It’s All About Customer Satisfaction

Fashion designers are finding that they can reach a larger number of customers by offering their clothing lines on their own ecommerce site. However, simply creating a website isn’t enough. You must market your site and perform research to determine if your promotions are effective.

Attracting Customers

Although you should create an online store that’s visually appealing to engage your clientele, it will take more than a cutting-edge website to build this new segment of your business. To promote your brand, use social networking and other methods to create a little buzz. Research popular keywords your customers might use to search for designer fashions. By using them properly, your site could be near the top of the results provided by Google, Bing, and other major search engines. After all, the best site in the world won’t make a dime if no one can find it. Unlike a brick and mortar store, it’s unlikely that anyone will just wander into your ecommerce site.

Keep Them Coming Back

If you can engage your customers and let them know that their thoughts and desires are important, you’ll soon develop a loyal following. One of the best ways to find out if your marketing strategy is working as planned is to use a customer satisfaction survey. This tool can provide valuable information about your customers, including their likes, dislikes, and what you can do to improve their experience on your site. As a bonus, you can always give them a small reward for completing the survey. A discount coupon is usually appreciated, and this promotion can even draw in new shoppers. As your current user base tells their friends about the great offer they received just for answering a few questions, new customers will flock to your online shop.

By marketing your online fashion outlet to the world and asking for feedback, you can conquer the clothing world! Are your designs ready for global domination?

Spotting Designer Knockoffs

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We all love a good bargain. We get really excited when we find a Marc Jacobs handbag for a fraction of the cost. The only problem is, you just found out that the Marc Jacobs bag was actually a fake.

More fake designer handbags are popping up on websites like eBay and Craigslist and there’s not much people can do about it. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way to be more careful when buying designer items online and from people we don’t know.

To help avoid being a victim of purchasing a fake designer bag, here are some tips for being able to spot a designer knockoff.

The biggest sign of a knockoff would be the stitching. If it’s a fake it’ll be crooked and the material will look really cheap. With a cheap fabric it will buckle and weigh a lot less than fabric used with real handbags. If it’s a Louis Vuitton bag, smell the leather. If it’s real, you’ll be able to smell the leather. Fake LV bags won’t have smell to them.

Try and know where exactly the designer bags are manufactured.  For example, if the bag is actually made in Italy, but the bag says “Made in China,” then it’s a fake.

Take a look at the logos and signature. If either is backwards, missing something, it’s uneven or anything like that, chances are it’s going to be a fake.

Think about how much the handbag costs. While it’s not hard to get a god deal, you’re not going to get it for almost nothing. If it retails for $2,000 and they’re selling it for $200, it could be a fake.

Just be on the look out for these things when trying to find a great designer handbag for a great price. Don’t get fooled by all the fake handbags available online.

Getting Designer Shoes At Amazing Bargains

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Shoes. This is the answer you’ll get when you ask women what they’re favorite items are in their closet. We spend a lot of money on shoes. You might even admire the shoe collection of many celebrities. Many of us have a nice shoe collection, but one thing is missing… designer shoes.

We all want designer shoes, but can’t quite pay those designer prices. Well, all hope isn’t lost just yet. You can find some great designer shoes at amazing deals. Who doesn’t love a good game of bargain hunting?

There are plenty of online and regular stores that sell designer shoes at more affordable prices. Shop at stores and websites like, Zappos.com, DSW Shoe Warehouse, Bluefly.com and Ebay to find your perfect Guess, Manolos or any other designer shoes at the fraction of the cost.

While many people like to buy what’s in style that season, the best way to find designer shoes for cheap is by shopping off-season. Many stores like Barneys, Nordstrom’s and Neiman Marcus will have a huge sale to get rid of shoes to make new for all the pretty new shoes that’ll be coming in.  For instance, you can probably get your hands on $60 sandals for $12. Given you can’t wear them now since it’s winter, but come summer you can. That’s a pretty amazing deal.

Another way to find designer shoes at more affordable prices is through comparing prices. When you shop for a new car what do you do? You compare prices. Why not for your designer shoes? Just type in the shoes you want into Google and you should see prices and places where you can find the shoes.

Your last option would be to buy used. While this doesn’t appeal to some, this is really the best way to find designer shoes for cheap.

Good luck bargain shopping!

Getting Designer Clothing At The Fraction of the Price

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Most women love shopping. We’ve even gotten great at doing some bargain shopping. What’s even more fun is shopping for designer clothing for just the fraction of the cost. Designer clothing is nice, but the price… not so much.

These days we don’t really have that kind of money to spend on one article of clothing. There are so many ways that you can get your hands on designer clothing without having to spend the outrageous prices.

Outlet stores sell designer brands at the fraction of the cost. One of the most popular places to do this kind of shopping is a store like Marshalls and TJ Maxx. Both stores will sometimes carry brands like Guess and Nine West for more than half its regular price.

Other discounts stores sell designer clothes for almost 80 percent off retail price. It’s amazing what deals you can find at these types of places. It doesn’t matter where it came from because you just saved 80 percent off retail!

Check out thrift stores and Goodwill. Many people donate their clothes to Goodwill and the Salvation Army. You can find some amazing items there for nowhere near retail. Just spend an hour going through the clothes, you will find an amazing steal there… I guarantee it! If you’re not sure about shopping there, bring your items to the cleaners and they’ll be as good as new.

Many designers are now teaming up with Wal-Mart and Target for exclusive lines. Target has been signing some amazing deals with designers to get their clothes in their stores. The best part is, you’ll get designer clothing at Target prices. Go to Target, you’ll be surprised and what you’ll find there. The reasoning they’re doing this is so people can get designer items for really cheap.

If you look hard enough and shop around, you’re guaranteed to find designer clothes at really cheap prices. Don’t give up, you’ll find your perfect wardrobe for cheap.

Who was Kokichi Mikimoto?

Kokichi Mikimoto was a man with a vision.  His dream was to make the first man made pearl and adorn the necks of women all over the world with these beautiful and elegant gems.  He became known as the inventor of the pearl when he cultured his first man made pearl in 1893.

He went onto create and design many stunning works of art and won many awards for his pearls.  He was precise and exacting in his quest for perfection and it is his unwavering insistence on strict evaluation that knows no compromise that has earned him the DeBeers Diamond International Award in 1969.

This visionary inventor of cultured pearls went onto adorned famous women the world over with the mysterious gems of the seas.  He opened his first store in Japan in 1899 and soon followed with international renowned boutiques all over the world.  First in London in 1913, then Paris and quickly stores opened in all the major fashion cities of the world.

Today he known as the foremost producer of high quality pearls and the leading designer in exquisite jewelry.  His high standards set so long ago still exist today with strict quality controls at every stage of production and design.   From the delicate pink tinge of the Akoya oysters to the rare and valuable peacock green of the black lipped oyster, to wear a Mikimoto pearl is wear a little bit of the mystery of the ocean.

Getting Designer Handbags For Cheap

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Women love their designer handbags. We work extra hours at work just to save up for the perfect designer handbag. The downside to that gorgeous designer handbag you’ve had your eye on is the price. Designer handbags can be pretty expensive to those who don’t have a high-paying job.

There is good news. You can find real designer handbags at more affordable prices. Here are a few ways you can get your hands on the gorgeous designer bag for a fraction of the cost.

”’Look at Garage and Estate Sales”’
You’d be surprised at how many designer handbags you can find for cheap at a garage or estate sale. Check online or in your local newspaper for garage and estate sales. With estate sales, people are trying to get rid of everything… quickly. You can get really lucky and find amazing designer handbags at such cheap prices.

”’Look Online”’
You do have to be a little more careful, but you can find authentic designer handbags on online auction websites such as eBay or even Craigslist. It’s important to be on the look out since the website is pretty notorious for selling fakes and replicas as authentic. Before buying anything, check the seller’s feedback. If they’re a fake, previous sellers will state that in the feedback.

”’Check Outlet Stores”’
Outlet stores are known for selling designer handbags at the fraction of the cost. A lot of outlet malls will sell designer products for less than retail. It wouldn’t hurt to take a trip to your local outlet mall to see what they have there.  You have to be a little careful because some outlet stores will still sell the item for retail.

If you look hard enough you can find the perfect designer handbag for cheap. You might not find it right away, but persistence does pay off.

Making Old Clothes Look New

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While most people like to say out with the old and in with the new, it’s hard for people to just go out and buy new things. To help save your money, you can take your old clothes and make them look new again.

You don’t have to read all the fashion magazines or blogs to get fashion ideas, just your own creativity. Here are a few tips about revamping your old clothes into something new.

”’Do Your Planning First”’
This is considered a little do it yourself type project, so it’s important to plan ahead. Winging it might cause some problems. Anyone in the fashion business will advise that it’s easier to take away something, so do some drawing to see what you want to do. If you don’t like something in your drawing, erase it.

”’Get Creative”’
Do you have an old pair of jeans just sitting in your closet with an ugly hole in it? Well, turn it into a fabulous jean skirt! If you’re not sure where to begin, pull out your old jeans and t-shirts. These are great starting points. You can make jeans look almost brand new with a little extra stitching and even patching if needed. Just don’t bedazzle anything. The bedazzler isn’t your friend.

”’Create A Non-Clothing item”’
One popular thing moms love doing is taking old baby clothes and turning them into blankets and quilts. You can do this. Old t-shirts and sweatshirts can even make amazing scarves or gloves if you’re really talented. If you’re amazing at sewing, you can even turn older sweatshirts into throw pillows and tote bags.

Taking your old clothing and revamping them into something new is a great new way to save money. They might not be the most stylish things, but you can really make it work. At least you’ll be wearing or walking around with something unique and not what everyone else is wearing.

Becoming a Fashion Designer

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We all love fashion. Some might even say fashion is in their blood. Each year hundreds of students attend fashion design school in hopes of becoming a fashion designer.

As a fashion designer it’s your job to create designs for clothing, shoes and accessories that will be sold in stores all over the world. Sounds cool right? While you could have a shot at a career as a fashion designer, very few hit the big time like Chanel or Armani, but that’s OK.

There are a few things that you should consider before deciding whether or not you want to become a fashion designer.

The first thing, think about your ability to sketch designs as well as having a great eye for fashion, design and detail. There’s a lot of competition in the fashion industry since everyone’s trying to get his or her big break. It takes a lot of drive and determination to do well in the industry.

It’s good to have a two or four-year degree in fashion design. Having the four-year degree, however, will give you a leg up in the competition. Look online for the best colleges to attend for fashion design. You will most likely need to submit sketches with your application. Be prepared for this.

While in college take marketing and business classes on top of your design. Knowing business and marketing is a crucial part in your fashion career. It will also come in handy to know all the design programs.

While in college get an internship. This will help you create connections and references, which will help you land a job post graduation.

Once you’re getting ready to finish up your degree, get a strong portfolio put together. This is how you’re going to market yourself… through your work.

Lastly, keep up with trends. If you want to make it in the fashion industry, you will have to know what’s going on in it.

Becoming A Teen Fashion Designer

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For many people fashion is the best way to show the world their creativity. You don’t have to be an adult to become a fashion designer; many teenagers are making their mark in the fashion world.

If you’re a young teen looking to get creative and have a career in fashion, here are some great tips to follow.

Try and talk to professionals in the industry about going to college and how to become a successful fashion designer. This is where you ask the questions you’ve been wondering since gaining an interest in fashion. Try and get designers to offer up some tips.

Start studying everything you can about fabrics and what is used for what. If your school has a sewing class, take it. Some colleges might allow high school students to enroll. If so, take a sewing class there. Check to see if your local fabric stores offers any type of classes.

Knowing how to sew is crucial in your career as a designer. Just learning how to sew at an early age could help give you a slight advantage over those who don’t start sewing until college.

Start designing your own clothes to wear out. Not only are you getting experience, but you’re also getting your name out there. Networking is the best thing right now and showing off your designs could get you connections. If anything, you might get some side work.

Try to start building your portfolio during your teen years. Most fashion design schools require a portfolio with your application. Again, this will get you the leg up you need.

If possible, see if you can score an internship to help get you some experience and learn what it’s really like to work in the fashion industry. This is the best way to get the real-world experience you need.

The fashion industry is tough and competitive, but if you’re successful, you can land yourself your dream career.

Creating Your Portfolio For Your Career In Fashion

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A portfolio is a collection you put together showcasing your best and strongest work. Whether it’s for advertising, journalism or design, your portfolio is how you will sell yourself to a company. They will see your work before they’ll even see you. The stronger the portfolio than the better your chances are for landing an interview.

Your portfolio is the tool needed to jumpstart your career in the industry of your choice. When it comes to a career in fashion, there are a few guidelines to know about.

Here are a few tips on creating your portfolio for your career in fashion.

Get a strong, sturdy portfolio to put your work in. It’s import ant to have something that will not only organize your work, but also make it look professional. It’s always important to make your work look professional and presentable. A first impression is the only thing you get in the fashion world.

Put together samples of your best work and organize them by collection. If you have several collections to show off, try to include a few samples of your inspiration behind the collections.

If you have them, put your final colored sketches in your portfolio. This will prove that you designed the work yourself. Include rough sketches only if you have room.

Add fabric swatches if you have them. These are just tiny pieces of what fabric you would use when you create the piece.

If possible, add photos of people wearing your clothes. This will give employers an idea about how the designs will look on people.

Lastly, this is a digital age we live in. Scan everything and put them on your own professional website for everyone to see. This is the best way to show off your work.

Your portfolio will help land you an interview, be smart and get creative with how you organize it. Your portfolio is what’s going to sell yourself as a designer.