Every time I make something in Excel, I want to share. Rather than randomly drop advertisements here and there, like I've been doing, I'd like to be more educated about it. So I've started tracking ad performance so that I can see which ads produced sales, which produced brand awareness (aka no sales), and which ads flopped. And because it's in Excel, I can SORT variables, like Type, Season, Visitors, etc. Over time, I'll see if I can see patterns. Based on the 3 ads I've placed so far, I'm hedging that summer is a bad time, and that email newsletter features are more effective at producing sales.
Here are the fields I'm looking at:
Advertiser
Date Placed
Type (newsletter; small placement)
Components (text with coupon code; product picture with description)
Coupon Code?
Coupon Type (10% off order; free shipping)
Visitors (from that day if a newsletter or the like)
Click Through
Monthly Visitors (if the ad is archived, or if add is up for 3 or so months)
Pages/Visitor
Season
Price
Sales?
Your website stats can show you some of this information, like how many pages a visitor from a destination (or referal) visited. Google Analytics is a free analytic program for capturing your stats, and is awesome.
As a note of caution, one thing I learned right away, is that websites are charging varying rates. When I advertised on Scoop du Jour, the owner had 14,000 subscribers. For $210 (which was a Spring sale rate down from $300) to be a bitty PS link on the bottom of her weekly newsletter, I took the risk and did see sales and visitors and newsletter sign ups. Later, I was pitched to by another company, and they claimed around 1200 subscribers, and wanted about $140 for a newsletter feature. For that price, I chose not to do it. For $25, maybe...and then...let the tracking begin.
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New Katie James Sleep Mask
**yawn**
Just finished a potential new katie james product - the beauty sleep mask. When I first started Narnia, David would off course go to bed before me. I had a random sleep mask lying around, so he'd put it on so that I could continue reading. Then when football season came around, with those highlights, I wore the sleep mask. Of course, we needed katie james versions, so here it is.
Made from 100% raw silk, with a black reversible back that blocks out the light, this sleep mask is good for catnaps and sleep-ins. Red (shown) is now available at katie-james. More colors available soon.
Here are some sleep mask prototypes. At first, David thought it neat if it had the shape of cat eyes. But it didn't work so well.
I've also been making tweaks to the website, as it was not up to SEO (search engine optimization) par. So, there will be a few changes to the site in days to come. I had to get more keywords in the category and home pages, so it can be a lot of work.
Here's what I'm going to look like in about 2 seconds:
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Just finished a potential new katie james product - the beauty sleep mask. When I first started Narnia, David would off course go to bed before me. I had a random sleep mask lying around, so he'd put it on so that I could continue reading. Then when football season came around, with those highlights, I wore the sleep mask. Of course, we needed katie james versions, so here it is.
Made from 100% raw silk, with a black reversible back that blocks out the light, this sleep mask is good for catnaps and sleep-ins. Red (shown) is now available at katie-james. More colors available soon.
Here are some sleep mask prototypes. At first, David thought it neat if it had the shape of cat eyes. But it didn't work so well.
I've also been making tweaks to the website, as it was not up to SEO (search engine optimization) par. So, there will be a few changes to the site in days to come. I had to get more keywords in the category and home pages, so it can be a lot of work.
Here's what I'm going to look like in about 2 seconds:
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Review of the Plunge Bar - Don't Go
Should you take The Plunge, located atop the Hotel Gansevoort down in the meat packing district? Don't bother. This highly touted gray clad bar was nothing but a rooftop overlooking the Soho House pool (with no sex happening in the pool, I might add). "Grey clad" translates into barmaids who stare blankly during each order. On top of that, when they serve you that $14 vodka cranberry or $12 South African chardonnay, it's all in plastic, so you're not feeling as divine as you were purported to feeling. The stools outside are kindergarten-sized grey stumps, and if you are drinking outside, you're mandated to ordering from the cocktail waitress, who will easily scold you while wearing black Reefs after you bring back a fresh drink from the more happening bar inside, after she neglected you after several serving opportunities.
And, you couldn't even hear the 80's music and DJ they rave about! And it wasn't because the crowd was so rowdy, either. Saddness.
For a place that boasts of a "scene and be scene" atmosphere, you will definitely be scene. So don't wear your Urban Outfitters clearance wrack pink hipster pants and halter top like I did, where you're only saving grace is a pair of high cork soled MIAs that could pass as as a better brand, and higher price, not the $30 you paid for at Shoe Mania next door to Whole Foods at Union Square.
For a good time, a more visually stimulating time, you're better to go to Spice Market across the street, or, Pastis. Both offer eclectic scenes and equally scene-y :)
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And, you couldn't even hear the 80's music and DJ they rave about! And it wasn't because the crowd was so rowdy, either. Saddness.
For a place that boasts of a "scene and be scene" atmosphere, you will definitely be scene. So don't wear your Urban Outfitters clearance wrack pink hipster pants and halter top like I did, where you're only saving grace is a pair of high cork soled MIAs that could pass as as a better brand, and higher price, not the $30 you paid for at Shoe Mania next door to Whole Foods at Union Square.
For a good time, a more visually stimulating time, you're better to go to Spice Market across the street, or, Pastis. Both offer eclectic scenes and equally scene-y :)
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New Desktop Art - Lazy Lazy Susans
It's official. I spend more time gazing at my computer then I do looking at anything or anybody else. Ahh!
Please welcome this new desktop art to the katie james collection.
lazy lazy susans at dusk
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Please welcome this new desktop art to the katie james collection.
lazy lazy susans at dusk
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My Laser Experience and Reviews at American Laser Center
I started this review series of my laser experience with American Laser Center (ALC) in August of 2006. My first review was the night of my consultation, where I signed up for a $2000 laser hair removal of the thigh, bikini area, and love trail. Even though this particular post was published in 2006, I update it when I learn something new about American Laser Centers, their financing program with GE Care Credit, or with laser hair removal in general. I do blog a review about each laser appointment I have, and followup posts if I notice anything new.
All of my reviews with American Laser Centers.
When I decided to invest in laser hair removal, I had done no online research. I spoke to friends who had gone through it and saw results of no hair. I responded to an ad on Daily Candy, featuring a contest where you could win different levels of prizes. I have since come to learn that basically everyone wins the lowest level of $300, and you may win even if you don't enter.
During my consultation, I was told by the office manager that the process would take 1 year, which equals 6 appointments. American Laser Centers includes a 2 year extension, where you can continue your appointments for up to two years. I am into my 1st extra year, which means that as of March 2008, I had completed 10 appointments and was unhappy with the results. I had far too much hair left, since I was led to believe that I would have minimal hair by the 6th appointment. PLEASE NOTE: Everyone reacts differently and has different skin types and hair color. This is just my experience.
My decision was based on math from waxing. Every 3 weeks, which is 17 times a year, I paid $32 (which includes tip). I have invested at least $544 a year, times 6 years is $3,264, only to have to repeat forever.
Overall, I am glad I made the decision to laser. My hair is less coarse, I don't get ingrowns, and I feel more comfortable in general. My main wish is that American Laser Centers did not lead me to think I would be done in 6 appointments, with a 2 year cushion. If I did not have this 2 year cushion, I would be quite upset. As you research and review American Laser Centers, or lasering in general, I've included some basic questions below.
There are different levels of the lasers power, depending on what stage you are in. Lasering the hair doesn't make it fall out right there. It just damages the follicle. Apparently, the hair falls out after the appointment. In my experience, I have never seen my hair fall out. For about 3-4 days after, I have to put special soothing lotion on the area. American Laser Centers sells lotion from AmeriPur, and it's wonderful. It's actually the best lotion I've ever used. My skin doesn't absorb lotion very well. But this lotion is absorbed well. You may see red dots on your skin after your appointment. In my experience, when I applied the lotion to the red areas, the redness was soothed.
American Laser Center's Financing Program
I financed my laser treatment with the GE Care Credit Card. The American Laser Center office manager told me that the card offers 0% APR, which is very attractive. I signed up, and agreed to pay $180 each month to pay it off.
The fine print, which was not stated by the manager at the time of signing, is that if you are late on one or two payments, you will lose the 0% APR. Almost more important, and definitely not stated in the appointment, is that the interested from the APR is deferred and is owed by you if you do not pay it off in 1 year. That means that after 1 year, if you do not pay off this card, you will have to pay deferred finance charges, which could be as much as $500 or more, depending on the amount you got credit for. Big surprise. I learned of this when I had 2 payments before the year ran out. For some reason, I read the fine print where this was stated. I looked on other bills, and it had been there all the time, but the most recent bill had been redesigned, so I noticed it more.
As with all credit cards, beware. I wrote a more detailed review of the GE Care card here). In the end, I paid off the credit card before the end of the year and as of this date, avoided the deferred finance charges.
Also note, and this is very important, each American Laser Center office has the power to quote you a different quote, based on how much they think you can pay. I have experienced the negotiation, and so has this person, in a more grotesque way. It may be that you can negotiate with all laser companies.
As far as American Laser Centers is concerned, do your homework. If you are having many areas done, consider splitting it between a dermatologist and a place like American Laser Centers. ALC has offices nationwide, so check to see if there is one near you. Your doctor (dermatologist, gyno) may also offer laser treatments. Visit the office first to make sure you are comfortable with the location and people. Keep in mind, lots of people ask me about the American Laser Center contest that they've "won." The consensus is that everyone "wins," so it's a gimic to get you into the appointment.
Best of luck, and stay smart.
Laser Hair Removal Review: Appointment # 10. Yes, 10.
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #8
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #7 for pics of technicians
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #6
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #5.5 for Bikini
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #5
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #4
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #3.5
Laser Hair Removal Review :: The Second Zap
Laser Hair Removal Review :: The First Followup
Laser Hair Removal Review :: The First Zap
Laser Hair Removal :: War of My Legs Part 1
Disclaimer: FashionMista, nor its author, are qualified to give medical advice and cannot be held responsible for anything that may occur. Should you have a medical concern, please consult your physician.
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All of my reviews with American Laser Centers.
When I decided to invest in laser hair removal, I had done no online research. I spoke to friends who had gone through it and saw results of no hair. I responded to an ad on Daily Candy, featuring a contest where you could win different levels of prizes. I have since come to learn that basically everyone wins the lowest level of $300, and you may win even if you don't enter.
During my consultation, I was told by the office manager that the process would take 1 year, which equals 6 appointments. American Laser Centers includes a 2 year extension, where you can continue your appointments for up to two years. I am into my 1st extra year, which means that as of March 2008, I had completed 10 appointments and was unhappy with the results. I had far too much hair left, since I was led to believe that I would have minimal hair by the 6th appointment. PLEASE NOTE: Everyone reacts differently and has different skin types and hair color. This is just my experience.
My decision was based on math from waxing. Every 3 weeks, which is 17 times a year, I paid $32 (which includes tip). I have invested at least $544 a year, times 6 years is $3,264, only to have to repeat forever.
Overall, I am glad I made the decision to laser. My hair is less coarse, I don't get ingrowns, and I feel more comfortable in general. My main wish is that American Laser Centers did not lead me to think I would be done in 6 appointments, with a 2 year cushion. If I did not have this 2 year cushion, I would be quite upset. As you research and review American Laser Centers, or lasering in general, I've included some basic questions below.
What's the process for laser with American Laser Center?
Your own laser experts should walk you through the procedure, as it may vary. I can only tell you what happened to me. A technician spreads the lasered area with the jell used when performing sonograms. The jell is cold, and is the worst part for me. The laser comes from a plastic head with a trigger on it. Here's a picture. The technician pulls the trigger and a little laser zaps dark hair follicles in the area. The laser is attracted to pigment, so the ideal skin type is fair, untanned skin with dark hair.There are different levels of the lasers power, depending on what stage you are in. Lasering the hair doesn't make it fall out right there. It just damages the follicle. Apparently, the hair falls out after the appointment. In my experience, I have never seen my hair fall out. For about 3-4 days after, I have to put special soothing lotion on the area. American Laser Centers sells lotion from AmeriPur, and it's wonderful. It's actually the best lotion I've ever used. My skin doesn't absorb lotion very well. But this lotion is absorbed well. You may see red dots on your skin after your appointment. In my experience, when I applied the lotion to the red areas, the redness was soothed.
Does laser hair removal hurt? I heard it's like getting a tatoo.
I've heard that too. I've also heard it feels like rubber bands hitting your skin. So far in my experience, the laser did not hurt, although perhaps it should have, hence why it's not gone. I did notice on some coarse patches on my thigh, the feeling from the laser was stronger. My Syrian friend is going through it, and she has hair coarser than I do. Her experience is painful. She is not going to American Laser Centers, and I don't know what kind of laser they are using on her. I have been told that the ideal skin type is fair skin with dark hair. If you are tan, I would not get lasered. I would take the summer off from laying out.American Laser Center's Financing Program
I financed my laser treatment with the GE Care Credit Card. The American Laser Center office manager told me that the card offers 0% APR, which is very attractive. I signed up, and agreed to pay $180 each month to pay it off.The fine print, which was not stated by the manager at the time of signing, is that if you are late on one or two payments, you will lose the 0% APR. Almost more important, and definitely not stated in the appointment, is that the interested from the APR is deferred and is owed by you if you do not pay it off in 1 year. That means that after 1 year, if you do not pay off this card, you will have to pay deferred finance charges, which could be as much as $500 or more, depending on the amount you got credit for. Big surprise. I learned of this when I had 2 payments before the year ran out. For some reason, I read the fine print where this was stated. I looked on other bills, and it had been there all the time, but the most recent bill had been redesigned, so I noticed it more.
As with all credit cards, beware. I wrote a more detailed review of the GE Care card here). In the end, I paid off the credit card before the end of the year and as of this date, avoided the deferred finance charges.
Also note, and this is very important, each American Laser Center office has the power to quote you a different quote, based on how much they think you can pay. I have experienced the negotiation, and so has this person, in a more grotesque way. It may be that you can negotiate with all laser companies.
Where should I go for the laser treatments?
NOTE: This paragraph has been edited after 10 appointments with American Laser Centers.As far as American Laser Centers is concerned, do your homework. If you are having many areas done, consider splitting it between a dermatologist and a place like American Laser Centers. ALC has offices nationwide, so check to see if there is one near you. Your doctor (dermatologist, gyno) may also offer laser treatments. Visit the office first to make sure you are comfortable with the location and people. Keep in mind, lots of people ask me about the American Laser Center contest that they've "won." The consensus is that everyone "wins," so it's a gimic to get you into the appointment.
Best of luck, and stay smart.
American Laser Center Reviews
Laser Hair Removal Review: Appointment #11, The DoublepassLaser Hair Removal Review: Appointment # 10. Yes, 10.
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #8
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #7 for pics of technicians
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #6
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #5.5 for Bikini
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #5
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #4
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #3.5
Laser Hair Removal Review :: The Second Zap
Laser Hair Removal Review :: The First Followup
Laser Hair Removal Review :: The First Zap
Laser Hair Removal :: War of My Legs Part 1
Disclaimer: FashionMista, nor its author, are qualified to give medical advice and cannot be held responsible for anything that may occur. Should you have a medical concern, please consult your physician.
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Delusions: Business Plan as Kryptonite
Just got off the phone with my godfather. What are godfathers for but to wish you happy birthday every year, take you out to dinner on holiday breaks at home, and give you sound business advice with an entrepreneurial slant. I recently called my parents with my first "money call," where I was trying to ask for money to buy fabric for my jewelry pouches. I've been in a fabric slump, and Mood hasn't had anything that works. I need a small pattern on high-quality fabric. Last Saturday, while looking for a pretty cotton print for burp cloths, a possible new katie james product at the suggestion of a friend who says there is a shortage of pretty burp cloths, I scored. I not only found a print I really like, but I found three that can work together, and a beautiful brown eyelet with a white floral embroidery for the jewelry pouches. But as we know, I have nomoney.com. So I made the money call. And they wanted a business plan. A reasonable request. So I unloaded all of my intensions into a word document with a pretty katie james graphic in the header and footer, and emailed it. I had a week to buy the fabric, which was on hold at Mood.
The response? My godfather was with them, and is a successful business owner, so he looked at it. It was missing financials, my profit margin was too low, costs were too high. It's not at the point where it needs financials, so I didn't include it. I just needed fabric. Here's where the delusion part comes in. Am I living in a dream, or am I living a dream with katie james. Certainly not the latter. I go along and make strategic purchases, but at the end of the day, I am nowhere close to making my rent with katie james, let alone a large production run. The thought of taking katie james to a kate spade level is just silly. To make a profit, and a living, I'd basically need to produce in China or Viet Nam (the next, unsophisticated China as China gains sophistication). I'd have to find a fabric source and buy hundreds or thousands of yards of fabric (not Mood where I'm paying at least 3x as much as I could if I was buying straight from a factory).
We discussed types of financing, where you could propose to a high-risk venture firm that invests in high-risk start-ups. The company would lose money for maybe 2 years while trying to get started, then start turning a profit by manufacturing overseas (aka a lot of product). They'd be an investor and get paid back forever until you bought back their shares of stock in the company. We talked about other plans, some which sounded good, but all just daunting. It's hard to picture myself going from 0-2000 pouches in a year, you know? We also talked about me working in the industry to learn the process as an assistant designer or buyer or something. This is a fine idea, but first of all, I don't know anyone in the industry that could be an 'in' for me to even land such a coveted job. Second of all, the people I do know, or have heard of, say it's a really stressful job and don't like it. Right now, designing and running my little delusional business is an outlet, it's different than what I do all day at the day job. Do I want to keep it an outlet? No! But would I enjoy the stresses, or deal with them better? Yes.
So I'm sad. I'm still going to live in my delusional place by thinking somehow katie james can turn a profit and into a popular brand and start paying for itself (not to mention my rent and Gerdy and Dinah's food). As my godfather advised, I'm going to keep track of my plan so that I can look at it later and see if components of it are still good ideas as I learn more about this industry; I'm still going to keep my crazy excel sheets of my costs and sales; I'm going to recognize my weaknesses, which are knowledge in fabric sources, manufacturing, and overall knowledge of types of business plans and types of investors; and I'm going to do something about it.
FIT business class
I'm going to go back to FIT and hopefully take the credited course in Starting a Small Business, if I haven't missed registration.
The Switchboards
I'm going to peruse The Switchboards and see if there aren't women (or men) in a similar situation that has ideas, or has learned from mistakes. I'm also going to make more answer-type posts so that I don't feel like I'm asking questions all the time and not participating in helping other people.
Fashion Designer Survival Guide
I'm going to re-read that damn book, as depressing/daunting as it is, just to get more familiar with the process and pick up on things I missed due to lack of experience at the time.
And that's what I'm going to do. I bought the darn fabric, because I couldn't not. I took a hit on the DebtOMeter, so no glittery supernova for me this week. And I'm going to open and American Express Gold business card (yay!) because I finally got the letter in the mail, where they've offered to waive the yearly fee for the first year. This card requirs that you pay your balance at the end of each pay period, so there's no debt accumulation. The goal is to earn points that can be used for things, and they offer a nice discount program with FedEx, etc. if you pay with that card. Off topic, but thought I'd mention.
And here's Dinah, trying to participate in this post:
And here's a new FashionMista called BrownBerry, available at katie-james.com
We can't all be on Project Runway. But we can make it happen for ourselves. I think.
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The response? My godfather was with them, and is a successful business owner, so he looked at it. It was missing financials, my profit margin was too low, costs were too high. It's not at the point where it needs financials, so I didn't include it. I just needed fabric. Here's where the delusion part comes in. Am I living in a dream, or am I living a dream with katie james. Certainly not the latter. I go along and make strategic purchases, but at the end of the day, I am nowhere close to making my rent with katie james, let alone a large production run. The thought of taking katie james to a kate spade level is just silly. To make a profit, and a living, I'd basically need to produce in China or Viet Nam (the next, unsophisticated China as China gains sophistication). I'd have to find a fabric source and buy hundreds or thousands of yards of fabric (not Mood where I'm paying at least 3x as much as I could if I was buying straight from a factory).
We discussed types of financing, where you could propose to a high-risk venture firm that invests in high-risk start-ups. The company would lose money for maybe 2 years while trying to get started, then start turning a profit by manufacturing overseas (aka a lot of product). They'd be an investor and get paid back forever until you bought back their shares of stock in the company. We talked about other plans, some which sounded good, but all just daunting. It's hard to picture myself going from 0-2000 pouches in a year, you know? We also talked about me working in the industry to learn the process as an assistant designer or buyer or something. This is a fine idea, but first of all, I don't know anyone in the industry that could be an 'in' for me to even land such a coveted job. Second of all, the people I do know, or have heard of, say it's a really stressful job and don't like it. Right now, designing and running my little delusional business is an outlet, it's different than what I do all day at the day job. Do I want to keep it an outlet? No! But would I enjoy the stresses, or deal with them better? Yes.
So I'm sad. I'm still going to live in my delusional place by thinking somehow katie james can turn a profit and into a popular brand and start paying for itself (not to mention my rent and Gerdy and Dinah's food). As my godfather advised, I'm going to keep track of my plan so that I can look at it later and see if components of it are still good ideas as I learn more about this industry; I'm still going to keep my crazy excel sheets of my costs and sales; I'm going to recognize my weaknesses, which are knowledge in fabric sources, manufacturing, and overall knowledge of types of business plans and types of investors; and I'm going to do something about it.
FIT business class
I'm going to go back to FIT and hopefully take the credited course in Starting a Small Business, if I haven't missed registration.
The Switchboards
I'm going to peruse The Switchboards and see if there aren't women (or men) in a similar situation that has ideas, or has learned from mistakes. I'm also going to make more answer-type posts so that I don't feel like I'm asking questions all the time and not participating in helping other people.
Fashion Designer Survival GuideI'm going to re-read that damn book, as depressing/daunting as it is, just to get more familiar with the process and pick up on things I missed due to lack of experience at the time.
And that's what I'm going to do. I bought the darn fabric, because I couldn't not. I took a hit on the DebtOMeter, so no glittery supernova for me this week. And I'm going to open and American Express Gold business card (yay!) because I finally got the letter in the mail, where they've offered to waive the yearly fee for the first year. This card requirs that you pay your balance at the end of each pay period, so there's no debt accumulation. The goal is to earn points that can be used for things, and they offer a nice discount program with FedEx, etc. if you pay with that card. Off topic, but thought I'd mention.
And here's Dinah, trying to participate in this post:
And here's a new FashionMista called BrownBerry, available at katie-james.com
We can't all be on Project Runway. But we can make it happen for ourselves. I think.
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JacksonPollock: Paint By Mouse!
Just saw this on DailyCandy - splatter paint your screen on JacksonPollock.org by Miltos Manetas, wth original site design by Stamen! It's just like making a super nova on the Debt-O-Meter, but with pixels! A great way to relax the mind if you need to shift gears and freshen up your brain. Unleashing your inner Pollock is super easy. No sign-up is required. You just hit the website and the painting has begun! In other words, bookmark.
First attempt. The colors change with each click of the mouse. The mouse works just like a paint brush. The faster you go, the thinner the line. If you linger, you get a plop of paint.
Second attempt. I call heem "Lasso"
It's fun to leave a JacksonPollock.org window open on your computer so that when you are clicking through your windows, or are moving between programs, you accidentally make a couple of brush strokes. At least, that's what ends up happening with my Mac.
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First attempt. The colors change with each click of the mouse. The mouse works just like a paint brush. The faster you go, the thinner the line. If you linger, you get a plop of paint.
Second attempt. I call heem "Lasso"
It's fun to leave a JacksonPollock.org window open on your computer so that when you are clicking through your windows, or are moving between programs, you accidentally make a couple of brush strokes. At least, that's what ends up happening with my Mac.
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Do You Wear Socks With Flats?
Someone found FashionMista by asking that question on Ask.com. My gut reaction? "NO!" Unfortunately, I did allude to a woman not wearing socks with flats somewhere on this blog. Not sure where, but it's there.
So, I'm going to say, that if you have to ask if you wear socks with flats, then you probably should not, as your socks will wear you. However, if you don't care what others think, and you just feel like showing off a little leg while wearing socks, then I say go for it! I did, when I was a "waitress" in an Italian restaurant (I put that in quotation marks b/c I was the most forgetful waitress around and got tips based on how much I blushed after blunders). I wore white socks with my black chunky loafer Mias under long black skirts (the uniform was all black). But if you do where socks with flats, or heels even, remember the style-setters who did it before you...and note, that it works best with chunky shoes, not dainty ballerina slippers. Think Madonna, Debbie Harrie, Michael Jackson, maybe someone from the Breakfast Club, etc. I wouldn't do it if you're wearing a nice, trim skirt from Ann Taylor, but if you wanted to funk up that skirt, then you'd wear the socks with the flats or chunky heals. But know that wearing socks with flats cannot be taken lightly.
But again, it's your call...!
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So, I'm going to say, that if you have to ask if you wear socks with flats, then you probably should not, as your socks will wear you. However, if you don't care what others think, and you just feel like showing off a little leg while wearing socks, then I say go for it! I did, when I was a "waitress" in an Italian restaurant (I put that in quotation marks b/c I was the most forgetful waitress around and got tips based on how much I blushed after blunders). I wore white socks with my black chunky loafer Mias under long black skirts (the uniform was all black). But if you do where socks with flats, or heels even, remember the style-setters who did it before you...and note, that it works best with chunky shoes, not dainty ballerina slippers. Think Madonna, Debbie Harrie, Michael Jackson, maybe someone from the Breakfast Club, etc. I wouldn't do it if you're wearing a nice, trim skirt from Ann Taylor, but if you wanted to funk up that skirt, then you'd wear the socks with the flats or chunky heals. But know that wearing socks with flats cannot be taken lightly.
But again, it's your call...!
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Wall Art as Mood Booster
Stuck in an office? Me too, and I don't seem to be leaving in the next few months, so I finally bit the bullet and had the company buy me a $14.99 Ikea floor lamp, as the three rows of florescent overheads were about to drive me out the window. The pigeons hanging out on the church roof next door were having a much better time in the sun than I was in my windowless office/converted library/conference room. Which has inspired a little hanging of random pieces of art from a recent trip to the hometown. Every time I go home, I always find little goodies from the past and bring them back with me only when there is need. This time, I brought back a strange and small graphic arts picture I scanned, printed and mounted while at my first internship at the ad agency, Wise Advertising, in Cleveland. It's of an intriguing glass wine jug and a spilling glass of red wine, two things I would later enjoy very much in Italy, and then again to draw in college art classes.
This has inspired a quick survey of wall art available at Target and Ikea. We could probably find better stuff via indie designers, but for now, this is quick and dirty. Shall we?
(although, the tree one is probably not a good idea if you're in a real "team" environment)
Use this cute tin mirror (10"x10") to check your lipstick before you leave for somewhere, and it's only $12.99.
And then, to protect yourself from harmful florescent rays (ok, they may not be harmful, per say, but they are annoying and deplete you of vitamins)
This is the floor lamp I got, and am quite happy with.
If you have no overhead lights anymore, you should have a desk lamp...
PS: For the Ohio State fans, we have Maurice Clarett framed on the bedroom wall, making the winning touchdown in the Fiesta Bowel (David doesn't really have a home office, so I've allowed it in the bedroom). Well, Maurice is too much of a criminal now, and is coming down!
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This has inspired a quick survey of wall art available at Target and Ikea. We could probably find better stuff via indie designers, but for now, this is quick and dirty. Shall we?
(although, the tree one is probably not a good idea if you're in a real "team" environment)
Use this cute tin mirror (10"x10") to check your lipstick before you leave for somewhere, and it's only $12.99.
And then, to protect yourself from harmful florescent rays (ok, they may not be harmful, per say, but they are annoying and deplete you of vitamins)
This is the floor lamp I got, and am quite happy with.
If you have no overhead lights anymore, you should have a desk lamp...
PS: For the Ohio State fans, we have Maurice Clarett framed on the bedroom wall, making the winning touchdown in the Fiesta Bowel (David doesn't really have a home office, so I've allowed it in the bedroom). Well, Maurice is too much of a criminal now, and is coming down!
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Getting Nervous...How to Step Into the Big Times
Analysis by paralysis. Ever heard of it? It's kind of what I'm going through at the moment with katie james. As we know, I'm trying to focus money on paying off debts (the supernova part is really addicting), so that has been a big hole in the development part of katie james, in that I have less funds to put towards fabrics, trimmings and production. As you also know, I'm in a production transition, as the shop I was working with shuttered. So I've got a lot to think about.
Production-wise, I've just tried a stitcher in Alabama, who is associated with the group Planting Stitches, whose mission is to teach women who need jobs the skills to sew in order to make a living and get some empowerment! This was a recommendation to me by my a friend who makes delightful purses, but I was a bit nervous to try them, not being a professional sewer myself, and having to rely on others. My samples came in this week, and were dyn-o-mite. I am so excited. Their quote for the jewelry pouch, however, was high, so I'll need to find another way to produce it (unless you're all willing to pay about $75 for it!). That means I still need to have a potential stitcher to my house and set up a sewing studio in here, beyond my own little space.
Marketing-wise, I've got a new ad coming up in September with IndieShopping.com which is an affordable spotlight and came right out of my PayPal account from website sales. I've just agreed to do another, longer-lasting placement on StyleBakery.com, and am kind of really excited about it. This will be in October, so I've got to sew like the wind and/or get a little bit of production happening so that I can sell more inventory!
Then, and I haven't juicily blogged about this yet because it hasn't officially started for me yet, I've joined the New York Ladies Who Launch Incubator to help me get my goals in order and reach them. I've just received my first benefit of joining the incubator by way of an eBay store they are launching. They are going to sell products and services of Ladies Who Launch members by way of drop shipping, and they are going to have a great looking, well optimized site to do it from. So we'll see what that entails (not sure what the upfront costs are, if any).
Oh, and I started an itsy bitsy Etsy.com store. hehe! I'll put things in there that aren't official enough to sell in at katie-james.com, or are random, like some exquisite plastic coated lace that I may cut into cup and plant coasters (there's nothing like the sensation of cutting wobbly plastic). Limited-edition stuff. (ps: I just ordered these vintage buttons from Etsy that will soon be on my katie james watch bands…)
TTFN! Any more effort into this post and I'll lose the tiny bit of second wind I have left after the day of work (and David is out scouting, so it's quiet!) to actually produce something!
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Production-wise, I've just tried a stitcher in Alabama, who is associated with the group Planting Stitches, whose mission is to teach women who need jobs the skills to sew in order to make a living and get some empowerment! This was a recommendation to me by my a friend who makes delightful purses, but I was a bit nervous to try them, not being a professional sewer myself, and having to rely on others. My samples came in this week, and were dyn-o-mite. I am so excited. Their quote for the jewelry pouch, however, was high, so I'll need to find another way to produce it (unless you're all willing to pay about $75 for it!). That means I still need to have a potential stitcher to my house and set up a sewing studio in here, beyond my own little space.
Marketing-wise, I've got a new ad coming up in September with IndieShopping.com which is an affordable spotlight and came right out of my PayPal account from website sales. I've just agreed to do another, longer-lasting placement on StyleBakery.com, and am kind of really excited about it. This will be in October, so I've got to sew like the wind and/or get a little bit of production happening so that I can sell more inventory!
Then, and I haven't juicily blogged about this yet because it hasn't officially started for me yet, I've joined the New York Ladies Who Launch Incubator to help me get my goals in order and reach them. I've just received my first benefit of joining the incubator by way of an eBay store they are launching. They are going to sell products and services of Ladies Who Launch members by way of drop shipping, and they are going to have a great looking, well optimized site to do it from. So we'll see what that entails (not sure what the upfront costs are, if any).
Oh, and I started an itsy bitsy Etsy.com store. hehe! I'll put things in there that aren't official enough to sell in at katie-james.com, or are random, like some exquisite plastic coated lace that I may cut into cup and plant coasters (there's nothing like the sensation of cutting wobbly plastic). Limited-edition stuff. (ps: I just ordered these vintage buttons from Etsy that will soon be on my katie james watch bands…)
TTFN! Any more effort into this post and I'll lose the tiny bit of second wind I have left after the day of work (and David is out scouting, so it's quiet!) to actually produce something!
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First SuperNova on the Debt-O-Meter!
This just in! A small supernova on the Debt-O-Meter! The balance was small, but its story was not. National City, who I am not a fan of and if you work there this is nothing personal, slammed my checking account with charges after their misleading voice-operator guy led me to believe I always had money in my account, which had some small direct deposits hooked up to it. Although I got statements in the mail, I did not read them (bad, FashionMista). They told me that I was living in my line-of-credit, and not only had I been living in it, I had exceeded it. They were now charging me for every purchase. I only made small purchases with this card, knowing that it was an emergency account. So every Starbucks half-caff-one-pump-vanilla latte cost me $3.68 + a $36 fine for debiting a purchase to funds that were not available. Unlike credit card companies, National City allowed me to keep charging, gladly taking 11 fines at $36 each instead of putting the "Declined" mark on my account. I would have much rather faced humiliation with a cashier than pay over $400 in fines. Upon this supernova, I have extatically closed this account.supernova up close
debri from supernova falling into kitchen sink
Must go now. Dinah is crawling into the art supply drawer...
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Summertime Facial Skin Care Treatment
Facial skin bumps? What facial skin bumps? I've been meaning to blog to you about this since the first heat wave when I went on about Minute Maid Fruit Juice ice-cubes, but I just couldn't make the time! I know we all have the perfect skin because we read about how to get the "Perfect Skin For Now," but I have to confess, I've fallen off the facial skin care treatment wagon. What with obsessing over the laser hair removal for my legs and bikini, I've let my Fresh clay umbria bar sit dry and untouched for a while in its little bathroom dish.Until my friend came to visit and saw my AmeriPure Crystal Exfoliator. She'd heard about it and had been dying to try it on her skin. Watch out, I'm about to sound like a bad Sunday afternoon info-skin commercial, but it's true. I got the AmeriPure Crystal Exfoliator to fight ingrowns, as instructed by the American Laser Centers people who are doing my laser hair removal. That was my assignment: take care of the ingrowns before your next appointment. The esthetician said that she loved the exfoliator and even used it on her face to get rid of some redness she had there. Whatever, I thought. I have the perfect skin for now. Aside from the little skin-colored bumps on my forehead that usually only showed up when I had bangs during field hockey pre-season over highschool summer vacations. But they've been here through a winter already, ok two winters, but whatever. Don't we all have skin bumps?
Not if we use the AmeriPure Crystal Exfoliator on our faces. And if we combine it with the clay Umbria mud bar face mask from Fresh, we have no skin bumps and a fresh healthy glow. Why wasn't I doing this before? The exfoliator is cool because it's not like that St. Alves or whatever, that has the harsh sand. It's like a jar of a thick baking soda paste that tastes like salt water when you rinse it off. Basically, remember the baking soda paste you put on your bee stings, and apply it to your face. And the clay umbria bar. Oh! Don't get me started on how much I love it! Picture yourself emerging from the freshest lake when you rinse it off in cool water. Delish. Does wonders.Bottom line: I've had these dratted skin bumps on my forehead for two years, and now they are thinning out. The AmeriPure Crystal Exfoliator is quite a skin treatment. I highly recommend. I did a quick search, and think that the exfoliator is only available on the American Laser Center's website. The Fresh clay umbria bar you can get from Amazon.
PS: I've been putting the exfoliator on dry skin, either after I run and before my shower, or before I go to bed and after I wash my face with my regular bar soap (Oil of Olay, of course).
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