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.

(ARA) - Shopping online for clothes has many benefits. There is the convenience of shopping from the comfort of your home when you don't have time to drive to a store and browse the racks. It is also great for researching the best price for an item you already know you want, especially for wardrobe staples like a white button-down blouse or a pair of skinny jeans. There is also the thrill of finding a package with your name on it waiting at your doorstep.

Still, the concern that stops many people from pushing their virtual shopping basket to check out is sizing. To learn how to order just the right size when shopping online for clothes, follow this advice from fashion school pros in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Measure yourself
"It may seem simple, but invest in a measuring tape," says Claude Brown, academic director of the Fashion Design and the Fashion Marketing & Management programs at The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles. "It costs less than five bucks, and will make all the difference when finding your right size online."

Sizing can vary widely from brand to brand notes Brown, who also designs his own collection of dresses and sportswear. So if you are trying a new and unfamiliar brand, a key first step is to measure your waist, hips, bust and inseam.

Retailer sites will often have measuring guides that describe where and how to measure. Two measuring tips from Geetika Gupta, an instructor at The Art Institute of California - San Francisco who teaches courses in both fashion design and fashion marketing, is to always measure over undergarments and allow the tape to roughly skim the body, not sag or cut in.

Read charts and descriptions
Gupta, who runs her own fashion design and wholesaling business, also advises to take a close look at the size charts of the brand you are browsing. "With your measurements in hand you can figure out where you generally fit into a brand's size ranges. Then what you want to do is read the garment description and look for keywords based on fit." she says. Indicator words such as "high-waisted" or "boy fit" can help you decide if an item might be the right shape or style for your body, and better align with your fit preferences, which are very personal.

Brown also cautions that you can't just rely on photos either. One of the reasons clothes can look perfect on the models is because sometimes a garment is clipped, pinned or taped to the body to look just so.

Look for low-cost shipping
Online shopping features like a live chat, virtual shopping assistants and runway videos are occasionally available, but with your measurements and new-found product knowledge, can be less applicable. Some retailer websites offer to adjust the inseam before they ship your order, which can be worthwhile, says Gupta. "However, beware the quality from mass customization websites where you enter your measurements to receive customized pieces of clothing," she warns.

"In general, dresses, skirts and blouses can be easier to assess size and fit," Gupta says. "I also look for sites with free or low-cost return shipping and like to order two sizes of the same item so I can try both on." She does this until she is familiar with a brand and how it fits her.

To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu.

(ARA) - Saving money is a big deal these days, but you don't want to skimp on those Valentine's Day gifts you plan to give to your special someone.

Jewelry, chocolates and flowers of course are very popular gift items for the romantic holiday, but that can mean those items are higher in price - due to their popularity. Here are some hints to help you find fantastic gifts for everyone and keep some change in your pocket - without skimping.

* Sales, sales, sales, what more do you need?
Retailers recognize that everyone is looking for sales when it comes to Valentine's Day gifts. And by combining coupons, discounts and sale prices, you can get some pretty good deals on Valentine's Day favorites like Godiva chocolate. You'll be tempting your Valentine's sweet tooth with assorted flavors combining delicious chocolate with favorites like cashews and cherries, or letting the chocolate stand on its own in a beautiful dark setting. Check the fliers, go online and compare everything.

* Reduce the price and get a rebate.
Online shopping is growing in popularity because you save time, and money with great sites like Ebates.com. You can find coupons and discount codes for more than 1,200 online stores, and you will also get a check back in the mail for a percentage of your purchases. If you're interested in buying some sparkly jewelry, click on Blue Nile. You'll not only browse the beautiful diamonds and gemstones that will have her gasping in awe, but also discover that you can earn 2.5 percent cash back when you make your purchase online.

* Coupons are back
Browsing through your newspaper's advertisements can find you plenty of good deals on Valentine's Day gifts. You might also find success with coupon magazines. But don't forget to look online - if you're shopping for jewelry, the local store might have a printable coupon you can bring in for a discount on what you purchase.

* Go big for extra savings.
If you're interested in flowers for all your Valentines, don't miss out on the 15 percent cash back you can get ordering all your flowers online through Ebates.com. Make sure you check everyone off on your list - your mom, your sweetheart, your daughter and your sister. To make this gift extra special, do a little research and find out their favorite flowers or colors, and then design the bouquet specifically around that theme.

When they unwrap the gifts you thoughtfully picked gifts for them this Valentine's Day, you know there will be a lot of smiles and hugs, and maybe even a tear or two.

Jerky flavor expert and master brewer share recipes for hosting this season’s best gathering

(ARA) - With football time in full swing, and family and friends gathering to celebrate the season, the pressures to host this year's best game-day or celebratory party can be stressful. Avoid a staid, run-of-the-mill celebration and try the new entertaining trend that is certain to add a taste adventure to your next get-together. Move over, wine and cheese ... hello, beer and jerky.

Instead of old party pairing standbys like "chips and dip" or "crackers and cheese," a beer and jerky get-together offers your guests the palate-pleasing experience of tasting an assortment of ice-cold brews paired with a bevy of jerky. Not your grandpa's jerky anymore, today's meat snacks are offered in an array of flavors and forms from traditional-style jerky to soft and tender nuggets in beef, turkey, chicken and pork varieties. When making your beer selections, try unique options from local and regional craft or microbreweries.

There is a certain artistry to pairing the perfect flavors, and Brian Carter, Jack Link's Beef Jerky flavor expert, has chosen his meat snack favorites to be paired with the beer selections of a certified master brewer, resulting in four quick, yet tasty beer and jerky pairings.

Let the taste adventure begin.

Barbecue bliss: Barbecue beef jerky and full-flavored, dry stout. For a big, full-bodied blast of flavor, nothing beats the combination of beer and barbecue. But forget the grill; just tear open a few bags of ready-to-eat, tender jerky. Strongly flavored jerky, like barbecue, hickory-smoked or steakhouse-style, has multiple dimensions and is recommended for pairing with a fairly complex, rich beer with some of the same characteristics. A full-flavored dry stout with a good body works best. The burnt, roasted notes of the stout provide the flavor to accompany the barbecue, grilled or smoky jerky taste.

East meets west: Teriyaki jerky and German kolsch or U.S. golden ale. If the tempting taste of teriyaki beckons you to the table, enhance the experience with a traditional German kolsch-style beer or American golden ale. The low hopping of this style of beer allows the aroma and umami of the teriyaki to remain present, while the fuller body complements the flavor of the beer. Avoid overly hoppy or malty beers with this flavor of jerky.

Taste of home: Ham or turkey jerky and doppelbock or medium-bodied lager. Who can resist the down-home flavor of tender, oven-roasted turkey or perhaps maple-glazed, baked ham? The honeyed and savory tastes of turkey or ham jerky pair wonderfully with the rich, full-bodied traits of a doppelbock. The slight caramel notes of the bock couple well with the sweetness of the jerky, while the maltier, sweeter notes of the beer contrast with the savory nature of the meats. A medium-bodied lager such as an Oktoberfest or marzen-style beer is recommended. These beers are brewed with spicier German hops and work well with poultry or pork dishes.

Spice it up: Peppered or spicy jerky and English ale or English India pale ale. Pick up a package of buffalo-style chicken or peppered beef jerky to spice up the party. The robust seasonings of hot- and spicy-style jerky pair well with English-style ale or English India pale ale. The assertive presence of the hops helps balance the spiciness of the peppery notes, especially at the finish. English Ale or India pale ale are both full-bodied beers that hold up well to the flavor of the peppery beef or spicy chicken, while the fruity, spicy hops complement the peppery, spicy overtones.

Whether your party includes just one of these flavor pairings or all four, a "beer and jerky tasting" gathering is certainly a twist on the ordinary entertaining fare. For more tips on how to host a beer and jerky tasting adventure, visit www.jacklinks.com/beerandjerky.

(Gulf Shores)

From a shopping Isle somewhere, spending Hobbi's Money

“Deck the halls with College Spirit….” That’s what I try do each year, adding some ornaments or decorations featuring our family’s alma maters. Notice that’s plural! It’s hard enough to continue to find a new decoration each year for my school – a well-known SEC Champion – but finding my husband’s Big 10 university and my parents’ Texas Aggies is really a challenge.

Well, we were on vacation a few weeks ago in Gulf Shores and I hit the jackpot! I went in this store called Jubilee Gifts – it’s on the boardwalk by the Original Oyster House (one of our must-visit places to eat each trip) and found the most unique college things I have ever seen. They’d just gotten in some Christmas balls with a photo of the actual stadium wrapped around it and they had them in a bunch of schools. I had trouble choosing between those and some great looking Nutcracker ornaments with the college logos on them a well. Anyway, since I could find things for all three schools, I decided to take care of next year’s search as well and bought some of each. I took one of Jubilee’s cards too so I can check out the website and have things shipped to me too.

Oh yes, my last purchase was for me….a pair of the coolest blue knit gloves with an AU on them and blue and orange pompons on each finger. They had these for lots of schools too. Now I have a reason to open a present early. I’ll NEED this one to keep my team going at the big game in Atlanta on Saturday!

(Gulf Shores)

Now that we are in the heart of holiday shopping season, I want to take a minute to introduce you to a great gift for the boys in your family.  Tracksters

Enter the high-stakes world of racing fast cars and even faster races that will test your nerves! Featuring high quality, die cast cars along with an interactive, competitive website. Tracksters is sure to appeal to car enthusiasts of all ages! Trick your car out with the latest race technology including the latest suspensions, engine components, and more!. Tune your car for maximum race efficiency and push it to the limit. Triumph over players from around the world in street racing, track racing and the drag strip. Choose a friendly race or put your Pink Slip up online for the ultimate adrenaline rush!

Tracksters - The Ultimate blending of diecast and virtual play! Tracksters is an online game allowing competitors to match cars they develop in head to head races. Run a friendly race in the street or on the track for bragging rights…or take another players ride if you dare race for Pink Slips!
Tracksters - Trick, Tune, Triumph!

To purchase Tracksters in the area, visit Jubilee Apparel and Gifts at: 701 Gulf Shores Parkway. Part of the Oyster House Boardwalk.  or check them out online at:  http://jubileegifts.net/tracksters1.html

(Foley)

Santa will be available for photos at the Tanger Outlet Center leading up to the Holidays.

A wonderful get-a-way for a family vacation or a romantic week-end, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach along the Alabama Gulf Coast, can be a magical experience. With the beautiful white sandy beaches and the lovely scents of coconut oil to the delicious seafood dinners, the Gulf Coast beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach can make all the cares of the world disappear. Rest and relaxation can easily be obtained here with shell collecting and building sandcastles to golfing on one the championship golf courses. And what's a vacation without shopping? Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer many shops and specialty stores ranging from souvenirs to bathing suits and beach attire to unique gifts & gadgets to large outlet centers.

For a unique shopping experience, Tanger Center in Foley, Alabama is a must. Tanger Center has over 120 different brand name outlets, including Coach Factory, Liz Claiborne new york, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, VF Outlet, Reebok, Tommy Hilfiger, Old Navy and many more. Tanger Outlet Center is located on Hwy 59 in Foley, Alabama.

For a great day of fun and shopping you have to check out San Roc Cay. Here you can take a glass bottom dolphin cruise or rent a wave runner for a spin in the gulf. There is a nice selection of restaurants to choose from to grab a bite to eat and many unique shops to browse. From swimwear boutiques, chocolate and candy stores, womens apparel with the latest fashions to novelty shops, there's something for everyone. San Roc Cay is located in Orange Beach along Perdido Beach Blvd.

Another great shop that can't be left out is Jubilee Gifts and Apparel. This shop has many specialty gift items along with Vera Bradley handbags, collegiate products, women's and men's apparel, Switch Flops, Bridgewater Candles and more. This gift shop offers a truly pleasurable shopping experience. It is located on Gulf Shores Parkway in Gulf Shores.

Some of the other specialty stores along Orange Beach and Gulf Shores include jewelry stores, a stained glass shop, women's and men's apparel, antiques and fine art. You can also find dive shops, exotic shops with fine art from around the world and designer T-shirts.

Shopping in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is filled with adventure and fun. With all the wonderful shops to choose from, a vacation visit here can be one to remember for years to come.