VIP Garden Party

Stell McCartney herself x

A Trademark two-piece suit, Spring prints and a plush lawn greener than the envy of us sitting here at home and NOT at the Stella McCartney Resort 13 Garden Party. Pastel is a big theme for many a 12/13 collection, but what McCartney does so well is combine the classic silhouette with an unexpected and modern twist. (Read: Surprise animal print, textural fabrics, metallic accessories.)

The exclusive garden party was a wonderful English affair complete with a brass jazz band, a lemonade stand and carnival games.

Peppered with celebrities, the likes of Anne Hathaway, Jim Carey and Greta Gerwig enjoyed some croquet and finger food, while models in McCartney's enviable pieces blew bubbles and danced the day away.

Tooooo jealous!

Images from Harpers Bazaar

Oh Stella!

Have plucked the purest white and most luminescent looks from the Stella McCartney's Resort 13 look book.

Always so clean and feminine, this collection boasts an ethereal pastel and white pallet with a hint of pearlescent, and the occasional ray of sunlight. WANT: Silver pumps and the tri-toned Sweaters!

ECOMMERCE CHANGING RETAIL

As the online platform dominates most forms of social interaction and business, the rise in eCommerce, that is, the buying or selling of products over electronic systems, is altering the way in which consumers direct their money, forcing retailers to re-assess product marketing. 

The internet, inclusive of mobiles (mCommerce), has become house to the largest retail stores in the world. Think ASOS, Shop Bop, Topshop, the list is endless.

mCommerce is expected to reach $31 billion in revenue by 2015 (Mulpuru, 2011). If that isn't proof enough that retailers need to get online and on smart phones I don't know what is! There are a few different ways in which retailers can enhance the shopping experience.

A) Relationships and Experience

Shopper needs have not changed, but digital technology has opened up new ways to meet those needs. (Rumsey, 2012) This is altering relationships between the retailer and the consumer as eCommerce takes over traditional selling platforms. Originally, when the purchase ends, so does the conversation. New technology is helping the purchase be the start of conversations. 

The Net-a-porter Window Shop (2011) allowed customers to view the shops stock on a projector screen and, having downloaded the app on their phone, could scan the item and purchase online. The success of the event can be attributed to the ‘behavioural revolution.’ (Rumsey, 2012) This is the trend of the 24hr shopper, comfortable buying on the move but is also after experiential stores.

B) Emailing

Emailing has become a must in securing the return of, and new business to a retailer. The plethora of technology on-the-go means consumers turn to emails for quick doses of culture inc monthly updates, sales and trend forecasting. 

Personal subscription is fast becoming part of the zeitgeist modern retail. Customers join a club, complete a personal style survey and receive direct links to products that reflect their style choice that they can purchase for a flat rate, thus retaining customer loyalty. 

Beachmint (below) generated $38.5 million through subscription services in collaboration with celebrity designers across six different retail sectors. It is a breakthrough online platform offering a totally new way to shop and feel connected! Its all about your personal style and wants - and that's what you get when you sign up. (As well as the privilege of an A-lister hand picking your product)

                  

B) Social Platforms


Through the use of Facebook, Twitter and blogs, retailers can collate data directly from the customers who, through voting and comments, indicate favoured products. This data can be used by retailers to project future sales and predict supply and demand. ASOS regularly employs online competitions and encourages consumers to ‘like’ images to predict the products potential success. They also engage the ASOS follower through social media, offering them chances to win holidays, wardrobes and even jobs! This new way of engaging is not only beneficial to the shopper, but helps promote and further the growth of the company.

Beachchmint. 2011. http://www.beachmint.com/
Business of Fashion. 2012. E-Commerce week. The Rise of New Business Models. Accessed May, 20. http://www.businessoffashion.com/2012/01/e-commerce-week-the-rise-of-new-business-models.html
Mulpuru, S. 2011. Mobile Commerce Forecast 2011 to 2016. Accessed May 25. http://www.forrester.com/Mobile+Commerce+Forecast+2011+To+2016/fulltext/-/E-RES58616?objectid=RES58616
Net-a-Porter. 2012. The Window Shop. Accessed May 25. http://www.net-a-porter.com/Content/fno
Rumsey, Angela. 2012. Shopper Marketing: Digital Revolution. Accessed 26 May. http://www.wgsn.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/content/report/Marketing/Communication_Strategy/2012/May/shopper_marketing.html

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Winter Approaches

After spending three glorious weeks in California, experiencing all sorts of weather and loving every second of it, I am, for the first time in recollection, excited about the prospect of this looming Winter!

Ha, never thought I would hear myself say this - I know once the deep freeze rolls around i'll be winging and wining, but I promise to attempt to distract myself with glorious fur, sky-high ankle boots and winter goodies from work. 

Oh and I threw in a Rosie cause lets face it, she is impeccable. 

xx

On the streets of San Francisco

Currently enjoying a larger-than-life adventure, halfway across the globe in amazingly diverse and insanely beautiful California.  True - I am struggling through single digit degrees, though the one bonus that coincides with this frosty weather is the potential for effortless layering. This always takes style to another degree of epic.

Spotted this blonde beauty in eye catching, ASOS floral crop pants, an double breasted coat and loafers. The mix of feminine prints with the androgynous coat and shoes is a juxtaposition made in heaven. (SanFran)

The sunnies and tote bag take this trendy outfit to a street-appropriate level. She looks as cool as I feel!