PetitPoix

From Pothead to Successful Business Owner

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 03:57:00 -0700

Brittney Gray is a California business owner. She relays in her characteristic forthright and undisguised manner how she started and is running her own beauty salon as a sole proprietor. Although she realizes this route is not for everyone, she tells us her reasons for starting her own business rather than working in a salon. Visit PetitPoix's Fashion School and Fashion Career Pages for more ideas about how to pursue a career in Fashion and Beauty.

Office Holiday Party - What to Wear?

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 03:54:00 -0800

Some of the items viewed in this video are available for sale in my closet at Poshmark https://poshmark.com/closet/petitpoix . Use invite code PETITPOIX when registering with Poshmark and you will receive a $5.00 credit. Otherwise you can try JCPenney, Sears and Ross. Subscribe and stay tuned for more videos about the ins and outs of working in an office. I have received no compensation from any of the brands or stores mentioned in this video.

Items shown in this video can be found at:

JCPenney
Brand: "Worthington" Black Lace and Gold Foil Dress. Size 16W, 18W, 24W and 30W are available in my Poshmark Closet. https://poshmark.com/closet/petitpoix
Also available in Tall, Petit and Plus Sizes at JCPenney.
Tall: https://www.jcpenney.com/p/worthington-sleeveless-ombre-shift-dress-tall/ppr5007263844?pTmplType=regular
Plus: https://www.jcpenney.com/p/worthington-sleeveless-pleated-dress-plus/ppr5007276616?pTmplType=regular
Regular Sizes: https://www.jcpenney.com/p/worthington-sleeveless-fit-flare-dress/ppr5007268611?pTmplType=regular

Other Suggestions from JCPenney if you can't find the above:

Black and Gold Foil Skirt: http://www.jcpenney.com/p/worthington-woven-pleated-skirt/ppr5007266765?pTmplType=regular
Pleated Soft Midi Skirt: http://www.jcpenney.com/p/worthington-woven-pleated-skirt/ppr5007266765?pTmplType=regular

Ross
"En Focus" brand dress from Ross. Ross does not sell online, visit the store near you. En Focus is my favorite brand from Ross and they sell in sizes ranging from 0 to SSBBW.

Ugly Rack Style

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Sun, 13 Nov 2016 00:48:00 -0800

We've all seen ugly clothes before. Those unfortunate rejects that sit endlessly on the clearance rack. A fashion buyer's bet that didn't pay off and a harried retail manager trying to unload these useless rags onto any passing sucker at cost or less. The only salvation at this point before writing off the wholesale stock forever as a business loss might be a talented fashion stylist or merchandiser. If you think you have a knack for making undesirable garments appealing to consumers you may have what it takes for one of those careers. In the below video we introduce two Ugly Rack garments. Use your imagination and talent. How would you save them? Find some of the items in our video series in the PetitPoix closet on Poshmark. When you download the Poshmark app and sign in from your mobile device use code PETITPOIX for a $10.00 credit. Visit the Fashion Careers page on this website to learn more about different careers you might consider in the fashion industry.

Sell, Buy and Trade Clothes on Poshmark

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 16:32:00 -0700

Enter Invite Code PETITPOIX for a $10.00 Credit

"Would you be willing to give me that haltertop for these two lipsticks?"

"What if I throw in throw in a pair of zirconia stud earrings?"

These are the types of trades you may have made with your friends back in the day. Maybe you still deal in "closet stock" today. Whether you are selling your own designs, vintage clothes, clothing you don't use or looking for great deals and trades to add more pizazz to your closet, Poshmark is the place to go. Find your niche or create your own to buy, sell or trade clothing, accessories, shoes and makeup.

Poshmark is a venue. Each "shop" is run individually by each Poshmark member. Use all the same precautions as you would with any online business transaction. If you are going to use Poshmark to run your own clothing business remember to provide your customers with the best possible customer service. You will be reviewed after each sale so do your best to keep your excellent reputation as a top-rated seller. Attend the Poshmark online parties where attendees share their items with the group.

A US$10.00 credit is offered only when Poshmark sellers or shoppers sign up through the fast, quick downloadable Poshmark App available on Google Play and ITunes App Store. Enter the invite code petitpoix to receive the credit. Then invite your friends and you receive $10.00 cash or credit once that friend makes their first purchase on Poshmark using the mobile app as well. Find the Petitpoix closet on Poshmark by typing @PETITPOIX into the shop search once you sign up!

Spring is Here! Mingo & Grace "Sew Spring" Sewing Contest.

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Mon, 4 Apr 2016 16:02:00 -0700

The Mingo & Grace Sew Spring Contest has begun!

Turn your love of design and sewing into a Visa Giftcard. There are three different categories for you to enter and first, second and third place prizes! You need simply download the Mingo & Grace MG2716 pattern and throw your passion and creativity into your design. If you don't already have one, you need to open an account on Instagram to post a photo or photos of your entry. Visit the Mingo & Grace blog for complete instructions on how to enter and for the contest rules.

PetitPoix has received no payment or compensation of any kind from Mingo & Grace.

Fashion Law

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 06:46:00 -0800

Mansur Gavriel vs Copycats

Does Kylie Jenner have the right to trademark the name "Kylie"? Not if Kylie Minogue has anything to say about it! Who is the "mystery investor" which has bought up a stake of nearly 5 percent in luxury fashion brand Burberry? What "copycat" fashion cases are currently making waves in courtrooms? Which famous brands are filing for bankruptcy? Which are merging? Which fashion model is suing Trump Model Management, the modeling agency owned by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump? Answers to these questions and more can be found at The Fashion Law blog, founded by fashion law writer Julie Zerbo.

From the "about" section at http://www.thefashionlaw.com:

"The Fashion Law is the source of objective fashion law and business analysis, and serves as a community for lawyers, business executives, fashion industry insiders, designers, and students, alike. THE FASHION LAW was recently named one of the 50 Fashion Voices to Follow on Social Media by New York Magazine."

Request is a First for a Black Model at Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2015

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 17:22:00 -0800

Follow Maria on Twitter @IamMariaBorges

When Angolan born fashion model, Maria Borges proposed that the show's producers let her wear her natural afro on the runway of this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (VSFS) she was not sure how they would take her request. Miss Borges is the first black model ever to wear her natural hair on the Victoria's Secret runway. The show has been held every year since 1995.

Viewers are enlivened when we first see Borges' eye-catching retro-modern look during the backstage hubub. She wears large hoop earrings, a tassle rope choker necklace and a beaded macrame fringe bolero shrug over white tiger print lingerie. She is utterly stunning; the all white garb striking against her smooth, glowing skin. At 5 feet 11 inches tall and wearing 6-inch platforms she must lean forward slightly for a makeup artist to apply lip color just before she makes her historical breakout onto the runway to a fast-beat version of the Temptations song, "Ball of Confusion."

Walk on Sister, walk on.

In an interview for Essence Magazine she tells other black women who are considering going natural, “Be strong. If you say you’re beautiful without hair and makeup, then they will believe you. It’s about being confident and always being yourself.”

Maria Borges' home country of Angola is the seventh largest country in Africa and gained independence from Portugal in 1975. The main languages spoken in Angola are Portuguese and Bantu. VSFS is an event awaited each year by millions of people in 192 countries. The 2015 show aired December 8 on CBS and drew over 6.5 million viewers as well as millions more on the internet in the days that followed. Visit zaful.com for more Retro Modern Looks!

Shop the Victoria's Secret!

"Fireworks" Display

Carol's Daughter Beauty for Hair, Skin and Body-"Fulfilling the Beauty Needs of the Diversity of Skins that Make up the Tapestry of our World..."

Healthy Hair Butter

Tutorial - Knit a Preemie Hat for the American Heart Association

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Tue, 1 Dec 2015 19:42:00 -0800

Donate to the Little Hats/Big Hearts campaign for the American Heart Association. To knit or crochet a little red hat for babies in participating hospitals click the link for more information. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Affiliate/Little-Hats-Big-Hearts_UCM_470829_SubHomePage.jsp

Yarn donations as well as monetary donations are also accepted.

Fashion and Gender

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 20:38:00 -0700

Holecroft Boyfriend Shirt by Jack Wills

Moving limits on gender is another tool used by clothing designers to create compelling looks. From the 2015 Fashion and... Symposium Series which took place last May at the University of Minnesota "Genderism is the belief that gender is a binary and that there should be only two genders. This belief can reinforce negative attitudes and discrimination towards people who display gender variance or those whose gender identity is incongruent with their birth sex. There has been long debate concerning fashion and gender and what it means not only to appear and dress in a means that reflects expected gender ideals but what it means to reject typically masculine or feminine ways of appearing. Fashion is a device to break though gender boundaries, it provides a canvas upon which to portray, establish, question, or confirm gender identity. Fashion can be used to enable establishment of one’s gender and support or refute genderism." The next Fashion and....Symposium takes place in April 2016.

The Twistout Tomboy Unisex Scarf

US$30.00 Prize Winner Announced!

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Thu, 4 Jun 2015 20:35:00 -0700


The durag drafted and sewn by Ann M. Model: Her Husband, Bill M. Favorite Charity: SPCA International

The 2015 PetitPoix contest has come to a close and the winners this year were the animals! While disappointingly there were no participants in the creative competitions, one home-based designer Ann M. sent us pictures of a durag she made with a pattern she drafted herself using our online patternmaking tutorial, How to Make a Doo Rag Pattern. Ann had no idea there was even a contest taking place. However since she is the winner by default, She has won free publicity to the charity of her choice SPCA International, a global animal rescue. As for the random drawing, we are happy to announce that animals are the winners again! Coincidentally, one of the partners in a shop called Loving Misfits on Etsy had purchased the durag pattern to participate in a fundraiser for foster dogs and cats. Loving Misfits is a 501c3 corporation, all profits from the shop's sales go to buy wish list items for animal rescues and shelters. Instead of keeping the money for herself, the random drawing winner chose to donate all of it to the cause. Watch the video below to see the random drawing as it happened!

Stay Ready Studio - Houston Floods Affect Small Businesses

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Fri, 29 May 2015 17:25:00 -0700

Make an Appointment at Stay Ready Studio
Houston, Texas

In a previous blog post, Entrepreneurial vs Consumer Mentalities, we spoke of the great need in the United States for the creation of new small businesses as an imperative part of a sustainable economy. The Stay Ready Studio in Houston, Texas is an excellent example. A few years ago Cynthia "ccain68" on YouTube, dissatisfied with the quality of products and service she was receiving from some local nail salons, decided to learn to do her own acrylic nails. Her experimental nail videos were a welcome addition to her already popular YouTube montage of hauls, friend tags, cosmetic reviews, weight loss tips, rants, rambles and "Look Good Fridays". Taking the popular concept of, "Stay ready so you don't have to get ready," and combining it with her her previously untapped talent for nail artistry, Cynthia opened the Stay Ready Studio at the end of 2014.

On YouTube we followed her to manicurist school, cheering her on through the year as she completed 600 hours of class in preparation for the Texas Board of Cosmetology exams (under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation [TDLR]). In one video "The Truth Behind the Nail Industry" she gives us some insight into the experiences she had during the written and practical exams. In another video, "How to Prepare for Manicurist School" - Cynthia explains that to prepare for the state board exam, going to an accredited nail technician school is required in order learn proper sanitation methods, safety measures, nail anatomy, bacteriology, skin diseases & infections, legal issues and professional practices. To develop the artistic and creative side of the business however, it is absolutely necessary to do independent study and practice on one's own time. One must, for example, keep up with the current trends, learn to create a variety of nail shapes, apply glitter, adhesions, inlays, enamel designs, create 3-D acrylic sculptures and more. It takes hours of practice to perfect any application. One of the most requested nail shapes right now is the almond-shaped stiletto, which happens to be Cynthia's specialty. Properly shaping a square acrylic tip into a stiletto is one of the most difficult and time-consuming processes in nail design. Consider also that all ten nails need to match. Cynthia's drive and passion for her art propel her to continuously create new and unique designs for each and every customer. When in Houston do not miss your opportunity - get one-of-a-kind made-to-order nails by Cynthia!

Stay Ready Studio Houston, Texas - USA

To book an appointment: https://stayreadynailsstudio.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php

See more of Cynthia's art on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/stayreadynailsstudio/

Because of the tremendous natural disaster occuring in Houston, Texas, the Stay Ready Studio, like many small businesses in Houston, had to close temporarily until floodwaters receded. They are open again but unexpected closures such as these affect the income that small business owners depend on. If you live in the Houston Area please support your local small businesses. Make an appointment with Cynthia - Licensed Nail Technician & very talented artist. There is also a hair salon at the same location.

PetitPoix has received no payment or compensation of any kind from Stay Ready Studio.

Muslim/American Fashion

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Fri, 22 May 2015 17:17:00 -0700

Fashion Blogger and cultural commentator Winnie Détwa

Todays panel:

Reina Lewis, Artscom Centenary Professor of Cultural Studies at London College of Fashion
Asma T. Uddin, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of altmuslimah.com
Winnie Détwa (Nadia Azmy), fashion blogger and cultural commentator
Nyla Hashm and Fatima Monkush, Designers and cofounders, fashion brand Eva Khurshid New York (2009-11)

"Professor Reina Lewis brings her public talks series Faith & Fashion from London College of Fashion, UAL to New York to focus on the creativity and controversies that characterize Muslim fashion in America today. With a youthful and growing population, a new style vocabulary is emerging to express the multi-ethnic experiences of Muslim Americans across the generations. Often under the radar of fashion media, women mould new styles of turban from African prints, and create fusion fashion from their trips to the mall for their modest dressing needs."

With all this innovation, and with the global market for Muslim modest fashion valued at $96 billion and a global Muslim spend on clothing set to reach $332 billion by 2018, why do so many Muslim women and men still feel under-served by the mainstream fashion industry? To discuss the ways in which Muslims in America are contributing to and influencing fashion in its broadest sense, from modest dressing to Islamic and ethnic fashion,

Fashion Draping Class on Craftsy

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 19:01:00 -0700

Paul Gallo Teaches us how to make a Ruffle

As a relatively new Craftsy affiliate partner (through shareasale.com), I was offered a free course on Craftsy's very wide and diverse video tutorial library. I had always wanted to take a class in draping but until now had never found the time. I decided to take the Craftsy Course: Fashion Draping - Bias Design with Paul Gallo. Some knowledge and experience in basic patternmaking, while not absolutely necessary, will make this particular course easier to follow. However, as with all the video tutorials on Craftsy, once you purchase you have access to the class as many times as you would like, whenever you like. So if there are any parts of the class that were unclear to you, you have the option of going back and viewing that part again. The video classes remain in your private Craftsy library and you need only log in to view it again and again. You may also post questions at any point in the video to address exactly your concerns and an expert will respond soon.

It is free to join Craftsy. Join Now and once you do you will able to shop for supplies and download thousands of free or low-cost sewing and knitting patterns as well as share or sell your own. Have fun viewing the video classes taught by experts in: sewing, knitting, cooking, woodworking, painting, cake decorating, gardening and much, much more!

How to Draft the Basic Sleeve Pattern

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Wed, 4 Mar 2015 02:38:00 -0800

Several weeks ago the long awaited "How to Draft the Basic Sleeve" tutorial was uploaded to our YouTube channel. Thank you for your patience. The next tutorial planned is "How to Make a Hoodie Jacket". But don't wait for us. If you have already learned the basic sleeve, the basic bodice and the durag patterns, you already have the knowledge to make a hoodie jacket. Get yourself some cheap fabric, even an old bedsheet from Goodwill to experiment with. Forge ahead! Don't be afraid to "mess up". The best designs sometimes come from mistakes. If your first try or two is less than perfect, you will have worked out the kinks for your final design prototype.

Stay Ready Studio - Nail Professional

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 16:52:00 -0800

Make an Appointment at Stay Ready Studio

In a previous blog post, Entrepreneurial vs Consumer Mentalities, we spoke of the great need in the United States for the creation of new small businesses as an imperative part of a sustainable economy. The Stay Ready Studio in Houston, Texas is an excellent example. A few years ago Cynthia "ccain68", dissatisfied with the quality of products and service she was receiving from some local nail salons, decided to learn to do her own acrylic nails. Her experimental nail videos were a welcome addition to her already popular YouTube montage of hauls, friend tags, cosmetic reviews, weight loss tips, rants, rambles and "Look Good Fridays". Taking the popular concept of, "Stay ready so you don't have to get ready," and combining it with her her previously untapped talent for nail artistry, Cynthia opened the Stay Ready Studio at the end of 2014.

On YouTube we followed her to manicurist school, cheering her on through the year as she completed 600 hours of class in preparation for the Texas Board of Cosmetology exams (under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation [TDLR]). In one video "The Truth Behind the Nail Industry" she gives us some insight into the experiences she had during the written and practical exams. In another video, "How to Prepare for Manicurist School" - Cynthia explains that to prepare for the state board exam, going to an accredited nail technician school is required in order learn proper sanitation methods, safety measures, nail anatomy, bacteriology, skin diseases & infections, legal issues and professional practices. To develop the artistic and creative side of the business however, it is absolutely necessary to do independent study and practice on one's own time. One must, for example, keep up with the current trends, learn to create a variety of nail shapes, apply glitter, adhesions, inlays, enamel designs, create 3-D acrylic sculptures and more. It takes hours of practice to perfect any application. One of the most requested nail shapes right now is the almond-shaped stiletto, which happens to be Cynthia's specialty. Properly shaping a square acrylic tip into a stiletto is one of the most difficult and time-consuming processes in nail design. Consider also that all ten nails need to match. Cynthia's drive and passion for her art propel her to continuously create new and unique designs for each and every customer. When in Houston do not miss your opportunity - get one-of-a-kind made-to-order nails by Cynthia!

Stay Ready Studio Houston, Texas - USA
To book an appointment: https://stayreadynailsstudio.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php
See more of Cynthia's art on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/stayreadynailsstudio/

PetitPoix has received no payment or compensation of any kind from Stay Ready Studio.

All Participants Win in the Petit Poix Contest!

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Mon, 9 Feb 2015 17:50:00 -0800

Tommy Sotomayor Durag &
Transformable Tailored Pet Coat
Patterns available on Etsy or Craftsy.

Take this opportunity to win publicity for your website, blog, online shop, YouTube channel, charitable cause or other website of your choosing. All participants in the Durag/Hat contest and the Tailored Pet Coat contest will have their entries published in our contest gallery and linked to the URL of your choice. This could be your website, online shop, blog, YouTube channel, charitable association or any other URL.

1. Random Drawing
Rules. No purchase necessary. For each download from petitpoix.etsy.com or PetitPoix's Pattern Store on Craftsy.com between January 1, 2015 and May 31st, 2015 a chance will automatically be entered into the random drawing. (Disclosure: Craftsy is compensating PetitPoix for some of the business generated by this blog. i.e new subscribers or enrollment in craftsy.com online craft classes. You may alternatively enter the random drawing by writing to petitpoix@gmail.com with your name, street address, phone number and email address. Put "PetitPoix Random Drawing" in the subject line. Within the email you must include two complete sentences. One sentence should be your brief opinion of controversial public figure Tommy Sotomayor. The other sentence should be brief opinion of the PetitPoix blog.)

The winner of the random drawing will receive:

Choice of a either a Visa Gift Card or a paypal credit for USA $30.

2. Durag or Hat contest

Rules (Winner and Runner Up prizes)
Create a hat or durag using the Tommy Sotomayor Designer Durag pattern available on Etsy or Craftsy. Send up to 5 pictures of your creation shown from various angles for judging. Please email them to petitpoix@gmail.com and include your full name, email, phone number and full address, city, state and country where you live. All entries will be uploaded to our contest gallery within 24 hours of the contest deadline which is May 31, 2015. (Entries will not be uploaded before that date to avoid copying between participants.) Winners will be notified by email by June 14th, 2015 and posted on this blog. If you would like your entry linked to another website - such as your online shop or blog - please provide the correct url address along with your entry. The entries will be judged 50% on originality, 25% on pattern transformation and 25% on photography. Since we will only be judging from photographs, your sewing skills (or lack thereof) will not affect the final score. Your email and phone number will not be used for future purposes nor shared with any other entity. See the video tutorial for how to use the pattern.

The winner of the Durag or Hat Contest will receive:

A phone call with Tommy Sotomayor himself during his live show "Your World, My Views" where he will introduce you as the winner of the competition and shout out your online shop, blog, YouTube channel, charitable cause or any other cause of your choosing. The live broadcast runs three times weekly and maintains a very large and loyal following.
A free 250x300 banner link placed in a prominent location on petitpoix.blogspot.com and linked to the website of your choice for six months.

A blog post on petitpoix.blogspot.com, also with direct links, about your online shop, blog, YouTube channel, charitable cause, or any other url of your choosing. This post will be reviewed and approved by you prior to publication.

The runner up will receive:

A free 250 x 300 banner link in a middle spot on petitpoix.blogspot.com for 6 months. For example this could be a linked to your online shop, your YouTube channel or your personal blog.

3. Transformable Tailored Pet Coat Contest

Rules (Winner and Runner Up prizes)
Create a tailored pet coat any size using the PetitPoix Transformable Tailored Pet Coat Pattern available on Etsy or Craftsy. Send up to 5 pictures of your creation shown from various angles for judging. Please email them to petitpoix@gmail.com and include your full name, email, phone number and the name of the city, state and country where you live. All entries will be uploaded to our contest gallery within 24 hours of the contest deadline which is May 31, 2015. (Entries will not be uploaded before that date to avoid copying between participants.) If you would like your entry linked to another website - such as your online shop or blog - please provide the correct url address along with your entry as well. The entries will be judged 50% on originality, 25% on pattern transformation and 25% on photography. Since we will only be judging from photographs, your sewing skills (or lack thereof) will not affect the final score. Your email and phone number will not be used for future purposes nor shared with any other entity.

Watch the video tutorial for how to transform the tailored Pet Coat pattern

The winner of the Tailored Pet Coat Contest will receive:

A free 250x300 banner link placed in a prominent location on petitpoix.blogspot.com and linked to the website of your choice for six months.

A blog post on petitpoix.blogspot.com, also with direct links, about your online shop, blog, YouTube channel, charitable cause, or any other url of your choosing. This post will be reviewed and approved by you prior to publication.

A two minute YouTube video by PetitPoix shouting out your online shop, blog, YouTube channel, charitable cause, etc.

The runner up will receive:

A free 250 x 300 banner link in a middle spot on petitpoix blog for 6 months. For example this could be a linked to your online shop, your YouTube channel or your personal blog.

Note: You may enter both contests, but only once in each.

Deadline: Midnight (USA Eastern time) May 31, 2015.

The Things we Take for Granted

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Sun, 1 Feb 2015 06:09:00 -0800

Are Women the Answer to Ending Poverty in Africa?

There is a very simple item that you can sew that will help women in third world countries complete their education. Without education women are much more vulnerable to abuse, rape, early-age maternity and poverty. In the United States, there are many things we take for granted such as the right to go to school. In some parts of Africa however, gender barriers to education are very prevalent. While there are various complex sociopolitical, cultural and religious reasons for this, in many cases teenage girls in Africa drop out of school simply because they have reached adolescence and do not have access to disposable pads during their monthly cycle. See the Little Dresses for Africa website for more information on how you can sew to help these girls.

Also visit Nancy's Notions for other projects to consider for how you can create and sew to improve the quality of life for someone in need. Maybe you have a neighbor or family member that could use a little kindness as well.

Remember, it is NEVER OK to charge someone who is suffering such as a person undergoing chemotherapy, a parent with a sick child, a homebound senior citizen or someone with depression. If you do not have money to purchase supplies to assist someone in need then use your imagination to find other ways to obtain supplies. The Goodwill Store has inexpensive men's shirts or bedsheets for example which are often of very good quality fabric with beautiful textile designs. Also try church basement sales or asking for donations from friends.

Entrepreneurial vs Consumer Mentalities

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 12:26:00 -0800


The owner and CEO of multi-million dollar clothing brand FUBU started his company sewing caps in his mother's kitchen.

Intellectuals in the Black community have often expressed the need for members of the African American community to start their own businesses and engage in group economics. Small businesses create income opportunity and decrease our dependence on others to give us jobs. In competing against large corporations, one is emboldened by ample access to many internet venues which help to level the playing field. A small operation is often more able to provide better customer service with a more personal approach to doing business. An added benefit is the lowered financial risk of an online business. You need not invest a large sum of money nor quit your day job while starting up.

Every year the fashion industry cranks out tons of foreign, mass-produced, inexpensive clothing. Finding a niche within a saturated market is often the key to making a living in any business. To develop an entrepreneurial mind you must think outside the box.

Someone with a consumer mentality would say:

"Why go to the trouble of making a durag when I can just get one online for about $2.00?"

An entrepreneurial mentality studies a market, he finds where his product might be needed or desired and he thinks (for example):

"I could get my friend Alice to sew up a few blank durags. Then I will paint my tattoo designs on them and offer them for sale at the swap meet."

"This basic durag pattern needs a little adjustment so I can sew a hat onto the top. That will keep people from losing their sunhats in the wind when they are at the beach.

"Maybe that new cafeteria on the corner would like to buy some of these durags with their logo on it for their cooks and waiters to look really sharp."

"I should offer these for sale online to people who are looking for a nice gift for a friend who likes gardening or cooking, maybe I could add a matching apron."

"I can improve this durag pattern and sell a different version."

"The community center may like me to teach a class on how to sew a durag."
"I'm going to use a different fabric than the one suggested in the pattern instructions. I need one with more elasticity."

Aaron Henry saw a market for his product and invented the Tsurag, Inventor Oladele Levi Adejare actually decided to patent his durag. Perhaps he is looking for an associate to market his idea to the public. The owner and CEO of the multi-million dollar clothing brand FUBU started his company sewing caps in his mother's kitchen in the mornings while waiting tables nights at Red Lobster. Try your hand at clothing design and get a durag sewing pattern!

Check out one consumer who decided to turn her love for nails into a business: Stay Ready Studio in Houston, Texas.

Copycats on the Prowl

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 11:14:00 -0800

Left: Anna Sui 2011 Right: Forever 21
Forever 21 has been sued over 50 times & has never lost a case

Although they say, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." it can be quite discouraging when you are forced to compete with copycats to sell your own design. This will happen to you as a fashion designer and unfortunately, unless you have a protected trademark, a seasoned designer understands that this is just part of doing business and usually can only react with a heavy sigh. It is not unheard of - especially in an industry as saturated as is clothing - that two or more independent designers create very similar products and had known nothing of what the other designers were doing. "Zeitgeist" in fashion refers to the tastes and looks that are inspired out of the general political and/or social atmosphere therefore more than one designer may be drawing from a strong surrounding impetus. (Read the the earlier post, The Sociology of Fashion for more information). Even if you know for a fact that the other seller has stolen your idea it is difficult to prove. When you are first getting into the fashion business, your copycat may merely be an insecure person, jealous of your potential success and trying to undercut your sales. Confronting him or her is probably a waste of valuable time and energy. Use it instead for creating new designs, marketing, networking and continuously improving consumer trust in your brand. A professional maintains her calm and dignity, as difficult as that may be. The "overnight success" in any business is a myth. Many of today's successful designers have usually spent several years barely making ends meet with their design business and working other jobs on the side, for example the late Princess Diana's favorite dress designer or the owner and CEO of the multimillion dollar FUBU label.

Somes things you could try if you suspect a copycat:

Contact the other designer. If it truly was a coincidence then that designer may be thinking that YOU copied HIS design and has just not said anything. If you feel comfortable about it, you could try a polite, private and non-accusatory email. Reaching out to the other artist could lead to a collaboration or a mutually beneficial business relationship, especially since your design aesthetics seem to be so in tune. Tread carefully though. If the other designer responds defensively just let it go. An online shouting match could be at best unpleasant and at worst damaging to your reputation throughout social media and industry networking circles.

Sell the Pattern. If you have sold even one of your designs you have in essence already sold the pattern. Anyone can deconstruct your creation and copy it. Home sewers, knitters and crocheters are great customers for patterns. Put your pattern up for sale online alongside the merchandise to appeal to different market segments. You can offer the pattern as a pdf file for automatic download on many of the more popular online venues. One place to offer a pattern or other merchandise for sale is on etsy.com. Visit Fettuccinetube for basic patternmaking classes.

Offer your design to a brick and mortar shop. Find small, reputable boutiques in your area and offer a few of your pieces wholesale or on consignment. This is not easy, it is basically door-to-door sales. You could email the boutique if they happen to have a website. Here are a few other tips: Getting your Line into Boutiques.

Create your own Textiles. Maybe someone can copy your clothing pattern but it it much more difficult to copy your textile. This entails creating a fabric of your own. For example buying a plain cotton fabric and dying or painting your own personal design onto it. You could also learn screenprinting and copyright your own original screenprint image to print over and over onto your designs. If your copycat tries to use the same image you will have some legal leverage.

Keep improving. This is a challenge to yourself to innovate and make your designs more difficult to copy, your marketing and advertising more impressive, your message more powerful. This will not stop the copying altogether but - unless the copycat is a huge clothing brand - it will become more and more difficult for others to keep up with your progress. Be sure to copyright any photos, artwork or trademark any slogans in your advertising. Infringement on these things is easier to prove if your copycat tries to use them.

Bear in mind that whether we realize it or not, inspiration in design always comes from other things. In a way everything is copied however it is usually translated through each designer's unique vision. To avoid being accused of copying yourself it is best to get inspiration from things other than clothes such as art, music, nature, architecture etc....

See an interesting perspective from a pair of independent clothing designers who were the guilty party in a copycat situation. Read how in hindsight they feel that getting caught helped them improve their brand.

Super Selected - "Representations of Black Women"

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Fri, 9 Jan 2015 20:16:00 -0800

Article: "Model Yomi Abiola Talks....." 1/9/2015

Super Selected is an online magazine which mainly - albeit not exclusively - covers issues concerning Black women and their diverse world with the latest in design, fashion, art, film, writing, music, news and more. Black issues and Black owned small businesses are also examined. Created by a New York fashion stylist, the rich, beautiful layout is easy on the eyes while sending messages of pride, empowerment and inspiration. Many of the magazine's features are contributed by its readers from around the globe. Try your hand and submit an article for consideration.

Harlem's Fashion Row - Opportunity For Emerging Designers of Color

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Sun, 4 Jan 2015 15:15:00 -0800

To say that African Americans are underrepresented in the fashion industry would be an understatement, particularly in the world of high end fashion. As stated directly from Harlem's Fashion Row website:

"Designers of color represent less than 1% of designers available in major department stores. In an industry that has grossed over 250 billion in 2013 alone the voice of designers of color are not being heard, celebrated, and acknowledged. HFR was created for the sole purpose of breaking that industry standard."

HFR offers opportunities to fashion students and budding designers to learn and gain tools and exposure to the industry and towards professional development through networking, internships and events throughout the year where designers can show their creations.

Check the Designers Deck R1 schedule at the top of the 2015 Designer Application. The first event of 2015 will be the LA Fashion Show Grammy weekend (February 6) in Los Angeles, CA. Accepted designers will have the opportunity to show and sell their designs to a curated audience. Designers will also have pre-show and post-show interviews and a Q & A in the show program. Hair stylists, makeup artists and dressers for your models are also provided.

"Nude" Underwear Catering to Black Women

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Sat, 3 Jan 2015 18:58:00 -0800

Happy 2015!

Frustrated by her own struggles in finding underwear to wear under her sheer outfits, Ade Hassan created her company Nubian Skin, a line of underwear and hosiery that caters to black women. Read her interview with the Huffington Post where she talks about her inspiration, black models and her guilty pleasures. The official launch of Nubian Skin took place on December 10, 2014 at the luxurious Covent Garden Hotel in London. For now Nubian Skin is only available online, however they ship worldwide and should be coming to stores soon!

Visit the Nubian Skin Website website: https://www.nubianskin.com/

and don't forget to "like" them on Facebook:

Sunday Knitting Club with Fabianna - Livestream

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 13:46:00 -0800

Visit Petit Poix on Etsy

The Knitting Club has been suspended for Lack of Interest. If you would like to help me start it up again email me at: petitpoix@gmail.com.

All knowledge levels welcome. Please stop in to the livestream knitting lesson every Sunday with Fabianna of Petit Poix. The club will run from 10:00am to 12:30pm Eastern Time (USA). Bring knitting needles and a ball of yarn to learn or feel free to merely sit back and watch. If you are a seasoned knitter we need you there as well to share your tips and tricks with the others. If you have a webcam you can even show your stuff for critiques or advice. The livestream is also available on the YouTube channel Fettuccinetube. Login to YouTube to participate in the chat. Please add me to your circles in Google+ by clicking "follow" to indicate your interest in joining the Google Hangout or just write at petitpoix@gmail.com and let me know!

Click here this Sunday to join the livestream.

For a brief explanation of Sunday's show, and to review basic knitting please watch the video below.

Help Juanita rebuild her shop.

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 04:34:00 -0800

Help Juanita Morris Rebuild

Fashions R has been in business for 28 years in Ferguson, Missouri. The shop has been has been vandalized and looted during the recent riots. If anyone can please let's help Juanita rebuild her shop. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses provide 55% of all jobs and 66% of all net new jobs since the 1970s. To help Juanita Morris rebuild her shop go to her donation page on go fund me. Here is Juanita's interview with Anderson Cooper on CNN. There are many other businesses in Ferguson on www.gofundme.com asking for donations to rebuild. You can search for them using the zip code for Ferguson (St. Louis) 63136.

British Style: Boden & Mini Boden This Week on Rue La La!

fabianna@msn.com (Fettuccinetube) — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 14:38:00 -0700

Mini Boden Green T-Rex Tee $24.00

Break into Fall with Boden for women, boys and girls. Sale going on for 6 days on Rue La La. Also this week: Hudson Jeans, Givenchy leather, French Connection Men and more great designers at super low prices. Rue La La, by invitation only.