Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Yahoo Voices Review of LamanBlu, by Theresa Pickett

Blogger for Yahoo Voices and mom, Theresa Pickett recently wrote a review of LamanBlu!

Who's Theresa?  She's a published blogger with her own blog (www.theresasreviews.com), and contributions to Model Life Magazine, AOL Shopping, Yahoo Voices, LIVESTRONG, Mane Dish, New York Woman Magazine and Trails (among others).  And she has the cutest kids ever!

Theresa's Girls in LamanBlu

What did Theresa think about the LamanBlu dresses she reviewed?

"Regarding the clothing's comfortability, my children loved the design, which had plenty of give to encourage movement and play. As I analyzed the product's design, I appreciated that the colorful fabric was soft and light. I dressed my youngest daughter in the pink dress when I had a babysitter for the night, and I heard that she had a lovely time playing without complaints when I was gone. My older daughter wore her dress on a trip to the grocery store and the mall. I could tell that my children were comfortable in the clothes, and I liked that they looked nice as well as age appropriate."

To read the whole article, visit:  Yahoo News

Thanks for the great review Theresa!

Want to buy the dress Theresa reviewed for your daughter?  LamanBlu's Online Store  It's available in sizes from 6 months up to age 7 and in Aqua or Hot Pink.  As a special thanks, enter the coupon code TR1 at checkout for special savings!

Best,
Holli

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

So, you think you want to work in the fashion industry.....

I get to have lots of interaction with young (and sometimes not so young) folks who want to get into the fashion industry.  My work with the Denver Design Incuabator (www.denverdesignincubator.com) and Emily Griffith Technical College (www.emilygriffith.edu) in the Fashion Design program provide me lots of opportunity to work with people just starting out in this industry.  It's always fun to work with people with fresh ideas, lots of ambition, their excitement of a new adventure.  I've been in this business more than 20 years now and frankly, it's easy to get jaded.  Working with these up and coming designers, patternmakers, creatives helps me to stay refreshed and allows me to give of what I have learned over the past couple decades.

Want some tips?

Work Hard!  You may be talented, but unless you put that talent to hard work, it isn't enough.  This is a tough business.  Be prepared to work 12 hour days (often).

Work Smart!  Don't think you have to re-invent the wheel necessarily, but do know why things work the way they do in the fashion industry and be prepared to make waves - but always be smart about WHY you are going to do something outside the norm.  (Rules are made to be broken in this business - you just better know why you are breaking them.)

Be a Student - ALWAYS!  There is way to much in this business for anyone to know everything.  Always be learning and improving your skills.

Let it roll off your back!  This is a tough business (I said that already, didn't I?)  It's hard for creative people to hear their work criticized.  It's also critical!  This is how you will grow as a designer.

Some good articles:
http://www.buffalonews.com/business/buffalo-state-students-hear-tips-on-finding-a-job-in-fashion-industry-20131120

http://www.topuniversities.com/blog/careers-fashion-industry-how-get-started

Just remember - this is a fun business, but it is a business - which means people vying for real money, growing corporations, etc.  It's not just about the clothes - it's about the bottom line.  Be prepared to outwork everyone else, pay attention to detail, pay attention to the quality of your work, pay attention to the bottom line ($$$).  (Oh yea, and have fun!)

Cheers,
Holli

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

It's a work day at the Denver Design Incubator

Tuesday - one of my favorite days of the week.  I get to volunteer and staff DDI on Tuesdays.  I just adore being around all the up and coming designers in Denver.  Such creativity, such energy, such talent!  I always leave Tuesdays in good spirits.

If you haven't heard about the Denver Design Incubator - you should check it out!  www.DenverDesignIncubator.com 

The Denver Design Incubator (DDI) is dedicated to providing resources, education and professional development to the local fashion community that will enhance and support a thriving, profitable and sustainable fashion industry.
The best part of DDI is our collaborative community — this is a space where we share knowledge, lend a hand, and give feedback. Some are just starting out; others are established movers-and-shakers — and that’s what makes our community unique.






Thursday, January 9, 2014

Pantone's Spring 2014 Fashion Report

January is here, cold but bright - are you ready to start thinking about spring fashions?

We work on a very future schedule in the fashion industry.  I actually wrote "2015" on a check this week!

Spring 2014 is looking forward for most of the public, but it's a look backwards for us.  Pantone puts out a great consumer report to reflect the most important colors of the season, and shows how some of the major designers are using them in their collections.  Want to take a look?

Pantone Spring 2014 Fashion Report

LamanBlu spring items will be up for sale on our website soon.  You can already pre-order some of our Hang Ten Gold collection, including sportswear and swimwear.  www.LamanBlu.com

Happy Spring, Happy Shopping! (oh, BTW - gift to you - use coupon code HTGS14 when you check out to get 35% off between now and the end of February)



Monday, January 6, 2014

Life at 9,000 Feet - Happy New Year

Happy New Year!  I am so glad it is finally 2014 - the past year and a half have been tough for me personally.  With my mother's very unexpected passing in the fall of 2013, nothing has seemed right to me for a long time.  I don't really think I miss her any less, but I guess I've sort of made an intellectual decision to purposefully move forward.  I sort of feel like I've been living in a reactionary state, and I'm just done with that.

I think it helps that it's finally snowing!  The past two years haven't brought much snow to our life at 9,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains.  I sort of feel like if it's not going to snow - what's the point of living here?  Even with the cold, the snow brings a freshness and a real sense of newness to our new year.

So, in the spirit of Happy New Year, and life at 9,000 feet - here's a new year's wish for you - may your view be unobstructed, your life filled with love, and may you and your family have a healthy and happy 2014!