The 1999 Online Shopping Guide

  • (2 of 5)

    Apparel -- Beauty
    LANDS' END
    The flashiest feature on this catalog merchant's superior site is a self-styled mannequin, which shoppers can dress and rotate to check fit. Another neat trick allows two shoppers to browse together at once and add items to a single shopping basket. But the best reason to shop at Lands' End is its experience-- this is a company you can count on to get it there by Dec. 25.

    BEAU TIES LTD.
    It's strictly bow ties at this family-run storefront, where you can choose from 140 fabrics in clip-on or tie-it-yourself models.

    BLUEFLY
    Don't fight the crowds at the outlet mall. Designer brands like Polo and Prada come cheap here, with a money-back guarantee.

    BROOKS BROTHERS
    The classic company for the Ivy League crowd takes its togs online with a predictably understated site. Alterations are available.

    DELIA'S
    Logo Ts, tie-dyed socks and glitter lipstick are the kind of teen-friendly, funky fare you will find here. The wish list is a gift-giving plus.

    FOGDOG SPORTS
    Strong product comparisons help you pick winners on this site, which sells athletic clothes and tons of sports gear.

    GAP
    With a wish list, easy returns at Gap stores and simple, casual clothes, is as close to a sure thing as you'll find online.

    L.L. BEAN
    n A veteran of the holiday rush, L.L. Bean knows how to get it to you on time. The company will box your gifts and keep an address book of recipients.

    REI
    You will find quality clothes and equipment for the outdoor buff on your list. Search for the perfect gift by sport, price and skill level.

    UNDERNEATH.COM
    Availability of brands like Champion and Wonderbra will ensure that every member of the family gets the undies he or she needs this Christmas.

    THE VILLAGE HAT SHOP
    Caps, berets, derbies, Stetsons, Kangols and lots of other chapeaux are online here, plus "Hat Facts" for the hat historian in us all.

    BEAUTY.COM
    Brands like Tony & Tina and Shu Uemura, plus free goodies, should win fans of this shop for makeup, skin care and more.

    EVE.COM
    Husbands and boyfriends will get points shopping here for brand-name gifts in makeup, fragrance and skin care.

    Computers -- Software
    CYBERIAN OUTPOST
    You might know this user-friendly site for PC and Mac hardware, software, accessories and peripherals by its very, very strange TV ads. But shop here once, and you will remember it for its good selection and helpful product suggestions at the checkout. Sure Cyberian Outpost wants you to spend more, but it says it so nicely.

    THE APPLE STORE
    Buy your next curvy, candy-colored computer directly from Apple at the online store. It also sells Mac accessories and software.

    BEYOND.COM
    A three-step form at this software superstore helps you pick gifts for everyone from serious gamers to first-time computer owners.

    CHUMBO.COM
    Choosing software can be intimidating, but at this well-organized site, the task is made easy. Clear categories and a Top 10 list keep it simple.

    COMPUSA
    The original online computer superstore offers clearance prices and auctions of hardware, software, printers and games.

    COMPUTER411.COM
    This busy site has a huge selection of PC hardware, software and peripherals--more than 40,000 products in all.

    DELL COMPUTER
    These are the folks who invented direct selling--buy your PC straight from Dell here. But if you get extra software at their site, it's rung up inconveniently as a separate sale.

    EGGHEAD.COM
    It's not just software anymore--now this discount site boasts desktops, laptops, PDAs and auctions.

    NECX.COM
    A hardware comparison table simplifies the tough task of computer shopping. It also sells peripherals and accessories.

    TECHONWEB.COM
    This computer superstore is best for components and peripherals.

    ZONES.COM
    Organized into PC and Mac zones (hence the name) of hardware, software and accessories, the site is a cinch to navigate.

    1. 1
    2. 2
    3. 3
    4. 4
    5. 5