Inside Fashion Houston 2011

Fashion Houston 2011
Wortham Center, October 10-13, 2011

NYC Fashion, NYC production, internationally known fashion designers, with one special twist…Fashion Houston shows are open to the general public! This is huge! Fashion shows in New York, Paris, Milan and Tokyo are exclusively for buyers, celebrities, stylists, media and a few special guests. Real people can’t get near them.

Fashion Houston creator Jared Lang, owner of Momentum Audi, has a passion for fashion and for his community. For the second year in a row, he’s bringing cutting-edge runway fashion shows to Houston and made them accessible to everyone. Every seat has a great view and tickets start at $31 per person!

Fashion Houston is different from other fashion weeks in another important way – you’ll see collections for THIS season. While other cities are showing Spring 2012, you’ll see styles and looks that will inspire outfits that you can wear right now. You’ll see Fall 2011 collections up close and personal from up and comers like Patrick Schwarzenegger (yes, that Schwarzenegger) and Fabiola Arias, local favs like “Project Runway,” Season #2 Winner Chloe Dao and Lifetime TV’s “The Fashion Show” Contestant Caesar Galindo, as well as international super stars like Carmen Marc Valvo and Camilla.

High-end designers are thrilled to show here because they know that Houston takes their fashion seriously. They flock to Houston because there is a huge fashion base here and we spend more on fashion in department stores, boutiques and trunk shows than any other American city. WOW!

For a full list of designers, show schedules, videos of last year’s event and tickets (starting at $31 per person), go to FashionHouston.net.

TV Lesson - Answer THE Question!

The Background: The Fashion World went nuts yesterday...nuts for Missoni at Target. Target has a history of collaborating with with high-end designers to bring great design and fashion to the masses at affordable prices. Yesterday, Target launched it's biggest collection yet - a limited edition line from Missoni. Shoppers crashed Target's website and mobile website and swarmed stores like locusts in their excitement and the merchandise was gone in the blink of an eye.

Glitzy Missoni ads are still running on TV and in print, more than 40 magazines on newsstands have stories about the line, and consumers are hungry for the merchandise.

Meanwhile, Target store shelves are bare, Target's website is STILL down, The Missoni For Target merchandise is already selling on eBay for more 5 times the retail price, and every local and national news organization is covering the story.

The big question on Target shopper's mind is - WILL THERE BE MORE MERCHANDISE??? Most shoppers are disappointed, frustrated, and upset that they can't get the Missoni. Target VP of Communication Dustee Jenkins appeared on GMA this morning and had an incredible opportunity to speak directly to shoppers.

Here's what happened on TV:

The questions were: Will there be more merchandise? Did they plan properly? She could have thanked shoppers for their incredible response, acknowledged the situation directly, and provided some useful information - no, there's no more merchandise. Some shoppers will return items, so you may see some merchandise returned to stores, but we can't predict when and where that will happen. We thought we planned well - we ordered twice as much as we usually do for our designer collaborations, but we didn't anticipate THIS much demand! We're sorry if you didn't get what you want. We will use this information to plan future launches. Thank you for your patience, understanding and for turning out the way you did! This would have built trust with shoppers and helped them remain loyal to the brand despite a bad experience.

Instead, Dustee smugly patted herself on the back for running great pr campaign, flaunted the great line in front of customers that can't get it, and coyly said keep checking back to their stores to see if there's anymore. Way to slap customers in the face Dustee! Target blew the opportunity and fanned the flames of customer frustration instead of informing, appreciating and soothing customers. Bottom line, this is going to cost Target at the cash register and in customer loyalty.

Target knows how to handle this situation. Target has been doing a great job interacting with frustrated customers on Twitter and Facebook. Unfortunately, Dustee blew it in front of millions of viewers and customers. Time to give Dustee the boot (preferably the Missoni zigzag rainboot for Target).

Here's the segment so you can see for yourself...

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

When Is It Okay To Break Fashion Rules?

Labor Day always brings the question…do you have to stop wearing white? The bigger question is “do traditional fashion rules still apply?” And” is it ever okay break the rules?“

From a fashion perspective, the traditional rules don't apply in fashion anymore. The rules of no white after labor day; match belts, bags and shoes; women over ___ shouldn’t wear ___ etc., were created decades ago. The world has changed since then, and so have fashion rules. Now, there's much more opportunity to wear what you like, express yourself, and only wear what's flattering, regardless of the current trends and rules of years gone by.

From an image perspective, it’s useful to look at the effect of breaking with tradition. What does that say about you and what is the impact on other people?

If you are an innovator or creative in the way you work or live, then breaking the old rules is consistent with who you are, what you do and makes sense for your image. If you are in a traditional industry or social setting where stability, predictability, and safety are important, then breaking the fashion rules would create an inconsistent message in your image.

Following or breaking the rules can help you connect with others more deeply or create disconnection. If the people you are working/meeting with are rule-breakers, breaking fashion rules will help you connect with them. They will appreciate your cutting edge approach and have a tendency to trust you more. If you follow the traditional fashion rules, you risk undermining that connection.

If they are more traditional, then breaking past fashion rules will create disconnection. They may make you wrong for breaking the rules and be distracted or put off by your disregard for tradition, and you risk loosing their respect or attention.

As always, the “right” answer depends on who you are, what you do, and who you are with.

Want To Be My Assistant At Fashion Houston?

In October, I'm covering all the action at Fashion Houston! It's Oct 10-13 - four nights of runway shows by designers from Houston and around the world! It's a big job, and I need help!! And it will be even more fun for me to be able to share the experience with you! If you want to go...keep reading. If not, stop reading now!

There are 4 passes - one for each night. Who gets to go? Anyone who is/has been a model, intern, assistant for me, been a client* of Imagine or Sarah Shah, or has bought a copy of Dress Yourself Skinny by Sept 11 can apply (see below for a full description). Here’s how it works:

You’ll be my assistant for the evening and help take photographs, videos and live blog/tweet/facebook during the event. You get to see the runway shows, meet the designers in the green room, check out the VIP lounges, and even get a glimpse back stage to see what goes on behind the scenes. You might even get a picture on the red carpet!

Here’s how to apply. Create some behind the scenes commentary of your life or a recent event along with pictures (5 max) or a video (2 mins max). Submit LINKS to the pics or video along with your commentary and the following info by September 11, 2011.

Here’s the info to include with your submital:

Your Name:
Age (must be over 21):
Cell phone number:
Email address:
Your preferred date(s) October 10, 11, 12 or 13:
Confirmation that you are available to be at the Wortham Center in Houston on your preferred day from 4:30 to 10:00 pm:
State whether you are/have been a client, model, intern or assistant with us:
Your Behind-The-Scenes commentary:
LINKS to your pictures (max 5) or video (max 2 mins): (LINKS only, my email box is too small for full videos or big pictures, so upload them to your face book page, flicker, youtube...whatever and send me the links)

To apply, submit the required materials and info by facebook to www.facebook.com/DressYourselfSkinny or by email to Sarah@SarahShah.com. All submittals must be received by 9:00 pm on September 11, 2001. Incomplete submittals will not be considered.

P.S. - You are a client, model, assistant or intern of Imagine/Sarah Shah if you have been my private client for image, tv, or other areas; hired me to speak to your group; attended a workshop; purchased the book Dress Yourself Skinny, been a model in my tv segments or fashion shows, or have been my intern or assistant in any of those activities.

Thanks you so much for applying!! I'll contact the winners and post their names on the Dress Yourself Skinny facebook page by September 30.

La Prairie Field Test (Part 6 -Week 13)

It's Week 18 of the La Prairie Field Test. I've used up the last of the White Caviar face serum and cream since the last post. The White Caviar serum lasted through week 9 and the cream lasted through Week 13. Since then, I've continued to use sunscreen to keep new spots from forming along with my usual skincare. In the meantime, friends, family and clients have continued to comment on how good my skin looks and how much more even it has become.

La Prairie has generously sent another batch of White Caviar face serum and cream…so the field test continues! I used it last night...and man, my face is super smooth again. How do you do that La Prairie? I’ll be back with an update in a couple weeks.

If you've missed any of the sesies, here are links to the rest of the posts in the La Prairie Field Test

Part I - The Products
Part II - The Canvas
Part III – First Week of The Test
Part IV – Day 8 Update
Part V – Day 38 Update
Part VI - Week 13

Bad Clothes Made Good

You've heard it a million times - a tailor is a critical element of a great wardrobe. Here are some examples of "bad clothes" that were given new love and life by a tailor.

"Pleather" Pants

These pleather pants were cute and fit well, but they were way too hot to wear in Houston. We collaborated with our tailor to turned them in to super hot shorts.

Our tailor cut off the pant legs, added a triangle gusset of extra fabric on the outside of each leg so they had a fashionable shape and made a cuff at the hem. Now the shorts are flattering and fit perfectly. Perfect to keep her cool in the summer heat.

Way Too Big Denim

This jacket and shorts were WAYYYY to big.

The jacket got a major overhaul - the front pockets were moved up and the hem was shortened, vertical pleats were added to the front and back to take in the volume in the sides, the sleves were made smaller and three pleats were added to shorten the sleeve to 3/4 length. The shorts just got minor adjustments - they were shortened and cuffs added to the hem. These have become regular basics in her wardrobe that she wears all the time.

Over-Sized Shirt

The red and white striped shirt is way to big and has some unflattering elements...but it has lots of potential.

Our tailor removed the collar and changed the neckline to a v-neck, took in the sides, shortened the sleeves to 3/4 length, and shortened the shirt to a more flattering length.

How about you? What are your ideas for changing or transforming things from your closet? Post or link to your projects so we can appreciate what you've done.

If you liked this post, you might like this one too:

Tips for finding and working with your tailor

Spa Sirens (TM), Calling Out The Cool And The Current In The World Of Resorts And Spas

I am so excited to be a part of The Spa Sirens! We are a collaboration of three experts in beauty, fashion and travel who travel the spa and resort world to seek out and spread the word about the latest in spa and resort experiences. The Sirens are Renae Virata (travel and fashion, WeareverTheWeather.com), Sarah Shah (fashion and image, SarahShah.com), and Stacey Adair (beauty, RadiantYouMagazine.com). We'll calling out the cool and the current in spas and resorts - treatments, amenities and locations that are unique, new, effective or interesting.

We're kicking off on August 17, 2011 at the Spa Waterway in The Woodlands. If you'd like to come along, we'll be chronicling our positive experiences on twitter (hashtag #spasirens), facebook and in each of our blogs. You're invited to share your experiences, favorite treatments/locations and ask any questions along the way.

Here's more about each of the Sirens and where to find us online:

Renae Virata, Blogger and Head Travelista
A Travelista at heart, Renae is the founder of the travel and fashion website WeareverTheWeather.com. She loves searching out fun destinations and shopping for travel attire and products. When she’s not collecting stamps in her passport, she’s taking up a new outdoor sport, tinkering with her sewing machine or reading a trashy novel on the beach.
e-Mail: Renae@WeareverTheWeather.com
Online Presence:
· Website & Blog www.WeareverTheWeather.com (10,000+ unique online visits per month)
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/WTWBlog
· Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WeareverTheWeather

Stacey Adair, Beauty Insider and Creator of Radiant You Magazine
Stacey is always on the search for new and innovative beauty products and medi-spa treatments. A beauty junkie since she could hold a tube of lip gloss, she loves to seek out new beauty finds around the world. She’s also the founder of Radiant You Magazine.
Phone: (832) 725-4252, e-Mail: Editor@RadiantYouMagazine.com
Online Presence:
· Spa and Beauty Magazine Website & Blog: www.RadiantYouMagazine.com
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/RadiantYouMag
· Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RadiantYouMagazine

Sarah Shah, Image & TV Expert, Speaker and Author
Sarah delivers entertaining, real and revolutionary image wisdom in the closet and on TV. She is always on the hunt for new beauty treatments and fashion items to share.
Phone: (617) 501-8055, e-Mail: Sarah@SarahShah.com
Online & Media Presence
· National & Regional TV (40+ appearances)
· Website & Blog: www.sarahshah.com (Klout Score: 50+)
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/sarahshah (2400+followers)
· Facebook: www.facebook.com/sarah.shah1 and www.facebook.com/dressyourselfskinny (1000+ visitors per month)
· YouTube: www.YouTube.com/SarahShahTV (5000+ views)