by Mo on May 22, 2009
We love when people find us, reach out and say Hi! Kate Black, founder of Magnifeco.com did just that. She noticed a common thread between our sites, and found some eco and vintage finds to add to her wish list. We like her views on ethical fashion, read those here, then take a minute to check out her Darling wishes below – so easy to make those come true. Click, buy, ship.
As always – my best motivation comes from desperation. I was invited to a BBQ this weekend, not your basic “let’s have fun” BBQ but more of an “outdoor lawn soiree.” Trying to search for the right outfit made my head spin – so, of course,in times of desperation I turn to the web for inspiration. Smashing Darling to the rescue. I would be so much happier if these beauties were in my closet:
Gina Michele believes that fashion should be fun and unique as well as wearable. This NY based designer draws her inspiration from a variety of sources, most notably vintage fashion and nature. This gorgeous Tender is the Night Dress has a draped front and back collar with braid detail. Pleated hem. Lined. Made of Bamboo jersey. $86.00
Designer Victorian San Francisco collects everything vintage, from her head down to her toes, and throughout her home. And if she cannot use it as is, she’ll often make something new from the re-usable portions of the item. For this stamp collector bracelet vintage images are applied onto bamboo tiles. $39.99
At
Manic Trout, jewelry designer Sierra creates handmade jewelry that is unique, often using vintage materials. This
Merle Zsa Zsa ring features a 3/4″ diameter chandelier crystal and a wrapped silver plate wire setting and band. $25.00
At Hello, Fabulous Vintage only the very best pieces that they would proudly wear or use themselves are offered in their vintage collections. They think everyone should try to incorporate a piece of the past into their own unique look today, and we couldn’t agree more. Vintage brown leather pumps, $55.00
Again, from Victorian San Francisco, I love this vintage black leatherette and needlepoint tapestry purse. Called Infrastructure, the front, bottom and back of the bag are needlepoint tapestry design. $19.99
The final accessory would have to be this Joliane Heart + Soul Necklace from Manic Trout. A lovely brass heart locket carved with flowers nestles between a vintage lucite pink flower cluster and a cherry quartz stone all held together on a vintage brass chain. Gorgeous. $45.00
by Mo on May 21, 2009
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Around the Site
As we peruse the site, work away on laptops, work away in studio…take a moment to STOP, and ponder: Where are we at? What’s next? It almost doesn’t matter where you are at, there is always room for improvement. As you evolve it is important to check in and ask yourself: Are you really at the top of your game? Are you where you want to be? Do you know where you are going? Take stock of where you stand, do you even have a plan? Read the full post here, if you have any tips or advice to share with fellow darlings please comment away!
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Papusza – Pretty as a Peacock
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Multi-tasking Sara Bella silk -dress, skirt, cover up
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Wanted: Ethical Fashion
Be featured online:
Eco-style/eco-fashion blog Magnifeco invites eco-friendly darlings to submit images of their designs. Must be sustainable, recycled, up-cycled, reclaimed, vintage, organic, vegan or fair trade. Email Mo for details.
Be featured IRL (In Real Life):
Nolcha Fashion Week: NYC September 2009 is welcoming ethical fashion designers from around the world to participate in the Ethical Fashion Preview Day on September 14th 2009 in New York City. Details here.
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how to: Notes on Customer Service
Just a few reminders to double check in your darling boutique to ensure happy shoppers! The tools are there to keep communication clear.
Shipping: If you know you can’t send things 1 or 2 day delivery, remove that option from your settings completely in Manage Boutique Policies.
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K. Henrix sparkling couture
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Fiftyseven-thirtythree for you and me
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Returns: If you don’t accept returns, make sure that option is checked in your Manage Boutique policies. That way the -No Return- message will show up at the bottom of each listed item.
Categorize: Make sure the products you list are in the correct category: Men, Women, Jewelry. We don’t want to confuse the men when those dresses come up in their search…
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Swing over to the smashing blog before you go and check out a the past few interviews…
Questions/Comments? Let us know:
trishandjulie@smashingdarling.com
cheers ~ the Darlings
by trish on May 20, 2009
This is a column we previously wrote for Cause A Scene Magazine. We will re-post from time to time as a reminder to keep checking in with your product and your brand.
Taking Stock
Where do you land on your unique time line as a designer?
Are you just starting out, just beginning to design your line of products?
Are you established but looking to grow your business and sales?
It almost doesn’t matter where you are at, there is always room for improvement. As you evolve it is important to check in and ask yourself: Are you really at the top of your game? Are you where you want to be? Do you know where you are going?
If you are at the top then I presume you have all the customers you could possibly want and the press writes about you on a fairly regular basis. If this is not the case, you have to ask yourself what it is you need. Figure out what your unique goals are, and what you need to achieve your goals. If you want to attract editors, PR people and consumers you have to form a really cohesive plan.
We have discovered through working with the community on Smashing Darling that there are many different perceptions that make up the term indie designer. Because of this, the term is often confusing to consumers. DIY fashion, recycled fashion, one-of-a kind fashion, vintage fashion, all of these categories fall under the umbrella of indie fashion, and the list goes on. To lessen the confusion for the consumers seeking you out, you must make sure that your brand message is clear. This will make you more credible in the eyes of the consumer leading to better online sales.
Great, you say, how the heck do I do that? Start with asking yourself a few good questions:
- What does the customer expect from me and how will I meet those expectations?
- Is my level of professionalism with my product, packaging and message achieving my goals?
- Do the images of my product really evoke the message I am trying send? Are they as professional as they could be?
If your answers to these questions leave you with some missing pieces, look to designers that you think are doing it correctly and research how they get their message across. Join their mailing list, read their blog, buy a piece and really look at how they take the customer from just looking to purchasing and receiving the product.
There is always much to be learned from the success of others. It is also never ending. In every industry, the most successful people keep evolving and learning to stay ahead. in fashion, there is always something new. Sit still too long and you will be yesterday’s news.
During the month of September 2009 
