Baby Clothing Store Template - $325

[michaelm]

(Admin code added by Palmer - G907402J)

Hello, this contest is for a baby clothing ecommerce site. The name of the company is Hola Bebe. The company sells hand-made articles of clothing that are imported from various Latin American countries such as Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, etc...

The contest is for a template consisting of 2 pages. Both pages will consist of the same header and navigational elements, although the first page will be an index page and have either the logo or some pictures in the content area and the second page will have space for a grid of product pictures to be produced by the ecommerce program. Please allow room on the product listing page for 3 products accross and 2 products down.

Here are some stats on this store:

Company Name: Hola Bebe

Products Sold: High End Baby Clothing, and young Boys, Girls, and Womens as well

Primary Target Audience: Affluent, educated, traveled women (and some men) between the ages of 25 - 45

Look and Feel: High end (expensive products), whimsical, fun, and an element of travel and the exotic

This is not an ecommerce superstore, so please avoid the "Amazon.com" look with tons of little boxes of information that clutter up the area. This is more like a small boutique on Rodeo Drive, or Melrose Ave and should look appropriately so.


Sites I Dislike: :tdown:

Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/)
Designer Exposure (http://www.designerexposure.com/)

I just generally dislike the standard "ecommerce" look and want to get the point across that I'm looking for something unique.


Sites I like: :tup:

Eziba (http://www.eziba.com)
Almas Imports (http://www.almasimports.com)
Girl Shop (http://www.girlshop.com)
Nelly Marcus (http://www.nellymarcus.com)
Banana Republic (http://www.bananarepublic.com)
French Connection (http://www.fcusbuymail.com/FCUSSite/pages/home/default.asp)

I don't necessarily like the design of all of the sites or think that all of the above sites are great, but I think they do a good job. For example, I hate girlshop's design because its a usability nightmare, but it looks unique and different and gets a certain point across. The same goes for Almas Imports. At the same time, I like the clean minimalistic navigation of French Connection, but dont think it is particularly interesting. I hope this is clear, but let me know and I'll do my best to explain it a little more...


I have attached the company logo, if you need a layered .psd file, let me know and I'll provide one.

I am also going to attach an image file that shows the palette we would like to see used with the website - you don't have to adhear to it strictly but it is preferred.

I am also going to try and provide some travel pictures that you can feel free to incorporate (or not) into your design.

This is my first contest here at DesignOutpost. I've seen the quality of work you guys are capable of so I'm really excited!! :tup: :D


Oh yeah contest deadline is March 12, although I might change that depending on how the contest goes.

[michaelm]

Ok and here is the palette file.

I don't have the layout image just yet, but it really isn't that necessary. I just would like to have the store links across the top (shopping cart, my account, login, etc..) and the categories down the left side (baby, boys, girls, women, gifts, pets) along with a header at the top and footer at the bottom.

Please make the navigational links on the side and the top templateable so that it can be easily changed in the future to add new categories and features.

I would like the final product to be a multi-layered PSD or PNG file (photoshop or fireworks is fine). If at all possible, please label your layers if you have alot.

Thanks!! :tup:

[KellyB]

Hi there :)

Do you have any photos of the products that you sell - modelled or not modelled?

Thanks

[michaelm]

Yes, I'll post up a folder of images tonight. They are a mix of travel photos and and kids modeling the clothing.

[KellyB]

excellent :)

I should be able to enter soon then :)

[michaelm]

Great :) I looked through some of your work and I really like your style.

[KellyB]

Thanks :)

[IDarwish]

Si puedo pensar en algo lo hare lo mas pronto posible :)
If you dont understand what im saying : If I can think of something I will do ASAP :D

Thank You,
Carlos.

[michaelm]

Muchas gracias Carlos! :D

Ok, I am uploading some pictures that you can see here:

Gallery (http://www.hola-bebe.com/gallery/)

BEWARE: THE IMAGE FILES ARE HUGE (Max Resolution)

I'm working on shrinking the resolution to a more acceptable size (800px wide) but until then, maybe this will help some people get started.

- Michael

Edit: Ok shrunk the images down to 800x600 resolution

[DesignGeneral]

I'm in too :)

[xjeria]

Puedes contar conmigo. Soy de Chile y creo saber lo que buscas. Ojala.

Ximena Jeria

[KellyB]

Hi there

Here is an idea for the first page. If you would like any changes, please let me know :)

<img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/hb1.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Anne]

Here is my entry.

Looking forward to your feedback.
-Anne

[Anne]

Or with a cleaner look.

[michaelm]

So far I like the way the templates are going. Great job guys :tup:

Here are my comments so far:

For everyone:

I believe the store owner was looking forward to having the light tan colored background from the palette with a dark brown font over it for the text.

I'm not sure how much I agree with this myself, but if you guys have any comments on how you think that would look or if you even feel like humoring her that would be great.

Kelly:

I really like the way you integrated the picture in the middle of the website to make that the focal point when users get to the page.
I will have to check about the special offers area since we might not end up using that. I'll get back to you for that. In the meantime, can you maybe try to do something with the logo on the top left corner? I'm not sure what I'm looking for, but something to spice it up a little bit.


Anne:

I like the first one more than the second one. The second one is just a little too plain. Sorry I don't have more at the moment.

I'm going to look these submissions over with a few of the key people and provide more feedback tonight.

- Michael

[1on1]

Hi Michael - I had an idea which I just had to get down - Here are two versions of the product page :-

[1on1]

And here is the second with the tan background :-

[IDarwish]

Hello, Like I promised.. Here is mine :D .. Looking Forwoard for your feedback :)

Thank You,
Carlos.

[KellyB]

Hi there,

Here is my idea incorporating the light beige and brown concept... I personally think the first white idea is a bit more striking but I'll let you see them both.

<img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/hb2.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[michaelm]

Some preliminary comments:

Kelly: I have to agree with you about the white background. Definately like the first one better. Is there something that can be done to soften it up a little. Something about the blockiness and hard angles kind of detracts from what should be a more playful and fun design. Overall, I definately like the way you did the central area, and navigational elements. I think the brown and blue box around the site is what I'd like to see softened up.

1on1: Good effort. I really like the focal picture you created with the bunny and the backgrounds, however I feel like the design you created is a little too "product oriented" I'd like something with a little more of a latin american feel to it.

Carlos: I really love your design. I really like everything about it except for the logo placement and top navigational bar, but I think it could easily be fixed into something really really nice. I would prefer it if the top navigational links were all together (as opposed to broken up in the middle) moved down to the bottom of the top banner area, and if the buttons themselves were made smaller with a smaller font and edited to include a few more links (look at KellyB's design for reference of what buttons there should be). With the logo, I think I'd prefer if you got rid of the "widows peak" in the top center and moved the logo to the left corner. Overall, a great design.

Thanks to everyone who has participated so far. I am meeting with the store owner tomorrow night to discuss the designs and will have a few more comments then.

Great job I'm really impressed with everyone!! :tup: This is going to be harder than I thought!

[IDarwish]

Hello, Here are the changes you requested and some other changes I made my self :), anything else you want changed just let me know and I will change asap :)

Thank You,
Carlos.

[DesignGeneral]

working at it.
I'll be back shortly :)

[1on1]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm a little confused, isn't it ment to be an online shop selling clothing ?

Or are you selling Old Men, Donkey's and Mountains ? :D (please advise)

[michaelm]

lol... :lol: 1on1 I understand where you're comming from but in this case it's not up to me. Gotta give the client what the want, its their money. ;) I'll try to get some more specific feedback for you and everyone else tonight.

Carlos, I like the redesign but still want the buttons on top to be made a little smaller and moved down to the bottom of that area. Also, not too fond of the little "peak" at the very top in the middle. Still - looks a lot nicer. Thanks for making those changes :tup:

[xjeria]

Hi, here´s my first design of the index. I hope you like it. I would love some feedback. Thanks


Xjeria

[IDarwish]

Made changes you requested and added some new ones :) Anythinig else you just let me know and I will change/add ASAP :D

Thank You,
Carlos.

[KellyB]

Here's a bit of a variation for you.. getting rid of the straight lines... and incorporating a few new ideas :)

<img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/hola3.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[michaelm]

Hello everyone, I have some feedback regarding all of the designs. After meeting with the store owner and going through everyone's submission, it seems like were after something a little more playful and childlike and a little less serious.

I have a few more websites with a better example of the type of look we're after:

http://www.olliebollen.com/ - liked the colorful, cute, approach for the navigation bar and links, the use of fonts, color, and pictures to make it look childish and playful. This site is a little too cute, but gives you an idea of the sort of childish elements we'd like to see.


http://www.pokkadots.com (http://www.pokkadots.com/) - also liked the navigation (buttons of different slightly different shapes), colorfulness, and use of cute icons throughout the site.


http://www.eziba.com (http://www.eziba.com/) - not necessarily the design, but she really liked the little bar under the top banner that has a collage of different fabrics. Maybe something similar with hola-bebe fabrics?


Generally the designs so far are really great, but theyre all lacking the playful childlike quality that we're looking for.

A couple of guidelines - try and see if you can work something out with a colored background (other than white). - if possible

Would like to see the use of encapsulated "buttons" (rather than text links) in the navigation bars.

I'm going to attach some icons that are from the same font family as the one used to produce the logo, it would be nice if you guys want to use them in the design for buttons and such - but please make sure all buttons have text so it's clear what they do.

If you need any of the fonts - the one that produces the little animals or the one for the logo, just let me know. I'd be happy to make it available to you.

Oh yeah, one more thing. I'd like to raise the prize of this contest to from $250 to $325. :D Hope that helps some! Palmer is this ok?

[DesignGeneral]

working at your design. I'll be back later :)

[Palmer]

<!--QuoteBegin-michaelm+Mar 9 2004, 11:39 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (michaelm @ Mar 9 2004, 11:39 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Oh yeah, one more thing. I'd like to raise the prize of this contest to from $250 to $325. :D Hope that helps some! Palmer is this ok? [/b][/quote]
You'll need to deposit the extra funds and when received, I will edit your topic description and let the designers know about the change in how much is now being offered.

Just put the addditional amount in the box next to templates and click the "next" button. I'll know what it is for...

http://www.designoutpost.com/post.htm

Thanks :)

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[Palmer]

Designers, Michael has graciously added more money to the fund for your efforts. The amount now is $325.

Good luck! :)

[KellyB]

Hi Michael..

Just to let you know I'm gonna have to pass on this contest now that the requirements have changed....

I've got so much work and so little time.. :)

Good luck everyone :)

[Anne]

I played around a little bit and here is what I came up with

[IDarwish]

I will hopefully have the changes done by today, if not, tomorrow for sure :)

Thank You,
Carlos.

[xjeria]

Here is my design, I hope you find it more fun. I would love some feedback, to know if I am on the right track.

Thanks
Xjeria

[dziner]

Is there still time to enter the contest? Or have you narrowed it down? Just checking ;)

[michaelm]

There is still time to enter the contest.

I don't think I was clear enough in the beginning about the whimsical / fun / colorful feel we were looking for, so thats why I increased the prize money and will be extending the deadline another week.

Regarding the latest designs:

splunking:
Your design is definately colorful, but your choice of colors is very different from the reference palette file I uploaded. I think overall your design will probably very difficult to integrate with the ecommerce backend as well. Thanks for the effort though.

Anne:
I think your definately moving in the right direction. I definately like how you used the little icons, but can you do anything to make them stand out a little more? Color perhaps? Also - would definately prefer if the site logo was above the top bar with the 3 textures. In the center area, you have the welcome text and little pictures encased in a tan blob. Could you make that tan color the background (white area) and maybe encase the text with just an outline (doesn't have to be as "blobby"). One last request - could you remove the multicolored borders around the site so that it looks a little more "open"? Thanks - I think the lefthand navigation looks great.

xjeria:
I think your last effort is definately the look we're going for! May have to end up changing the colors and picture a little (I can probably do that later) but its no big
deal. I especially like how you did the buttons along the top of the page. Is it supposed to have buttons for the different categories on the side too, or are you still working on that?

:tup: Great job guys!! Its looking good. Keepem comming. :tup:

[xjeria]

Hi, I am so happy that you like how the design is going. If you want I can change the colors , what colors do you prefer? and what are the changes that you would do to the images? if you want , I can do that.

I totally forgot about the left menu, I will do it right away!!

Thanks for you feed back

Xjeria

[IDarwish]

Here is mine ;)

Thank You,
Carlos.

[Luc]

This is something new. I'll give this a try.

[splunking]

May I please have access to the font family for the logo and the animals?

Thank You,
Cindy

[michaelm]

<!--QuoteBegin-splunking+Mar 11 2004, 11:12 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (splunking @ Mar 11 2004, 11:12 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> May I please have access to the font family for the logo&nbsp; and the animals?

Thank You,
Cindy [/b][/quote]
<!--QuoteBegin-splunking+Mar 11 2004, 11:12 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (splunking @ Mar 11 2004, 11:12 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->May I please have access to the font family for the logo* and the animals?

Thank You,
Cindy[/b][/quote]
Yes, I don't have them with me at the moment. I'll try to upload them to the website and post a link as soon as I get a chance. :)

As far as colors go - please refer to the original post. I posted up an image file that has swatches of the "site colors". We'd like to use these colors in a way that works with the design and makes it look different from most websites.

I have attached a design of my own :P This is just for a temporary page until all of the programming is done and the final design is integrated with the ecommerce. I know I'm not a great designer by any means, but the store owner did like it, so I think if you can use it to get some ideas on the color use and fonts, that will definately help you in the end produce a winning design. BTW thats a baby faded in the back of the light green area, I know it didn't come out quite right.


One last comment. I noticed a few people strayed from the layout I mentioned at the beginning. I'd like to please keep it so the categories are listed vertically on the left side and the store functions are listed across the top. This just makes my life much much easier when doing the ecommerce stuff.

[splunking]

View my later posts.

[DesignGeneral]

here is my entry...

[DesignGeneral]

:)

[Anne]

:D Something playful and colorful :D

[xjeria]

Hi, here is the design with some of the colors you wanted. I did not use all of them because when you design something that is tasteful and elegant you need to be extra carefull with too many colors. I firmly believe that "less is more". I also think that it needs to be serious (not that fun) because it is a site for adults not for kids.

hope you appreciate this "food for thought".

Hope you like the design.

[IDarwish]

Here it is.. If you want the header changed I will change it asap :)

Thank You,
Carlos.

[michaelm]

The fonts used for the logo and animal icons can now be downloaded from here:

http://www.hola-bebe.com/bebefonts.zip

Hope this helps guys. :)


Just as a note - so this thing doesn't drag on, I think I'll choose a winner by Sunday Night. Hopefully that will give some people that have been waiting the weekend to come up with something. Thanks for participating everybody! :)

[DesignGeneral]

Hi Michael,

Some feedback regarding my entries will be appreciated.

Thanks

[Luc]

Here's my entry.

[splunking]

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[michaelm]

Hello everyone. Sorry I have been very busy lately and haven't been able to keep posting comments / reviews.

Anyways, after careful consideration, I have picked a winner.

The winner is: Xjeria for his last entry. :tup: :D

Thanks everyone for participating. You all did great jobs, but in the end only one can win. :)

[xjeria]

Thanks, Michaelm, I am sooo happy that you have picked my design.

Thanks everybody.

Xjeria

[Luc]

Congrats xjeria! Good job! :tup:

[Zoe]

Congratulations Xjeria. :tup:

[splunking]

Congratulations!


:D

[xjeria]

how can I contact Michaelm? what are the next steps?

Xjeria

[Michael]

<!--QuoteBegin-xjeria+Mar 17 2004, 10:35 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (xjeria @ Mar 17 2004, 10:35 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> how can I contact Michaelm? what are the next steps?

Xjeria [/b][/quote]
I'm sure which ever Mod moved this contest to the Revisions forum has notified Michael that the contest has been moved, the two of you will dicuss any minor ajustments that need to take place. Once they have been done you will send the html files to Palmer for him to check then once you get the all clear pass them onto Michael.

Any Questions feel free to PM me :)


Michael

[Zoe]

Hi Xjera,

I sent the contest holder an email to let them know that the thread had been moved to the revisions forum, so I am sure that once they receive the email they will find their way here. :)