J. Peterman was ahead of its time, seriously. The brand’s famous catalog-which lent each of its product an offbeat yet witty backstory-can now be considered a forerunner to what fashion blogs are doing today: seamlessly merging content with commerce.

This was just one of many insights from the Assembled Fashion conference on Saturday, when over a hundred fashionistas, fur vests, counsel-seeking entrepreneurs and “techanistas” gathered at NYC’s General Assembly to get a full download on the latest trends, technologies, and opportunities happening in fashion today. Plenty of fashion insiders spoke across a series of themed panels on social, flash sales and the mathematical formula to enhance your backside in jeans (tip: it’s all about the pockets, people), including uber-popular blogger Kathryn Finney of The Budget Fashonista, Gilt Groupe Women’s GM Jyothi Rao, Lucky Magazine Director of Digital Content Caroline Wexler, Fashism CEO Brooke Moreland and Birchbox Co-Founder Katie Beauchamp, to name a few.

This week Mashable posted a beginner’s guide to using Facebook for eCommerce. At first glance, the story seems pretty helpful, but as you dig deeper, it’s easy to find the 1500 word post more confusing than enlightening. If you’re looking for something a bit more concise and clear, then give this 300 word summary a try…

A handful of socially savvy start-up companies have empowered shoppers to decide what clothes get produced, how they get distributed, and what the designs will be.



Fashion brands are noticing these innovative ideas, and according to an article on Mashable, now top designers and brands are beginning to use similar techniques…

Marc Ecko spoke about authentic, AWEthentic connections at SXSW. A little lesson for brands that it’s not about what you make, but it’s about how you make people feel.

Dear Barbarians:

Let’s celebrate the peak of NY Fashion Week with a fun little Formal Friday contest. A stylish copy of Burt Bacharach’s Timeless box set has found it’s way into my possession (thanks Ben) and it could find its way into your hands if I deem you to be the best dressed Barbarian tomorrow.

Here is some inspiration for you…

And here is the prize…

Airport travel is always fascinating. It’s like the Olympics of people watching. There is always a volume of shocking classlessness that overthrows proper decorum. We’ll call this terrible affliction “travelitis.” Here are some symptoms.

Blowing off some steam today.

Came to California today to live the Formal Friday dream!