Kitten Lounge

Fashionable Fridays ~ Checkin' in With Kimmie

KittenCouture — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Whether you catch me at an event, see me talking to someone on a show or you just happen to catch me out, you know that clearly I'm all about style. When I'm out and about, people will ask what made me think of Kitten Lounge back in 2007 and I always let them know that Kitten Lounge actually originated as an Internet show back in 2004 when it covered my favorite artists and blended my love of fashion but even that is not an accurate description so I thought it would be good to tell you how it came to be and why it is such a driving force for everything that I do. First off, hi - I'm Kimmie, the Editor in Chief of this site and although I'm not really into the whole "Letter from the Editor" setup, it's nice to understand who is bringing you all of this content and why it's all here!

I fell in love significantly twice when I was younger the first time was at the age of 3 when I remember looking through Vogue and loving gorgeous dresses that showed me that you could be a princess everyday. For those that know my love for accessories, only the big baubles caught my eye! I loved going with my mom to fabric stores where she would make items from Vogue patterns into reality and when she later opened a boutique of custom design clothing in Indianapolis, I was in love. My world opened up to gorgeous brides, sequins, shantung, gaberdines and more and I had an AMAZING closet. That love came from my mother.

My father gave me a second love - at the age of 5, he taught me how to use a computer. We had an Apple and I loved it (don't ask me why I have an HP now although I have to give it some love too even though I continue to dream about a Mac book haha). I loved playing games on it and wondered what would the possibilities of that machine be? Who knew that in college one of my majors would be Telecommunications with a focus in New Media? Leaving IU and coming to NYC, I began doing PR for independent music artists who were only available online and I assisted them in getting spins and getting them booked. Why not, my Great Uncle was Joe Henderson, tenor saxophonist with Blue Note, Verve, etc so it was in my blood and I loved it. But then again fashion kept pulling me back in.

Is it true that I modeled (yes lingerie/swimwear), had a fashion line and currently have my own jewelry line Kitten Couture, and also assist firms with their Social Media via my other company Sikara Designs Group - check it all. But is it true that Kitten Lounge has been around more than two years? Absolutely. It initially came on board in 2004 as an Internet Radio show that I hosted daily for an hour each day for 3 years. Then I played DJ's who had crazy mixes and then talked with indie artists about their personal style. I loved it but realized after I began blogging for another site that I wanted to talk about more than just accessories on that site and do more than just host a radio show. The Kitten Lounge became my place to talk about fashion, style, beauty, food, music and travel. I believed that as a whole person all of this was important to me and that I wasn't alone.

I realized that I'm around stylish and amazing people who they need advice on where to go or how to dress when they are not in the settings that tend to go to all the time. People have always gravitated towards the way I present things and what better way then to introduce my world of showrooms, designers, industry shakers and more to you! Where do I go from here? Because of Kitten Lounge, I have been able to attend Fashion Weeks, go to Project, Magic, see private presentations, launches of all kinds and more. But I truly loved it when I made the cross over to personality when I shot an episode of To Be a Star which comes out later this year. Sharing the importance of accessories, finding your signature look and ultimately branding yourself was so important to me and to the 6 aspiring models that I worked with to achieve it, I'm very proud that I could be apart of that experience.

It is my goal and vision to continue to push various themes that are not only keys to my success but are core mental investments: I feel that accessories are an essential way to set yourself apart and that in the vein of Audrey Hepburn, you can take great classic pieces and look amazing. In addition, you can be someone that crosses over into a lot of areas (hello - I run a style blog, have my own jewelry line, create Social Media strategies for fashion/entertainment firms and am a personality as well) and yet still make it truly your own. Finally and most importantly, Kitten Lounge is about community whether it's introducing you to my favorites that you may not be aware of, reaching out via Twitter (@cocoabebe) or checking in with such favorites as the Holiday Gift Guide which launches Nov 1st (I can't wait to share the fab giveaways that we'll have, those who will be in the guide and a list on who to keep an eye out for in terms of industry must knows for your business). The experiences that I have had and those that will come have come to pass as I'm always open to reaching out, learning and helping someone else. In doing so it has created friendship, trust and has allowed me to interact with groups that I would have never come across if I had done it alone. The power of collaborations and having good people as your checks and balances definitely come in handy when you're running 300 miles an hour - no you're not crazy, you just know that you can do 48 hours of work in a 24 hour cycle and still go out to grab drinks and have a little fun! I want to thank everyone that has made this brand successful and who has been with me in each phase of re-invention that I have been through and look forward to sharing a lot of AMAZING items that are coming up soon!

Treasure Tuesdays ~ The LBD is Sassy

KittenCouture — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 05:00:00 -0700

Ted Rossi Large Python Bangle in Graphite $118 - Singer22

Carlos Falchi Women's Tiger Snake Clutch $875 - Bloomingdale's

Jimmy Choo 'Keenan' Caged Sandal $995 - Nordstrom

Black Onyx Ring ~ Ana Reign

Parker Three Ruffle Dress $187 - Basic Boutique

Two of my favorite colors are black and grey! When done right, it's very dramatic! As usual, you can click on the links above to learn more about the designers. Parker is a designer that is new to me that I'm falling in love with! This Three Ruffle Dress is awesome! I can say this as I have the blouse version of this dress and will actually wear it during an upcoming episode of To Be a Star! This line has so many great feminine qualities that still have a bit of an edge so I would definitely wear this dress to brunch or to an opening (even my 30th bday as it is that cute)! I've talked about Ana Reign before and I love the large cocktail ring and the fact that eyes won't be able to look away at your hand! Jimmy Choo is always a favorite and I love the open look of this 'caged' heel!. You know that I have always been a fan of Ted Rossi and I gave this piece which I wear all the time with tanks and leggings. This adds a lot of texture without the heft due to the skin. To tie in the sleek and the texture look that you're putting together, I love the clutch by Carlos Falchi which has a great print while also blending colors. I truly love that if you opt to do black and grey this is a such a fun way to do it without looking old and dated! Take some time to think about how to do an edgy/flirty look with the LBD!

Treasure Tuesdays: Style Box Wants You!

KittenCouture — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:00:00 -0700

I love having a strong network and today's post calls upon you to send this post to those who definitely could use this information! Via Twitter, I learned about Style Box Showroom, in Toronto, Canada, located at the The Fashion Incubator. Now many people who are designers wonder how they go about being represented for future placement within shops or they wish they knew when someone was accepting applications. Style Box wants you to visit their site and fill out an application only if you're a Canadian designer as these are the only people that they represent! Style Box has an exclusive network which includes celebrities, musicians, politicians and other influential people which would be interested in your products. With only 15 spots available (these spots are affordable), you want to ensure that you forward your information now as this launches August 1st of this year and will also allow you to be apart of the Red Carpet Preview. Enjoy watching Style Box's first photoshoot which was filmed by E! Contact Amanda or Gail for more information.

Wearable Wednesdays: Your Eco Finds in One Place

KittenCouture — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:00:00 -0700

You're committed to helping the Earth and ensuring that you wear only the best whether it be soy, fair trade, etc. As much as you're excited, it may be hard to find a place online where the entire boutique is dedicated to your social effort. I'd like to introduce Planet Threads.com which provides men and women with various companies who design apparel and accessories with you in mind! Think ShopBop.com whose only focus is eco-design! This is definitely something to be excited about as new designers will continue to be on the site to continue to give you a number of ways to join the sustainable movement and to support designers that work within this category!

Treasure Tuesdays: Bring NK Henry Into Your Closet

KittenCouture — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:00:00 -0800

People ask where I get my leads from. Sometimes its while shopping or PR people emailing me. But in some cases, it could be that I am connected to you via Facebook, Twitter, etc. This is how I found out about NK Henry. I have been connected for awhile; however, she (Nikki Henry), has a video out about her collection and after seeing it, I ran to her site and found amazing finds that I think are perfect for spring. In fact, you'll find that I have included her within our Spring Break Picks Guide as I am all about indie designers! I love that she has cute leather handbags, bangles that look like denim and totes that are perfect for going out and about during any season that you happen to be in! This is a must to be within your wardrobe and I can only imagine that she will have her designs on various celebs, shows and more - I would definitely get in now so that everyone knows how stylish you are!

Wearable Wednesday: We're All About You

KittenCouture — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 05:00:00 -0800

I am so excited tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I can't wait to enjoy all the nibbles that will come on various plates! With that being said, this is a huge kick off for so many people out there in terms of getting holiday sales. I am a believer that people will still have sales coming in and that you still need to make people aware of your products and sales that you may run. To that end, Kitten Lounge is all about being there for you! We are running special posts about Black Fri, Cyber Mon, etc and for those that are indies we are offering advertising as low as $10 to provide a chance to everyone out there to get their items in front of others. With the success of our Holiday Gift Guide that is currently live, you even have the opportunity to advertise in between that as well to give yourself some added placement or even within the sidebars. For those that reach out prior to Thursday, all advertising that you select will be able at 50% off. Send this link to others who are looking to have increased eyes and I can't wait until Thanksgiving!

Fashionable Fridays: Our First Lady

KittenCouture — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:26:13 -0800

I love looking at presidential pictures of first ladies and of course, one of my faves was Jackie. She had a great sense of style that was timeless. So of course my eye is on Michelle and so I have decided that as apart of Fashionable Fridays, I will make sure to keep you in the know of the various looks Michelle wears. It will be interesting to see how her style will be. In a recent WWD, they suggested that the first family will be a classic presence where they will mix their high fashion with those that many of us wear. Either way with this historic family, I am interested to see how Michelle and the girls represent their style from functions to just being out and about! I would love to hear your thoughts! Of course we have to kick this off with some images of the soon to be First Lady on Election Night. I know there were some mixed reviews of the look but I thought it was powerful while being fashionable. I saw this dress hit the runway during Fashion Week - loved it then and thought it was appropriate that night as well!

Be Apart of the Holidays on the Kitten Lounge

KittenCouture — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:00:00 -0700

I can't believe that we are so close to the holidays so here at Kitten Lounge, we're working double time on getting everything ready for our 3rd annual Holiday Gift Guide and 25 Days of Holiday Glam. You have the opportunity to get your goodies on the site so that others can learn more about it! With the holidays being around the corner, Kitten Lounge wants to make sure that the readers know about your boutique, products and more. We have two items of interest!

The 25 Days of Holiday Glam is a great way to have your designs/boutiques included within posts from Dec 1st - Dec 25th. This is a no cost form of advertising that allows you to choose the day that you would like to be included (one day per designer/boutique) and allows you to include multiple images and of those, one you will give away on that day to readers that participate in comments. These days are filling up, so please make sure you contact Kitten Lounge if you would like to participate.

In addition to 25 Days of Holiday Glam, Kitten Lounge also offers the Holiday Gift Guide. This guide begins Nov 15th and goes through Jan 15th. Option 1 allows interested advertisers to have one image listed within the guide for $50 for a 2 month period. This will include links to your site, information about your product and you will be included within the email sent out about the Holiday Gift Guide. Option 2 allows advertisers to have one image included within the guide for $100 for a 2 month period. This includes everything that Option 1 provides while also including a post where you can include multiple images for readers to learn more about your item. Spaces are limited and we want to include you, if interested, please email me to find out more about this!

Mingling Mondays: A Cover Doesn't Need to Cover

KittenCouture — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:00:00 -0700

Oh if only I could have been in Miami to see the shows! That was a great day to see many of my favorite swimwear designers. But when I think about my swimwear, I have to say that my cover ups are a bit lacking. I think they're cute but they tend to be an after thought and that just isn't an appropriate way to approach this portion of my closet! Tibi's line hit the runway and my favorite look happened to be this coverup! I love a great Boho Chic look and I love the whimsy that it is in this piece. This is definitely something that I would wear while in South Beach at my friend's condo or when you know you are going to a very chic poolside party! A great pair of Grecian sandals is the perfect way to touch off this look and of course a cute accessory or two! There are more great looks from this show available on Mercedes-Benz Swim Miami Fashion Week and of course you can see all the other amazing designers as well!

The Kitten Lounge & See Pretty Things Received an Award

KittenCouture — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:10:44 -0700

Today was so hectic that I didn't get to sit down and check in with some of my favorite blogs - which is always unfortunate because you miss something. Well it wasn't until I got home tonight, via Gchat, that my friend - Sarah of Style It told me that I had won an award and directed me to her site!

The Brilliante Award highlights those blogs that are amazing and allows the person who receives it to pass it on to other blogs that they love. You can only give this to 7 people and it must be that number - tough choice but rules are rules and I am so not giving it back! I love passing kudos on and letting others know why I like something so without further ado my 7 picks for this award:

*I definitely want to be more green around the home and with a move coming up and a lot of furniture and items to be purchased, I have quickly grown attached to Jennae's blog, Green Your Decor. I love supporting this and bringing it into my home; however, I love knowing that I have a great resource to find some great leads. Between her site and Domino - I am so caught up on my decor needs!

*My mom and I work on various business projects together and it's nice to not only have that sense of team but to know that you're with family at the same time. I love Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains and I love that this is a great lifestyle blog and am always eager to see what the super duo - Beckie and Jamie are talking about. It's like yet another slice of home and you can never have too much of that!

*I remember when I first came across Katie when I saw that she had jewelry pouches. In fact, she was one of the first people I blogged about on my first blog, Kitten Couture Blog and then was one of the first accessories people I blogged about on See Pretty Things. Since then, I continue to blog about her pieces as I am a HUGE fan of supporting indies and I continue to check in with her on her blog Fashionmista which is so cute whether she is talking about her wedding, graphic projects or how to keep people who work from home motivated. She is always out there and I love being connected to someone who shows so much of themselves and helps others as well.

*As some of you know, my day job is working at Lacoste at the corporate offices and thankfully I have always been a tennis fan and since working there, have embraced golf as well. I watched it growing up as a kid but now being surrounded the sport, having a friend whose dad is a golf pro and always keeping an eye out for how great our product looks on Christie Kerr, I have also enjoyed Golf Girl's Blog! Patricia brings fashion to golf and lets us all know about it!

*If it wasn't for Sarah of Style It, I wouldn't know about a lot of applications that I use now such as Twitter, Twitterfeed and there are a lot more. It was because of her that a few months ago, I learned about iJustine and I love popping in on her site to see what she's up to and I agree with Sarah that her underwater Flip footage is super funny. I am always excited to learn about new items even if I don't have one (no iPhone I'm still pleased with my Pearl!).

*Last summer I came across Fashion is Spinach and I was in love. In my mind, it's like the Anthropologie of fashion blogs. I love the tidbits and the way that everything comes together but whether she is talking vintage, showing runway images or talking about being the winner of the Eddy's contest, she has a great voice and one that I love visiting.

*You can't be in the city and not think about where you're going to eat, what's a great place to have a drink and occassionaly, what do you want to cook? I have a lot of sites that I read to keep me up to date on what's the next best thing and since I walk around the city a lot, I love finding things on my own. But I am a huge fan of Restaurant Girl and love that she always suggests a place that I love when I go or sometimes without reading her review or knowing that one will be created, I go to a place that she has gone to as well. You always have to have a great resource and she is one of mine!

These are my 7 picks who I will pass this award on to! I look forward to continuing to read their sites, to talk with you through Twitter and to learn more about the areas you cover!

Treasure Tuesdays: Miami Benz Swim Fashion Week

KittenCouture — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 05:00:00 -0700

This week we will temporarily focus on an event that is literally my favorite in the entire fashion industry! Maybe because I did a lot of bathing suit modeling at one time but I love Fashion Week Swim and Miami and when both are combined, you can't get any better than that. Next year I am promising myself that I will be an attendee/press (and gasp how great would it be if a swimwear line actually wore my - Kitten Couture Until then, I am dedicated this week to the Mercedes - Benz Fashion Week Swim Event!

So this week, we will be covering a variety of designers from the launch party at the Raleigh Hotel all the way to the very last show! The good thing is you don't have to have Uber VIP status to attend and you can still let your presence be known and get various forms of access to this event via American Express! You can enjoy a Poolside Cabana at the Meet and Greet at The Raleigh with a fab swimwear designer and of course you can see all the swimwear lines such as Red Carter and Ed Hardy!

I am so bummed that I will not be able to meet Tibi's swimwear designer, attend the Diesel show, go to a card member only private trunk show! This is a such a great time and if you will be there and are a card member, check this out and if you're aiming to be at the event next season, I will see you there without question! Stay tuned this week to find out about all the great designers at my favorite season's Fashion Week - sigh!

Wearable Wednesdays: Eugenia Kim for Coach Hats

KittenCouture — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 05:00:00 -0700

Most people know that I am not really someone who runs after what I call "traditional" luxury brands. It's not that I don't think they are amazing, but I love supporting designers that are indie or strive to make unique piece where you will not find yourself coming and going. Eugenia Kim is one of my favorite designers and she was commissioned to make hats for Coach! This hat, known as the Maude, is apart of this collection and if you would like to see more - visit Coutorture for additional pieces. There are a lot of fun elements that breathe an interesting life into this iconic brand!

Mingling Mondays: THINK CITRUS ~ Kitten Couture Hits the Streets

KittenCouture — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 05:00:00 -0700

So this post is another one of those where it hits a number of themes. Today, I will be doing the ultimate mingling! I am attending the Henri Bendel's Open See for Designers in NYC which runs from 9am - noon today. This is a great event that allows emerging designers to be seen and to be picked up by this amazing store. To all of those who will be here, I wish you the best and hope that you enjoy the experience regardless of the outcome (I say this and I have to keep telling myself the same thing) I will be chatting with other designers and I will also be in line since I will be having my pieces looked at by the lovely buyers as well! Obviously, I will share with you what happened and would love to also provide some information on designers that I think we should keep an eye out for! So send me all your virtual well wishings whether they are comment or whether you just happen to think of it - all support is appreciated! In addition, since today is the last day of THINK CITRUS, you'll enjoy one of the pieces that I recently designed as an exclusive (it's not even on my site) that has pops of the theme that we have had on the site.

Let us hope that this piece which is something that I just designed a few weeks ago is one that the buyers fall in love with! I named her Alexandra and she has Carnelian (that would be the citrus), Snail Shell, Sea Shell Chips (that would be another citrus in lemon), Turquoise, Polished Wooden Beads and Mother of Pearl. I love it and hopefully they will as well. Feel free to give some love by visiting my site, to see the other pieces which are currently available!

Wearable Wednesdays: THINK CITRUS ~ Belabubum

KittenCouture — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:00:00 -0700

There are times when you want to lounge around your apartment and then maybe slip on jeans and a zippie to pick something up so that you can go back home. It may be the weekend or just some day in the week when you needed to take time for yourself! I say that this can be done in this super cute cami set by one of my favorite lingerie labels - Belabumbum! Yes we are in the final days of THINK CITRUS and fortunately, there are designers out there who are infusing this fragrant scent into their lines. I love the Garden Floral cami set and as sweet as it is, the citrus vibe is a welcoming look since it blends so well. I think this outfit puts you in the state of mind to relax and to ensure that you are properly being taken care of. Make sure you check out all the amazing finds on this site and when done - you'll want to order some great items that will make sure that your closet and drawers continue to look amazing and renewed.

Trendy Thursdays: THINK CITRUS ~ Take A Journey to the Runways of India

KittenCouture — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 05:00:00 -0700

I love the fact that at any given time there are Fashion Week shows taking place around the globe. This is a great way to see the creativity of so many designers. In terms of staying with the theme of this month, I wanted to choose some amazing designs that have elements of THINK CITRUS. Thanks to the hard working people of Coutorture, I have included some of the posts and of course you can see a lot more from India Fashion Week and of course other designers that are currently showing in other Fashion Week Shows.

I love this outfit because of the super cute cami and skirt with this beautiful wrap across the top. This definitely makes me think of wearing this at a cocktail event on a beach or someones loft that has a beautiful deck. The embellishment is absolutely gorgeous and I enjoy the trims as well. I think that she definitely looks like a princess.

I have to say that this outfit is my absolute favorite! I love the pops of yellow and that it ties on the side. Once again I think there is something very regal about this and I love the black, white, silver and orange hues. You can never go wrong with a super cute clutch as well. This is definitely something that would be cute to wear at South Beach during some amazing event.

I like the blend of the sheer tones of orange and black. If I were wearing this, I would so wear this with Carnelian or an Agate stone that picks up these gorgeous tones. I love the beaded portions on the top of this dress and definitely feel that this is the perfect dress to wear to a gala and to set you apart from the typical "black gown" that people gravitate towards. Once again visit Coutorture to find more images from these shows.

Trendy Thursdays: Fadmashion

KittenCouture — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 05:00:00 -0800

There is always an interesting site out there and this is one that I think is amazing! It connects designers, media and retailers. FadMashion is such a great way to build community while also making sure that you get noticed by others in the industry. This site which is freshly launched is definitely one that we all need to keep on our radar. Although it seems to be in its Beta stage, lets make sure that we begin to sign up! Visit this site to learn more about the amazing benefits of being apart of this community and why this is something that we should be apart of when you're trying to increase your visibility!

Mingling Mondays: Support R is for Retail

KittenCouture — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 05:00:00 -0800

Traditionally on "Mingling Mondays", I like to talk about a great restaurant or event since mingling is all about coming together and exchanging ideas - what better way to do this then with food and something to look at? But I have to say that earlier this week I read something that made me want to share it with you and to provide my thoughts on this subject. It would be unfair for me to provide this exchange without including an excerpt of the original which will be listed below in italics. A friend of mine who runs a showroom here in the city sent this out to her buyers and I thought that it was not only brave but a view that I believe in as a designer and something that is uplifting for all of us!

As many of you know, I work for a luxury sportswear brand and earlier this year as I sat in our Sales Meeting we discussed the fact that due to the current economical situation and it being an election year that it was going to be a tough one. Brands would survive and stores would still buy but the fact is that to maintain (or obtain your place if you're trying to break in) your place you would have to work harder to be considered as 1 of 8 options as opposed to 1 of 10. Ultimately, it would be a matter of taking someone else's share in order to increase your own. That can be seen as something scary but I like to think of it as an opportunity.

I spent an entire week at Vegas for Project, Magic, Lingerie Show and the Accessories Show. Not only did I go to see friends that I knew but also those that were new designers. It is my belief that for those of us that are still scratching to get out there, that this is the time to show how we are different! As I walked the show floors there were a variety of buyers out there and although we can complain that buyers should be looking for those of us that are different, we have to ask ourselves "Are we going out there and showing our angle on style?" In order for buyers to take a chance on what we bring to the table, we need to believe in ourselves and take that step as well. Presenting a variation of what has already been done will only make your intended target pass over your work and purchase items from the designer that has already established themselves in that niche.

As the designer and owner of Kitten Couture, I must say that there have been times that I have been slightly frustrated that people like my pieces but they don't feel that it's the look they are going for in their store's product mix; however, it is that difference that will set me apart. I use this analogy when you decide to present a product: "You have to decide do you want to be Mc Donald's where it is available wherever you look or do you want to be Ritz Carlton?" Both of these places are coveted spots but it is a matter of whether you want to position yourself everywhere or would you rather have a smaller point of distribution and be more exclusive? I choose the Ritz Carlton school of thought and I choose to maintain my way of designing since it is times like these that someone may be more willing to take a risk and present their customers with new looks in their store. It is my opinion that even in the bad times, there are those that succeed and those of us that have been out there for a few years trying to get noticed - this is when we need to push so that next year we are considered by more individuals. I highlight Ziordia who is not only a designer who I respect because she worked in the handbag industry but I am encouraged by her passion and efforts to get her line out there and that she continues to stay true to her concepts. It wasn't easy but to initially see her in her showroom and then to see her doing so well at Project, this encouraged me.

To become noticed or to increase our share in the market, it is going to require that as designers we come together and get creative! Maybe this means we decide to combine our contacts and come up with trunk shows and shopping events. We look for ways that we do photoshoots that we incorporate our pieces together. I am always open to options (I am always looking for people to put on here at Kitten Lounge and also on See Pretty Things) and if I can help you directly or pass you on to someone else who can - that just makes it better for all of us! Tough year yes but it is not a year that will go by with only those known labels making successes. This is an open letter to all of us out there to continue to make strides because we are not that far away and although there are those preaching brace ourselves for the worse I am saying brace ourselves for the unexpected and access to areas that we couldn't have believed simply because we chose to take a stand, maintain our innovation and we didn't stop pushing forward.

Original Excerpt from My Friend
R is for RETAIL!Stop reading all the bad news out there. How many national shows since early January [10 ]did we all hear the R word discussed. This is just FEBRUARY!!!

This is going to be a very challenging retail year.
But, one that still brings opportunities and niches to fill.

As store buyers and owners, you have to really shop and open your eyes to everything. Travel, surf the web, review the fashion magazines, click on to the fashion runway shows...and at the retail level, what is truly important is giving "perceived value" in the items you buy. You need to understand how much more profitable an item business will continue to be and how margin builders is this year's mantra. A proven basic: You have to give the customer a "reason to buy"

Trendy Thursdays: The Site of the Month

KittenCouture — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 05:00:00 -0800

I always like to share favorite sites and I am a huge fan of those sites that let you know more about your favorite topics! Coutorture is your insight into the world of fashion covering content that is creating by such fashion bloggers as myself. You'll get the scoop on your favorite designers while also getting a heads up on the next trend and designer. Now going to work and adding your two cents just got better! Make sure to bookmark this site and come back as it continues to expand!