For those of us with a Droid or iPhone, paired with a fix for online shopping, we’re aware there is no shortage of fashion apps delivering the runway straight to us anytime, anyplace.

Upgrading to the iPhone 4 has been “app” delightful as apps like Net-a-porter, Gilt and Chanel look so much better on the newer platform. The Apple app store currently has more than 350,000 apps and it’s growing. Pair it with an iPad, it will only make you hungrier for more – a larger screen, faster downloads, video more fresh and real without strain on the eyes.

With the iPad 2 sold out literally as soon as its been available in the stores, retailers must not only think mobile apps these days. Thanks to the iPad’s popularity, tablets must also be in a retailer’s marketing and e-commerce strategy.

According to a recent article in the New York Times on mobile shopping, as a result, retailers report that only about 2 percent of their sales are coming from mobile devices, a number well below the expectations of many e-commerce analysts.

For certain high-end fashion sites, giving the consumer a deeper look behind the brand, with a story to tell beyond, appears to fair well with apps. The emotional tie and customer loyalty is apparent with brands like eBay, Net-a-porter and Gilt, who not only sell, but create a lifestyle through their video, editorial and social presence. They speak to their customers, respond diligently over Twitter and ensure they are happy. Implementing one piece of the social experience is not enough. Incorporating a tailored, highly engaged and strategic program is a must. You can’t just try one slice of the pie and expect it to work. You must treat your social experience as a strategic program in your overall marketing mix. Then be patient, watch it grow over time. Then maybe you can have your cake and it eat too.

Here a few recent articles on the topic worth a skim:

Racked: BlackBerry’s Playbook vs. Apple’s iPad 2: Online Shopping Showdown

Globe and Mail: An app directory for the iPad 2

Just-Style.com: UK: Online fashion sales continue to escalate

New York Times: Retailers Retool Sites to Ease Mobile Shopping
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Top 20 Trends in 2011 Forecast – The 2011 Trend Report

Verizon Top 10 Business Technology Trends 2011: Enterprise Apps Go Mobile

What will be some key trends in 2011?

Utilizing the video feature on your iPhone or Droid is becoming as easy as 1, 2, 3. Thanks to apps. Recently announced, video sharing site Vimeo has rolled out its much-anticipated app for the iPhone. The app works with the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 with iOS 4.0 or later, and allows users to browse and watch videos, upload and edit new video from the iPhone and even download videos to the phone’s camera roll.

One great benefit of the app is its video editing functionality. Users can combine, edit and size videos, as well as add transitions, titles and effects. Vimeo also allows users to add music from their iPod library and adjust volumes on sections of any project. My, all from your cellphone.

The iMovie app, still a favorite on the iPhone 4, allows you to make beautiful, feature rich, HD movies. Video editing, adding backtracks and effects, choosing themes, and sharing the videos via YouTube, email or MMS message are some of the features of this application. All for only $4.99.

Visit Mashable and check out the latest post on 7 Superb Short Films Shot With Cellphones and you can see the quality come to life.

Short films never looked so good!

Check out a few of our favorite pics from SXSW 2011!

Duran Duran interviewed @SXSW from Amy Plemons on Vimeo.

Late last year, Duran Duran, now on an indie label, released a digital version of its 13th studio album, “All You Need Is Now;” physical copies will actually hit shelves (or what shelves are actually left) next week. The tour launch started Wednesday at Stubb’s, right in the heart of SXSW.

Great soundbites stemming from the interview included Norris commenting on the tension between the now-ness of the album’s title and the baggage of 30 years as a working band, Le Bon admitted, “It’s about being able to accept your past, to be in the context of your history but live right now.”

Bassist John Taylor defended the band’s choices, saying: “We’re curating 30 years of music every time we put a set list together. New material invigorates the old material.”

For more on Duran Duran check out AOL’s cut

Last, but not least, these boys are looking mighty good, I need the name of their hairdresser.

Duran Duran – Rio by aquanote