Consider Yourself a Trendsetter in your Hometown

...but don't know how to get the trends for less.

Have you ever wanted to be kept up-to-date on when items you want are going on sale?

If the answer is YES. Heck Yes. Then make sure that you sign up to get an email from ideeli.

Ideeli is a members only website that gives you up-to-date information about sales on fashion, home and beauty products. It even let's one know about fashion shows and sold-out concerts.

Anyone can join for free, but it is by invitation only. You must obtain a code from someone who is a member. Contact me to get your invitation.

If you aren't sold yet look at a few items that have recently been on the website.

Countdown Is Over

Today is the day. A month ago, I blogged about the upcoming Charlotte Fashion Week, well the time is here. Tonight is the first night of the 1st annual Charlotte NC Fashion Week.

It will be held at the Blake Hotel. It going to be from September 18 - 20, 2008. If you still want to buy tickets, click here.

There is still time to get the chance to be apart of the action.

Sexist or Porn

There has been some controversy over whether or not this ad is tasteful. For some, it looks like she is about to be gang raped. For some, it is just sexist. What do you think?

Do you think that some clothing companies advertisements use sex a little too much to sell their clothing? Or are some people just too sensitive?

Leave a comment.

Growth in Gratitude

There are times in your life when you really have to just give thanks to those around you.

To my parents:
Thanks for just being you.

To my siblings and their family:
I love you guys. You keep me strong.

To Ms. M:
Thanks for saying that I was strong. Even if I lost if for a little bit, it is coming back. Thanks for opening up the world of fashion writing. I have absolutely enjoyed this class.

To my business partner:
We can do this. There will be obstacles, but we have what it takes to knock them down.

Undressed: The Naked Truth of a Fashion Marketing Student

In 1998, I was blessed with the opportunity to help a friend launch her clothing line. I was completely shocked. Just years before I had studied everything from human anatomy to tv production to public relations to child development.

I had only done very small projects, but I had ideas that she and her investors were impressed with when we talked. I did freelance work for her for about 3 years. I have loved every opportunity that I have gotten to do freelance marketing for different companies, but the call to finish school was getting louder.

This call has taken me on a journey that I didn’t expect. I wasn’t sure if wanted to get a degree in business, marketing or advertisement. I thought that I wanted to finish my advertising degree that I started at Towson State University, but I was thinking that I wanted to move out of Maryland. On my search, Charlotte kept nagging at me, so I began to research what Charlotte had to offer. My search led me to The Art Institute of Charlotte.

At the age of 31, I officially started at the Art Institute of Charlotte in October 2005. I took one class online and moved to the Charlotte area in December 2005. My life as a fashion marketing student has been interesting and long. It has been a struggle to be able to maintain my sanity while going back to school. Being at school with people who are 10 to 15 years younger than me is an experience. Imagine if you will, my perspective, of talking to people who weren't even alive when the Challenger exploded. There are times that I wonder did I get in the game too late. Am I too old to really do this?

There have been many trials and tribulations and smiles and laughter. It just depends on the day. Most days I am plugged into my computer, it literally goes everywhere I do. I could be cranky because I didn’t get enough sleep or be thinking darn it why didn’t that print out right. I could be smiling because I know that this experience has confirmed that I want to own my own business and that I have no interest in the design aspect of apparel. I am always saying that I am not creative, but have to realize that it is just a different view of creativity. I get excited about writing, creating a business and marketing plans, psychology and math. Ask me to style someone or draw an outfit and I guarantee that I will freak out. So, I might not be able to tell you which shoes to wear with that outfit, but I can figure out ways to fund your passion.

My journey as a fashion marketing student will end soon. I don’t know what my next step will be and that is a little scary, but it is the road I will take. So, if you are out there and need someone to help you create your business image .... I am your woman.

My journey is mine.

Convoluted, but joyously mine.

Voting for Style or Substance

With the first ever African-American getting the Democratic nomination for President, there has been a lot of talk about which religion Obama follows. That is slightly ludicrous after the debate that has followed him because of Rev. Jeremiah Wright. There has still been question on whether or not Obama is a Muslim.

The critics refer to pictures of him wearing traditional attire during an overseas trip. If there is such belief that he is a Muslim, why was their such discussion about the what Wright said.

Is this a sign of trying to distract the average voter from other issues?

The ones who have talked about this picture haven't talked about how it is common for political figures to wear the traditional gear of where ever they are going, but they aren't accused of being Muslim because they are respecting their host. There are many pictures floating on the Internet of political figures wearing what would be considered Muslim gear. So the question is Laura Bush Muslim?

Style: Create Your Own

Continuing the trend for designers to help consumers learn how to create their style, Isaac Mizarahi is coming out with a book called How to Have Style.

He is considered to be "the king of real-world chic." He believes in women wearing clothing that is inspire them. The book takes 12 regular woman and deals with the issues that they face.

The books publishing date 10/07/08. The regular price is $30. It can be preordered at Barnes and Nobles for $22.50.