“Remote sellers,” i.e. Internet-only retailers and catalogue companies are at the center of the controversy. Traditional brick-and-mortar businesses, meanwhile, are typically required to add sales tax in whatever states they have stores. But states — seeking additional revenue to balance their budgets — are  pushing legislation to require e-tailers to collect sales taxes where they have a physical presence like a warehouse, call center or their headquarters.

And it’s no wonder considering the findings of a 2009 University of Tennessee study, which estimates that state and local governments could miss out on as much as $11.4 billion to $12.65 billion in sales taxes uncollected from e-commerce sales next year.

Even retailers with a strong online presence such as Wal-Mart hope to level the playing field by imposing taxes on online-only businesses. Because of their tax loophole, e-tailers can often run bigger sales, a practice that, according to a senior official at a specialty chain, “is killing other businesses.”

However, passing this type of legislation is easier said than done.

“Interstate commerce is generally legislated by the federal government,” says Paul Hurley, CEO of Ideeli, “and the right place to legislate this issue is at the federal level and even there, it’s going to be complicated.”

Hurley’s sentiments are echoed by Overstock CEO Patrick M. Byrne in a statement published on Overstock’s website:

“It is unconstitutional for a state to pass a law making out-of-state retailers collect sales tax simply for having business relations with marketing affiliates in those states.”

But Congress has already set those wheels into motion. The Durbin bill is an initiative by Assistant U.S. Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D., Ill.) that would require all retailers to collect sales taxes in the 45 states, including the District of Columbia, where they exist.

Hurley argues that these taxes could “stifle businesses that depend on technology and the Internet,” even though e-commerce growth shows no signs of slowing.  E-commerce now accounts for 9 percent of retail spending, in comparison to 0.47 percent in 1998 and a projected 11.1 percent in 2015.

With online sales projected at $197.3 billion this year and $217.5 billion next year, this issue will only continue to gain more traction. So the only option as I see it is to go on a massive shopping spree, hoard up on everything in anticipation of retail Armageddon and then unload it via your own e-commerce site for a tidy little profit. Capitalism at its finest. [WWD]

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What’s always on your travel check-list?
• Pashmina (works great as a pillow or blanket on the plane)
• Packing cubes (makes packing simple and keeps everything organized)
• Photocopies of all travel and identification documents (if anything goes wrong or is lost, makes the reissuing process easier)
• Wrinkle-proof, comfortable, yet fashionable clothes for the plane

What are some must-knows about keeping your wardrobe fashionable on the road? Are there packing tips, hotel secrets, etc. that will help keep your pieces looking like they just stepped out of your closet (and not your suitcase)?
• It is important to bring options that can go from day to night with a little bit of accessorizing or a shoe change. Black pieces tend to be the best options for this.
• It is fantastic that jersey material is fashionable now, as it is much less likely to wrinkle.
• There are many packing methods that prevent wrinkling in transit. Using packing cubes definitely help with this. There also bundling and layering with tissue paper.
• I also make sure to hang-up my more wrinkle prone pieces as soon as I get to the hotel room. The more time it has out of the suitcase, the more the likely the wrinkles are to shake out.

What are your secrets to stress-free flying?
• I always have something to keep me occupied. My iPhone is great because I can watch movies, listen to music etc.
• “Checking out” and being able to silence my surroundings is very important to me, so headphones are a must.
• Always book insurance. You will rest easier knowing you are protected.
• Check in early. You can do this online now, and it really makes the process much smoother.
• If you can, travel only with a carry-on. The eliminates waiting at the carousel, or the chance of the airline losing your luggage.

When you experience travel problems, as we all do, how do you cope?
• It is important to stay calm. Panicking will get you nowhere.
• This is why booking travel insurance is so important, it really acts like a lifesaver during the times you need it most.

What are your top travel etiquette tips?
I have some major pet peeves on this topic!

• Look back before reclining your seat. This way you give the person behind you some warning that you will be moving and their drink is less likely to end up in their laps.
• The person in the middle row gets access to both arm rests. This is only fair as they are the poor souls cramped in the middle.
• Do some research on the country you are traveling to before going there. Take a the time to brief yourself on key phrases and customs. This could save you some major embarrassment in destination.

What destinations are still on your travel wish list and why?
I would love to visit South America. Machu Piccu and its incredible history blows my mind. I would also love to see San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina.

What’s been your own most memorable trip?
Volunteering in an orphanage in Jamaica with my family was life changing. Seeing my own children interact with the children there and knowing we were impacting their lives was beyond heart-warming.

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LINK LOVE:Pick of the Day: JILL Jill Stuart

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Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Ideeli- Julie Brown, Votre Nom, Magid, Havaianas, CC Couture, Boyd’s Cosmetic, Orit Schatzman Design, Frenzii, Nicole, Melissa Beth
Beyond The Rack- Premium Watch Event, Deco Moda, Michael Kors, Cabrelli &. Co., Designer Footwear Event, Nathan & Moe, Ava Gray, 525 Homewea, Monster, Taverniti So Jeans
Haute Look- DEPT Blowout, Shoes Under $100, Right Bank Babies Blowout, Bernhardt, Josh Brody Blowout, Biotherm, Skin by Alison Raffaele, My First Shades, Ariane Arazi
Gilt Groupe- Angel Sanchez, Naeem Khan and More, Camilla Skovgaard, Jil Sander, Alejandro Ingelmo, Donna Karan and More, Jewelry by Carelle and David Harris, Linea Pelle, Magaschoni, Nomia, Pratesi, Yelo Spa
Gilt Man-Bern, Chrome and Rudy Project, Diesel, Luciano Barbera, Mondrian Los Angeles, Oakley, Reebok Pump, Seize sur Vingt, Steuben Barware
Rue La La-K A S, Quiksilver, Quiksilver – Men’s, Roxy, Devon Leigh, Portmeirion
Billion Dollar Babes- Sama Baby, Jami Rodriguez, Designer Scarves

Friday July 30th, 2010

Ideeli- Claudia Ciuti, Paige, ECI, Cuisinart, Rebecca Beeson, Cinzia Rocca, Circulon, Watch Out, Melissa, Nuloom Rug
Beyond The Rack- Ray-Ban, Ralph Lauren, Jones New York, True Religion, Ed Hardy, Womens Designer Fragrance, Adore, Seneca Rising, Nicoletta, Xtrax
Hautelook- Watch Blowout, Sunglass Blowout, Beach Bunny Swimwear Blowout, People’s Liberation, Plan Toys, Azul and Ola Lola, Blaque Label, Modern Classics, ART:ADDICTION Blowout
Gilt Groupe- Elle Macpherson Intimates, Gold Rush: Our Gilded Jewelry Faves, Ibiza Gran Hotel – Spain, Summer Love: Sandals, Sandals, Sandals!, Tibi
Gilt Man- Diwon, hickey, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Mundial, MYMU Shoes, Warriors of Radness, Simple and SmoothCo.
Rue La La-Oakley, Oakley – Men’s, SABRE, GUESS by Marciano
Billion Dollar Babes- Bryna Nicole Handbags, RaMona LaRue

Saturday July 31st, 2010

Ideeli- Cuisinart, Mea Shadows
Beyond The Rack- Prada Handbags & Accessories, ABS Allen Schwartz, Juicy Couture, Miz Mooz, Jack & Jewel, Christian Audigier, Parasuco, Navoh, Barex Italiana
Haute Look- Saturday Blowout, Papo D’Anjo Blowout
Gilt Groupe-BOSS Black, Chelsea Flower, Delano Hotel-Miami Beach, The Classics: Converse, Keds, Sperry Topsider and more
Gilt Man- Delano Hotel-Miami Beach, Ibiza Gran Hotel-Spain, Missed The Sale?
Rue La La- Nicole Miller, Summer Jewelry: Day-To-Night Style, zak! Designs, J.Lindeberg

Sunday August 1st, 2010

Beyond The Rack- Designer Watch Event, N.Y.L.A. Shoes, Guess, Rush Couture, Santa Barbara Outfitters, Garner Grace, Emerson
Gilt Groupe- Jewelry by Eddera, Nina Ricci and Christian Lacroix Scarves, Summer Steal: Tees and Tanks Under $40
GiltMan-DKNY & Kenneth Cole
Rue La La- Casadei, Jodi Arnold, Skullcandy, Sunday Night Styleathon-Starts at 8pm ET

©2010 Hot Beauty Health. All Rights Reserved.

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LINK LOVE:Fashion & Beauty Online Sample Sales Week of 7/29-8/1

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Given the abundance of finds in this weekend’s super-duper Red Sale, we couldn’t pick just one item–so we’re picking the ENTIRE sale as our Pick of the Day! Red Sale Events offer select merchandise from a variety of brands at some of our most privileged prices. These items were chosen because they prove both of-the-moment and decidedly timeless, so you can snap up true investment pieces without so much investment. Happy shopping! (But act quickly–things move faster than you can say “Score!”). Click here to check out today’s Red Sale.

LINK LOVE:Pick of the Day: Red Sale

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O: The Oprah Magazine hearts Core Bamboo’s vibrant bowls and servers for offering up a sweet treat (“Ethically made, these bowls and servers are just right for a fresh fruit salad”), but we think they’re just as ripe for all manner of summer entertaining. One of four O Magazine ideeli picks from the “Big Deals” August issue (p. 85 to be exact), these versatile, eco-friendly must-haves infuse a fresh breath of air into your serveware cache. It’s no surprise, as Core Bamboo has been offering up boldly-colored and functional pieces for the eco-aware consumer for 15 years (so you’ll also feel quite good about doing your part for the earth). Festive, functional, and fair-practicing: what’s not to love? Get it here!

LINK LOVE:Pick of the Day: Core Bamboo

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It’s always a stop-drop-and-read moment when the new O: The Oprah Magazine lands in our office, but this month we took special notice because there are no less than 4 mentions of ideeli! (Thanks, O gang!) The August “Big Deals Issue” covers everything from gourmet dining on a budget to navigating the Northeast’s biggest outlet mall, all through the mag’s patented filter of living your best life. We can’t think of a bigger compliment than to have four ideeli finds—from essential accessories to must-haves for your kitchen—chosen by the O team for this blockbuster issue.

Of course, we’ll be highlighting all of the ideeli “Big Deals” here on our site all month long. Here’s the scoop on the O-featured sales in the coming weeks:

This week: Reed Evins suede flat (page 98): July 13 – July 15
Furla Carmen shopper (page 84): July 19 – July 21
Core Bamboo flower bowl with servers (page 85): July 23 – July 25
Cuisinart 14-piece cutlery set (page 86): July 31 – August 2

To wrap it all up, we’ll be running an O Magazine sale extravaganza with all four of the items from The Big Deals issue, from August 8-10th. Check back then if you miss out on any of the individual sales along the way.

Reed Evins suede flat (p. 98)
The Evins family’s shoes have adorned everyone from Cher to British royals (and when your range encompasses “Believe” to Buckingham Palace, you get our unmitigated respect). We live for designer Reed Evins’ eminently modern shoes, which pair a vintage sensibility with innovative design (and a sumptuously comfortable lining, to boot). O says, “these artful suede flats are surprisingly versatile,” and we couldn’t agree more. Shop our sale today!
*Please note: This go-to flat is available for pre-fall order only, so you’ll be set to put your best foot forward when it’s delivered to you in October.

Furla Carmen shopper (p. 84)
Ahh, Carmen: a name that evokes visions of tempestuous beauty. Though our Carmen (as in Furla’s shopper tote) is just as gorgeous, she—thankfully—doesn’t meet the same fate as her famous operatic counterpart. Quite the opposite, she’s actually a life-saver, with her roomy compartments and beatific blush hue (not mention the other, classic shades she comes in). As O posits, “it’s hard to say what we like most about this Furla bag: its rose color, its magnetic snap closure, its interior zip and cell phone pockets, or its 58% off price.”

Core Bamboo flower bowl and servers (p. 85)
O hearts Core Bamboo’s flower bowl with servers for offering up a sweet treat (“Ethically made, these bowls and servers are just right for a fresh fruit salad”), but we think they’re just as ripe for all manner of summer entertaining. What say you?

Cuisinart 14-piece cutlery set (p. 86)
If ever there was a Rolls Royce of culinary accessories, is there any doubt it would be Cuisinart? From James Beard to Julia Child, every chef worth his or her salt has taken the venerable brand’s wares for a whirl around the proverbial chopping block. O agrees—especially about Cuisinart’s covetable 14-piece cutlery set: “With this knife set, bread is sliced, onions are diced, and the price is chopped in half.””

And—not as if we need to remind you—but if you haven’t laid your hands on it yet, buy O: The Oprah Magazine‘s August issue now. There are at least 100 other cool ideas in there that make us very, very happy to be in such esteemed company!

LINK LOVE:ideeli Featured in O: The Oprah Magazine

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LINK LOVE:Pick of the Day: Food Network

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Just wanted to let you all know that the ideeli blog covered the “For The Love Of Marc Jacobs” event held at The Gates.

Are you a member of ideeli.com yet? Join today, or tomorrow, or…well, you know what I mean.

Get a jump on Fall Fashions from Calvin Klein @ ideeli.com