fashionhodgepodge

via Viva Magazine (November 2011)

A lot has changed over the past decade in the marketing world. It really hit me when I saw this article that with all these new networks and tools its really only given us the chance to be more connected with one another and have more conversations with people who share the same beliefs.

via Mario Testino for Vogue  (February 2011)

Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram – they’ve all provided us a platform to find people like us and talk about things we love or have in common. Some times I feel like I know some people so well from these platforms and really feel like I know them IRL. Its cool to be a part of community and share your opinions with people who also have the same passions.

via Harpers Bazaar (November 2010)

With this much connection to one another, why aren’t fashion brands really taping in and taking advantage of social media tools to create a community? Yes, there are tons and tons of fashion and retail companies that have a Facebook, and of course Twitter, but most of them don’t truly engage with their community or listen to what their fans really want. Its coupon after coupon, giveaway after giveaway, and all about “me, me, me” when it really should be about getting to know what this group of people want to talk about.

via Mario Testino for Vogue  (February 2011)

Now queue the the inspirational quote…”Strongest communites are structured around shared beliefs, emotions, and goals.”

I couldn’t agree more. I find that I get truly excited about a brand or product when they connect with me emotionally. Play off that memory from my childhood, or the wonders of traveling, or the amazing feeling of confidence – and you’ve got my attention.

via Material Girl Magazine by Lara Jade (May 2011)

Why can’t all marketers get that? Isn’t that what we are meant to do? To me, the ”most enduring communites are ones that recognize the commodoties of their audiences & embrace their passions.”

A-ha! This is what makes brands like DVF and DKNY so successful in social media. They both recognize what their girl wants and are open and honest with them. They lean on their “friends” for feedback. They pick up the phone when they call.

via Numero Magazine #128 (November 2011)

People want to talk. People want to voice their loves, hates, and passions. People want you to listen. People want to know they are being heard and hear you talk back. Brands that recognize all the potential power these communites and conversations have, the more they can prosper.

via Viva Magazine (November 2010)

“Marketers should take the time to step back, look at how many things their consumers have in common, and build social presences around what their customers care about and why they are connecting.” Then we’ll all be so happy together.

via BangStyle.com

Collars. I used to hate them. After being forced to wear a collared shirt (mainly a polo) for thirteen years of school dress code, I got rid of every button up and collared shirt I owned…until NY changed my  mind.

via FashionHippiesLoves

via ThisTimeTomorrow-Krystal

I was so inspired by the city’s savvy mix of street style, I realized that there was more than one way to wear button-ups.  I forgave the collar for dominating my closet and leaving me with no fashion freedom and embraced its tidyness. But not without a change.

via OhFashionBlog

via OhFashionBlog

Yah, to avoid looking like a serious business person, or too prim n’ proper, I’ve been adding all the chunky and blingy neck-hugging jewelry I could find. The result? A love for collared shirts again, with just the right amount of show-stopping jewels.

via SavvySpice

via StyleMania

Yours Truly Conquering the Collar

See? So much love under that collar.

xo

So, ever since I’ve moved away from my home state of AZ (no Arizona Muse picture-pun intended), going to the mall isn’t really my first choice anymore. There are just too many awesome places to find things – in NY, there were store fronts conveniently all over town, and in LA, boutiques and shops are scattered in cool nooks around the city, and online there is just an abundant of up-and-coming specialty fashion sites.

So, exploring the hood…I went into a vintage shop and butterflies instantly tossed around in my stomach. There. It. Was. – an amazing Proenza Schouler dress just staring me down. Or maybe it was the other way around, but it was almost like a beacon of light shining down just callin’ me to take it off the rack.

I picked it up, dashed to the dressing room and was sooooo lucky that it fit like a glove. I couldn’t believe that someone would want to trade it in for a newer model – it. was. gorg. It has such a classic print and cut but just the right amount of edge with an exposed zipper.

Stunned by my luck, I couldn’t help but wonder what else was out there. My find got me inspired to search for even more great work from the design duo.  From ad campaigns to cool editorials, Proenza Schouler has it goin’ on. I mean, how awesome is Sky Ferriera in those shorts? Risk-taking shorts, yes, but so cute and so different. And Liv in head-to-toe Proenza? Bananas foster. Yum.

Proenza Schouler Black and White Print Dress - Los Angeles Thrift Find

Their designs are super sleek and patterns are incredibly inquisitive and creative. I’m so overwhelmingly happy with my dress, but also can’t help dreamin’ about a pair for their floral pants or some of their other amazing prints they have right now.  Just as good as finding a gem in a vintage store, I also found some Proenza on cool online boutique sites like Net-A-Porter and FarFetch along with pretty much every designer dress under the sun that I drooled over.

But I guess my point is, don’t stick to what you know. You never know what you can find when you get out of your comfort zone and don’t just go for the easy route.  Go out, explore, have an adventure –  maybe you will just end up fetching that perfect unexpected find.

xo

Olga Sherer by Liz Collins - February 2012

Marie Claire Italia - March 2011

Lifestyle Mirror Magazine - March 2012

Photo by Sandra Freij - June 2010

Last month some Google dude tweeted “social media is like teen sex“. First, I thought this was one of the most random things to compare a marketing channel to, but then it got me thinking. What is social media like?  To me, social media is really like…. making a new friend. It’s awkward at first, you may not know what to say or are nervous what people will think about you. But if you keep the conversation relevant, interesting, and cool, you’ll make tons of friends fast. It you are misleading, flaky (only one post in a blue moon), you’ll loose friends.

Or, if you constantly bombard your new friend with posts & tweets, they’re going to stop hanging out with you because you’re annoying the beegeez out of them. If you talk about stupid meaningless crap all the time and offer nothing to the friendship – no real conversation, nothing interesting – Why keep hanging out right?

Social Media tools are very similar to the telephone or a writing a letter to a friend. It’s just a new way.  With enough time and attention that you give a relationship, the better that relationship is. When you love something you’re willing to do anything for it, including tweeting after hours or posting after a crazy-long day. Same thing for friends. Sometimes we go all out just to meet them on their side of town, but we do it because we love hanging out with them. Just like social media, we do it because that’s where our friends hang out and we want to keep those friendships going.

There is no real “marketing trick” to doing social media “right”. It’s different for every person, every brand, every profile. But at the heart of it we are all just real people looking to connect with each other. Que no?

xo

W Magazine (February 2006)

Ah, to be a sun soaker. Totally wishin’ I was college prepping for spring break right now.

Vogue Russia (2011)

 I feel as everyone is either talking about what they’re going to wear to Coachella or what they’re wearing to Mexico. Ugh, to be 21 again. Le sigh.

Kasia Struss & Hugh Lippe for Naag Magazine

Seeing tweets and status updates of “OMG, I’m so wearin’ this to, blah, blah…” I can’t help but think, “Seriously, you’re going wear those 5 inch platforms all day every day with drink in hand?”

Harpers Bazaar Arabia (June 2010)

I wish I could live in wedges and platforms forever, but my calves tell me otherwise.

Vogue Spain (June 2011)

Beachy and poolside, while editorials have babes in stilettos and pumps, I’d rather not break a leg while I’m sippin on a marg, so sandals or flipflops are kinda key to tote along (unless you have miracle legs like Victoria Beckham and can permanently wear heels).

Numero Magazine Issue 121 (March 2011)

Well, if you’re one of the lucky devils to get some water time in the next few weeks you can still look all cutesy and be kind to your feet. There are loads of cool flats out there. Ok?

L'Officiel Brazil (November 2008) feat. Havaianas

 I kinda save the schmancy sandals for when there’s not tons of sand, so more cashe flipflops are in order. I don’t collect many flipflops (I think) but there are tons of awesome sandals from Havaianas if you’re lookin.

Bianca Balti by Paola Kudacki (June 2008)

Like seriously every color or cool pattern you could need, and they last a super long time (I have two pairs – one white, and one gold that have lasted for years).

Vogue Russia (2011)

Anyway, the ballsy maxi dress lady in the Rio shoot above is wearing green ones, and pulls off her look with tons of extra color. So…there’s proof that there really isn’t a need to have throbbing tootsies when in your swim gear and you can party hardy with your cover up, cutoffs, and wind-blown hair.

Well for now, I will just take some inspiration from some unpractically-posed editorials and hope I get my bum to the beach soon!