The New World

Let's face it, our world is forever changing and in order to survive, it's more than necessary to have a great retail concept. It's no longer just about merging online and offline, but learning to tackle real-time retailing, which is the latest direction the industry is headed. It's becoming more and more clear that in order to be successful, retailers need both online and offline platforms to connect and provide instant gratification through. Mobile and social technologies have revolutionized everything and the only way to keep up is to be cutting edge, innovative, unique and most importantly, able to cater to changing consumer demands in an instant.

From technology to omni-channel retailing to curating, personalization and of course building customer relationships and understanding consumer behavior, we've evolved so much. However, it's time to get even more creative and take things one step further!

video via springwise.com

The King of Fashion is leading the pack as usual with his new Karl Lagerfeld store in Amsterdam. The space not only features iPads throughout the showroom, but each fitting room is equipped with a wall-mounted touchscreen and camera. Customers can take snapshots to create their own digital lookbooks and even add Instagram-style filters before sharing via Facebook, Twitter or through email. This represents yet another concept shop trying to create instant buzz about their brand by intentionally incorporating social media into their strategy and learning to capitalize on growing omni-channel retailing.

photo via The Wall Street Journal

Some look to their customers for inspiration, literally. Whether it be through Twitter, Instagram or the like, retailers are quickly learning that showing their products on real people stimulates engagement as well as increases buying habits. Brands like Lululemon and Coach are just a few to jump onboard as they turn their customers into models by recognizing the power of social media. The fact is people trust other people (whether they know them or not) over brands. While this does raise privacy issues, most customers are readily willing to share and be shared.

photo via mercurynews.com

Others go back to the beginning by investing in technology operations, like Target with its new tech lab in San Francisco. This office set to be visual and "operate at warp speed," has hired a diverse group of approximately 20 developers, designers, data scientists and marketing experts with hopes to take on e-commerce giant, Amazon.

photo via The Business of Fashion

As we continue to experiment and perfect 3D printing technologies, what does it really mean for the future of retail? Well first of all, it will completely revolutionize production as we know it; leading to rapid prototyping, direct digital manufacturing, room for more designs, cheaper products and customization. However, there is a downfall, and that's the growth of counterfeiting as a growing concern of how to handle digital files ensues. The first industry to really feel the impacts is the designer eyewear market, which has been creating 3D printing prototypes to speed up product development for some time. While so far it has found success, we still don't know nearly enough about what our capabilities in the 3D printing sector are and how to deal with the legality of it.

photo via variety.com

Pinterest has been making headlines again as they are quickly learning how to monetize their platform by attracting the likes of advertisers with the addition of "active" pins. With new features to enhance current features, the company has not only added pins that contain embedded information about products, recipes, and movies, but a Pin It button to its smartphone app. To boost its movie element, the company will team up with Netflix, Time Warner's Flixster and Rotten Tomatoes to create pins that offer information on everything from film ratings to cast members. For recipes, publications like Martha Stewart Living and Real Simple will be promoted. And as far as products go, brands ranging from Etsy and Urban Outfitters to Walmart and Home Depot have partnered up to get some new Pinspiration. 

Sometimes you just have to brainstorm to get it right. Other times you experiment with actual implementation. The point is, things are changing at this very instant and we have to ask ourselves, "how can we keep up?" Everything is made available at the drop of a pin and as soon as something is new, it's old. However, you can either learn to make it work for you or not. Retailers need to remain open minded and look at everything as an option in order really evaluate how data as well as social and mobile technology can be used as an asset in this new world.

The Art of Looking Good

With the menswear boom currently hitting the market, the art of looking good has become universal. Shopping designer duds, accessorizing, and beauty are no longer just acceptable for women. Whether you're the manly type, feminine or somewhere in between, men now have access to everything woman do and more importantly, they're interested in experimenting with it. While guys still want functionality and practicality in their clothing, they also want to be well dressed and looking sharp. For the average guy, being stylish is the new cool.

We've talked about the growth of menswear before and mentioned one of our favorite brands, Ernest Alexander. However, lately the menswear market has reached a whole new level of popularity as many continue to follow in Ernest Alexander's footsteps and expand from online to offline. If you're looking for some sweet new menswear finds, look no further than Crosby Street in SoHo, which is quickly making a name for itself as a prime destination for menswear.

photo via Daily Candy

Located at 63 Crosby, Carson Street Clothiers was founded by two attorneys and specializes in a rustic All-American look. Upon walking into the store, one can't help but appreciate the custom cabinetry, industrial worktables, brown leather sofas, and vintage trunks. Did we mention they even have a stocked mini fridge full of beer and liquor? With an inventory of private label, domestically produced shirting, trousers, ties, pocket squares, blazers, and made-to-measure suiting, nothing is more important than tradition here. The shop also carries established and emerging labels that include Michael Bastian, Ovadia & Sons, Patrick Ervell and Mark McNairy, among many others.

video via Bonobos

Bonobos, the former online only retailer, has opened a second "guideshop" in New York City this month, but this time they have set up shop right in SoHo. These "guideshops" provide men with try-on samples as well as the opportunity to shop with a complimentary Bonobos Guide who can educate them on fit and provide them with expert style tips for their current wardrobe. This space will be much like its appointment-only Chelsea location where customers can order in store and have merchandise shipped to their homes.

photo via Saturdays

Right next store sits the downtown surf shop/expresso bar, Saturdays which has successfully been around since August 2009. As you step in, the shop begins as a minimalist coffee bar, which eventually makes way to a California cool lifestyle shop, selling rare boards and upscale wetsuits for that inner beach bum Manhattanite. In the back, you'll find a hidden patio surrounded by plants, high-end surfboards and native New Yorkers soaking up some sun.

photo via WWD

It's not only about new designers and brands, but existing ones expanding into the menswear market. For instance, Macy's is set to introduce a new private label for men called the Bar III Carnaby Collection. The British inspired collection is modern and sophisticated, full of tweeds, herringbones, corduroys, checks, florals, and rich colors. Reminiscent of London's Savile Row, this new line is part of Macy's Impulse department and yet another effort the retailer has made to target Millennials.

photo via amazon.com

Amazon is even jumping on the bandwagon with the launch of its men's grooming store. The new addition is broken down into six categories that include shave, skin care, body care, hair care, oral care and kits and gift sets, where men can explore must-have products, read reviews and even experiment with new grooming regimens. Not only is Amazon's take on men's grooming curated, but it takes an editorial approach by partnering with Men's Fitness to offer How-to-Guides such as "5 Steps to the Perfect Shave."

photo via WWD

Mickey Drexler's son, Alexander is the next designer to watch as he debuts his label, Alex Mill, for both men and boys this fall. With a resume that includes work at Gryphon and Steven Alan, his first collection will focus on casual woven shirts, t-shirts and denim. According to the cofounder of Odine, Eddy Chai, "We liked the line. It has some really interesting fabrics and nice details like different buttons and triple-stitch details on some of the shirts. It's very affordable and approachable for most guys."

From the explosion of e-commerce sites to shops popping up all over downtown New York to large companies launching menswear brands, right now men are looking hot! Companies are finally seeing a niche in the market as they shift away from oversaturated womenswear fashions. With new trends constantly emerging, fresh designers and brands popping up daily, and the latest news spreading at the click of a finger, the only thing that will never go out of style is looking good.

Changing Trades

Last week we attended Fame, Moda Manhattan and its sister show, AccessoriesTheShow. Luckily enough we got to catch up with Coleman McCartan, the Director of International Marketing for Business Journals, Inc (BJI), to get some inside knowledge about how they are adapting their shows in the ever-changing market.

photo via AccessoriesTheShow

One fresh component to AccessoriesTheShow this time around was the Young Designer Lab, which sponsors new and upcoming talent by offering them smaller booths at half the price. These newcomers are even eligible to show up to three times at the Young Designer Lab before they have to either buy an actual booth or leave the show entirely. Other new additions to Moda Manhattan included a beauty spa, charging stations and an increase of 30 new brands at Fame. All three shows, Moda, Fame as well as AccessoriesTheShow, are experiencing massive growth and by experimenting with these new concepts, they can better understand how to develop these shows in the future.

photo via The Modern Assembly

Switching gears to Las Vegas, a collaboration between BJI and Sam Ben-Avraham has led to the creation of The Modern Assembly, a strategic alliance of AccessoriesTheShow, Agenda, Capsule, Liberty, MRket, and Stitch (a rebranded version of Moda for Las Vegas). Held under one roof at the Sands Expo at the Venetian Palazzo Complex this August, these shows take a progressive approach by appealing to the entire industry at large – from the contemporary market to denim, streetwear, accessories and lifestyle. Liberty is the newest of these shows to launch with a focus on contemporary menswear and denim.

photo via Moda Manhattan

So what did we see out in the market this time around? Most importantly there is a major market shift happening where there are no clear distinctions between seasons anymore. The May show is typically meant to exhibit Fall/Transition products. However 60% of the collections shown were Spring/Summer 2013 for immediate sale and the rest for an August 2013 fall delivery. This reflects unstable economic conditions, changing weather patterns and the rapid influx of new and emerging trends causing buyers to purchase closer to the season. With that said, the show was very price driven and focused on a wide customer target range, from contemporary to missy.

photo via Kareena's

Product-wise, for Spring/Summer, we saw everything from tie dye to Americana influences, novelty prints like stars, skulls, love lettering and celestial designs as well as your typical dots, garden florals, and tribal patterns. Colors shined bright in blues, corals, oranges and reds, with pastels, black and white combos, and some red, white and blue pride, keeping up with the spirit of the season. Other details to note were embroidery, beading and lots of hardware. Highlights from Fall/Winter included, an abundance of fur fabrications, tribal, aztec, optical and ethnic prints as well as hues of burgundy, orange, and the obvious big seller, black and white.

photo via Z&L Europe Corp

While at Moda Manhattan we came across a few really cool brands that caught our eye. Based in Miami, Z&L Europe Corp sells bohemian, hippy inspired beachwear. They even create exclusive products that you may be able to find at an Anthropologie or Free People store near you! One of our favorite must-have pieces for this Summer was their skull straw tote, that is featured above and comes in pink as well.

photo via ULF Andersson

Another favorite, ULF Andersson, is a Swedish designer living in California and producing in LA, who's collection consists of updated vintage designs. He has been in business for over 13 years, with some of his most popular items including washable silk velvets, polka dot prints and black and white color schemes. Most of his inspiration stems from his grandmother's closet as well as wallpaper patterns. Not to mention, with his cut to order business strategy and convenience of speedy monthly shipping, he has easily adapted to the changing demands of the industry.

photo via Glove.ly

Glove.ly, who's super innovative booth, complete with charging stations grabbed our attention, produces unisex touchscreen gloves that pass energy through the hand so your entire hand works on the screen. The gloves are also enabled with MagLove™ technology that magnetically keeps the two gloves together. Finally a fashionable glove for your smartphone!

photo via Pura Vida

Our last stop at Moda Manhattan, Pura Vida, is "making strings happen" with their collection of handmade bracelets from Costa Rica. These bracelets come in an endless amount of color combinations, making them unique, special, and rare. Not to mention, the company has not only taken 30 local artisans in Costa Rica out of poverty, but is a huge supporter of The Surfrider Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving beaches and oceans worldwide.

photo via Triple C

As we skipped over to AccessoriesTheShow, we fell in love with the fun iPhone accessories at Triple C. They even launched a Green Label that sells iPhone and iPad accessories made of wood and portable solar powered batteries, perfect for a day at the beach! While some of their products are sold at Nordstrom's as well as other department stores, they have also created private labels for the likes of J.Crew, Aldo and Guess.

Smart Apps for Smartphones

Our smartphones are really only as smart as the apps we have on them. And in today's tech driven society, there are apps out there for pretty much anything one can imagine. From the bare basics like Facebook, Google Maps and Yelp to savvier applications like WhatsApp, Instagram and QR readers, we now have the ability to customize our mobile devices to include only what we really need and use. Today we'd like to point out some of the coolest, must-have apps out in the market.

photo via springwise.com

The act of mailing cards has been modernized by the popularity of email and ecards, and now gift giving is about to go virtual too. The gifting platform Jifiti allows users to scan product barcodes and instantly send friends and family members a voucher for those items, wherever they may be. Once received, the voucher can be brought into the local retailer and redeemed for the gift. Currently participating stores include Barnes & Noble, Sephora, Toys "R" Us, Gap, Crate & Barrel, Coach, and the list goes on! The cool thing about this app is that it's super convenient yet still personal, it's the gift that counts right? 

photo via lucyphone.com

One of our biggest pet peeves is calling in to a customer service line and being put on hold forever and we mean forever. It's nearly impossible to get an actual human representative on the phone these days. Luckily, the free app LucyPhone acts as a middleman by calling you immediately back once a live agent gets on the line. No more wasting minutes or your time!

video via Skitch

If you don't already use Evernote, now you definitely will! A new component to the app, Skitch, adds the feature of PDF annotation to the mix. Users can now mark up and draw shapes, arrows and even sketches to give feedback and share comments. 

photo via Magnetique

Recently launched in collaboration with the May issue of InStyle, Magnetique is the hottest thing to reach magazine readers' fingertips in a very long time. With the snap of a photo, the online and offline worlds combine as users instantly capture local retailers and websites that carry the products featured in the magazine's editorial pages. What better way to stay in style?

photo via Jwalk

Forget Instagram, it's all about video social networking apps like Vine and Keek right now. Both have fairly simple userfaces and are compatible with Facebook and Twitter. While Keek gives you as much as 30 seconds of recording, Vine only allows you to create clips of up to 6 seconds, but with the capability to edit by frame. Whether you're feeling creative, nostalgic or just want to have some fun, these apps take social networking one step further by sharing your life in action.

photo via Word Lens

Ever look at a menu and feel like you're in another country? Well with Word Lens, you can translate everything from menu items to road signs by simply hovering your phone over unfamiliar text. So far the app works in German, Spanish, Italian, French and of course English.

photo via VentureBeat

Sometimes its really hard to find music that fits your mood but fear no more! Songza is a music streaming app that unlike Pandora or Spotify, curates playlists based on what you are doing right now. Depending on the day of the week, time of day and your current activity, it suggests a few options of different sounds and music styles. You can even shake your phone while in the app and enter exactly what you are doing to be matched up with various selections. 

Common Sense

H&M and IKEA were the first pioneers to hit the U.S. and now a new wave of Vikings have invaded Greene Street in SoHo. With the exception of Acne Studios and J.Lindeberg, most of the companies are mid-market brands from the Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Denmark. At the core of Scandinavian design is minimalism, functionality and comfortability. For these brands, simplicity is key and there is a lot of value in that because finding wearable, high quality clothing isn't as easy as one would think.

photo via J.Lindberg

J.Lindeberg was the first of these Swedish newcomers to hit Greene street and was launched simultaneously in both New York and Stockholm back in 1996. Today it's distributed in over 20 countries and even sold on ASOS. Driven by the beautiful, original and genuine, J.Lindeberg primarily produces menswear and golf collections with a huge following among PGA stars and celebrities like Bono, Brad Pitt and Justin Timberlake. Focused very much on craftsmanship, the brand has introduced, The Documentary and a Dream biannual books, which tells the story of the evolution of the brand, what they do and why and has already released seven volumes.

photo via Vogue

Founded in Stockholm in 1996, Acne Studios is part of the creative collective Acne (Ambition to Create Novel Expression). Their red stitched jeans became the foundation of their brand when they gained publicity and began selling to leading boutiques a year later. Today they are known for their architectural, modern and straight-lined clothing, which is marketed through their biannual magazine, Acne Paper. Their latest endeavor is a Vogue inspired Spring Capsule Collection that incorporates the July 1931 cover of a woman's facial profile that is printed on everything from summer dresses to voluminous skirts and even baseball caps.

photo via Fjällräven

Fjällräven, which means Artic Fox in Swedish, specializes in durable outdoor clothing and equipment made to make the outdoors more enjoyable for all. Not only has the brand been featured in GQ, InStyle, WWD, Martha Stewart Living and Refinery9, but they were rated #21 best for the Eco Style Conscious by Men's Journal. Famous for their iconic backpack, the Kånken rucksack comes in any color you can imagine. Their Greenland jacket made of their original G-1000® fabric is one of the best outdoor fabrics on the market with its tightly woven design, excellent ventilation, and wind and water resistant qualities. Not only are they cool, but they tell a story of the great outdoors and even donate to the endangered Artic Fox. Right now they are in a huge space on the corner of Broome and Greene streets with a focus on warehouse sales and good bargains, but keep an eye for them in the beginning of August, when they will open their flagship store in New York.

photo via Moods of Norway

If you're looking for some good old fashion Scandinavian fun, look no further because Moods of Norway is stationed right at 75 Greene. This menswear and womenswear label, which was started by three young guys in 2003, combines Norwegian heritage with international trends and often incorporates tractor themes into their aesthetic. Under the slogan, "Happy Clothes for Happy People," they have a signature "Cocktail Suit" which comes in everything from bright colors to florals and plaids.

photo via Hästens

A few streets over on Broadway is Hästens, a Swedish luxury bed manufacturer that has been perfecting sleep since 1852. Using sustainable resourced horsehair, cotton, wool, flax, Swedish pine and steel, this brand values quality craftsmanship, natural materials and deep, rejuvenating sleep. Each bed comes in their signature blue and white check design and are built entirely by hand, which takes anywhere from 140 to 160 hours to make.

Among these brands there are also a ton of new and upcoming Scandinavian designers on the forefront of the fashion world as well like ALTEWAISAOME, Maria Nordstrom, Anne Sofia Madsen, Thea Dyring and Veronica B. Vallenes. From fine craftsmanship to natural materials and functionality, clean lines and well though-out design, these designers and brands represent a fresh stream of perspective from northern Europe. As Scandinavian design continues to make its presence widespread throughout New York and the rest of the U.S., one thing is for sure, they are bringing common sense back into fashion. For more cool Scandinavian brands check out this Pinterest board for some inspiration.

Engage, Interact, Transact

E-commerce is hotter than ever as more and more consumers shift their focus to the online marketplace. Increased access to the internet via smartphones and tablets is reshaping how and when we buy. With that said, virtual consumer engagement, interaction and transaction are the key to surviving in this changing retail environment.

Consumers no longer want to be spoken at through advertisements but desire collaborative marketing that breaks down the barrier between companies and their customers. As we move forward, the brands that improve their products and recognize the importance of conversing with their consumers will find success by connecting with their audience through a co-ownership strategy. This new call for consumer engagement reflects our changing values towards transparency, accessibility and reach, personalization and curation.

video via DollarShaveClub.com

Meet Michael Dubin, the founder of Dollar Shave Club, a razor-blade business who's witty youtube video has now attracted over 10 million views. The video urges men to buy razor blades on a subscription basis for as little as $2/month and grossed over 12,000 orders in the first 48 hours of launching, causing the site to completely crash. With a background in digital media and marketing, Michael has created a lifestyle company dedicated to providing men with things they need in their everyday lives, in the most convenient and affordable way.

photo via Business of Fashion

Recently launched to the public, The Cools, is a two year old members-only curated marketplace that connects over 50,000 active users with independent fashion and lifestyle brands. The fully integrated social commerce platform provides young labels with little online presence a chance to interact directly with consumers by managing their own stores, publishing content and engaging with consumers. With a 12% commission on sales, The Cools has recently revamped their business model from thousands of sellers as of January to a select 100 brands who best fit the criteria of the site.

photo via NY Times

Hashtagging is one major phenomenon that's gone internationally viral and now, it's about to get a little funny. Comedy Central and Twitter are teaming up to host a five-day comedy festival where comedians post short video clips featuring the hashtag, #ComedyFest. This partnership represents the merging of social media with television as Twitter grows to feature more video content via its platform, Vine. Due to the changing way viewers are watching videos via the internet and social media, television is beginning to experiment with new multi-platform strategies that incorporate more consumer engaging tactics to bring back their audiences.

photo via Mobile Commerce Daily

Others look to advance their mobile efforts to build branding and traffic both on and offline. H&M has launched its latest Conscious Collection via a mobile video campaign using the Hulu Plus video app. Through these videos, H&M is running 15-seocnd clips that show various looks from the new line where consumers can click on a button on the screen that brings them directly to H&M's mobile site. Meanwhile, Kate Spade has built a Saturday mobile site where users can shop the latest trends and newest items from apparel to accessories, home and travel. Here customers can even design their own custom travel bag by personalizing the body, handle, base, front and back pockets, strap colors as well as monogram the bag.

photo via GIGAOM

While many brands link to social media and mobile platforms via their sites, getting customers to socially shop may not be as easy as one would think. Take a company like Zappos that has a huge online presence, but still struggles to capitalize on its social media activity because in their case, customers primarily demand overnight shipping and free returns over social media presence. The problem with large companies like that of Zappos, Amazon and Nordstrom is that they have such widespread customer bases – because they don't focus on one niche, they also can't just target one particular social media platform either. With so many new platforms out there from the most recent Pinterest boom to now Poshmark and Vine, it is extremely hard for retailers to keep up with how their clientele socialize online. Not to mention, how do large companies like this build smaller communities for those who engage and use social media regularly versus those that don't? The only answer thus far is to experiment with a social experience that is innovative, easily accessible and understandable to their customers like that of Urban Outfitters and ASOS.

video via Practical eCommerce

It looks like the digital world finally has its own currency and its called Bitcoin, an electronic cash system that generates money via virtual computers, a shared public transaction log and mathematics to authentic each bitcoin exchanged. One bitcoin is approximately worth $70 USD and much like cash, there are no transaction fees. However, the information of your transaction is accessible by pretty much anyone and everyone including the amount and the address linked to the purchase. While this new controversial online economy may only be around a few more years, it is a monumental step towards changing the way we spend our money in the digital realm.

The power retailers possess is quickly fading as consumers grow more knowledgeable and demand to be more involved with what and how they are selling. It comes down to understanding how to approach the changing retail arena, really understanding and listening to your customers, as well as experimenting with how to apply these changes to your business model. Engagement and interaction aren't just the future, they are what's happening right now and in order to further make those transactions, retailers large, small, well-known and independent are going to have to make the shift to a more captivating way of doing business.

Do Something

In honor of Earth month, we wanted to take some time out and think about what's really important, the world around us and the people we share it with! Despite all the scandals and fast fashion allegations going on, there are tons of companies, celebrities and new initiatives celebrating our precious planet and trying to make a real difference.

With so many things going on in the world including unstable global economies and countless people in need, giving a hand doesn't necessarily mean what you would conventionally think. Whether it's buying products that have more longevity, donating time and/or money to a cause or building a DIY urban garden, what matters is that you are doing something. 

photo via Burt's Bees

First off, we bet you have no idea that some of the smaller, sustainable brands you are supporting are actually owned by larger corporations. For instance, Honest Tea is owned by The Coca-Cola Company and Burt's Bees by The Clorox Company, to name a few. These partnerships create a win-win situation as smaller companies gain resources and larger distribution networks and corporations begin to learn the ins and outs of sustainable operations.

photo via Pickwick & Weller

In today's workplace, the t-shirt, has taken on a new role of professional acceptance. Ashton Kutcher's e-commerce startup, Pickwick & Weller, strives to design, manufacture, and sell "the perfect t-shirt." This vertically integrated online brand is based in LA and appeals to the modern creative type, by offering an assortment of luxury products made of everything from supima to modal cotton, cashmere, linen and silk. The company even brings the fitting room to your home by sending you t-shirts free of charge so you can find the perfect style for you.

photo via Ecouterre

One of the simplest ways we can be more sustainable is by repairing damages to our own clothing. With this idea in mind, denim label, Self Edge, has launched a vintage hemming and repair studio in San Francisco called Darn It!. The space, which is dedicated to everything denim from tailoring stations to restored vintage sewing machines, provides authentic and quality repairs. From fixing holes without patches to replacing buttons and zippers, all repairs cost a flat rate of $40. We don't know about you, but saving a favorite pair of jeans is priceless and not only for our wallets!

photo via Huffington Post

Two of everyone's favorites, Halle Berry and Michael Kors have teamed up in the fight against hunger with their campaign, Watch Hunger Stop. With this initiative, for every Kors' bestselling Runway watch that sells at $295, 100 meals will be donated to children through the U.N. World Food Programme. Together, the pair plans on visiting some of the places meals will be sent which could include Africa, Syria and perhaps Central America. Halle who just announced the pregnancy of her second child, hopes to educate women on prenatal care and talk to mothers struggling to feed themselves and their children. 

video via Vogue UK

On June 1st, as part of Gucci's Chime for Change, a global concert will take place in London to raise awareness and money for female empowerment. Headlined by none other than Beyoncé with additional performances by Florence and the Machine, Ellie Goulding, Izzy, Azalea and Rita Ora, among others, this event calls to bring education, justice and health for girls and women to a worldwide platform. 

photo via Earth Day New York

So this month, with the onset of warmer temperatures and sunshine, take some time to appreciate your local community and environment. If you happen to be in the NY metro area this weekend, make sure to check out the Green Festival at the Javits Center or celebrate with free live performances, displays and exhibits at Union Square on Sunday. We can't do it all alone, but if we team up to combine our resources, one step at a time, anything is possible. 

What Will Tomorrow Bring?

Whether you're keeping up with it or not, our shopping habits are changing. Today's world is driven by multi-stream technology that connects to consumers anytime, anywhere. Companies are finally learning to make the mobile and tech savvy lifestyle of consumers work for them by keeping their customers "in the know" while on the go.

There's so much data out there and as our technology evolves we are only beginning to understand what this data can, does and will bring. How can we best use this knowledge and just as equally important, how will it impact the way we live? We have the ability to track our customers' buying habits – where, when, what and how they are purchasing. This information is crucial as we move forward into the future. So today we ask, how will this affect the face of retail?

video via The New York Times

For a new wave of e-commerce brands like Warby Parker it means learning to better control your supply chain. Many premium brands are cutting out the middlemen and going directly to manufacturers. They want to do it all – from designing, manufacturing, distribution, delivery to building customer relationships. By approaching their business models like this, they can sell luxury products directly to consumers at discounted prices and gain higher profit margins in the process. This explains why many brick and mortar retailers with extensive brand recognition produce their own private lines. However, until recently due to the explosion of the internet and social media, this was very difficult for new brands and start-ups to do because it was hard for them to build brand awareness.

photo via Luxury Daily

That's why many continue to delve deeper into the social media universe to build brand recognition through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and now Vine. Take David Yurman who is going more visual by incorporating an Instagram element into their spring marketing initiatives. Through their "Show Your Colors" campaign, consumers can upload an image of their favorite David Yurman piece and tag it #DavidYurman. These hashtags also serve as data analytics so companies can track the virality of their brands. At this point, the key to social media is connecting to your customer's lifestyle by engaging and interacting with them on a direct, everyday basis.

photo via New York Business Journal

Meanwhile, brick and mortar stores continue to take the technology focused route by creating new and exciting in-store customer experiences. Bloomingdale's is teaming up with Me-Ality to bring digital sizing stations to five stores throughout the country, including one right here in New York. These stations take a mere 10 seconds to match up your size and recommend the best denim styles based on your fit, which are sold both in-store and online. According to retail architect M.J. Munsell, "A few stores – Burberry, C. Wonder in New York, Nordstrom – have experimented with dressing rooms that the customer can actually tailor themselves. You can go into a booth...where you can either plug in your iPad, your iPhone for your own music, you can adjust the light levels, and have your own personal oasis."

video via NMANewsDirect

Look at how the cash register has evolved over the years from antique receipt-less cash drawers to computers, self-checkouts and now smartphones and tablets. And now, Walmart has begun to experiment with their new app, Scan & Go where customers can use their iPhone to scan QR codes and then bag and pay quickly at self-checkouts without ever having to unload their cart. With U.S. mobile payments expected to reach $90 Billion by 2017, before we know it we'll have coupons being sent to us via our smartphones as we browse down store isles tracking exactly what we pick up.

video via Lululemon

One brand who has mastered customer engagement is Lululemon. They have transformed their stores into more than just a shopping destination, but a fitness fanatics dream. From the knowledgeable and enthusiastic brand ambassadors to an entire wall of leggings in any color, pattern, length and fabric you can imagine, this brand really focuses on creating a quality experience dedicated to what their customers want. They've even created an app that helps you find yoga classes near you, invite friends and get tips from local yogis. Not to mention, all the floor displays are on wheels so they can be pushed aside for their weekend yoga classes hosted at their stores. What started as an idea for half store/half yoga studio, has now become a power player in the fitness world and plans to expand to 15 new markets, enlarge their menswear line and launch a new girls store called Ivivva.

With all of this in mind, we will continue to invest our time and money into exploring the possibilities of the future. A new world of commerce is just over the horizon as more and more aspects of the way we live are being replaced by computer generated devices and mobile technologies. Tools like these could eventually lead to the extinction of sales associate and traditional shopping habits. Despite, some are trying to preserve our everyday rituals by figuring out new ways to combine the on and offline worlds, developing community driven concepts, and most importantly remaining dedicated to the wants and needs of their customer base. Today we have mobile phones, apps and personalized in-store experiences, but what will tomorrow bring? 

MBF Blogger Picks

It's crazy to think that today bloggers are just as credible as the most prominent magazine editors. Designers are giving them front row access to shows and sending them clothing samples to be featured on their blogs. Their voice matters and some of their followings are incredible. Many of them have transformed a simple hobby into an entire lifestyle as they branch out to become consultants, socialites and even brand ambassadors and models. From fashion to food, they inspire us and represent a new breed of celebrities as well as the future of traditional reporting and writing.

photo via Haute Inhabit

Haute Inhabit

For blogger Lainy Alexandra Hedaya it's not just about personal style, but upcoming trends, runway shows, outfit and interior inspirations, and other fashion/lifestyle related topics as well. Her motto,  "redefining modern elegance" is more than apparent through her selective taste and dedication to sticking to her style, not what people send her to wear. She has even created a Haute Inhabit avatar to represent the trends of the season based on what fashion's top designers have sent down the runway.

photo via The Sunday Girl

The Sunday Girl

If you're overwhelmed by the endless amount of different beauty products out there, this UK based blog offers 100% honest and unbiased reviews to conquer all your beauty crazed questions, concerns and thoughts (there's even a disclaimer!). From Chanel, MAC and Topshop to products from your local drugstore, her fearless skin, hair and nails try it all! She also offers weekly staple products, giveaways and monthly favorite picks covering all the newest and hottest products out there. 

photo via How Sweet It Is

How Sweet It Is

No blog list is complete without at least one pick dedicated to food. Whether you're in the mood for healthy recipes, comfort foods or scrumptious desserts, Pittsburgh based blogger Jessica tries to keep things local and seasonal when she can. While she has no formal culinary training, she has a cookbook set to launch in 2014 and we don't know about you but if it tastes good, that's all we need to know! 

photo via LopezJennyLopez

LopezJennyLopez

Brought to you in both English and Spanish, Colombian swimsuit model Jenny Lopez fuses her unique bohemian style by mixing various price points and decades into fashion, beauty, home decor and travel as readers follow her along on her adventures. In addition, she is designing a jewelry line called Momposina Rocks which combines silver and brass with different findings from around the world. 

photo via Censational Girl

Censational Girl

By keeping "fabulous for less" in mind, this blog is dedicated to your inner DIY bargain hunter. Through a combination of tricks, tips and tutorials, Kate, who also writes a design column for Better Homes and Gardens, teaches readers how to successfully and stylishly decorate on a budget. She reaches an average of 1.9 million pageviews per month, has been featured in a plethora of magazines, and worked closely with brands and retailers like Lowes and Home Depot to West Elm and Donna Karan Home. Who says style can't be affordable?

photo via Lily Kwong

Lily Kwong

Model and blogger Lily Kwong incorporates an impeccable mix of sophistication and eclectic looks into everything she does. Her blog invites readers along on all her fashion related events she attends to give us an inside view into her life as a socialite. Not only is she a Vogue favorite, but cousin to designer Joseph Altuzarra, who she frequently collaborates with. 

video via Elite Daily

Nasty Gal
Nasty Gal has been all over the press lately and this online fashion phenomenon's following continues to explode with over 621,000 Facebook fans and 550,000 average monthly users. Their blog not only posts inspirational images and gives us a glimpse into the Nasty Gal shopper from style to music, movies, models, and California life, but also a behind the scenes look into the infamous Sophia Amoruso and the rest of the Nasty Gal family.