I remember seeing the below picture of Nene Leakes, and falling in love with her Tom Ford Sunglasses!
As we know Tom Ford can cost a pretty penny! Thankfully, Nasty Gal has these $20 Evil Eye Block Sunglasses that have a very similar silhouette at a very low price:
Not sure why NG called them ‘Evil Eye.’ But anywho, the specs have wire rims and feature an outer block frame in black, a cutout design, and subtle purple lenses.
So as I was perusing a recent Cool Online Find, DisClothesure, I couldn’t help but be blown away by the professionalism of the site! Everything was easy to navigate, the pictures were beautiful, and I thought: they’re a great example of the right way to host an online site.
I’ve seen lots of e-stores in my day. A few thoughts on how to make yours compelling and successful!
1. Have beautiful photography
Fashion is all about the visual–the goal is to transport people to another place. There’s a reason brands like Balmain spend major bucks on models and big time photographers when it comes to ad campaigns. It’s all about the vision.
Not everyone has the coins to employ a Joan Smalls or a Kardashian/Jenner, but you assuredly have people in your circle who could stand in to be great models and photographers. Hire them–heck splurge on a professional stylist. Voila, magic.
If you’re more into accessories, get a great photog to photograph your wares on alluring backgrounds.
Remember, in fashion: Image is everything!
2. Curate Your Social Media Pages
Take a look at ‘high end’ designers. Do you see selfies, back shots in the club, or personal pix? Not so much. Most of the big whigs have a very directional aesthetic for all of their social media pages.
We all want to express ourselves! Feel free to have a personal social media page that’s all about you and your friends…and keep it private. But for your brand, make sure you’re allll business.
Good things to include in your profile: your website, contact address, and any other relevant details.
Veer away from collages and filters. Focus on big, beautiful pictures that showcase what you’re selling!
3. Keep Items in Stock
Say a celebrity or Instagram style star wears your wares, and sends people to your site. What good is all that fabulous press if you have nothing in stock?!?!
Not suggesting you order hundreds of dresses in anticipation of a celeb wearing it. Here’s how you get around it: offer items for pre-sale, tell customers they’ll get their items in a few weeks, and be ready to GO if and when someone wears it.
4.Offer Paypal
Paypal involves fees, yes, but it is a reliable way to send money online, AND protects both buyer and seller. In case something goes left and you have a dispute, Paypal handles it and makes sure all parties are treated fairly. This is probably the best practice to have on your site. Sign up at Paypal.com.
5.Remember the Customer is ALWAYS Right.
Having my own online store has taught me so much, Ho Boy! My most recent ‘issue’ involves having to refund a customer without receiving the returned merchandise! It kills me! But regardless of who’s right or wrong, know that things happen. The post office might lose your package or the customer might even be dishonest! Remember: Your reputation prevails. Put policies in place that work best for you (since I own a resale site, I tell everyone to ask all questions before purchasing and have now enlisted a no return policy.). But if all else fails, know that sometimes you have to take a loss. Take it gracefully and just make sure that in the end, most of your customers are happy ones!
A satisfied Claire’s Closet Customer Wearing a Dress I Still Love!
That does it!
There are lots of other branding tips I could offer i.e. picking out a great name, having quality products, and garnering press from bloggers and stars alike! But those are just a few thoughts.
Do you have anything to add?
**Get deets on the Bang bag here.
The brand styled her dress with simple, pointed-toe white pumps.
Her yellow, pink, and green PVC, antique-rose mirrored-leather, black leather, and white patent-leather pumps feature a pointed-toe silhouette, 4″ heels, and striped panels.
Hot!
Naomie’s frock isn’t available just yet, but you can get the pumps in a similar colorway here.
June Ambrose sported a blue silk dress and Fendi heels.
Dascha Polanco added red Marskinryyppy booties to black shorts, a black camisole, and black blazer, all by Trina Turk.
Wacka Flocka Flame wore Jordans and a suit.
I actually really liked Ashley Benson’s Miu Miu bi-color dress. What do you think?
And Affion Crockett put up his dukes in a black shirt, Balmain jeans, and Balmain red sneakers. Love his outfit!
We’re kicking off this week with Camille from Nigeria:
She says, “I would describe my style as simple and chic.”
” I prefer minimalism and I know what works for my body.”
More here:
Chic minimalism is the perfect description. I love it!
See more at www.paris5thave.com.
What do you think?
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 6-8 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 5-10 different outfits (no collages) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Images submitted will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any of our social media platforms. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game! Please be advised: once published, pictures will not be removed or taken down.
Hey Guys!
So on Saturday, I was blessed to attend Rush Philanthropic’s Art for Life Gala in the Hamptons as a guest of Kim Hatchett and Morgan Stanley!
The event, which celebrated its 20th year, raises funds to provide art education opportunities for youth in New York City and beyond. Lots of fabulous people were in attendance, including Russell Simmons, Danny Simmons, Jojo Simmons, Angela Simmons, Ming Lee Simmons, Aoki Lee Simmons, Russy Simmons, Flaviana Matata, Sherry and Vanessa Bronfman, Ross Lukatsevich, Bevy Smith, DJ Kiss, DJ Mos, Kim Hatchett, Kevin and Erika Liles, Cynthia Bailey, Chef Roblé, Beverly Camhe, Michelle Gadsen-Williams, and more!
The magical, star studded night, MC’ed by Soledad O’Brien, recognized Dave Chappelle, Michaela and Simon de Pury, Ava DuVernay and Artist Wangechi Mutu for their career achievements and philanthropic work, and included powerful performances by Elle Varner and Bell Biv Devoe.
The soirée had a Roaring Twenties theme, and of course everyone showed up and showed out in flapper dresses, sequined numbers, feathered boas, pearls, and headpieces.
Take a look at a few stand outs:
Publicist Umindi Francis and her date were gorgeous in pink tones and feathered details.
DJ Kiss and DJ Mos always look great! DJ Kiss shined in a silver Parker dress.
Stylist and Fashion Bomb friend Kanayo Ebi sparkled in a black and gold beaded Ese Azenabor dress and a feathered headband.
The Simmons women are a beautiful bunch, no? Angela and Ming Lee sidled up to sequins, while Aoki Lee looked elegant in a long dress. They grow up so fast!
This young lady took the theme to the limit in a fringed cocktail dress, pearl headpiece, and metallic heels.
A plaid detailed vest was certainly a conversation piece for this dapper gentleman.
This bomb blogger looked hot in a multicolored sequined dress.
Vanessa Bronfman was fierce defined in an Aidon Mattox beaded and fringed number.
These handsome men opted for printed suits and oxford shoes.
A Leap of Style is one of my favorite up-and-comers! Aside from the fact that the designer is a fellow Houstonian (hey Karissa!), I absolutely adore the versatility behind each breathtaking piece.
After I got the distinct honor to attend one of the brand’s fashion shows, I was left in complete awe! The chic and classy feel of each piece oozes utter sophistication. In addition, the variety is also a plus. From playful cocktail dresses to daring maxi skirts, A Leap of Style caters to women of every shape.
These print-tastic frocks fall within a price range of $88 to $220. Yet, the impeccable quality is worth every penny!
To see more from Karissa Lindsay of A Leap of Style, visit the official site here.
