F-Commerce - The Next Big Thing?

Is Facebook the new shop of the future? F-Commerce, or Facebook commerce, is Facebook's version of e-commerce "which utilises the power of a user's network of friends to market products, create buzz and drive sales." Labels are starting to use Facebook to link directly with their online shops. With labels and retailers already using Facebook to connect with consumers directly through polls, competitions, specials and surveys, it's only a matter of time before labels and retailers start using Facebook as an online retail forum.  

Australian chain store Witchery has already tested the waters of F-Commerce with their recent White Shirt Campaign. The Witchery F-Commerce application allowed Witchery's 35,000 Facebook fans to browse the White Shirt Capsule collection, designed to raise money for ovarian cancer. Currently users aren't able to buy directly off Facebook and are instead re-directed to the label/retailer's on-line store. Witchery have indicated that they may build on the application making available products from their new Spring/Summer collection if they feel consumers are keen to shop through Facebook.

F-Commerce has become very popular for vintage sellers. Gary Pepper Vintage owner Nicole Warne, uses the Gary Pepper Vintage Facebook to update shoppers on new additions to her online store. This way shoppers don't have to keep checking her site, they can see when new stock is available via their new feeds.

Why are analysts saying F-Commerce could be the way of the future? With 600+ million Facebook users, 50% visiting daily, retailers and designers can reach audiences around the world with the click of a button. 

So how can you attract consumers to your site? There are many ways companies can utilise the power for Facebook, for example:

* Run Facebook contests that require a user to 'Like' the page in order to enter. This encourages them to look around your page.

* Post Facebook only promotions and sales.

* Link "deals of the day" or product announcements within their Facebook page and store.

* Reward users who "share" deals or products on their wall.

Facebook is also currently testing a "Buy With Friends" application which will offer users discounts who encourage their friends to buy products by posting it on their friends' news feeds. Users are also able to buy Facebook Credits which are currently limited to buying virtual goods. With the way Facebook is evolving, it's only a matter of time before credits can be used to purchase real goods.

F-Commerce appears to be the next revolution in online retailing. So if it wasn't already hard enough to try and avoid on-line shopping, retailing could be coming to a Facebook page near you! 

Information sourced from http://ticketnews.com, http://ragtrader.com.au

The Coveteur

There's something intriguing about looking into a person's wardrobe. You can often tell a lot about a person and their style from what items they have, and the way things are stored. The Coveteur has become one of my new favourite site because not only does it give you a glimpse into the wardrobe's of some of the most stylish people in the fashion industry, but it blends that with creative photography to give you a different perspective on the owner's favourite items.

If you're looking for wardrobe inspiration or creative inspiration, make sure you check out the site!

Here are some of my favourite wardrobes on the site:

Monica Rose - Stylist

Estee Stanley - Stylist

Kate Davidson Hudson - Accessories Director for Elle

Images and information sourced from http://www.thecoveteur.com/

Fashion Muse - Rachel Bilson

Bilson in Roberto Cavalli

Rachel Bilson's style has come a long way since playing Summer Roberts on TV drama series the OC. A fashion inspiration on and off the red carpet, Bilson's ability to look just as good in boyfriend jeans as she does in couture, has seen her become a front row regular at fashion shows around the world. As well as acting and directing, Bilson has collaborated with various fashion companies to create her own collections. In 2007, she worked with DKNY to create a clothing range called Edie Rose. The collection was launched in September 2008 with the focus on black and white pieces with splashes of yellow. The line was made accessible to consumers, with each piece under $100.

In April this year, Bilson teamed up with JewelMint to design a pair of earrings as part of their Celebrity Guest Curator Series. 50% of the proceeds from Bilson's designs were donated to charity.

In March this year, Bilson was shot by fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld in three short films for Magnum Ice Creams. Regularly seen in Chanel on the red carpet, Bilson is one of Lagerfeld's favourites to dress.

Generally seen in jeans and statement bags (Bilson favours Zac Posen and Derek Lam) off the red carpet, for special events Bilson steps up the glamour in Chanel, Roberto Cavalli and Zac Posen.

Check out some of Rachel's best looks below:

Images sourced from http://instyle.com, http://.teenvogue.com, http://zimbio.com, http://2threads.com, http://stylbistro.com

Information sourced from http://wikipedia.org