of shoes (especially if you're like me and clumsy as all get out) while running through the short space from the store to your car. And even if you don't exactly ruin your shoes, you've certainly grown uncomfortable as the water floods in and soaks your socks and feet. Sure, we don't fear pneumonia in these parts, but that squishy feeling of wet shoes is enough to put a damper on any day.

            Luckily, our locals are bright and so are their solutions to the wet weather. Wellies adorn the feet of many who dare to roam about in our region's unpredictable weather. These rain boots are made of waterproof rubber and do an excellent job of keeping the feet both dry and warm on the days when traipsing through puddles is unavoidable. The gumboots are as affordable as they are high-functioning, ranging anywhere from $20 to $120. Available in bold colors and vibrant patterns, Wellies pop in even the dreariest of days.

            The shoes were introduced by the 1st Duke of Wellington during the early 19th century, hence the name “Wellington” or “Wellies” for short. While the boots were originally made from leather, sometime during the 1850s an American businessman named Henry Lee Norris started crafting the shoes out of vulcanized rubber. Now officially recognized as the Hunter Wellington Boot, the waterproof kicks are worn by farmers and arid feet seeking locals alike. Formerly the proper boot for Russian socialists to wear, Wellies have found favor in all walks of life. Thanks to a simple rubber shoe we can now look forward to actually focusing on our day to day routines instead of cursing cold, wet feet.

     These rain boots are absolutely timeless (even my neighbor's three-year-old has a pair) and look great when paired with jeans or a cute skirt. The houndstooth print ones (available at Target) are especially hot as they allow you to pay homage to The Bear while keeping your feet from feeling flooded. So much for all those Bammer jokes, Auburn fans. We tend to be smart AND stylish. :)

Most of the time I have to strongly disagree with the Beach Boys crooning about a need for more California girls. Southern women, in my opinion, are some of the most stunning in the country. The manners, the accent, the honey-sweet smiles, and the deep-seated hospitality are just a few qualities that make the Deep South's fairer sex really shine. Still, there is an increasing problem in terms of fashion occurring on our side of the Mason-Dixon line--namely, the  Sloppy Sorority Girl.

Y'all might be wondering what I mean by this, but I guarantee you've witnessed it. You may have even (God-forbid) fallen victim to it. That's okay. Even the Crimson Tide messed up and allowed Dennis Franchione to coach for them. We all make mistakes. I'm here to cure the ever-growing ailment that is sloppy style.

Nike athletic shorts and Soffe shorts are comfortable. There's not a soul alive who would dispute that. Still, I can't help but feel the need to point out that these are athletic shorts. However, despite their original purpose, these bad boys are showing up far beyond the walls of local gyms. I most often see them paired with a well-worn college acquired shirt (often boasting Greek letters). Again, comfort is not being called into question. Still, we now see there are two sloppy-fitting articles of clothing put together. Out in public.

I don't know what your momma told you, but mine always insisted that you should never go out looking like a slob for fear of who you might see. My two biggest examples of who you do NOT want to bump into while cruising the aisles of the local Piggly Wiggly while wearing this get-up are as follows: A potential employer and/or an ex-boyfriend.

I'm not saying you should slap on your six-inch heels and a power suit while hitting up "The Pig," but I can't think of many possible employers who would look twice at someone who looks like she rolled out of bed. And you probably wouldn't have the guts to approach the person overseeing your dream job looking like that, anyway. Your inner confidence is best reflected by your outer appearance. Especially pertaining to first impressions. Work-out attire doesn't exactly scream "ideal job candidate." Unless, of course, your dream job is a personal trainer or spin instructor.

This same confidence exuding principle applies to the possibility of running into the scumbag that broke your heart a few years ago. You're over him, sure. You've been over him. Still, when dressed in Nike athletic shorts and your Alpha Beta Zeta best, you are portraying a style (or lack thereof) that implies you are as stagnant as pond water. And y'all know there is absolutely nothing happening in stagnant water beyond mosquito breeding. If you were planning on nonchalantly proving that you're better than ever, this look is definitely not the way to go about it.

Anything this baggy does not flatter the body. Whether it's a firm booty, toned legs, svelte torso, or an ample chest, everyone has something worth highlighting with clothes that hug in the right places. A ratty t-shirt and work-out shorts do nothing to show off your goods. The dog days of summer are a great time for sizzling style, but this ragamuffin outfit is more haggard than hot.

So, ladies, toss this attire to the wayside when not working out. It is as much a thing of your undergrad past as keg beer and pulling all-nighters.

The dreaded month of August is upon us. Y'all know what that means--frying like bacon, counting down until Bama's first win of the season, and trudging back in to school. I know, I know; y'all definitely don't want to be reminded of darting from class to class, lunchroom slop, and scrambling for school supplies (because Lord knows Wal-Mart was sold out during the tax-free weekend). Put on your Southern fried smile, anyway, because I'm sharing some back to school trends that are hotter than our least favorite month. Believe me, looking good is the only thing that kept me showing up for Finite Math (after all, the professor was fine worth impressing).

Fashion magazines will tell you that cardigans and military coats are hot right now. However, fashion magazines weren't written for Deep South dwellers who sweat through the 105 degree heat during August. Save those for, oh, about October. In the meantime, here are some smart new looks to work runway style up and down the halls of your school:

1) Take a tip from the fellas

Fall fashion is all about comfort this year. Boyfriend tees are a great option to snuggle up in during those long, drawn-out lectures. These t-shirts are cut longer and straighter than girls' styles. Shirts with classic band logos or collegiate symbols are a great way to express yourself and also serve as an interesting conversation piece. Pair them with your most flattering skinny jeans for a stylish-yet-cozy laid back appeal.

Boyfriend shorts also still register white hot on the trend thermometer. These loose-fitting, longer boyfriend shorts are especially helpful for those facing a strict school dress code. To avoid appearing masculine, always remember to match form-fitting pieces with slack ones. A feminine top goes best with the boyfriend shorts in order to sidestep a sloppy appearance.

2) Grunge is back (sort of)

Kurt Cobain is long gone (RIP), but now those who were too young to enjoy the 90s Seattle anti-celebrity are at least able to reap the style benefits of the grunge era. One clothing trend defines the generation of angsty slackers quite simply--plaid. This checkered pattern is everywhere this season. From runways to hallways, plaid provides a universally easy appeal. My personal favorite comes in the form of three quarter length button downs in a rainbow of color options (Target has some great versions for dirt cheap). These can be worn buttoned up or open with a cute tank top underneath. Ultra-cool cowgirl pearl snap buttons provide an interesting contrast to the classic plaid pattern. Don't get too carried away with the whole 90s vibe, though. Greasy hair and a crappy attitude are seldom stylish.

3) Booties, baby

Okay, so they are anything but infantile. Booties are low cut boots that accentuate skinny jeans and skirts alike. Usually ankle-grazing and outfitted with a zipper or buttons, this particular type of footwear burst onto the fashion scene about a year ago and just hasn't quit. They are available in heels of all heights and can sometimes come in the form of ever easy-to-walk-in flats. I've seen these shoes paired with cutoff shorts, but it takes a nonexistent dress-code and near-perfect legs to pull off this particularly daring version of the style. Punctuating a sundress with booties takes the outfit from summer to fall like that (pretend you just heard me snap my fingers while I pretend that I  actually know how to snap my fingers). These look good on ankles of all sizes, just make sure you pick ones that fit well and feel comfortable. You sure can't strut if you're wobbling like jello.

4) Ombre hair

For those of y'all who get a little help from hair dye, you've probably heard for years how important it is to keep your roots covered. Mama stressed it was part of looking Emily Post polished and Grandmama swore by this hair commandment until her dying day. Now, far be it from me to contest the great ladies of our lives, but times have certainly changed. A new, much lower maintenance look that involves the graduation of dark to light hair has taken trendy girls by storm. Rather than starting at the root with the color, darker roots make a subtle transition to a lightened mid-shaft and tips. This natural-looking, economical trend presents a highly visible root. While unconventional by most standards, ombre hair is easy to keep-up and adds a youthful appearance to whomever dares to try it. For a visual example see Rachel Bilson and Nicole Richie as both are notorious for this anti-highlighting method. For those of you still living under Mama's roof, you may want to run this one by her first.

5) Long live leggings!

This isn't really a new thing, but it is a must-have for your back-to-school wardrobe. Leggings have covered the gams of many girls before now and it's pretty clear they aren't going anywhere anytime soon. They look great thrown under a skirt or cute dress, sure, but these updated stockings are as functional are they are fashionable. They assist in making your outfit dress-code appropriate as they cover the legs as well as pants, they keep your legs warm in a chilly classroom without giving you a heat stroke once you step outside, aaaaaaaannnndddd you don't have to shave your legs as often when clad in this stretchy favorite (admit it, y'all know that's the most appealing part!). For an extra-spicy, rock star appeal, check out leggings made out of vinyl. Be warned, though, these are hotter in more ways than one!

So, now you're well-equipped to turn heads as your fill your own with plenty of math, science, history, economics, and English. I'm a big proponent of education, but style is a valuable lesson that definitely helps make those less-appealing classes a little more interesting. And always remember that you can make a trend your own simply by peppering it with your personal preferences. Individuality is forever in style.

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