Here’s the dialogue that went down recently between my husband and I surrounding the purchase of these hot shoes from Michael Kors…

Upton Ankle Crinkle Patent / Suede Black Shoe $150

Husband: Did you buy another pair of shoes?

Me: Yes. (Obviously – he’s groping the box)

Husband: These are black. How many pairs of black shoes could one woman possibly need?

Me: (No Answer)

Husband: Well??

Me: Oh, I thought that was a rhetorical question.

Husband: Seriously, do you need these?

Me: Well…much like your kind needs to watch sports, followed by recapping what you just watched on SportsCenter, talk about sports incessantly, dream your knees and back were in their original condition so you could still play sports, record stats on every sport – in every condition – in every circumstance – for every moment in time, I need shoes. And just like you prefer talking, watching, breathing basketball, I prefer black shoes. A black shoe for day, for night, for dinner on the town, for dinner in New York, black shoes that are a little flirty, a little Vegas, a little mommy, a little high – but not too high, a patent black shoe, a suede black shoe, an office appropriate shoe, a “meet your mother” type shoe, a comfortable black shoe, an uncomfortably high pair that hurt-my-feet-but-I-love-them shoe.

(Sigh) Maybe you’re right. Maybe I don’t really need these.

Husband: What? Honey, wait ’til the commercial. The game’s on.

0 comments permalink |  12:58 PM |  7.21.2009 | 

Meet Jazmin.  Originally from Mexico, Jazmin relocated to Arizona under 2 years ago to pursue her dream of becoming a model. Her career role models include Kate Moss and Tyra Banks. Jazmin wants to prove to people that you don’t need to be super tall or gorgeous to be a successful model.  It’s more important to love what you’re doing, be creative and express yourself in front of the camera.

Jazmin’s work includes modeling for trashycat.com, moxsie.com, tialeyvintage.com and Apricot Lane Tempe.  Here are a few of her favorite pictures. To follow her work, check out her website and blog at www.jazminmodel.com and www.jazminmodel.com/blog. And, vote for Jazmin for Nicolita Swimwear by clicking Vote for Jazmin.

0 comments permalink |  9:03 PM |  7.16.2009 | 

One of the most overlooked and often misunderstood tools of any marketing arsenal is public relations. You may have a website, you may have a brick and mortar boutique or an eBay store, but there may be something missing in your plan of attack.  I gather a sense from many in my research and networking, that their business mentality consists of “If I build it, they will come.” Sure, it works for some (the lucky). But for others, including myself, we have to go the distance and relate our product, service or ourselves to the public on a more personal level.

I had the opportunity recently to chat with Angela Keller of KellerComm, a fashion publicist based in Phoenix.  Angela’s exceptional career began in the tech industry managing clients such as MicroSoft & Intel. Her segway into the fashion world was managing the public relations of the former Robinson-May company among others.  Today, her love of fashion coupled with her skills as a publicist, spokesperson and stylist have landed her accounts including Fashion Group International of Arizona, Glam Lounge, FORD/Robert Black Agency and a monthly fashion segment on Ch. 3.

Angela was recently gracious enough to sit down with me and give Fashion Phoenix a few tips on effective public relations. Here’s her advice on managing your success…

1. Be everywhere.  Network at any and all events that you can.

2. Focus your marketing & your marketing and do it well.  Your image is everything.

3. Engage in projects or groups that are of quality. Especially if it involves you spending money – don’t let the bad image of another reflect badly on you.

4. Make sure your press releases or story is unique. If you need help with finding your unique angle, consult with Angela or a public relations professional.

5. Find a mentor. A great mentoring group locally is FGI of Arizona.

To reach Angela Keller of KellerComm for more information about public relations services or about FGI of Arizona, email her at kellercomm@cox.net or visit www.kellercommpr.com.

0 comments permalink |  2:32 PM |  7.15.2009 | 

I think many of us need a little fabulousness today. Like I said earlier, “it’s too hot to be haute.” Well, maybe not if we consider the following…

1.) Take a moment to notice the stitching on the scarf.
2.) Wear things that: shine, bling and blind. The more the better.
3.) Only use the word “faux” when speaking of your botox injections and or new tits.
4.) Always wear a scarf on your head while in a convertible.
5.) Know everything and everyone in the world of fashion and art.
6.) Wear your sunglasses all of the time, except when taking pictures for the press.
7.) Establish a signature look, for example: Bee brooches, Hermes scarfs and Vodka tonics.
8.) Never pay for your own drinks.
9.) Compare your childhood to the movie “Mommy Dearest”.
10.) Be a lady who lunches.
11.) Look amazing while going to the grocery, post and video store. Another opportunity to dress up.
12.) Use the word “darling” in the case of forgetting someone’s name.
13.) Read the New York Times everyday
14.)  Your coffee drinks should never be blended or any color other besides black or brown.
15.) Sleep with a polo player
16.) Look better than the bride at a wedding, even if she is your sister.
17.) Get invited to a PETA event just so you can wear mink.
18.) Don’t be afraid to steal someone’s look, just as long as you wear it better.
20.) Embroider your pajamas.
21.) Mop your floors with Chanel “Mademoiselle”.
22.) Wear a ball gown to a PTA meeting.
23.) Tell everyone its Harry Winston.
24.) Embrace your body type, don’t be known as a “squeezer” .
25.) Take a town car just because.
26.) When in doubt, wear black and diamonds.
27.) Take your nemesis to tea at the Ritz Carlton just to show them your Birkin.
28.) Always send a thank you note for being invited to a dinner party, event ect.
29.) Buy from local designer (just so they invite you front row to their shows).
30.) Go to every art, fashion and opening show that you can.
31.) Never wear more than one article of Burberry Nova Check at a time.
32.) Have interesting friends, no time for mundane.
33.) Randomly send flowers to yourself at the office, just to keep them talking.
34.) Know it’s a good thing to be known as a bitch.
35.) Don’t be seen at a gym, strip club, chain restaurant or tanning salon.
36.) Buy books that you will never read.
37.) Never turn down a invitation to a charity event
38.) Send your compliments to the chef.
39.) Pretend your in a Sofia Coppola commercial.
40.) Wear pearls to the beach.
41.) Only drink Pellegrino and lime, never tap water.
42.) Make friends with old Jewish women.
43.) Listen to French music while getting dressed in the morning, even if you don’t speak French.
44.) Never wear novelty ties or sweaters.
45.) Always ask yourself, “What would Karl Lagerfeld do?”

5 comments permalink |  1:19 PM |  7.14.2009 |