Popular lifestyle magazine InStyle has released a list with the best websites out there, calling it #bestofdigi. The list was compiled in conjunction with their November issue and highlights the best of the web in seven different categories.

The seven #bestofdigi guide categories are: Fashion, Shopping, Beauty, Health, Global Style, Going out Guide and Hostess How-To. The websites listed on the guide aren’t your typical URL, each site was specifically picked for it’s innovative products, creative layouts and interactive features. Below are some of my favorites broken into my personal #bestofdigi categories:

Interactivity 

Two of the sites picked for the fashion category #bestofdigi are truly embracing the interactive side of the digital world. Luxury brand Burberry features Sienna Miller and her fiancé locking lips in their current campaign and thus integrates this on the site. There is a “Burberry Kisses Tool” that allows site browsers to snap selfies of their lips and send digital kisses to friends. Designer Kate Spade implemented interaction on both her high end label site & contemporary label site. On the Kate Spade site you can find a blog filled with fun DIY’s and the popular City Guides on where the Kate Spade woman should eat, drink and be seen. On the contemporary site, Kate Spade Saturday, customers earn points for favoriting items, buying items and inviting friends. Who doesn’t love to be rewarded for their shopping? 5,000 points gets you the lines signature weekender bag.

You’re in Charge 

When shopping customers always have a choice and the following #bestofdigi sites are capitalizing on just that. Stitch Collective was chosen for the fashion category and is a site where user vote on different handbag creations that are submitted by aspiring designers. After a period of time, the favorite handbags (as decided by your vote) are produced! The next site is for those shoppers that have a hard time making a decision. Pretty HQ is a site that connects you with your friends and a community of experts (if you choose) to get their beauty product reviews and favorite picks. Finally, the site Spoonflower allows users to channel their inner designer. On the site you can design, print and buy your own fabric, wallpaper, decals, or gift wrap.

There’s an App for that

The team behind then #bestofdigi guide understands that sometimes a visit to the traditional retail store is necessary but there are now apps to enhance that experience. Superstore powerhouse Target has an app Target Cartwheel that features discounts for any of their stores. The best part? Use the coupons multiple times until they expire. Clothing store Free People has an app that allows users to browse products and check their stock at a specific store. Once at the retail store you can scan a tag to see color options and other shoppers reviews of the product.

Foodie Favorites 

Not even a #bestofdigi list would be complete without favorite eats. First, Chefs Feed is a site that puts you inside your favorite chefs head. Look up where these chefs are eating across the country and what they ordered. From the creators of Evernote comes Evernote Food. The app allows users to record their recipes, dining experiences and secure reservations. Another bonus, there are lighting and filter features to help you take the perfect food gram #BonAppétit.

 

With the continued rise of the digital world it is no longer sufficient for websites to simply picture the product, it is now about the total package. As more companies start to up their digital game will we see a decrease in the effort of their brick and mortar stores? What do you think, do you enjoy online shopping and its many features or do you prefer the traditional shopping store experience?