Design-It-Yourself Online Services. Four Bespoke Services Worth Checking Out (Some More Than Others)
I can't sew. But, Lord knows I can and will restructure the hec out of something already made, for the perfect fit. I can't make my own shoes either. That really sucks, not many people can. But there have been many, many times I've wished I could create my own shoes.
My husband didn't know he was marrying a shoe maniac... bless his heart.
One of the many reasons I am so into the online industry is innovation, it just keeps evolving and it's just so darn exciting to follow! The web is filled with useful niche services and I am loving the "X-it-yourself" trend. Soon, I'll have the luxury of choosing to do 'it' myself with ease, whatever 'it' is. Right now, it's exciting to have the option of designing my own clothes and shoes, online.
Here's a list of four design-it-yourself (bespoke) sites worth checking out (some more than others). I have a feeling, this list will grow quickly!
1.
First Impression: Finally a design-it-yourself shoe site! I like the simplicity and the logo. I really like that the logo is the same one used in your shoe! I've played around with it, but haven't ordered shoes yet. It's difficult for me to really imagine what my designed shoe will look like in-person, so, I'm a bit hesitant to order. Though, I really want to and they have a nice gallery that displays real shoes that have been made by those not afraid to take the plunge.
What I Like: There is a really cute patent leather red and black mary jane shoes I am considering purchasing. Also, they have a great guarantee, which makes me feel more secure to try it out. Their guarantee, "If You Don't Love Your Shoes, Send Them Back For a Full Refund!" (This brings to mind Tim Ferriss's Four-Hour Work Week Tip). And.... This is a bootstrapped start-up with a cool team of entrepreneurs. I'm such a fan! Shoes (check). Online (check). Entrepreneurs (check). Boot-Strapped (check). OMGoodness, Shoes of Prey, great job!
Ways to Improve? Hmm... It may be a good idea for them to use a real shoe model instead of the cartoonish one on the design page. I can't help but think of someone's grandma when seeing this. (Not my grandma, she's a very stylish and fiesty little lady.)
It just look really big and manly to me. Perhaps they could provide real shoes on the "getting started" page. Also, I'd like to see photos of someone actually wearing the shoes.
Overall though, I love idea and service. I'm a fan and I am looking forward to following them and eventually ordering some mary-janes!
2.
First Impression: Colorful (maybe a little too much pink though...) I love the big images design of the site. But, it's not a design-it-yourself shoe site. It's more like a design-it-yourself shoes contest. Best design gets chosen for production and if it sells x number you receive x money. Why only pointed pumps?
What I Like: It's a new idea and the website is colorful. I'd like to keep up with them and see what they offer later on.
Ways to Improve: It's too involved and too much work for only a chance that my shoe design will be chosen. Plus, you have to have some design skills (they recommend Adobe Illustrator.) Again, why only pointed pumps? Round-toes would be so much better. Overall, it's not my cup of tea. But, solely because I'm a round toe girl and I don't have the time to spend on creating a design that might be chosen.... Ganbatte to you Dream Heels!
First Impression: Nice Welcome Page. Can't wait to check out the gallery and design a cute dress!
What I Like: I think this may be a nice dress design tool for the wedding industry. I think they agree. :)
Ways to Improve: The gallery looks like 80s prom and wedding dresses with a modern twist (Interpret that however you like....) I was really disappointed. See for yourself.
Fabrics are limited and very taffeta wedding-ish. But the 'photo gallery' has really cute photos. They should make the 'photo gallery' the default gallery (quickly!).
Also, I wasn't able to customize the body type. I'm petite. I'm not very pale like the default model. Thus, It was a wee bit hard for me to imagine myself wearing the dress threw together. No ma'am. It took a lot for me to move forward with this...
Also, lazy registration would be great. I wanted to leave when I had to register before making a dress and had I not been reviewing this, I probably would have left. Overall.... I wanted to leave the site about four times during my exploration. But, I think it has potential to be a good service if they change up a few things. (clothes, options, design, model, etc.) Maybe a more upscale, sophisticated, invite-only version of this would work better. This seems to appeal to another demographic.
First Impression: Nice and simple welcome page. Cute design. I like how they keep it simple. Nice! What I like: The "Free Shipping" graphic in the middle :), though I know it probably won't apply to Japan. But, hey a girl can dream. I also love the simplicity of their design! I also like that they use a simple dress form. Good idea. They also have good introductory selection of fabrics to choose from.
Ways to Improve: I won't be purchasing anything at this stage because, I don't like any of the necklines they offer. It's too bad, however I'm sure they'll add more in the future. I think this site would be a great service for the wedding industry in terms of bespoke wedding and bridesmaids dress.
I'm looking forward to following this and seeing where it goes. I'd love to purchase a dress if more neckline options are added. Also, the founder Andrea Marron was featured in Business Week's 2008 Best Young Entrepreneurs, great job Andrea! Final verdict?
Studio 28 Couture. Yes I will eventually order, but I'm waiting for more neckline options.
I hope tho see more of these services pop up online soon!
