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Fashion algorithms

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

We've talked some about Stitch Fix before. I tried them and wasn't super impressed, but I think that was because I already had an idea of what I like, what suits me, etc. Here's an interesting article about online styling and shopping. <http://www.buzzfeed.com/annehe.....5e>

Shopping

14 replies

Latest reply was from Laura (rhubarbgirl)

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

That's a really well-written article. I do think all the subscription services, whether they're rental, try/buy, or some combination, fit a niche that is ill-served for a lot of women, particularly in more rural areas.

deb

Veteran

Very interesting article. Thanks for sharing.

Thistle

Veteran

Interesting article! You should post for Inge.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

My hometown is very close to Lewiston, ID. I know it too well. We went to Spokane for clothes shopping. Though the cool kids in high school got clothes from Seattle.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Really interesting piece! Did you add it to Inge's Link Love thread? Others will enjoy it!

Daria

Very interesting indeed, thanks for sharing! Being an algorithm developer (in an unrelated field), developing algorithms in fashion industry sounds like a dream job.
Also, having always lived in major metropolitan areas, I find it fascinating that someone would have to drive 2-3 hours to a half-decent mall - although I don't necessarily think they constitute majority of (or even a typical) Stitch Fix customer.

Laurie

Veteran

very interesting. explains many of the things that i instinctively did and did not like about the service. i did keep a few pieces that i wear a lot, but I'm not inclined to receive regular shipments. i think it's a great service for folks far from retail.

abc

Veteran

I saw an old friend from HS post about using one of those services. It struck me that thanks to YLF I know my style and a lot more about fit and flattery now than I used to. I see that they serve a purpose to many people, though, like my friend who is a senior exec and mother and doesn't want to spend the time or energy shopping.

donnat

Veteran

Great article, thanks for posting it.

Staysfit

Veteran

Interesting article. There is clearly a niche for this type of service because it is so successful! I could see how useful it would be in a rural area, or for someone who is unable to get to a mall for whatever reason.

Vildy

Veteran

Supposedly the success of the department store was originally in giving the housewife a very pleasant experience. It seems like the concept of this Stitch Fix is to provide a gift experience along with the personalized contact with someone who behaves as if they care.

Same thing here with a bricks and mortar place:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/l.....be-set-pri...

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Vildy, that link didn't work for me and I couldn't seem to find the article on the site.

Vildy

Veteran

hmm.
Try Googling: cilantro clothing store

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Yes, the department store, when it first appeared, was quite the revelation, and caused a great shift in patterns of shopping. I've read some scholarly works on that era in retail and marketing and it's fascinating. Emile Zola set a novel in a department store, too - I think it's called Au Bonheur des Dames (forgive me if I'm massacring the French).

I grew up in a rural area in Indiana and I remember with fondness our trips to Chicago during the Christmas season when I was a kid. We used to walk around and look at all the gorgeous holiday window displays Marshall Fields did for the season, and shop for all kinds of stuff that neither our poky town nor Indianapolis had in stores. With the rise of the Internet and social media, trends get dispersed around a lot more quickly. But online buying has made some rural areas without many B&M options for shopping other than Walmart and the dollar store.

My friend who is a happy Stitch-Fix-er has two kids under three and can only shop when they're asleep. She knows what she likes but she doesn't have much patience for browsing (never did, even before she had kids, but now she doesn't have the time at all). So I can see why she likes Stitch Fix - it's a fun surprise, it feels like an indulgence but it's not crazy expensive, and it's a good way to nudge yourself out of a comfort zone just a little.