Tuesday, June 04, 2013

6 Best Retail Fashion Sites For Women

by Marcela De Vivo

There are plenty of shopping to go around online today, most of which is dominated by high profile sites like Amazon and EBay. While those are great retailers who can certainly offer some excellent products and services, they aren't uniquely crafted for women, those of whom are typically the more avid and enthusiastic online shoppers.

Yet, there are some great lesser-known online retailers that are specifically targeted towards a female audience, both in terms of their products and their style.

These sites (though not exclusively) center around clothing and carry products that are primarily marketed and geared towards women. Style and beauty makes up most of what these places have to offer, and, since they’re focused solely on the female consumer, they have a more diverse selection as well as a more personalized shopping experience.


1. Asos
Asos is the largest online-only retailer in the UK as they include over 50,000 different brands, including product lines from their own label. One nice feature of the site is that it allows users to create marketplaces for buying and selling their own products. The site also has a “Fashion Finder” feature, which allows customers to create and customize their own clothes and fashion videos. 





This website has a recently launched a male counterpart, called Mr. Porter, and both sites are excellent places to find luxury clothing, shoes and accessories. In addition to offering a huge selection of designers to choose from, Net-A-Porter adds an equally substantial selection of handbags and accessories. As far as women’s luxury clothing goes, this site is simply one of the best.





Singer22 is all about getting you the clothing and styles worn by today’s most well-known celebrities. In fact, you can even search their products by different names, like Kim Kardashian or Victoria Beckham. Find plenty of styles worn by your favorite celebs and view how they look on Singer22 models as well as us regular folk.




4. Zappos

More about the deals and low prices than anything else, Zappos prides themselves on providing the best and most affordable prices to go along with their designer clothing and footwear. Have questions? There’s a 24/7 live chat messenger that you can use for whatever questions you may have about their products and prices.  Zappos was known to have the most friendly and helpful customers service in the business.




5. Otteny

Otteny focuses mainly on understated luxury clothing as well as more contemporary pieces. You can actually pay Otteny to have their team assemble the perfect outfit for you, which can be great for certain special occasions where you might want to benefit from a little consulting before throwing together an outfit.





Shoptiques essentially a collection of boutiques that allows users to shop locally if they’re near one of the locations supported by the site. Bigger cities, like San Francisco, New York and Miami are included. For one flat rate, you can have products from any of the boutiques shipped to you. Some people might prefer to actually go to these stores, but having them available online is a nice touch for the consumer and the retailer, as it gives small stores a chance to tap into the online community of shoppers.




Finding What Works for You

There are plenty of sites to choose from, so focus on what you like and select a place that best suits your shopping style (and budget). With so many options to choose from, you’re bound to find an online retailer that meets your criteria for inventory and convenience. Plus, it’s always nice to be able to shop for clothing from your living room.

So if you know any other retail fashion sites that might works for some of us here, please do share it down at the comments below. Merci beaucoup!





Marcela De Vivo is a freelance writer from Los Angeles whose writing covers travel, health and marketing. In addition to writing for Retail Packaging, she loves shopping online as it not only saves her time, but many of her favorite online retailers offer the best prices. 



"Seize the day, Caper Diem"


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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

[ENDED] Art of Khaki & Giveaway by Maxmayo.com

by Daniel Chiam

So one of our frequent and stylish guest blogger is doing a giveaway for all of you fashion lover out there. I took the liberty to share a bit about the giveaway here and if you would like to go straight to the point, you can get all the info HERE.




In collaboration with Dockers, Maxmayo.com is giving away RM250 Dockers voucher each for 3 lucky readers. You can buy yourself or for your lover one anything at Dockers stores with the vouchers. It's not just for the Art of Khaki collection.

The winners will be chosen randomly, and the winners will also be invited to an exclusive Dockers event in June 2013 as well. This is not only your chance to shop for FREE at Dockers but also to be their exclusively invited guest for one of their event. Now how cool is that?!




So what are you waiting for? Click away to Maxmayo.com and get the full details of how you can actually be in the running to win the vouchers and also the exclusive invites from Dockers!



"Seize the day, Caper Diem"


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Thursday, May 16, 2013

Getting the Most Out Of A Music Festival

by Marcela De Vivo


Photo courtesy of blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com


01. Before The Festival 

So, you've snagged the tickets, taken the time off work and dreamed about your mini-vacation to the upcoming music festival for months... but are you completely prepared for the weekend that lies ahead? 

Below are a few tips that will help you avoid any mishaps before, during and after your stay at the festival:


Brush Up On Music 

Photo courtesy of independent.co.uk


Even if you’re an audiophile, chances are you don’t know every artist on the lineup of the festival you’re attending. Google a list of the lineup and plug in artists one by one to sample the music you haven’t heard before. This will help you discover bands that you may have otherwise missed by not researching them beforehand. 

There’s also the option of finding pre-made playlists or channels; many major music sites will offer music streams or download samples of the line-up in preparation for the big festivals. For example, check out this channel put together for the upcoming 2013 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival


Prepare Your Outfits 

Photo courtesy of seventeen.com


Festivals are a great excuse to throw together a cool weekend wardrobe. Here are a few quick tips if you have no idea where to start: 

  • Depending on the season, pack shorts or long pants - if you’re camping for two or more days, try and pack light by re-using your bottoms with multiple different tops.

    Quick tip: If you’re attending a music festival in the desert, the temperature during the day may be significantly different than at night. Pack extra layers like sweatshirts for night time and consider snagging a locker if you don’t want to carry a lot of extra baggage. 
  • Add your own personal flair - a lot of guys and girls like to wear cool sunglasses, jewelry like floral headbands or belly chains and band t-shirts showing off their favorite artists. 
  • Pack comfy shoes - if it’s hot out you may decide to simple wear your comfiest pair of flip flops or even go barefoot. If it’s a bit on the chilly side, any shoe that is going to give your foot all-day support is best. The worst thing at a music festival is being uncomfortable running around and/or standing for prolonged periods of time while you listen to your favorite bands. 


Create a Personal Set-List 

Photo courtesy of 977music.com


The schedule of which artists will be playing and at what times is posted a few days before most music festivals. Decide who you want to see and create a schedule to ensure you won’t miss anyone because of not doing the research beforehand. Coachella, the annual music festival in Indio, California even has an app so everything can be done seamlessly on your phone --and be handily waiting in your pocket throughout the weekend. 


02. During The Festival 

Photo courtesy of flightfox.com


  • Wear Sunscreen 
This goes for anybody, during any season that is spending more than 2-3 hours in the sun. Even if it is overcast outside, you will get sunburnt --especially if you are fair skinned. 

Getting sunburnt, especially on the first day of the festival will really put a hamper on your overall experience. If you’re mostly covered up in colder weather, don’t forget to put sunscreen on your cheeks and nose. 


  • Stay Hydrated
This is especially important for people who are going to be out in the sun during their festival. Drink at least 4 bottles of water throughout the day, more if you are drinking a lot of alcohol --which tends to dehydrate people. 

A lot of people end up spending hours in the first-aid tent because they think they are immune to dehydration. Dehydration is serious and is the cause of people passing or blacking out. 



  • Be Flexible 
Unfortunately, you may not be able to see every band you planned on. It may rain on you in 90 degree weather and ruin your outfit. Somebody may spill a drink on your white shirt or ruin your shoes by stepping on them having set foot in the mud. 

Whatever the case, it’s best to relax and go with the flow. Things are bound to go wrong a few times when surrounded by thousands of strangers and hundred and bands. If you expect these things to happen and take them with a grain of salt, you’ll definitely have more fun. 


03. After The Festival 

Share Your Experience 

Post photos of yourself on your Facebook and links to the best bands you saw during your stay, that way other people can explore their music as well, especially if they aren't an especially well-known band. 

Make sure you’re prepared to attend the music festival you've got tickets for to ensure the best experience possible. Simple things like wearing sunscreen and deciding which bands  you are going to watch can make a world of difference that weekend.





Marcela De Vivo is a freelance writer from Los Angeles. She writes on everything from marketing to health & wellness, but as an avid music fan and concert-goer, she loves the chance to cover music. 



"Seize the day, Caper Diem"


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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Top 5 Fashion Blogs You Should Know Now

by Max Law from MaxMayo.com 


New fashion blogs pop up out of nowhere every single day and it's difficult to really keep an eye on who's next. Over the years, there's only a few that eventually made it into the "Hall of Fame." What sets them apart? Their distinctive photography works and unique voices.

Here's the Top 5 Fashion blogs that you should know now even if you're not really into fashion:


1. The Sartorialist



The Sartorialist can be said as the father of all street style bloggers. Scott Schuman, the author has been wandering on the street and fashion shows of Milan, New York, Paris etc to capture inspiring and stunning fashion style worn by both ordinary people and fashion pro in the industry.

http://www.thesartorialist.com/


2. Jak & Jil



If Scott Schuman is the father of all street style bloggers, then Tommy Ton is the son. He is the second wave, and also the living evidence of how the somehow undemocratic fashion world is starting to embrace the blogging world. Tommy Ton captures great pictures from street style to runway.

http://jakandjil.com/


3. Bryan Boy



The infamous Bryan Boy is a success story in his own right. Started at his home in Phillippine, Bryan blogged his way into the front row of international labels like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci and the last gag - he's one of the judges in American Next Top Model Cycle 20. His quirky posts and tweets, not to forget his flamboyant fashion style, are what propelled him to his current position.

http://www.bryanboy.com/


4. Garance Dore



I absolutely love Garance Dore and her blog. She's funny and her photographs are always very artistic. Originally from France, she's also an illustrator and Scott Schuman's girlfriend. Together with Scott, they make a powerful duo.

http://www.garancedore.fr/en


5. Man Repeller



I love this lady! As the blog name suggests, Leandra Medine writes about fashion that men hate but women like. It is her funny posing and creative writing that really caught my attention. The New Yorker is currently the shiniest rising star in the fashion blogging world. (She also inspired my one blog posts here.)

http://www.manrepeller.com/


Check out these 5 bloggers now and I hope you'll enjoy their blogs.





Regards,
Max Law
Menswear Fashion Blogger





Checkout Max at MaxMayo.com and follow him on twitter @maxmayo for more updates and fashion tips!
Max Law is also Nuffnang's Blogger of the month for September 2013!




"Seize the day, Caper Diem"


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Friday, May 10, 2013

Fresca Mexican Kitchen & Bar 1st Anniversary Exclusive Party

by Daniel Chiam 

Hola people! Make yourself available and do come to Fresca Mexican Kitchen & Bar at The Gardens Mall this Saturday (11 May 2013) for some Mexican heat because Fresca is celebrating their 1st year Anniversary and they are throwing a party for everyone to join! ¡Ay, caramba!




What are you waiting for? Come together with your friends and enjoy the Mexico fiesta together! It's only RM50 per ticket which includes one Margarita or Corona (Personally I will go with Margarita, haha), live performances by Latin American band - Alma Latina, fun games and also a photo booth for all you Insta lovers, haha. The Mexican Deputy Head of Mission, Ms. Lourdes Sosa Marquez (Charge d’Affaires, a.i.) and other members of the Mexican Embassy will grace this event with their presence. 

This is your chance to get into the Mexican groove, so be there and wear your serapes, sombreros or Speedy Gonzales tee to hype up the occasion!


Fresca Mexican Kitchen & Bar
Lot G242A (Ground floor)
The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley City
03-2201 2893 

Opening hours: 
Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 11pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – Late





"Seize the day, Caper Diem"


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