CLICK & DOUBLE CLICK: INTERNET OFFERS A VIEW OF HOTTEST FASHIONS, DESIGNERS & SUPERMODELS (COLUMN 36)

Cybertip: All these fashion sites can be found in the Resource Room of www.semissourian.com, along with more than a hundred other hot links. It's an easy way to traverse the World Wide Web.

Fashion is often in the eye of the beholder. The Internet offers an insider glimpse at the fashion world -- from the hottest magazines to the top designers.

Peggy: A good place to start is Elle magazine. You can read stories from the current issue and peruse interviews with top fashion models such as Elle, Naomi, Cindy and Christy. These people are so famous and rich, they don't even need last names.

http://www.ellemag.com

Joni: Elle also offers features exclusive to the Internet, such as a peak at glamorous gowns. You can even download QuickTime movies for a real look at the gowns on the runway.

Peggy: I took the interactive fashion quiz, but don't ask me the score. I did know the new fashion look for hemlines is called fish tail. OK, I'll fess up. It was a total guess.

Joni: Multiple choice. That's my kind of quiz. This site also offers the latest fashion trends -- and we mean fall fashion. There's still some swimwear trends available for those not quite on the cutting edge.

Peggy: If you can't get enough news about fashion, there are lots of stories out there.

http://cnn.com/STYLE/index.html

Joni: Elsa Klensch is host of CNN's weekly Style show, and we can find more of her fashion advice and observations online.

Peggy: The site features three or four main stories. But there's much more. There's dozens of other stories on fashions that you can read -- everything from hat makers to jewelry to trends.

Joni: Many of the designers have their own web sites as well. You can find everything you want to know about the Armani collection at

http://www.armaniexchange.com/ax/menu.html

Peggy: You can peruse the Summer 1997 collection online, complete with photos and descriptions about each fashion statement. They also have a behind the scenes photo shoot on the collection. It's pretty interesting.

Joni: Let's check out quiz show. It's very easy. You're name, address, age, whether you wear Armani clothes, and if created a web site, what would the theme be? You can win an Armani sweater, baseball hat or jeans.

Peggy: I think I'll do better on this quiz.

Joni: Another pretty classy site is designed by Guess Jeans. You can find it at

http://www.guess.com

Peggy: There's a VIP lounge to talk with others interested fashion, jeans or whatever. There's no cost, but a password is required.

Joni: There's extensive product information, divided by age category. You can also take a glimpse at their photo shoots -- both the cut and uncut version. You can also explore the gallery for a shot of your favorite GUESS model -- both guys and gals.

Peggy: And if you're at a loss, the site will even pinpoint worldwide locations.

Joni: Want to learn more about the life of those highly paid supermodels? I'm sure you're dying to know. Check it out at

http://www.supermodel.com

Peggy: It's more than just glitz. This site provides tips on how to become a supermodel. OK, you're not interested in being a supermodel, but you just want to look like one. This site also gives you beauty tips on makeup, hair and fashion. Oh, no. Updated versions of the '70s Disco look is back for hair. I didn't like it the first time around.

Joni: There's also a list of do's and don'ts when trying to land a modeling job. It's pretty good advice, like contacting the Better Business Bureau to check out agencies. You can check out agencies and other claims at Supermodel.com as well.

Peggy: It's not enough to see the fashion, you can hear the fashion from this site with Supermodel radio. With RealAudio, you can get the latest news and information about fashion and the world's top models.

Joni: You can find out information on rising stars or the featured models.

Peggy: You can find the hottest fashions for both men and women at the official site of New York fashion shows.

http://www.7thonsixth.com

Joni: A feature of the site is the New York fall collections that debuted earlier this month. You can choose from about 50 of the hottest designers.

Peggy: Under each designer, you'll find biography information, including famous clients. You'll also find photos of runway fashions that upload automatically for your own private fashion show. Pretty neat!

Joni: They also list what retail stores carry the designer's label, as well as schedules of upcoming shows. Another famous magazine combines fashion with glitz and gossip. You can find Cosmopolitan magazine online at

http://www.cosmomag.com

Peggy: Along with fashion tips, you can find your favorite Cosmo favorites such as the monthly quiz, astrologer and agony advice.

Joni: There are four Cosmo quizzes online this month that delve into your personality. Choices include: "Are you a grown up?" "Too comfy with your man?" "How optimistic are you?" or "How good is your judgment?" What do you think, Peggy?

Peggy: I think we'll visit the Cosmo astrology instead. The advice changes weekly. Advice is listed for both career and love.

Joni: We have to check out Agony advice. You can read the expert's advice to questions and even add your own advice. You can also check out the Agony archives, listed by category: campus, career, friends, family, love relationships, self-image or sex.

Peggy: There are also plenty of fashion and beauty tips online that change weekly. It's a slick site that resembles the magazine.

What's your favorite fashion web site? E-mail us at clicksemissourian.com

See you in Cyberspace.

~Joni Adams is managing editor, and Peggy Scott is graphics editor at the Southeast Missourian.