Abstract:
A method for online shopping in an online shopping system includes providing a first user interface identifying an item of apparel for presentation to a first user and providing a second user interface identifying the item of apparel for presentation to a second user. The method also includes receiving from the first user an indication to associate the item of apparel with an outfit. The user further includes receiving from the second user a comment regarding at least one of the outfit and the item of apparel. In addition, the method includes providing the comment and the outfit for presentation in the first and second user interfaces such that the comment and outfit are viewable by the first user and the second user.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure is directed in general to online shopping and more specifically to an online shopping environment that incorporates a social experience for a user while shopping. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Online shopping for apparel and other merchandise has been the fastest growing sales channel in the past few years and is expected to continue to outgrow all other channels in the near future. Consumer sentiment towards online shopping is changing due to factors such as the development of more secure methods for online payments, a higher percentage of working women with little time for shopping, and an economic environment that has prompted consumers to shop for bargains online. 
         [0003]    Traditional retailers are aware of this trend and are launching online stores. At the same time, new models of online stores and fashion-related networks are emerging, such as group buying or sites that sell clothes from different brands. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a method for online shopping is provided. The method includes providing a first user interface identifying an item of apparel for presentation to a first user and providing a second user interface identifying the item of apparel for presentation to a second user. The method also includes receiving from the first user an indication to associate the item of apparel with an outfit. The user further includes receiving from the second user a comment regarding at least one of the outfit and the item of apparel. In addition, the method includes providing the comment and the outfit for presentation in the first and second user interfaces such that the comment and outfit are viewable by the first user and the second user. 
         [0005]    According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a data processing system for online shopping is provided. The data processing system includes at least one processing unit and at least one memory. The at least one processing unit is configured to provide a first user interface identifying an item of apparel for presentation to a first user, provide a second user interface identifying the item of apparel for presentation to a second user, receive from the first user an indication to associate the item of apparel with an outfit, receive from the second user a comment regarding at least one of the outfit and the item of apparel, and provide the comment and the outfit for presentation in the first and second user interfaces such that the comment and outfit are viewable by the first user and the second user. 
         [0006]    A computer program product for use in an online shopping system is also provided. The computer program product includes a tangible machine-readable medium encoded with computer-executable instructions. When executed, the computer-executable instructions cause a data processing system to provide a first user interface identifying an item of apparel for presentation to a first user, provide a second user interface identifying the item of apparel for presentation to a second user, receive from the first user an indication to associate the item of apparel with an outfit, receive from the second user a comment regarding at least one of the outfit and the item of apparel, and provide the comment and the outfit for presentation in the first and second user interfaces such that the comment and outfit are viewable by the first user and the second user. 
         [0007]    Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its features, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0009]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate an example user interface of an online shopping and social networking system according to an embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0010]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate example operations of certain functions in the user interface according to an embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example outfit detail interface according to an embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates an example user profile interface according to an embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example friend management interface according to an embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  illustrates an example outfit management interface according to an embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example data processing system capable of implementing an online shopping and social networking system according to an embodiment of this disclosure; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  illustrates an example method for using an online shopping and social networking system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]      FIGS. 1A through 8 , described below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present invention in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present invention may be implemented in any type of suitably arranged device or system. 
         [0018]    This disclosure describes an online shopping and social networking system where users can shop alone or with friends, simultaneously or in their own time. The system provides users a comprehensive venue to shop for the users&#39; favorite brands and retailers, while at the same time including friends in the shopping experience. 
         [0019]    The online shopping and social networking system according to this disclosure solves many of the problems found in conventional online shopping sites. For example, conventional online shopping sites have not been able to reproduce the social element of shopping. Many people believe that going shopping is a leisure and social activity, but they do not experience this when they shop online because conventional online shopping sites do not promote interaction with friends. Furthermore, conventional online shopping sites often make it difficult for a consumer to shop among more than one brand or one retailer. Manufacturers and retailers are launching their own online stores, but they typically only sell one brand or from one retailer. Multi-brand/multi-retailer sites are typically not properly integrated and often redirect the consumer to a single manufacturer&#39;s website. Finally, search engine results for clothing are not always relevant to the consumer&#39;s search, causing frustration for the consumer. 
         [0020]    The online shopping and social networking system according to this disclosure introduces a missing element of fun into online shopping by making it an enjoyable social activity. The disclosed system enables friends to go shopping online together, either in real time or by having access to each other&#39;s “outfits” and making recommendations and comments. The system provides visual tools for users to be able to “model” garments with their friends, as well as real-time chatting capabilities. Users retain full control over who sees their selections by making each outfit or apparel item visible to as few or as many friends as desired. Users are also able to shop privately if desired. The system also provides links to fashion magazines, blogs, or other information that shoppers can use for inspiration. 
         [0021]    While the online shopping and social networking system is described herein with respect to apparel shopping, it will be understood to those of skill in the art that the online shopping and social networking system may be used for shopping for other goods, such as jewelry and accessories, home furnishings, electronics, specialty foods, and any other suitable consumer goods. 
         [0022]    Note that the online shopping and social networking system is described below with respect to various embodiments. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding of, and enabling description for, these embodiments of the disclosure. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the disclosure may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the disclosure. 
         [0023]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate an example user interface  100  of an online shopping and social networking system  10  according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The embodiment of user interface  100  shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  is for illustration only. Other embodiments of user interface  100  could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0024]    Online shopping and social networking system  10  includes user interface  100 . A user of online shopping and social networking system  10  (referred to as “shopping system  10 ”) accesses user interface  100  through a web browser, a computer application, a mobile device application, a combination of these, or in any other suitable manner. As shown in  FIG. 1B , user interface  100  includes a search interface  110 , a shopping interface  120 , an outfit interface  130 , and a comment interface  140 . Search interface  110  is an innovative search engine specifically designed to search for fashion in a multi-brand environment. For example, search interface  110  can enable a user to search for a clothing item, a retailer, a brand, or any other category. In some embodiments, search interface  110  is a portal to an existing search engine. In other embodiments, search interface  110  is a fully-integrated search engine that is designed, developed, and optimized specifically for shopping system  10 . 
         [0025]    Shopping interface  120  displays one or more items of apparel and associated information, such as a description, brand, color, size, style, trend, price, and so forth. The items displayed in shopping interface  120  may reflect a result set of a search performed by a user using search interface  110 . That is, after a user performs a search for items using search interface  110 , the results of the search can be displayed in shopping interface  120 . Some or all of the information associated with each item may be obtained directly from a manufacturer, vendor, retailer, or other third party. For example, availability and delivery date information can be provided by a retailer associated with each item. In other embodiments, some or all of the information associated with each item may be compiled or provided by systems or personnel associated with shopping system  10 . In particular embodiments, shopping interface  120  may include, or be executed by, existing shopping engine software. In other particular embodiments, shopping interface  120  is a fully-integrated shopping engine that is designed, developed, and optimized specifically for shopping system  10 . Any other suitable functions could be supported by shopping interface  120 . For instance, shopping interface  120  could enable the user to buy one or more items with one-click buying in shopping system  10  and continue shopping in the same session. 
         [0026]    Outfit interface  130  displays items of apparel, both individually and arranged into outfits. As used in this document, an “outfit” includes two or more items of apparel selected to be displayed or worn together. Outfits displayed in outfit interface  130  may be assigned to and arranged by one or more categories, such as work outfits, summer outfits, dinner outfits, and the like. Outfit interface  130  is configured to display outfits associated with a user of shopping system  10 , as well as outfits associated with friends of the user. Users may select from their own outfits or from those of their friends by clicking on an icon, selecting from a drop-down list, or in any other suitable manner. A user may add, delete, update, or rearrange outfits in outfit interface  130 , such as by dragging and dropping icons associated with each outfit or in any other suitable manner. In certain embodiments, outfit interface  130  could enable the user to buy one or more items, or an entire outfit, with one-click buying. Support for one-click buying in outfit interface  130  could be instead of, or in addition to, the one-click buying support in shopping interface  120 . 
         [0027]    Comment interface  140  enables a user to read, write, and edit comments regarding one or more items of apparel or outfits. The commented apparel items or outfits may be associated with the user or with one of the user&#39;s friends. For example, comment interface  140  enables the user to identify an item of apparel (such as by using shopping interface  120 ) and post a comment, such as “I like this jacket for my work.” Comment interface  140  also enables the user to read comments that have been posted by the user&#39;s friends. The comments posted by the user&#39;s friends may involve the user&#39;s apparel items or outfits or a friend&#39;s apparel items or outfits. The user may choose to accept a comment, which posts the comment with the outfit or item of apparel in outfit interface  130 , as shown in  FIG. 1B . Alternatively, the user may choose to reject a comment, in which case the comment may be removed from comment interface  140 , outfit interface  130 , or both. In some embodiments, the user and the user&#39;s friends can respond to each others&#39; comments with additional comments, thus creating a dialog regarding an item of apparel or an outfit. 
         [0028]    The comments in comment interface  140  may be arranged in a list view, icon view, detail view, tree view, or any other suitable arrangement. The comments in comment interface  140  may be filtered or sorted by friend name, date, or any other suitable parameter. Comment interface  140  may also include a preview window (not shown) similar to those found in many email applications. As shown in  FIG. 1B , each comment from a friend in comment interface  140  may include an avatar, icon, or image associated with that friend. In some embodiments, clicking on a friend&#39;s icon opens a profile page for the friend as described in greater detail below. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate example operations of certain functions in the user interface  100  according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The operations shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  are for illustration only. Other operations could be performed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIG. 2A , when a user clicks on a “Share” button  200  associated with an item of apparel in shopping interface  120 , a dialog window  201  appears. Dialog window  201  enables the user to share information and opinions about the apparel item with one or more friends. For example, if a user believes that a jacket is a good addition to a friend&#39;s outfit, the user can open dialog window  201 , select the friend&#39;s outfit, and assign or “add” the jacket to the friend&#39;s outfit. Once added, the jacket appears with the friend&#39;s outfit in outfit interface  130 . As another example, if the user simply wants to show the jacket to a friend (without associating the jacket with an outfit), the user can open dialog window  201 , select a friend, add an optional comment, and send an image of the jacket with the optional comment to the friend. 
         [0031]    In addition to or in lieu of using dialog window  201 , the user may drag and drop an apparel item from shopping interface  120  to outfit interface  130  as indicated by the dashed arrow line in  FIG. 2A . By dragging and dropping the apparel item to outfit interface  130 , a user associates the apparel item with one or more outfits in outfit interface  130 . In some embodiments, when the user drags and drops an apparel item to outfit interface  130 , a comment box  202  automatically appears. The comment box  202  enables the user to post or read one or more comments regarding the apparel item. In other embodiments, comment box  202  may not automatically appear but may appear upon user actuation of a control, such as by the user right-clicking on the icon for the apparel item. 
         [0032]    User interface  100  includes features and functions to enable users of shopping system  10  to shop together even though the users are not physically in the same location. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2B , user interface  100  may include an indication  203  of a user&#39;s friends that are accessing the shopping system  10  concurrently with the user&#39;s session. The indication  203  of each friend may include an avatar, a name, a user ID, or any other suitable indicator. User interface  100  may enable the user to invite one or more friends to shop concurrently with the user as described in greater detail below. 
         [0033]    By actuating one or more user controls in user interface  100 , a user may participate in a group chat, audio conference, or video conference with friends who are also using shopping system  10 . User interface  100  may include screen sharing capabilities that enable the friends to concurrently view and model apparel items and outfits. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2B , user interface  100  may include a common space  204  that is viewable and accessible by multiple users. In common space  204 , each friend may display one or more apparel items that may or may not be associated with any outfit. Common space  204  may include a comment area  205  where the friends can chat and share opinions about the apparel items in common space  204 . 
         [0034]    User interface  100  may enable users to shop at different times but still share the shopping experience by being able to see the outfits that their friends are creating and making comments and recommendations. Of course, a user can also shop privately if desired by keeping some outfits private even if the user&#39;s friends are making recommendations and comments about other outfits. 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example outfit detail interface  310  according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The embodiment of outfit detail interface  310  shown in  FIG. 3  is for illustration only. Other embodiments of outfit detail interface  310  could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , outfit detail interface  310  is part of user interface  100  but may be part of another interface or a stand-alone interface. Outfit detail interface  310  provides a detailed view of an outfit that is shown in outfit interface  130 . Outfit detail interface  310  includes images  312 - 314  of the apparel items in the outfit. Images  312 - 314  can be resized and moved around within a defined space in outfit detail interface  310 . In some embodiments, outfit detail interface  310  may include a mannequin function to enable the user to display or “model” the images  312 - 314  on a virtual mannequin. The virtual mannequin may have a generic appearance or may be customized to have an appearance similar to the user or one of the user&#39;s friends. 
         [0037]    Outfit detail interface  310  also includes a comments section  316  configured to display the comments associated with the outfit. Comments section  316  may be larger than the comment spaces shown in outfit interface  130  and comment interface  140 , thus enabling the user to read more of each comment or read each comment in a larger font without the need to scroll. An invitation list  318  enables the user to select one or more friends to view the outfit displayed in outfit detail interface  310 . Friends that are already invited to view the outfit appear in a friend section  320  of outfit detail interface  310 . A button  322  next to each invited friend enables the user to “un-invite” that friend (i.e., remove authorization for that friend to view the outfit.) 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  illustrates an example user profile interface  410  according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The embodiment of user profile interface  410  shown in  FIG. 4  is for illustration only. Other embodiments of user profile interface  410  could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , user profile interface  410  is part of user interface  100  but may be part of another interface or a stand-alone interface. User profile interface  410  enables the user to manage the user&#39;s system account, profile, and interactions with friends in shopping system  10 . User profile interface  410  displays editable information about the user, such as name, gender, birthday, location, user name, password, email address, clothing sizes, and the like. The information in user profile interface  410  may also include payment and delivery information (e.g., credit card numbers, shipping addresses, and the like) associated with making purchases using shopping system  10 . The information in user profile interface  410  may further include fashion sense information, such as clothing or color preferences and trends or styles that the user likes or follows. By actuating a control, such as an update button  412 , a user can use user profile interface  410  to update, add, delete, or edit information in the user profile. In some embodiments, certain user profile information is read-only, such as friends&#39; outfits that the user is authorized to see and comment on. Comments and posts—such as those posted to the user, by the user, or both—may be displayed in user profile interface  410 . The comments and posts may be editable or may be read-only in user profile interface  410 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example friend management interface  510  according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The embodiment of friend management interface  510  shown in  FIG. 5  is for illustration only. Other embodiments of friend management interface  510  could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , friend management interface  510  is part of user interface  100  but may be part of another interface or a stand-alone interface. Friend management interface  510  enables the user to manage interactions with friends in shopping system  10  by adding, deleting, updating, and viewing authorization and profiles of friends who use shopping system  10 . Friend management interface  510  can also display information associated with a friend, such as name, gender, birthday, location, contact information, clothing sizes, clothing and color preferences, and the like. Friend management interface  510  can further display outfit information associated with each friend. For example, friend management interface  510  may display the user&#39;s apparel items or outfits that each friend is authorized to view, update, or comment on. As another example, friend management interface  510  may display the friend&#39;s apparel items or outfits that the user is authorized to view, update, or comment on. The information in friend management interface  510  may be displayed in a list view, icon view, tree view, detail view, or any other suitable arrangement. In some embodiments, some of the friend profile information (such as name, gender, and the like) can be read-only, while other information (such as user outfit authorization) can be editable by the user. 
         [0042]    Friend management interface  510  may enable a user to search for friends and invite friends to be part of the friend list of shopping system  10 . Once added to the friend list, friends in the shopping system  10  can shop together, exchange ideas and comments, participate in audio or video conferences or group chats, and so forth. The disclosed system may enable a user to search for friends using an integrated search engine. Additionally or alternatively, shopping system  10  may enable friend searches and management through interfaces with other social networking applications, such as FACEBOOK, SKYPE, and the like. Friend management interface  510  may also enable a user to delete or “un-friend” a friend from the user&#39;s friend list. When a friend is deleted from shopping system  10 , each of the friend&#39;s outfits can be removed from display in user interface  100 , and the user&#39;s outfits that the deleted friend was authorized to view can no longer be viewable when the friend accesses shopping system  10 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  illustrates an example outfit management interface  610  according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The embodiment of outfit management interface  610  shown in  FIG. 6  is for illustration only. Other embodiments of outfit management interface  610  could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , outfit management interface  610  is part of user interface  100  but may be part of another interface or a stand-alone interface. Outfit management interface  610  enables the user to manage the user&#39;s own outfits and the user&#39;s interactions with friends&#39; outfits. In some embodiments, outfit management interface  610  displays only the user&#39;s outfits or only the friends&#39; outfits at one time. One or more user controls, such as buttons  612 , enable the user to select whether the user&#39;s outfits or the friends&#39; outfits are displayed in outfit management interface  610 . In other embodiments, outfit management interface  610  may display both the user&#39;s outfits and the friends&#39; outfits together. 
         [0045]    Outfit management interface  610  includes one or more user controls that enable the user to add, delete, update, and view the user&#39;s own outfits. For example, the user may actuate one or more controls to create a new dinner outfit or actuate one or more controls to update or delete an existing work outfit. Creating a new outfit or updating an existing outfit may include, for example, searching for and adding one or more apparel items to the outfit. 
         [0046]    Outfit management interface  610  also includes one or more user controls  614  that enable the user to add, delete, update, and view authorizations of friends to view and comment on each of the user&#39;s outfits. For example, the user may want to allow one friend to view and comment on a work outfit but restrict another friend from viewing the work outfit. The user may actuate one or more controls  614  in outfit management interface  610  to set the associated authorizations. 
         [0047]    While configured to display friends&#39; outfits, outfit management interface  610  may display the names or identifiers of all friends who are authorized to view or comment on each friend&#39;s outfit, regardless of whether or not the displayed names are friends of the user. A user control associated with the displayed names, such as an “Add Friend” button, enables the user to add a person to the user&#39;s friend list that is not currently the user&#39;s friend. For example, assume Lucy views her friend Sophie&#39;s outfits in outfit management interface  610  and Lucy notices that Sophie has authorized Isabelle to view Sophie&#39;s work outfit. If Isabelle is not currently a friend of Lucy, then Lucy may invite Isabelle to be Lucy&#39;s friend. 
         [0048]    Although  FIGS. 1A through 6  illustrate various examples of user interfaces in shopping system  10 , it will be understood that the described user interfaces are merely examples and that various changes may be made to the user interfaces. For example, the interfaces may include more or fewer controls and functions. Also, certain components of the interfaces may be combined, separated, added, removed, or rearranged in different configurations. 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example data processing system  700  capable of implementing an online shopping and social networking system  10  according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The embodiment of data processing system  700  shown in  FIG. 7  is for illustration only. Other embodiments of data processing system  700  could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , data processing system  700  includes at least one processor  710  coupled to at least one memory  715  and at least one data storage  720  connected through a network  740 . The at least one processor  710  includes any suitable processing unit or other device, such as a microprocessor. The at least one memory  715  includes any suitable volatile and/or non-volatile storage and retrieval device(s). Data processing system  700  is coupled to one or more user portals, such as user portal  730 . Data processing system  700  may also communicate with one or more factories or retailers  750 , warehouses or packaging centers  760 , and third party systems  770 . 
         [0051]    Processor  710  is connected to network  740 , which may or may not be a part of data processing system  700 . Network  740  can be any public or private data processing system network or combination of networks as known to those of skill in the art, including the Internet. Processor  710  communicates over network  740  with user portal  730  and data storage  720 . Processor  710  executes one or more programs, applications, or software functions to implement shopping system  10 . Processor  710  receives user inputs and other data from user portal  730 . Processor  710  transmits data to user portal  730  that is associated with graphical images or audible sounds that are presented in a user interface (e.g., user interface  100 ) of shopping system  10 . In some embodiments, at least part of the programs, applications, or software functions to implement shopping system  10  are executed at user portal  730 . 
         [0052]    Memory  715  and data storage  720  can be any suitable machine usable or machine readable storage medium, including but not limited to nonvolatile, hard-coded type mediums such as read only memories (ROMs) or erasable, electrically programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic tape storage, and user-recordable type mediums such as floppy disks, hard disk drives and compact disk read only memories (CD-ROMs) or digital versatile disks (DVDs), and other known optical, electrical, or magnetic storage devices. 
         [0053]    In some embodiments, data processing system  700  may also include one or more of a cache/bridge, a local system bus, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) architecture bus, a graphics adapter, display, network adapter, expansion bus interface, input/output (I/O) bus, keyboard/mouse adapter, disk controller, and I/O adapter. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardware depicted in  FIG. 7  may vary for particular embodiments. For example, other peripheral devices, such as an optical disk drive and the like, may be used in addition or in place of the hardware depicted. The depicted example is provided for the purpose of explanation only and is not meant to imply architectural limitations with respect to the present disclosure. 
         [0054]      FIG. 8  illustrates an example method  800  for using an online shopping and social networking system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For ease of explanation, the method  800  is described as being used in conjunction with shopping system  10 . The method  800 , however, may be used with any other suitable system. Also, other embodiments of the method  800  may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0055]    Lucy logs onto shopping system  10  at an agreed time with her friend Sophie to buy something to wear for her best friend&#39;s birthday party (block  801 ). Lucy and Sophie may log on to shopping system  10  using the same terminal or different terminals. Lucy and Sophie find that their friend Isabelle is also shopping at the system and they invite her to join them (block  803 ). Lucy tells Sophie and Isabelle that she needs to find a short red skirt for less than $100 and creates a new outfit called “Birthday Party” (block  805 ). 
         [0056]    A few minutes later, Isabelle at home receives the jacket she bought yesterday using shopping system  10 , so the three friends start a video conference session to see how the jacket fits Isabelle (block  807 ). They agree that Isabelle should keep the jacket. 
         [0057]    While browsing, Lucy comes across some apparel items that she thinks Sophie could like for going to work, so Lucy drags and drops them to Sophie&#39;s “Work” outfit (block  809 ). The three friends exchange comments on that outfit, and Sophie buys the whole outfit while continuing to browse with her friends (block  811 ). After a period of time, the friends exit the system with the feeling of having spent an afternoon shopping together, although they may live in different cities (block  813 ). 
         [0058]    The next day, on her way to work, Sophie comes across a nice red short skirt in the window of her favorite store, so she logs on to shopping system  10  with her cell phone (block  815 ). Sophie finds the skirt by searching in shopping system  10 , and she drags and drops the skirt into Lucy&#39;s “Birthday Party” outfit, so Lucy can see it later and decide if she likes it (block  817 ). 
         [0059]    Although  FIG. 8  illustrates one example of a method  800  for using shopping system  10 , various changes may be made to  FIG. 8 . For example, while shown as a series of steps, various steps in  FIG. 8  may overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur multiple times. 
         [0060]    Although the figures above illustrate specific systems, structures, and methods, various changes may be made to the figures. For example, various components in the systems and structures can be combined, omitted, further subdivided, or moved according to particular needs. In some embodiments, various functions described above are implemented or supported by a computer program that is formed from computer readable program code and that is embodied in a computer readable medium. The phrase “computer readable program code” includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase “computer readable medium” includes any type of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. 
         [0061]    It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. 
         [0062]    While this disclosure, has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.