How is social media changing our shopping habits?

This week I read a brilliant article on the Nylon Magazine website about how social media is changing our shopping habits. Today's millennial's are not choosing to shop direct from brands and stores instead they're picking up on-trend, new and used items from their favourite Instagram influencers. By the means of marketplace app Depop. 

Nylon explain how it all works “The app’s users follow each other, message each other, and “like” each other’s items for sale in a feed not unlike Instagram’s layout. And, of course, like Instagram, the most influential users—from bloggers and vloggers to celebrities—are the ones racking in hundreds of thousands of likes, as well as sales”.

I was a member of Depop for a short while approximately a year ago, but it wasn't for me. I'm not really an eBay shopper either and to be honest online shopping has always proven difficult.

Depop has 5.5 million users and is an innovative way of selling. Social media is constantly influencing what we wear, either through style inspiration from those we follow or via the advertisements that have slowly appeared on our feed over the last year. 

However, there is pro’s and cons to this new shopping movement. Would buying pre owned goods from our Instagram influencers cost us our individual style? or does it promote re-selling second hand clothes instead of buying new ones? and what impacts might this have on retailers? 

I personally enjoy gaining style inspiration from those I follow on Instagram but I’m not on board with shopping that individual closets. Nylon explain this as “owning a part of their personal brand”, but I also think this means you are owning their individual style whether this be from an up-and-coming fashion brand or a piece of rare vintage. Fashion is about personalising your style and expressing who you are. Buying clothes from our Instagram followers could cause the younger generation to become clones of one another and imitate their style without finding their own. 

I do however think it is important to reuse our second hand clothes and not just dispose of them and this is something Depop promotes. The fast fashion movement of ‘buy in bulk’ is having lasting impacts on the environment and changes need to be made. The younger generation are enjoying shopping from their favourite bloggers and vloggers and this is without a doubt going to impact on high street retailers and brands.

Founder of Depop Simon Beckerman says “I see the future of retail being much more about connecting people together, rather than brands and companies.” From now on retailers will have to find new ways of engaging with customers to ensure sales remain positive. This may be done with brand-sponsored Instagram and Twitter content which builds synchronicity between retailers and social media.

Technology is constantly changing and this is forcing brands and retailers to evolve, if not they might find themselves falling behind in the fashion race. 

Nylon Article http://www.nylon.com/articles/simon-beckerman-depop-interview

Ph Credit aboutfitsdotcom.wordpress.com via Pinterest

All talks of M&S

Image Source | theguardian.com

Is an advertising campaign featuring familiar faces for women of all ages the way forward for M&S?

Marks and Spencer have recently launched their new Leading Ladies campaign and theirs some new faces including Rita Ora, Annie Lennox and Emma Thomson to name a few. Yes I said Rita Ora! Someone you wouldn't normally associate with M&S. She's rather hot property at the moment but I wouldn't say shes brand appropriate, however it could have a positive impact on the retail brand. Their target audience is women aged 30 and over, so I'm guessing Ora could bring M&S that much needed younger customer. All these ladies are successful within their own right and could be empowering to young women around the UK.

"Our spring/summer campaign is a celebration of style and accomplishment," said Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne, M&S executive director of marketing and business development. "These dynamic leading ladies represent the unique and diverse women of a modern Britain. They are united in their extraordinary achievements but confident in their differences. Marks & Spencer is a democratic brand that is relevant to women of all ages and strands of life; it is therefore natural for M&S to celebrate women in this way. M&S is extremely proud to have convened such an extraordinary group of exceptional women; this campaign is the embodiment of true British style, quality, diversity and success." (vogue.co.uk, 2014)

M&S do have a lot to offer a younger consumer, including great Limited Edition and Autograph collections plus the Rosie Huntington Whitley underwear range. 

I myself happen to like M&S (mainly for the Limited Edition collections), but in recent years the collections have become disappointing. But after a recent visit to the Leeds store I saw what could be their best collection yet. The S|S 14 collection showed beautiful silhouettes in bright colours and prints, accessorized with statement shoes and  jewellery.

My sister recently purchased the most beautiful handbag from the Autograph collection. It's a simple yet classic piece but with added details. It has beautiful black leather and a strap that can be lengthened and shortened depending on what style you are keeping that day.  I loved it so much I had to take a few photographs with my camera. 

P.S The lovely Rachel Khoo from The Little Paris Kitchen also stars in the Leading Ladies campaign. Rachel cooks for diners in her tiny Parisian apartment, take a peak at what could be the cutest cooking programme ever here.

In a tortoise shell

Sunglasses | Claire's Accessories 

As sunglasses go tortoise shell seems like the best way forward. I've owned one too many pairs of sunglasses which have evidently been broken or lost. Their departure has been either under my foot or from my head whilst dancing excitedly at Leeds Fest. Anyway less of the tangent chat, these are most definitely going to stay safe in a hard case. It took a while to find the right pair,  I knew I wanted tortoise shell, less harsh on the pale skin tone.....but what shape? Square, round? After much consideration a decision was made. After all I knew they would go with most wardrobe items (something I always have in mind when purchasing any sartorial item) and the rest is history.

Shape, Texture and Print

Image Source |  www.whistles.co.uk

Whistles SS14 Look Book 

 Whistles, known for its clean lines, classic shapes and one off inspirational pieces is a brand I have always loved. 

When I was given the opportunity to create a 'mini range' for a university assignment I had to choose Whistles. Whilst researching my chosen brand I found these amazing SS14 Look Book pictures and had to share them with you. 

These designs are true to the Whistles brand. Three words come to mind, shape, texture and print. 

Pastel colours are seen throughout the look book with clean lines, luxurious fabrics, unique prints and feminine silhouettes. I love the 90's vibe the collection gives off, especially the camisole dresses and metallic backpacks. 

I'm about to say something I never thought I would say (due to the fact that I love Winter so much) but I'm so excited for summer!