Karen Millen

February is a certified lover’s month for most of us.  In my world, it’s the month for puffy gowns and pink skirts. It’s absolutely the month when new and old clients visit my shop for repairs or adjustments. By this time, my secretary is well-informed that I won’t accept prom projects. I don’t like rejecting clients. At the same time, I dislike working on a project in short notice. However, there are exceptional cases.

I received a call from a sorority sister last night. She asked me to do the prom dress of her youngest sister. I couldn’t say no to her request after all what we’ve been through in college. I’ve seen her sister once or twice. She has a plain face, fair skin, and skinny body tone. I remember that she used to join the basketball team in high school. I’ve seen her with shorts and shirts only. According to my friend, her sister didn’t change that much. I decided to accept the project not only because we’re sorority sister. Also, I realized how exciting this project is for me. I see this as a challenge because I only have few days to work on it. I only have 15 days for the design, sewing, fitting, and adjustments. Right after the phone call with my colleague, I started sketching.

In designing a dress, it is important to know the client. Aside from the basic measurements, a designer should consider the client’s personality and taste. The design should not only suit the client’s figure. The design should also match her attitude. Aubrey is the name of my friend’s sister. As I’ve mentioned, Aubrey is quite simple. I chose red as the color of her dress. I’ll be doing a long plain ball gown. I’ll put on some red gemstones on the lining of her tube. I’m still thinking about how heavy the fabric should be. The drawing is only a draft. I still need to meet up with Aubrey for the finalization of the design. We have an appointment scheduled tomorrow. I am thrilled to see her and hear her opinion on the design.

I met a client recently and she asked me to be her wedding organizer and gown designer. The wedding will happen in May and I still have four months to prepare, fit, and adjust the gowns that she and her bridesmaids are going to wear. Our first meeting was about finalizing her theme and motif, counting the total number of participants, and budgeting the wedding. Of course, I decided to give Ivy some discounts ‘cause she was recommended to me by my husband.

Ivy is a detail-oriented person. She wants everything to be done according to plan. She wants to be the most beautiful person on that day in her wedding gown. I made a gown sketch already but she wanted to keep everything private.

She told me the design that she wanted. So I followed it. I started with a basic strapless ball gown. I also added a customized design (white flowers) that will appear beautifully on her gown. I want her to be a glowing bride for a perfect groom in a perfect wedding.

She preferred canary yellow to be her motif. At first, she wanted “sunflower yellow” but later on changed her mind. I guess, she just really wanted to keep the vibrant mood on her special day.  I bet, she’s really excited to fill the church with family, friends, and all the most important people in her life.

I met Ivy’s bridemaids a week after our first meeting. We started measuring their body sizes. It was really a busy day in my boutique. There were commotions all around.  There were seven of them and my assistant looked different. When I asked her what she did differently today she told me she found a new facial cream that she found online when looking up Life Cell skin care reviews. She had me sold!

Before the day ended, we settled the length and color of each dress. Each had an opinion regarding the color, theme, and venue. So all that I could do was to assure them that everything will be perfect.

Given the ample time, I know that I can make another client satisfied. My goal for now is not to rush things up and earn from those. I believe that those will come along the way if you know how to make your customers happy and satisfied with your service.

Sources:
EternallyBeautifulWomen

The world of business is a risky industry that only brave hearts and strong will people can survive. It comes from a very unique and impossible idea of a person that became a reality and prospers with perseverance. These people are highly imaginative to the point that others discriminate some of their insights but they have a definite belief on what they can do and with this they were referred as, “Entrepreneurs”.

When I started my own fashion business, I did not hesitate to pursue everything all at once. I am determined to succeed and I was not afraid to ask for help. Maybe that is why I have achieved my goals because I learned to master the art of networking which is very important in the business industry. I was into selling different kinds of branded stuff like bags, accessories, apparels and shoes. It was into my advantage since my sister is living in New York and most of the Outlet stores are located near her place. During sale, I would try to contact her so she can pick the things that I like, but mostly I live it all up to her since I get my fashion sense from her.

I began to establish my career because of the quality and affordability of my stuff. My clients are usually into bags and shoes that’s the reason I always have new designs to offer them. One of my fast selling brand is Coach because of its durability and great material. With the crisis and financial instability that the world is going through, gone are the days of being a shopaholic. People already how to do practical spending and learned the value of long term investment. One of my friends was looking to buy hgh for sale and found a great product called Somatropin HgH. This product is a revolutionary weight loss product that has been turning a lot of heads ever since it was introduced. Based on the extracts of the Hoodia Gordinii Plant found in Southern Africa, it promises to deliver rapid weight loss by reducing your appetite by a significant margin and stopping hunger pains. I was thrilled by all the positive feedback that I heard from her and decided to use it personally. After 3 months of using the product with healthy diet and regular exercise, I really lose some extra pounds and I was very happy with the result. I decided to purchase wholesale so I can distribute it in my shop and it was like my ticket to winning. Many people in our town are buying the product not just of the benefits it gives but also it is trusted and proven.

 

No one wants to have a fashion disaster, it can be quite a traumatic experience. If you no longer want to fail at fashion, know it is easy to make changes. Keep reading to get a good idea on how to become better at fashion in a very short time.

A purse must complement any other bags that you are going to carry. For example. if you have a purse and a messenger bag, they should be of similar colors and styles. Remember also to never use more than two types of bags at the same time.

A classic combination is black and white. You are likely to see many folks wearing this combination. This look can be easily incorporated into your look. For example, you could wear black pants with a white shirt or you could wear a dress that’s black and white. When it comes to black and white pieces, you have many different possibilities.

You shouldn’t have too many items in your makeup bag. It is best to change the colors seasonally, rather than keep everything in it at all times. Keep in mind looks for both nighttime and daytime wear. Makeup does not last forever once you begin using it. Bacteria can also form over time.

If your hair is normally frizzy, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. It will protect your hair and help prevent the follicles from absorbing additional moisture. Avoid products which create volume; this includes products containing wheat or rice.

You shouldn’t aim for perfection in fashion. Fashion is a very subjective topic, so there is no right and wrong. If you are trying to achieve perfections, you look may appear to be trying too hard. Many classic looks are based on a simple flaw, like messy hair, or something slightly askew.

Pay attention to sizes. This means that, no matter what it is, you need to try it on before buying it. Sizes these days tend to be less consistent, being based on things other than just measurements. In fact, different brands have different sizing. When purchasing clothing online, look at any provided charts for sizing. Check and see if you will be able to return the clothes if they do not fit.

Sign up for a newsletter on fashion that will keep you current. This will keep you up to date on fashion as each season changes.

If you have a larger frame and want to downplay it, stay away from floral prints with large blooms or other shapes. These big shapes are unflattering. Wearing clothing with smaller flower shapes will take the focus away from your size and make you appear thinner.

Mousse is a great way to volumize your hair, but be careful not to go overboard. Really huge, high hair that was popular during the 80s might be in style, but it’s difficult to pull off and often leads to an unflattering look.

Are you tired of looking like a fashion newbie? It isn’t hard to remedy this situation, though. The advice you’ve been given here can change your life if you let it.

“Give the girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world” –Marilyn Monroe

Have you ever done something in your life and it made you feel like there are two emotions contradicting at the same time? It’s when you fear what is behind the door, but you’ll still open it anyway. As for me, it happened when I opened my own dress shop. It also happens every time I am buying a pair of shoes. It is important to have your own style. At the same time, as a designer you have to recreate it after a period of time. Refrain from copying because that will only make you a shadow of someone else. It is okay to take notes from other designers. However, it is important to be reminded of your own identity. This is my stage. There are expectations and criticisms everywhere. I always remind myself that the spotlight is on me. One’s style should not entirely depend on opinions of other people. I learned that choosing your own style starts with completing an outfit pair of shoes.

They say every woman needs the kind of shoes when they present themselves on their very own stage. Looking for the shoes that will match your size and taste takes time. You have worn a few already. After a troll in a bazaar, you’ll eventually find a pair worthy of your search. These shoes are also like our habits, dreams, and ideals in life. We outgrew some of them. Some pairs remain on the shoe rack, while some pairs are given or thrown away. The right pair can be presented in a different form with a bright color. The shoes is a part of you. The stage is another world for you. I learned about taking a risk. A designer should not be afraid of exploring new ideas. Try not to trip or fall. If you do, make sure you’ll stand up with a smile on your face. Always be ready to rock the stage.

Speaking of risks, I remember when a friend visited me and asked for advice to get rid of his man boobs. So I said that he should try using Gynectrol to learn how to lose man boobs. And I told him that there’s nothing wrong in getting one because he won’t lose anything after all.

One’s style creates her a brand of who she is. Sometimes we thought we already have. Sometimes we thought we needed a pair of shoes to make it all right. When in reality, it is only up to us. We should make it even without the right pair of shoes.

 

Watching my best friend getting ready for her big day as I sat down on the bed, I realized how time fly so fast that I cannot argue to the fact that I am getting older already. The makeup artist are very busy making the bride as gorgeous as ever while the camera and video man are going in and out of the room to get a picture of a very special moment to a very inspiring couple who have in love for almost 12 years.

The entourage are preparing while candidly smiling at the camera all over the room. There was a vibrant atmosphere outside which is such a perfect day for a garden wedding. Everybody is very excited to fit in their gown while I was helping the bride get dress. Hearing all the positive commotions on how their dress look so perfect makes my heart melt. Giving her the best dress on her wedding day is such a heartfelt experience. Seeing her as beautiful like a doll and ever glowing as she wears her princess cut silk cream gown makes me wonder how such creation was made into perfection.

Getting all the details and laying all my cards as I show my draft design to her was just a genuine moment for the two of us. It was like a dream come true to witness a fairy tale wedding with two people that are most dear to me. Making her dress was just a wonderful and challenging experience for me. It was the first time that I am going to make a design for someone that I love most. She is more than just a friend but I treat her like my twin sister. We shared laughter and sorrow even when we were still kids.

Memories are flashing back while I start doing my layout. I remember when we were still kids and we let our parents bought our very first dog pet that we named “Blacky”. Blacky has this smooth and shiny black skin that is covered by his long hair. As a kid, we would always bring Blacky in the park and play with other kids. After which, we could go down the river and have our picnic with our parents. The bond that we shared together was like a commitment to remain true with each other forever. I remember how Blacky became sick because of acute liver insufficiency, he was given a liver supplement called Denamarin. It really helped him to improve as the supplement helped back to nourish his liver health.

Growing maturely with my her makes my life easier. She would always comfort me in every way that she can do and would never leave me behind. Now that we celebrate her big day I just want to be the best organizer/best friend/dressmaker for her.

Before starting this blog, I thought that it would be much easier than sketching a design for a client. I was wrong. It’s almost the same as looking for an inspiration, setting a theme and customizing an outfit. Don’t get me wrong, I love clothes and the story behind the design. It’s just that there are times when you don’t simply want to draw anything under the sun. There are times when you’re aiming to get the image inside another person’s head –your client. In my experience, that’s quite an issue.

It’s like when you want to try your new oxford shoes with a black palazzo pants and a crop top, but your Mom said that pink pumps will go better with the motif of the event, you’re about to attend to. It’s also the same when you’re with a friend who doesn’t agree that your skater dress and sneakers aren’t a match, and you just have to agree because you wouldn’t want to prolong the argument. It’s like that. Your Mom and your friend, they’re your clients. You consider them and their opinions important. You don’t want to offend them. There are times when you’ll insist with your opinion regarding the color, and you’ll just agree on the design or vice versa. It’s a give and take relationship really. I definitely understand that, but not all the time. I have moments. I think we all do. Mine is when I seem to forget about the “give and take” part, because I remembered what my main goal was. I got into this business because I want to express myself. I want to show the world who I am, that’s what has gotten me into designing in the first place. Three years ago, no one told me that you’ll have to consider your clients all the time. I thought clients were no. 2 on your priority list, and your design comes right on top. It wasn’t like that all the time.

It’s just like in designing and writing a blog.  You have to set a goal. If your goal is to please other people, then you write cautiously and consider what they’ll think of you. Most of the time, it’s just like rewriting their words and thoughts. Now, if your goal is to tell your story, then write freely. Sometime soon, you’ll figure it out and realize that clients are your mentors as well. Come to think of it, they’re like your best friend. You and your client don’t get along most of the time in everything that the other one has opinion about. Not all the time, but these limitations they keep giving you will make you a better designer. You’ll have your moment. Time when you can insert your idea together with hers/his. I still believe in you are what you wear, but sometimes it’s better to say that what you wear is what you want to be. This is another thing I learned from my clients.

It’s like that. A give and take relationship.