Ditch Or Download: Ensemblr App for iOS

Ensemblr is a great idea for an app, and I like how you can find outfits that fit together and imagine it being laid out, as well as you being able to see immediately the price of the item and where to buy it.
The settings allow you to filter by item, price range, brands and retailers. Using the settings, you can also look for recently released items.
When looking at items you find and love on the app, you're able to look online for the item too, to buy it, and there is the option of putting it as a favourite in your wardrobe for later.

However, I found it slightly annoying to use as you could only scroll forwards and it takes ages to find something you want, and when you do, the system may not be up to date and the items may be out of stock online. I also found if you go off the app for a second, when you go back on, it takes you back to the start of the clothes - meaning you have to start scrolling again.

Overall, I found the app a little boring and pointless as although it's a nice idea, I personally find it much easier to search for items on retailers' websites. The app simply wasn't for me.

Verdict: Ditch

Ditch Or Download #4: H&M App For Android

Upon recently installing the H&M app on my phone, I have not been disappointed in doing so! The app's design is very neat, professional and easy to navigate, as well as the app serving all the functions that I would expect of it - and more!

In the Shop section, you can filter products by item, colour, size and 'concept' very easily, and you also have the option of choosing multiple colours, sizes or 'concepts' to filter by in any one search. As well as this, I found it very hassle-free to add products to the bag for checkout.

The Inspiration section is great for finding outfit ideas, or keeping up with the latest trends. There are lots of videos, photos and articles to really get you inspired with fashion and beauty.

The My H&M section of the app has the option of location-based offers and fashion news via push notifications to your phone, as well as an order tracking service.

In Support, I found information on contacting the company, or following their social media, and the Store Locator picks up your GPS to find a store nearby, whilst also specifying what departments the store stocks (Ladies, Kids, etc.).

The app seems to run very smoothly and is very easy to use, whilst also having so much available at the simple touch of a button.

Verdict: Download

Ditch Or Download #3: Boot's App For Android

The Boot's app is quite a new release for both Android and iOS, and on the Android operating system, I'm having mixed views about it. A lot of other users have been having issues logging into the app at all, and although I personally have not experienced this, I feel that the app can take a little longer than I would like to load things. Despite its slowness, the navigation buttons are well-sized, unlike some apps with which great touch-screen precision is required to get around the app.

Ditch Or Download #2: NUS App For Android

NUS App For Android

Although, this app sometimes lags a little, it is very useful for owners of NUS cards (student discount) as there are so many stores and businesses offering student discount it can be hard to keep track. This app neatly organised them all into different categories, such as ‘Fashion & Accessories’, and ‘Hair, Beauty & Chemist’, as well as there being a search bar to make finding out about student discount very quick and easy.

Verdict: Download

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this app, or any other shopping app recommendations you may have! Thanks for reading, the rest of the Ditch Or Download series is here.

- Paris x

Ditch Or Download: O2 Priority Moments App For Android

For O2 customers, a lot of 'priority moments' are available, and they're constantly updating so you can usually find something you like at some point (although you have to check back quite regularly to make sure you don't miss anything).
There is often an offer for The Body Shop for half price on a purchase after spending a certain amount (with the amount having to be spent being changed every so often). It’s a great offer to make the most out of by perhaps splitting the cost between friends. Discounts are also often available at places such as The Fragrance Shop (such as £10 off anything with no minimum spend), or restaurants and cafés - to help stretch your overall budget that little bit further.

The offers are categorised into ‘Nearby’ and ‘Online’, with the ‘Nearby’ section picking up your phone’s GPS and finding discounts close to you. The offers are further categorised into sections such as ‘Food & Drink’, ‘Shopping’, and many more, so you’re never far from finding a great bit of discount.

The app is free, and available for Android and iOS, but only for customers of the O2 mobile network.

Verdict: Download

I hope you enjoyed the first app review in our Ditch Or Download series. We'd love to hear your opinions on the app, or any other app recommendations you may have so don't hesitate to get in touch via our social media, linked to on the sidebar!

- Paris x