You should only ever shape your brows in natural light. Not only will you be able to see stray hairs you’d never notice otherwise, but you’ll have a more accurate idea of how your eyebrows are actually looking as you’re shaping them.

Do you have a plain maybe boring wear?
Turn it into something really cute with a statement neck piece.. Add your necklace with colorful elements and discover you have just created yourself a very distinctive look

Statement necklaces are suitable to style with many kinds of necklines because they can jazz up your outfit in an instant.

Use these tips to make whatever you’re wearing instantly more interesting.

#FashionBusinessTalk

Should I have a partner in my fashion business ?

If you've got a passion for fashion but you're lacking a knack for business, don't worry — you can still turn your creative flair into a successful entrepreneurial endeavor. What you need to make it work is a savvy business partner.

Brand partnerships can be effective and a cost-efficient way to drive awareness and expand your audience but keep in mind–you can't partner with just anyone . You need to select collaborators with whom alignment will elevate your brand, bringing visibility, and validation to you. You also need to reach the right audience.
.
Going it alone will certainly give you full autonomy and control of your business, but a partner may allow you to expand into a more dynamic approach. There are benefits to both sides.

Having a business partner helps to distribute some of the work. It gives you someone to share business ideas with. The benefit of an additional skill set, and a colleague who feels as passionately about your business idea as you do.

Before choosing a partner you need to have a strategy and a business plan, understand the importance of product development, have a clear and unique brand proposition and marketing plan. This will help you to know what to look out for.

Choose a business partner that you have already worked with before. The reason for this is that you already know how your potential partner does business. You know if they are hardworking, reliable, and honest

Choose someone with a personality and skill set that compliments your own,

Discuss in advance how the business is to be run and have this documented so as not to run into any situation that could potentially hurt the business.
Chose who is ready to work smart and always eager to improve.

Chose someone with similar quality in products/services, also similar pricing strategy.

For a partnership to truly work, it has to be a win-win for all players in the game.
#mondaymotivation
#myfuturestartsnow
#WeSpeakFashion

#Fashiondictionary

Today's new word is

Couching

What is couching ?

It is the art of attaching other fibers to a fabric with little stitches
In couching , one or more threads are laid on the fabric surface and sewn to the fabric at regular intervals.
The couching threads may be either the same color as the laid threads or a contrasting color. When couching threads contrast with laid threads, patterns may be worked in the couching stitches. In couched filling , threads are laid on the surface in a pattern and sewn to the fabric at the intersections.
What is couching used for?

Cord couching is a technique whereby a cord is sewn down to a ground material using a second thread. In cord couching the main design is created using a cord or a braid with space in between the cords, so that the ground material can be seen.
Have you used this technique in your sewing? Try it if you haven't
Keep a date with us next week for more

#Thursdaymotivation
#thursdaythoughts
#thursdayfeeling

The biggest and most rewarding kind of investment is self investment, purchasing things which build mental power and proficiency.

#FashionBusinessTalk

Should I start my own business or should I go work for a big fashion house ?”.

The truth is, it depends on you and your aims are. The first thing to think about is “Do I really want to run a business?” Starting a fashion business is an intense, all-encompassing experience:

You will need to think of yourself as a CEO first and will likely spend less than 10 percent of your time designing. You will have to oversee all aspects of the business, not just the creative parts.you will be managing production,you have to worry about making enough money. You will eat, live and breathe your business 24/7.. One of the key drivers of success will be your entrepreneurial skills and your commitment to running a business.

Pay attention to the basics of running your line of business successfully.
If you have no or little experience of doing a business, then pay attention to some basics to avoid the mistakes others made. An overwhelming number of businesses fail simply because they do not follow some basic things required to run a company successfully.

Know Your Niche Well

Identify Your Target Audience

Set Your Pricing Right

Ensure An Online Presence Of Your Business

Create A Marketing Strategy

Learn From Mistakes Quickly

Have A Vision For Brand Identity

Build Your Brand

If you feel unable to do it, then you might consider working for a fashion house to gather experience.

#mondaymotivation
#myfuturestartsnow
#WeSpeakFashion

Apply a shimmery gloss to the center of your lips, the top and bottom—this will attract light to your lips, giving it that pouty look.

#Fashiondictionary

Today's new word is

Ruching
Ruche in French refers to a strip of folded or gathered cloth.

Ruching is a technique used to gather and create volume and texture in skirts, sleeves, and bodics waistline seams , on accents like collars, belts, on accessories like sashes, hats etc. It involves gathering, pleating or repeatedly folding a fabric as an Embellishment.

Ruching is a way of gathering, pleating, or the folding of extra fabric. It is basically gathering fabric so that there are patterned fold in the fabric. It is usually done along the bodice of dresses and sleeves along the center line which is ruched creating attractive folds on either side of the center stitching line. Ruching is not simply gathering – it involves pleating, folding and other fabric manipulations as well .

.Ruching is an often used technique in dressmaking – it creates a 3-dimensional look to the fabric and emphasizes the contours of the form wearing it. It is created by gathering and pleating excess fabric and can be symmetrical or asymmetrical in design. Ruching is especially popular on wedding gowns and party gowns. In the hands of a designer who knows his craft ruching can turn a garment into quite a master piece.

Ruching is different from shirring. Shirring is a gathering technique done with elastic thread, which creates a stretchy garment. It is also different from smocking. Smocking is a form of shirring, too since the fabric is gathered in regular intervals to form narrow pleats. . Smocking is often done by hand, utilizing pleats to create intricate designs and manipulate the appearance and fit of a garment without the use of elastic.

#Thursdaymotivation
#thursdaythoughts
#thursdayfeeling

Vaseline for better eyebrow shaping
Eyebrows can sometimes behave awkwardly. You can tame your unruly eyebrows by just applying some Vaseline over it and then using your eyebrow brush for further shaping. And you are done!

#Beauty Tips

Do you have an oily eyelids? Does it always spoil your make up and you wish you can do something?
Of course you can. Sweep on a shadow brush of loose powder before and after eye make up. Don't worry it will not alter the collar at all. It soak up all the oil and help your make up to stay.

❤❤❤❤�❤❤❤�❤❤❤�

#FashionBusinessTalk

Should I have a partner in my fashion business ?

If you've got a passion for fashion but you're lacking a knack for business, don't worry — you can still turn your creative flair into a successful entrepreneurial endeavor. What you need to make it work is a savvy business partner.

Brand partnerships can be effective and a cost-efficient way to drive awareness and expand your audience but keep in mind–you can't partner with just anyone . You need to select collaborators with whom alignment will elevate your brand, bringing visibility, and validation to you. You also need to reach the right audience.
.
Going it alone will certainly give you full autonomy and control of your business, but a partner may allow you to expand into a more dynamic approach. There are benefits to both sides.

Having a business partner helps to distribute some of the work. It gives you someone to share business ideas with. The benefit of an additional skill set, and a colleague who feels as passionately about your business idea as you do.

Before choosing a partner you need to have a strategy and a business plan, understand the importance of product development, have a clear and unique brand proposition and marketing plan. This will help you to know what to look out for.

Choose a business partner that you have already worked with before. The reason for this is that you already know how your potential partner does business. You know if they are hardworking, reliable, and honest

Choose someone with a personality and skill set that compliments your own,

Discuss in advance how the business is to be run and have this documented so as not to run into any situation that could potentially hurt the business.
Chose who is ready to work smart and always eager to improve.

Chose someone with similar quality in products/services, also similar pricing strategy.

For a partnership to truly work, it has to be a win-win for all players in the game.
#mondaymotivation
#myfuturestartsnow
#WeSpeakFashion

#Fashiondictionary

Today's new word is

Hemming Tape

Hem tape is a type of fusible adhesive that is designed to be used to hem garment.
In addition to being used to make a new hem, this product can also be used to repair a loose hem. It can be helpful with slippery or heavy fabrics that tend to pull out of place while they are sewn, as the hem will be firmly held while the material is sewn together.

Using it is relatively easy, and it requires much less work than normal hemming leaving your work with a neat finishing. Hemming tape is a smart and innovative way to hem your clothing or other fabric items without having to use a needle and thread. The double-sided adhesive on hemming tape creates a strong bond that will last through repeated laundering.
There are various widths available, suitable for hems of different sizes. It also comes in different strengths, and using the right type of hem tape for a particular fabric is important, as lightweight tapes designed for fabrics like cotton or silk will not hold heavyweight fabrics like corduroy Or brocade well. Width is also an important consideration, as the tape should not stick out, potentially scratching the wearer of a garment.
Depending on the type pf adhesive used, the glue may or may not come off easily, so this method of hemming is best for garments that don't shrink or won't require adjustments later.

#Thursdaymotivation
#thursdaythoughts
#thursdayfeeling

Do you know?

That Heat is what activates #perfume. The pulse points on your body (where your heart rate can be felt) are the best spots to apply a scent, due to the warmth of your blood. Some of such points are located behind your ear, at the bottom of your throat, on your wrist, inside your elbow, and behind your knee.

Now you know the best spot to apply your perfume
����
❤❤❤❤❤❤

#Tuesdaymotivation

When choosing a red lipstick, remember to get one that looks good with your undertone. If you have a warm undertone, go for warmer reds, and if you have a cool undertone, then go cooler.

#FashionBusinessTalk

What's the best way to sell fashion retail online/offline for an independent fashion designer with low startup cost?

Your collection is now ready! Congratulations!
Let's take the next step.

How to get it to retail stores online without spending a fortune?
You can set up your own online store,

If you consistently sell out online or have built up a large fan base online, this increases your chances of getting into a retail shop.

Your garment should be retail-ready. This means that hang tags, custom poly bags or packaging, printed shirt tags, etc should be available. You need to look put-together in order to be taken seriously by retail stores.

Find out what stores you want to be in and get all the information you can about them. Make sure your brand fits the style and will look good
with the rest of the products they sell.

When you visit retail stores take samples of your product

When you contact a store, don’t be surprised if you don’t hear back. These people can have hundreds of brands trying to get into their store. Yor need to follow up but don't overdo it so that you not damage your reputation.

Open a Retail Store
Sell at Local Boutiques
Sell at National Chains and Department Stores
Go to Trade Shows
Sell Your Line at Home Parties
Wear them! I highly recommend this

You have more options? Please drop this in this in the comment box below

#mondaymotivation
#myfuturestartsnow
#WeSpeakFashion

When arranging your closet, ask a friend whose style you admire to come over and help. She might offer new insight on how to wear certain items before you toss them..

#Fashiondictionary

Today's new word is

Collar Stand

Do you like wearing shirts without a tie?
Does it always have that crisp , sloppy look when you wear it without a tie?
Do you wish you can get it to stand?
Well you can

The job of the collar is to frame the face. When they flop down it ruins your outfit. the placket is the core that adds to the structural strength of the shirt's appearance.(check our previous post on explanation of placket) Plackets also lose their structural integrity over time, no matter how good the fabric’s quality is
Reinforcing the placket reinforces the shape of the front of the shirt and helps keep the collar up.
Best way to get your shirt collar to stand up and look crisp by using plastic collar stays removable from the shirt before laundering as they can melt under high temperatures. Magnetic collar stays can also be used or collar stay.
What have been using to achieve that great look? Do share with us in the comment box

#Thursdaymotivation
#thursdaythoughts
#thursdayfeeling

#FashionBusinessTalk

How to gather inspiration to design a collection for your clothing line

You are about to launch your clothing line? Congratulations. Here are few things that will help you.

Great fashion strikes the balance between what’s on trend and what’s totally new and unexpected. You need to know how you measure up, and you need to have an idea of what consumers are into at the moment. The most beautiful, thoughtful collection may struggle to make an impact if it’s exactly what we saw two seasons ago.

Ask yourself: Who am I designing for?

This means you’ll need to dedicate some time to think about who you want your clothes to speak to. Draft your ideal buyer persona . You need to think about everything from their age and income to their lifestyle. Who are they, and where are they going in your clothes?
Ask questions and get out there and talk to your ideal customer
Make sure you’re creating the clothing they want to buy. Keep in mind that your target doesn’t necessarily have to be just one person. Your ideal customers may also change and evolve over time

Gather images from magazines , books , the Internet or take your own pictures .
These can serve as a source of inspiration for you. If you decide on what to make then seek out materials that relate to it.

Look at composition, color, and balance within an image to get ideas. Also keep in mind what the story behind the image is, and think about how something similar could be applied to your design project.


Don't forget your signature style is what will set you apart from other designers and make you instantly recognizable.
.
#mondaymotivation
#myfuturestartsnow
#WeSpeakFashion

#FashionBusinessTalk

How do fashion designers come up with a name for their collections?

The short and simple answer to this is through inspiration. Inspiration doesn't always just happened at a snap of a finger, so your inspiration could come from several sources like
things in your environment,
your favorite movie
Your favorite music
Your favorite fragrance
Your favourite cities,
flowers and plants.
Books
Magazine
Art
cloud names
Species of trees.

It could be anything which describes the clothes.
You can have these written down. Try a play on the words by combining two to come up with something unique. Remember there is no right or wrong way of doing it so don’t expect perfection.

Add more tips in the comment box

# mondaymotivation
# myfuturestartsnow
# WeSpeakFashion

If you know you’re only going to wear a trendy item once or twice, don’t buy it. It doesn’t matter how little you spend on something. Don’t let fashion own you.

#Tuesdaymotivation

Make any outfit look great with just three key pieces
A face-flattering pair of classic sunglasses a gorgeous everyday leather handbag, and a smart pair of shoes you can easily walk in.
#Tuesdaymotivation

#Fashiondictionary

Today's new word is

Dart
A Dart is a fabric manipulation technique that gives the fabric a three dimensional contour by folding the fabric and stitching it to a point- basically giving shape to a garment. It accentuates curves of a body and gives clothes the correct fit

Darts are folds sewn into fabric to take in ease and provide shape to a garment,
Darts are an essential part of garment construction because they allow flat fabric to take on a shape that will fit the body well.

There are two main components of a dart: the point, also known as the apex, and the legs, which start at the widest part of the dart. The dart legs are the two lines that are brought together to create the fold of fabric that is stitched.

Types of dart
Plain dart
Double pointed darts
French darts
Curved darts

Different Dart placements

Mid shoulder dart
Shoulder tip dart
Mid Armhole dart
Mid neckline dart
Centre front neck dart
Standard waist dart
Center front waist dart
Double waist dart
Center front bust dart
Side straight dart / under the arm
Elbow Dart
Sleeve hem darts
Skirt /pant darts

Darts are added so that it points to the high point of the curve. The tip of the dart should not reach this point however –atleast 1/2 inch short of the point is best.
#Thursdaymotivation
#thursdaythoughts

#FashionBusinessTalk

Does environment matters?

Should environment affect pricing in business?

I have heard so many designers complain that they have their business in a local environment and for that reason their customers price down their work. Some customers will even go to the extent of telling them the price of zip and thread and for this reason they cower into accepting a ridiculous amount.
What do you all think?

While am waiting for your response to come in I have this to relate
In particular environment which many will consider local are two schools facing each other. One charges 100% higher than what the other is charging. One would have expected the one with the low school fees to have more students than the other. But that is not the case. The one with a low fee has a good structure and personnel but few students. When I made enquires I got to know that parents are withdrawing their children from the one with the low fees to the one charging higher fee because the later has lots of packages.
I decided to consider another business in another local environment facing each other. Both are food vendors. One charges high price per plate while the other sells to you as you want. I interview few persons that patronize the expensive one, they told me the meal is worth the amount they are charging. In fact most of their customers come from outside the environment and they always introduce their friends (free advert). The owner of the later has so many customers that when they open 6 00am they close 11.00pm. Having varieties of delicacies well prepared.
No wonder there are so many cars packed around there, one would imagine there is a party going on.
Let us hear your own views, you may be helping someone's business.

#mondaymotivation
#myfuturestartsnow
#WeSpeakFashion

#Fashiondictionary

Today's new word is

Blind stitches

A blind stitch in sewing is a method of joining two pieces of fabric so that the stitch thread is invisible, or nearly invisible. The stitch is made so as to be invisible on the right side and often nearly invisible on the wrong side

A sewing machine can also create a blind hem. In this case, a special presser foot( Blind stitch foot) is needed. A zigzag stitch technique may be used with a sewing machine to create a blind stitch. You can still create this invisible hem line with some practice and your standard presser foot

The blind-hem stitch is primarily used for hemming curtains, trousers, skirts, etc.      The blind hem stitch is one of those finishes that you see in many professionally made garments and draperies. When sewing a blind stitch, use a matching colored thread.

Blind hem stitching made on sewing machine is perfect for hemming garments from woolen or some other thick fabrics. In this case the hem stitches are barely noticeable on face side of clothes.
Why not try it for a professional finishing instead of a regular hemming.

#Thursdaymotivation
#thursdaythoughts

#FashionBusinessTalk

Can I learn fashion designing online?

The answer to this question is yes otherwise many will not offer this service.
Can everyone learn through online method?

The answer is no

Do I need basic knowledge for me to register to an online training and understand?

The answer is no but you have to start from foundation level as a beginner.
What can help me to successfully learn online?

Because it has to do with a training that requires visuals opt for a training uses these form of training(using videos and pictures illustrations to explain every step) .
Like everything in life that requires practice, put in practice whatever you have learned. Ask questions for clarification where you do not understand.
Have a sewing machine and other sewing tools available at home and practice immediately after the class.
The advantage of this method of training over a physical training in a particular location is that you have the opportunity to go over the training several times until you master it.
You have the opportunity to learn from the comfort of your your home.
You determine the time suitable for you
You can learn from many people using different method instead of using one particular that is being handed down.
Your determination, zeal passion for the profession will get you going and move you forward.
Since it is not everyone that can learn through this method if you find out that this method will not work for you then go to a physical location where you will have a one on one training with a professional.

#mondaymotivation
#myfuturestartsnow
#WeSpeakFashion

Wearing excessive amounts of makeup makes it look like you are hiding your real face under a mask. Apply make up wisely

Figure types
Figure is the shape of the human body especially body that is attractive. The physical conditions of the human body influences the choice of fabric and fitting of styles, patterns and colors of clothes worn

Identification of different figure types
The tall and slim..... Slender figure
The short and slim...... Petite figure
The tall and fat........ Huge figure
The short and fat..... Stout figure

The common figures

Drooping shoulders
Narrow shoulders
Small bust
Heavy bust
Flat chest
Short neck
Long neck
Large abdomen
Long waist
Short and plump
Hollow back
Large and heavy hip
Bust and hips of same size with small waist
Small bust and small waist with large Hips
Bust and hips of same size with well defined waist

Next week we will continue with clothes suitable for each figure type

Wearing all-black offers a fast-pass to instant chic as it makes every figure look slimmer and more put-together. It's also a total time-saving strategy on hectic mornings, because you know that everything in your wardrobe will match.

Fashion /Beauty Tips

Do you wear natural locks?

Do you know that when you put a small amount of oil based fragrance on your fingertips and run them through your hair, this will help the fragrance to linger in your locks longer than normal spray
Try it.
❤❤❤❤����������

You have a jeans that is shorter and you wish to can do something about it because you love it and still fits. Then roll the hem and create a lovely outfit.

#FashionBusinessTalk

Fabric consumption calculation

A lot beginners often wonder how much fabric do I need for a particular style? Well if you are into RTW(ready to wear) you may follow the pattern instruction to calculate this. But when you are into made to measure (MTM) where for example a mother will come with six yards of material and ask you to sew six pieces skirt and peplum top for her and her two girls ages four and six. The mother's hip is 42 and bust is 40. Then she ask I hope the material will be enough?
Those with experience will easily answer this question but beginners will find this difficult to answer.
This is open for discussion. Which practical suggestions or tips will you give?
What has worked for you?

#mondaymotivation
#myfuturestartsnow
#WeSpeakFashion

#FashionBusinessTalk

Phew that was great. Now you can fit into the fashion business of your choice, enjoy yourself and also make money. A lot of questions has been raised concerning making money, getting clients, learning etc. Each of these questions will be attended to one after the other.

One of such questions is

Should I learn from a Tailor's workshop or should I go to a fashion school?

A lot of people have good reasons to believe that going to a Tailor's shop is better while others will argue against that. We will like to look at it in line with other professions

Can a person go to a drug store or chemist shop and after some time the person becomes a doctor? Can a medical student become a doctor without going for internship?

Having that point in mind let's see reasons why people believe going to a Tailor's shop is better (We will look at the good side and the bad side)

Many believe that in a Tailor's shop you will have a lot of practicals.

While this may be true to an extent, it all depends on the person you are learning from how versatile or creative he or she is. There are places where the owner sees customers few times in month and even when such customers come they sew only simple styles. So when such bosses doesn't have anything to teach because there is no syllabus. They make their apprentice to spend six months to learn how to pedal a sewing machine and and six months to learn how to sew straight stitches. Apprentice in such places spend two years without achieving much. .
There are tailors shop the boss has a lot of customers. These ones are of two types. The ones that forbid talking while they are cutting and the ones that are ready to teach you. They are willing to go over what they have said just for you to follow.
Being in the best tailor and teacher's shop doesn’t guarantee better learning. Again this depends on the student. I have seen students who started sewing after three months of training and after six months their boss can release customers clothes for them to sew. Whereas some in the same shops have spent one year and they are still learning how to pedal a sewing machine.

Tailor's shop charges low fee for a long period
Conduct a research before making payment

Fashion school will only teach you theory.
A fashion school have different courses and the duration varies
There are foundation, intermediate and advance. This also depends on the school. Good fashion schools expose you to a lot of practicals.
Fashion Schools are expensive
Yes they should be. All professional programs are

Please drop your comments in the comments box below. Your opinion really count.

#mondaymotivation
#WeSpeakFashion
#myfuturestartsnow