This is the corset I am drooling over currently!

In fashion, we all know that history ends up repeating itself. Throughout the decades, but more recently…we’ve seen shoulder pads, skinny jeans, bell-bottoms and the like reinvented many times over. However, what seems to always have a place on the runway…at least within the last 20 years or so? The Gothic Fashion of the late 70’s –early 80’s.

Since the 1980’s and even a few years before, the “Goth” style has been represented by big hair, pale skin, dark swirly eyeliner, black luxurious clothes and boots.

In the early years, the look had been best associated with the younger generations… generally not anyone past the age of say 30. It was looked upon as a “phase” or something teenagers and kids in their early 20’s did in hopes to establish identity.

Music was…well where it “was”.

Post –Punk took off and out of that Siousxie, Bauhaus and the Cure made it acceptable to be “different”. It seems that this look has filtered from the youth in the streets of Europe, then to America’s and finally … now what? Haute Couture? Is the high fashion conscious finally recognizing “Goth” folks as a stylish? Yes, I think so. At least this is evident for the last 10-15 years or so.

Why is it that the “Goth” style NEVER seems to die? It seems that the “couture conscious” have a secret penchant for the darker side of fashion. Some say it’s all in your attitude and the style shouldn’t matter…if that is the case why is it that the “Goth” aesthetic seems to repeatedly pop up? Why are so many people intrigued by it?

If “Goth” is purely about the attitude as some people say, why do we see the style over and over in movies, TV, comic books, literature? Because the look itself embraces the romanticism of a time gone by, a mystery, sensuality and an essence of pretension that demands attention and says…”look at me, I’m beautiful”. It’s forcing us to look back to a time where looking good, not just acceptable, mattered more than it does…in this day and age. That’s got to be why “Goth” fashion won’t die.

There are those of us that still believe in the romanticism of it all.

Next week continued part II: Designers that have made their mark pushing the envelope of design and incorporating “Goth” aesthetic.

All companies have undiscovered cash in the form of inventory, supplies, proprietary information and talent. The key to increasing revenue and making the most of what you have already in your grasp will make your company more efficient and run more smoothly.

You can take inventory and purge the unused in order to make room for your newer, more exciting product. Sell it by hitting auction sites, advertising a clearance sale, or offering buy one get one specials, etc.

Cutting back on supplies by “going green” can also help your bottom line as well. Sending files, information and business documents (contracts, proposals, etc.) through email or direct transfer, utilizing Skype for business meetings and interviewing potential employees or business clients, cuts down on paperwork and long distance calls. Also things as simple as cutting down on unnecessarily printing out documents can slash your paper and ink costs as well.

Shining new light on old projects that generated revenue, will reintroduce a great selling product to new clients that may have recently joined you on facebook, twitter or any of the multitude of social networking sites you should be daily adding potential sales clients. This will in turn lead to you revisiting your posts, tweets and adverts to advertise new and old products.

And finally use what talents and skills you have already at hand to your biggest benefit. If you know that your IT person can also make use of photo editing, make them an offer and exchange services in order to make the most of your budget. Before you go hiring another body, see what you can do to make the most of in house talent. Also, in turn making certain that your talent is in the RIGHT position for your business is imperative too. Some employees hired for one position tend to shine in another, sometimes even by accident. Make sure they are being paid for their talents! When you pay attention to all these small things, it really does add up to the bigger picture of cost savings, efficiency, happy employees, and a happy business owner.

Speaking of clearance sales and happy business owners…take advantage of the specials going on right now in the shop! We have opened our new shop, and we are celebrating with a sale!!! Womens Victorian Riding coats on sale $110 and the Men’s Darkness Victorian coat that was $180 now only $150 take advantage of our fantastic mood!!!

REMEMBER: Be on the lookout for new designs coming soon!!!

And NEXT WEEK: We introduce a new blogger to Pink Label!

A plan to increase revenue starts with paying the best to get the job done. If you are responding to this statement with,”I cant afford to pay that much”, your company is already in a tail spin.

Locating the right candidate for the job is like opening Pandora’s Box, paying the right man or woman for the job is the easy part. In this situation putting the cart before the horse is not a negative, it must be done if you plan to increase your revenue.

If you are one of the lucky ones and already have a gem of an employee who is obviously taking an interest in your company, get your checkbook out and write in the memo,”money well spent”. I realize this advise isn’t easy to swallow but as they say, the good stuff isn’t easy.

In my next blog, I will discuss how to squeeze extra money out of your company to make the payroll increase happen.

Author Tuley

Tuley@pinklabelcorsets.com

Pink Label Fashion

http://www.pinklabelfashion.com

Now however, we see a great re-emergence of the Midwest keeping up with trends and even starting a few of our own. How long ago was it that Marshall Mathers reminded folks that Detroit did have street cred? And a kid who grew up on Michigan apple orchard could set the standard for what is cool (tip of the hat to Robert Ritchie). And we don’t even need to mention the Mississippi girl who was raised in Milwaukee and grew to be one of the most powerful talk show hosts of our time.

All these things though are a reminder to those on the coasts. We’ve been around for a real long time. Motown, the Grand Ole’ Opry, Memphis, Lubbock, Chicago, and a long list of Midwest achievements are how we directed society to decide what is cool. The Midwest is not all about farmland, cows and overall jeans. It’s even more then the auto industry, meatpacking plants and coal. The Midwest is people who work hard and play hard.

While the country moved to either side of the nation, the Midwest maintained its solid place in its own style. Where else could you purchase a 3 story Victorian home with 5 bedrooms and three baths for under a half million dollars? The Midwest is home to what is America and American Fashion is here.

A few blogs ago I mentioned the non-employer and the small business owners of America. In the fashion industry, these folks work hard to get seen in New York or LA. It think its time to remind everyone that maybe New York and LA need to start looking to be seen in Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee and Memphis.

One of the fastest growing sectors of business, however, is the non-employer; those stalwart individuals who are working by themselves, either as a self-contractor, or a self-employed businessperson filing 1099s every year. Working hard to ensure they have a paycheck for themselves and can account for every penny spent on their business.  They span the service, construction, agriculture and medical industries and, as almost always has been, the fashion industry.

Small business owners and the self-employed work long hours, sacrificing significantly to maintain their positions.  Overtime and holiday pay aren’t in the vocabulary of these individuals.  And if you sit down and have a discussion with any of these individuals you’ll either discuss the weather or more likely how their business is doing.  It’s a subject that is always on their mind. 

In the fashion industry, specifically, you’ll find designers, seamstresses and seamsters, models, photographers and a cadre of event planners, freelance writers and freelance marketers; each one learning the profession of the other to spread the word about their business.With the advent of Ebay, Etsy, Yahoo Shops, Artfire, Model Mayhem, DeviantArt and hundreds of other websites these folks are finally being seen.  It’s time, now, for them to start being recognized as the driving force behind the fashion industry.

While we would all love to shop for the latest Giorgio Armani, it is important to remember that he too started out as an assistant designer for Nino Cerruti.  The top fashion designers worked hard and exploded into the world with determination, drive and creativity but they did not all start out working in the fashion houses of Europe. They might have enjoyed the opportunity of the selected few like Jay McCarroll, Chloe Dao, Jeffrey Sebelia, Christian Siriano and Leanne Marshall or they may have laid out a large amount of cash for an opportunity to be seen on runway during one of the numerous fashion weeks, be it New York, Detroit, Chicago, or LA.  The thing is they now appear in fashion shows located in Kalamzoo, Madison, and Akron.

Support these fabulous folks, these small business owners and non-employers, working in the small boutiques and basement shops all around our country making our country beautiful.

Thank you for reading,

http://www.pinklabelcorsets.com

Now lets look at woman’s fashion. Beyond going to the club or an evening on the town, imagine having to fork out the dough for a prom dress, bridesmaid dress, or evening gown. Now that can send shivers to any purse, wallet or money clip. The price of evening gowns, prom dresses, and bridesmaid dresses… ouch! Surely it would hurt a $250 outfit budget to spend $200 of it on a corset… even if you were going to use it multiple times.

I remember when Tuley first mentioned making corsets and my first thought was, “Wow, $300 a pop and if we sell two or three a week we could be doing okay.” But she came back at me and said, “No, I want something affordable, efficient to make, and something that looks great with out skimping on quality.” Okay, fair enough. Now this was back in 2001 and things weren’t near as grim as they are now in our economy.

So here we are in 2009 and I’m thinking it was a good thing she made that call back then. I get to see how a customized corset at an affordable price is going to survive in times like this. Today Pink Label Corsets is the top fetish fashion club-wear designer in the entire mid-west. [Thank you for helping the PLC Designers get there and stay there, by the way]

Here’s where the movie theater escapism comes in. I’m talking about having spring colors, flowing skirts bouncing on a petticoat, and bare shoulders. The winter is over and we have the chance to really bring out what the summer will soon bring us. An affordable, comfortable, corset that’s just right to reduce a little of the winter we’ve put on our waist. It’s better then seeing your first spring robin sing. It’s all about feeling sexy and slim in the moment without calling the loan company.

Brighten your colors, brighten your spirit and look good doing it.

Thank you for reading,
Sturty

Whether it’s the blouse and slacks or the basic black dress, we have to be prepared to face the question.  Thankfully there are real men who can answer the question.  And no, they are not all flaming “fashionistas” speaking in lilting tones and limp wrists. They don’t have million dollar bank accounts and wear $5000 suits. They mustn’t always live in the big city, and they occasionally drive pickup trucks.

Back to our question, “Do I look okay in this?”  The question, while frightening, is really a simple one.  The woman is not asking the man to do an on the spot mini-makeover with her wardrobe.  What she is hoping for is honesty, and men would love to give her that.  The problem is like deciding between a Minneola, a Tangelo, and Satsuma; all the guy can do is blink. There is a pretty simple reason men’s fashion hasn’t changed much beyond the width and shape of the necktie. We’d be happy to tell you the miniskirt isn’t good for the restaurant we’re going to and we’d even tell you that sweat pants are not the best choice to the show we’re going to see.

We, too, want you to look your best.  We really do.  We seen you in several of your outfits and liked them.  To choose between them is not easy. So as a guy and as one of the lucky few that can make an amateurish attempt at answering the question, I’m going to give my pearls of wisdom.

1)     What she wore last week may not look good this week.

2)     If she feels you honestly believe she is pretty in those clothes she will feel better.

3)     Its okay to say you prefer one to the other once and a while. Just be honest.

4)     Don’t bother with “whatever you’d like to wear;” she asked you for your opinion, give it to her.

5)     Glance at the color sample wall when you pass one at your local paint center it helps.

6)     Pay attention, it doesn’t mean you have to give up your life, just a few moments.

Thank you for reading,

When Tuley began Pink Label Corsets so long ago I was off working the 9 to 5, occasionally popping in to see the amazing things happening in the shop.  And then one day I was needed and it all went from there.

I hope to be adding my opinions here with Tuley  and together we’ll both be off to an exciting change of pace for the PLC Blog.

Thank you for reading,

Fresno, CA – Shopping, wine, hors d’oeuvres, music, photographers…. That is just a glimpse inside what will be going on at the Fashion Style Lounge in the Tower presented by Private Plane Originals on Thursday night, November 13th, 2008 from 6pm to 10pm. This exclusive event takes place at the offices of EKO Marketing & Design / PC Solutions, next to
Vini Vedi Vici Restaurant.

Not a fashion show, not a trade show, but a social gathering in which local fashion designers and beauty gurus can get together, showcase their work, and enjoy a glass of wine. Hosted by Nicole Giordano, local personality, the Fashion Style Lounge will feature exclusive products and services that are not found in main street retailers.

After being asked to participate at the Hollywood Style Lounge in Beverly Hills, Private Plane Originals’ hat designer, Falina Marihart, decided that Fresno needed to have its own style lounge, “Fashion Style Lounge in the Tower.” Fresno may not be L.A.; however you can see the latest in fashion and accessory designs from indie designers. She wanted a private party that included only the hottest, most fashionable and influential people in attendance.

The list of designers is extremely exclusive and begins with Private Plane Originals, a new designer line of women’s hats perfect for club wear and making any outfit sexy trendy. Pink Label Corsets, an independent designer out of Michigan, will display custom made corsets and other fashionable custom attire. Divinity Boutique from Hanford will feature A-list designers, like Lexy Charms and Yvette Mandell.

ShangLee East & West Collaboration introduces Eastern fashion designs into Western markets. Simdog Apparel will embody the high-end tees and tanks segment with sales benefiting the Jeffrey Simonian Memorial Scholarship Foundation at Clovis High School. Nichole Angelina Grazioli, International Apparel Design, uses fine, retro-vintage and new
fabrics to showcase a form of wearable, modern art.

Fashion is not complete without accessories. Accessory lines will include Buckles by Nicco Gio. These buckles are hand-made, each one like no other, and decorated with various vintage items to give each buckle a unique theme and name and retail for $90 each. Dalita Moda will showcase handmade accessories that fit any girl’s style, whether girly or punk. The bracelets and accessories are designed using the finest crystals and no two are exactly alike. Make Pie Not War will also attend featuring handmade jewelry, but with a focus on vintage style. Make Pie Not War designs necklaces and earrings and creates custom pieces.

Additional participants at Fashion Style Lounge in the Tower include Suzi Q Cosmetics. Suzi Picaso, founder and CEO, will be showcasing new products like Stunners eye dust and talk about her recent events in Hollywood; Pre-Emmy parties and upcoming 2008 Star Music Awards and the 2008 American Music Awards. Hair by Yo – Yahira Chacon, will also feature the latest in hairstyle fashions creating on the spot and making guest look great. Cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Yoho will feature his new skincare line, Skincare by Dr. Yoho and each guest will received a copy
of his booklet, “A New Body in One Day.” Published author, Anna Shonk will be featuring her book “The Almond Man.” Chews 4 Health, a new, natural and chewable dietary supplement will also be featured.

Local artist, Stephanie Pearl contemporary art collection will be on display and DJ Johnny Q (J Catch) will be mixing the music to set the tone of the event. We are keeping all invited participants to the very upper echelon of unique products and services.

Not only are the vendors exclusive, the guests are exclusive. You must
receive a personal invitation to enter the Fashion Style Lounge. It’s
all about who you know: the designer, the DJ, or Suzi Q herself, but no matter what, only guests with their names on the list will be allowed to experience Fashion Style Lounge in the Tower. Guests will be escorted inside and introduced to the various designers. Guests will have the opportunity to buy some of newest and hottest fashion items while socializing and enjoying music and wine. Guests will also have back door access to Vini Vedi Vici’s patio so they can relax outside if they wish.

Do you want to be a guest at Fashion Style Lounge in the Tower? For more information call 559-487-1091, ask for Falina.

http://www.privateplaneoriginals.com/

http://www.pinklabelcorsets.com/

http://www.divinityboutique.net/

http://www.yvettemandell.com/

www.myspace.com/lexycharms

www.myspace.com/i_love_isak

http://www.shopsimdog.com/

http://www.graziolin.com/

http://www.dalitamoda.com/

www.myspace.com/makepiejewelry

http://www.suziqcosmetics.com/

http://www.dryoho.com/

www.myspace.com/katilina123