Another Designer Goes Target...

Another designer goes Target...I'm beginning to think that will be the new "slang phrase" in the fashion world..."Going Target"! I mean, wow, more and more big name designers are hitting the mass merchants.

Zac Posen is not the first one to do this. There have been many designers that have gone this route following in the foosteps of the pioneer, Isaac Mizrahi.

This particular line by Zac Posen is extremely trendy and very fun! The dress in the pic, for example, is two dresses in one. The ruffled skirt can come off of the dress and then it becomes more of a straight skirt option. How great is that! Designer fashion at affordable prices with an added bonus! Two dresses in one!

What does the world say? Or, better yet, what do, you, fashionistas have to say to the big name designers hitting the mass merchants? My guess is the answer will come out split. I'm actually split on this particular subject.

The majority of me LOVES the fact that big name designers are bringing their fashions to a more practical level. Why not let the masses of the world have access to the same designer fashions as the societal elite? As well as, who wouldn't love that option with the economy these days. But, the other part of me, the smaller porton, feels like it's taking away the mystique and mystery of a big name designer label. It takes away from the underlying mystery of WHY so many people covet various designers and how they set goals and dreams for owning certainly pieces of their favorite designer. They have to work for it, because of the high end price tag with the big name designers, the true fashionistas will do what it takes to get their hands on those coveted pieces. Now, by being in the mass markets, are you taking some of that away?

I really do love that more designers are offering high fashion items at more affordable prices. It's a fun way to follow the trends without emptying your pocketbook.

What do you think? Are you "for" or "against" big name designers hitting the mass merchant stream?

Who Are You? Say It With A Monogram...

Monograms! They are everywhere and I dont' think they ever go out of style! You see them on bathrobes, towels, sweaters, t-shirts, and even bedding! Remember the days of Laverne and Shirley, she didn't go ANYWHERE without displaying the HUGE "L" on the upper corner of her chest.

I am LOVING this option of monograms. I found these through Little Black Dress (http://www.littleblackdressok.com/). They are divine! Celebrities have been spotted wearing the monogram cluster and the key, the key is huge! If you have not noticed, the key pendant is all over right now. Tiffany is offering them, which means EVERYONE is offering them. So, this is a clever combination of both - the key and the monogram.

Great pieces that make a statement, are individualistic, and just plain perfect to pair with simple tanks, tees, and flowy chiffons for the spring/summer!

So, don't delay....find your monogram necklace today!

100 Years Of Customer Service...

Last week, Miss Jackson's, here, in Tulsa, OK, celebrated their 100th anniversary! 100 years in business! Think about that....that is a LONG time! How many businesses do you know, specifically, a specialty retail store, that has been in business for 100 years? THAT is very impressive!

The original "Miss Jackson" was Nelle Shields Jackson. She was the founder of the specialty retail store that still exists today in Utica Square. According to the Tulsa World article, last Thursday, it simply states that "she wanted to make people's lives more beautiful and enjoyable". What a simple concept!

Nelle took that concept and then took it one step further by offering EXCEPTIONAL customer service. I mean, EXCEPTIONAL! It wasn't just walking into the store and having someone say "May I help you?" It was more than that! It was about creating a culture that it was the "norm" to be treated like royalty, by having a personal shopping assistant within the store. The same person that you would work with EVERY TIME you came into the store. The person that knew your styles and tastes. The person that would call you the minute a garment came in that screamed your name. The person that knew you would LOVE IT before you even saw it! They would, also, take your coat, provide you a place to sit, and offer you something to drink.

Because of the excellent customer service and their pride in offering higher end designer names that aren't offered anywhere else in town, is what has kept them in business for this long. It became a tradition for generations of families to shop at Miss Jackson's. Great-Grandma shops there, Grandma shops there, Mother shops there...you see where I'm going with this! It has continued to live through the cycles of the economy, because of those families. The families that made Miss Jackson's a tradition.

Think about this for a minute, how many stores do you go into today and the store personnel know your name? Or they know your mother's name or grandmother's name? How many even ask you if you need help these days? How many offer you a chair and something to drink while they show you what they have available in the store? What happened to the days of good customer service? Scratch that....what happened to the days of EXCEPTIONAL customer service?

With the economy these days, businesses, specifically retail businesses, come and go on a very regular basis. So, what's the trick to Miss Jackson's? Why, as a specialty retail store, have they been able to stand the test of time?

My belief is this...they cater to their customer. They cater to their clients. It's not about competing with other stores, about the latest and greatest technique and trick, it's about staying true to their customers. They know what works for their customer and they stick with it!

Seems like a very simple concept....but, do you think that is what retail businesses are doing these days? I'd be curious to your thoughts.....

But, I do need to say "HAPPY 100th ANNIVERSARY, MISS JACKSON'S!" You have achieved a feat that most specialty retail stores will never do!

Fashion Worthy Causes...

I LOVE fashion! But, I REALLY LOVE fashion when it is for a good cause! Here are some great events that are coming up that you don't want to miss! Mark your calendars and get your tickets, you don't want to miss out on these awesome events!

Make it a Girlfriend event and support a good cause!

Support Autism Socially
Fashion Show 2010

http://www.sasocially.com/

Thursday, April 8, 2010

6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

Taste of Grace Sunday Brunch/Fashion Show/Silent Auction

Sunday, April 25, 2010

12:00 - 2:30 p.m.

Tulsa Historical Society

http://www.gracehospicefoundation.org/

Redbuds and Runways

Saturday, May 8, 2010

7:00-10:00 p.m.

The Ivey (formerly known as Jewel)

www.upwithtrees.org

A New Easter Dress

Retro Inspired Strapless Floral: $49.99 http://www.newport-news.com/

Blue Sheath Dress: $168.00 http://www.anntaylor.com/

Purple Sheath Dress: $198.00 http://www.nordstroms.com/

A childhood memory that I absolutely LOVE were the days of shopping for a new Christmas dress and a new Easter dress. Twice a year, I, specifically, remember getting in the car and heading to the mall with my Mom to locate THE dress for each holiday.

I was like a kid in a candy store running through the aisles of dresses that looked like a huge Easter basket of pinks, blues, and yellows. The ruffles, dotted swiss, crinolines...oh, there were so many choices.

And, it wasn't just the dress. Oh no, we weren't done yet. We still had to pick out the tights, shoes, little white gloves and don't forget the bonnet!

Oh, how fun that was.....

Then, the day! Easter! I couldn't wait to get all dressed up that morning and head to church to see everyone in their new Easter clothes. The church would be filled with a pastel rainbow of color. Little boys in their vests and bowties, girls in their bonnets and dresses, dads in their spring ties, and moms in their suits, spectator heels, and hats to match (their grown-up version of bonnets). Oh, what fun! What fun!

It was a candy filled day in so many ways! Everyone in their Easter candy colors while they inhale their jelly beans! How could you NOT love that!

Gone are the days where everyone follows the Easter dress "ritual", but, that doesn't mean you don't have to let this childhood memory go, have fun with all the Easter worth dresses that are available now!

Don't delay...go get your Easter dress today!

Bridal - Specialty or Main Stream?

Recently, I just posted some information about White House Black Market opening their doors to the bridal industry. Don't get me wrong, to a certain degree, they have always been "in" the bridal industry, because they were the perfect place to go to get a dress for ATTENDING a wedding. But, now, they have opened their doors to the bridal party AND even the bride (as you see a pic in the post below). JCrew has been doing it for awhile too. They offer some beautiful colors in bridesmaid gowns and some great options for the bride.

Is this becoming a trend in the marketplace? As the economy changes, are mass retailers trying to broaden their services to cover more markets and industries? Hmmm......

As a consumer, what do you think? Obviously, we know the answer from the bridal specialty stores. I'm sure they are less than thrilled that mass retailers are encrouching on "their space".
But, let me ask the question again.....as a consumer, what do you think?

Personally, it's a tough call and it really is going to come down to the individual. I loved the "thrill" of going into a store filled with white/ivory gowns to try and on....tons and tons of gowns. It was like a candy store to me! But, along with that, comes sizing, pricing, and ordering restrictions...and, typically, having to follow a pretty strict timeline, which increases the pressure of making a decision.

So, maybe, the mass retailer option is beneficial....try it on when you want, order when you want, and even return it when you want. I think mass retailers provides beautiful options for the beach wedding, backyard shin-dig, second marriage, or even the renewal of vows.

Whatever the reason, there are multiple options in this world...so, if you are a bride-to-be, there are a multitude of options....you are bound to find something that is perfect for you and your event!

White House Black Market Goes Bridal!

Take a peek at the limited edition bridal gown that White House Black Market is offering right now! Look at that dramatic hemline!

Just another awesome alternative for all the brides out there!