Monthly Archives: August 2010

FASHION, RETAIL, SOCIAL MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY STUFF I LUV FROM MY TWITTER

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I’ve been ridiculously busy reading up on so many news articles lately that I haven’t had time to write anything cool. But so many cool things are happening!!! I have mixed feelings of ambitious chasing and being left behind when it comes to fashion, retail, social media & technology. I don’t want to skip a beat but there are just too many players out there on the hustle. I don’t have time to write about them all, and I’ve been tweeting up a storm that none of these links stay on my site for more than 24 hours. I went through my tweets and hand picked some of my faves :)

Enjoy!

Fashion Los Angeles & Two Point Oh LA http://tinyurl.com/38oc36u

L.A. Fashion Week Plans Begin http://www.apparelnews.net/news/fashion_news/081310-LA-Fashion-Week-Plans-Begin

Emergence of Fashion Los Angeles 2011 http://www.lafashionweek.com/2010/06/get-ready-la-for-the-emergence-of-fashion-los-angeles-2011.html

Bloggers’ Café hosted by Fashion Los Angeles http://www.fashionlosangeles.org/bloggerscafe/

Ebay redoubles fashion marketing efforts http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/news/1024923/Ebay-redoubles-marketing-efforts-fashion-offering/

Social media case studies from Target, National Geographic, Adidas, and 7 more http://tinyurl.com/36ec93n #socialmedia

Google makes bold move to battle Skype http://money.cnn.com/2010/08/25/technology/google_voice/index.htm #business

Zara Wakes Up to the Web http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703632304575451282067480988.html #retail #ecommerce

How To Avoid Social Media Wipeout http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/2010/07/09/how-to-avoid-social-media-wipeout/ #socialmedia

André Leon Talley and Tavi to Cover Fashion’s Night Out Live Online http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2010/08/alt_and_tavis_fno_plans.html

Madonna Needs Backup Dancers…For Her Clothing Line http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2010/08/madonna_needs_backup_dancersfo.html

BABY PHAT LEFT KIMORA LEE SIMMONS http://www.e-styling.info/sources-say-kimora-lee-simmons-didn’t-leave-baby-phat-—-baby-phat-left-her

Gucci Launches New Improved Ecommerce Site http://www.zippycart.com/ecommerce-news/1446-gucci-launches-new-and-improved-ecommerce-site.html

Get trendstop trendtracker™ – the mobile app for fashion professionals on the move! http://www.trendstop.com/mobile_app

Emergence of Fashion Los Angeles 2011 http://www.lafashionweek.com/2010/06/get-ready-la-for-the-emergence-of-fashion-los-angeles-2011.html

Top 5 Ways Big Brands are Using Foursquare mashable.com/2010/08/24/big… via @mashbusiness@mashable

Gleeks! ‘Glee’ Clothing Line Debuts http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2010/08/23/lets-go-shopping-gleeks-glee-clothing-line-debuts/

October 24: Retail Camp Los Angeles http://fashionablymarketing.me/2010/08/retailcamp-los-angeles/

Hautelook Success, Differentiation and PR http://bit.ly/cEfyYS

‘Mad Men’ helps Maidenform perk up profits and boost bra industry to greater heights: http://soc.li/mNlKmPX

Plus-Size Runway Show New York Fashion Week http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-plus-size-runway-show-coming-to-new-york-fashion-week/

Social Media Fashion Statements http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3i915ec0f14ba05d6758899b2637bbcc99

Rethinking the Value of Social Media http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2010/tc20100819_242269.htm

Google Buys Visual Shopping Search Engine Like.com http://mashable.com/2010/08/20/google-acquires-like-com/

Selfridges and Dolce & Gabbana in ‘giant falling out’ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/7955033/Selfridges-and-Dolce-and-Gabbana-in-giant-falling-out.html

US Online Retail sales will reach $250 billion in 2014 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/danny-wong/the-long-tail-of-retail_b_679613.html

Dancing with the Stars costume designer inks MAJOR fashion deal! http://ht.ly/2swRB

MNG by Mango launches at JCPenney! http://ht.ly/2s6OF

Levi’s Denizen brand debuts in Shanghai & targets “ordinary people” http://ow.ly/2scIG

New H&M iPhone app gets you a 20% discount http://recombu.com/apps/iphone/handm-app-review_M12221.html

FGILA Heats Up Los Angeles http://fashionablymarketing.me/2010/08/fgila-heats-up-los-angeles/

Fashion: How San Francisco Leads Social Commerce & Content Creation http://retailcampsf.eventbrite.com/?ref=ebtn

American Apparel Subpoenaed After Auditor Quits http://nyti.ms/9gjEpo

The future of PR and social media, from @mashable http://ow.ly/2rDew

Targeting Younger Buyers, Liz Claiborne Hits Snag http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703999304575399552246431616.html

Even retailers buy into celebrity of haul videos http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/15/LV301EP5CT.DTL

A Sneak Peek at LOVE’s New iPad App http://fashionista.com/2010/08/a-sneak-peek-at-loves-new-ipad-app/

Converse & Missoni Chuck Taylor All Star Fall 2010 Collection

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Photos courtesy of Converse

I really, really don’t wear sneakers. Obvi, the gym. But out? No. But this second collaboration (first collab was Spring 2010) between Converse and Italian luxury brand Missoni, is the kind of sneaker I would wear all day long, and go to bed with them on.

Photos courtesy of Converse

BLACK & WHITE! So classic. For Fall 2010, Converse & Missoni worked on the Chuck Taylor All Star Hi again, and this time, made it look so much more… Missoni. The upper is made of the iconic Missoni fabrics, while the tongue, lining and side-panel logo are made of butter soft leather. They will release two different colorways, both featuring the Missoni logo embossed on the tongue. I’ve been obsessing about classics lately, and black & white is definitely my favorite color scheme as of late!

Photos courtesy of Converse

Two patterns featured this season are bold horizontal stripes and the notorious Missoni zigzag pattern, created by a unique technique called Raschel revived by the Missoni house in the late ‘60s for high-end fashion. The shoes will launch in early September at Missoni boutiques (New York and Beverly Hills), Aloha Rag (New York), Canvas (Malibu) & Jeffrey’s (New York and Atlanta), and also at select retailers globally. These shoes retail price at $200 and will be available in unisex sizing 3 – 13.

Photos courtesy of Converse

“The possibility of collaborating with Converse was very flattering to me, a fascinating chance of stylistic dialogue and interaction. I liked the idea that Converse and Missoni, with their very strong, well recognizable and universally known identities, could get together in such a special way,” says Mrs. Angela Missoni, Creative Director of Missoni.

Photos courtesy of Converse

The classic Chuck Taylor All Star shoe feature black and white space dyed knits covering the sides and toecap, finished off with soft sheep leather in “Missoni Brick Red” on the split tongue, heel pull tab and partially lined collar, each pair is unique due to the space dyed technique.

Photos courtesy of Converse

Los Angeles Celebrates Fashion’s Night Out Sept. 10, 2010

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September 10, 2010, 6pm – 10pm: Los Angeles’ rendition of the world-wide FASHION’S NIGHT OUT, an annual shopping extravaganza  led by Vogue Magazine and the Council of Fashion Designers of America, is turning into the city’s most anitcipated fashion event of 2010. And yes, it’s free.

Los Angeles Fashion’s Night Out 2010 Official Website

Countries & Cities celebrating FASHION’S NIGHT OUT

The night will start at the Beverly Center where there will be a series of events including “Denim Rocks,” a fashion show sponsored by Macy’s featuring L.A. denim designers. From there, fashionistas are encouraged to visit the participating communities, Robertson Blvd. (West 3rd St. to Beverly Blvd); Melrose Avenue (Fairfax to La Cienega); West 3rd Street (Fairfax to La Cienega); Abbot Kinney in Venice; Los Feliz (Sunset to Los Feliz, Vermont to Hillhurst), and downtown at the Cooper Design Building.

AFTER PARTY? The official Fashion’s Night Out Los Angeles “post-retail  fashion celebration” will be held at SBE’s new club Industry from 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., with a fashion presentation showcasing some of L.A.’s best fashion talent (Kevan Hall and Louis Verdad are among those who’ve already signed on). You have to spend to attend. The event will be open only to shoppers who have a minimum $25 worth of receipts from participating FNOLA retailers.

Fashion’s Night Out T-Shirts: FIDM Student Marc Blaskovits won a contest to create the official t-shirt for L.A.’s upcoming “Fashion’s Night Out” event. Want to show your support for the next generation of fashion leaders? Buy the exclusive FNO Los Angeles t-shirts at participating retailers and at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Book Store! All proceeds go to the California Fashion Association Foundation to be distributed as tuition grants for FIDM students.

Nicky Hilton tweets: “Love my new Jimmy Choo Uggs!”

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Nicky Hilton tweets via TweetPhoto: “Love my new Jimmy Choo Uggs!”

Back in January, Jimmy Choo announced they were offering the solution for women who opt for comfort over fashion – with their version of the Ugg boot…. uh, eww.

Of course Ms. Nicky Hilton would give us the spoiler alert, and name drop that she gets designer pieces before the masses even get a chance to snag one in the stores. Hilton tweeted and showed off her new Jimmy Choo for UGG footwear, which isn’t supposed to hit stores until October 2010.

Ewwwwww. At Jimmy Choo for Ugg.

LOL. At Nicky Hilton!

No thank you. At this hideous winter boot.

Target Partners with Gilt Groupe, First Sale is Friday!

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Everyone knows Target, duh. Surprisingly and sadly, not many know about Gilt Groupe. On Gilt you have access to the top names in fashion and luxury at up to 70% off retail. Membership is free :) I love free. Invite only, and you’re invited from Karen Lacanilao. You’re welcome.

The members-only shopping site announced its partnership with Target today. What does that mean for us? Well, for starters, Gilt Groupe members get to buy select items from Target’s new Tucker clothing line, Mulberry bags, and John Derian home goods, before anyone else :) The Target Designer Sale on Gilt starts this Friday at noon ET, and Gilt members can expect an advance look at select items from this fall’s three limited-edition designer collections before they arrive in stores.

According to the Gilt Groupe site: “Be among the first to get your hands on Tucker’s dainty tops and ladylike dresses, boasting pretty butterfly and diamond prints; Mulberry’s chic carryalls, from patent satchels to denim cross-bodies; and John Derian’s charming decoupaged tablewares, picture frames and storage bins.”

As a bargain hunter of all things fab, amazing and super cute, I must say that Target has made me a believer. Who shopped at target in the 80s or 90s? Notttt I. Target has completely re-branded themselves over the last three years and has partnered with high profile fashion power houses such as Luella Bartley, Proenza Schouler, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Rodarte, just to name a few. Not surprised that Target chose Gilt for this pre, exclusive, flash sale.

www.jakenarciso.com

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I was in SD last weekend, and hooked up with my bud Jake!

This was kind of my first time doing this sort of thing, but surprisingly, I wasn’t as nervous or as lost as I had originally anticipated. The big deal is, I hate it when people stare at me, I don’t so much enjoy being the center of attention (in real life), and I am definitely NOT a model or the model type, if there is a diff. I am so so so so so soooo weirded out, posting these pictures on here. I don’t even think these pictures look like me at all, meaning to say, Jake did an incredible job :)

This project was such an amazingly fun collaboration toward marketing both of our efforts on the world wide web.

Jake Narciso is a San Diego native and a highly passionate artist. Graphics, web, and photography are his canvases. He began as a graphic artist which grew into a passion in web design. When his clientele grew and the demand for photography came into the picture, he was forced to invest in his first DSLR… the rest is history.

www.jakenarciso.com

Top 3 Mistakes All Guys Make

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So, I know this is my fashion, retail, business, marketing, all of the above blog, and I’ve been totally slacking, in part due to having the most amazing summer of my life since probably 2004. Ouch… But anyway, I thought I’d take the time to post a blog about what’s been taking up a large portion of the time I would usually spend reading and blogging (Read: geek). Which is dating. Or hanging out with guys, because guys don’t date anymore, I don’t think. The last time I was single was 2004 (this was only for about 4 months and before that, it was 2003 for also a few months tops) and guys dated back then and actually courted me and called to talk on the phone and make plans. I think at that young stage in my life, guys were also less jaded and the text message didn’t start gaining momentum yet…

I’ve been single for almost a year, and about 90% of that time I was working and schooling full-time and since finishing school this past June, I am not so self-absorbed anymore. I can now say I have the time to go out and meet people. So, with all of this backstory disclaimer, and without further ado… here are my dating deal breakers (and I have talked to many women, ages 22-34, of all different backgrounds, religions, ethnicities, and education and income levels… they agree that these are universal things women want. And yes, I have to look at this from a demographic marketing perspective so I am not biased!)

1. Pick me up. Or at least offer. Is that so hard now? Do you have a car? Is it the LA traffic? I am not sure if the fact that 10 miles in LA can usually be about 1 hour, in traffic, has to do with any of this. Meeting up is ok the first and maybe second time because of course you don’t want a total creeper knowing where you live. But if it’s the third date and you are still not offering to pick me up…  Number 1, if it gets to a third date I am obviously interested in you, hello? Number 2, if you don’t pick me up on the third date, I am obviously not interested in you anymore, goodbye! I’m serious. Also, guys, picking up your date will only last for a few months, because if it works out, she will start meeting you at your place.

2. Call me. I think I am struggling with this the most. Guys rarely, and I mean RARELY, call since the invention of the text message and social media. One guy called me all the time and I loved that so much I started dating him exclusively only for that one reason (we are not dating anymore because I moved away and I don’t do long distance). But the power of a phone call is very good leverage, guys. Do you know this? If you are looking for a competitive advantage and differentiation, no guy does this, trust me. Out of about 20 guys, only 1 guy called me consistently and I liked him the most. Obviously, if I am interested in you, I have no problem calling you either. So just call. If she calls you back, you’re golden, homie!

3. Take me to dinner. I know that sounds a little high maintenance but it is standard. Many dates I’ve went on were drinks, coffee, and believe it or not clubs. What the hell. Drinks and coffee are ok on the first date, you know, keep it casual, keep it cool, decide during those two hours whether or not you are interested. But the second date should be dinner. Again, I don’t think many girls in LA eat… But, I’m Filipina and I eat a lot. I love eating. I can probably eat more than you. If I don’t eat I get cranky and can become a little bitchy. And honestly, you don’t have to take me anywhere fancy. Just sharing good food is the best thing a guy can do for me. After a movie, a guy once took me to get $1 tacos from a truck and we ate sitting down on the dirty sidewalk of downtown LA, and that was one of the best meals I ever enjoyed. Anyhoo, I recently dated a guy who took me to a club for our first date, which was different and I thought it was kinda fun, actually, I really liked him a lot and the music was hot. He asked me out the second time to another club and I was so over him.  Major fail. I told this story to my roommate and she said it best, “Karen, if he can’t handle the pressure of getting to know a woman over dinner, then there is something very wrong with him.”

So, I know all of this sounds like a lot of work. But if you are genuinely interested, these are just basic tips I thought I’d share and all women want these three things. She is lying if she says otherwise. Trust me, I hate dating. I don’t want to do it, actually. I’m on hiatus. It should all come very naturally, I believe, if you are into someone. So, if you don’t [offer to] pick me up, don’t call me, and don’t take me out to dinner, I can just assume you are not that into me :) and that is all good, I will be on my merry way. Hope this helps someone.