ShopStyle for Elle

Together with ShopStyle, fashion magazine Elle will launch its own branded shopping site for UK readers. US company ShopStyle recently launched in the UK and promises Elle’s readers a one-stop-shop for all their stylish shopping needs. With over two million users per month in the US, ShopStyle is aiming to repeat its business model by introducing UK consumers to its innovative approach to ‘social shopping’. Elle readers have the opportunity to enjoy their own ShopStyle experience via the brand’s website elleuk.com.

The site allows consumers to search for the latest items from a vast number of retail brands, boutiques and labels by using key words and selection criteria. Retailers in the UK range from high street retailers such as Miss Selfridge, French Connection and House of Fraser to high end designer retailers including, Net-A-Porter, Anya Hindmarch, Miu Miu and My Wardrobe. The available products will cover both mainstream high street fashion and more individual one-off items. ShopStyle is a known for community driven merchandising and integrating shopping with social tools. In addition to searching for apparel, shoe and accessory brands, Elle shoppers will be able to save a list of their favourite items to keep track of what to buy and or share with friends via email.

Anna Jones, Marketing and Digital Director of Hachette Filipacchi UK, says: “We are very happy to be working in partnership with ShopStyle as their shopping tool is innovative and very easy to use. Once our users have been inspired by Elle’s edit of the best high street and catwalk looks our new shopping tool will offer them a simple and fun way to buy what they like in a few simple steps.”

Users will search for high street, designer and beauty items by store, brand, style and size, and then the site will report what stock is available. At the beginning of each season, readers can also check out designer collections online, they’ll know what styles to look for in shops, and what price they should be paying. If a shopper wants to purchase a Stella McCartney top that’s £300 at a shopping website, but costs £50 more at a local boutique, they can use this knowledge to barter.

ShopStyle is part of US-based Sugar Inc, publisher of popular media brands including PopSugar and FabSugar, as well as 13 other women’s lifestyle and entertainment blogs.

Image: Alexa Chung for Elle UK October 2008