Tuesday Tips/ When A Lot Is Going On, Be Simple

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The Economy, The Political Climate, Life…a lot is going on these days. But, in the midst of it all I say just be simple! This lesson is true for your finances, politics, and your wardrobe. These days everyone is watching their purses and wallets. Fashionistas it is not necessary to shop till you drop! Who can afford to these days. Instead a Smart Fashionista will look deep into her closet and make it work. Keep things simple, whether its a simple black outfit that can be jazzed up with eye catching jewelry or some sexy stilettos. I have learned in life that less is more!

Fashionista Rule #2: Be Simple, Less Is More

Ok, but if you must have a pair of Guisseppe Zanotti’s (I’m not co-signing this purchase its a recession people) check out Piperlime. Find every shoe imaginable at great prices. Men, I have not forgotten about you. You can find some great shoes on this site as well. Ladies, if you need a dress straight off the runway (this means hot in every way, style and price) for those zapatos check out Net-A-Porter. Not condoning any of this behavior Fashionistas 🙂

That’s my Tuesday Tip!

The Business of Fashion

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Because of our financial times I find designers are wondering what to do with their dream of starting a clothing line or just maintaining one. On Wednesday night I attended a great event at Saks Fifth Avenue hosted by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Gen Art and Master Card. The topic was “The Business of Fashion.” Before I provide you with the information from this event let me tell you a little bit about two of the event sponsors. This is very important for up and coming designers.

  • GenArt is an organization dedicated to the showcasing of emerging talent in fashion, music film, and art. They provide grants and awards to fashion designers through an application process. Fashion Designers have four ways to show with Gen Art: Fresh Faces in Fashion, The New Garde, Shop Gen Art and Styles International Design Competition. This is a great way to get exposure and sponsored during Fashion Week.

  • Council of Fashion Designers of America is a trade organization made up of fashion designers. Diane Von Furstenburg serves as president on the Board of Directors of this organization. Membership to this organization is by invitation only for American designers and designers whose business is primarily based in the U.S. This is a good site to obtain information about events such as the one I attended. Additionally, this is a great way to keep up with who’s who in emerging American designers.

Stephanie Rosenbloom, NY Times Retail Reporter, was the moderator for the evening. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/06/business/06econ.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Are Investors Investing?

Melissa Krinzman, Managing Partner for Venture Architects LLC, discussed whether investors were still interested in investing capital. She stated that investors are still investing but of course with all that’s going on they have the upper hand in the situation. Investors are looking for their investments to decide early on what if anything in their business is being effected by the financial climate and to cure it quickly. So, that means taking stock of your business and figuring out what departments are essential, where can payments be deferred, if you have to increase expenses what is your rate of return, using zero based budgeting. Basically, spend every dollar as if it were your last.

How do you do without outside capital? You really can’t unless its all from friends and family which is possible. Robert Lee Morris, Jewelry Designer, was able to start his business years ago without outside investment. This may be a little harder today. But, he did make the point that with investments you should be careful about the partnerships you enter into. You may want to avoid a partnership where one side obtains an actual stake in your business. At all costs avoid selling your name.

Do you have a Clear Fashion Business Plan?

When pitching to investors the business plan should be clear and broken down into stages. In addition to discussing the product, your plan should focus on the business side: marketing, production, distribution, financials etc. Very important to have product samples as part of your presentation. Melissa made some valid points about pitching your Fashion Business Plan:

  1. Pitch to your least likely investor first

  2. Contact investors in waves; figure out a timetable

  3. Need introductions; cold calling does not work so use your contacts ask for introductions

  4. Never meet with associates; you need the “yes” people in the room

  5. If you do obtain investors or a yes from a buyer you should agree right then what the next step will be

  6. Never offer up a number, let them set the valuation

  7. Listen to what is being told to you from buyers or investors about your product; bring someone with you so that there are another pair of ears to hear what’s going on

If you are still having trouble with your business plan there are several companies that can assist you. Venture Architects LLC can help you in that area.

Are you In With the Buyers?

Designers get the attention of buyers when they have a clear vision of what their product is and can convey that to the buyer. It helps when your product is unique in that it is something that the market has not seen. Designers should know what they are, know what your brand is. As Robert Lee Morris stated “Have an Anchor.” The Buyer from Saks stated that they are always looking for new talent and work very closely with new designers. Many department stores work with young designers by hosting Trunk Shows where the line is showcased and customers can place direct orders with the designers. Some stores also may assist with production costs when dealing with new designers to help defray costs. But, Designers should always be clear about production and the deadlines they are facing.

Some designers expressed how hard it is to get follow-up calls from buyers or just hearing back from the buyers initially. Persistence is key of course! But, give the buyer a couple of weeks from the time you send your correspondence before contacting again. But, definitely follow-up with a call, a e-mail or both. Another way to get the attention of buyers is to contact the Fashion Office of these stores. Simply call the store directory ask for the Fashion Office or the Buyer for your particular apparel.

One of the highest achievements in having a clothing line is having it sold in the biggest department stores such as Saks, Bergdorf’s, Barneys etc. But, beware of the deal you enter into, in that the money may be good, but the numbers in terms of production may not be right or feasible for you.

That concludes my fashion business lesson for today! Be sure to check out Business of Fashion Website and the other links within the article for further information.

Summer Ends While We Fall Into a New Season

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Fashionista’s this post is a bit late but still can be appreciated!

I can’t believe its almost Labor Day and the summer is over! Before, you know it we will be in sweaters and boots. Although I love the Fall weather the initial transition from one season of clothing to another is sometimes very difficult. Ever find yourself in that in between phase? Is it ok to still wear my sandals or should I pack it up and start wearing closed shoes. My body almost has an insane allergic reaction to the whole experience. Sounds dramatic but its true!! I find the only solution is to jump right into the season, provided the weather permits. If its still a hot humid day in October then maybe, just maybe you can forgo that sweater.

I also believe there has been an official abolishment of the “No White after Labor Day.” I believe the Fashionistas abolished this not very long ago. Although Winter White was always acceptable, you are now allowed full white. However, I would suggest not going crazy with it. Some outfits just speak Summer. If your white ensemble speaks summer and its fall then perhaps its a no go. When I envision white in the fall or winter, I picture white slacks with a cardigan or a button-down blouse that’s perhaps a darker color to offset the white. I also see layering of the tops with the white bottom. I do not see a white skirt, but I can picture a white dress in a knit fabric or sweater material that gives it that Fall/Winter feel.

Here are some seasonal wardrobe transition rules to live by:

1) First and foremost, evaluate your closet. Take inventory…what needs to go and what can be utilized for another season. Doing this helps to make that connection to your new season wardrobe. Its very hard to see Fall clothing in a sea of sun dresses. So, start separating and figuring out how your going to start slowly integrating your Fall clothing into your wardrobe.

2) Take it one day at a time. Listen to weather reports. You are still hit with some warm days in September so plan accordingly.

3) Once you have taken inventory of your Fall collection and know your weather forecast simply decide slacks, skirt or dress? Decided?

Then what color do you feel like today? Fabulous colors I am enjoying this season are purple, green and plaids but do or die black is still your go to color if all else fails. Fashionista Rule #1: When all else fails Black will do! Decided?

Finally, what shoe…I love this part! The type of shoe you pair with your outfit can instantly transform ypur creation. So, its Fall but still warm so the world is your oyster! You can still go with a peep-toe or a fully closed shoe not sure about the boots yet. Some people break out boots early but I have a special day when the mood strikes me as the right time to wear my boots. Its normally the first day the air gets crisp…you know the day I’m speaking of. The air is crisp, the sun is still bright and the leaves are turning that’s the day I break out the boots. Right now I feel you should continue to enjoy your heels or patent leather ballerina flats.

Happy Transition!!!

Smooches 🙂

The Beginning

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Very simply, this is a place to discuss any and everything related to what we call Fashion! I was labeled a Fashionista at a very young age. Ever since I was inducted into what I would call a “Movement” I have vowed to keep the legacy of the Fashionista’s alive :).

Some people take Fashion for granted but I for one look at it as more than just body covering. Fashion is Art that can speak volumes about how you feel at that particular moment. There not only exists the visual side of the industry but the business and legal side of which I would also like to explore. So, join me as we discover together the various pieces that hold the Fashion Community together and perhaps you too will discover your Fashionista!

Oh what is a Fashionista? Hmmmm, well I define it as being similar to a cooking recipe…you have all your ingredients, one midnight blue pencil-skirt, an orange chiffon blouse, a pearl ring and matching earrings, a sexy pair of suede black, rounded front, ankle strapped high-heeled shoes (getting the visual), a greyish black patent leather satchel, and a sleek watch (should always have the time at your fingertips). A non-Fashionista sees several items that don’t match that could make an outfit but is unsure, this is fine no judgments. The Fashionista sees how all the pieces or the ingredients can be mixed together to create a wonderful dish with an added pinch of sophistication, a dash of confidence and a tablespoon of style and grace! The Fashionista always sees the possibility of a great outfit no matter what the limitation!