View from a fashion blogger – Monica Barleycorn
Monica Barleycorn is a bright 19 year old fashion blogger and country girl at heart, originally from the gothic moorlands of Whitby,Yorkshire (home of England’s earliest poet Caedmon, and location for the horror novel Dracula). She’s now living in London and studying Fashion Management at London College of Fashion. Her blog displays her ever changing unique style, and is a chance to show off all the beloved treasures she finds from hunting on eBay most days…
What percentage of your wardrobe do you buy online as opposed to in – store?
I’d say about 40% online and 60% in – store. I used to buy a larger percentage online, but since moving to London from a small village in Yorkshire, shops are a lot more accessible for me. Nowadays, I prefer to buy items in – store if I can and only tend to resort to ordering online from high – street brands, in the case of special promotions or if my size is not available in – store.
Which are your most loved brands to buy from online, and why?
I’m a self – confessed eBay addict – I’m literally on it all the time, whether buying or selling. I tend to buy a lot of second – hand clothes on eBay as well as new items from eBay shops just because I can’t resist a bargain. When it comes to new items, my favourites sites to visit are ASOS (for their wide selection of products) and Romwe (for trend clothing).
What features do you most appreciate when shopping from online fashion shops? i.e. Editorial content, free returns, styling advice, video content etc
I think editorial content is becoming increasingly valuable as it can change the way in which you view clothing and provide entertainment value. I think ASOS Fashion Up is a great app for editorial content and I really do think this kind of interactive app is the future of fashion publishing. I think a very useful feature of online shopping is customer reviews, something which Topshop use very well.
I have ASOS, ASOS Fashion Up, eBay, Topshop and LOOKBOOK.nu apps on my iPhone. My eBay app would have to be my favourite as I find it the most useful, but I also love ASOS Fashion Up for the excellent editorial content.
What’s your favourite social media channel for connecting with fashion brands?
I’d have to say Twitter, simply because I appreciate how instant it is. I follow most of my favourite brands on this platform and its great for getting quick updates about new lines and fashion shoots, as well as quick replies regarding any issues. I think Instagram is very up – and – coming for brands but its a shame not many have done it well yet.
