Fashion Night Out Indianapolis

CDFA

The fashion world waits in anticipation all year for Fashion Night Out. The Indianapolis fashion community is bursting at the seams and our Fashion Night Out continues to grow with the fashion movement. All over the city of Indianapolis tonight, retailers will open their doors fueling the fashion fires that burns within the shopaholic and showcase hot new fall trends, food samplings, and maybe a live band or two.

Here is a link to the Fashion Night Out website to direct you to retailers taking part in tonight's Fashion Night Out festivites.

http://www.fashionsnightout.com/fno/outside-nyc

Breaking the Mold: Tracy Reese

(pic from TracyReese.com)

Tracy Reese was born in Detroit, MI in 1964. She graduated from Parsons School of Design in New York in 1984.

Answers.com says, "Tracy Reese ranks as one of the fashion industry's most successful African-American women whose realm is not relegated to the runway."

Reese started working with Martine Sitbon and for a fashion label called Arelquin Reese right out of Parsons. Reese was a designer for Magaschoni, Perry Ellis and designed an exclusive line for The Limited. The designer started her own company in 1998 and has two labels; Tracy Reese and Plenty. In 2004, the designer started a home goods line called Plenty Home.

The designer has also collaborated with other brands like Sally Hansen, Hue and Keds. 

Reese lives in New York and is one of the few African American women in mainstream fashion that owns her own label.

Indiana Fashionista Meetup Luncheon

On Saturday, January 8, Aesthetic Design Style was happy to be in the company of some key players in the Indiana fashion industry. The Indiana Fashionista Meetup Luncheon brought fashion bloggers, designers and photographers together to network and share tips of the business.

The luncheon, planned by Leah Barr of Circle City Style, included attendees from Indianapolis and Bloomington; bloggers and photographers. Others in attendance were Michael Trace from Michael Trace Photography, Crystal Hammon and Emily Lytle-Painter from Dresses Her Days Vintage, Jessica Quirk from What I Wore, freelance fashion writer Erica Sagon, Truen James creative director of  the House of 5th clothing label and treasurer of Indianapolis Fashion Collective, Christy Pastore founder of the online magazine Fashion Wrap Up, Chelsea Kouns model and the 2011 face of Fashion Wrap Up, Kaitlyn Elyse Fashion Wrap Up stylist, owner and creator of T. Party Clothing, photographer David Van Deman and Janelle Cissell from Ruby Leonne.

Held at Cafe Django, owned by Barr's uncle, we laughed and talked shop. Aesthetic Design Style hopes to work with all attendees in the near future.  We are very thankful to Barr for setting the luncheon up and can't wait for more activities and networking opportunites in the near future.

Kaitlyn Elise of Fashion Wrap Up & T. Party Clothing and Truen James of House of 5th & Indianapolis Fashion Collective

Leah Barr of Circle City Style, Christy Pastore and Chelsea Kouns of Fashion Wrap Up

Crystal Hammons and Emily Lytle-Painter of Dressed Her Days Vintage

Truen James

Julia of Aesthetic Design Style, Jessica Quirk of What I Wore and freelance fashionista Erica Sagon

The ladies of Fashion Wrap Up

Julia and Jessica

Trendy Thrifting

Purse I bought from Goodwill for $2.99

When people think of thrifting, they generally think of stores that smell like moth balls and look like 100 closets threw up items that someone named Mable or Agatha once wore. The persona of thrifting is changing. It's no longer a hobby for old ladies or a place you take tattered expendable clothes. Thrifting is a new retail outlet providing quality pieces at inexpensive prices. As more people think outside of the department store or boutique box, thrifting will continue to gain popularity.

Fly Won, an Indianapolis fashionista, is owner of the Fly's Nest, an online store through the Sense of Fashion website. The Fly's Nest has been selling products from clothing, shoes and accessories online for a year. The average price of her pieces are $10-$15; nothing is over $50.

Other mass or box thrift stores, like Goodwill or Disabled American Veterans (DAV), rely on the donations of others. These places become a catch all for pieces from different decades and price points. But when Fly Won looks for items to sell, she considers pieces she would personally wear. Fly Won notes she would wear everything she sells it if were in her size. 

Fly Won

Shopping at thrift stores, online or at a storefront, can be intimidating.When shopping in thrift stores, Fly Won suggest you don't go with the intent to find a specific thing.

"Let your eye guide you. I rarely sift through the multitude of things in thrift stores. I just do a quick walk through and let my eye be my guide. Meaning, I wait for something to CATCH my eye." 

Fly Won uses a different approach when purchasing items online.



"ASK QUESTIONS before purchasing and read the fine print. Expect things to possibly have slight wear, OR make sure you are aware of any flaws."


Thrifting is not a new retail outlet, but it's reputation is evolving into a popular trend. If you ask the right questions and let your eye be you guide, you will find some diamonds in the rough.

Check out Fly Won's online thrift store, Fly's Nest, at www.senseoffashion.com/flysnest.

The Online Lookbook

It's FINALLY complete!  I feel as if the world stopped while our lookbook was being put together.  But it was worth the wait because I love the way it turned out.  Thanks to THE best photographer on the planet, Polina Osherov, the beautiful Michelle Pemberton modeling, and last but definitely NEVER least the incomparable Fashion Stylist Nikki Sutton for the front and back covers of the lookbook. These pictures were taken from the Sweet Revenge Lingerie show called Cabaret Lingerie back in March of this year and the corsets shown in the beginning and the end are available for sale.  They are hand done with impeccable precision and workmanship - they are simply a work of art for the body.

CLICK HERE for a peek!

Creating a lookbook these days is of the utmost importance!  If you are going to talk to anyone intelligently about your business you have to have something to back it up - a lookbook is a good place to start.  I decided to start with an online lookbook simply for convenience.  I am able to reach important out of town contacts instantly and they are able to see what we have to offer on the spot upon the arrival of an introduction email.  There are some appointments (face to face) when I do use our printed lookbook and my clients are given a copy of that to keep.  They will also have access to the online lookbook as well for their reference or if they need to send it on to one of their affiliates. 

The process was relatively easy to do but it did take a lot of time and effort.  Remember when you are putting together anything that has to do with marketing or branding that YOUR name is on the line and it is important that you make a very good first impression.  I know your mother always told you to "never judge a book by its cover" and for most situations that does hold true - except for this one.  Lookbooks are your clients very first introduction to who you are and what you are about and you need to get it right the first time.  Whomever your client may be please know that they are inundated with people trying to sell them things every single day.  You have to find a way to set yourself apart and make your brand stand out.  Customer service is a HUGE way to set yourself apart but you won't get a chance to offer that part of your business if you don't get a first meeting.  The way to a first meeting is a good lookbook. 

I'm not only referring to fashion lookbooks here.  Photographers, models, artists, designers, interior designers, Marketing/PR businesses, there are many different sects of business that can benefit from a lookbook and an online lookbook is a good place to start for the novice.  I count myself in the novice category and I plan to learn and grow every day as well.  For now I need to make sure my designers have a presentation that represents them and their brands well and professionally because I am making a first impression for them and that's why I take so much pride in what I do. 

There was a wonderful blog post written in one of our very favorite blogs Style Sample Magazine regarding how to set up your own online portfolio.  Take a look at their view on lookbooks and hopefully you'll get a feel for if an online lookbook is best for you or if you will invest in a printed version - or there's always the combination of both which can only increase your chances of gaining that GREAT first impression!

Until Then:  "Writing has laws of perspective, of light and shade just as painting does, or music. If you are born knowing them, fine. If not, learn them. Then rearrange the rules to suit yourself." - Truman Capote

Indiana - The Next Milan?

I'm sure the title of this post has amused some but for others it feels like our only mission in life. Is it possible for Indiana to be a fashion haven for edgy, in the know, chic, fashionista leaders? In the land of fried twinkies, corn, soybeans, and basketball there is more to Hoosier Hospitality than meets the eye - really there is!

Over the past year I have been so amazed at the incredible people I've been lucky enough to meet. And the surprise was that I didn't have to wander very far. When I decided to get involved in my community and help improve where I live for my kids and for humanity in general the wonderful people just started coming and coming and coming. Every day I'm meeting people whom have the exact same outlook about our city, the fashion community, and improving both. Instead of sitting back complaining about not being in New York, L.A., or Chicago and getting upset as to how backwards or how late we seem to be about fashion here in Indiana I decided to get off my own butt and change the way things are going. The old saying "be the change you want to see in the world" truly applies in this case. When you get out and take the emphasis off of yourself and truly get into helping others, it not only changes the people or the area you're trying to help but you, yourself, are the most changed and for that I'm grateful.

So, in my quest to somehow think I'm going to change the realm of fashion in Indiana myself, I came upon many many others who paved a beautiful path before me. I've also found more phenomenal people working right with me - beside me, in front of me, behind me, wherever and whatever it's all about improving the fashion community.

A few days ago I was at a meeting regarding establishing a Fashion Council or Fashion District for Indianapolis and Indiana. Just being around people who truly want the same goal is just so thrilling. One woman, whom I hold so much respect for, commented that trying to get funding for this project would be a bit trickier than other projects due to the fact that most people view fashion as something dumb or frivolous - sadly she's so right. With this project it is our duty to change that view and to make those individuals understand that fashion is not so superficial but it will provide jobs and drive revenue to our city to boost our struggling economy. I say to those naysayers that this IS possible and WE WILL SUCCEED and you may as well jump on the bandwagon now or we'll leave you behind.

So, Milan? Maybe - but definitely watch out New York ,L.A., and Chicago - we're coming for you!

Indiana Designers, Fashion Writers, Hair Stylists, Reps, Independent Boutique Owners, Photographers, WE NEED YOU! Go to http://www.fashion.insideleg.com/ and tell us about yourself. We are collecting data which will help us in our funding efforts for our project. The more content we acquire the better our project can be.

Until Then: "What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" - Vincent Van Gogh

Customer Service - A Lost Art Form

If you're my friend on facebook you already know how upset I am at the world's customer service or lack thereof. So much so that I feel I need to write about it yet again!!!

Personally I have, inadvertently, made customer service my life and my entire professional career. Starting at 13 when I began babysitting for cash, then at 15 when I got my first job at Brown's Flooring, then on to L.S. Ayers at 19 to work for Estee Lauder, up to Chicago at age 20 working for Lancome then Christian Dior at Lord & Taylor, back to Indianapolis to Parisian with Dior and Elizabeth Arden, on to Jacobson's working for Laura Mercier cosmetics, into the Spa industry at 24 as Retail Manager/Head Make up artist at David & Mary, and finally the end of my tenure working for others ended in Corporate America as an Executive Assistant. Whew! I say this to reiterate that EVERY position I've ever held is in some way giving people a service, filling a need, or fixing a problem in order to make someone else happy (whether it was my fault or not!).

Not quite sure what has happened to customer service or maybe I'm being too hard on people because I know what I should expect in regards to good customer service. I'm not even striving to receive GREAT customer service anymore - good would be a huge upgrade! Didn't any one's mother ever tell them that "you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar?" or "actions speak louder than words?" Apparently not.

Customer service does not only apply only to fashion or to retail. I'm talking grocery stores, salons, government offices (one of the best places for HORRIBLE customer service by the way!), Starbucks, Real Estate, school administrative offices, heating and cooling, carpet cleaning, etc. You get the point.

Dictionary.com defines customer service in this manner: assistance and other resources that a company provides to the people who buy or use its products or services. Let's just focus on the first word here - assistance. Does anyone help you or even ask you if you need help anymore? Rarely but it's not the norm. On to the word resources. If you are assisted and you can't find the dress you want in gold at that store does anyone call another store to help you find your dress? Again, not often. It's too much work for the person who's getting paid to help you but doesn't have the time or energy to do so. It baffles my mind, seriously.

What happened to "the customer is always right?" Now I KNOW for a fact, from personal experience, that the customer isn't always right. BUT one must do everything in their power to fix the situation and retain customer loyalty no matter what business you are in. Being a small business owner now I know how important reputation and your word is in business. Like I stated on my facebook page customer service will make or break your business in seconds.

There are so many options for customers these days and so many places of business doing the same things. How do you set yourself apart and how do you keep customers coming back to your business specifically? People pay hundreds and thousands of dollars for marketing firms and PR firms to answer this question for their businesses and I'm giving it to you at no charge. CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! That's your answer! Treat others as you would want to be treated then even go above that another 10%.

A few tips:

• Assist your customer throughout the entire transaction but know when to back away if they need time to make a decision. That's common courtesy.


• Respect their feelings. If they really don't care for the earrings you've designed and took you 52 hours to create then just chalk it up to everyone has different taste and find them something else they like. You can't take anything personally when it comes to sales or service.


• Smile and be nice. Don't be fake because people can see right through you. Find a job you enjoy doing because it shows in every aspect of your job. Your boss, your co-workers, and your clients can tell if you like what you do by your attitude.


• This leads me to another point - if you are unhappy and hate your job, your boss, and your co-workers then you probably will take it out on your clients in some form. I know it's a hard job market out there right now but for the love of God please find something else you like to do and stop making others around you miserable!!! It's easier if you figure this out before your boss does!


• Your livelihood rides on the service you provide and client retention. Think of every person who walks through your door or visits your web site as a potential meal for your family. If you lose them you may not eat. That's extreme but you see where I'm going with this.


• A compliment goes a long way. Again, don't be fake but use compliments to gain rapport with the client. You don't know what that client has been through that day and you could be the one person to change the direction of their day for the better - sometimes their life if you're really good!


• Be helpful. If you are explaining your return policy to a client and they just aren't getting it then you keep explaining it and explaining it until they do understand - and be nice about it. Rolling of the eyes or an exasperated sigh helps no one.


• Exceed expectations. This is a big one and this one will set you a part. Not only meet your client's immediate need but add in a little extra. A free gift. Deliver an order to their door yourself. Provide refreshments during work hours (all sects of business can do this). Help a new mom with her baby while she tries on her first post pregnancy outfit. Offer discounts on their next visit. Find that "something extra" that fits your business. It doesn't have take any money out of your pocket.


• Make your client feel as though they are the only one you have (even if they really are). Make them feel important.


• Do your research as a business owner and hire really good people. You may spend a little more money up front for good research but in the end you will get a return on investment that is 10x what you first paid. If you wouldn't leave your kids with them, don't hire them. It's true. Again, your business is your life. When you bring someone in to help you that person needs to know how much you have at stake by trusting and hiring them as well as how their attitude and aptitude can make or break YOUR business.

These are just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many other things you can do to give great customer service. Each segment of business is different but at the end of the day all any of our clients wants is exceptional customer service.

Until then: "You'll never have a product or price advantage again. They can be easily duplicated, but a strong customer service culture can't be copied." - Jerry Fritz

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Art of July

We did it! Through the showers, through the thunder, through the running font colors, we represented (soggily) and took independent fashion to the streets - literally. Next year vinyl banners!! Thanks to Aesthetic Design Style's faithful friends, fans, and supporters (and my family of course) the Art of July parade on July 4th was a HUGE success! With wonderful organizations like the Fountain Square Arts Council these types of activities help to catapult the Arts community higher and higher. Thanks to Kelli Stafford and Dan McNeal and the rest of the participants in the first annual parade - we did it and next year will be even greater!

Until Then: “Art produces ugly things which frequently become beautiful with time. Fashion, on the other hand, produces beautiful things which always become ugly with time.” Jean Cocteau

Fashion and Security

A funny thing happened to me just the other day - I realized I finally really know who I am now and what I want out of life. I know it took about 33 years but better late than never. When I was younger I thought I knew who I was or at least thought that is what I projected to everyone else. I was wrong and it probably showed too. Three daughters, about seven jobs, and one big reality check later, I have found what it is all about. Security - being secure with yourself, your family, your style, and your insecurities. Yes, you have to be secure with your insecurities. Everyone has them so embrace them - don't dwell on them - we know they are there - but try and live with them. You'll find that the positive aspects of your life will far outweigh the negative. You have to be aware of all of the components that make you - you!

A large part of what helped me have my epiphany was fashion. May sound silly to some but it's true. I was in Broad Ripple Vintage (because it always comforts me and makes me feel good) and it came to me - fashion is the ONE constant thing that has always been a part of my life. No matter who has come and gone (family or friends), my parents divorce, the deaths of two of the most important women in my life - I could always depend on fashion.

My paternal grandmother would sit for hours and sketch beautiful women in fabulous dresses for me when I was little, my maternal grandmother had trunks FULL of my great and great great grandmother's clothes along with VOGUE from the 30's and other fashion magazines dating back to the turn of the century, my great great Aunt Rose was born in the early 1900's and refused to wear dresses so she made her own pants (wide leg, high-waisted, sailor style with the six buttons at the top-original -FANTASTIC) and wore them with never a regret, my mom used to make her own clothes and my dad's jumpsuits back in the 70's, and my dad is the one who would take me shopping when I was little because my mom hated it - she still avoids it like the plague (I find it ironic she's my mother).

I've often said before that fashion is just "clothes or accessories" to some people - and that is fine. To me it is a part of life - it is my life - it's my passion - it's my job - it's one of my loves. There is nothing like finding that one piece you have been searching for that just makes you feel good. Fashion isn't superficial as others may see it. It's culture, it's history, it's art, it's our future, and it's our present. So along with instilling in my girls a sense of security, intelligence, and self-confidence, I hope that I sub-consciously instill the gift of style as did my ancestors in me. It wasn't something that was passed down in some big ceremony - no it was something that was subtle and alluring and passionate and it glistened through their eyes, their pictures, and their legacies. I found that the most tenacious women in my family had the strongest sense of who they were as women along with the BEST PERSONAL STYLE. To me, fashion is security in who we are and who we want to become.

Until Then: “Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future.” Coco Chanel

Template of Fashion - Vintage Fashion Library

I happened upon the most fascinating site one day as I was looking for different eras of fashion. Vintage Fashion Library. It then hit me that THIS is what fashion is all about. The nuts and bolts of the industry. The template upon which all things fabulous are made and are created. There are so many times when I have a very specific idea of an outfit I want in my head. It never completely translates to what I see in stores or online.

My wedding dress excursion is the perfect example. I love to mix modern with a vintage flair and sometimes there just isn't that one piece that completes the entire look. There are things that come close but never exact. I wanted a wedding dress with sleeves. I wanted either a bell sleeve or a large bishop sleeve such as was prominent in the 30's and 40's. NO wedding dresses even have sleeves anymore. Let alone a long sleeve. I saw so many strapless, spaghetti strap, or halter dresses I wanted to pass out! Apparently I was not part of the "norm" who loves strapless. Anyway, as I reviewed the wonderful period specific patterns at Vintage Fashion Library I found my dress! I could not believe it. Had I seen this site 5 years prior, I would have had the perfect dress for my perfect day. (My day was perfect and my dress turned out alright). Makes me want to set up a vow renewal - not just for the dress, of course!

Using patterns is a unique way to put your own spin on the current fashion trends or put your own personal style into a look. It will be truly your own. There are so many wonderful seamstresses and tailors that can create fabulous items just for you. If you can sew yourself, you are WAY ahead of the game and the cost goes down even further. Also you are in control of the color, fabric, fit, style, etc. You are the designer, ultimately.

Fashion is so much more than just something you throw on. It tells your mood, it tells others who you are and who you want to be, it exudes confidence or insecurity. Make it fun and make it your own. Be independent. Start with a template and create from there. Get back to the basics and start from scratch. I guarantee you'll have everyone asking "Where did you get that?"

Vintage Fashion Library - Catch them on Facebook too!

Until then: “In difficult times fashion is always outrageous.” Elsa Schiaparelli