E-tailers Decorate for the Holidays

Posted on by Ashley Laurel

eMarketer predicts that holiday e-commerce spending will hit $38.5 billion this season, so I decided to look at how e-tailers have decorated for Christmas so far. Amidst a sea of sites lacking in holiday cheer (and some creativity), I did manage to find some pretty cool designs: 

Ann Taylor: I just love how chic this page looks.

Barney’s New York: Ok, to me this shoe represents the holidays! (Maybe it’s because back in college I once made Christmas cards with shoes on them…).

BCBG Max Azria: Though the page took a few moments to load, at least the wait was pleasant. Instead of the usual timer, time ticked by as presents stacked in a pile until a holiday gift catalog appeared. *(Note to friends and family: just about everything shown is on this year’s wish list).

Bloomingdales: This page is full of vibrant colors and activity. Roll over an ornament and it will shake. Roll over a gift box and the present opens to reveal images of gifts mixed with colorful sequins.


Saks 5th Avenue: The bouncing glass ornament immediately appears when you go to the site and links to a holiday video called “The Snowflake and the Bubble”.

A few screenshots of the video:

Marc Jacobs: This page is very welcoming. Two of the windows show fashion show videos and an employee comes out of the storefront to greet you. I like the additions of Christmas trees and snow to the usual storefront website design that was launched in September. More on the new website design here.

Have you found any favorites of your own?

Four Style Blogs I’m Addicted To

Posted on by Ashley Laurel

I have to say that getting a brand new Vogue magazine each month is something I’ve looked forward to every since I started becoming a collector about nine years ago. But between each publication? Among reading other fashion magazines, I usually turn to the web to get my fix of up to the minute style inspiration.

Here are the style blogs that keep me going:

LOOKBOOK.nu
The number one style blog I’ve been reading lately is LOOKBOOK.nu. This blog is my current favorite because it shows the types of clothes that I enjoy both looking at, and purchasing myself. I like the romantic laces and really amazing shoes. It’s also nice to see where others are shopping, and this site definitely shows off mixes of high end and low end finds. Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of H&M on the site, including my particular HM favorite, but unfortunately when I go to H&M the quality of some of the clothing isn’t as nice as the style.

One of my favorite style stars of the site posts outfits with a little illustration off to one side. This makes her stand out more than the some of the others who just post pictures, and all with a similar attitude (some trying way too hard).

Punky Style
Punky Style is a vintage style blog I started reading a few years ago during grad school in Boston (hey, procrastination is a big part of school). I had been searching for unique style blogs around Massachusetts and Punky Style was one of the first blogs that caught my attention, and the only one that I still read religiously. Though I can’t pull off half (ok, ok, more like 80%) of the looks Punky (Amy Chase) pulls off, it’s inspiring to see someone so daring in their personal style.

Perhaps even more so, it’s inspiring to watch a style blogger starting to emerge as a well known entrepreneur. Through both Haberdash Vintage (a vintage store on wheels) and the Swapaholics (please help me convince her to come to San Francisco and host a swap), Punky has been making quite a name for herself in the vintage shopping community.

Cupcakes and Cashmere
I don’t remember how I quite found this blog, but I’m going to guess somehow Twitter was involved. Anyway, this blog is simply adorable. Not only does Emily cover her personal style, but she often blogs about other things like how-tos, recipes, and home improvement; perfect for the modern girl. I like her approach to her style descriptions, and the easy way she has her past photos organized on her site for quick reference (at least to the month).



College Fashionista
Ok, wish I had this blog when I was in college! College Fashionista is the go- to spot on the web to see what college students across the the United States. Amy, the site’s founder, created the blog back in 2008 while attending Indiana University. Now the site covers more than 70 colleges/universities. Not only is it fun to see what’s hip on campuses these days, I like reading about student fashion shows, and ok, it doesn’t hurt to see my younger sister’s style findings published!

So there you have it. The top four style blogs I read and how I get some of my inspiration. What are your style blog favorites?

Three Digital Ways I’m "Attending" NY Fashion Week

Posted on by Ashley Laurel

First of all, happy NY Fashion Week!!

Couldn’t be in NYC this season for Fashion Week, so I found a few ways to keep up with the excitement from California.

Last fall I mentioned Inside the Tents, part of the Style Coalition website. Currently, there are 65 bloggers contributing to the site. Collectively they’re covering the week based on their thoughts on the shows they’re attending, as well as how they’re selecting their outfits for each event. This site also cuts out the Twitter clutter and shows a live stream of only the accounts of the bloggers involved in Fashion Week. This might be helpful to some people, but I already know which blogs are my favorite to read.

One particular blog that I like so far, from another place on the web, is Daily Front Row’s Chic Report (maybe in part because it lists FNO’s must have accessory as the iPhone app Lustr). I also like that this blog is featuring interviews.

Tonight I excitedly logged into First Comes Fashion, a site that is live streaming select shows (rumor is, about 30), to view Richie Rich’s show, which I’m excited to say featured designs by my friend Amanda Curtis. I may get up early to watch BCBG Max Azria show live as well (7 am here!), but who knows because I want to rest up for Fashion’s Night Out in San Francisco.

Well, so far so good, but there’s tons more to come throughout the week.  All I have to say is thank God for technology and ask how are you keeping up with the madness?

Polyvore Introduces The Mini Editor… and a Chance to Win $1,000!

Posted on by Ashley Laurel

Polyvore, a social shopping site for digital collage enthusiasts, just introduced The Mini Editor. If we haven’t met, you probably haven’t heard me talk about this site yet, so first, let me explain what it is. Based in Mountain View, California, Polyvore is a “virtual styling” website that claims to have over 6 million users who’ve created more than 20 million fashion sets (and I believe it!). Every time I log in, I see the top trending sets others have made, works that my contacts have created, and new items from brands of all price points (from Target to Ralph Lauren).

So now, what’s The Mini Editor? It’s a new tool that Polyvore just introduced, that lets you create sets right here on my blog using some of my favorite items.


Even cooler? You have a chance to win $1,000 towards your fall wardrobe (thanks, Visa!) by entering the Fall Wardrobe Styling Challenge. Just create a set on here and you’re entered. Here are the official rules about how we’ll help each other out.


http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/embed?font_family=Arial%2C%20Helvetica%2C%20sans-serif&font_size=12&lid=582359&link_color=%230088CC&oid=942103&sig=75683445d60f1468b72d0852544b9153&size=536×570&title=The%20Mini%20Editor&uuid=3CLrWSGv3xGP9uKAdrrQYQ
Powered by Polyvore

ModCloth: A Very Social Indie E-Retailer

Posted on by Ashley Laurel

If you haven’t heard of ModCloth yet, know this, they’re one of a kind!

Why? Well, not only does the e-retail site feature both vintage and vintage inspired (aka indie) clothing, shoes, accessories and apartment finds, don’t forget to check out the blog before leaving. More than 20 fashion bloggers contribute to the ModCloth blog, discussing everything from ModCloth news to ModMusic. I also like how a new blogger of the moment is featured seemingly every few days, which includes an interview about his/her style and personality.

In addition to incorporating outside style bloggers, this company is very social. Already, I’ve seen ModCloth on Facebook, Kaboodle, MySpace, Twitter, and (personal favorite) Polyvore. On each of these sites, ModCloth brings something unique to the table. For example, right now there are a few weekly Twitter contests, including the Thursday “I Spy” game. This game is especially smart because it gets followers to not only check out the website for the right answer, but also engage with the brand in a creative way.

But want to really engage fans of your brand? Throw a party.

Earlier this week, ModCloth took the social offline as well, with their “Behind the Scenes” party to celebrate their move to San Francisco. Between meeting a good amount of the ModCloth staff, including Chief Creative Officer, Co-Founder Susan Gregg Koger (she’s on the right), and enjoying a fun atmosphere complete with a great DJ and open bar, I had a blast!

 

True to ModCloth style, there were also two contests at the event. One, called “Be the Buyer”, let party goers choose from the six garments to pick or skip. The piece with enough votes, will be produced and sold exclusively on ModCloth.com.

 

The second contest, called “Name It and Win It” invited us to choose the final name of this dress. In the first round, ModCloth customers were asked (by way of blog) to name the dress. After hundreds of suggested names were sorted through, the favorite four were selected my the team for us to choose from.

The last contest, well more of a dance off really, happened later in the evening after the drinks kicked in. Let’s just say, Michael Jackson was involved, and no, there aren’t any pictures.

Anyway, this is one company to watch. I’m curious to see just how the company will use its new funding of $19.8 million.  In the meantime, welcome to San Francisco, ModCloth!

*Click here for the rest of my pictures from the event!

Haute Couture in 3D: Gaultier Brings Technology to the Runway

Posted on by Ashley Laurel

You’d think seeing a live haute couture show would breathtaking enough, but how about one in 3D? Just recently, in Paris, one designer offered his audience a very unique collection, with just a touch of technology.

On the first day of Paris Fashion Week, Jean-Peaul Galtier’s Moroccan themed show of his 2011 Spring/Summer men’s collection had a very special twist- futurism. Not only did his models where the silly 3D glasses that I haven’t worn since I went to see Avatar (ok, only like four months ago), show invitations included 3D glasses so attendees could enjoy a very special fashion show experience.

How’s that for cool?

My Introduction to Christian Siriano’s Closet

Posted on by Ashley Laurel

For all the complaining I’ve been doing about Facebook lately, I was pretty excited when this targeted ad showed up alongside my Facebook news feed a few days ago (was it my Project Runway mention in my profile perhaps?)!

It’s my all time favorite ad so far because a) I love Christian and b) I love Bluefly.com’s “Closet Confessions” idea. The social shopping site, founded in 1988, sponsored Project Runway, so it’s only fair that the designers pay their respects.

Bluefly’s confession series also highlights other big names, but I’m sticking with Siriano as my favorite for now. Check out Siriano’s closet here. Though I’m not so sure about Siriano’s “gold moment”,  I can forgive, and it was pretty fun to learn more about his personal style.

Now, if only I could get my hands on an outfit from his first collection…

Ann Taylor’s Foray into Social Media

Posted on by Ashley Laurel
There was a point in my life when I never thought I’d shop at Ann Taylor, yet ever since Ann Taylor’s head designer came on board, my praise of the brand has grown. While the designs are finally completely in line with my aesthetic (thank you, Lisa Axelson), the brand’s social media strategy has been pretty great lately as well.

First, I noticed a contest on Polyvore (a social shopping and digital scrapbooking site). After 2,008 entries, five winners were chosen to receive $200 gift cards and have their sets featured on Facebook. Unfortunately, I didn’t win, but I was pleased to get a response on Twitter after I promoted my set.

After I heard directly from the brand, I checked out their Facebook page and was impressed to see a very well put together landing page called “AT Insider”.  The page includes a link to work chic styles, with a mention of their wear-to-work wardrobe contest, also sponsored by InStyle. Also on the page is a lookbook, the brand’s Twitter feed, and the five winning looks from the Polyvore contest you can choose your summer style from- in case you were wondering, I like the “Refined Chic” outfit the best. You can additionally see how other fans are wearing the brand, or show off your unique twist on Ann Taylor looks. My favorite part of the page is definitely seeing how other Ann Taylor fans are wearing their purchases.

Two things to improve upon:
*No evident organization/schedule to the Facebook or Twitter posts
*No link to the official Twitter account from the website

And now,  two of the looks on my list of must-haves for this season:

Technology on the Runway: A Look Back at the Technology of Project Runway Season 7

Posted on by Ashley Laurel

Tonight marks the end end of Project Runway, Season 7. From Anthony’s charm to Emilio’s ego to Mila and Jay’s ongoing spat, I have to say this was a fun season to watch. But it wouldn’t have been the same without the stylish tech tools used throughout the season.

Like every other season, Tim Gunn continued to encourage this season’s designers to “use the Bluefly wall thoughtfully”. For anyone who’s not a Project Runway fan or social shopper out there, Bluefly.com is a top fashion and lifestyle e-commerce sites where shoppers can find luxury goods (think L.A.M.B., Prada and Zac Posen) at discounted prices. This season, like the others, the Bluefly wall served as the one stop shopping location for any accessories that the designers didn’t make themselves.

But the show’s technology went further than the usual collaboration with Bluefly and a fun Twitter account to follow: (@ProjectRunway, an account with more than 20,000 followers).

As announced back in January, the real showstopper of the season was the integration of Hewlett-Packard and Intel technology. Throughout this season of Project Runway, designers didn’t merely sketch on paper, they were instead each given an HP Touchsmart tm2 tablet PC to sketch on with digital pens.

And, for the first time in Project Runway history, contestants were given the opportunity to create garments based on patterns they’d created using HP TouchSmart PCs and Intel Core 2 Duo processors. Patterns were created using screens that read pinches, rotations, flips and drags by just the touch of a finger. Vivienne Tam (basically the fashion spokesperson for HP) even stopped by. But, as Jonathan proved, a smart color palette still counts, no matter how high tech fashion may get.

Fans could even get involved with the tech hype by entering the season’s HP Envy 15 contest by predicting the top three finalists of season 7.

Well congratulations to Seth Aaron (my favorite!) for winning Project Runway and a $50,000 prize package from Intel and HP!

For more details about the technology featured this season, buy skins based off of the designers’ work throughout the season, visit ProjectRunway.com/hp. And if you haven’t already, don’t forget to check out Tim Gunn’s blog. Project Runway may have just helped the a lot of the world realize how important technology will be to fashion in the future, but it’d never be the same without the show’s fashionable wordsmith and mentor.

Project Runway, if you really want to get tech-friendly, I hope you bring back more wearable tech artists, like Diana Eng, in the future! Now that would be fashion meeting technology.

HP’s "Let’s Do Amazing" Campaign Taps Famed Photographer Annie Leibovitz

Posted on by Ashley Laurel

If you haven’t been on Hewlett-Packard’s Facebook page or viewed their YouTube channel recently, then you may not have caught the latest addition to their unaired “Let’s Do Amazing” campaign. On March 11th, the campaign began, as Rhys Darby of Flight of the Concords began his quest for amazing ways people are using HP products around the world.

The newest video features famed photographer (and photographer of my all-time favorite Vogue spread: Alice in Wonderland) Annie Leibovitz, using HP’s DreamColor printer.

So how did the portrait photographer end up in a printer ad? Some say financial issues, but I’m not judging. I just like that the is something a little different, and those from the fashion world get to enjoy seeing Annie in front of the camera lens for a change.

Dr. Dre and UPS also make appearances.

As far as the strength of the overall campaign? You tell me.