Paul Mayer Attitudes: The Perfect Fitting Ballet Flat

Posted on June 25, 2013 by SMM

(photo credits to Paul Mayer Attitudes)

“Our shoes are modern classics. They’re an addiction. They are truly forever timeless.” Paul Mayer’s quote is a great depiction for his shoe collection. His collection encompasses a wide array of ballet flats with options of being dressy or casual, flat or with a small heel, and several style options-quilted comfort, animalistic, basic solids, bold solid colors, special occasions or trendy (such as with dots or lace effect). Mayer has spent the needed time to perfectly cultivate his collection and his many years of experience in the shoe industry has no doubt assisted with this task.

Mayer’s first line began in 1981, but he worked for many years in this industry prior to that launch. The inspiration for his 1^st line came from those many years of hard work with amazing talents such as Charles Jourdan, Manolo Blahnik, Pancaldi and Walter Steiger. He has worked closely with shoe factories all over the world-Italy, Spain, Brazil, France and the U.S. Over the years he has also designed collections of handbags, light luggage and sleepwear. To learn more about Paul Mayer, click here.

Mayer describes his customer as any woman, from 8-98. Its women who want to invest in shoes that are high in quality, fashionable, comfortable and made to last-forever timeless. The shoes are feminine and chic. Sizes range from 5 to 12. The flats are also lightweight so they are easy to pack or carry with you if you are a woman such as myself who might prefer to change shoes instead of traveling in heels! But again, since the styles range from dressy to casual, they could easily be a great substitute to a work outfit instead of heels. All women know how uncomfortable heels can be so why not have a great pair of dressy flats or 2 that are still stylish, yet comfortable. Style and comfort with Mayer’s shoes are certainly attributable to the high level of detail and work crafted into each shoe.

Mayer’s shoes are handmade in his own factory in Spain using the finest leathers and fabrics. Certain styles further offer for comfort, fit and flexibility the option of an adjustable drawstring to help create the perfect fit. The bottoms of the shoes also uniquely feature a lavender scented bottom that is perfect for making a suitcase, closet or handbag smell fresh. The collection retails from a range of $195-$300. Paul Mayer does have a boutique in NY at 1388 3^rd Avenue. The boutique is hard to miss as its been designed to resemble the shoebox, so lots of pink with black trim! They can take orders on the phone as well, (212) 570-5900 and can ship nationwide. If you are not in NY and would rather see everything in person check out a full list of different boutiques in over 20 states-California, NC, SC, Virginia, NY, Florida and more! There are also 2 locations that allow for online purchases, Kemp’s Shoe Salon & Boutique and T. Georgiano’s Shoe Salon.

Again, Mayer has a lot to offer with style and selection. New styles and colors are produced each season, but signature colors are available year after year. If Mayer wasn’t already such a renaissance man, I must also add he writes as well. It was actually the news of a book launch event that led to my decision to feature his work on my blog. His recent book, Shoe Chic and Bottoms Up!, is the 2^nd in a cookbook series, and features a lot of tasty drink recipes. So remember, if you need a great ballet flat that is comfortable and stylish, check out Paul Mayer’s collection now!

Ballet Flats: New Look (narrowshoesblog.wordpress.com)
A sexy ballet-flat-like pump for the warm weather (Photos) (examiner.com)
Trust us: the best ballet flats (myfashioncents.com)
The Best Fashionable Flat: Tieks by Gavrieli (myfashioncents.com)
Favorite Things: Ballet Flats (thebestylist.com)

Jennifer Dixon via La Senorita Jolie-Creating a New Market for the Business of Fashion

Posted on June 18, 2013 by SMM

The fashion industry is the same as any other type of business, it changes, evolves and new markets come and go all the time. For those who are business savvy, this is known and is incorporated with current or new ventures. Jennifer Dixon is doing just that with her career in the fashion industry by starting La Senorita Jolie.

LSJ is an opportunity for fashion forward women to work in fashion, full-time or part-time. These women are given the opportunity to host parties or be stylists, and sell affordable, versatile, and still very fashion forward pieces. There is a selection of tops, accessories, totes and make-up that can lend to creating the basics for any woman’s wardrobe. In fact, there are even a few unisex pieces so men could participate in this as well!

Jennifer saw a great opportunity here. Yes, women do like to dress up and have those special pieces in their wardrobe. But women also need the basics to incorporate; clothing that is, as Jennifer says, “easy to wear, easy to pack, easy to layer and easiest to fall in love with.” LSJ will bring in new pieces to the selection as seasons and trends come and go, but the essence of the pieces will always remain the same. The colors are basic and will go for any occasion. All in all, LSJ is about “simplicity, pretty things, and most importantly cherishing your beautiful life.”

LSJ is similar to companies such as Stella & Dot or J. Hillburn. It could even bare some semblance to companies such as Lia Sophia Jewelry, Pampered Chef or Mary Kay/Avon. The difference with LSJ is the selling of true casual-wear and doing so by affording fashion forward women the chance to get involved. One can just merely shop online for pieces. However, there are great and varied ranges of methods for how a woman could choose to pair with LSJ. It could just be hosting a trunk show, but women could also choose to be a pop-up stylist. The programs are very flexible and allow you as the entrepreneur to choose how active you want to be from receiving opportunities for free clothing, rewards and money. The “Styling vs Hosting” page provides a great breakdown of the differences for the types of involvement and also commissions that can be received. If you chose to be a stylist, there are different levels and types of sample kits that one could choose to purchase and work with.

Jennifer has acquired a lot of fashion and business experience over the past several years-more about Jennifer and LSJ. In 2006, she co-founded Hunter Dixon, a contemporary women’s line. It had been carried in over 200 boutiques nationwide, such as SAKS and Neiman Marcus. Jennifer lived in Europe for quite some time as well, which influences her style and creativity choices. Jennifer saw an opening in the fashion market for LSJ. Fused in this company is the passion she has for European trends, which offers sophistication and simplicity.

This is a company like no other. It was only recently launched in February of 2013. It is doing well so far and personally, I wish Jennifer and LSJ nothing but the best in the future. I know there is such a great opportunity here and I hope others see this as well. I look forward to seeing how LSJ develops and expands over time!

Opportunities in Fashion Design (findyourartschool.com)
What is a Fashion Marketing Major? (findyourartschool.com)
Short Thoughts On Working In The Fashion Industry (thoughtcatalog.com)

All About Kenley Collins: Bold, Unique Designs & Candy Galore

Posted on June 9, 2013 by SMM

(photo credits to Kenley Collins)

Kenley Collins is an immensely talented designer. She stays true to her own aesthetic with whatever type of design work she is creating at a given time, whether it be designing a collection or other types of creations. Even though she has always had a love for fashion, the year 2008 was a big break for Kenley as she appeared on season 5 of Project Runway. Although she did not win, she was able to make it to Bryant Park and show her collection. Since then her bold and retro style in fashion can’t be denied. She has been working hard ever since to really make her stamp in the fashion world. Kenley also appeared on the first season of Project Runway All-Stars, as she continued to showcase her fun, feminine and flirtatious frocks. Click here to learn more about Kenley and shop some of her amazing designs. Outside of the traditional work of many designers, Kenley has created her own path where she also does candy creations!

Kenley’s creativity is not just limited to the standard business of making clothes in a traditional fashion. She has really scored an amazing deal with a major candy emporium It’Sugar. They have locations all across the U.S. and if you happen to walk by one, it will be Kenley’s amazing creations you can see in the window. She has done it all from a Sweet Tart flower dress embellishment to a Gummy Bear crop top to men’s Gummy Bull Frog shorts to Rock Candy skirts.This is not something I’ve seen coming from a fashion designer and I think its a great way to show talent, be unique and still have some fun! All over this post are the various candy creations, but I definitely urge everyone to check out It’Sugar and these yummy creations in person!

Kenley has also managed to steadily work for up and coming recording artist and Nickelodeon TV star, Ariana Grande. The two are a match made in heaven. Ariana has made her decisions on the type of style she feels best represents herself, whether she is walking the red carpet or performing on stage. She has relayed this information to Kenley, who has clearly picked it up and created some very youthful pieces for Ariana.

While keeping busy with custom design and candy creations, Kenley still makes time to design collections. I recently attended the official launch for her Pink Ladies/Grease line. In the past she has also created a line inspired by the epic and timeless film “Clueless”. Both lines really demonstrate how unique and fun Kenley’s work is. Both collections are all about versatility as you can interchange pieces. You can wear the pieces anywhere from a fun day out shopping to a night out on the town.

I am anxious to stay tuned and see what Kenley has in store next. She is very much always in tune with trends, but they do not guide her designs. Its very much the other way around so you can still purchase pieces that are very much relevant. The fashion world is lucky to have Kenley and I know she will be around for many years to come!