Limitless shopping choices and omnipresent marketing have made it difficult to assert where one stands stylistically. LOT 2046 is a subscription-based lifestyle brand that is attempting to relieve these anxieties by minimizing the decisions people need to make about their external appearance.

When buying a new couch or car, choosing to pay in a lump sum is often cheaper – but it may not feel better in the short or long term. Canvas8 spoke to Stephen Atlas, an assistant professor at the University of Rhode Island, to understand how periodic payments affect the way we perceive purchases.

The fragrance and perfume industry is set to be worth $45.6 billion by 2018 – and a new start-up is after a slice of the action. By offering unisex, artisanal scents over the internet with a ‘try before you buy’ delivery option, Phlur is hoping to change how people shop for perfume for good.

As China's cultural values continue to shift towards individualism, people are looking to stand out. When it comes to perfume, it means a growing interest in niche fragrances. Tapping into this attitude, the Scentpage app allows people to sample perfumes from niche brands.