How-To: Advice For Fashion Start-ups

It might seem daunting setting up your own fashion business, but our advice can help!

 Featured Photo from H&M.com

Launching your own business can be very rewarding, but also very demanding. You’ll need to juggle many balls in order to get the business launched and trading successfully. Therefore, it’s important to do some thorough research and planning. With a large amount of competition out there, it’s essential to have a business strategy in place that is clear and on point.

Create a business plan

 

A business plan is like a personal roadmap, that outlines your goals, visions and objectives. It will be central to the business development and will be a helpful tool to measure progress and success.

You also need to work out how much finance you will need to set up and run the business until it starts generating income. Fees can include the cost of sample collection, marketing materials, professional fees, insurance and any deposits required for rent or utilities.

Plan your collection

 

It is tempting to get carried away when designing a collection of clothes or accessories, but for the first few seasons, it’s better to create a small focused section to target a specific group of people. Once you’ve built up a reputation and have a good sales history, you can expand the collection more.

You could hire an image model to model the clothes in photo shoots, as a way of promoting the range. Image models are beautiful women who have a unique charm, grace and energy and can adapt to any situation they are in. They look after themselves well and of course photograph well, so you would be able to have a collection of professional photographs ready for your clothes line.

 Check out competitors

 

Don’t be afraid to research and find out about your competitors, it helps to learn what other people in the market are doing and you can learn a lot from analyzing a competitors business model. It will help you to identify your USP and helps to give your business a slightly different edge to others in the industry.

Keep on top of your finances

 

Make sure to monitor your cash flow on a regular basis. Doing so well help you foresee any potential problems from happening and will give you time to find suitable solutions. Rather than being faced with a bill that you cannot pay.

Marketing

You’ll need all the help you can get, so it would be an innovative idea to join groups where you could meet people and forge collaborations with other like-minded people, such as designers, entrepreneurs, social media influencers and bloggers. Anyone that can help promote and get the word out for you about your brand is a big help. Always carry business cards with you to help build up a database of useful contacts, because you never know who you might meet!

Starting a fashion business isn’t easy, but if you feel passionate, are driven and have a clear vision, it can be one of the most exciting and fulfilling industries to work in.

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Covergirl Insiders Community and Custom Lip Cocktail

I’m excited to announce that I have joined the Covergirl Exclusive Insiders Community!  The program provides beauty products, makeup tips, and online discussions. I love affordable cosmetics and couldn’t wait to share Covergirl updates.

Yes, there are some benefits to purchasing high-end products but I am here for the everyday girl. She’s the mom waiting in a carpool line or busy professional that has to travel.  Both of the women listed have one thing in common, they want to look great!

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That’s why I’m a huge fan of the Covergirl brand.  Their company provides on-trend makeup and can be purchased at your local drugstore or supermarket. What does that mean?  Customers can pick-up the latest lipstick shade while grabbing a carton of milk.  I love it!

 

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Recently, Zendaya shared a beauty tutorial on achieving a Custom Lip Cocktail. Anyone can create this face with Oh Sugar! In Caramel, Jumbo Gloss Balm in Caramel Cream, and Queen Collection Lip Gloss in Premier Pink.  Click on the video below:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GupcZN4jBac

Keep Clothes Bright and Less Fading – Laundry Secrets from Downy Ball

Surveys show that Americans spend a decent amount of money on clothing. Women spend about $59 and men spend about $25 a month. The average family bringing in an income of $50,000 spends about $2,000 a year on new outfits. On top of the money being invested in new shirts, pants, sweaters and other garments, laundry can be a real pain in the neck. Stain removers don’t always eliminate the entire mark left behind by spilled coffee or mystery smears, and color-enhancing detergent only extends the lifetime of clothing for so long. To help prevent having to purchase new clothes there are tips to help keep darks from fading, sneakers from tumbling into pieces in the dryer and white shirts from having ugly armpits.

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Downy Ball has compiled some of the best laundry secrets and shortcuts since the invention of the modern washing machine and dryer to help consumers look their best with minimal effort. These tips include:

  1. Buy a sneaker dryer bag to eliminate the loud banging from your shoes.
  1. To prevent color fading, toss your clothes in the wash with a teaspoon of salt for a brighter look.
  1. Wash dark clothes inside out to keep them from fading. The detergent won’t drain the color and this easy trick will keep favorite shirts and pants looking newer longer.
  1. Save time, energy and money by throwing a dry towel into the dryer with wet laundry – this will reduce moisture in the machine and speed up the drying process.
  1. Remove underarm stains with a homemade recipe instead of bleach or stain sticks. Mix Dawn dishwashing liquid, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda to create a scrub that gets stunning results.
  1. Remove grease stains with a piece of chalk. Even if you have already washed a garment hoping soap and water would do the trick, that stain isn’t a permanent part of your wardrobe and chalk can still save the day.

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About Downy Ball

No more waiting for the rinse cycle. No more cleaning out the dispenser. With the Downy Ball, fabric softener is automatically released during the rinse cycle. To enjoy the convenience of Downy Ball just pour the Downy fabric softener of choice up to the right fill line in the Downy bottle cap, pour into the ball, seal it, and drop it in at the start of the wash on top of fabrics. Downy Ball will release the softener on its own, making laundry less complicated.

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How To Throw A Labor Day Party – Limor Suss

Lifestyle and Entertaining Expert, Limor Suss shares tips for the perfect Labor Day Party

 

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LABOR DAY PARTY TIPS

 

  1. How do you select a theme for your Labor Day Party?

Pick a theme that’s simple to put together and utilizes items you have in your house already so you’re not going out and buying a bunch of stuff.

The theme all depends on what type of party you want to throw. If you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue, then the theme should be just as simple, but if you want to throw a lavish cocktail affair, then it’s fun to be a little more creative.

  1. What’s the best location to celebrate with family and friends?

An outdoor location is definitely best, especially if the weather is nice. Labor Day is one of your last chances to celebrate the summer with friends and family, so having a party in a park or someone’s backyard is preferable.

  1. In your opinion, should the menu be potluck meal or grilled delights?

It really depends on the size of your party. If you’re having a small, intimate gathering, it’s nice to give your guests a home grilled meal, but for larger parties, I like to do a combination of potluck and day-of grilling.

  1. What are some popular activities to help create a fun environment?

Setting up different games and sports for the kids is always fun. You want to make sure they are having fun while the adults are socializing. I also love a good grill-off – it’s fun to have the self-proclaimed “best grillers” show off their skills and the results are delicious.

  1. Should there be a dress code or come as you are?

You don’t have to have a dress code because you want everyone to be comfortable, but one thing I like to do is create a custom t-shirt for my friends and family to wear – I like to use CustomInk.com because they make the design process really easy. Having a custom t-shirt that everyone can wear is a great way to bring everyone together as one big family, and it makes a nice surprise gift. Your group selfies will also look really cool if you’re all wearing the same t-shirt.

  1. Where can we go to learn more tips?

Head over to my blog TrendsGirl.com, I’m always sharing great tips for planning family gatherings.

 
 

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About Limor Suss:

Lifestyle and Entertaining Expert, Limor Suss. Limor has appeared on TODAY Show, FOX and Friends, Good Morning America, Dr. Oz,  PIX11,  New York Live & many others talking about entertaining tips, DIY crafts, the hottest tech gadgets,  gift ideas and the latest beauty trends.

Coffee Station: How To Guide and Lifestyle Tip

I drink coffee and that’s a well-known fact.  The aroma of a delicious brew and warmth of a well made cup gives me an instant boost of energy.  My favorite flavor is Pumpkin Spice or when I need a “mommy boost” Cafe Mocha.

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I like to prepare coffee at my home because it’s easy access and affordable.  Honestly, I don’t always have the patience to wait in line, so I brew a cup while getting the boys dressed or cleaning my home.  With a constant search for cups, sugar, and grounds I decided to create a coffee station in my kitchen.

You may not drink coffee and like to sip tea but having a beverage station can save time and help with entertaining guests.  For example, your coworker stops by after work, why not offer a cup of tea?  Or you changed diapers all day but want a nice aroma in your home (before your bestie comes over) brew a cup of coffee!

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Creating a coffee station can be fun and based on your personal style.  Some people like to include baskets, special containers, straws, bottled water, and fruit.  Others keep it simple with a tray, creamer, sugar, and mugs.  I designed a station that’s a combination of all hot beverages for coffee, tea, and cocoa.

Below are “How To” tips for creating a Coffee Station:

*  Place a small scoop next to coffee grounds for accurate measurement

* Shop discount stores or thrift shops for unique inexpensive containers

*  Add a chalk board for notes with salt & pepper shakers to hold cinnamon or cocoa

*  Use a tray or basket to separate the space

* Don’t forget your coffee mugs, straws, spoons, and liners

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photos are from Pinterest.com

 

Bra Fitting: How To Guide

If you’re in the market for a new piece of lingerie, be it out of necessity or just a pure want, there are some things you need to know before offering up your credit card. As any woman who has ever bought a bra knows, they’re one of the most difficult items to properly size yourself. It is possible though, if you abide by a few guidelines. Below are a few tips that can ensure that you’re know the best bra fitting possible before that trip to the store.

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The Cup

Your bra cups should be big enough to ensure there’s not any spillage at the bottom, over the bra strap, or on the sides. However, your breasts shouldn’t be swimming inside the cups either.

You can get a general idea of what size you should be looking for by following the fruit method. As explained by Adam and Eve, the letter of your lingerie is your cup size: A, B, C, D, and so on. Check below to find what piece of fruit your breast mirror most to find out which cup size you should be looking for.

Plum—AA or smaller

Lemon—A

Orange—B

Grapefruit—C

Melons—D

The Straps

Your bra straps are just as crucial to the integrity of your lingerie as anything else. In addition to the band and underwire, the straps help keep your chest supported and, more importantly, your bra in place.

Probably the most tell-tale sign that your bra isn’t fitting right is that your straps are sliding off your shoulders. The solution could be as simple as shortening them, but if they’re as tight as they go, you might need a replacement.

There isn’t an exact strap size you should look for in your next bra. But according to Cosmopolitan, as a rule of thumb, the larger the breasts the wider your straps should be. You also should make sure they’re not cutting into your shoulders. If they are, it means your underwire and band aren’t taking on the amount of support they should be.

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The Band

Finally, your band needs to be tight, but not uncomfortably.  Fresh Pair states that 90 percent of your bra’s support should be achieved from a snug, well-fitting band. You should be able to fit one to two fingers underneath it, and it should sit level around your body from front to pack. As Fresh Pair notes: “If it rides up your back, it’s too big. If your straps are falling, it’s too loose.”

Finding a properly fitting piece of lingerie can make you feel beautiful, confident, and fully supported whether you’re hanging out at home or painting the town red. Just follow these tips before hitting the shops.

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Scarf It Down: 4 Fun Ways to Wear the Staple

Tired of wearing your scarf the same way all the time? We’ve gathered four of our favorite ways, from the draped “Parisian” to the bundled “Faux Infinity”—these styles will give your outfit a bold, new look.

 

Courtesy of: Alight

Quick Fall Decorating Tips and Photos via Pinterest.com

Fall has finally arrived which means that it’s time to put out our new decor. And this is actually my favorite time of the year, with warm memories of drinking pumpkin spice coffee, picking out Halloween costumes, visiting the local pumpkin patch, and enjoying my mother’s delicious Thanksgiving feast.

 

When deciding to decorate, a few quick tips can get our creative juices flowing and bring joy to our homes. For starters, one must decide on the look they’re trying to achieve and the area in their home they would like to showcase. Personally, I always like to accent my front door, dining table, and entertainment unit.

 

Beautiful Fall Decor
Beautiful Fall Decor
Beautiful Fall Decor
Beautiful Fall Decor

 

Below are Quick Tips for decorating your home with Fall decor in just 30 minutes or less:

 

1. Visit your local craft store, discount store or dollar store for items. Normally around this time of the year companies will share coupons or run sales on Fall products.
2. Decide on the theme for your home – whether you love pumpkins or leaves, using a theme can serve as a great guide.
3. Always start with a budget! And this can vary depending on your lifestyle but operating without a budget can yield poor results and over spending.
4. Use unconventional ideas to gather supplies. Items can be found in your backyard such as leaves, acorns, sticks, wood chips, and tree bark.
5. Spruce up an old wreath with a simple bow or (again) leaves from the landscaping. Don’t forget to use garland on the fireplace mantal. You can create look this with leaves or purchase from a craft store.
6. Additional Fall decorating tips are: purchase a new place setting and add to the look with a table runner and candles; find creative ways to decorate a pumpkin with sharpie pens or decoupage.

 

And if all else fails, look at the nature around you for inspiration…it’s our best teacher!

 

Additional Inspiration

Photos are from (click here) Pinterest.com

 

 

Packing Tips for Fashion Girls: Look Fabulous on Vacation

Going on vacation is an exciting time for any fashion girl.  But there’s always the dilemma of packing for an extended amount of time.  Honestly, it can become overwhelming and the thought of going through airport security’s mentally exhausting.

Ready for anything with my Vera Bradley Duffle Bag
Ready for anything with my Vera Bradley Duffle Bag

We shouldn’t let that distract us from looking fabulous and having a good time.  To help us get motivated I want to share a few quick packing tips:

1.  Always pack a variety of summer dresses – whether it’s a maxi or shift dress.  Packing a dress makes room in your duffle bag and you don’t have to iron!

2.  Use accessories to dress up your vacation style or tone it down.  Pack a fedora hat (so we don’t have to worry about our hair) add a belt to cinch the waist for a sexy look and a few statement necklaces to dress up a basic t shirt.

Simple Travel Accessories
Simple Travel Accessories

3.  Your shoe collection should also be effortless style.  Include flip flops (easy to put on) flats for a cool night and two pairs of pumps.  In terms of pumps, I like to go with a basic color that coordinates with any garment such as nude or black.

4.  Undergarments need to reflect your coordinated pieces.  For example, a new mom should include a slimming camisole to keep the abdominal muscles (firm) underneath a blouse.  We can also add a bodysuit for that gorgeous dress that shows your curves.

5.  In terms of pants, consider a pair of shorts, jeans, or even leggings.  All three are great options when packing your vacation attire because they’re transitional pieces that can mix and match.

Kimmie Ready for Travel
Kimmie Ready for Travel

6.  Don’t forget your swimsuit – I like to keep two options in mind; one swimsuit for a sexy date and another suit for having a good time (you’re not concerned with your appearance in this suit because it’s comfortable.)

Packing for any trip can be demanding but with the right tips and perspective, we can have an amazing time and still look great!

Layering Necklaces from Art of Henri

Is there such a thing as much too much? Not when it comes to layering necklaces. However, this may need to come with a little more thought as it could easily turn into a disaster.

But, accessorizing is all about enhancing your personal style. Specifically, the jewelry you choose and how you wear it helps define your look. These necklace from Art of Henri are great layering pieces. If it’s just enhancing a basic tee, these necklaces, which are all different lengths, add character and true personalized style to your outfit.

Layering Necklace

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