Remember when Clueless came out and we all drooled over Cher's virtual closet capabilities? I still don't have anything quite like that, but guess what: the next best thing is available for free through (where else?) the iTunes store! OK, so perhaps my title for today's post was slightly deceptive. But now that I've lured you in, keep reading, because this app is Candy Crush for fashionistas. You'll be obsessed in a heartbeat. Did you see the Brooklyn Nine Nine Kwazy Kupcakes episode? Yes, that will soon be you my friend, sneakily hiding out in the bathroom or deceptively pulling out your phone in meetings.
Now, let me introduce you to your latest addiction!
Basic Concept: Shopping. And more shopping. Yes!!! (cue evil laugh) The name of the app really says it all. When you first join the app, you get a basic tutorial and an initial budget of $4000 to help you get started. Spend wisely, my friends. Initially, I was a bit hasty and just began buying pretty random items. Little did I know that each "contest" has specific requirements, and if you don't have enough funds to buy what you need, you can't enter the contest. Then, you'll spiral into a deep depression until another contest emerges.
Contests/Prizes: Each day you get a chance to score an easy $500 with the "Daily $500." If your look gets enough votes (enough to increase your score to a 4-star rating), you win the designated prize for that event, which fills it with yet another goody that you can wear in other contests. Additionally, you can enter other "Limited Time Events" such as "Flashback," "Style Master," and various outfit-specific contests. For each one you enter you automatically get $100 and a chance to win a prize. There's also the separate Jet Set Events category, where you enter destination-themed contests that earn you travel points (those give you access to the next destination) and diamonds. You can only acquire past-season items with diamonds, not cash, and some events are limited to wearing items from a specific season.
Hair/Skin/Makeup: For each contest you enter, you can choose from a variety of hairstyles, skin tones, and makeup looks. There are definitely not as many options here as with clothing, shoes, and accessories. More looks become available as your closet value increases, which gives you even more incentive to spend. It would be a brilliant idea for the app's creators to incorporate specific cosmetic brands and perhaps hair creations from well-known stylists. Hopefully they read this and listen!
Designers: One of the really great features about this app, and a genius marketing strategy, is that your clothes are real items from actual designers. There's even a tab where you can shop in "real life" for the item in your virtual closet. Designers with items featured in this app include Rachel Zoe, Rebecca Minkoff, United Nude, BCBG Max Azria, House of Harlow, me TOO, Nanette Lepore, France Luxe, J Brand, Cynthia Rowley, and Hudson.
Caveats: Once you get started, you won't want to stop. However, once you run out of cash or diamonds, your only option is to spend actual money to get more virtual dinero. If one of your Facebook friends joins, you get $1000, and there are a few options such as participating in surveys or getting insurance quotes that will deposit funds into your account. While many contests include items you'll likely already have in your closet, there are others with obscure and often pricey requirements (a particular brand, fabric, pattern, and shape).
Have you tried this app? Share your thoughts and join the discussion!
xoxo
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