Look of the Day- Tribal Trend

Another fashion trend that is very popular right now is the tribal influence. I love this dress because it looks like something straight out of the days of the Aztecs.

Dress: River Island

Shoes: Steve Madden

Club Night

Clubbing with my friend Amy! My dress is from Arden B and I am a sucker for anything with sequins!

Rawr.

1986 = year of the tiger.  <3

Matchy Matchy

Nasty Gal

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-nasty-gal-20120826,0,105604.story

 The story of Nasty Gal is very inspiring. Sophia Amoruso, the 28 year old founder and chief executive of Nasty Gal, is at the helm of a fashion forward company that supplies edgy and provocative clothing.

The company certainly has an impressive financial profile. It's a six year old start-up  with sales rocketing 10,160% from 2008 to 2011, making Nasty Gal the fastest-growing company in Los Angeles. The company has secured two rounds of venture capital financing (first round of $9MM and second round of $40MM) to continue to grow the business. And, not to mention, it is pretty remarkable that the company is debt-free and has been profitable from the start. How many companies started during the recession have achieved the same coup?

I think it is great that the company currently manufactures 70% of its newest collection locally in the U.S. However, I really wonder if this will continue should the company continue to grow. We all know about American Apparel's struggles as a domestic manufacturer.

Personally, I am a customer of Nasty Gal. I like the selection of clothes the site carries and that most of the items are priced under $100. I also think the selection of clothes is very unique. The clothes sold on the website have a rock and roll vibe that still reflect current trends. I don't love that they don't offer discounts like most of the websites I shop on do and that certainly helps to explain the 60% profit margins discussed in the article. You are welcome, Nasty Gal!

Nasty Gal is an inspiration to me.  I find it interesting how the idea for the company began with Miss Amoruso selling vintage clothing on EBay, something I do as well. Her foresight to advertise using social media is equally impressive. But what I love most about the company is the rags to riches story of the founder. Miss Amoruso was someone that survived and succeeded purely on instincts and passion.  I love that  "much of what the brand sells is a reflection of her own fashion whims".

Bette Davis would be proud!

Always Remember...

Look of the Day- Polka Dot Princess

Some people may think polka dots are too much for the workplace, but I wholeheartedly disagree! 

Shirt: Asos

Skirt: Express

Shoes: Aldo

Rachel Zoe- Fashion Icon

Say what you want about Rachel Zoe...there is no denying that she has made her mark on the fashion industry. For better or for worse, Zoe has become a household name by turning Young Hollywood stars such as Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan (pre-arrests and rehab), and Mischa Barton (during her glory days as the star of The O.C.)  into budding fashionistas.

And Rachel has no problem accepting the acclaim. Zoe was quoted during Fashion Week as saying she was more influential than ... I don't know ... say, the editor of Vogue. She was quoted saying, "Anna Wintour is one of my heroes, but they say I'm more influential . . . As great as it is, Vogue won't change a designer's business. But if an unknown brand is worn by a certain person in a tabloid, it will be the biggest designer within a week."

Not to diss the legendary Miss Wintour, but Rachel does have a point. Zoe singlehandedly created Nicole Richie's "bohemian" look that put her on the map. From the maxi dresses to the big 70s sunglasses to the chunky gold jewelry, Nicole Richie underwent a style evolution to the likes I have never seen. She went from second fiddle best friend of Paris Hilton to glamour puss fashion icon seemingly over night.  In the blink of an eye, every girl I knew was rocking shades too big for her face and a flowy dress, looking like a Nicole Richie knockoff. And. not to mention, this style that Zoe created for Nicole has stayed with her. This style is heavily present in Richie's fashion lines, House of Harlow and Winter Kate, which have turned out to be highly successful celebrity lines. Does Rachel get a cut, Nicole? 

I personally find Rachel Zoe to be a fascinating individual. I certainly watched all three seasons of the Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo. (Man, I wish there would be a season four!) Anyone who can a turn a personal interest in shopping/fashion/accessorizing into a successful career and multi-million dollar empire despite no formal training is an inspiration in my book!