Friday, April 12, 2013
Back with a brand new attitude...
Its been FOREVER since I wrote anything on this blog, very very bad...my sincerest apologies:-)
There are absolutely NOT enough hours in the day I tell you!!!
Sigh...
But I do feel an itch to write more.
So many fun, fabulous things out there how can one NOT want to share?
Stay tuned folks...its gonna be FUN!!!
RF
Friday, May 6, 2011
What you need to know about styling and shopping besides FASHION!
I got a message today from one of my new Facebook friends. She wanted to know what tips or pointers I could give her about becoming a personal shopper and stylist. Now if I had a dollar for every time I got asked this question, LOL!!!
Phew!!
Shopping/Styling is not just about popping into a store or showroom and grabbing everything and anything (the horror); putting it on the client and getting your check. Its more about getting to truly know the client and anticipating their every need - closet wise/image-wise ! Maybe it's my Executive assistant background, but it's what I have always used to assist my clients. This is honestly the hardest part of the job in itself. A lot of people know themselves well enough to tell you what it is they like or what they wished they looked like; and quite a few people haven't a clue!!! As a stylist , it's not just your job to dress people, but you have to truly get to know them. Why? Well if you don't, you run the risk of putting a look together that the client cannot possibly own. If you can't OWN a look (as in ROCK the heck out of it) then unfortunately you haven't done a good job.
Is having a passion for fashion enough to be a good stylist or personal shopper? Unfortunately not. Don't get me wrong, you do need to have some kind of fashion sense in order to pull looks together (this is something you either have or don't have to be honest), but there is more to it than that. So here are a few other things you need to possess.
1.You need to have amazing listening skills. Be able to listen and even read in between the lines to hear what isn't said. Why? Well if you can't hear what is being said to you, how will you know what your client wants when you're out and about shopping or pulling for them?
2. Do your research. You have to stay on top of the trends so you know whats going on within the fashion industry. Of course we set the trends ourselves. But a good stylist has pretty much everything in their closet anyway since almost everything comes back around. So knowing what is in season will help you educate your client and if you're really good, have them AHEAD of the trends.
3. You need to have a very thick skin. Why? You're going to get a lot of no's, especially in the beginning. You cant let it get to you or take it personal. But you MUST learn from it. Or else you will start to annoy your client and we can't have that!!!
4. You also need to be trustworthy. The amount of money that you're going to get thrown your way can be a bit daunting and for some even tempting. But if you have gained your client's trust, they will realize that even without seeing you, you've got their back. Never substitute fakes for authentic pieces. Never cut corners, because trust once lost...is LOST!!! I am sure everyone remembers Rick Ross' Louis Vuitton Evidence fiasco...that shouldn't happen to ANYONE with access to a stylist!! If you're looking for anything for a client, even if its from seasons ago, your best bet is to cultivate those relationships. They will help you IMMENSELY!!!
5. Remember its always about the client, you have to be totally unselfish with yourself and your services. Their needs come FIRST!! I can't tell you how many times people have bought items off of my back. I mean there are certain things I WON'T do (especially if its illegal!!) but I am not attached to anything. Its fashion and its business. Making the client happy is my FIRST priority. However there is also a balance between making the client happy and being a pushover. One has to strike a balance...
6. Be discreet. Confidentiality goes hand in hand with trust. I have worked for some people that I will never be able to mention. Sad, but true. I got paid...but there will be no shouting from the rooftops about how much money so and so spent. That's no one's business. You were hired to do a job, some may not care, but a number of them would rather keep such knowledge between the people involved. Respect that and know that the people that know, know. In this day and age where everything is on a blog somewhere or on twitter or Facebook, people value their privacy now more than ever. Yes, you may want the world to know what you did...but if its it at the expense of losing or offending a client, its NOT worth it. Understand that with time and solid work comes recognition. People will refer you and like it or not, that is the BEST kind of advertisement.
These are a few of the things I know I incorporate into everything I do and they have helped me IMMENSELY!! Of course there is a whole lot more to this, but then I can't tell you everything, can I :-)
Happy Mothers day USA!!!
Phew!!
Shopping/Styling is not just about popping into a store or showroom and grabbing everything and anything (the horror); putting it on the client and getting your check. Its more about getting to truly know the client and anticipating their every need - closet wise/image-wise ! Maybe it's my Executive assistant background, but it's what I have always used to assist my clients. This is honestly the hardest part of the job in itself. A lot of people know themselves well enough to tell you what it is they like or what they wished they looked like; and quite a few people haven't a clue!!! As a stylist , it's not just your job to dress people, but you have to truly get to know them. Why? Well if you don't, you run the risk of putting a look together that the client cannot possibly own. If you can't OWN a look (as in ROCK the heck out of it) then unfortunately you haven't done a good job.
Is having a passion for fashion enough to be a good stylist or personal shopper? Unfortunately not. Don't get me wrong, you do need to have some kind of fashion sense in order to pull looks together (this is something you either have or don't have to be honest), but there is more to it than that. So here are a few other things you need to possess.
1.You need to have amazing listening skills. Be able to listen and even read in between the lines to hear what isn't said. Why? Well if you can't hear what is being said to you, how will you know what your client wants when you're out and about shopping or pulling for them?
2. Do your research. You have to stay on top of the trends so you know whats going on within the fashion industry. Of course we set the trends ourselves. But a good stylist has pretty much everything in their closet anyway since almost everything comes back around. So knowing what is in season will help you educate your client and if you're really good, have them AHEAD of the trends.
3. You need to have a very thick skin. Why? You're going to get a lot of no's, especially in the beginning. You cant let it get to you or take it personal. But you MUST learn from it. Or else you will start to annoy your client and we can't have that!!!
4. You also need to be trustworthy. The amount of money that you're going to get thrown your way can be a bit daunting and for some even tempting. But if you have gained your client's trust, they will realize that even without seeing you, you've got their back. Never substitute fakes for authentic pieces. Never cut corners, because trust once lost...is LOST!!! I am sure everyone remembers Rick Ross' Louis Vuitton Evidence fiasco...that shouldn't happen to ANYONE with access to a stylist!! If you're looking for anything for a client, even if its from seasons ago, your best bet is to cultivate those relationships. They will help you IMMENSELY!!!
5. Remember its always about the client, you have to be totally unselfish with yourself and your services. Their needs come FIRST!! I can't tell you how many times people have bought items off of my back. I mean there are certain things I WON'T do (especially if its illegal!!) but I am not attached to anything. Its fashion and its business. Making the client happy is my FIRST priority. However there is also a balance between making the client happy and being a pushover. One has to strike a balance...
6. Be discreet. Confidentiality goes hand in hand with trust. I have worked for some people that I will never be able to mention. Sad, but true. I got paid...but there will be no shouting from the rooftops about how much money so and so spent. That's no one's business. You were hired to do a job, some may not care, but a number of them would rather keep such knowledge between the people involved. Respect that and know that the people that know, know. In this day and age where everything is on a blog somewhere or on twitter or Facebook, people value their privacy now more than ever. Yes, you may want the world to know what you did...but if its it at the expense of losing or offending a client, its NOT worth it. Understand that with time and solid work comes recognition. People will refer you and like it or not, that is the BEST kind of advertisement.
These are a few of the things I know I incorporate into everything I do and they have helped me IMMENSELY!! Of course there is a whole lot more to this, but then I can't tell you everything, can I :-)
Happy Mothers day USA!!!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Questions and answers...
Over the next few weeks, I am going to be taking the time out to blog about a few recurring questions which I get asked A LOT! Mainly regarding fashion, but also about everything in between. So feel free to add your questions to the already long list , via email (check the profile folks) or simple ask here; I am sure I will get around to it...eventually :-)
Stay tuned folks!!!
:-)
Stay tuned folks!!!
:-)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The various interests of young Master Charles Fagbohun...
Sometimes when I think about the kids of today and how they are growing up, I can't help but be astounded. I mean life for us while growing up was so simple. You went to school, you played with your friends and family...had a few simple hobbies...that was IT!!! Not the kids nowadays and DEFINITELY not my son.
It's both exhilarating and scary at the same time, to think of all the things that our children are exposed to and how that shapes them. Charles has been around fashion since he was born, (kinda comes with the turf when your mother is a personal shopper and stylist) But recently, he started showing an even greater interest - wanting to become an active participant and officially declared he wanted to model (GULP!!). He has gone through so many " I want to be" phases, I honestly didn't take him seriously. He wanted to be an astronaut, race car driver, judge, policeman, teacher, pilot ; the list goes on and on. Courtesy of the Beijing Olympics, he decided that he wanted to definitely become the guy to beat Michael Phelps (I was like ummmm ok!!!) and promptly started swimming classes. He is actually pretty good too. Unfortunately, I think that by the time he gets up to the professional level, Michael Phelps might be too old to beat anybody - LOL!!! Needless to say, I am encouraging the swimming. He recently added soccer to that (sigh) and he needs to pick up an instrument and another language...see what I mean about a busy child??? I didn't have HALF (ok maybe not even a 1/4) of this going on in my life EVER!!! However, I have heard from several friends that they did and im happy to be able to provide what I didn't have for my son. Its a really good feeling...albeit TIRING!!!
My son met and modeled for Coco and Breezy , the fabulous sunglass designers during New York Fashion Week and they made quite an impression on him. These two young ladies are so talented, its amazing. And they are just 20!!! What was I doing at 20?? LOL . They recently introduced a kids line and showcased it alongside their main collection in their 2011 presentation.Quite impressive!!! They already have quite a following... He really felt like a rockstar (another thing to add to his long list, sigh) modeling for Coco and Breezy . Did I mention that he can tell them apart where I can't (at least he thinks so) and thinks they are SOOOO Cool!! Apparently, Coco and Breezy are just as cool as his other adopted big brother Ugo Mozie (whom he LOVES)...but because they are girls (I find this HILARIOUS by the way) they aren't the top of his list...but a hard 2nd!!!
I do have a point to all my rambling. Despite it all, we really should try (hard though it may be) to encourage every little interest that our children have. Why? Well one of these many interests will become their profession someday. Ideally, if they have had enough time to play around with a few options while they are children, they are less likely t make the mistake I find that some adults are making as they grow older. Its definitely not easy...but its worth it in the long run.
So now he has caught the modeling/acting bug. And its really ALL him!!! Not a shy bone in his body!!
Anyway, here are a few pictures of Mr Charles Fagbohun doing his thing...Lord give me strength!! I feel like i'm going to definitely NEED it!!!
***Pictures courtesy Kibwe M, Cali York ,Coco and Breezy and Remi Fagbohun
It's both exhilarating and scary at the same time, to think of all the things that our children are exposed to and how that shapes them. Charles has been around fashion since he was born, (kinda comes with the turf when your mother is a personal shopper and stylist) But recently, he started showing an even greater interest - wanting to become an active participant and officially declared he wanted to model (GULP!!). He has gone through so many " I want to be" phases, I honestly didn't take him seriously. He wanted to be an astronaut, race car driver, judge, policeman, teacher, pilot ; the list goes on and on. Courtesy of the Beijing Olympics, he decided that he wanted to definitely become the guy to beat Michael Phelps (I was like ummmm ok!!!) and promptly started swimming classes. He is actually pretty good too. Unfortunately, I think that by the time he gets up to the professional level, Michael Phelps might be too old to beat anybody - LOL!!! Needless to say, I am encouraging the swimming. He recently added soccer to that (sigh) and he needs to pick up an instrument and another language...see what I mean about a busy child??? I didn't have HALF (ok maybe not even a 1/4) of this going on in my life EVER!!! However, I have heard from several friends that they did and im happy to be able to provide what I didn't have for my son. Its a really good feeling...albeit TIRING!!!
My son met and modeled for Coco and Breezy , the fabulous sunglass designers during New York Fashion Week and they made quite an impression on him. These two young ladies are so talented, its amazing. And they are just 20!!! What was I doing at 20?? LOL . They recently introduced a kids line and showcased it alongside their main collection in their 2011 presentation.Quite impressive!!! They already have quite a following... He really felt like a rockstar (another thing to add to his long list, sigh) modeling for Coco and Breezy . Did I mention that he can tell them apart where I can't (at least he thinks so) and thinks they are SOOOO Cool!! Apparently, Coco and Breezy are just as cool as his other adopted big brother Ugo Mozie (whom he LOVES)...but because they are girls (I find this HILARIOUS by the way) they aren't the top of his list...but a hard 2nd!!!
I do have a point to all my rambling. Despite it all, we really should try (hard though it may be) to encourage every little interest that our children have. Why? Well one of these many interests will become their profession someday. Ideally, if they have had enough time to play around with a few options while they are children, they are less likely t make the mistake I find that some adults are making as they grow older. Its definitely not easy...but its worth it in the long run.
So now he has caught the modeling/acting bug. And its really ALL him!!! Not a shy bone in his body!!
Anyway, here are a few pictures of Mr Charles Fagbohun doing his thing...Lord give me strength!! I feel like i'm going to definitely NEED it!!!
***Pictures courtesy Kibwe M, Cali York ,Coco and Breezy and Remi Fagbohun
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Shoes and me...
Inspiration sometimes comes from the strangest places. My son asked me a simple question today. He said "Mom , why do you love shoes so much?" Lord, where did THAT come from? At first I smiled and asked why he was asking (did his Dad put him up to this??) He simply said , he sees how many shoes I have and how I seem to keep buying more (ouch)!!!
Of course I sat down and explained to him the differences between the various shoes and why his mommy needed so many. But afterwards, I started to think myself , where did this love stem from??
Then it hit me...my MOTHER!!! (May her soul rest in peace)
My earliest memory of shoes honestly came from her. My mother was just shy of 5 feet and my dad is a 6 footer. She was CONSTANTLY in heels. My mothers heels were so high, I actually thought she was closer to my dad's height (NOT). Growing up, she always seemed much, much taller (don't all of our parents?) than she really was. It didn't occur to me until much later that it was the shoes. Now my mother had TONS of shoes. I remember her having so many lovely shoes, all brightly colored too. I remember reds, purples, blues...sigh and she had tiny feet too (where are those shoes anyway???). My sister and I would often take them out and just look at them. They were sooooo pretty. There was a pair of red and white peep-toe pumps that were my favorite to play dress up in. They must have been at least 4-5 inch heels red with white stripes and a lovely bow on the top too. Super cute!!!! As much as I believe in mixing high and low, I DON'T do that with my shoes. My personal pet peeve is poorly made shoes and if I can see the glue on the shoe or the shoe can't stand on its own...thats a classic FAIL for me!!! To me, a sexy shoe is a very well made shoe. It just does something to me...
Ok, let me stop drooling.
Funny thing here is that if not for my son, this isn't really something I have ever fully thought about. I mean we often love what we love, but have you ever bothered to think of why you love what you love? There is always a story behind it. As a stylist, shoes are the one thing I refuse to skimp on, and I do not believe you can ever have too many . And that goes for both men and women. A pair of shoes can make or break an outfit. Wrong shoes on a killer suit? FAIL!!! Sexy dress and scuffed shoes? GAG!!!!
My mother loved her jewelry and her shoes. Guess that means I am definitely my mothers daughter, because I love those two things as well (shoes more than jewelry though). I firmly believe that the right shoes will change how you carry yourself and also how you see yourself. Sexiness and self confidence all come from within. Think about what makes you the most confident...whatever it is, own it and hone it. The results will shock you.
For me...it's the SHOES!!! I guess I should also prepare myself for my son's future love affair with shoes. We'll be saying in a few years that he gets it from his parents. Oh yeah, did I mention my husband is worse than me? LOL!!!!
Happy New month everyone!!!
Of course I sat down and explained to him the differences between the various shoes and why his mommy needed so many. But afterwards, I started to think myself , where did this love stem from??
Then it hit me...my MOTHER!!! (May her soul rest in peace)
My earliest memory of shoes honestly came from her. My mother was just shy of 5 feet and my dad is a 6 footer. She was CONSTANTLY in heels. My mothers heels were so high, I actually thought she was closer to my dad's height (NOT). Growing up, she always seemed much, much taller (don't all of our parents?) than she really was. It didn't occur to me until much later that it was the shoes. Now my mother had TONS of shoes. I remember her having so many lovely shoes, all brightly colored too. I remember reds, purples, blues...sigh and she had tiny feet too (where are those shoes anyway???). My sister and I would often take them out and just look at them. They were sooooo pretty. There was a pair of red and white peep-toe pumps that were my favorite to play dress up in. They must have been at least 4-5 inch heels red with white stripes and a lovely bow on the top too. Super cute!!!! As much as I believe in mixing high and low, I DON'T do that with my shoes. My personal pet peeve is poorly made shoes and if I can see the glue on the shoe or the shoe can't stand on its own...thats a classic FAIL for me!!! To me, a sexy shoe is a very well made shoe. It just does something to me...
Ok, let me stop drooling.
Funny thing here is that if not for my son, this isn't really something I have ever fully thought about. I mean we often love what we love, but have you ever bothered to think of why you love what you love? There is always a story behind it. As a stylist, shoes are the one thing I refuse to skimp on, and I do not believe you can ever have too many . And that goes for both men and women. A pair of shoes can make or break an outfit. Wrong shoes on a killer suit? FAIL!!! Sexy dress and scuffed shoes? GAG!!!!
My mother loved her jewelry and her shoes. Guess that means I am definitely my mothers daughter, because I love those two things as well (shoes more than jewelry though). I firmly believe that the right shoes will change how you carry yourself and also how you see yourself. Sexiness and self confidence all come from within. Think about what makes you the most confident...whatever it is, own it and hone it. The results will shock you.
For me...it's the SHOES!!! I guess I should also prepare myself for my son's future love affair with shoes. We'll be saying in a few years that he gets it from his parents. Oh yeah, did I mention my husband is worse than me? LOL!!!!
Happy New month everyone!!!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Snow day #3 2011
Hello everyone...
It's been a snow filled year so far! Today was the very first official snow day of 2011 (though not the first snow storm) and I have to say we pretty much wasted it. We didn't get 22 inches as planned, we got a little more than 10.
I had such HUGE plans for today too. With both my son and husband at home today, I had so much on my mind to do...one of the main ones was to update my blog. Um mm well that kinda happened, didn't it?? LOL
I am officially dedicating these few lines to Funke Adeyemi. You made me get off my butt and start writing again (yeah, its not my usual, but a BLURB IS WAAAAY BETTER THAN NOTHING)!! Thanks for the inspiration love.
Stay tuned folks!! I'm back writing with a Vengenance!!!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Final Day - Mercedes Benz Fashion Week S/S 2011
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week New York is finally over and as they say, all good things must come to an end!
I truly loved sharing my Fashion Week experience this year with my son. He recently decided he wants to model, I felt this would be the perfect way to see whether he truly would like the idea or not. Also seeing things through his eyes was kinda fun. Not only did he enjoy it. But he also started a crazy love affair with the barbecue flavor popchips. Between that and the Starbucks silly bands, he was in 7th heaven!!!
I met so many interesting people this week and attended some pretty awesome shows. Thank God for stylepantry! Because without it, i doubt any of my views would get heard. Kudos to Mrs Huntoon for being waaaay better at blogging than me :-)
I guess we should also use this opportunity to talk about of the sponsors at Fashion Week who made the time in between shows go by ever so quickly with both the snacks and the drinks. Off the top of my head I Fiji water, Popchips, Kim Crawford wines, Starbucks , Essie (got a manicure to try out the new color too) thank you!!!
And to everyone wanting a more indepth look at my experience at Fashion Week, please go to stylepantry.com!!!
Enjoy the pictures!!
Better ones are on Style Pantry!!!
I truly loved sharing my Fashion Week experience this year with my son. He recently decided he wants to model, I felt this would be the perfect way to see whether he truly would like the idea or not. Also seeing things through his eyes was kinda fun. Not only did he enjoy it. But he also started a crazy love affair with the barbecue flavor popchips. Between that and the Starbucks silly bands, he was in 7th heaven!!!
I met so many interesting people this week and attended some pretty awesome shows. Thank God for stylepantry! Because without it, i doubt any of my views would get heard. Kudos to Mrs Huntoon for being waaaay better at blogging than me :-)
I guess we should also use this opportunity to talk about of the sponsors at Fashion Week who made the time in between shows go by ever so quickly with both the snacks and the drinks. Off the top of my head I Fiji water, Popchips, Kim Crawford wines, Starbucks , Essie (got a manicure to try out the new color too) thank you!!!
And to everyone wanting a more indepth look at my experience at Fashion Week, please go to stylepantry.com!!!
Enjoy the pictures!!
Better ones are on Style Pantry!!!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week NY 2011 - Day 1
This year, since I know my own flaws better than anyone else, I am partnering up with my darling at Style Pantry for a more up-to date commentary of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week New York 2011. So please check out stylepantry dot com for detailed info and my views on the different shows, especially the ones I am attending. While her site focuses on the fashion part, with our thoughts...this is still going to be just all the other STUFF - LOL!!!
Its going to be tons of fun! So comment away folks!!!
My first foray into Lincoln Center for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week was great. Well, except for the usual credential pick-up, which was as long as it usually is :-). Frankly its to be expected considering the number of people who are trying to attend these events. Anyway after a 40 minute wait, I got my passes... had to skip viewing my surroundings as my son decides he is hungry and Christian Siriano show goes out the window...sigh. I heard it was really good too! We'll return in a few hours :-)
Anyway, Number : Lab was my first stop. Never heard of them? Well they are a menswear designer well known for advanced sportswear. Think of your windbreaker with extra features, or the swimming trunks with just that little bit of oomp to it :-)!! Anyway, they had their presentation at 640 W28th street. I saw a very slim and trim Perez Hilton in a hot studded jacket! Go Mr Hilton!!! The show started with a bicycle polo demonstration which was kinda different. Defintiely some great pieces for the sports enthusiast, but my stand out piece was the lightweight suit shown...oh well , ok and mr abs in the fierce swimming trunks.
Our next stop was to the Farah Angsana Spring 2011 show at the Studio - Lincoln Center. Love love, love the new venue (see my comments on the tents again at stylepantry dot com) A lot of gorgeous pieces. I was very very impressed!!! Lots of embellishments, which I loved.
But my standout favorites were the green draped silk chiffon, swarovski crystal and gold embroidered long sleeve Kebaya mini dress...it just needed to be a tad bit longer! Fabulous pictures are on the other site.
Here is Jumoke Gbadebo and my son! Both Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Newbies!! Juggling mommyhood and work as always!!
Gotta run...there's always tomorrow!!!
R
Its going to be tons of fun! So comment away folks!!!
My first foray into Lincoln Center for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week was great. Well, except for the usual credential pick-up, which was as long as it usually is :-). Frankly its to be expected considering the number of people who are trying to attend these events. Anyway after a 40 minute wait, I got my passes... had to skip viewing my surroundings as my son decides he is hungry and Christian Siriano show goes out the window...sigh. I heard it was really good too! We'll return in a few hours :-)
Anyway, Number : Lab was my first stop. Never heard of them? Well they are a menswear designer well known for advanced sportswear. Think of your windbreaker with extra features, or the swimming trunks with just that little bit of oomp to it :-)!! Anyway, they had their presentation at 640 W28th street. I saw a very slim and trim Perez Hilton in a hot studded jacket! Go Mr Hilton!!! The show started with a bicycle polo demonstration which was kinda different. Defintiely some great pieces for the sports enthusiast, but my stand out piece was the lightweight suit shown...oh well , ok and mr abs in the fierce swimming trunks.
Our next stop was to the Farah Angsana Spring 2011 show at the Studio - Lincoln Center. Love love, love the new venue (see my comments on the tents again at stylepantry dot com) A lot of gorgeous pieces. I was very very impressed!!! Lots of embellishments, which I loved.
But my standout favorites were the green draped silk chiffon, swarovski crystal and gold embroidered long sleeve Kebaya mini dress...it just needed to be a tad bit longer! Fabulous pictures are on the other site.
Here is Jumoke Gbadebo and my son! Both Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Newbies!! Juggling mommyhood and work as always!!
Gotta run...there's always tomorrow!!!
R
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)