Style Insider: Keeping up with your favourite clothing brands!

The fashion industry has moved at rapid pace over the past 12 months, providing an ever expanding opportunity to not only shop on-line but also interact with the retailer in question and get style information at the click of a button.

The greatest thing I find is the individual brands that are now offering their own form of style magazine, understandably showcasing their own collections but in a new light so you can feel inspired to buy whole outfits.

The second thing I adore about the on-line shopping trend is the revelation of social networking and individual blogs. It seems independent people are making history in the plus size fashion industry and the retailers want a piece of it. Not only is it about individual opinion but there are now voices coming from the shops themselves in the form of blogs and most recently, communities like ASOS have created, providing a platform to discuss, share style, ask advice and connect with others – you can even set up your own little feed posting images of your outfits to inspire others. It’s called Life and it sure outweighs anything other brands are doing.

So here is the low down of retailers with style insider features, whether it be in the shape of an on-line magazine or their own blog, please add your own insider knowledge or if you have your own fashion blog you want to show off, feel free to leave a link!

ASOS Life we have already dipped into but that’s not all they’re up to, this part of the website covers all there is to do with fashion, a place that you should really take a look around yourself and definitely join up. ASOS also produce their own online magazine every month, featuring the latest in trends and beauty news but also articles surrounding designers, celebrity style and unique finds with their street style highlights. Just like the ASOS brand, which has rid its original label of sole celebrity on screen style, this magazine is unique, different and most importantly FREE!

H&M renowned for French chic and affordable fashion, publish a seasonal magazine encapsulating their latest fashion releases. Unfortunately if you live in the UK, you still can’t order online from H&M, which to be honest they should really take note of as I think they are missing a great opportunity. They also publish style guides on-line to offer advice on how to wear their latest collection.

New Look has created a blog called Future Fab Fashion. Rather than solely promoting the products by New Look, this blog is young and fresh giving insight into what truly inspires the design and buying team. It covers everything and anything, making reading quite enjoyable – it is not the usual, ‘wear this, wear that’ which can sometimes overcrowd a blog instead it is human and fun.

It is no longer about look books but insider knowledge and blogging! As consumers we are demanding a greater amount from the brands we love, and why not? We dedicate our spending power in the fashion industry and we want more for our cash. Evans have recently launched their own blog; Fashion Fix which not only draws on their latest additions but features independent style bloggers from around the world currently making it in the plus size industry. There’s also competitions, features on style and collaborations.

Next months fashion feature: Independent bloggers, who we are listening to and why they are becoming so successful. Would you like to provide input to this article? Please get in touch.