Now that social networks have become a regular part of the fabric of modern life, segmentation is well under way, with communities popping up all over focused on specific groups and interests. Case in point: OURthreads.com, a social marketplace designed specifically for users interested in fashion, clothing and accessories. Launched earlier this month, OURthreads facilitates the buying, selling and trading of clothes. Registered users begin by setting up a virtual “closet,” which serves as their home page. From there, they can proceed to display items for sale or look through other users’ closets for something to buy or trade. Users can link to their favourite closets, and they can also advertise on the site to bring more visitors to their own

Creating a closet, buying, trading and listing items for sale are all free; sellers pay OURthreads a fee of 3.5 percent of the total selling price for anything they sell. Ads, meanwhile, are available in variably priced packages. Cofounder Pete Yonkman explains: “When we designed the concept we tried to create a community that would allow people to easily create value for the items they have, whether they designed them or they just don’t want to wear them any more.”

Though it’s just barely out of the starting gates, the Indiana-based site already has a few hundred registered users—an eclectic mix of “boutiques, stay-at-home moms, a retired teacher who knits clothes, some college students and a few independent designers,” Yonkman says. Buying and selling on OURthreads is currently limited to US residents, but the company is open to partnership and ideas from those who want to make the site better. OURthreads is also gearing up to launch a new program next month, Yonkman says—stay tuned for more!

Website: www.ourthreads.com
Contact: feedback@ourthreads.com

This week at the Living North Christmas Fair, I spotted this lady as she wandered past my stand at the show. She was very striking in her appearance, and wearing a gorgeous bolero-length mini trench coat. Its funny the contacts I’ve already made just chatting to people on the street about their clothes. It has become a really good ice breaker to start some really interesting and purposeful conversations. As it transpired Sarah Underwood, pictured above runs a company selling cashmere knitwear from Nepal, her company is called Himalayan Originals.

I find it fascinating to meet people who are not only passionate about similar things that I am, but when they actually go out and make a difference to their and others lives by starting up their own business. I plan to meet up with Sarah again soon to discuss possible future business collaborations.

I loved what she was wearing, because of the way she is weraing just two colours grey and black but the black top underneath the jacket is differently textured and striped, the skirt has an interesting little frill at the back hem and she has accessorised with some bright jewellery.

The colours and textures in Margarets outfit add to to the luxurious look.  The sequins on the end of her scarf, add interesting detail and a focal point to the outfit.

I love seeing people on the street dressed fabulously, whether looking great for a specific occasion, in the latest trends or just looking utterly stylish and chic on their way to work.

Uberstyle is not about wearing the most up-to-date looks straight off the catwalk, or slavishly following the prescribed looks worn by celebrities in Heat Magazine. Its about being individualistic, confident and stylish in your own unique way.