To all you fashionistas out there, whether you own a boutique, design jewelry, write your own blog or just love fashion, sincere thanks for being a part of Thread Conscious. Wherever you are, please have a safe and Happy New Year!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
I’ve been doing a little bit of traveling around the great state of Texas, and last month I had the opportunity to meet the lovely Kelsey Elledge of Cream Vintage in Austin. Check out the interview below, and know that any girl who can use the word “rad” eloquently, is alright by me.
1. How did you get started in PR (undergrad, internship, etc.) and what company did you work for?
I have always enjoyed communicating with anyone and everyone- people from all walks of life. Maybe it’s an Aquarian thing but I tend to get along with mostly everyone I meet. It’s easy for me to find common ground, I guess. I’m a people person and I suppose that’s what got me interested in public relations. Plus, I dig the lifestyle of PR Practitioner- random projects, outside-of-the box thinking and multi-tasking… a day in the life is never the same. So that draws me in as well.
While in New York last summer, I had the pleasure of working at Red PR, a boutique style public relations agency which specializes in lifestyle and consumer branding for reputable companies in the beauty industry. Creative Nail Designs (CND) and Peacekeeper Cause-Metics are some of the bigger names. The internship program I was involved with included approximately 10 other interns from various boutique style agencies in industries ranging from technology, to publishing, to real estate.
2. What were your responsibilities on a daily basis?
Aside from the mundane administrative responsibilities, I was in contact with the media every day convincing them to check out what our clients had to offer. Whether it was a local news channel, a mommy blogger or the beauty editor from Glamour magazine, I was pitching the latest of our clients’ products and sending the appropriate press material alongside. I created press kits and media folders, helped with event planning, wrote press releases and constantly maintained a positive relationship with clients and co-workers alike. And of course, I can’t forget those numerous trips to the bank, or to get coffee, or whatever else those talented ladies needed.
3. What’s the most interesting/exciting experience you had while working in PR?
I’m gonna go with the big CNDproduct launch event. I helped execute a beautiful meeting space in a fourth floor warehouse in NYC’s hell’s kitchen. CND President and co-founder Jan Arnold and her team of nail techs brought their new line of 100 mix’n'match nail lacquers to treat all of the beauty editors of big time magazines to a manicure. I had a lovely chat with Nylon Magazine’s Holly Siegel and even talked music with the hottest DJ I’ve ever met… wish I could remember his name. Meh. In the end though, the event was a hit and a huge success for everyone involved.
4. Why did you choose to work at Cream Vintage and what makes this boutique so special?
I think it was more of a right place at the right time kind of thing and I happened to be just the right fit. Sure, sure, there are a lot of rad vintage boutiques in Austin but only one is concerned with how your vintage fits you.. and by that I mean, alterations! Vintage fashion is fun and certainly fashionable but doesn’t always create the right fit. Cream has seamsters who not only customize garments for customers but also design looks for their very own line, whipped cream, which is totally in-house, totally 100% recycled vintage clothing. We also do music and have quite the extravaganza when South by Southwest (SXSW) rolls around in March. Good tunes and hip clothes- a win win situation if you ask me.
5. What is your personal style aesthetic and why do you love vintage?
Vintage is great because it has a past… some sort of history paired with every piece. That creates mystery and to me, that’s fun. My personal style, however, is a bit mosaic(ish). My style reflects my mood and generally, I have a bohemian, eclectic thing goin’ on. I love the ethnic vibes, loud prints, flowy skirts, big scarves, rich textures, soft layers, skinny jeans and lots of jewelry… the more the merrier, right?!
6. What advice would you give to someone wanting a career in fashion PR?
The fashion industry has a bad rep for being cut throat or pretty intense and a lot of the time, it is… but it’s never a bad thing to have fun, stay true to yourself and keep that smile shining in anything you do. That way you’ll always come out on top.
Thanks to Kelsey again for taking time to share with us!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
All photos courtesy of J.E. Franklin.
Move over Sam Moon, look out Forever 21! Charming Charlie is here! A friend first told me about this over Thanksgiving in Houston, and we visited that location at the Galleria Mall. Ah-ma-zing! All glittery and color-coded, Charming Charlie is an accessory-junky’s dream come true. Its inventory includes jackets, hats, scarves, shoes and tops in addition to unique costume jewelry and purses. Like Forever 21, the prices are quite reasonable. Lucky for us, there are several locations in the DFW metroplex. Check out these pictures from the Houston Galleria location.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
I discovered Market Publique when I stumbled across Birchbox not too long ago. Remember, Birchbox delivers luxury skincare and makeup samples to your door for a $10 monthly membership fee and they have online beauty tutorials as well. While watching one of these tutorials I saw something about Market Publique and I’m so glad I did.
According to its “About” page, this Brooklyn-based company is the “only marketplace dedicated to vintage fashion.” You can bid or buy merchandise, which is separated of course by description (accessories, dresses, shoes, etc.) but also by “Fresh,” “Last Chance,” and “Just Listed.” There are some amazing pieces under the “Fresh” category.
Now, it’s difficult for me to say anything positive about 80′s fashion in general, but most of the 80′s dresses I’ve seen on here are ACTUALLY cute! Go see for yourself.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
Dear Fashionistas,
I have never been so sad and so excited at the same time. I was at the Mavs game last night (yay Mavs!) and a friend told me that H&M was already open in Northpark. I know, WTH?! How did I miss this?! My friend was at Northpark and saw people walking around with H&M shopping bags and discovered that a preview store had opened. That’s right, a-preview-store. I almost fell out of my chair! As I tried not to hyperventilate, I took to my phone to scour the H&M website for confirmation. Sadly, there was none to be found. However, another search turned up the Examiner, which reported that the preview store opened on Wednesday, December 8th and will close in April 2011 in preparation for the actual H&M megastore grand opening in October 2011. (Say that fast 5 times…) For a sneak peek preview, click here.
Here’s a pic of the jacket my friend was wearing that started the whole H&M conversation. She got hers in New York, but the Northpark location has them as well.
Photo Credit: H&M Northpark
But the madness didn’t stop there. I was so distressed that I actually dreamt about H&M last night. Was it the quesadilla or peanut butter cookie I ate at the Mavs game? I don’t know, but I dreamt I showed up to shop and snap pics for the blog of course, looking trés cute, I might add. Then an impromptu mini-fashion show started in the middle of the store and as it finished I began taking pics of guests. Two guys walked past me, one of whom stopped and said, “I love what you’re wearing. It’s sooo….casual.” Say what? Casual? In the words of Murray in Clueless, “Are you b*#%&^$ blind or somethin’?!” I looked down and my belle ensemble had morphed into a purple t-shirt with yellow trim on the sleeves, silky purple wind pants with a yellow stripe down the leg, white socks and black sporty sandals. Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh! What a friggin’ nightmare! And to add insult to injury, aren’t purple and gold the colors of the Phoenix Suns? As if. Oh, it’s purple and orange, you say? Close enough. And still ugly.
Mavs Defense
Mavs Offense
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
The lovely people at Gotham Books were kind enough to contact me and send me a delightful book to review, titled Are You A Jackie Or A Marilyn?: Timeless Lessons on Love, Power, and Style by New York Times bestselling author Pamela Keogh. Fascinating and funny, Keogh wastes no time delving into the professional and private lives of American style icons Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Marilyn Monroe.
I must admit I’m really not a Marilyn fan, but Keogh wrote about her with such passion and conviction that I actually took a genuine, although fleeting, interest in the blond bombshell. I identify more with Jackie, frankly, because I’ve paid more attention to her life, her place in American history. So to answer the book’s central question, Are You A Jackie Or A Marilyn?- hands down I’m a Jackie girl.
While I probably wouldn’t have picked this book on my own, given my lack of interest in Marilyn Monroe, as you can tell from the series of dog-eared pages, I really enjoyed this book and plan to return to it again and again as a stylish reference guide. No small feat, Keogh deftly blends historical facts with tongue-in-cheek style, beauty and relationship advice to produce a work that is a fitting tribute to two of America’s most celebrated leading ladies.
What I Liked About This Book:
What impressed me and what I found most valuable were 1) Keogh’s extensive research in general, and 2) her accounts of what, and who, Jackie and Marilyn wore and where an aspiring Jackie or Marilyn girl of today might shop. A cornucopia of couture designers, skin care lines and stylists (some of which I’ve never heard) filled the pages of Chapter 2 Emulating Jackie Style and Marilyn Style and Chapter 3 Cultivating Beauty. Schlumberger, Zoran, Creed Fleurissimo perfume, Fogal, Norman Norell, Kenneth Battelle- in the words of Samantha Jones, I could hear the decadence calling! In Chapter 7 The Life of the Mind Keogh also reveals what Jackie and Marilyn kept on their bookshelves; I found it so fascinating I practically dog-eared every page of that chapter!
What I Disliked About This Book:
This book, much like the divas in its pages, is a bit high-maintenance. Each chapter is crammed with so much information (not extraneous mind you, just extra with a capital “E”) that it becomes distracting. Subcategories have subcategories. There are the J&M Life Lessons, J&M Field Notes, J&M Quicktests, the Secret Secrets, headings in pink and subheadings in bold, sections of text in pink or gray boxes, plus all the illustrations by Meg Hess (which are just divine, by the way.) Certainly, the succinct and classic adage of “less is more” applies here. I think the Quiz included in the introduction, the quotes at the beginning of the chapters along with the footnotes, the Secret Secrets and the delightful illustrations would have been enough.
Would I Recommend This Book? Yes!
All in all, I found this book thoroughly informative, witty and fun. Keogh’s extensive research into the lives of these two fascinating and famous women is to be applauded in and of itself. So if you are a fan of Jackie or Marilyn- or you are aspiring to their iconic style, this is a must have for you! Are You A Jackie Or A Marilyn is available for purchase here.
About the Author:
You can read more about the impressive and stunning Pamela Keogh here or check out her book trailer on YouTube below. As a Vassar girl herself, I suspect Keogh is more like Jackie, though her blond tresses and sassy demeanor pay tribute to Marilyn! So Ms. Keogh, Are YOU a Jackie or a Marilyn?
Fashionably Yours,
Nik, A Jackie Girl
Fort Worth, TX. Recently, I returned to FIG: A Taste of European Design, to chat with founding partner and handbag designer Dora Schabel and wardrobe consultant Simi Radcliffe. Let me tell you, it was my distinct pleasure to interview these two lovely- and fascinating- women.
Dora Schabel
Sally Burt (L) & Simi Radcliffe
As I entered the small, pristine foyer, I was promptly greeted by a striking brunette who ushered me into the front room of the studio, a plush dreamy space enveloped in modern décor and European couture. Poised and brimming with knowledge, I quickly learned that she was Simi Radcliffe, a regal Persian model and wardrobe consultant with years of experience in the fashion industry. Within mere moments of Radcliffe perching on a chair, a figure appeared in the doorway. “Hello, you must be Nik. I’m Dora.”
Dora Schabel Persian Lamb Bag
Impressive yet approachable, confident yet humble, this Cyprus native possesses more than personality- she has presence- both immediate and undeniable. You understand right away that you are meeting someone very special. I explained to Schabel and Radcliffe that I hoped to talk a little about both the business and consumption of fashion- an ambitious goal on my part. Schabel understood all too well what a daunting task that would be. As a business owner, handbag designer and the re-elected President of the Cyprus Fashion Designers Association, she has layers of experience spanning more than a decade.
Dora Schabel Cowhide Clutch
“Well only 5% of fashion is glamour. The other 95% is work,” she offered with a knowing sparkle in her eye. No stranger to hard work, Schabel and FIG co-founder Robin Birdsong are moving the operation to a larger space close to the award-winning Tillman’s Roadhouse very soon. The new studio will inherit FIG’s current modern aesthetic, since the “clothes are the main protagonist,” says Schabel. FIG’s goal is to familiarize fashionable Fort Worth women with made to measure clothing. According to Radcliffe, “Made to measure is common in Europe. I grew up with it.” Now she wants to help bring Texas women the same impeccable customer service and attention to detail, which is inherent to the made to measure concept. “Fort Worth needs it and lacks it. More time should be spent on women,” laments Radcliffe. I agree. We’re all individuals with unique features- why not have clothes that reflect that individuality while fitting perfectly? No longer would we have to settle for a premade mold. At this moment I’m reminded of my favorite quote from the movie Bride Wars during the dress fitting scene: “You don’t alter Vera to fit you, you alter yourself to fit Vera.” Not if you’re a FIG customer! Did I also mention they sell couture wedding gowns?
Dora Schabel Yellow Tote
As further proof of her unwavering work ethic, Schabel is constantly searching for new talent to add to FIG’s roster of impressive European designers. “We’re adding four new designers in early 2011!” She explained that FIG’s independent designers are really artists who work very hard at their crafts. “Perhaps a designer will decide to make only ten of a certain dress style or purse, only ten in the whole world. Then you know you are getting something truly unique.” Obviously, Schabel understands that fashionistas have an appreciation for the very beautiful and the very rare. It should be noted that FIG follows a Fair Trade model that ensures their independent designers maintain autonomy over the designs and pricing of their respective clothing lines.
As for Schabel, the designer, she finds inspiration for her one-of-a-kind handbags everywhere, from architecture and interior design, to trips to Japan, to simple pleats on a dress. As for Schabel, the fashionista, she favors structured yet soft pieces and lives by this rule, “Accentuate what’s best, camouflage what’s worst!” Ah, the mantra of made to measure!
FIG: A Taste of European Design
U.S. Distributor
FIG Designers LLC
910 Currie Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
USA
Tel.: 1-817-420-9630
info@figdesigners.com
Dear Fashionistas,
As previously mentioned on Thread Conscious, I will show you the many faces of fashion, from the latest style trends to legal issues to “behind the seams” segments with fashion professionals. Today’s topics cover “fashion law,” involving copyright and trademark. Don’t check out yet, because any resulting legal issues could affect you at some point.
Up first: I read on Pink Memo that some old motorcycle club called Hells Angels sued Alexander McQueen for trademark infringement regarding the club’s “winged death head symbol.” Charmed.
Let me just say this briefly: a trademark is meant to identify a certain good or service with the specific trademark owner, and thus avoid confusion among consumers. When you see two interlocking C’s, you know you’re getting Chanel, not Gucci. When you see “MK” you know you’re buying Michael Kors, not Carolina Herrera. (This is general knowledge, NOT legal advice! See my Legal Disclaimer Page.)
Now I’ve looked at the Hells Angel mark and a McQueen dress and purse at issue, as seen on Pink Memo, and I’m not exactly buying the Hells Angel claim. Why? Because I’m not confused between the trademarks! When I see the McQueen pieces, I don’t mistakenly think that I’m looking at a product made by Hells Angels. Yes, McQueen used a graphic of a side view of a skull, like Hell’s Angels, and yes, McQueen used the color red, like Hell’s Angels. However, there does not appear to be infringing similarities here.
Darlings, how many of us have seen skulls and the color red used in fashion? Well, unless you’ve been living under a rock all your life, most of us! And doesn’t red, the natural color of blood, coincide with a theme of skulls and cross bones and what not? I think so. Such elements are common among macrabre themes in fashion, pop culture and more, and are hardly unique within the scope of this darker aesthetic.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter what any of us thinks, because McQueen settled with Hells Angels and apparently the McQueen products sold have to be recalled and destroyed. Yes, destroyed. So, if you bought one of the allegedly “infringing” McQueen frocks or accessories, you just might have to give it up!
On to the next topic, and I have yet to formulate all my thoughts on this one, so I’m giving you both sides of the argument below and may reserve my comments for a later time.
Introducing: Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act (IDPPPA, S.3728)
In short, if passed, this bill would allow for designers to have “fashion copyright protection.” This could be good or bad, depending on how you look at the situation.
Ron Coleman’s IP Law Blog discusses opposing views about this bill by attorneys Susan Scafidi in New York (supports) and Staci Riordan in Los Angeles (against). Scafidi states “this bill addresses the needs of emerging designers, offers recognition and protection to all creative fashion designers, brings the U.S. in line with IP law in other fashion design-producing countries, closes a legal loophole related to counterfeiting, and will force former copyists to actually design clothing or at least sign licensing agreements — meaning more jobs for designers and more affordable choices for consumers.” However, Riordan takes the opposite position:
“This bill, more appropriately called the Destruction of Affordable Fashion Bill, seeks to amend copyright law and will:
Wow, talk about polar opposites! At any rate, it’s really an interesting issue and worth a look.
More about the authors: Scafidi is the author of Counterfeit Chic and Riordan authors the Fashion Law Blog, both of which are very useful resources if you want to read a little about how copyright and trademark law intersect with the fashion industry. Coleman’s blog is a general IP blog covering trademark, copyright, internet law and free speech. All really fascinating stuff! I promise!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
The Dallas Flea has returned, and just in time for the holidays! Stop procrastinating and get your holiday shopping done early- this is a situation in which you don’t want to be fashionably late. Check out my previous posts for more information on the Dallas Flea and all the treasures I found there.
Same formula, same fun: Only $5 bucks to get in and shop a huge selection of vendors with handmade, high-end, bee-yoo-tee-ful clothing, jewelry and home decor!
Sat. Dec. 4, 2010; 9-4pm; 1409 S. Lamar Street Dallas.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
Dearest Fashionistas,
A few things have come across my desk that I wish to share with you: the Dior Diva Auction, Cimber Designs 50% Off Sale and my beloved byrd & bleecker’s new location.
The Dior Diva Auction gives you the chance to give back to women affected by cancer. Starting today, you can bid on extraordinary experiences such as the “Fashionista Diva” in which you would win a shopping tour with Harper’s Bazaar Editor Avril Graham, or “Escape Diva”- the prize is a spa trip to St. Maarten to visit the Dior Institute or “Teen Vogue Diva” where you could spend the day at Teen Vogue!
This extravagent auction is exclusively for Dior Divas, but fret not. When you register for the Auction, you will be automatically enrolled in the Dior Diva program which gives you access to special offers and rewards from Dior. To register for the Auction, simply click here .
100% of the proceeds go to benefit Look Good…Feel Better, ”a non-medical, brand-neutral public service program that teaches beauty techniques to cancer patients to help them manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.” This is a wonderful cause that has helped thousands of women, so spread the word! Some bids are as low as $250 right now! (Ahem, “Networking Diva!”)
Cimber Designs is currently nearing the end of its Black Week Sale- only 2 days remaining for you to receive 50% off your entire purchase!
And finally….
byrd & bleecker has relocated from Park Hill to Camp Bowie!
So be sure to visit them in the new location; they have all kinds of new goodies in stock too!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
