A Passion for Fashion 2010 - Part II

What do you get when you put Jen Kluger, of Foxy Originals and 20 young aspiring creative entrepreneurs (a.k.a hungry minds) in one room? You'll can keep scratching your heads all day long but I bet none of you will have imagined the mind blowing flow of thoughts, ideas and creative vibes that took place on August 28th in the YES headquarters, Toronto.

The workshop title was Fashion 102: Sales & Marketing, but we learned so much more than the title promised. Jen started off by giving us a cheat sheet for all kinds of resources one might need to create, market, promote and sell ones products in the fashion industry. Then she literally walked us through every step of fashion sales and marketing:

- identifying the buying seasons
- developing a brand
- marketing essentials
- assesing the competition
- knowing the customers and identifying your niche
- selling the product through different mediums
- various aspects of fashion PR

all the while sharing her own experience, knowledge even her errors. We got to know how the seeds of Foxy Originals was planted when she was 16 and how it became the one we know today.I have to say, if she was not a jewelery designer she could have been a very successful motivational speaker. :)

As for my own feelings, once again it left me overwhelmed and scared, but I do feel a sense of empowerment creeping in. Every step I take, no matter how small it is, is a step towards realizing my dream, right? I have actually created a page with my goals for this year, some of them may seem laughable, but it is a goal and the way I look at it is, "If I aim for the Sun at least I'll get to the stars".

Wearing: Gifted Top, French Connection Skirt, Angee W Clutch with Flower Pin (Self-Bought), Payless Shoe Source Ankle-straps (I changed into flats before the workshop)

Location: Warden Woods Park

A Passion for Fashion 2010- Part I

Yesterday I participated in the Fashion 101 workshop of "A Passion for Fashion" program. Organized by YES the program boasts a rocking line-up of workshops geared toward the fashion-minded youth entrepreneur. And the best part is, they're completely FREE!!!

There are three workshops covering the designing/ creative aspects of the industry and three covering the business aspect. Fashion 101 was hosted by Kendra Francis, designer of Franke, international model, celebrity stylist, Project Runway Canada participant and a very very wonderful person.

What was the experience like???

Well, it left me feeling equally overwhelmed and scared but also made me realize how much I want to have my own line, someday. I realized what a total novice I am compared to many others in the room with fashion school education and in a few cases even their own lines. But I knew some things too that many did not. So despite having a complete panic attack after coming home, writing about it now is actually making me more focused as I type out each word.

I just want to send a huge thanks to Kendra and Gail , now I finally know how designers all over the world come up with clothes having similar elements in a particular season (trend forecasting books....duh!!!!). How they can tell us what we will be wearing next year...right now. Although I still find it astonishing that what we are going to be wearing 2 years from now had already been predicted down to the last button and trimmings.

Anyway, I just want to say a big thank you to all the wonderful people I have met today and I am really excited to attend Friday's workshop. Oh yes, I have signed up for all six of them, didn't I tell you? And now you can too. Just go here and follow the instructions.

So shall I see you there???

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Wearing: Self-designed and painted top (my very first one..woooohooo), Alloy Skirt, Roberto Vianni Wedges, Bangladeshi Street Vendor Bangles, Ardene Ring, Scarf worn as Belt and Angee W. Pin (Self Bought)

Location: Ashbridges Bay

Black Creek Pioneer Village

As you're reading this I am in a secret getaway with my dear ladies, basking in the late August sun, driving through roads unknown, lounging in the hot tub or by the lake late at night and in general having a blast. :) I shall be back to T.O late tonight and will be blogging in full swing by tomorrow.

Thank you so much for the wonderful comments, I was giddy with joy. They will appear on the blog as soon as I have visited your pages and personally shown my appreciation. And I do notice a few new friends here, welcome to Tashrin, ladies and gentlemen, I hope you like it as much as I do. 

These photos were taken in the picturesque Black Creek Pioneer village. I won't bore you to death with it's history and interested folks can read all about it here.

For this day I decided to add a little lady-like touch with my much loved ruffled blouse and pleated skirt. But what I like most about this outfit, is my perfect black clutch. It was made by Angee W.  a dynamic mother daughter team based in Toronto that I found on Etsy. You can customize their clutches in any color, add one of the gorgeous flowers they have or just order from among her pre-made selection. I assure you they are the most beautiful. I just personalized mine by adding a vintage brooch and an owl pin that my boy bought me.

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Wearing: Suzy Shier Top, Random Chinese Market Skirt and Ring, Payless Shoe Source Flats, Angee W. Clutch (Self-Bought), Vintage and Black Creek Pioneer Village Gift Shop Pin

Location: Black Creek Pioneer Village

The Tin Tajmahal

Every now and then I come across something so adorable and unique (to me at least) that I really really feel compelled to share with you folks.Last Saturday I discovered something just like this.

In the morning boy and I went for a brunch at the Joy Bistro in Leslieville and afterwords for a stroll through Trinity-Bellwoods park near Queen and Dufferin. As soon as I got out of the park though, my eyes fell on a red shop window, and if you've been following me for some time you probably know my obsession with red.

So needless to say, I walked over to enter "The Tin Taj", yep that is the name of the store owned by the fabulous Carol Anne Castray. The store is a cross between a treasure trove and your eclectic aunt's attic. I was lucky that I had a very slim purse and not many accessories on me, because there is a huge chance that your clothing or a part of your body might catch onto something and cause everything to come crashing down on you.

There is literally stuff everywhere, and by that I mean I did not see any empty surface. It's like walking into Aladdin's cave where you don't know what to expect. Carol herself is one of the most fun and genuine people I have ever met. She and I clicked right away and got really excited about her technicolor kitchen tucked behind the shop, her amazing artwork and half of Putumayo world music CDs. While you're there chances are you'll meet her gorgeous Siamese cat and the store's guardian angel at the door.

So the next time you're around that area do not forget to check it out. And what I got from the store, you ask? Well that would have to wait for another post, wouldn't it?

p.s: This dress is among a batch of latest acquisition from Mod Cloth. Some one save me from that store. I have a wish-list that has 117 items on it and it's categorized.  Their dresses are unique, comfortable and fits perfectly, kind of all I look for in a dress. And I promise to stop this turquoise accessory binge I am on, soooo.

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Thanks folks!!!

Wearing: Mod Cloth "Beach Picnic Dress",  Gifted Pendant, Arong Bag, Ardene - Sora Designs Rings, Ardene Bracelet and Payless Shoe Source Sandals

Location: Trinity Bellwoods Park - Children's craft zone; The Tin Taj

Music - Putumayo "Euro Groove"

Solo por tu amor

I do not want to say much in this post, I am floating in a self-made heaven of bliss at the moment. It is raining outside, I am drifting into pure bliss with every single tune of the song mentioned in my title. Today I spent a long time out in the pouring rain on a swing. There is a first time for everything and it's charm is definitely unique, but going on a swing in the rain, I do not think it will ever lose its appeal.

Thank you to every single thing, being and thought in the universe that has made this moment of pure happiness happen in my life.

Thanks folks!!!

Wearing: Gifted Dress, Bangladeshi Street Vendor Pendant, Ardene Bracelet, H&M Rings and Roberto Vianni Sandals

Title: Song of same name by Manuel Franjo (Creator of Magic)