Fashion Tips for Men's - Blazers Buying Guide

Some of the most popular men's clothing items include sportcoats and blazers, but they can be tricky to choose. Some men aren't sure when to wear sport coats. It's not a suit jacket, and it's not a hoodie; a sport coat is somewhere in between, not really casual and not totally formal either. How do you walk that fine line while staying stylish and appropriate? This men's blazer and sport coat buying guide will show you how to buy sport coats and blazers that will suit your needs and your style.

Blazers vs. Sportcoats:

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, blazers and sport coats are two (subtly) different things. Blazers have nautical roots, and the details of a blazer reflect it. Think sea captain: brass buttons, decorative crests on the chest and fabric of either navy blue or something bright that would make a sailor easy to find if he were to fall overboard. Sport coats, on the other hand, have their roots in hunting. The time-honored muted tones of tweeds and wools have a woodsy foxhunter look, and the traditional leather patches on the shoulders (decoratively matched on the elbows) were there to protect the jacket from shotgun kickback.

Today, the details and colors of blazers and sport coats aren't limited to their pasts. Unless you're wearing a navy blue blazer with brass buttons on your yacht or a leather-patched tweed sport coat in the woods, you can call it whichever you like.

Likewise, the difference between a men's sport coat and a suit jacket is also subtle but worth noting. The main difference: A suit jacket has a matching pair of pants and a sport coat does not. Also, the sport coat is usually made of more casual fabrics than a suit jacket, and sometimes a sport coat has a looser, more casual fit.

Blazer Details and Differences:

1.      Vents. Blazers may have one center vent, two side vents or no vents at all. Single vents are the most common, while double vents allow more freedom of movement. Blazers without vents are uncommon and can restrict movement.

2.      Breasts. You'll see more single-breasted blazers than double-breasted. Double-breasted blazers have a very traditional nautical feeling which is fairly formal.

3.      Buttons. You'll see some single-button blazers, but double- and triple-button blazers are the ones you'll see most. Double button blazers have a classic look that will always be in style. Triple-button blazers used to be worn only by the more fashion-forward, but are becoming more common. Men'sblazer buttons will either be metallic (like those brass buttons on traditional blazers), or they'll be a color that matches the blazer color. For everyday wear, you'll probably want blazers with the more subtle buttons.

Blazer Sizes:

1.      Numbers. The first part of a blazer size is a number; this is your chest measurement or your over-arm measurement minus 7 inches. If these two numbers are about the same, you'll use your chest measurement as your sport coat size. If the measurement over your arms is larger than your chest, use your over-arm measurement (minus 7) as your size.

2.      Letters. The second part of the blazer size is a word or letter; this designates whether the sport coat is short, regular or long, and it may just be the first letter: S, R or L. The letter or word refers to your overall height, but these measurements are flexible. Be aware of your overall body proportions and choose the sport jacket length that covers your rear end without going any farther. For example, if you're 5'10" but you have a long torso, then you may want to shop for a long sport coat. If the sizes don't fit you perfectly, remember that you can take your blazers to a tailor. As long as the shoulders fit, your tailor can adjust the waist, the length of the sleeves and the overall length.

Short: 5'5" to 5'7"
Regular: 5'8" to 5'10"
Long: 5'11" to 6'2"

Blazer Fabrics:

1.      Corduroy. Every man could use a corduroy blazer in his wardrobe. A corduroy blazer is the perfect jacket when you want to be casual but smartly dressed. Even if you don't wear sport coats too often, you'll want to have one of these.

2.      Camel. Camel hair sport coats are a classic, and they work well for cooler weather. Better for lunch at the country club than an evening out with friends, a camel hair blazer can be worn over a polo shirt or a button-down shirt. The light brown color lets these blazers work well with dark brown or navy pants.

3.      Navy. If you're looking for the preppy, nautical look that typifies blazers, a navy blazer -- with or without brass buttons -- is the perfect choice. Wear a navy blazer with almost any color of pants: grey, brown, tan, even olive. If you do opt for the brass buttons, be sure to wear a gold watch and belt buckle to coordinate.

4.      Grey. Grey blazers have a bit more of a dressed up feeling (unless you choose one of the modern distressed sport coats). If you need a men's sport coat you can wear to the office or to a holiday party, look for a grey blazer in wool.

5.      Velvet. Many men bemoan the lack of excitement among men's clothing, but velvet blazers are one of the few times men can indulge in fashion. Try wearing a velvet blazer with corduroy pants to a holiday party.

6.      Linen. Linen is the perfect weight of fabric for hot weather, so if you need to wear a sport coat when the temperatures are rising, a linen blazer would be perfect for you.

Caring for Blazers:

1.      Every sport jacket and blazer should be dry cleaned. Unless you've spilled on your sport jacket, try to only dry clean it every five or six times you wear it. Otherwise, just brush it off before you hang it back in the closet. Make sure you have quality hangers for your blazers and sport coats, like wooden ones with a wide shoulder bar. No wire hangers -- they won't support the shoulders well enough.

Tips:

1.      Now that you know how to choose your men's blazer, you'll want to shop for pants to wear with it. From the casual twill cargo pants you'll wear with a grey sport coat to the smart wool trousers to wear with your corduroy blazer, you'll find the men's pants that will complement your new blazers when you're shopping on Overstock.com.

2.      A blazer needs some kind of men's shirt underneath it, and you can find the shirts you want to wear when you're shopping online on Overstock.com. No matter what look you're going for, you'll be right in style when you shop for men's clothing here.

3.      While you're updating your wardrobe, make sure you have some great men's shoes to wear. If you're dressing up in a blazer, then you won't want to wear worn-out sneakers. Find a new pair of loafers, some stylish athletic-inspired shoes, a pair of classy oxfords or any other men's shoes you may want.

Wallet buying tips

The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary. Truthfully, the only difference between you and how to choose wallet experts is time. If you'll invest a little more time in reading, you'll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to how to choose wallet. There's no doubt that the topic of how to choose wallet can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about how to choose wallet, you may find what you're looking for in the next article.
I am sure that when people looking for a wallet, all of them definitely look for the one that could provide great appearance as well as functional. However, some people may feel very be frustrating and aggravating when they have to choose one, because there are a lot of designs and prices to choose. In order to make sure that you will get the most beautiful design and full of function. The following details provide you basic know ledge and tips that you have to know before going to the shop and choose a wallet. The knowledge and tips could be shared among your friends for when they go to buy a new wallet
The first thing that you have to consider when buying wallet is the size of the wallet. This factor probably the most important, because if you choose the wrong size wallet. For example, if you choose too small wallet, it could not contain all of your stuff or you bought a too big size, you may be not comfortable when you carry it. Firstly you have to consider about things that you will contain in wallet in order to indicate the proper size. For example, if you have a lot of small valuables such as coins, earrings, rings etc. you may consider wallet that has bigger wallet and zippers and extra space to contain these gadgets. On the other hand, if you are the person who always carries cash, credit cards, you may consider leather smaller wallet with credit card slots.
Taking this into consideration will save you from buying a wallet that you can not fill up, or a wallet that you have too much stuff for.
Another factor that you have to consider when buy a wallet is the amount of extra slot it has. From the reasons described above, you have learnt that the size of the wallet must correspond to the number of thing that contain inside. Now you have to look at extra slot that the wallet has. From the example of credit card stated earlier, so you should buy wallet that has number of extra slots to keep other things as you will spend most slots to hold credit cards.
Colour of the wallet is also important. You will find that there are a lot of colours available. However, if you are interested to buy leather wallet so you will have less choice to choose. Basically, leathers only have few colour, which are black and brow. But today you may find that leather colours have been developed. Leather wallets now have variety of colours such as red, green, yellow to match your life styles.

Tie Buying Tips

Articles on designer suits and suit brands are all over the internet. Unfortunately there really aren't too many articles written on the suits best friend, the tie.

You will learn tips throughout this piece on all important aspect of tie purchasing.Buying a tie will never be the same after reading this article.

Silk should be the only fabric you ever buy. The polyester tie will always look poorly made and just simply will not do. Although it should be apparent just by the way the tie looks, check each tie to make sure it is made of silk.

Keep in mind that a tie should always extend to the top of the belt, but no further. Choose a length that can achieve this while keeping the front longer than the back.

The width needs to be considered carefully before making your purchase as well. Make sure you buy a tie within the 3.5 to 4 inch range. Anything thinner or wider will look out of date and awkward.
Check the bounce of a tie before making your purchase. This can be done by lightly wringing the tie with your hands. If the tie is able to recover than it should do just fine for everyday wear.
Finally, decide on a color and pattern that goes fine with the rest of your outfit. This will ensure that you have something to wear with your tie.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new in the process. Feel free to bookmark this page and come back to it at a later date.

Women Dress Shoes Buying Tips

There are many reason why buying women dress shoes online can be a tedious task. Foremost, the sizes vary by brand and manfacturer. Second, we don't know how confortable those shoes are until we've tried them on. Thirdly, we tend to buy too many women dress shoes that we don't really need.

In fact, I consider women dress shoes one of the most time-consuming fashion accessories to shop online. Seriously. You have no idea how many times I've returned a pair of ill-fitting and weird-colored (and sometimes the wrong size and merchandise) shoes. Fortunately, online shopping technology is getting sharper each day. Online shoe stores are becoming more convenient with their detailed shoe size chart and the ability to add your review of the item you've purchased, informing other future buyers of the quality and size of a specific item.
But still, there are a couple of vital points you should think through before you click 'checkout' and that's what I'm going to be covering on this page!

Women dress shoes are available in different heights, styles and designs. You're pretty much faced with a wiiide variety of shoes, from sexy women high heel shoes to flats. This page will help you guide through the mass of women shoes by helping you save money and time on shoes that you're not meant to buy :-)

Buy Women Dress Shoes You Really Need

That means, buy shoes you know you'll be wearing.

If you're a career woman who spends most of their time at office, then make sure you have plenty of comfortable shoes both high heels and flats that are appropriate for your work setting.
Or if you're a party girl and are comfortable in high heel shoes, go for taller, trendy and bolder shoes like platforms and kitten heels.
If you have a casual style and wear mostly sneakers with your outfits then focus on flats. But make sure you have a pair of womens high heel shoes for special occasion.

Note: No matter your style and lifestyle, make sure you secure the basics and trend-proof shoes before you buy anything else.

Pick Shoes that Look Great on Your Body Frame

You might look into what type of shoes flatter your body shape and your legs. Here is a quick guideline:

If you have...

• Wide shoulders or torso (inverted triangle and apple body shape) compared to your hips -- balance it out with light or bright colored shoes
• Curves (rounded hips an thighs as in pear body shape) -- choose womens dress shoes with pointy toe and a little bit of detail on the tip to elongate and slim down your figure
• Short legs -- go for shoes in colors that match the color of your pants or long dress to elongate your legs. Avoid "cutting" your legs in halves with lots of details and contrasting colors like white on black. Go for knee or thigh high boots. Sandals with t-strap that runs vertically will make your ankles and legs look longer.
• Long legs -- if you have long legs then consider it as a blessing. But if you have long legs compared to your torso, then stick to flats and rounded toe shoes.

If you're in doubt, go for high heels!

To learn more go to how to dress your body shape.

Triple-check the Stores Shoe Size Chart

Unfortunately, some shoe brands might be bigger or smaller than their stated size. If it's a brand you know, then stick with the size you've always worn.

But, if the brand is new to you, here’s an easy way to find your accurate size:
You need: A piece of paper, rules and pen.
1. Place the paper on the ground and stand on it with your weight slightly forward to make sure your foot is flat.
2. Draw a line behind your heel and another line in front of your longest toe.
Note: It’s common to have one foot longer than the other, so use the longer foot to measure.
3. Measure the distance between lines in inches.
Note: One inch is approximately 2.54 centimeters.

4. Find your measurement on the store's size chart to figure out the best fit. Round up if your size falls in between. 

Length and Width Size

No one has perfect feet. So they might be wider or narrower than the average shoe size. Take a note of the width of the shoes in the item description. Fortunetaly, Zappos usually have their shoe description with stated width size and a Fit Survey that tells you if it's true to it's size and width.

Make Sure You Can Walk in High Heel Shoes

There are some women who are really good at walking in high heels. They either have a natural ability or they're just used to heels because they wear them everyday.

Yeah, I have to admit that they're sexy and feminine. It's tempting to buy high heels. But if you can't walk or aren't comfortable in them, it'll look funny and unsexy. You'll be spending your energy to keep your body balanced. And people will notice.
If you want heels but aren't comfortable in high heels, go for low wedges, kitten or maximum 1 inch heels. A little height will make your legs and silhouette leaner and taller.

Tips to Buy a Leather Bikini

Leather has that sensuous and luxurious feel against the skin, but for years, it was impractical to buy leather swimwear for swimming. Today the look and feel of leather is more popular than ever and it's become consumer friendly. Take another look at leather and dive into a new bikini.

Look for leather swimwear that is washable. It doesn't have to be imitation leather anymore. Genuine leather can be treated so consumers can launder it at home. Care must be taken when laundering, however. Hand wash with no detergent, rinse and lay it flat to dry. Do not ring the water from the suit.

Understand that most leather swimwear is non-refundable. Although some companies will allow the suit to be exchanged, most have strict return requirements and some have restocking fees. Be sure to thoroughly check their policies before purchasing leather swimwear.

Take your measurements with the help of a friend or have them taken by a professional seamstress. This ensures that you can look at the sizing chart and know exactly what size leather swimwear to order.
Shop in brick and mortar stores before you shop online. Often what looks good in a picture can look very different when you try it on. Once you've determined what style works well for you, shopping for leather swimwear online can offer some great bargains.

Be a little daring. Since you're going out on a limb to buy a leather bikini, why not choose a style that's a little more risqué than your normal style. What else screams sexy besides a leather bikini.

Tips On Buying Baby Toys

A baby is a bundle of joy to us, and to ensure that this bundle is cheerful you need to provide him/ her with appropriate toys that keep him/ her gurgling with joy and also help in a holistic development of the mind and body.
Choosing the right kind of toy for your baby is thus of utmost importance. Baby toys are generally made of soft materials and/or virgin plastic so as to minimize the possibility of scratches, rash or cuts and abrasions to the tender skin of a baby. The baby toys are also, in general, of bright and contrasting colors so as to literally “catch the baby’s eye”. Many baby toys produce simple sounds on handling so as to capture the little owner’s attention. Specially made chewable toys are also available to help teething babies.
Before going for a baby toy you should always keep in mind the following safety measures to ensure your infant’s well being:
1. Material of the toy should not cause irritation or injury to the baby.
2. The toy should not have detachable parts upon which the baby could choke.
3. The material of the toy should not be carcinogenic.
4. The toys should be washable to ensure good hygiene.
5. It should be a product of an established manufacturer.
Once you have observed the aforesaid precautionary measure you will have to choose the suitable toy for your baby as per the age group. An infant till the age of a year passes through a varied number of stages that require an ever changing plethora of toys to suit their current needs. Following are the various stages in which your infant’s first year can be divided so as to give you the necessary information regarding when you need to buy what kind of toys.
• 0-1 Months: The baby with limited uses of his/her senses will prefer toys with bright contrasting colors. Rattles and soft toys could probably excite them more.
• 1-3 Months: A little more mature with motor skills, the baby will love toys that can be held and played with. Elastic and bendable plastic toys or soft toys with movable appendages are appreciated.
• 3-6 months: The baby is now starting to grow teeth, so the world is an exciting place where everything’s up for a bite! Chewy toys of plastic or rubber (not small enough to be swallowed), colorful stacking blocks and toys with complex sounds are a best bet to “buy” the attention of your baby.
• 6-9 Months: Babies are generally sitting up and trying to crawl by now, so colorful balls and movable toys which stimulate the baby to chase after them and in the process start to crawl, are the toys to be bought.
• 9-12 Months: Now the baby is on the move and desperately trying to grab hold of things to stand up and explore the vicinity. A four-wheel walker is the need of the hour. Apart from that, little complex shape recognition puzzles and building blocks can also be provided.
So, now that you know what to look for, when buying the right toy for your baby, its best that you go and get a reason of your bundle of joy to be cooing with delight!
Baby toys – At ebeanstalk, we carry a unique selection of 1 year old toys, 2 year old toys through toys for 7 year olds. Our collection of educational & learning toys for babies, infants & toddlers from 100+ manufacturers will truly match your child’s development.

Tips For Buying A Baby Bib

Remember, the bib will be subject to not only a lot of 'easy to clean' but also a lot of 'tough to clean' matter. It may be treated very badly. It will be under continuous pressure to absorb things that have to be cleaned away later. If you compare it with the other things that a baby requires, buying a bib is a much easier task. But some important things are to be considered. In this guide, I am going to give you some tips for buying a baby bib. I hope these tips will definitely help you.

One of the most important things that needs to be considered is the absorption. The fabrics with which bibs are made are organic cotton, terry or wool, which are the most absorbent of all. These fabrics keep the baby clean and protected and absorb all the mess caused by the baby. Always check the fabric by touching with your hands and also check the product package and be sure about the highest and quick absorbency of the bib.

Always check the size of the bib. The length and breadth should be just right for the baby. If the size of the bib is smaller then it will not serve the purpose as well. Bibs come in fancy styles and having different shapes and cuts sometimes never serve the purpose and create problems. If the bib does not cover the baby properly then there is a great danger of a mess.

The other important factor comes in to mind is comfort. If the neck lines of the bib are small then it causes choking and suffocation, especially when the baby is sleeping. Always try the bib on the baby before buying so as to ensure that it fits properly to the baby. The neck line of the bib should be soft and smooth, so that it does not causes any rashes on the baby’s neck.

The bib should be washable. A bib can be cleaned easily and therefore get your preference. This ensures that your baby gets to wear the most fresh looking bib always, besides promising that you would not have to replace the old bib with the new ones too early.

Most parents are not aware of this, but sometimes bibs are capable of causing serious health hazards to the baby. Some bibs are made from vinyl which provides better absorbency but it also causes health problems to the baby, especially if the baby is newborn. Newborn babies have very delicate and sensitive skin. Because vinyl contains lead, its advisable not to use it.

Tips for Buying Bikini Swimsuits Online

The days just go by so fast that before you know it, spring and summer are here once again. And in many parts of the country, it can only mean one thing – it is time for the bikini swimsuits to come out of the closet and get on the beaches and into the pools!
Well, of course, you cannot wear the same bikini year in and year out. Not only will it have faded prints and colors, it would have gone out of style what seems like ages ago. And so on to the shops we go searching through racks of bikinis. Or rather, in the wired world, on to the online sites we go clicking through the selections.
Before you do it, however, keep in mind the following tips on shopping for bikinis at online sites. First, do your research on the right size and style as well as cuts and colors that will suit your body type. When you have chosen the styles, cuts and colors, it will be easy to look for the bikini swimsuits you will love.
This way, too, you will not be tempted to give in to an impulse purchase for bikini swimsuits that will prove to be less than flattering on your body. For example, string tops are often not best for women with small breasts since the illusion of cleavage cannot be achieved. Underwire tops are often the better choice in this case.
Second, you might want to just browse the sites for the bikinis you like, but not buy anything just yet. Instead of making an immediate purchase, you can take  notes about the bikinis you like, compare prices based on designs, and then place your orders. You will find that comparison shopping yields the better part of the deal than buying the first bikini that catches your attention.
Third, be sure to always check the sizing of the bikinis on the sites. Unfortunately, there does not seem to have uniform sizes for bikini swimsuits, so you will want to be careful. After all, you cannot try them on before your purchase!
You will find out that shopping for bikinis online with these tips makes it more fun and provides more value for your money.  I’ve found some awesome bikinis online.  The online stores are jammed with the latest styles that will fit your every desire and preference!  Once you’ve done your online bikini shopping, you are ready for warm weather and to hit the beach or pool!  Have fun!

Tips On Buying Rings Online

When you buy rings online can be a tricky business just as buying anything else online can be a problem if you don't know what you want, what questions to ask, and what sources to use. The first question deals with what you want.
Whether they be engagement rings, wedding rings, or class rings there are a whole lot of ring choices out there. Ask yourself is this arraignment will be worn for a lifetime or for an occasion or something will that will be worn from time to time.
Answer these questions and you will have determined whether it requires a certain quality and the price will follow.What questions to ask will depend upon knowing what you want. Do you want precious gems, do you want gold or silver.
Do you want a designer ring or just a simple band? Other questions might include: what kinds of rings do you stock, how are they made, and what's the level of craftsmanship involved? Certainly the question of cost will come in there somewhere.
Nowadays we often ask if this ring is made overseas or is it made by an American crafts person? There are a lot of very reputable wholesale and retail jewelry stores that use online services these days.
These are the ones that we will want to deal with when we are buying something as important as a ring that will have sentimental value for a lifetime. At the same time, you probably want the rings to be affordable.
If you are going online, the assumption would be that you're trying to save money. One can find rings throughout the spectrum of the price range from very very cheap to - name your limit.
So let's look at wholesale, discount, cheap or free sources. Believe it or not there is a source one can use to find from, extremely good deals, all the way to free. Craigslist is the most famous site.
You might be surprised what you can find, (even jewelry), that has quite a value to it. When we say cheap rings, we are probably talking about cheap as in price and not cheap as in quality.

Speaker buying tips

Introduction

When compared to other computer hardware, purchasing speakers for your computer can be a fairly easy task. Below we have listed some things to look for when purchasing computer speakers.

Subwoofer

For most users a standard pair of computer speakers will suffice. In some cases it is recommended, that if you would like extended bass, that a subwoofer be purchased with the pair of speakers.

3D-sound

If you have a sound card that is capable of 3D-Sound and you are a computer gamer, you may want to consider getting a four, five or six speaker setup.

Power

Today, a standard power cord powers most speakers; however, there are still speakers available that are powered by batteries. Ensure you get the type of powered speakers you want.

Appearance

While not thought of as important by many, you may also want to consider the appearance of the speakers. How are the speakers going to position on your desk and or monitor? Are the speakers going to fit on your desk, or are they going to be too big? If you have a subwoofer, is it going to be able to be placed on the floor or behind your desk?

Other considerations

Some additional considerations when purchasing speakers include:

Warranty How long is the warranty and what does it cover.

Support Is the technical support number a free number; is it open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Price range

The price range can vary depending upon the type of video card purchased, the interface used, the available options, and the type of 3-D acceleration, if any. Below is a listing of some examples of prices you are likely to see when purchasing a video card.

Computer speakers

expect to pay $20.00 to $200.00

*All prices are estimated prices and are not quotes. When the speakers are introduced the price will generally be higher. All prices are US Currency, prices may vary in different countries. All prices are based on new products and not those purchased refurbished or used. The price of speakers may increase beyond the above price if more than the standard 2 speakers are purchased.

Ready to buy

Once you have reviewed the appropriate information and believe that you are ready to make a purchase on a new set of speakers, ensure that the source that you plan on purchasing the speakers from is a reputable source and you have reviewed our section on what to look out for when purchasing over the Internet.

Computer Hope is ready to setup and help you with issues you may encounter during the purchase and installation of your speakers, regardless if you purchase through us or another vendor.

Tips on buying a camping stove

A camp stove can really make or break a camping trip. Nobody really understands how useful they are until they find themselves with out. A quick perusal of your local outfitter will reveal numerous options but there are some things to keep in mind that will help you narrow down your search results. If you are on a budget you will still be able to find good camping stoves. Prices usually range from about $25 - $250.
The very first thing to think about is how complex you want to cook and how many people you are cooking for. The more complicated the meal is, for example making the timing work, the fancier your stove will need to be. Of course, we're talking about camping here, so fancy is all relative. Stoves come with one to three, sometimes four burners. You can also buy a stove that has a combination of burners and grill space, just in case you can't grill over the fire, like this one by Century Tool. If you are backpacking then you simply need the one burner stove because you don't want to be caring around more weight than you need. Alternatively, it is much easier to cook for a family of four on a stove with three burners if you make full meals while camping. Personally I prefer a slim and streamlined two burner stove.
The next big decision in the stove buying process is which type of fuel you want to use. If you already have camping equipment, such as a fuel lantern, you will want to stick with the same fuel type so you don't have to buy two different kinds. The two most popular and widely available fuel types are white gas, such as Coleman, or propane. Using white gas will require you to pump in order to get enough pressure built up to actually use it. Propane is a lot easier for camp stove novices because there is no pump as propane is already pressurized and ready to go. All you have to do is hook it up and light it. However, propane his a lot heavier than white gas so avoid this if you are backpacking. Also, propane does not work well in extremely low temperatures. White gas burns hotter, and therefore uses less fuel during same length of time. Coleman fuel is also cheaper and some Coleman brand stoves are advertised as "dual fuel," meaning they can burn either white gas or unleaded gas. I would only recommend unleaded gas as a very last resort. Coleman makes a good backpacking stove that uses butane.
A few other basic things to consider and then you will be ready to purchase your camping stove. Most cook stoves are made of aluminum, but check just to make sure. Stainless steel is another great option and is easy to clean. For igniting your stove you may have two options: electronic or pump. Depending on where you will be camping, you might consider buying a stove that has a stand or folding legs, especially if you will be backpacking or camping where there are no picnic tables. You don't want to set the stove on the ground to cook. If you know you will be cooking at high altitudes you will want to make sure you find a stove that will be compatible with high elevation. If you think you will be exposed to wind then you need a stove that has a shield on it, rather than an open burner.
Remember, this can be as simple or luxurious as you want it to be. Whether you just want to heat up a can of soup after a long day on the trail or prepare a gourmet breakfast for your sweetie you are sure to find something for your needs.

Washing Machine Buying Tips

There are variations in clothes washer, but all are basically big tubs that fill with water, agitate to scrub clothes, and then spin to wring out the water. Of course, in addition to these basic functions, they may have any number of sophisticated features. Most types also incorporate an electronic timer and controls.

Because a washing machine is a large consumer of both energy and water, the key to selecting the right one is to purchase the most energy-efficient model that fits your lifestyle and space and to always use the right amount of detergent for the washer and your water hardness.

In terms of lifestyle, think about how often you use the washer and what you wash. If you wash often, you will get the best performance from a stainless-steel tub. Those who wash less frequently will probably do fine with porcelain-coated steel or high-grade plastic.

If your wash includes a variety of fabrics and levels of dirtiness, choose a machine that offers specialty cycles such as delicate and extra soak, as well as one for a second rinse. Multiple water-level settings ensure the most efficient wash for loads of different sizes. Some machines can boost water temperature to sanitize a load.

For those with limited space, there are stacking washer-dryer units in either full-size or apartment-size capacities. Remember that the size of your washer should match your dryer’s capacity.

Other items to consider are automatic temperature regulators (a must in cold climates, they ensure that wash water comes in at a constant temperature for the setting) plus additional insulation and reinforced frames, both of which reduce noise.

When buying a new washer, pay careful attention to the warranty. Be clear about both the term and the extent of the the coverage. Also be aware that some washing machines are much easier to work on than others. Some new types have a cabinet that is easy to detach and lift off for easy access to the parts.

There are two styles of washer: top-load, which is the most common, and front-load, which provides the greatest energy efficiency.

A top-loading machine, also known as a V-axis because the agitator turns on a vertical axis, allows you to access the wash tub without bending. While a top loader costs less initially, it is less energy efficient in the long run. It uses regular detergent and offers the greatest selection of models and options.

A front-loading machine, called an H-axis because its agitator turns on a horizontal axis, is gaining in popularity because of its energy efficiency. This type uses from one-third to one-half the amount of water of a top loader, which also means that much less heating. And, because it spins faster, clothes come out needing less time in the dryer. Although they save on energy costs, front loaders are more expensive at purchase, and some require a special detergent

DVD buying tips

Buying a DVD drive can sometimes be a confusing task. Below we have listed important considerations to look at when considering purchasing a DVD drive.
Technology
Before considering purchasing a DVD drive it is also good consider the other available options.

CD-R - CD-R, or CD Recordable, drives allow you to do everything that a standard CD-ROM is capable of doing, but at the same time allows you to create your own CDs for backup. An excellent solution for anyone that is in need of a CD-ROM / backup solution. Tips on buying this type of drive can be found on our CD-R / CD-RW buying tips page.

CD-RW - Like a CD-R drive, a CD-RW, or CD Read/Write, drive allows you to do everything that a standard CD-ROM is capable of as well as read and write to a CD-RW disc thousands of times instead of once like a CD-RW drive. While a little more expensive, this is another great solution for backups. Tips on buying this type of drive can be found on our CD-R / CD-RW buying tips page.

DVD - DVD, or Digital Versatile (video) Disc, allows a computer to not only do everything that a standard CD-ROM drive is capable of doing, but at the same time is capable of reading DVD Discs and DVD movies. For users who plan on playing games or watching movies on their computers, this is an excellent addition. Tips on buying this type of drive can be found on this page.

Why DVD?

DVD drives, like other technology, can be a confusing and sometimes be thought of as a non-important consideration. Below is some insight to why a DVD drive may be important as well as different considerations to look at when purchasing a DVD drive.

Why DVD? DVD by many is thought as just a solution for users to watch movies on their personal computers. While for many individuals this may be enough, it is important to also look at the factor that DVD is now being used in games or data DVDs, such as an encyclopedia. DVD prevents the user from having to switch between different CDs and instead places all the data on one DVD.

Decoding

Software vs. Hardware For the purposes of watching DVD movies on the computer, you must consider the two below possibilities for decoding the DVD movie.

• Hardware Hardware decoding requires an additional card, called an MPEG card, be installed into the computer. This card allows for the movie to be mainly decoded with that card and not software / CPU. This means other things can be done as you are watching the movie. However, this is the more expensive solution verses software, and requires additional system resources (IRQ/DMA).
  In addition, MPEG cards will also give users the capability of connecting external video to the computer, allowing the computer to function as a DVD player for your home entertainment system.
• Software Software decoding requires a software program and the CPU to be used to handle the decoding of the DVD movie. This solution is generally a cheaper solution but requires complete access to the computer, and in some cases users with processors lower than 200MHz on an IBM computer to notice poor quality video.

Other Considerations
Some other important considerations to look at when purchasing a computer DVD drive include:

Extras - Some manufactures of DVD drives will include extras such as a DVD movie or movies, cables, deals with DVD movie stores...

Warranty How long is the warranty and what does it cover.

Support Is the technical support number a free number; is it open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Price range
When looking at purchasing a computer with a DVD drive or a stand alone DVD drive, it is important to take into consideration that a DVD drive will be more expensive than a standard stand alone drive. The price of a DVD may vary depending upon its speed, included software / hardware or its interface.
Ready to buy
Once you have reviewed the appropriate information and believe that you are ready to make a purchase of a computer DVD drive, ensure that the source that you plan on purchasing the DVD from is a reputable source and you have reviewed our section on what to look out for when purchasing over the Internet.
Computer Hope is ready to setup and help you with issues you may encounter during the purchase and installation of your DVD drive, regardless if you purchase through us or another vendor.

Wine Buying Tips

Beverage buying certainly requires some tips especially if you are buying wine for the first time. There are many wine lovers who make relentless efforts just to get that perfect beverage for their parties and gathering.  Wine buying and storing requires some excellent tips and tactics, so that you have the best flavor of wine. A good flavored wine makes any occasion successful. If you are buying wine for the first time, here are 3 top most effective tips for getting the best wine for you.

Vintage is extremely important for any kind of wine selection. In case of most wines, especially those which are from large scale brands, you do not have to think about their vintage. It does not matter in such a case. However, you need to think about the vintage of wine especially for those wines, which are usually known to mature, rather than age. Wines which are developed in places, where the weather changes and varies through out the year to a great extent are often checked with their vintage. Vintage needs to be considered for these wines.

Do not forget to check about the storage when you are buying beverages like wine. Storing is extremely important for wine. If you wish to keep wine for long period of time, then you have to store it in the correct way, or else its flavor will surely be affected. You need to think about the temperature of wine, which needs to be cool and constant, so just enquire how the wine has been stored, so that you know that the flavor of wine has been kept intact. When you are buying wine, check how it has been stored. Thus you will know what you can expect.

Wines are always associated with grapes. Think about the quality of grape when you are enjoying wine for any occasion. The harvest of the year in which the wine was produced will go to a large in determining the taste of the wine. So if possible, see the year and the type of grape that was used in producing the bottle you are buying.

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Tips to Buy a Good Laptop Computer

Laptop is increasingly becoming an object of necessity. New laptops  have not only become powerful but also a lot more cheaper. If you happen to visit your nearby laptop store you might be amazed to see the variety and colors, these portable computing devices are now available in. With so many choices, it may not be easy for you to decide what to buy so, we are giving here important features to look out before buying your new laptop.
Processor
I need not to tell you that the processor is the brain of the laptop. Most of the time it is
difficult to upgrade your processor so try to buy a powerful dual core processor. The dual core processor has been popular off late because of its effectiveness to run multiple applications (multi-tasking) with ease. Although buying a dual core processor is your own decision please try to avoid Celeron or AMD processors when it comes to laptop as they are not a choice but a compromise.
Operating System
Selection of an operating system for your laptop should be based on your requirements. Some people are comfortable with windows operating system while some are with Linux. While Linux is free you have to pay for windows operating system. Your laptop may come with pre-installed operating system but they can be re-installed if you want to change your operating system.
Memory
The amount of memory for your laptop solely depends on the type of work you intend to do on it. For example if you buy the notebook for movie editing, games or graphical work you may require higher amount of RAM. For general purposes 512 MB of memory should serve the purpose. In case of dual core processor please do not consider memory below 1GB.
Hard drive
In case of a  hard drive , give preference to SATA hard-drive over PATA as they are obsolete now. Some new laptops  are soldered with solid-sate hard-drive these days. A hard drive of minimum 80 GB space capacity may be considered to buy.
Graphics Card
Laptops graphics card are used to generate and output images to the LCD display. They are also called video controller or graphics controller. You may consider a mid range graphics card with a minimum 128 MB memory card capacity.
Port
There should be at least 3 USB ports in a laptop. USB ports are very useful considering the wide range of new electronic gadgets that needs to be plugged in to the pc. Besides USB pots there should be at least 1 multimedia format card reader,1 fire wire port and VGA out port. You may select a pc card slot or express card slot for the purpose.

Tips for Buying Printers

If a consumer uses their computer for anything other than games, they know the value of a printer.

Buying a printer can save people time and money they might otherwise spend on printing at an office supply store such as Office Depot or Kinko's. But while printers are a source of real convenience, it's also a source of real frustration. Do the differing features in printers really matter all that much? Is one company better than the other? The following are some tips for buying printers.

Types of Printers

There are many different types of printers out there. Consumers have choices like inkjet, laser and monochrome printers, among others. Before people buy a printer they should think about what the primary use of their printer will be.

Let's say someone only prints a lot of text documents, such as reports or research. According to ConsumerResearch.com, a monochrome laser printer would probably be the best thing for you since they are the types of printers specifically designed to print in only one color (usually black).

If someone writes a lot of business documents with a moderate amount of graphs and simple pictures, a laser printer might be best. A laser printer can print in several colors, but, like the monochrome printer, is made for quick and simple print jobs.

If a photographer or graphic designer needs to buy a printer, they should consider an inkjet printer. They are a little more expensive, not as quick, but have a much higher quality when printing photos and visuals when compared with a laser printer.

Function

In addition to printing, think about what else you want the printer to do. For example, if you don't scan a lot of documents, don't buy a printer with a scanner. The same goes for all the other additional features: fax, copier, etc. If you don't need it, don't buy it. You'll save money you can spend on other things for your computer or you'll be able to upgrade to a printer that does the specialized things you want it to do better and faster.

Which Company?

Many people feel a bit of company loyalty when it comes to buying hardware for our computers. Is there a company you just won't buy from? One you can't stand the customer service for?

According to the editors of CNET UK, Canon is No. 1, No. 2 and No. 9 in their top-ten list of printers with the Canon i80 reaching the top of that list with an 8.3 out of 10. Epson also has three different printers making the top of the list. Do a little bit of research and you'll be happy with your purchase for a printer well after you walk out of the computer store.

Quick tips for saving cash when buying toys

Trying to save some money buying toys this holiday season? Besides using coupons and snagging sale items, ShopSmart magazine has five money-saving tips for you.

1. Set a limit. If your kids are flooded with presents from family and friends every year, set a limit on what you spend, whether on one large gift or a few smaller ones. To make less seem like more, pick a toy that starts or feeds a passion, lasts longer and has multiple uses.

2. Spread it out. Don't give your kids all the gifts at once. Set aside some of the bounty for later, perhaps a snow day when they're home from school.

3. Be cautious with used toys. Little Tikes sturdy plastic playhouses, ride-on toys, playground equipment, and good-as-new video games are good finds at tag sales, outlets and online at a fraction of the original price. With a thorough scrub, they will look like new.

4. Look beyond the logo. Many popular toys are tied to TV characters such as Elmo and Dora the Explorer. Ask yourself, "If I took SpongeBob off this package, what do I have?" If a toy has nothing to offer beyond the character, don't buy it.

Find a Suit that Suits You

Even when the shopping conditions are perfect, let's face it: You're still going to have to sort through dozens of suits to find the one that's right for you. To save time, here are eight tips to help you zero on styles that will work:

• To camouflage bumps and bulges. Look for large bold prints in light and dark combinations, Kauchner says. When possible, pick up a pareo or wrap to match.
• To hide a tummy. Choose a skirted suit, Paige says, but look for one with edges that turn up at the sides in a "shirttail" style. "This will make your legs look longer and the skirt look more flirty," she says.
• To diminish a full middle. Opt for a one-piece suit with a blouson top, or a long tankini- style top over a bottom that hits at the waist, Weston advises.
• To create curves in all the right places.Try a deep V halter top and high-cut legs to fill out your figure and give you curves instead of bumps and lumps, says Weston.
• To detract from a large waist and hips. Go for a low-cut suit with a wide neckline to create balance between the upper and lower body, Blondeau says. A solid-color bottom with a printed top will minimize hips.
• To slim a full chest. Choose a halter top to lift you, cover jiggly areas at the side of the bust, and put all the focus up front, says Paige.
• To enhance a small bust. Get a suit with a bright or printed top and an underwire bra or molded cup to enhance cleavage, says Weston.
• For the best overall control. Opt for a one-piece suit with tummy and derriere lift panels, says Paige. Or choose a two-piece with a bottom that reaches your belly button and has an interior support panel.

4 Simple Tips of Shopping Rules

Nestle offers these simple solutions to savvy shopping without spending hours in the grocery store:

• Shop the perimeter of the grocery store, where fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and fish are usually located. Avoid the center aisles where junk foods lurk.
• Choose "real" foods, such as 100% fruit juice or 100% whole-grain items with as little processing and as few additives as possible. If you want more salt or sugar, add it yourself.
• Stay clear of foods with cartoons on the label that are targeted to children. If you don't want your kids eating junk foods, don't have them in the house.
• Avoiding foods that contain more than five ingredients, artificial ingredients, or ingredients you can't pronounce.

Understanding Rewards Programs

Checked your wallet lately? If yours is bursting at the seams the way mine is, it may be because of all those rewards cards. According to Consumer Reports Money Adviser, 85 percent of U.S. households participate in at least one rewards program.
Managing those rewards, however, can be a challenge. Sure, the perks can be fantastic (I can’t count how many times I’ve flown free on frequent-flier points or enjoyed free car rentals). But the pitfalls can be costly. Why? Credit card companies, airlines, retailers and supermarkets rely on their programs to get you to do at least three things: come back again and again, increase the volume of your purchases, and become immune to the pull of the competition.
All this is good for them, but you need to make sure it’s good for you. You don’t want to be limited to one retailer, airline or supermarket. And while you want choices, you don’t want to belong to so many programs that they become unmanageable or you’re tempted to overspend. Read on to learn the best way to use rewards programs, and find out which of those cards really deserve a place in your wallet.
Rewards Credit Card
How it works: With each qualifying purchase on the card, you earn something: miles, points or cash. Once you accumulate enough points or miles, you can redeem them to rent a car, buy merchandise or take a trip. If it’s a cash-back card, you’ll receive a statement credit or check.
Why you want it: If you enjoy traveling and are a heavy credit-card user, a card that earns miles might be a great way to earn free travel. If you’d rather shop, then a card that has a great merchandise program might be more to your liking. Just make sure you’re up to organizing and keeping careful track of your points or miles account. Cash-back cards are less of a hassle in terms of upkeep, but you still need to make sure you’re getting back the right dollar amount.
What to look out for: "Overall, rewards programs were diminished (both in the earn rate and number of offers) in the 12 months leading up to the February effective date of the CARD Act," says Curtis Arnold, founder of CardRatings.com. This was due to the credit crunch and unintended negative consequences of the Act—which was designed to protect consumers, but prodded credit card companies to offer fewer rewards cards and lower their points while they were sorting out the regulations. Fortunately, as the companies have adjusted and the credit crunch begins to loosen, the trend is starting to reverse, Arnold says.
What does this mean for you? Interest rates on some cards still are higher than they were 18 months ago, and cards that were no-fee before may now have fees. This means you could pay $50 to $100 just to have the card; if you carry a balance, you could pay around 20 percent interest on top of the fee. This can make it virtually impossible to earn enough rewards to offset the interest.
Bottom line: If you generally carry a balance, forget a rewards card—even one with no annual fee and even if you have a terrific credit score. The interest rate is just too high for you. Better to pay off the credit cards you have now, then reconsider a rewards card later. If you charge a lot and want continued access to the best rewards, make sure your FICO score stays above 740, says Liz Pulliam Weston, MSN Money columnist. (To find out how to get your credit report, go to womansday.com/report.)
"Also, keep track of your rewards and their value when you cash them in," she says. "If you’re not earning at least 1 percent of what you spend on the card, look for a better offer." And if an issuer imposes a fee you don’t want to pay, call and protest. "If they won’t waive the fee and you have good credit and other accounts, close the account; it shouldn’t do major damage to your credit score," says Weston.
Airline Rewards Club
How it works: Airlines reward customer loyalty with frequent-flier miles. Once you earn a certain number of miles, you’re usually eligible for a free round-trip ticket between cities that airline services.
Why you want it: If you’re flying anyway, you may as well collect all the miles you can. For most airlines, there’s no cost and very little record keeping. Your account is maintained at the airline’s website, where you learn the terms and conditions and watch your account grow.
What to look out for: If you’re not a frequent flier but want to earn miles, compare the airlines’ programs and choose the one that allows you the greatest opportunities to earn those miles or points for non-flight activities. Also, keep in mind that while most frequent-flier memberships are free, there will probably be some fees later: for mileage redemption or on accounts with no recent action, for example. Be sure to read the terms and conditions closely. And book way in advance: Mileage may be subject to limitations, blackout dates and expiration.
Bottom line: If you fly at all, join all the airlines that service your area even if you have no plans to fly right now. Then try to book all of your flights on the same airline to start racking up points. Just be aware that redeeming points for the exact flights you want can be a challenge.
Check out "10 Awesome Airline Perks" to see which airline will offer you perks that are hard to pass up.
Supermarket Rewards Club
How it works: To join, simply fill out an application form. At checkout you must present or scan your club card to get the store’s sale prices. Most supermarket clubs offer additional rewards to active members (e.g., a free holiday turkey, a 10-percent-off coupon for your next shopping trip).
Why you want it: The sales!
What to look out for: Once you sign up, the store knows a lot about you (see "You Have to Give to Get," below). Also, big chain supermarkets are typically the highest-priced stores in town. Their sales make some items reasonable, but paying full price for others can offset those savings. A savvy shopper will stick to sale items (also called "club savings" or "club specials") and go easy on the rest.
Bottom line: If you don’t want to disclose personal information, steer clear. If you do want to join and there are multiple supermarkets and grocery stores in your area, join all the clubs. You never know when one store will have a great price on chicken, while another has a big sale on frozen vegetables.
Drugstore Rewards Card
How it works: Complete an application to get a club card. Use this card at checkout to get the sale prices and earn cash-back rebates.
Why you want it: Your club card will give you discounts on a variety of items, even prescriptions at some stores. There’s also very little to do to manage your rewards.
What to look out for: Giving your personal information is part of the deal. Some chains cash in your rewards and deduct the amount from your next purchase; others offer cash back after you’ve earned a certain amount. Know what yours offers beforehand. And remember, it’s easy to get hooked on loading up your rebate account or earning double bonus points. Don’t be tempted to buy what you don’t need!
Bottom line: If you don’t mind giving your information and you can control your spending, sign up. It’s foolish not to benefit from the sale prices if you use these stores.

The Secrets to Online Shopping

You're probably familiar with the giddy satisfaction of online shopping: Add something to your cart, check out and in a few days you'll have your purchase delivered right to your door. It's almost too easy, right? While online shopping may seem pretty simple, there are actually loads of industry secrets and insider tips that can make navigating virtual shopping malls much more productive. We talked to online shopping experts to learn what the pros know about finding the very best inventory at the lowest prices. Read on to learn how to start surfing your way to some great finds.
Time It Right
One of the lures of Internet shopping is that the World Wide Web is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. But when it comes to finding great deals online, knowing when to log on is the key to clicking your way to a bargain.
• According to RetailMeNot.com, a site that provides coupon codes and printable coupons for 65,000 stores, most coupons are posted by retailers at the beginning (around the 2nd) and end (around the 27th or 28th) of each month. Logging on at those times will ensure that you nab the best coupons.
• Amazon.com is known for its vast selection of goods at great prices, but there are plenty of even bigger ways to save, as long as you know when and where to look. According to Amazon.com spokeswoman Anya Waring, Amazon.com/GoldBox is where you can find all of the best deals on the site. You'll find Lightning Deals, which are offered every day during limited time windows, as well as the Deal of the Day, which is an item available at a discount for one day only. Quick Picks feature a set of items selected specifically for you (based on your previous purchases and searches) along with an additional savings coupon.
• "Wednesday, Thursday and Friday tend to be the most popular days for online retailers to put items on sale," says Charlie Graham, founder of ShopItToMe.com, an online personal shopper site. "Our theory is that brick-and-mortar stores traditionally put items on sale on Friday in preparation for the weekend, so online retailers pushed their sales up a few days to compete."
• According to Graham's research, Thursdays are the best day for handbag discounts (the average discount is 36 percent off), Sundays are the prime time to score swimwear deals (ShopItToMe found that bathing suits were 52 percent off then, compared with 40 percent off during the rest of the week) and the best day to find shoe sales is on Wednesday.
• Michelle Madhok, CEO of SheFinds.com and MomFinds.com, which both feature online fashion deals, found that many of Banana Republic’s online sales start on Wednesdays and LOFT credit card holders can score 10 percent off their purchases the first Tuesday of every month. She recommends noting when yearly sales happen: Underwear goes on sale in February and swimwear in June. Victoria's Secret has its semi-annual sale (which starts online before it does in stores) in December and May, and Nordstrom's (and Nordstrom.com's) anniversary sale is always at the end of summer.

Find out the best time to do everything (offline!) with this essential guide.

Narrow Your Search
Now that Google is so popular that it's become a verb, it seems that the mammoth search engine has the power to turn up results for just about anything. This may be true, but oftentimes, there's too much virtual clutter to uncover the results that you're actually looking for. The best way to locate what you're after is to carefully craft your search.
• "If you're looking for clothing or jewelry and do a Google search, you'll get a huge amount of results but won't necessarily find the actual item," says Madhok. She recommends searching with ShopStyle.com, which only searches retailer sites. "The other cool thing that it does, unlike Google, is that it will tell you all the stores that carry the item you want as well as send you an alert if the price drops."
• According to Alexi Suvacioglu and Christopher Couhault, founders of OohILove.com, all search terms are not created equal. "The more specific you are with your search terms, the better results you'll turn up." So, instead of searching for "Gap pants," search for "black Gap cuffed trousers size 8 style # 123."
• One way to filter out all of the excess is to register with a site that acts as your personal shopper. ShopItToMe.com records your favorite brands, items of clothing, sizes, etc., and will email you with deals on your favorite pieces. So instead of surfing from site to site only to find the perfect dress on sale in the wrong size, just check your email for ShopItToMe.com's personalized selection.
Be Aware of Deals
There are plenty of great deals on the Web, but in addition to knowing how to find them, you need to know how to let them find you. Here's how to put yourself out there when it comes to online shopping.
• When you purchase something online, don't skip the "Register Now" step. Registering later might seem like it will save you time now, but in the long run, being registered with a site will provide lots of benefits. "If a site is having a sale, they'll often email coupons to people who've shopped with them before," says Graham. Plus, registering is useful when you need to track a package or make returns.
• "The best way to get coupons is to sign up for newsletters," says Madhok. "Many will reward you for signing up; for example, SteveMadden.com will give you a 10-percent-off coupon when you join their email list, KateSpade.com will give you 15 percent off, and JCrew.com email subscribers will get first notice of sales."
• Madhok also advocates jumping on the social networking bandwagon to score deals. "'Liking' a store's Facebook page or following them on Twitter is a great way to be in the know—you'll get first notice of sales or new inventory, and sometimes coupons and shipping deals."
• "Always sign up for price alerts," says Madhok. Even if you've already purchased the item, receiving notification of a price drop can put some cash back in your wallet. "I just bought something from CrateandBarrel.com, and when it went on sale two weeks later I emailed them and they gave me a credit for the difference. It always pays to ask."
Ship Smart
One of the obvious benefits of Web shopping is that you can avoid busy shopping malls and long lines. But what about actually getting the goods? If you know what you're doing, it doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg to lay hands on your purchases.
• In addition to percentage-off coupons, RetailMeNot.com also lists a vast stock of free shipping codes. And FreeShipping.org keeps track of free shipping offers for over 2,400 stores.
• If you're a frequent shopper at Amazon.com, consider signing up for Amazon Prime. For a yearly membership fee of $79 you'll get free two-day shipping on in-stock products, upgrades to overnight shipping for $3.99 per item and same-day shipping for $5.99. There’s also the Free Super Saver Shipping option, which provides free standard shipping on eligible orders over $25.
• It sometimes pays to comparison-shop online, because some sites offer better deals than others. Overstock.com ships everything for $2.95, whether it’s a couch or a pair of shoes, and Zappos.com offers free shipping and returns. "But be sure to do your research," says Madhok. "If a site with free shipping has raised the price of your item it won't be such a deal after all."
Get Help and Feedback
What do you do if you're window-shopping online at midnight and need a little assistance? It's not like there's a friendly salesperson to assist you. But there are other ways to get a virtual helping hand.
• Many websites offer a Live Chat or Live Help option, which lets you instant-message with a customer service expert. Says Madhok: "If you have questions about returns or different products, it's their job to take care of things for you. Plus, it's much easier and faster than calling customer service." It's also worth going on Live Help to ask for a 10 percent discount or free shipping—oftentimes they'll be happy to give it to you if you make a purchase with them that same day.
• A good way to get feedback about a particular item is to read the reviews. Other users' feedback about sizing, material and overall quality can be extremely useful when making your own purchase. "Look for products that have more than just one or two reviews to get a well-rounded appraisal of the item," says Graham.
Be Savvy
With new discount sites popping up every day, it can be easy to get excited about all the money you can save. But be smart about online bargain hunting—not every deal is as good as it may seem. Here's what to watch out for.
• Online sample sale sites, which sell designer overstock at rock-bottom prices, are cropping up all over the Web, and in order to meet shoppers’ demands, some designers have started to create targeted collections for these sites. It's a great way to score an inexpensive item from your favorite high-end designer, but if you're after the real deal, be on the lookout for key phrases like "capsule collection" or "special collection designed for," says Madhok. Those will indicate that the products on offer aren't designer excess, but instead items specifically made to sell on sample sale sites.
• Many discount sites operate on a limited-time-only basis. "Try not to get caught up in the sample sale, ticking-clock frenzy," says Graham. "With all of that urgency you might lose sight of the fact that you don't really need certain things. We've also found a number of items on discount sites that are available on the retailer's site for even less. So take the time to do your research."
• While registering for newsletters can keep you abreast of the newest deals and sales, if they clog your inbox at inconvenient times, you may be tempted to just delete them. ShopItToMe.com lets you decide how often and what day of the week you'd like to get email notifications, so that you can choose a time when you'll actually take a look at—and take advantage of—the info they provide.