Here are a few key findings:

• Those residing in the West and Northeast are more likely than the average adult to consult fashion magazines to help them decide the clothes they buy.
• Most of their online activity consists of shopping, followed by gathering information for shopping, instant messaging, airline/car/hotel info or reservations, and digital imaging/photo albums.

• Those who agree with the attitudinal proclamation, “I make unique fashion statements,” are most likely to shop at Neiman Marucus, followed by Bloomingdale’s, Nine West and Hot Topic.
• Those who are not married are 14% more likely to be fashion concious.
• 69% of women, as compared to 31% of men, rely on fashion magazines to help them determine their shopping lists.
• Fashion appeals to all ages and there is near equal distribution among age groups, with only a slighly larger percentage in the 25-35 year old age bracket.

Source: Experian Consumer Research, Consumer Study 2008 Full Year

But taking a look at my email inbox today, I realize there might be a bit more weight behind this theory than I originally thought. 

Spiegel went all-in on the presidential festivities, offering to “Get Michelle’s First-Lady Look For Less” in their subject line, followed by images of Mrs. Obama alongside similar outfits by Spiegel. Meanwhile, the folks at InStyle also got into the mix, dedicating their Look Of The Day to the First Lady and her multiple outfits. 

I can’t figure out if hitching your business wagon to a political figure is a smart business move, but surely time will tell. It’s definitely an email trend worth keeping an eye on in the next year or so.