Savvy Shoppers

As technology advances, so does the comfort level that both men and women have when shopping on the internet.

Before purchasing a product for the home or apparel, consumers are researching the item(s) on the internet to save both time and money.

Consumer shopping habits have changed dramatically over the last decade. Shoppers are focusing their shopping efforts specifically on their favorite retailers more often than in recent years.

Shoppers are more educated today and will wait for sales and incentives rather than paying full price for an item.

Retailers are challenged to offer creative incentives to motivate customers to "buy now" through exclusive web, in-store, and shipping offers.

Today's consumers expects retailers to maintain "user friendly" web sites including high resolution photos, quick response, detailed product information, and customer service.

Zero Waste Fashion

Zero-waste design isn’t a new technology or material. Instead, it’s a new way of thinking—a philosophy that forces you to challenge existing techniques and become a smarter designer. Technique-wise, it involves fitting all the flat pieces of your clothing pattern like a jigsaw puzzle so no fabric is wasted. Considering that roughly 15 percent of the fabric is discarded when a typical garment is made, the cumulative effect of leaving behind no waste has far-reaching environmental consequences. More than that, however, zero waste about working within those constraints to invent beautiful new forms of fashion.


For all my bloggers I have an interesting article to share. Here it goes :

Edible Fashion

Italian photographer Fulvio Bonaviaare does not only delectable and endlessly enticing photography but they also point to the growing trendtowards meshing food, art and fashion in one giant grab bag of styles. 
These are taken from his latest book, A Matter of Taste. 

Dangerous Beauty:

Chemicals in Cosmetics linked to Breast Cancer

Every year, more than 40,000 women die from breast cancer in the U.S.

The average woman absorbs 4 lb. 6oz. of chemicals from toiletries and make-up every year. Among chemicals under scrutiny are parabens (para-hydroxybenzoic acids), which are preservatives used in products including soap, shampoo, deodorant, and lotion. Traces of parabens have been found in breast tumor samples, although its link to the development of the cancer is disputed.

GETTING UNDER OUR SKIN

Take the time to read the label on skin care, cosmetic, and bath products. Try to minimize the use of the following:

Lead Acetate

A known carcinogen and reproductive toxin.

Dibutyl Phthalate

A reproductive toxin used in perfumes, hair spray, and deodorant.

Acrylamide

A known carcinogen, mutagen, and reproductive toxin regularly used in manufacturing hair products, hand, body, and suntan lotions.

Ethylene Oxide

A known breast carcinogen commonly used in shampoo.

Sodium lauryl sulphate

Helps soap, shampoo, shaving foam, toothpaste, and bubble bath lather up. It can irritate skin.

Cocamide MEA

Binds the ingredients of many moisturizers. It is also a suspect.

Other potential irritants include benzyl alcohols, which are used to scent and preserve perfume, makeup, and hair dyes.

CONSCIOUS CONSUMING

A mood of personal re-evaluation prevails, as reflected in consumer attitudes.

Always a factor during periods of global unrest, consumers evaluate purchase decisions by a higher set of standards.

Products and services that she can connect with emotionally have a better chance of appealing to her more moderate mood.

Conscious consumption means quality products... with integrity.

Authenticity and genuine quality materials become more important as consumers seek to re-connect with the past.

Environmental issues, humane treatment of workers, and good moral standings become important in her selections.

Consumers look to the past for a new sense of elegance and a return to quality.

Products need to connect with the consumer on more than price alone.