In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit I initially did not want an iPhone.  I loved my little Blackberry, and I just didn’t want to jump on the bandwagon.  Don’t get me wrong, my MacBook is my BFF, and of course I love my iPod, but when it came to mobile devices I was decidedly a Blackberry fan.  Alas, it only took a few swipes of my fingers and a little trip to the App Store for my conversion to be complete.  All hail all things Mac, I’m no longer trying to fight your undeniable supremacy.

 

Even in the fashion and beauty arena, the iPhone delivers with some fantastic Apps to appease experts, beginners, and everyone in between.  Of course, like anything else there are some bad apples (HA!) in the group, and what’s more annoying then a crappy App, requiring you to go back through and delete just moments later.  Save yourself the time, and just take my word for it.  All the Apps listed below are free, so you’ll have to try out the paid ones on your own.  But really, save your change for a cute cocktail ring, the free ones can accomplish whatever you need!

 

Haute:

1.  Today’s Shoe by Bergdorf Goodman

WARNING: If you have a shoe fetish, do not download this app.  Not only is it highly addictive, it makes it all too easy to drool over, and then purchase any style you desire, from the finest designers in the world.  What I love about this App is it’s search capabilities.  It’s super easy to find what you need, whether it be platforms, sandals, flats, evening, or even bridal footwear.  My one complaint: you can only share shoes through email, not Twitter, Facebook, etc.  Fix that one little hitch, and I will buy up all the Louboutin’s I can find.  Maybe.

2.  ShopStyle

My favorite part of this app is the fact that it involves so many stores, so many brands.  It makes me feel like I’m making a choice, not just being fed a brand’s idea of what I should be wearing.  There are categories for men, women, kids, and even a home & living section.  If you can’t find something in this app that you want, you really should get out more.  It’s not just products, though, the Fashionologie tab provides articles, news, and trends information that could literally occupy my time for hours.  The best part about this App?  If you find a product you like, just set up a sale alert, and as soon as the price drops, ShopStyle will send you a push notification.  Divine.

3.  Elle Magazine

K was the one to give me the heads up on the Elle Magazine app, and I was pleasantly surprised.  It’s not just an App version of the glossy, it’s got its own content, including an Astrology tab.  In addition, it combines pop culture, beauty, and fashion news, all at your fingertips.  It’s fashion news in particular is incredibly helpful for what we do, as it combines high fashion, commercial labels, and celebrity style.  Double bonus:  anything you find can be easily shared to Facebook, Twitter, whatever.  Yes, please!

Not:

1.  F Network

This App has so much potential.  Runway videos, all perfectly organized for your viewing pleasure.  They’re all labeled according to location and season, further satiating my OCD tendencies.  However, I have yet to watch a show that didn’t crash and burn.  They constantly stutter, buffer, or just plain shut down.  Feel free to download it and give it a shot yourself, maybe it’s just my phone!

2.  Ask A Stylist

I will admit, I was obsessed with this app in the beginning.  It was such a cool concept: send in a picture of your outfit, and a professional stylist will respond shortly with tips and suggestions to improve your look.  However, all the potential is overshadowed by 12-year-olds asking if their hair looks good, and cheesy stylists unwilling to say anything without an exclamation mark.  On occasion a response will actually include helpful tips, but 90% of the time it goes something like this: “You look great!  Love that color!  Have fun tonight!”  If you’re 12, and you would like a self-esteem boost, by all means download this App.  Otherwise, probably not for you.

3.  Vogue Stylist

I hate to criticize Vogue, because it’s obviously at the height of fashion, but the App just does not live up to the status.  It’s mainly just another way for the magazine to push it’s advertising on you, with only one tab for “Trends”, where they just republish the pictures from articles.  Even when you “Style It” with a pair of shoes you like, Vogue simply arranges a lovely collage of more products they would love for you to buy.  I know I’m a consumer, but don’t shove it in my face, por favor.

 

Have more to add to the list?  Leave us a comment!

 

XO,

A