Gossip On Melrose & this absolutely hot studded vest!

Posted on January 28, 2011 by Karen Lacanilao

Gossip On Melrose has gifted this absolutely hot studded vest for one lucky Fashion Groupie reader!

Available in a size small (fits Extra Small – Medium)

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Follow @GossipOnMelrose on Twitter and tweet the following: “I want to win the studded vest from @GossipOnMelrose via the @fashion_groupie giveaway!!”

2. “Like” Gossip On Melrose on Facebook HERE – And post something creative on the wall and be sure to mention the Fashion Groupie giveaway.

3. Once you have completed step 1 and step 2, leave a comment on this post letting me know, and make sure I have your email address!

This giveaway starts now and ends Monday February 14, 2011 at 11:59 PM P.S.T. No purchase necessary.

** THIS GIVEAWAY IS OPEN TO US READERS **

Check out the new Gossip On Melrose website and blog. Or visit at:

7322 Melrose Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90046

Very special thank you to Leah for this exclusive opportunity to interview and feature a funky, local LA boutique that caters to young trendy women like me (on a budget)

FG: Tell us what inspired you to open your own boutique/start your own brand?
GOM: Family business. I bought Gossip on Melrose from my stepmom and dad approx 10 years ago.

FG: What is your personal style?
GOM: I’m a t-shirt and jeans girl. I just like my things to fit well…clothes can swallow me right up!

FG: Who is your target customer? What is their style and lifestyle?
GOM: Everyday girl with an edge. A non-contrived personality who enjoys fashion but does not take it or herself too seriously.

FG: When did you know fashion was what you wanted to do for a living?
GOM: I didn’t actually. I just fell into and happened to enjoy it.

FG: What was your biggest challenge getting to where you are now?
GOM: Hmmmm….everything about running your own business is a challenge.

FG: How do you select the brands and merchandise for your store?
GOM: Quality, originality, price.

FG: What do you do to make your store/brand stand out amongst other boutiques/brands?
GOM: Putting items (outfits, adding accessories, etc) together that some might not “get” but be intrigued by. For some reason Japanese and French tourists that come in tend to really enjoy and understand the uniqueness we try to convey.

FG: If you can give any advice to young entrepreneurs, what would you tell them?
GOM: Network.

FG: Are you planning anything exciting for your brand/boutique/customers for 2011?
GOM: Promotions for those on our email list and facebook group – of course anyone can join them…just gotta sign up.

FG: What is your website address?
GOM: www.gossiponmelrose.com / www.everybodygossip.blogspot.com

FG: What is your Twitter name/address?
GOM:@GossipOnMelrose

FG: What is your Facebook name?
GOM: Gossip on Melrose

“Savvy” Mid-Rise Bootcut GIVEAWAY from Russh Mode Denim

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Karen Lacanilao

Russh Mode Denim has gifted Fashion Groupie’s second giveaway!

“Savvy” Mid-Rise Bootcut, the inseam is 34″ and it retails for $165.00 Available in sizes 25 – 32.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Follow @russhmode on Twitter and tweet the following: “I want to win the classic Savvy Mid-Rise Bootcut from @russhmode via the @fashion_groupie giveaway!!”

2. “Like” Russh Mode on Facebook HERE – And post something creative on the wall and be sure to mention the Fashion Groupie giveaway.

3. Once you have completed step 1 and step 2, leave a comment on this post letting me know, and make sure I have your email address!

This giveaway starts now and ends Monday January 31st, 2011 at 11:59 PM P.S.T. No purchase necessary.

** THIS GIVEAWAY IS OPEN TO US READERS **

Check out Russh Mode’s website & who is carrying their line here. THANK YOU RUSSH MODE!! Special thank you to George Arrington for this exclusive opportunity to interview and feature a truly classic denim brand hitting retailers nationwide.

FG: Tell us what inspired you to start you own brand?
RM: To offer an alternative in the premium denim market to an underserved group which is the customer who is more curvy and can be anywhere from a size 25 to 38.

FG: What is your personal style?
RM: A mix of sophisticated styling with a luxury feel, combining the latest trends with timeless design.

FG: Who is you target customer? What is their style and lifestyle?
RM: Our target customer is a lover of denim who appreciates high quality and excellent fitting jeans that can serve as a wardrobe staple being able to stay at the front of their closet for years to come. Our customer’s gravitate toward styles that are on trend but are timeless in terms of design, she has a busy lifestyle and is always on the go.

FG: How do you find inspiration for your collection?
RM: What inspires us most is that we have the oppurtunity to create the perfect jeans for our customer’s to fall in love with, that will also serve as a wardrobe staple, justifying the money they spend.

FG: How did you come up with the name of your brand?
RM: I came up with the name Russh Mode, a play on the phrase “rush mode”, because our customer has a very busy lifestyle and is always on the go.

FG: What do you do to make your brand stand out amoungst other brands?
RM: Russh Mode is the first premium denim collection to offer a curved back pocket shape for superior fit and contouring. In addition the jeans subtly emphasize a womaan’s curves with shaped stitching on the back pockets.

FG: If you can give any advice to young entrepreneurs, what would you tell them?
RM: If you have a passion for this, learn all that you can about it particularly the business of fashion, and go for it and all the best to you!

FG: Are you planning anything exciting for your brand/customers for 2011?
RM: Yes, we are adding more tops, knit’s and woven’s and I’m really excited about that.

FG: What is your website address?
RM: http://www.russhmode.com, we have a blog as well at: http://russhmode.blogspot.com.

FG: What is your Twitter name and address?
RM: Our Twitter name is: russhmode, and the address is: http://www.twitter.com/russhmode.

FG: What is your Facebook name and address?
RM: Our Facebook name is: russhmode, and the address is: http://www.facebook.com/russhmode.

Michelle Top GIVEAWAY from Katwalk Boutique

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Karen Lacanilao

Katwalk boutique has gifted Fashion Groupie’s first giveaway!

Michelle Top – This top or dress has lace details in the front and back. Wear it as a tunic with leggings and a belt or be daring and wear it as a dress! You can’t go wrong with this item! 100% Rayon. Hand wash. Available sizes: Small or Medium only.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Follow @shopkatwalk on Twitter and tweet the following: “I want to win the oh so sexy and classy Michelle Top from @shopkatwalk from the @fashion_groupie giveaway!!”

2. “Like” the katwalk on Facebook HERE – And post something creative on the wall and be sure to mention the Fashion Groupie giveaway.

3. Once you have completed step 1 and step 2, leave a comment on this post letting me know, and make sure I have your email address!

This giveaway starts now and ends Saturday January 15th, 2011 at 11:59 PM P.S.T. No purchase necessary.

** THIS GIVEAWAY IS OPEN TO US READERS **

Check out Katwalk Boutique at:

Manhattan Beach
312 Manhatttan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
310.798.7399

Westwood
1073 Broxton Ave
Westwood, CA 90024
310.208.2120

Santa Barbara
801 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805.965.8720

THANK YOU KATWALK!! I am so excited for this giveaway. I handpicked this top/dress/tunic! Also, I was able to do an awesome one-on-one with Kat Masters, owner of Katwalk Boutique —

Tell us what inspired you to open your own boutique? I have always loved fashion and business. A boutique combines both.

What is your personal style? A little rock ‘n roll, boho chic!

Who is your target customer? What is their style and lifestyle? I love to cater to the girl on the go. She has a ton of events and she always wants to look fantastic and feel confident

When did you know fashion was what you wanted to do for a living? Since I was a very, tiny girl!

What was your biggest challenge getting to where you are now? Argh, the recession!

How do you select the brands and merchandise for your store? I imagine different customers and buy for different figures and styles. I don’t just buy for my style; I love to see our customer express their own personal style.

How did you come up with the name of your store? My name is Kat!

What do you do to make your store/brand stand out amongst other boutiques/brands? We merchandise and style it uniquely. We always want to help our customers to the fullest. If customers have any questions, we are in store and online to help!

If you can give any advice to young entrepreneurs, what would you tell them? When someone tells you your dream is not realistic, ignore them! Keep your goal in sight and you will succeed!

Are you planning anything exciting for your brand/boutique/customers for 2011? Our website is up in full swing which is so exciting. We’re also planning on expanding outside of California.

Web: http://www.shopkatwalk.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shopkatwalk

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/shopkatwalk

Fashion Groupie is looking to expand in 2011

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Karen Lacanilao

I began Fashion Groupie in September 2009 for fun and networking my way from San Diego into the Los Angeles fashion scene. Since then, I have met some amazing new friends, covered some fabulous events, and was able to share some great news and information with the blogosphere. Currently, Fashion Groupie has approximately 350 unique visitors each day, with an estimated 200 unique visitors each day in Los Angeles county. Fashion Groupie has over 900 followers on Twitter, and over 200 fans on Facebook.

I am looking to expand Fashion Groupie in 2011 with bi-weekly giveaways for my readers. I am looking for partners, designers, boutique owners to gift a prize — just looking for something around $40 – $50 retail. My goal is to double my readers/followers/fans before June 2011.

I already have my first three giveaway sponsors/partners for 2011!

Katwalk