I hope you enjoyed reading Part 1 all about my Taiwan shopping experience!  In case you missed it, click here

Next stop on my trip- Mainland China which is still very much a third world nation.  CAUTION- You can’t drink the water here and there are almost no ‘Western’ toilets.  Expect a hole in the ground and to B.Y.O.T.P. (Bring Your Own Toilet Paper as I like to say) and soap with you to restrooms.  It’s pretty gross, they even give you boiling water at the restaurants so that you can wash your plates/utensils yourself before you eat- Ehwww.  But once you get past those things there is of course plenty of great things about this country like the SHOPPING!  We were able to go to a mall in Guangzhou which was pretty interesting…

Mall in Guangzhou

We decided to go into a store called RT Mart which reminded me a lot of Walmart.  They had EVERYTHING in this overcrowded discount store including a full grocery store.  Which was perfect for me as I had been searching high and low for these Chinese Apple Pears I had over a year ago, which they had here so I snatched a few!  They also had dragon fruit which is another one that I love

Food section of RT Mart

Of course as we entered the store I heard this woman screaming (of course I couldn’t understand what she was saying as she was speaking Chinese), so I turned around and saw that she was yelling at ME!  Thankfully I had a girl with me to translate and she was informing me that I had to check my bag (I was carrying a backpack).  So I go outside the store where, instead of checking my bag, they made me put my backpack inside a huge red bag with what looked like some kind of communist flag on it and then they zipped it shut and put a sensor tag on it so that I couldn’t open it! Whoa security- we don’t even do this in America!  Then I had to walk around the whole store with this stupid red flag bag- So not fashionable lol.  It was pretty hilarious.

Flag bag they put my backpack inside of

I also noticed inside this mall that the floors were separated by the type of clothing, so all mens clothes were on one floor, women’s on another, etc.  It was interesting to see and I wondered if this really helped business or not.  Seeing that typically more women than men go shopping, it is usually best to put the mens section somewhere where the women will see it because they will often times be buying for their loved one.  I did end up buying a shirt for my bf which thankfully I got the right size for him (I learned my lesson after shopping in Taiwan so I went up a size).  Another thing you do need to keep in mind is that most places do NOT accept American credit cards.  Even though I was carrying my Visa and the stores clearly said they accepted Visa, it was a huge hassle and their machines wouldn’t accept it.  So it’s best to always have cash on hand even when inside a huge Mall.

A really great item to buy in China is luggage.  Again since almost everything is manufactured in China these days, its so much cheaper to buy right here from the source and bring it back to the US.  And since most airlines allow you to check 2 pieces of luggage on your return flight home- even more reason to grab one!  My coworker had gone to a local flea market in Guangzhou and got a really nice 20″ suitcase for about $40 USD.  Of course it helped that she went with a local and he haggled the price down for her.  I unfortunately waited until I got to Hong Kong where the prices were a little bit higher even after I haggled    So if you plan to buy luggage- Mainland China is the place to do it.

So here are a few TIPS:

1. Always have cash on hand as most places will not take credit cards

2. Try to go shopping with a local so that they can not only translate but also bargain for you!

3. Don’t bring a backpack to a store (unless you want it to be on lockdown inside a Communist flag bag)

4. Always go up a size if you are unsure

5. If you are in a Mall and notice you can’t find a certain type of clothing- try going to a different floor.

6. Buy some Luggage

7. B.Y.O.T.P.  -Enough said

8. This has nothing to do with shopping but it’s worth mentioning- Be prepared to have NO Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, or Google while in Mainland China.  It is a Communist country and so the government blocks all social media and various other websites.  Even American bank sites like Chase as well as Yahoo are blocked at times!  I did manage to figure out a way to check my Yahoo email by going through the Taiwan Yahoo site instead of the American one and logging in from there- Good Trick to try!

So what would you do if you had no Facebook for an entire week?!?!! Comment below and share this blog with your friends please!

Stay tuned for Part 3 where I head to HONG KONG!

Ok so by now you are an expert at shopping in Taiwan and Mainland China– Woohooo!

My last stop on the trip…Hong Kong!  Boy was I glad to get out of Mainland China and back to a big city!  Hong Kong was definitely the coolest city out of the 5 cities we went to.  It used to be owned by Britain so they still have a lot of British influence.  For one they drive on the lefthand side of the road and they have the double decker red buses just like England.

Here I had the chance to explore a bit as the business part of the trip was over and I was by myself for a day before I headed back to the states!  So I went to the highest point I could find- Victoria’s peak!  You can take a tram ride up and then when you get to the top there are gorgeous views of the skyline!  It was so amazing and their skyline is voted #1 in the world- even over my precious NYC!  And yes of course I sported my Multi Chic Wrap!

After that I booked it to Stanley market- the famous seaside market where you can buy a lot of things at a discount!  You all know how much I like a good bargain!  As I’m already pretty well versed in haggling for a good deal…I mean I do go to Chinatown in NYC often… I was well prepared to get the best price possible!  At this market you can get everything from

Stanley Market

souvenirs to silk items and tea sets.  I got some awesome bags, one of which is a real designer bag for only $20!  People often question whether these designer bags are real and you definitely need to do your homework and check really good.  It could be real leather but maybe the logo is off or there is a tiny defect with the bag.  If after a lot of inspection it looks good, then it’s probably real.  How can that be you say?  What often happens is that these products are already being produced in China.  The factory workers will over produce and not tell the Designer.  They then sell the bags to a reseller who then sells it to you at a ridiculous price.  (Which just goes to show you how much it really cost to produce these things).  I also was able to get some good angora cashmere sweaters and other things here for only about $15 which is a steal!  According to Wikipedia In 1994, China had an estimated population of 123 million goats and is the largest producer of cashmere down.  This is why it’s so inexpensive.

Seaside by Stanley Market

I also had a chance to explore the shopping area of the Mong Kok district which reminded me very much of the Night Markets in Taipei….but maybe that was also because I went there at night and the stores stay open til midnight LOL.  But they were very similar with little boutiques that only carry “Free Size” and street food markets that sell some mystery food items (ummm what kind of meat is that really??).  There is also the famous Jade Street/Jade Market which is very popular.  Although I didn’t get a chance to see it myself, I did have a friend inform me of how difficult it is to shop for Jade and how you really need to know what you are looking at in order not to get ripped off.  Typically speaking the darker green the color, the more expensive the piece.  However Jade does come in all sorts of colors (even light purple) and other less precious stones can be made to look like jade when they’re not.

Mong Kok District

I did end up getting some really good items from the Mong Kok area, which I will post in a future blog, but one thing that I couldn’t get anywhere were shoes!  Apparently I am Big Foot compared to Asians LOL (I wear a size 9) and so most stores that I went into did not even carry my size!  They go by European sizes there which means I should be a 39 or 40 however most of the size 40’s I was trying on were too small so I really needed a 41.  After going into endless shoe stores in hopes that one would have my size, I managed to find these adorable tweed slip on platform sneaks I fell in love with and they were only $20USD so I asked once again for a size 41.  They told me they had size 40 and so I tried but with no luck they were still too small.  They said they could stretch them out for me (as I watched them stick a wooden contraption inside the shoe and twist it several times).  After 10 mins of waiting I tried them on again and they fit! I was so ecstatic!! Finally I found a pair of shoes!  Or so I thought…. After I flew home and put them on few days later they had shrunk back to their original size and are now too small Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! I am so upset as I loved these shoes so much.  BUT I am going to try my Fashion Angel Warrior Shoe freezing trick and see if I can permanently stretch them out.  Click the link in case you missed this blog!  In the end, the lesson I learned from all of this- Asians will try to sell you ANYTHING- even if it doesn’t fit!  So don’t let someone scam you like they did with me!

Tweed Slip on Shoes I bought in Mong Kok

So what did I learn about Shopping in Hong Kong:

1. Know how to sniff out a fake DESIGNER BAG- so you don’t get ripped off!

2. Buy lots of CASHMERE pieces! I wish I bought more

3. Study your JADE facts if you plan to buy some jade pieces

4. Don’t let them stretch out your SHOES- they will just end up going right back to the original size

5. Side note- Don’t bother bringing your FLAT IRON or curling iron with you as the voltage doesn’t usually convert even if you buy one of those travel convertors.  I tried to use mine and ended up blowing it out so now I need to purchase a new one

So are you ready for your trip to China?  Post below and let me know what was the one thing that shocked you the MOST about my adventures in Asia!?!

And of course please share this blog with all your friends

I absolutely LOVE Halloween!  No not because of the scary things or what the holiday represents, but because it is a chance to dress up to be anything you want to be!  Ever since I was a little girl I loved being able to use my creativity to come up with a costume idea and then use my fashion skills to actually create it!  In a way I was forced to since my parents wouldn’t ever spend the money to buy us a costume so we had to be inventive.

This year I had the opportunity to help my bf’s daughter with her costume.  She wanted to be a Zombie High School Student.  So we started brainstorming and the process began!

Step1: Look online for an image of something you want to emulate (not to copy exactly because your costume will be ORIGINAL and so much better!  This was ours.

Inspiration Photo

Step 2: Think about what you have in your closet already that can be used for the look.  In this case she already had a pretty floral skater skirt, some black tights, and black combat boots.

Step 3: Start creating the missing pieces.  We needed a top so we went to the Michael’s craft store to see what we could find

Step 4: We purchased our supplies which included; 

-1 plain white t-shirt

-Heat transfer paper

-Fabric spray paint in red color

-Rhinestone chain trim

-Pink satin ribbon 1” wide

-Rhinestone heat transfer trim

-Hot glue gun and glue

Step 5: Create a printed design for the front & back of the shirt, print it on the heat transfer paper, and iron on the shirt following the instructions (Make sure to follow the instructions and hold iron down for the amount of time it suggests so that the print comes completely off the paper)

Print Design we created for the Front

Step 6: Attach all the trims.  I stitched the pink ribbon down in a ‘V’ shape, then ironed on the heat transfer rhinestone trim on top of the ribbon, and used some hot glue to add the  rhinestone chain around the neckline

Trims Attached

Step 7: Add the blood.  TIP- Make sure to put a piece of cardboard in-between the layers of the shirt so that the blood doesn’t bleed through to the other side.  Do one side at a time, wait for it to dry, and then do the other side.  Also do some practice sprays before you actually do it on the shirt so that you can see how much blood you want to put.  I did a small amount at first, waited for it to dry, and then added some more.  You can always add more but you can’t take any away

 Step 8: Fray the edges of the sleeves and shirt hem with a scissors.  We also added holes to her leggings as well

Step 9: Purchase any accessories or makeup items to complete the look.  We opted for some scary face makeup!

Step 10: Put it all together and Voila! Zombie Cheerleader! Doesn’t she look awesome!

Comment below and tell me of a time you made your own costume and what you were!!!

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New VID is up! Ever wonder How to Start a Clothing Line!!! Well here’s what NOT to do.  I will be giving you the top 5 biggest mistakes all new fashion designers make.  This is a NEW series, subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel to get the next 4 mistake vids as soon as they’re up!

Watch this one now and comment below if you have ever made this mistake!

Like it| Post it| Tweet it| Share it|   #DesignerDonts

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtNssPqMaU8

Back in September of 2014 I had the privilege of debuting the Multi Chic line at Prive’s NYFW Event called Fashion for Charity.  It was an amazing show filled with tons of talented designers (including one of my very own clients- StyleNumber).  In case you missed it, you can watch the show here!  And don’t forget to let me know which print is your favorite from the new line!

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwVBZ2fxP1g

Credits:

Handbags= Sewzanna

Makeup= Sophia Askew

Video= Tim Strader

More Videos on MultiChic line

Subscribe to my Youtube

Since my clients are always asking me, “What should I really have in my closet?” I decided to put together a Closet Staple List of 25 items that includes the top clothing, shoes, and accessory items every woman should have!  Today I’m giving you a sneak peak at the list

#1. The Little Black Dress (aka LBD)- The Little Black Dress is THE must-have; you can use it to go to a wedding, cocktail party, a night out on the town, dinner, a day at the office…there are just SOOO many applications.  Instead of feeling lost on what to wear and hoping that you’re dressed up enough, make an effort ahead of time to have that perfect dress already hanging in your closet. Now these Little Black Dresses come in all shapes and styles.  They can be knee-length or mini, sleeves or sleeveless, dressed up or down.  And of course they can also be professional or sexy!  And every so often, you may be feeling a little bloated or not so super skinny and the LBD will become your perfect go to piece because black hides EVERYTHING!  For this reason (and many more) the LBD has made it to the #1 spot on our Closet Staple List!

The Little Black Dress

From left to right:

Black cotton fit and flare dress by Kate Spade @KateSpadeNY, Illusion Dress by Maggy London @MaggyLondon, & BCBG strapless peplum LBD @BCBGMaxAzria

Do you have a LBD in your closet that you can’t live without??  Send me a pic on Instagram @fashionangelwarrior #LBD

Like it, Share it, Post it, Tweet it

As you probably already have heard I am giving away my top 5 wardrobe must haves right off my #ClosetStapleList!  Last time I discussed the #1 on the list, the #LBD.  Up next we have-

#2. The Cardigan- A basic cardigan is a MUST have in your closet!.   Cardigans can add a pop of color and interest to any outfit. They are good to grab on the go when you need an extra layering piece to keep you warm on those windy fall days or in those summer air conditioned rooms. They also work great when you need to cover up a little skin for work, church, and dates. Cardigans comes in all different shapes and sizes. There is the classic crew, the fun boyfriend, or the quirky printed ones. And they can be worn several ways which makes them so VERSATILE! Wear it buttoned up or loose and open, or you can even dress it up with a brooch or great statement necklaces (another item on my Staple Accessory list)!  And you know all those summer tops that you put away for the fall and winter??? Well, girl, you can bring them out again and layer a simple cardigan on top!

The Cardigan Sweater

From left to right: JCrew boyfriend cardigan @Jcrew, Boston Proper leopard and scroll print cardigan @Boston_Proper, Status by Star Jones for QVC embellished collar cardigan @StarJonesESQ

What’s your favorite cardigan??  Send me a pic on Instagram @fashionangelwarrior #Cardi

Like it, Share it, Post it, Tweet it

New VID is up! Ever wonder How to Start a Clothing Line!!! Well here’s what NOT to do.  I will be giving you the top 5 biggest mistakes all new fashion designers make.  This is PART 2 of a NEW series, subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel to get the next 3 mistake vids as soon as they’re up!

Watch this one now and comment below if you have ever made this mistake!

Did you miss the #1 Biggest Mistake New Fashion Designers Make?!?!  No worries, you can still catch it here

Like it| Post it| Tweet it| Share it|   #DesignerDonts

TIP#5: SAMPLE SALES

2016 is HERE!!!!

And we all know what that means….. New Years Resolutions right?!

NOT FOR ME! I choose NOT to make any New Year’s Resolutions.  Why you ask?  Because I’d rather set some Smart Goals than make any more New Years Resolutions!!

Resolutions to me are designed for failure. Somewhere along the way the world decided that on Jan 1st of each year, we all should make some resolutions to be better people for the new year coming. Blah blah blah.  This is a good idea on paper but no where are we taught HOW to really make and KEEP these so called resolutions.

According to Dictionary.com the word Resolution means “a formal expression of opinion or intention made”, or “a decision or determination”.

An opinion or intention??? That doesn’t sound too strong to me…  Decision or determination sounds a bit better but still there is nothing in the definition that states a point of measure.  How will you know when you reach this decision or determination??  And what’s going to keep you on track?

To me Resolutions don’t work because once they are made most people;

1. Don’t know what to do

2. Don’t know how to do it

3. Think can do it on their own

4. Don’t have a system to measure their progress

So then you ask What is a GOAL? How is it different from a Resolution?  Isn’t a goal just a Dream?

The Answer: NO

A dream is this kind of wishy washy ” yea it would be nice if someday I…”  It’s an aspiration or an aim but again there is no real point of measure or method to getting there.  A goal on the other hand is a concrete definitive statement of intention as I like to say.

The Dictionary definition of a goal is “the result or achievement toward which effort is directed” or “a pole, line, or other marker by which such a point is indicated”.

Goals are like your GPS or Road Map….Without it you probably won’t end up at your desired destination.

Sure you may want to just fly by the seat of your pants, smell the roses along the way, take in all the scenery, etc….and eventually you MAY get there, BUT it will have taken you a VERY long time, and you probably wasted a ton of gas and energy along the way.

Besides wanting to get to our destination quickly, there are many reasons to set goals;

1. Helps take your vision of the future and make it a reality
2. Keeps you motivated and on track
3. Raises your self-confidence
4. Eliminates distractions and keeps you focused when every day life gets in the way
5. Helps you organize your time so you can be the most efficient.

One of my best friends, Tahirah Memory, likes to use this word “efficient” when describing me and she is 100% correct. I LOVE being efficient. To me this means getting the most accomplished in the least amount of time, using the least amount of money and brain power.  And yes my brain power is extremely important to me because I know that my brain can only hold so much information at one time.  And when it’s on overload- forget it because I am useless at that point.

So you ask, What kind of goals should I make??

You can make any goals you like.  However the goals must be SMART in order to count in my book.

What do I mean by SMART?

• S – Specific

• M – Measurable (quantitative)

• A – Attainable (Not super easy but not too hard)

• R – Relevant (will help you achieve the overall big picture)

• T – Time-bound (Deadline or Due date is given)

Here’s an example of what I mean;

RESOLUTION or GOAL= To lose weight this year

SMART GOAL= I will lose 4 lbs per month for a total of 48lbs for the year.  In order to do this I will make 1 smarter food choice per month (ex. swapping sweet potatoes for french fries) and I will commit to going to the gym 3x per week, even if for only 30mins each time.

You can see how by getting specific and putting a deadline, the Smart Goal is much more achievable.  Without these 5 components you might as well stick to your same ole resolutions.

For those who are ready to get started making some Smart Goals, here are my

10 Steps to Setting Smart Goals that you will stick with!

1. REFLECT on the previous year’s goals (or lack of goals). What was accomplished, and what wasn’t. What did you really spend those 365 days doing?? Are you happy or do you wish you did more??  DON’T SKIP THIS STEP.  This is a crucial step for understanding yourself.

2. Ask God to reveal what He has for you for the following year.  At the end of each year I try to spend as much time with the Lord to listen to what He wants me to do.  I believe God speaks to all of us, we just are not always listening.  And I know God created each of us for a specific plan and purpose and He wants us to co-labor with Him to accomplish that purpose.

3. Start with the BIG PICTURE.  Have a vision for your overall goals.  It could be starting a business, taking better care of your health, spending more time with your family, etc.

4. Break down the big picture into smaller pieces, by month, then by week, then by day

5. WRITE IT DOWN.  Habakkuk 2:2 says, “Write the vision, And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.”  Write down these big and small goals on a sheet of paper, in your phone, wherever you will be able to quickly access them.

6. Give your small goals DEADLINES.  Then put these goals in a planner &/or calendar according to the deadline dates.  For me, I’m old school so I still carry around a 6 x 9 paper planner that I hand write everything in!  For me this is what works.  I simply cannot put things in my phone- I am a paper and pen kinda gal   Maybe for you, you are a digital person and so your phone works great.  Whatever works for you- DO IT!

7. TELL SOMEONE.  You need an accountability partner (but be sure they are not Negative Nancy).  You want to tell someone who will encourage you, kindly remind you and keep you in check.  It could be a friend, your partner, your pastor, or your coach- Like Me!

8. POST IT where you can see if every day!  If you can see it, you will stay focused on it.

9. Constantly Re-evaluate and update your goals and progress.  Check in with yourself every month to see how you are doing.  Don’t wait til the end of the year to see your results.

10. REWARD yourself.  Once you have achieved a small goal, give yourself a small reward.  When you hit a Big goal, give yourself a BIG reward (trip to Cancun maybe??)

Lastly here are a few tips to keep in mind along the way;

• Be positive. Being negative or putting yourself down will not help
• Know your priorities and responsibilities and make goals that align with these things first.
• Understand it takes 21 days to 3 months to form a HABIT!  So start out slow and small and build from there.
• Put yourself in a situation/environment to win. Meaning if you know you have a weakness for pizza, and you are trying to lose weight, don’t step foot in a pizza shop! Instead make yourself a huge salad with chicken and bring your lunch to work. You will be forced to eat whatever you bring and won’t be tempted to have a slice.
• Understand we are all human and we all have limitations.  No one is perfect.  At the end of the day it’s not about having the self-discipline to achieve these goals but rather having the God-discipline to know that we can’t do anything apart from Him.  We were created to be dependent, to need a savior, and if you partner with Him, your weakness will be made strong in His strength! (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Let me know below what YOUR Smart Goals are for 2016 !!

So why do I get stopped by the TSA EVERY time I fly?

Well, I don’t exactly look like a terrorist, nor do I have a bad record against me. So why do I always get stopped by the TSA when I’m traveling??

I wonder, is it possible to be stopped by the TSA based on what you are wearing???

I mean, do they think they are the Fashion police now or something!!?
Well,….Not exactly but what you wear can absolutely affect your air travel experience! And I realized this first hand as I was consistently being stopped by the TSA for what I was wearing! Here’s how it went down;

As most of you know I love bling! If it sparkles and shines I want it and I will wear it, even when boarding a plane. So naturally the last few times I’ve traveled I noticed I always seem to grab one of two tanks, both of which have sequins and beads. I think nothing of this decision and go about heading to the airport and through the security checkpoint. I take off my shoes, jacket, and all of my jewelry. At no point does anyone stop me or say anything. I put my bags through the scanner, walk through the detector, come out, and immediately am stopped for a full on pat down! Huh?!? I am not a terrorist! I have nothing on me! Nothing except…… sequins!!!! Yes sequins, beads, and pretty much almost anything else blingy will make that detector go off! They are made of metal after all. So naturally after they realize that the only thing that was detected was my taste in style, they let me go. I AM a Fashion Designer people- Thank you very much!

After having this experience SEVERAL times I finally learned my lesson. No more pat downs for me, I think I’ll pass! So on my recent trip to Miami I got smart! I wore a plain tank top with a cardigan over it. My cardigan though was actually sparkly (well, I just can’t get away from everything sparkly). However it was from gold foil that was printed (not knitted) into the fabric! To the normal person it does look like lurex yarn woven in, but to my trained eye I can see the difference! So, as I am approaching the metal detector the TSA agent says to me; “Miss, You may want to remove your sweater, all those sparkly things may go off”. I briefly look down at what I’m wearing, then look back up at him and kindly reply, ” I think I will be ok, it’s only printed”. So I take my chances, walk through the detector, get to the other side, and am waiting in anticipation for the report to show on the screen….ALL CLEAR! I made it through!!!! Woohoo! I was right, my sparkly sweater didn’t set it off, and the reason was because of the method used to get this sparkly glitter on it. It was PRINTED on, and not woven in (similar to this one from etsy). So just goes to show that knowing a thing or two about textiles can actually make your travel experience all the more better! Take that you Fashion Police!… I mean TSA

WHAT NOT TO WEAR Zaful.com sequin anchor stripe tank top

WHAT TO WEAR –Etsy mermaid tank with gold foil

So the next time you are traveling, take a minute to think about what you are actually wearing to the airport as it could cost you some delays. Oh and you may not want to wear any kind of shirt with words that make you a prime target (like this guy below)

And I also don’t recommend not wearing anything at all, like this lady so boldly did.

Have you ever been stopped by the TSA for what you were wearing?!?! Let me know in the comments below!

Want more Fashion Tips for when traveling? Check this out
Please share this article with your friends and family

MARCH 2016 EVENTS!!!

I am going to start including any business and fashion events happening each month on my blog as well as my monthly newsletter.  All events will either be Free or at least $25 and under.  So take advantage and be sure to check back each month

Wednesday 3/9 @4pm EST- FREE FBI Webinar: Ecommerce in the Wholesale Marketplace Sign up here

Wednesday 3/9  @5-7pm EST- FREE NYCBS Webinar: 10 Steps to Starting your own Business.  RSVP:  mmartinez@nycbusiness-solutions.com

Thursday 3/10 @6pm FIT’s FREE event: 21st Century Denim (Free but you must register online)

Monday 3/14: SCORE 3hr Bootcamp for Small Business Owners who need results by noon! $25 with promo code SCOREcomplimentary Sign up here

Tuesday 3/15 @6pm FREE EVENT SIBL: From Pins to Profits: Using Pinterest for Your Business

Thursday 3/17 @530pm EVENT-How PR Can Grow your Business $15 Sign up here

Wednesday 3/23 @9am-4pm FREE EVENT- Score Social Media Marketing Summit Sign up here

Thursday 3/24 @6pm FREE EVENT SIBL: Your Digital Marketing Ecosystem

Wednesday 3/30 @6pm FIT’s FREE Event: Collaboration in Fashion Event (Free but you must register online)

Thursday 3/31 @6pm FIT’s FREE Event: Fairytale Imagery (Free but you must register online)

OPEN CALL! Design Entrepreneurs NYC is recruiting for 2016 class! 150K in prizes! Read for more details.  Must submit application by 3/31

Are there any events I missed?  Holding an event of your own?  Please comment below so I can add it!

As promised here are all the FREE (& under $25) Events happening in the arena of Fashion, Entrepreneur, Business, Social Media, etc.  Make sure to check back frequently as the list will be updated.

Thursday April 7th @2pm SCORE FREE Webinar: Building, Bootstrapping, and Believing in your Business Website- Sign up here

Thursday April 7th @7pm WeWork FREE Ebent: Fashion Works- Connect with buyers, designers, media etc. –Sign up here

Thursday April 7th @3:15pm SIBL FREE Event: Research the 5 P’s of your Marketing Plan: Product, People, Price, Plan, and Promotion- Info here

Saturday April 9th FREE Event: Models, Stylists, Designers Networking Conference and Fashion Show at FIT- Sign up here

Monday April 11th @5pm NYBS FREE Event: Website Fundamentals (in Queens) Sign up here

Tuesday April 12- Wednesday April 13th FREE Event: Premier Vision New York- Sign up here

Tuesday April 12th @9:30am-5pm NYBS FREE Event: Mastering Marketing (in Brooklyn)- Sign up here

Thursday April 14th @1pm SCORE FREE Webinar: 11 Technology Rules for Small Business Success- Sign up here

Friday April 15th 10am-4pm Score FREE Event: Create the Business Plan that’s Right for You- Sign up here

Friday April 15th @1-3pm NYBS FREE Event: Crowdfunding Bootcamp- Sign up here

Tuesday April 19th @6pm FIT FREE Event: True Style: The History & Principles of Classic Menswear- Register here

Wednesday April 20th @3-5pm NYBS FREE Event: Marketing 101- Sign up here

Wednesday April 20th @6-9pm NYBS FREE Webinar: Website Fundamentals- Sign up here

Thursday April 21st @6pm SIBL FREE Event: Attract Tons of Ideal Clients with a Killer Brand- more info here

Wednesday April 27th 9:30am-4:30pm SCORE FREE Event: Sales Summit- Sign up here

Let me know in the comments below which events you plan to attend

Also am I missing any events?  Are you hosting an event that you would like me to post?  Send me the info below!

Share the love and spread the word

xoxo

I always tell my clients, planning a photoshoot can take weeks, even months to prepare.  And the more time you give yourself, the less stress and better shape you will be in come shoot day.  So here are my top 8 tips on how to properly prepare for a photoshoot to ensure that it is a success!

Step 1. Create a Storyboard/Visionboard

Taken from http://www.colourfulvisagie.nl/?p=681

What is your vision for the shoot?  What is the mood you are looking to create?  What will be the end use of the shots?  Are they going on your E-commerce website?  Social media?  Take some time to really think about where you are going to use the photos as it will play a huge role in the type and look of photos you need.

In most cases you will want 3 types of shots;

1) Flat Detail= Garment on white ground laid out flat (with closeup shots of important details)

2) E-commerce= Garment on model with little to no accessories (think JCrew site).  You may want to grab a complete 360 view as this can be used for a variety of things later on.

3) Styled/Glamour shots=  Can be done in a park or outdoor setting, with more movement from model.  The idea is to show how these pieces can be used in every day life and how good they make you feel when you have them on.

From this you can then create a ‘Shot list’ of shot looks you would like to emulate.  You can even create a pinterest board for this and share it with your photographer/stylist/models ahead of time.  Also please please have it printed out for the day of so you and your stylist can easily reference it and mark off the ones you do as you go along.  This will help to ensure that nothing is forgotten.  The worse thing is to go home after a long full day of shooting to realize that some key shots were never actually taken

Step 2. Select a Photographer

Be sure you select the RIGHT photographer.  What does that mean???  Well they should have experience in fashion photography, and they should be willing to listen to your vision/art direction.  The last thing you want is too many cooks in the kitchen!  If you have one idea, and they have another, it will be difficult to get the look you want in the end.  So be sure to review their portfolio ahead of time and see if they have the type of shots you like.  Do you want blurred backgrounds, posed photos, candids, etc?

Also how are they charging you?  By the hour?  Is all the photoshop editing included?  These are important questions to ask as it could cost you more than you think in the end.

Step 3. Host a Model Call

Ford Model Casting Call Flyer

Now that you know what the vision and look is, you will be able to best select the right models.  Ask yourself- Do I want a red head with freckles?  Or maybe a short punky blonde?  Also consider the number of models you will need.  Depending on the number of looks/outfits you want to shoot, you may need more than one model, especially if you are trying not to take up too much time.  Think about if you want shots of the models together, dancing, walking down street, etc.  Be sure when creating flyers for your model casting that you include any specifics on measurements, the look you are going for, location, contact info, etc.  Don’t know where to find models???  Model Mahem is a great site to check out!  if you are on a budget, try to find new models who are willing to work for prints only.  And don’t be afraid to call the top model agencies as they may be willing to send you some of their newer models who need work.

Step 4. Select Hair and Makeup Artists

As with a photographer, selecting hair and makeup artists can be tricky, especially today where we live in a world full of youtube videos and everyone thinks they can do makeup!  You will want your vision for hair and makeup to be followed so again select someone who is willing to cooperate with you.  Again be sure you see samples of their previous work before you book them.  They should have a lot of experience otherwise you are taking a huge chance.  Once you do book them, go over the look you want to achieve ahead of time with them (and no I don’t mean the night before)!  It is important that you show them pics of your models, as well as inspiration photos at least 2 Weeks in advance so they can plan what tools to bring and purchase any additional supplies they may need.  What if you don’t  know any hair and makeup people??  Ask your photographer as they are often great about recommending.  I also have some great referrals I can send you too

Step 5. Discuss Location/Backgrounds

I always recommend my clients plan out the locations they want to use WAY ahead of time as your location will play a huge role in your end shot look.  If you have your heart set on shooting with a cherry blossom tree, you will want to make sure that the park you select has those types of trees, and that they will be in bloom on the date you decide to shoot.  So scout out your location ahead of time and plan the areas you will want to shoot.  Be sure to go at the time of day you expect to be shooting at as the sun position is crucial.  Any good photographer will tell you that direct sunlight is the worse thing for photos as it creates shadows and squinty eyes (check out the example below).  Shaded areas are always best.  For this reason most outdoor shots are best done either very early morning or late afternoon/sunset time, which will be something to consider when planning your time schedule which I will get to in a bit.

Other things to consider with locations;

• Will there be a garment rack or place to hang your garments so they don’t get wrinkled?  If not I recommend bringing one yourself.
• Is there a Bathroom close by?
• Are there changing screens/rooms?  If you are shooting outside, where is your model going to change?  You may want to bring a large sheet that 2 people can hold up around her to change in.  You won’t always have time to have her run to the bathroom each time
• Temperature?  Are you shooting a bikini shoot in Dec?  If so your model is going to be cold so you will need to be sure to bring a coat or something warm to wrap around her while she is waiting in-between shots

Step 6. Plan Looks (i.e.. Model Cards)

When I started working backstage dressing models during fashion week, I quickly learned the necessity of planning the models’ outfits, accessories/shoes , etc., for each look.  Again you will want to do this at least a few weeks in advance.  The easiest way to do this is to create what we call “Model Cards” in the industry.  Start by taking full length and detailed photos of the outfits (either on a model or flat on the ground) and have each one printed out so you can attach them on a large poster board sheet.  You will want to take close up shots of all accessories (preferably showing how they are worn on model, which hand, etc.).  Next to the photos you will want to list all the items included in this look, along with any specific instructions for how the look is achieved.  

For ex.

Trench (completely open, sleeves are rolled up 2x and then pushed up above elbow)

Citizens of Humanity White tee (un tucked)

Dark wash skinny jeans (Model will be bringing her own jeans, be sure cuff is rolled 1x)

Black pointed toe heels size 9

Aviator Sunglasses

Kelly green Clutch (worn in left hand)

You will want these model cards to be as detailed as possible so that it is easy for your stylist/dresser/model to see what needs to be put on and how it should look.  As the designer, you will not have time to be dressing models yourself.

You can then add your model’s name at the top along with the order number and use a pant hanger to hang the card up on your clothing rack in front of the specific outfit it corresponds with.  

Consider these things as well;

• Do the models need to bring anything of their own? Makeup? Shoes? Extra clothes?    Bras (strapless, nude, etc).  And please be sure they wear a nude seamless    thong.  Nothing is worse than lacy underwear showing through your clothes.
• You may need to purchase some additional clothes, accessories, shoes, or props to round out your looks.  Just keep the tags on them, and tape up the bottoms of your shoes so you can return them later
• If you do have multiple models you will need to decided AHEAD of time which outfits will go on which models.  This is why making Model cards is a good way to keep track as you can put the model’s name at the top of the card.
• Think about clothing changes as you will want to plan the outfits so that there is the least amount of changing as possible.  Changing time can really eat into your shoot time so trying to minimize it as much as possible is best.  Think about using the same top for 2 looks and only changing the pants, or throwing on a jacket on over the look, etc.  
• Don’t plan too many shoe changes as that can take a while as well.  If the model can keep the same shoes and quickly change into the next outfit, try to do that.
• Once you have all your model cards complete, you will want to number them in order of shot so that anyone can quickly go from one to the next (without your supervision)

Step 7. Set a schedule for the day 

DON’T SKIP THIS STEP!  It is very important that you set a schedule for the day and plan so that you have enough time to accomplish your goals.  Think about when you need everyone to arrive?  Photographers usually need time to set up cameras, lighting, props , etc.  Also allow ample time for hair and makeup if it is elaborate.  It can easily take 1-2 hours for hair and makeup for each model.  If you are shooting both inside and outside photos, be sure to plan which will be first based on sunlight/temperature , etc.  And give yourself a good 30-45min lunch break as your models will need it.  Then once you have all of this planned, be sure to tell everyone their assigned time of arrival so they can prepare to be there when you need them to be.  And then call them the day before to remind them, the last think you need is someone forgetting or over sleeping!

Step 8. Prep Samples

You will want to make sure that your samples are completely ready and prepped ahead of time for the shoot.  This means no loose threads, all buttons sewn on tight, labels are in the right place, all tags and stickers have been removed or hidden from sight, etc.  

Tip: If you have hanger loops, a good trick is to place a piece of double sided tape on the inside underarm of the garment and press the hanger tape to it.  This will help insure that it stays in place as the model moves around.  Plus your photographer will LOVE you as they won’t need to photoshop all those stupid straps hanging out. 

Your garments should also be pressed/steamed ahead of time as well as the morning of, as they often get wrinkled in the process of moving them to the location.  They need to look absolutely pristine for the shoot.  Place them neatly in plastic bags and then garment bags to protect them from snagging or getting ruined by anything.  

Once you have gone through these 8 steps you are ready for your shoot!

So tell me what was your biggest take away from this list?  Did you learn anything new?  Have any horror stories from past shoots??  Please comment below and share this article with any designers you know- they will thank you for it!

Stay tuned for the next article on what to do DURING the shoot to make sure you stay on time and get what you want!

XOXO

May 2-4 Accessorie Circuit @ Javits Center NYC.  Register here

Monday May 2nd @7pm Met Gala Event– Finally E! Tonight is covering it!

Monday May 2nd @ 3:15 SIBL FREE Event: Getting Started in Export/Import.

Tuesday May 3rd @5:30-8:30pm NYBS FREE Event: Advanced Social Media & E-Commerce Strategies.  Sign up here

Tuesday May 3rd @3pm SCORE FREE Webinar: Cloud, Mobile, & Social: Great Apps That Will Grow Your Business.  Register here

Wednesday May 4th @7-10pm FREE Event: 100 Female Entrepreneurs Conference

Thursday May 5th @6pm SIBL FREE Event: Online Customer Acquisition Social Media Series Part#1

Thursday May 5th Met Museum’s yearly Fashion Exhibit will open.  This year’s title is “Manus x Machina; Fashion in an Age of Technology”.

Friday May 6th @ 10:30am-12:30pm NYBS FREE Event: 10 Steps to Starting a Business. Sign up here

Friday May 6th @ 2-4pm FREE Event: Cupcakes, Cosmos, and Conversation (Mompreneurs)

Friday May 6-June 4th Bronx River Art Center Free Event: Africa: In Fashion and Fabric Opening reception is May 6th 6-9pm

Tuesday May 10th @6pm SIBL Free Event: 21st Century PR

May 11-22nd Cannes Film Festival

Wednesday May 11th 5:30-7:30pm NYBS FREE Event: Legal Essentials for Doing Business Online. Sign up here

Wednesday May 11th @ 6:30pm FREE Event: Marketing & Storytelling

Monday May 16th @ 12-5pm SCORE FREE Workshop: Alternative Funding for Small Business

Tuesday May 17th @8pm 92Y Talks: You Don’t Have to be a Shark Cost: Creating Your Own Success.  Tickets $36

Tuesday May 17th @ 1-2pm NYBS FREE Webinar: The Fastest Way to Rank Your Website on Major Search Engines.  Sign up here

Thursday May 19th @ 5:30-7:30pm NYBS FREE Event: How to Finance your Business with Crowdfunding. Sign up here

Sun May 22nd- Billboard Music Awards

Tuesday May 24th @6pm SIBL FREE Event: Online Customer Acquisition Series Part #2: Email Marketing

Wednesday May 25th @ 6:30-8:30pm Evolution of Marketing Panel & Networking. Tickets $10

Wednesday May 25th @ 5:30-6:30pm NYBS FREE Event: How to Generate PR for your Business

Thursday May 26th @ 10am-12pm NYBS FREE Webinar: Marketing 101

Know of an event I missed?  Let me know in comments below

Share this page with someone you know in Fashion or Business, trust me they will thank you

XOXO

Looking for some FREE (or under $25 Fashion and Business events to attend this month? Look no further!

Wed June 1st @ 5:30pm NYBS FREE Event- 10 Steps to Starting a Business

Thurs June 2nd @5:30pm NYBS FREE Event- Website Fundamentals

June 2-5 Miami Fashion Week!

Thurs June 2nd @1pm  Score FREE webinar- The Power of Peers to Launch, Grow and Run Your Business

Thurs June 2nd @5:30pm – FREE Event- Fashion Connect

Fri June 3rd @8pm NYPL FREE Event- 12 Hour Fashion Show

June 5th Miss USA Competition

Mon June 6th CFDA Awards

Tues June 7th @1pm NYBS FREE Webinar- How to Design & Market a Website that Sells & Converts

Tues June 7th @1pm Score FREE Webinar- How to Really Start Your Own Business

Wed June 8th @11Am (PST) FBI FREE Webinar- The Specifics of Labeling

Wed June 8th@ 6pm NYPL FREE Event- Trademarks and Brand Protection for your Business

Wed June 8th @5pm NYBS FREE Event-Advanced Social Media E-Commerce Strategies

Sun June 12th- Tony Awards

Mon June 13th @3pm NYBS FREE Event- Crowdfunding bootcamp

Tues June 14th @1pm Sore Event- Creative Marketing on a Shoestring Budget ($19)

June 15-16th DG Expo in DALLAS– I WILL BE THERE!  Come find me and say hi

Wed June 15th @5:30pm NYBS FREE Event-Advanced Social Media E-Commerce Strategies

Wed June 15th @ 8:30am NYPL FREE Event- Social Media for Small Businesses and Start-ups

Thurs June 23rd @10am NYBS FREE Webinar- Marketing 101

Sun June 26th @ 8pm BET Awards

Know of an event you’d like us to post?  Let us know in the comments below

Please spread the love and share this page <3

XOXO

-Christine

New VID is up! Ever wonder How to Start a Clothing Line!!! Well here’s what NOT to do.  I will be giving you the top 5 biggest mistakes all new fashion designers make.  This is PART 2 of a NEW series, subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel to get the next 3 mistake vids as soon as they’re up!

Watch this one now and comment below if you have ever made this mistake!

Did you miss the #1 Biggest Mistake New Fashion Designers Make?!?!  No worries, you can still catch it here

Like it| Post it| Tweet it| Share it|   #DesignerDonts

The post How to Start a Clothing Line! 5 Biggest Mistakes New FASHION DESIGNERS Make! | Part 2 appeared first on Fashion Angel Warrior.

If you are a new upcoming designer you won’t want to miss these shows!! From the latest trends in silhouettes, color and textiles, to fabric sourcing and seminars- these shows have it ALL!  And they are all FREE!!

I often attend these shows with my clients. Most new designers have no clue when it comes to textiles, weight, hand, price, mins, shipping, production costs, grading, etc. A lot of companies will try to take advantage of you if you don’t know what you are doing.  So why not bring the Fashion Angel Warrior along with you so you can sound super smart and get the best price!

My appointments for these days are booking fast. Please contact me here.

Info about each one below.  They typically occur only 2x a year so be sure to register now (links to register are included).
(Dates are for NYC only- 2015)

July 22: CitySource= Want to have your line Made in America? Then this is for you! A ton of local manufacturers will gather and you can meet with them face to face to price compare and get quotes. There are also trim and embroidery suppliers too! Tip= Bring one of your samples with you to show them or a detailed sketch with fabric and construction info so they can give you a proper quote. Disclaimer= Not all factories are made equal and not all are honest. Unfortunately a lot of people will promise you one things and deliver something else. I can tell you specifically which ones to steer clear of!

July 21-23: TexWorld= This is for Overseas Fabric Sourcing. Are you producing your garments overseas? If so you will benefit from also getting your fabrics from there as well. Yes minimums are usually higher but prices are cheaper and you can pay a small surcharge for being under minimums.

July 21-22: Premier Vision= This show brings together Trends, Textiles, Prints, Accessories and everything fashion. There are great seminars also (for a fee)!

Aug 4-5: DG Expo= This is the ultimate US Fabric Sourcing show! If you are looking for fabric suppliers here in the US that offer low minimums perfect for new designers, then you must attend this show!

Let me know which shows you will be attending!

The post Must Attend Designer Shows in NYC! appeared first on Fashion Angel Warrior.

It’s that time of year again…time to SHOP til you DROP!  But you shouldn’t need to ‘drop’ a ton of cash in order to do so.  So I’m giving you my top 8 Money- saving tips this holiday season!

For starters let’s begin with the 1 hit wonders, or 1 Day wonders I should say…

TIP #1: BLACK FRIDAY

Black Friday, the day immediately following Thanksgiving, can be a great time to get amazing discounts and deals.  While I think EVERYONE in the entire world already knows this is a great time to shop, I am here to tell you that in the past few years, things have been changing.  Stores are hurting, especially this year where the Northeast had a bit of a warmer fall.  Stores are getting stuck with inventory and left with no choice but to offer crazy discounts and sales.  So here’s my TIP-do your homework first before you decide to camp out at 2am.  A lot of Black Friday deals are not any better than the regular sales going on before or after Black Friday.  And if you look at their official site you can actually get the inside scoop on the discounts and even start shopping Black Friday right NOW!

TIP #2: SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

#ShopSmall is a great time to show your love and support for your local small businesses!  Almost like the ‘anti Black-Friday’, Shop Small was started by American Express 6 years ago as a great way for small businesses to be put on the map, as well as generate a ton of income that they gets poured back into the community!   This year it’s happening on Saturday Nov 28th, right between Black Friday and Cyber Monday!  The best part is that businesses that participate can even receive free marketing materials as well as branded ‘shop small’ merchandise like balloons, banners and tote bags to help kick off their marketing efforts!  But why wait until Saturday when you can show your supportNOW!

TIP#5: SAMPLE SALES

The next Tip you must know about is SAMPLE SALES! Especially if you live in a major fashion city like NYC, knowing all the deets on sample sales can save you a ton of money, not to mention the time looking for gifts.  I mean who wouldn’t love a brand new Rebecca Minkoff leather bag right?!!  So here’s my inside secret- subscribe to The Stylish City to be in the loop with all these sales!

TIP #6: FREE SHOPPING APPS

Don’t live in a major fashion city?? Don’t fret, there are amazing apps that not only offer discounts but can help you price check at numerous stores so that you can be sure you’re getting the best deal!  Here are my top 3 favs;

Shopular- Do you hate it when you realize you left your store coupons at home?!  I know I do and thats why I love this app!  It shows you every coupon and deal that’s going on!!  It also allows you browse store ads/flyers right from your phone and lets you customize it to be all your favorite stores (so you don’t waste time looking at places you don’t go to).

Red Laser- There are 2 things I love about this app; 1)the Barcode Scanner and 2) the ability to save all your loyalty cards in one place (no longer do you need to carry around tall hose store cards everywhere you go).  Plus have you ever been shopping in a store and have no clue what the price is of the item you just picked up?  No worries, just scan it on your phone and the price will pop up!  #Instascanner  And while you are at it, why not price compare with other stores too!

Clutch- This app also allows you to save all your coupons and loyalty cards in one place, but it also has its own loyalty perks too!

TIP#7: CREDIT CARD PERKS

I am a HUGE Discover card fan!  I have been with them for over 15 years now and love the cashback bonus program they offer!  Not only do they give 5% cashback (which is basically the highest you can get), but they also always offer the 5% on Amazon and department store shopping during the months of Oct-Dec (the biggest shopping months of the year)!!! Then on top of that, you can redeem your cashback points for gift cards that are worth more than your points!  For ex. get a Banana Republic $50 gift card with $40 worth of points!  The card is free anyways as you got the points for free but you also just made even more out of the deal! #ILoveIt

TIP#8: JUMP THE GUN

Why wait until Thanksgiving to start your Holiday shopping?!?  Start early and do what I do- Shop ALL YEAR LONG!  When I think of something that I can get for someone, I just make a note of it in my phone and when I see it on sale I will buy it.  Or if I see something that reminds me of someone, I will buy it…at any time of the year.  Because at some point it will be that person’s birthday or a holiday when I can bless them with this thoughtful gift.  Not only will you be able to get gifts that people actually like, it saves a TON OF STRESS off your back at the end of the year!

Let me know which Tip you LOVE the most!

Happy Shopping!

The post 8 Money-saving Shopping tips you MUST know for the Holidays! #ShopSmartHolidays appeared first on Fashion Angel Warrior.