Giving Parcel Lockers a try

Back in April I wrote about Australia Post's Parcel Lockers. Finally I found the opportunity to try it out.

I used the Parcel Locker address provided as the shipping address for my latest ASOS order. Last Wednesday morning I received an SMS notifying me that the parcel was ready for collection (I also received an e-mail). I had 48 hours to collect the parcel.

The weather was too rainy on Wednesday night, so I waited till Thursday morning to swing by the lockers at St Leonards.

The collection process was very simple. I used the touch screen to enter the locker number and access code.

Once the codes were entered the locker lighted up for me to open.

And there was my parcel!

Soon after collection I received another SMS confirming that the parcel had been collected.

So what did I buy?

A Cath Kidston shoulder bag in blue Windsor Rose print. I discovered the brand when I was in Japan and I liked what I saw. The whimsical prints and easy to clean surface make her bags perfect for "mummy duties". When ASOS had its Jubilee sale with 20% off British brands I decided to get one.

So I can highly recommend the Parcel Locker service. I wish it is rolled out extensively after the trial finished at the end of the year!

Read More

Tesco's virtual fitting room

Who can forget "Cher's Wardrobe" from Clueless?

(For those of you too young to have watched Clueless, see the video here)

Back in the mid 90s it was a pipe dream in2012 and it's a reality!

Well it is of sorts. The fashion arm of Tesco from the UK has launched a virtual fitting room on their Facebook page. You can upload a photo of yourself, or enter your weight, height and measurements and "try on" clothes from their collection.

It sounds like lots of fun so I gave it a go. If you want to see yourself in the virtual fitting room you are asked to take a photo following specific instructions.

I didn't take up the option, instead I entered a few measurements and used one of the 2 models available.

It's easy to use - click on the item(s) you like and the model will be dressed.

You can rotate the model for views from the side and from the back.

If you like what you see, click on the "Shop the look" button and you'll see the items, the recommended sizes based on measurements you entered, and the expected fit.

Tesco is currently running a "Fitting Room" competition for the best look created and this is one of the winners.

It's a great idea that is at its infancy. It's fun to play mix and match and a nice change to see clothes displayed in my size rather than on super skinny models. At this point I think it's more for marketing purpose than a reliable shopping tool, but technology moves so quickly nowadays I'm sure more sophisticated programs will be available soon.

My prediction is that within 10 years we will be able to get a full body scan from purpose-built kiosks which will be uploaded online and used across different etailers for virtual fittings. How good will that be?

If you want to have a play, go check out Clothing at Tesco's Facebook page.

Read More