Want clothing straight off the runway? Moccasins from a tiny village in Morocco? A hardly worn gown from the red carpet? Look no further than the Web

Once upon a time, a stylish, discerning shopper wouldn't dream of clicking-and-buying for anything but a book or a bulk order of stationery. But since the Net-a-Porter revolution, the goods stocked in special boutiques, designer shops and even flea markets in far-flung locales can be found just as easily on the Web. Now, online buyers snap up rare designer labels, exclusive pieces and ready-to-wear days after it leaves the runway. To wit, these shops are open 24-7, often send out purchases the day an order is placed and package their goods with the same charm and care as a small boutique in Paris might.

One could argue that online shopping has become more exclusive than offline, providing greater choice, privacy and convenience. With easier-than-ever return policies, customers can forgo badly lit changing rooms for the quiet and privacy of their own bedrooms. Some sites even simulate the experience of shopping with a friend -- one who may live halfway around the world.

Here are five of the most exciting fashion sites to explore.

Avenue32.com

What: A virtual high-end shopping promenade with more than 40 "boutiques" featuring merchandise curated by the brands' designers. / The Goods: Exclusive pieces by hot international designers like Temperley London, Thakoon, Tom Binns, Giles Deacon, Katie Hillier and Hannah Martin. / Special Features: An online magazine you can shop from, and biographies and news about the designers featured on the site. / Notable Employees: Fashion and brand director Erin Mullaney (former buying director of Browns), Rebecca Guinness (previously of Nowness.com), who edits the magazine. / Customer Service: Personal shoppers; same-day delivery in London, and within three days internationally.

CoutureLab.com

What: Clothing, accessories, art and home decor sourced from artisans and craftspeople around the globe. / Founded By: Carmen Busquets, a former board director of Net-a-Porter. / Philosophy: "To honor individual creativity, craftsmanship and heritage and to look beyond the seasons and trends and embrace all cultures and lifestyles." / The Goods: Artwork by Michael Roberts, Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst; clothing from fashion labels such as Duro Olowu, Eileen Coyne and Pippa Small. / Special Features: Daily profiles of creative personalities in the site's online magazine; Gift Lab, a service for present-buyers featuring limited-edition crafts and one-of-a-kind pieces. / Customer Service: Agents available to assist online or on the phone; orders come in ribboned taupe boxes and are delivered same-day in London, next-day worldwide.

Hardlyeverwornit.com

What: A luxury consignment shop frequented by designers, fashion editors and fashion insiders like Kate Moss. Unlike what you might find on eBay, the offerings are designer pieces that have been rarely -- perhaps once on the red carpet or runway -- or never worn. / Philosophy: "A trusted luxury magazine-like platform for excellent condition pre-owned luxury items." / The Goods: Alaia, Chanel, Gucci, Prada, DKNY, Diane von Furstenberg and Manolo Blahnik. / Customer Service: Patrons can sell pieces by either uploading items themselves, or by using a VIP service in which photography and uploading are done for you.

Motilo.com

What: A sophisticated aggregator of shopping websites and blogs from around the world, picked by Motilo's team of stylists; an interactive feature, "Shop Together," allows readers to share and discuss purchases. / Philosophy: "To shop, socialize and interact with friends in real time online." / Exclusive: E-tailer for Dana Alikhani and Tatiana Santo Domingo's fair-trade label, the Muzungu Sisters, which collaborates on clothing and accessories with global artisans and craftspeople. / Special Features: Shoppable collages of clothing and accessories created by the "Motilo Girls," a gaggle of fashionable contributors including Anna Dello Russo and Sophia Hesketh.

Modaoperandi.com

What: This pre-order service allows shoppers to reserve items as quickly as 48 hours after a runway show. With a 50% deposit on ordering, and remaining balance upon receipt, goods are shipped before collections are delivered to stores. / Founded By: Aslaug Magnusdottir and Vogue contributing editor Lauren Santo Domingo. / Philosophy: "To connect designers directly with those who most appreciate them and allow special show-pieces life beyond the runway."/ The Goods: Designers including Erdem, Isabel Marant, Prabal Gurung and Rag & Bone. / Notable Employees: Roopal Patel, former fashion director of Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, is the site's new fashion director, and ex-Marie Claire accessories director Taylor Tomasi Hill is now artistic director.

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Labelling itself as ‘the world’s marketplace for indulgence’, Hardlyeverwornit.com promises all the answers for people who aren’t bored with fashion, but just with what’s in their wardrobes.
Customers are able to upload items they wish to sell themselves and monitor their accounts remotely. Sales take place using an auction style concept with an additional buy it now feature in place. Shoppers can rest easy that all products are genuine and buyers will be relieved that commission is only charged at 15%.

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