Virtual Machine - The Shopping Mirror

*The Innovative Monster: BlacBlouse*

January 2011

What are your thoughts on virtual shopping, at home...using your very own personalized floor length mirror? 

The Buzz: Virtual mirrors: view your image, in the mirror 'wearing' clothes as if you were actually trying them on.  There are folks in the scientific world predicting this very thing to become a reality in the next two or three years.

The BlacBlouse Spin: This mirror would have the ability to scan your body's dimensions -- enabling the device to search for and suggest apparel best suited for YOUR body type. The mirror would also have the capability of suggesting colors that work well with your skin tone.  The personalization feature would also include saving the websites of your favorite clothing stores, designers, and boutiques -- shoes and accessories included.  The mirror: touchscreen -- giving you the ability to purchase items and have it shipped to your mailing address. So, how about it - would you want your very own virtual shopping mirror?  Is this a good idea or is it just plain creepy?

Globally yours,

BlacBlouse

I Smell Something...Winners of The 2010 FiFi Awards!

Image: The Fragrance Foundation

The Fragrance Foundation Recognition Awards has become the symbol of excellence around the world -- each year, the foundation celebrates the FiFi awards; the 'Oscars' of the fragrance world. Members of The Fragrance Foundation in addition to trade press vote on an initial ballot. The results of the voting determine the TOP FIVE Men’s and TOP FIVE Women’s 2009 Fragrance introductions in each of the following distribution categories:  Luxe, Nouveau Niche, Popular Appeal, Private Label/Direct Sell -- and, a new category introduced this year: Unique Boutique. The description of each category are as follows: 

• Luxe - Fragrances sold in specialty and/or department stores.
• Nouveau Niche - Fragrances sold in specialty stores.
• Unique Boutique - Fragrances sold in boutique and specialty stores: category combines men, women, and unisex fragrance finalist.
• Popular Appeal - Fragrances sold in drug and chain stores.
• Private Label/Direct Sell

Now, let's get down to business...

Introducing the WINNERS of the 2010 FiFi Awards:

Women’s Luxe

Lola Marc Jacobs -- Coty Prestige

Men’s Luxe

Tom Ford Grey Vetiver -- The Estee Lauder Companies

Women’s Popular Appeal

Halle by Halle Berry -- Coty

Men’s Popular Appeal

Seduction in Black, Antonio Banderas -- Puig USA, Inc.

Women’s Nouveau Niche

Bond No. 9 Astor Place -- Bond No. 9 New York

 

Men’s Nouveau Niche

Bond No. 9 Brooklyn -- Bond No. 9 New York

Women’s Private Label/Direct Sell

Love Rocks -- Victoria's Secret

Men’s Private Label/Direct Sell

Patrick Dempsey 2 -- Avon Products, Inc.

The Affordable Chronicles: High End Fragrances

Purchasing Eau De Parfum travel size versions of high end fragrances are a perfect alternative for perfum lovers on a budget. These smaller versions are typically called Travel Purse Sprays, Roll-Ons, Rollerballs, or Portable Fragrances. They range in size from 0.20 to 0.68 ounces. Price can range from $18 to $70, depending on the brand and quantity. Some manufactures sell their travel size versions in pairs or more -- not a necessary purchase if you're trying to budget. Remember, when it comes to good fragrances a little goes a long way -- which makes these travel size versions perfect! [LLIS]

Fracas Eau de Parfum Roll-On 0.25 oz / $25

Where can you find your favorite fragrance in a travel size version? Try these places:

• Sephora
• Neiman Marcus
• Nordstrom

Parfum: Highest concentration (may contain 22-30 percent oils, high grade alcohol, and a slight amount of water). Most fragrant scent -- the most expensive.

Eau De Parfum: Solution composed of 15-18 percent of essential oils with a slightly weaker alcohol and water content.

xo,
BB

Simple Stop Shop: Simply Vera Vera Wang

Stopped by Kohl's the other day. The mission: stock up on camis for the youngster. Alas, in true form I deviate from the cami ONLY mission to peep out the Simply Vera collection exclusively sold at Kohl's.  My first thought of the collection....decent (I'm on a 'try not to be negative' kick). Then I come across a row of jackets - a simple light weight cropped jacket with raglan sleeves caught my eye. The silhouette: trendy. The color: taupe. The price: feasible. My friends, I love accessorizing simple and casual clothing. I had to try it on. I envisioned so many ways to accessorize this simple jacket it's not even funny. So, I did the next best thing. I grabbed it and took it on a journey to the register -- along with a pile of camis in hand. Mission accomplished.

Long Live Individual Style™

Thought Bubble: Shopping

In my world, shopping is serious business. I'm always on the look out for deals or ways to save money.  In fact, a successful shopping experience for me is to spend less than I anticipate spending.  I don't look for brands or labels. I look for quality, style, and fit.

It does not matter what store I purchase an item -- if I like it, I like it (as long as the price is right).  I have never been the type of individual who gets into what someone is wearing, how much they paid, or where they purchased their clothes.  What works for me, may not work for someone else -- vice versa. I shop at various stores around town or online. Whatever suits my fancy...and pockets. Long Live Individual Style™



xo,
BB

Grocery Store Adventures: Kroger

The spouse and I stopped by the local grocery store this morning -- this grocery store always amazes me. The layout is very sophisticated. They even have a professional chef working in the market place. Imagine that...