Hi,
Well I have set the wheels in motion and have 15 days to pull together a shopping event in store to showcase some new designer denim I love and to drive the sales to places they have not reached before.
The date is set. Thurs 14th April 6-9pm in store. I am having a denim night. Inviting all friends, family and loyal customers to share a fun night of music, bubbles and best of all fashion!
So invitation is mocked up. Styles are set. Tomorrow is a shopping day to restock Miss Carla with fabulous knitwear and accessories. Then the challenging bit of making up about 10 new original styles for the night. On the hunt for help!!!!
The production team I found is great but I am talking 10 units in a week. Don't have 6 weeks for turn around.
Will keep you posted as the event unfolds. Nothing like a challenge!!
xxxxxx
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wanted (take 2)
(love it when you are just about to post something and then somehow something goes wrong and it is gone...Where did it go though?)Try again.
Hi,
Last week I had a stunning lady stumble across my boutique. She bought one of my designs which I down sized for her as I only had a large one left. She rang her friend on the way out the door.
On Saturday they met in Miss Carla's.
I had just cut out a piece of leopard print yoryu fabric from the last overseas trip. The ladies went crazy for the print. We even held up the unsewn pieces to see if the style suited.
The wet, wet, wet weather put me in a sewing mood. The 4 dresses were made up in a flash.
As requested, I sent a text to let them know the style was now on the rack. Minutes later the phone rings....
"my friend is coming down for the dress, if she doesn't buy it then I will" Fabulous.
Within half an hour her friend has been in and bought the new design. Minutes later the phone rings...again..
"My friend does not mind if I get one too. What time do you close?" Fantastic.
The stunning lady also bought my dress and wants to know whenever something new hits the rack.
Thank you ladies.
Every time something like this happen it makes me want to race out and get more fabric.
There is lots more to come.
I started this journey trying to abide by the rules of business and fashion that I thought were important. I am slowly realising my own rules are very important. Days like yesterday are brilliant. Miss Carla is shaping up to be wonderfully unique xxxxx
Hi,
Last week I had a stunning lady stumble across my boutique. She bought one of my designs which I down sized for her as I only had a large one left. She rang her friend on the way out the door.
On Saturday they met in Miss Carla's.
I had just cut out a piece of leopard print yoryu fabric from the last overseas trip. The ladies went crazy for the print. We even held up the unsewn pieces to see if the style suited.
The wet, wet, wet weather put me in a sewing mood. The 4 dresses were made up in a flash.
As requested, I sent a text to let them know the style was now on the rack. Minutes later the phone rings....
"my friend is coming down for the dress, if she doesn't buy it then I will" Fabulous.
Within half an hour her friend has been in and bought the new design. Minutes later the phone rings...again..
"My friend does not mind if I get one too. What time do you close?" Fantastic.
The stunning lady also bought my dress and wants to know whenever something new hits the rack.
Thank you ladies.
Every time something like this happen it makes me want to race out and get more fabric.
There is lots more to come.
I started this journey trying to abide by the rules of business and fashion that I thought were important. I am slowly realising my own rules are very important. Days like yesterday are brilliant. Miss Carla is shaping up to be wonderfully unique xxxxx
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Designing , designing, designing.....
Hi, sorry I have not written for a little bit. Didn't realise how many of you were actually reading. Thank you.
Anyway, I finally made a decision on what Miss Carla's next move is. I came to this decision after some awesome people, complete strangers gave me the little nudge (OK massive kick) in the right direction.
First was the client who got the very last wild Safari print dress. Her text to me out of the blue on Friday saying how much she loves her dress and that I need to keep coming up with more was so motivating.
Then there was a new gorgeous customer who came in on Saturday and restored my faith in what I set out to do all along. She is the Miss Carla customer I have been looking for. Gorgeous, fit, curvy and outgoing. The exact person who I wanted to create this label for. She is not the 1st one through the door. There have been others. But this woman made me see a light at the end of the tunnel.
I realised that the older ladies have waned off and the younger, trend orientated, curvaceous types are coming exploring.
Lastly, but definitely not least. I was going through my wardrobe, and the suitcases under the bed, and bags on top of the closet and boxes in the garage, full of clothes from all occasions for all sizes of my life. I was looking for some wedding outfit ideas to maybe lend a gorgeous friend. I came across so many things I made over the years to compliment my curves. Why was it so easy then and so hard now? (that's another whole other blog - losing 30 plus kg kind of mucks around with your sense of self - in a nut shell) Anyway, found the garments, taa daa.....a winter collection is born!!!!!
Took the morning off on Tuesday - don't think anyone missed me.(Only Gran and Joe who came to visit) Shut the shop and went to town literally. Got in to see the fabric wholesalers, the ones who are left, since the fashion industry moved to China.I had the best morning!!!! Was inundated with knits, lace, prints, colour,etc etc. So exciting. So inspiring.
I have thought about nothing else but this little 1st collection all week. It has to be concise, clever and sell! No pressure.
So I thought I would let you know where it is up to. Better go now though, already missed 10 minutes of Desperate Housewives. See, I am only human.
Thank you for reading. xxxxxx
Anyway, I finally made a decision on what Miss Carla's next move is. I came to this decision after some awesome people, complete strangers gave me the little nudge (OK massive kick) in the right direction.
First was the client who got the very last wild Safari print dress. Her text to me out of the blue on Friday saying how much she loves her dress and that I need to keep coming up with more was so motivating.
Then there was a new gorgeous customer who came in on Saturday and restored my faith in what I set out to do all along. She is the Miss Carla customer I have been looking for. Gorgeous, fit, curvy and outgoing. The exact person who I wanted to create this label for. She is not the 1st one through the door. There have been others. But this woman made me see a light at the end of the tunnel.
I realised that the older ladies have waned off and the younger, trend orientated, curvaceous types are coming exploring.
Lastly, but definitely not least. I was going through my wardrobe, and the suitcases under the bed, and bags on top of the closet and boxes in the garage, full of clothes from all occasions for all sizes of my life. I was looking for some wedding outfit ideas to maybe lend a gorgeous friend. I came across so many things I made over the years to compliment my curves. Why was it so easy then and so hard now? (that's another whole other blog - losing 30 plus kg kind of mucks around with your sense of self - in a nut shell) Anyway, found the garments, taa daa.....a winter collection is born!!!!!
Took the morning off on Tuesday - don't think anyone missed me.(Only Gran and Joe who came to visit) Shut the shop and went to town literally. Got in to see the fabric wholesalers, the ones who are left, since the fashion industry moved to China.I had the best morning!!!! Was inundated with knits, lace, prints, colour,etc etc. So exciting. So inspiring.
I have thought about nothing else but this little 1st collection all week. It has to be concise, clever and sell! No pressure.
So I thought I would let you know where it is up to. Better go now though, already missed 10 minutes of Desperate Housewives. See, I am only human.
Thank you for reading. xxxxxx
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Options are limitless
Hi,
Thank you for the comments.It works! I am wondering now if there might be a couple of people as equally challenged with technology as I am , they still say they cannot leave a comment. Just a thought.
A few weeks back I was sitting at my cutting table, sewing away, and wondering where on earth I might find someone who can help me with all the styles I have going round and round in my head. Pity I cant twitch my nose and make a new style appear as it comes to me. Oh think of the money I would save and make.
Then the phone rings......
It's help...
a production company run by gorgeous ladies my age(or lets just say so), offering me a world of services that I need. So now I am trying to work out where to start. Met with them yesterday.Options are limitless.
Does the world need a "design your own" formal/bridesmaid/evening dress using basic templates. Choose your size, fabric, colour, silhouette and details such as straps, belts, flowers, feathers etc etc.?
or
a basics range of well made pieces in quality fabrics for the over 25's up to size 20?
or
an on trend collection of mid market pricing sizes s, m, l, XL.
What do you think? Love some thoughts.
On another topic, but always still about business of course, last week I wrote on the shop window , looking for innovative designers who would like to put there pieces, be it fashion , footwear, bags or jewellery in my boutique. I felt like I was putting it in the hands of the gods. Somehow expecting artists, designers etc to come stampeding my way. Last week the street was quiet. Then, today, a bite. A gorgeous artist/ jewellery designer walked through the door .(of course at the same time the friendly window washer had water flying everywhere and my window display sprawled across the shop)
Effie will be back tomorrow with her wares. If what she was wearing today sets the tone for her style - I like it alot. She has ocean of contacts of other local artisans from her time in the market scene around Sydney. Hopefully Miss Carla, Manly will soon be full of original, gorgeous things that people will travel miles for.
Oh working on the Internet shop too. Any tips of how to go about it? Found sites to run my shop from massive to intimate and arty. Decisions decisions.....
Anyway, better go. Got some sewing that needs doing. Last of my wild safari dresses needs a little taken in to fit the lucky lady who needed the limited piece.
Just been to Fashion Exposed Trade Show for Spring / Summer 2012. Obviously we will all be wearing colourful silk kaftans around the streets, Camilla and Marc style. I do love colour thoughxxxxx
Thank you for the comments.It works! I am wondering now if there might be a couple of people as equally challenged with technology as I am , they still say they cannot leave a comment. Just a thought.
A few weeks back I was sitting at my cutting table, sewing away, and wondering where on earth I might find someone who can help me with all the styles I have going round and round in my head. Pity I cant twitch my nose and make a new style appear as it comes to me. Oh think of the money I would save and make.
Then the phone rings......
It's help...
a production company run by gorgeous ladies my age(or lets just say so), offering me a world of services that I need. So now I am trying to work out where to start. Met with them yesterday.Options are limitless.
Does the world need a "design your own" formal/bridesmaid/evening dress using basic templates. Choose your size, fabric, colour, silhouette and details such as straps, belts, flowers, feathers etc etc.?
or
a basics range of well made pieces in quality fabrics for the over 25's up to size 20?
or
an on trend collection of mid market pricing sizes s, m, l, XL.
What do you think? Love some thoughts.
On another topic, but always still about business of course, last week I wrote on the shop window , looking for innovative designers who would like to put there pieces, be it fashion , footwear, bags or jewellery in my boutique. I felt like I was putting it in the hands of the gods. Somehow expecting artists, designers etc to come stampeding my way. Last week the street was quiet. Then, today, a bite. A gorgeous artist/ jewellery designer walked through the door .(of course at the same time the friendly window washer had water flying everywhere and my window display sprawled across the shop)
Effie will be back tomorrow with her wares. If what she was wearing today sets the tone for her style - I like it alot. She has ocean of contacts of other local artisans from her time in the market scene around Sydney. Hopefully Miss Carla, Manly will soon be full of original, gorgeous things that people will travel miles for.
Oh working on the Internet shop too. Any tips of how to go about it? Found sites to run my shop from massive to intimate and arty. Decisions decisions.....
Anyway, better go. Got some sewing that needs doing. Last of my wild safari dresses needs a little taken in to fit the lucky lady who needed the limited piece.
Just been to Fashion Exposed Trade Show for Spring / Summer 2012. Obviously we will all be wearing colourful silk kaftans around the streets, Camilla and Marc style. I do love colour thoughxxxxx
Thursday, March 3, 2011
I learn't a new word
Hi,
A big thanks to all my gorgeous friends who have said they have read my blog. I am loving this medium.
I am actually a journal writer from way back. Some may even recall "Miss Fairstar". One of the things on my list of things to do in this lifetime is to publish The old diaries. Guess this is doing it for me already(scary). Tick.
Need a favour..... can someone please add a comment, even just "hi" so I know I am set up properly. I know at least one friends comment couldn't be posted. I have fiddled with settings and hope I have fixed the problem. I must admit I check regularly and still no comments. Bit like waiting for the boy to call scenario.
So, as the title mentioned, I learnt a new word! Yay! crazily enough it actually a word that describes how I have been making a living for the last decade. Bespoke. It refers to custom fitting and making clothing with a high degree of tailoring, cutting a personalised pattern from extensive measurements and making one off garments. Who thought it. That's what I do.
As anyone who knows me will realise I have been on a quest to find that one thing that I can do which will define me in terms of my career. I am obviously an ideas person.
Got hit by another idea yesterday. It almost knocked me over! I am sooooo excited. But then of course the idea grows and grows and grows into a monster,massive, multinational.....oh dear. Fantastic idea. But where to start. I wake in the morning tired. I know I have been working this out in my sleep. It's where I believe I do my best thinking.
For once though, I am not scared. This must be it. I have set the wheels in motion, made a few appointments with perhaps some key players. It's a start - might work , might not. No harm in checking it all out.
You're maybe wondering what this idea is - sorry. Can't tell yet. You will read about it soon enough I am sure.
Still very excited though.
That's a good sign.
My last post was "why Miss Carla". I have heard that an awesome brand is about the why not the what . Makes sense.
Some background stuff - bit out there. But it's my thing. I believe totally in things happening for a reason. Not a broad term like fate so much, but about small clues. You see them more when you look back at situations. If you believe in them then you can look out for them more and you start to see them almost at the present. I like to hope that I am a little psychic too - but that's another story.
I have been bombarded by little clues leading me to this idea. It all makes sense (hopefully I have not lost any poor souls trying to follow this) and that's why I am really thrilled about this new project.
Vague, I know, sorry, but keep following and this will all unfold.
Better go for now.
Tip: we should wear more red, even just on our lips. xxxxx
A big thanks to all my gorgeous friends who have said they have read my blog. I am loving this medium.
I am actually a journal writer from way back. Some may even recall "Miss Fairstar". One of the things on my list of things to do in this lifetime is to publish The old diaries. Guess this is doing it for me already(scary). Tick.
Need a favour..... can someone please add a comment, even just "hi" so I know I am set up properly. I know at least one friends comment couldn't be posted. I have fiddled with settings and hope I have fixed the problem. I must admit I check regularly and still no comments. Bit like waiting for the boy to call scenario.
So, as the title mentioned, I learnt a new word! Yay! crazily enough it actually a word that describes how I have been making a living for the last decade. Bespoke. It refers to custom fitting and making clothing with a high degree of tailoring, cutting a personalised pattern from extensive measurements and making one off garments. Who thought it. That's what I do.
As anyone who knows me will realise I have been on a quest to find that one thing that I can do which will define me in terms of my career. I am obviously an ideas person.
Got hit by another idea yesterday. It almost knocked me over! I am sooooo excited. But then of course the idea grows and grows and grows into a monster,massive, multinational.....oh dear. Fantastic idea. But where to start. I wake in the morning tired. I know I have been working this out in my sleep. It's where I believe I do my best thinking.
For once though, I am not scared. This must be it. I have set the wheels in motion, made a few appointments with perhaps some key players. It's a start - might work , might not. No harm in checking it all out.
You're maybe wondering what this idea is - sorry. Can't tell yet. You will read about it soon enough I am sure.
Still very excited though.
That's a good sign.
My last post was "why Miss Carla". I have heard that an awesome brand is about the why not the what . Makes sense.
Some background stuff - bit out there. But it's my thing. I believe totally in things happening for a reason. Not a broad term like fate so much, but about small clues. You see them more when you look back at situations. If you believe in them then you can look out for them more and you start to see them almost at the present. I like to hope that I am a little psychic too - but that's another story.
I have been bombarded by little clues leading me to this idea. It all makes sense (hopefully I have not lost any poor souls trying to follow this) and that's why I am really thrilled about this new project.
Vague, I know, sorry, but keep following and this will all unfold.
Better go for now.
Tip: we should wear more red, even just on our lips. xxxxx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)