Not all apps are created equal.
Among the great smartphone apps that outlive the two-week grace period of proving their usefulness, a few noteworthy fashion apps actually provide quality style news and information while simultaneously entertaining its users.
When I wake up and go to my closet to ponder what shirt is going to fit with which bottom for the weather and the occasion, I often wish there was an app for that.
And now there is.
Stylish Girl and Cool Guy are two apps that take pictures right from a phone and export looks to organize and compile outfits every day. Other features include the ability to share the outfits, tag the designer or retailer, make additional comments, shop online, make wish lists and help pack for travel.
But it doesn’t stop there  — a variety of trendy technology exists.
A fashion reporter or blogger with the need to share and trade advice will enjoy two highly-rated and frequently discussed apps that provide useful and innovative services.
Style Tag is a hot app that shares accounts from popular designers, retailers and fashion professionals who constantly update their news feeds. This allows underground fashionistas to follow to-the-minute fashion news without having to spend next month’s rent on fashion week tickets. Speaking of fashion week, avid attendees of elite fashion events can also take the opportunity to post personal style or runway looks via the snap-and-share option. This could possibly garner notoriety from users’ style-savvy friends who are invited to follow the users’ feed.
The style app Pose allows users to share and tag posts similar to Style Tag, also including a profile that followers can check past styles that have been posted and shared.
For professional designers and stylists looking for breaking news from the fashion industry, the Style.com and Elle apps work great for runway photos, videos, events and interviews, as well as beauty and hair tips. It also includes celebrity style updates in real time throughout the day, making information immediately available to app users.
For technical hands-on research and design consulting, design brands and buyers can use apps such as Trendstop to find the latest fashion trends and forecasting for upcoming seasons. This app provides not only visuals but valuable article excerpts from fashion experts worldwide. There are packages provided at inexpensive rates to provide even further and more detailed trend reporting services for those analyzing buying trends and developing future collections.
The Style Studio app is impressive for providing an interface where future or professional designers can share a design idea or prototype via online networks. Users can design a look in this program and showcase it on customized male or female models. The app is available for $2.99 on iTunes.
For the fun and fashionable gossip girl, the E! Online app Fashion Police provides celebrity style news, photos and videos, dishing about the fads with snarky comments about the stars’ wardrobe choices and career hype.
Last, if fun and games are an app must, then try Fashion Story, which incorporates fun in the retail buying and selling experience, gives users an idea of what it would be like to buy and sell retail inventory for a boutique. For design-conscious app users, Jojo’s Fashion Show World Tour is also a winner. It shares design competitions and wardrobe scenarios, giving users the chance to test their style knowledge and showcase expertise on trend presentations wat different levels.
Overall, these apps have a the likeability factor for their faithful users, and like Angry Birds, they may even go on to inspire fashion merchandise spin-offs that perpetuate an undying love for the growth of the fashion app.
Al Burks is a 25 year-old apparel design senior from New Orleans, LA.
 
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Contact Al Burks at [email protected]