Social media is an inevitable part of life in the 21st century, and owning a smart phone keeps us plugged in at all times. If you find yourself spending the better part of your day browsing the Internet from your iPhone, delving into your inner-shopaholic is now easier than ever. The combination of shopping and social networking makes perfect sense for the young woman who wants to stay in style! Not only can you simply buy things, but apps now allow you to browse for items tailored to your individual style, share finds with friends, network, and even set up your very own customized consignment shop, all at your fingertips. The best part is, all of these apps are FREE and compatible with both iPhone and Android!
#5 – Etsy
With over 17 million unique items and 800,000 sellers around the world, Etsy is perfect for a unique shopping experience. Not only does the website-turned-app make it incredibly easy to shop for any type of item you could possibly imagine (have you heard of “feltidermy?”), but you can even open your own boutique! The wide range of categories includes all kinds of personalized goodies, handmade jewelry, vintage apartment finds, and even plants and edible herbs. Why we love it: Offers one-of-a-kind creations and supports small, trendy businesses.
#4 – Ibotta
Ever said to yourself, “I shop so much, I should get paid for it”? If so, download this app ASAP! Ibotta pays you in real money for buying products from popular stores, all on your mobile device. It’s as easy as taking a photo of your receipt and the money is loaded into your PayPal account. Plus, bonuses are given for referring your friends, not to mention a cool promotion going on right now where you are given a $10 bonus for just trying the app out within the first 2 weeks of use (limited time only). Ibotta is super accessible (stores include Wal-Mart, 7-11, and Whole Foods) and allows you to search for participating places and products in your area. The Ibotta team is constantly adding new vendors and deals, so it is no surprise that it was extensively featured this year on popular media outlets such as Good Morning America, and even reached #1 in the Lifestyle category of the App Store! Why we love it: You’re essentially being paid to shop!
#3 – Svpply
Trendy, clever, and wildly creative, this app allows you to tailor items to your own personal style. Follow your favorite boutiques (the app offers over 110,000 stores and brands, with 5,000 new products introduced daily), make wish lists, and use geotagging to find hole-in-the-wall stores near you. Categories range from men and women’s clothing, to art for your apartment, to alcohol preferences. All products are completely hand-selected to fit your style, and you can try it without having to register! Why we love it: Tumblr meets your own personal amazon.
#2 – Polyvore
You may have already heard of the website, but have you tried the app? Polyvore allows you to browse and shop millions of looks created by a global community. Create mock-up projects such as your dream room or the perfect outfit, and then share your DIY collages with fellow fashion muses around the world. You may also search trending brands and styles, follow others, shop your specific style, and stimulate creativity via simulations. Why we love it: Allows creativity to flourish while granting the ability to instantly share your own personal style and favorite products with your friends, via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Blogger, Wordpress, etc.
#1 – Poshmark
The reason Poshmark is so cool is because it is the future of shopping. It’s the brainchild of shopping meets social media; this app is ridiculously convenient because it works as a virtual consignment store between you and other women all over the country. Buy and sell clothes, and use the highly customizable features such as Instagram-like filters on your listing pictures (upload as many as you want as opposed to other online websites such as eBay that charge you per picture of sale item added), negotiate deals, subscribe to your favorite stores, and share you and your friends’ posts with your followers. Poshmark gives daily opportunities to advertise your store through cleverly themed parties, and the best part is they take care of everything for you! Acting as a medium between clients, Poshmark creates printable shipping labels, works as your business’s customer service center, and most importantly, holds to the Poshmark Promise of safeguarding your money and payment information, as well as protecting the products you sell. There’s NO catch except that they take 20% of your earnings (items sell for a price that you choose and the pre-made shipping label fees are included in this number). Connect with other like-minded fashionistas, shop your favorite brands for discounted prices, and sell everything from gently used clothing to new with tags. Not yet available on Android, but rumor is they’re working on it! Why we love it: If you’ve ever bought something, never worn it, and regretted it, you can make amends by selling it for the price YOU choose.
By Kiana Williams. Image Credit: iTunes apps.
