Just because they’re fashion-forward doesn’t mean they’re not tech savvy, too. Fashion retailers and designers have developed a slew of fashion apps to help you shop, promote their brand, and view their latest styles. Here are five frequently downloaded iPhone fashion apps. Read on to see if they’re worth the screen space:
Style.com: Straight from the fashion Bible of the internet. View the runway shows from every major designer, read about the latest parties, check up on men’s fashion, read the Style File Blog, and even watch videos from recent shows. The verdict: This is the ultimate in fashion apps. It is as convenient and all-encompassing as the website, at the convenience of your photo-flicking fingertips. It really does include any major designer you could think of. And, it’s free!
MakeUp: The market for beauty apps is still relatively small, but this app is creating a trend. Upload a photo of yourself from your iPhone, then choose from a selection of colors to start building your makeup look. The app mimics the “instant makeover” programs from the internet. The verdict: Just like those makeover programs, this app can‘t give you the same results as actually trying on different looks. The results are not realistic, so don’t rely on this app if you’re trying to see if smoky eyes look good on you. It is, however, a fun pastime that to play with when Bejeweled gets old.
Chanel: If viewing Karl Lagerfeld’s latest creations on the Style.com app aren’t enough for you, you need the Chanel app. The runway shows are available in their entirety, and if you turn your iPhone 90 degrees you can also see detailed close-ups. Also available: Chanel news and a store locator. The verdict: There are so many Chanel addicts out there (myself included), that I can see how this is one of the top-downloaded fashion apps. The detailed views of the runway looks really do gain points over the Style.com viewings of the Chanel collection.
Fashion Sense: This app provides a Tim Gunn approach to fashion. Once you’ve picked your body type– pear, hourglass, “V.” or apple– you’re shown nine closet essentials including a jacket, formal dress, and jeans. It also includes further tips for dressing for your body type. The verdict: The guidelines of this app are so basic that you‘ve probably heard them before. I don’t see this app being useful to the fashion-minded; rather, it is a tool for style beginners or for those looking for a refresher course.
RedLaser: You’re Christmas shopping and you see a cashmere sweater you absolutely love… and absolutely cannot afford right now. Use this app to take a picture of the bar code. The program will find the product online at a variety of prices, helping you get what you want at a more affordable price. The verdict: Because the app relies on bar codes, it is less reliable for fashion than it is for, say, your groceries. But if you’re shopping at a big retailer that uses bar codes, RedLaser can be a time saver.
–Marisa
