AINSLEE Walton and Leah Hassard knew it was a good idea but they did not expect their first-time project to get global attention so soon.
But sure enough, the fashion-savvy few responded, and now the rising entrepreneurs are even more excited about their initiative.
Ainslee and Leah, solicitors who met in London, have launched a style app. The free iPhone app gives shoppers access to insider style tips, and enables users to get and give worldwide fashion advice.
My Social Stylist is an interactive network that guides shoppers through purchase decisions and creates a space for members to share photos. Co-creators Ainslee and Leah were inspired by their shopping experiences.
‘‘We always wanted a fashion business on the side,’’ said Ainslee of Sylvania Waters. ‘‘So we found an app developer and designed it during our lunch breaks.
‘‘Our intention was to make it easier for those people who find themselves shopping alone, yet remain in need of quick and honest style advice.’’
Members share an image of their outfit or outfits, and in ‘‘real time’’ get a direct response that tells them to either ‘‘Love it’’ or ‘‘Leave it’’.
The app also includes a Twitter-like ‘‘follow’’ function and a ‘‘lookbook’’ feature, which gives members the chance to be inspired by others who style their admire, and share images on Facebook.
‘‘Basically, it’s a fun form of social shopping,’’ Leah said. “Trends aren’t just created on catwalks.
‘‘Some of the trendiest people can be found walking down busy city streets. Such day-to-day outfits are often more aligned with the simple, yet stylish looks that many of us aspire to achieve, but may not be able to create on our own. The app creates a forum for outfits to be shared, appreciated and celebrated.’’
Although its early days, the app has already been under the spotlight on a wide scale.
‘‘We are getting people from all over the world downloading it,’’ Ainslee said. ‘‘New York, Morocco, Austria, Indonesia, Brazil ... it’s a big international audience. We now want to build brand loyalty and introduce upgrades.’’
Ainslee and Leah were recognised in Commonwealth Bank’s ‘‘Women in Focus’’ initiative, which celebrated upcoming female entrepreneurs.
Download the app from the AppStore. Check out their blog:
">mysocialstylist.blogspot.com
