Not hard to believe ... it's L.L. Bean, according to the Customers’ Choice survey by the National Retail Federation Foundation/American Express. The survey was conducted by BIGresearch.

No. 2 was Overstock.com. No. 3 was Zappos.com. No. 4, Amazon.com. And taking No. 5 was Lands' End.

J.C. Penney made a big leap this year, taking the No. 7 spot, up five spots from last year. And Nordstrom was No. 10.

"Retailers this past year had the extra challenge of offering their customers great service amidst turbulent economic conditions," said NRF Foundation Vice President Kathy Mance. "Any company who secured a spot on the list this year should be commended for stellar customer service and continued level of excellence.” 

Check out the NRF site to see if your favorite retailer was picked for its customer service.

A local boutique has made it easier to shop for the dress, the shoes and the jewelry all at the same place.

Scout & Molly's and Walk at North Hills have a great deal going on now through Valentine's Day. Buy your entire outfit — either a dress, shoes and accessory OR a top, bottom, shoes and accessory — and you get 15 percent off the entire purchase.

Accessories include handbags, jewelry, scarves or undergarments.

Kathryn Finney doesn't hold back in her predictions for 2009. She tells what retailers she thinks won't last the year, what stores will get more of our money, the kind of clothes we'll want to buy and what designers will come out with new lower-priced lines aimed at mass markets. Read more for her predictions ...  

Martin & Mary's in Cary is having a double-whammy of a winter sale. First, go to the sales rack, which has designer sweaters, jackets, pants and tops marked 30 percent to 80 percent off. Or buy pieces that are full price that total $100 or more and you'll get $25 off.

Not a bad deal, considering some of the stuff that's on sale includes Betsey Johnson dresses (one for $59!), a BCBG cardigan ($117) and a blazer from Badgley Mischka ($173).

If you want a sneak peek at what's in the store, go to www.martinandmarys.com.

The store is at the corner of High House Road and Davis Drive at Stone Creek Village.

The coldest weather of season is coming this week, but don't let that stop you from thinking about what's ahead for spring.

At Gena Chandler at North Hills, that means new maxi dresses from Lauren Conrad, handbags from Valentino, swimwear by Juicy, shoes by Michael Kors and other pieces from designers such as Diane von Furstenberg, Catherine Malandrino, Rebecca Taylor, Yaya and Rachel Pally.

Got a friend who's pregnant? Let her know about the 25 percent to 75 percent off sale at Cravings, the maternity boutique in North Hills. Look for deals on pjs from Olian or Bellabumbum, wrap dresses from Notice and T-shirts from Three Dots.

The sale also includes OiOi and Storksak diaper bags and holiday tees from Michael Stars.

Hurry! The good stuff goes fast.

And it's a biggie. They've take even more mark downs, with accessories, dresses, skirts, pants, tops and outerwear now up to 80 percent off.

If you love Christopher Blue jeans or corduroys, find them now for $40.

There's also a rack of clothes marked down to $25.
 
The sale starts today.

C.T. Weekends has stores in Glenwood Village and Triangle Town Center.

Women's Wear Daily is reporting today that Tracy Feith, known for his seasonless resort-wear look, will be the 15th guest designer for its Go International program.

Don't know Feith? No worries. He's become sort of a cult fave in recent years in sun and surf circles, especially among the Hamptons and winter resort crowds. He's known for sexy and fun pieces made from mixing fabrics, such as lace, corduroy and velveteen. His biggest crowd pleaser seems to be the printed sundress.

“I was pleased when I was approached to do (the collection),” Feith told WWD. “The distribution is exciting, to have so many people exposed to the line. Certainly some people will know my name and others won’t."

Look for the collection, which should include about 60 styles and 15 original prints, in stores just in time for summertime fashion — May 17 through June 27.

Have you heard the rumors about Talbots closing its doors?

Well, they simply aren't true, says Talbots CEO Trudy Sullivan in a recent article in the Boston Globe.

Yes, the company is going through tough times (what retailer isn't?). But she's been working hard in recent months to turn around the business, according to the story. And one of the biggest changes, which you might have already noticed, is the clothes, moving away from dowdy, matronly cuts to more modern looks that still feel like classics.

(Honestly, the last time I was in the store, there was so much to pick over in the clearance area that I hardly bothered to see if the fall selection was improved. It might be worth another trip to see Sullivan's vision.)

Don't like what you see in the catalog? The company wants to hear from you. Apparently, Sullivan includes her e-mail address in every catalog, all part of a plan to encourage customer feedback.

Oh, there's plenty to look forward to in 2009 when it comes to fashion. Here's a two-word hint about the best part: Michelle Obama.

The stylish future first lady tops the list, but find out what else will keep us guessing and interested in 2009.