Hardware is tech also... GTar teaches people to play guitar!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
StyleSaint replacing Mom's "FashionBooks" but not The Custom Service
I like this yet I have to admit I'm a little disappointed- In my mom's dress shop they were called "fashion Books' and women would carefully organize their tear sheets By color, occassion, cut... and these were guarded Items were used to help define new looks (ok, sometimes even exact replicas!)
First up there are other stylebook options currently online... though I'm not sure many allow you to embed them!
Secondly as a trend recognition platform... this is brilliant! Almost every woman I know keeps tear- sheets of clothing she likes! Yet for many this would be a huge improvement in organization! Plus I can see it makes it easier to send your "dressmaker or designer to your Stylesaint book!
Yet again misssed a key problem.... that of "FIT" and availability!
women tore because they could not obtain.
Across all sizes ages races! Women collect tear sheets beacause the item is not usually available in their size or pricepoint! Custom is much more than having a say in what style is chosen.
The style data and trend reports alone should be a great source of income...
Now Lets address my pet peeve Price point....
To produce at the prices quoted usually means jobs taken abroad and poor quality in terms of fit. If not construction! So I'll reserve judgement till they produce the first run!
The again...
The question no one asked what of design infringement... where does "inspiration" end and "copy" begin.
That said this is definitely one I may even join!
Hey I love tear sheets!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Fashion In Tech Is No Where near It's Tipping Point.
Fashion At Techcrunch...
coming from teh custom boutique sector teh consumer experience is totally different! So too is the "Expereinces" customers expect!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Revisting Email as a means of effective delivery- Please Sign up or Manage Your Secret Aliases and Superhero Identities!
First Up thanks for teh responses- communication is a two way street!
We are part of a collaborative Audience Development Program- so that you only recieve one email on the topics you're interested in. You are one person with a variety of interest! We understand that when complemented with teh streets Distributon from www.Streetsofnewyork411.com it's effective - It's leaner , greener email delivery and it works!
But we still have a lot to do ...
We need your input in making the list more effective
First the why:- We alll often speak about community building and supporting businesses. However getting the information to the potential consumer- you is just one way to ensure we keep local businesses alive. segmenting the list helps us identify what you are interested in.
Email still is the most effective means of getting the message to the consumer, and after a year overhauling our email list we're proud to say we have a relatively clean list that is showing some great numbers.
That is save for your secret aliases and superhero Identities!
Let me explain - last year we painstakingly removed any double occurrences of emails! We deleted unsubscribes and request for removal! so now we have almost zero unsubscribes and reports of spam on a 11000 plus list!
We added double opt in
and now we're segmenting our list.
the goal send you only the types of info you want!
We are a Collaborative Audience Development platform in that we manage the list for several companies! So that you do not get more than one of the same email!
- Use one valid email
- Simply uncheck the types of emails you do not want!
- You will need to confirm your subscription
- Use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of emails to opt out !
- finally please share.
... Bonnie Sandy
media strategist streetsofnewyork411.com
sign up below
If theyou are having trouble using this embed please use this direct link
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Happy Mother's Day from Quinn Lemley, The producers & cast of Burlesque to Broadway
So you missed the Mother's Day Special ... we told you, but check out his post you might like what you see! See you Friday May 18th or Sat Sat may 19th at 8pm!
The song in this video is available in a special version FREE! All we ask you to do is to share with a post on twitter or tweet ... This show is worth Seeing! and we even have specials to sweeten the deal just in time for Mother's Day! so click the button and we'll see you next weekend!
50% Off Tickets with code |
 Burlesque to Broadway stars Quinn Lemley with Natalie Loftin Bell and Stacey Harris, live with a 10-piece band! at checkout- See details here TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY |
Dinner For Two at $49.00 |
 Add dinner and make it an evening! Gather the Family, the Girls or the office and head to Brooklyn! Millennium Theater is at |
Tweet or Post To Download Free MP3 |
 Tweet to download and experience this very special acoustic version of "Don't Rain On My Parade," performed by Quinn Lemley star of Burlesque to Broadway with Charles Lindberg on piano. This is a special piano version for our friends and followers! Suggested sample tweet Get it free! Pay with a Tweet by tweeting first and then clicking on this link to download- Get it for free! Pay with a Tweet To Download- SHARE OUR TWEET OR POST TO FACEBOOK TO SHARE To learn why Variety says, "Quinn Lemley delivers the goods!" The Village Voice raves,"Crystalline intonation!" and Naples Daily News declares “Quinn Lemley nails it hard!” Check out Details |
Friday, May 11, 2012
Mother's Day 70% Special ends at Midnight tonight to see The Musical #BurlesquetoBroadway @quinnLemley @internetweekny
70% Off Tickets before 11.45pm May 11th |
| Burlesque to Broadway stars Quinn Lemley with Natalie Loftin Bell and Stacey Harris, live with a 10-piece band! at checkout- See details here |
Sat May 12 join Brooklyn Artist and Creatives tomorrow and Shop the Artisan Market for unique items
Saturday May 12
from 10am - 6pm for
with DJ Duwani spinning house music and the band Red Stefan: A band inspired by life, its people and some of her stories.
Shop the Artisan Market for unique items. They are In the are in the Heart of Brooklyn by Prospect Park.
where: Parkside and Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn
time: 10am - 6pm
cost: FREE
Visit them at
Don't Rain on My Parade @internetweekny Download the MP3, see the clip and attend teh show Live at 70% 0ff
The song in this video is available in a special version FREE! All we ask you to do is to share with a post on twitter or tweet ... This show is worth Seeing! and we even have specials to sweeten the deal just in time for Mother's Day! so click the button and weel see you next weekend!
70% Off Tickets before 11.45pm May 11th |
Burlesque to Broadway stars Quinn Lemley with Natalie Loftin Bell and Stacey Harris, live with a 10-piece band!
The musical celebrates the history, costume, comedy and the women who took Burlesque to Broadway and gained their independence. It will light up the Millennium Theater in Brooklyn for two nights only – May 18th and 19th at 8:00pm . This puts these regularly priced tickets $35-$75 to $10.50-$22.50 when you buy two or more tickets. Buy Tickets Now TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY Enter code BTOB2MOM
at checkout- See details here
|
Dinner For Two at $49.00 |
Add dinner and make it an evening! Gather the Family, the Girls or the office and head to Brooklyn!
Millennium Theater is at
1029 Brighton Beach Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11235 Producers have arranged a special Prix Fixe Meal @ 1001 Nights Restaurant You Must RSVP Here This is an $80.00 Value |
Tweet or Post To Download Free MP3 |
Tweet to download and experience this very special acoustic version of "Don't Rain On My Parade," performed by Quinn Lemley star of Burlesque to Broadway with Charles Lindberg on piano. This is a special piano version for our friends and followers!
Suggested sample tweet
"Tweet To Download "Don’t Rain" @QuinnLemley #BurlesquetoBroadway @internetweekny #iwny @streets411"
Get it free! Pay with a Tweet by tweeting first and then clicking on this link to download-
Get it for free! Pay with a Tweet To Download- SHARE OUR TWEET OR POST TO FACEBOOK TO SHARE
To learn why Variety says, "Quinn Lemley delivers the goods!" The Village Voice raves,"Crystalline intonation!" and Naples Daily News declares “Quinn Lemley nails it hard!” Check out Details
|
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Bkstyle! News- Decadent Industries Launches
. As a plus sized woman of unique taste, Nikki started Decadent as a way to address the lack of fashion choices for curvy women. Decadent Body was created as a way to incorporate decadence into the lives of the consumers through all-natural, hand crafted body treats and is set to launch on the site in late May. Twitter – http://twitter.com/xDECD Facebook – http://facebook.com/DecadentIndustries Tumblr – http://decadentindustries.tumblr.com |
Burlesque, Broadway, 70% off a musical and a Mp3 that you pay for with a Tweet or Post - I love technology
RED HOT MAMA MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL
Watch the Burlesque To Broadway (tm) clips
Burlesque to Broadway is a 'theatrical musical spectacle', stars Quinn Lemley with Natalie Loftin Bell and Stacey Harris, Live with a 10 piece band. This gorgeous recording is just a taste of what you will experience Live at the Millennium Theatre, Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, NY, Friday and Saturday, May 18 & 19, 2012 at 8PM. Get your tickets today before Midnight May 11th and Pay $10.50 to $22.50 at Millennium Theater Online Ticketing venue!
Pay $10.50 to $22.50
when you BUY Ticket By midnight Friday 11th 2012 at
Millennium Theater Online Ticketing venue!
Tickets- (Regularly $35-75)
use code 70% off code at checkout
BTOB2MOM
at checkout
at checkout by Friday Midnight 11th May 2012 for 70% discount to
More detail Burlesque to Broadway (tm) Brooklyn Shows
__________________________________
and the free video will be sent to you!
_________________________________________________________________________
Still Need to be convinced watch the Video & click link to Share & Download The Free MP3
Tweet or post to Facebook to share
Get it for free! In exchange we just ask you to post a Tweet about it.
__________________________________________
EMAIL TO GET VIDEO
Thursday, May 03, 2012
An Honest review of an @Etsy artist- Quality Cost Profit for #occupy #fashion @InternetweekNY- Making IT-
Designer:- an Independent Brooklyn Designer's Etsy Store, I have invited her to join the occupy Brooklyn program and be at our may 19th evnt @ ArtsCultureFest
I like the design concept ut It needs work! to improve the final product concept, cut cost and add value! An Item like this can sell and be an added value to a customers wardrobe!
Design & Styling options not fully explored- From experience this particular style 9two layer gathered skirt) can be worn as a dress and skirt, but also the two layers gives added styling optings
Merchandising- adding an optional scarf woul add "value and styling option" and allow for "upsale"
· Construction – Unfortunately This is poorly executed! Check seams and drape of garment!
o Cut – Not consisten, sure done on proper grain
o Sewing Poor:-
Sales collateral…
· Images- Average- details not clear
· Designers should Press items Before shooting images
Description
· Length two lengths offered but not stated
· Size 6-12 - items should have width info
· Fabrication made of Cotton Llinen and Satin (type not stated) From (not sure where fabric is local or imported - a LEGAL requirement on delivery)
· Care instructions- ?
Color swatches stated but not shown
Pricing
Her price for the short version $49.00
Her price for the Long version $38.00 - I'm stll trying to figure that one!
|
| Short version | Long Version |
| Design | $2- | $2 |
| Overheads | $ 5 | $5 |
| Satin | 1 & 1/2yrd at $5.00 = $7.50 | 3+1/2yds @$5= $17.50 |
| Cotton | 1yd @ $4.00 =$4.00 | 1 + 3/4 @$4= $6.00 |
| Labor | 1 & ½ Hrs @ $15.00=$22.50 | 1&1/2 hrs @15 $22.50 |
| Production cost | $41.00 | $53.00 |
Profit direct to consumer (forgoing wholesale)multiply production by 2, (note this leaves no Wholesale option but again the Etsy Platform is direct to consumer.
Suggested retail- Short $82.00 Her price for the short version $49.00
Suggested - Long $106.00 Her price for the Long version $38.00
Note I've not added marketing and shipping (which she offered free).
Now even if she got the fabric on sale at $1.00 a yard, what happens when she goes to purchase to fill an order and the sale is done! She has not paid herself if she were to need to hire a staff … production in limited numbers can severely cut her cost! Buying fabric in larger amounts controls that cost!
Most independent designers do not do either!
Now would you pay $82 or $106 for the quality shown…
We're helping designers create pproducts that sell- Fashion Accessories Home
-
- Participate www.bonniesandy.com/occupyfashion
- Attend this and otehr shoppingevents http://vip.bkfff.com
Full time $8.00 an hour, 40hrs a week, 50 weeks a year, 2 weeks unpaid leave, no benefits and you pay for your supplies and marketing-
Welcome to the world of the Independent designer- Even experience designers sometimes make me wonder- what the hell are you doing! By the way- some then take on a second career- Know any Real Estate agents… more time, more output to make ends meet”
In the last two weeks I had the fortune of looking on as a mature artist recommended Etsy to another artist as a professional advice.
I could Not help.. it I "Butt in"
BS- Do YOU know designers on Etsy who are making money
Him - I know designers who are selling
BS- That is NOT what I asked… Do You Know designers on Etsy who are making Money … making a profit!
HIM- She’s an Artist stay at home mom do any bit helps…
Bs So how Much does she "make"
him... "I Don't Know"...
Bs..."and you're recommending it?"
Him.. So what would You Do.."
He’s a gentle soul and I almost felt sorry… almost - he was giving a friend I cared about advice, Without thinking it through! This ‘friend” I knew valued his opinion I could keep quiet and see someone get into deeper trouble or I could put the issue on the table ! Yes he was giving advice without truly investigating as many are doing online! Then again If designers would discuss their problems and concerns, we'd be in a different position. I have not sold on Etsy. Teh quality of product turned me off! I beleived the hype till designers started wispering, But it was watching designers at our live sales events that brought a different understanding as to where the "holes were".
It's strategy-
It's experience
It's understanding why teh consumer is buying!
I've asked why are you posting your product images on Facebook;- Are you actually getting sales- I asked several designers that over the last couple years. the response always amazes me... now with "Occupy Fashion" I'm seeing an exchange of questions from designers.
“Occupy Fashion" put’s the issues of earning an income on the table. One discussion we will have is Tools, Venues for Sales and Marketing!” So many young designers are caught up in the “Sex in the City” “Project Runway” Unreality and Glam. They have a dream and anything less crushes it!
It’s tough telling someone that there is something drastically wrong with their concept or tsrategy… especially when they seem to be or are financially doing well. The question is are you achieving you goals and objectives.
It’s not just Etsy… Facebook Commerce, Senseoffashion, UStrendy, Facebook… they all have their value… but I’m not sure How honest or on target the “experts’ are! At least Etsy seems to be concerned fro their artist and crafters.
However there is little anyone can do, not even Etsy, till those crafters admit they have a problem! so Where are designers really selling…. Why and how. It really has not changed… It takes a couple of times to build brand recognition and trust. You need to meet the consumer, hence pop up shops artisan markets and offline venues.
Consistency is important in quality of product and availability!
If your Product needs to be fitted… you need to build in the logistics for fitting!
Indies need to forget Virtual Fitting solutions, there is no other way.
So It’s NOT solely Etsy’s (or any of the other platforms) Fault… In Stores, you do not blame the racks and cash register when you’ve NOT make a sale! You may change or paint them, or throw them out … but you do not blame them!
First Let me explain how, I evaluate Etsy…
Etsy is a Platform to help artist and creatives sell handcrafted products… Etsy offers itself as a
- · Tools
- · Venue
- · Marketing vehicle
So Let’s take a look at its success of each component
As a Tool…
They are the among, if not the best… by the way the Offer an API… but technology does Not sell it creates engines for sale! In a boutique or store my cash register and shelves, does not sell clothing they simply make my job easier!
As a Venue…
· There are trade venues and consumer venues… It's hard to offer both on teh same platform! After seven years exploring online I I thing there needs to be a separation of the two! Unfortunately Etsy seeks to attract both and is heavily skewed with makers- Trade.
· The Product does not fit the “Venue” or rather the perception… There is a misconception that handmade is cheaper … and the brand "Etsy" not counteracted that misconception. By the way most fashion and art are “handcrafted” in 3rd world countries by the “poor”, often very skilled.. but "made by hand"… we simply value one set of hand above another..
· If You want to make six figures Say $120, 000 a year working a 40 Hr week with two weeks off (2000 Hrs) You need to be making $60 an Hour! If You want to make six figures say $120, 000 a year working a 40 Hr week with two weeks off (2000 Hrs) You need to be making $60 an Hour! Of course we do Not expect to value $60 for an artist or crafter’s time or Ideas… and this is just a rough estimate we have not added in Overheads and marketing, taxes! Now If you want to make a $120, 000 profit … You see the problem. NY State sets the Poverty line at around $28, 000 That 14 dollars an hour as a Living wage! A direct to consumer venue Etsy artist should be able to sell at a 100-120% markup and make a comfortable profit. However many do not correctly price their product! Often not counting all their cost! Including times for sales and marketing collateral creation and execution! A designer once confessed she made $16000 a year on Etsy which works out to be $8.00 an hour , full time, unpaid leave and no benefits AND- you pay for your supplies and marketing out of your take home salary!
Marketing;-
· The right venue can cut or increase your marketing dollars! Many go to Etsy to be found But with over 200,000 (last figures I could find) vendors it’s like finding a needle in a haystack! So many spend time in consumer acquisition! At an average of $40-80 per “visitor” wasted, because of course Etsy captures the lead Yes you have circles.. but by then I've wondered. (Facebook wont’t even allow you to communicate or message your “Fans’ directly!) Sure Etsy encourages “Teams” and give “advice” but in the end the Artist do the work! So whether it’s $14 or $60 an hour it adds up. Hence the “No Profit dilemma”
Finally it’s about a lot more… Product and priceing , positioning, personas, even sales technique and simply being able to fulfill orders… then again remember it takes as much effort to sell one item as it does a dozen.
So In the end understanding what you are doing is vital and experience is the greatest teacher ... hence "Occupy Fashion"
Participate www.bonniesandy.com/occupyfashion
Shop first we work on build product and ensuring supplies but then we want to make sure designers sell register to shop at Http://Vip.Bkfff.com
Research-
Etsy annual income and no of artist crafter, 2011 - Google Search http://j.mp/IJ2x9o
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