Tech Review: Stylish apps help you pick what to wear

Some of the best fashion apps are surprisingly not from the most fabulous brands. It's those stylish apps that bring a unique experience or special function to your smartphone that should earn the coveted space on your home screen. Here are five suggested downloads:

Catalog Spree

(iOS; free)

Macy's, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, oh my! Get all your favorite store catalogs in one handy app. You can also use Catalog Spree to unsubscribe from paper catalogs via Paper Karma. Use the app to shop virtually for some sexy new shoes or whatever you fancy, and help save some trees at the same time. Plus, you get first access to catalogs and exclusive deals.

Snapette

(iOS, Android; free)

While you're out shopping, snap a photo of your fashion finds with Snapette. Fashionistas who just can't get enough of shopping will love bringing this innovative app along on their next trend-hunting experience. Use it to tap into exclusive discounts from your favorite retailers and locate some of the world's top boutiques.

Wanelo Shopping

(iOS, Android; free)

Dubbing itself "the best in shopping entertainment," Wanelo is an online hub for stylish socialites. As it applies to fashion, community members post their latest purchases with a price tag, and the store, and others, can comment. Wanelo aims to showcase both independent stores and well-known brands. The layout is nothing short of gorgeous, using a tiled design that draws the eye to sassy tops, dresses and accessories that you can combine to make stunning ensembles.

Pickn'Tell

(iOS, Android; free)

Are you one of those people who won't buy an item of clothing without feedback from a family member or your best friend? Then Pickn'Tell is definitely for you. Basically, you take a selfie picture in the dressing room or store and post it to the app. This shares your photo with all of your friends so they can give you feedback on whether to buy it or not. You can even gain points and earn prizes.

Swirl -- Your Personal

Shopping Assistant

(iOS; free)

Unlock exclusive offers with Swirl simply by walking into your favorite store. This app does more than just help you virtually shop; it modernizes the way you do your old-fashioned shopping at the "brick-and-mortar" store spaces of the retailers you love. Swirl is your personal shopping assistant for more than 200 retailers, from Aldo to Zara.

From Appolicious.com, Tribune Media Services

TECH BYTES

NO FORWARDING ADDRESS

Don't want your online life to outlive you? Google's new Inactive Account Manager (bit.ly/google-inactive) can help. The feature cancels your Google accounts and erases all data after a period of inactivity, depending on parameters you set up. Inactive Account Manager covers only Google-owned services such as Gmail, Picasa, YouTube and Google Docs. Your regrettable tweets and embarrassing Facebook photos may still live on forever. -- Peter King

ARBOR DAY GIFT GUIDE

There are 249 shopping days until Christmas, but if there's anyone on your Arbor Day gift list, you have until Friday. One idea: Bamboo computer peripherals. ImpeccaUSA sells a variety of accessories hand-carved from the sustainable and eco-friendly wood (bit.ly/bamboo-keyboards). Among the choices are keyboards ($69.95) and mice ($29.95). Also available is a bamboo calculator ($29.95). -- Peter King

GEN XERS' DIGITAL DIVIDE

The generation born as the digital age began is just as likely to connect with friends and family online as in person. A University of Michigan study found that Gen Xers -- adults typically in their 30s today -- engage in 75 face-to-face conversations a month compared with 74 online conversations using social media. On average, men had about 20 more face-to-face contacts per month than women. -- Peter King