It takes pure talent, strong instincts, a keen eye, and an effortless penchant to successfully create what my friend Laura has established over the past year. Her creation of Fashionista Social Club is practical and brilliant; a Shopping Event and Personalized Shopping Service to help you source your fashion needs.
Laura has targeted a savvy and sophisticated market, composed of women who want more choices, great prices and most importantly do not want to dress like everyone else. Established in a city that is mall driven, FSC is providing an alternate fashion route which begins in a chic loft.
If you are privileged enough to attend one of the FSC events, you will have the opportunity to walk away with fabulous fashion scores that will have people stopping you in the streets. Don't be afraid to tell them that Laura dressed you, but be very afraid that they will get to the party first.
An exerpt from Fashionista Social Club:
Welcome to the dawning of a new reality:
You never have to shop alone again.
The Fashionista Social Club is a style savvy, deal-icious way to coordinate your wardrobe with your social calendar. Created as an alternative to the ubiquitous Banana Republic cardigan, FSC brings you unique, wearable, designer threads at lower than retail prices. No fluorescent lights, no mall line-ups, no chaos.
We had a chance to sit down with Laura to surf through that keen mind of hers and had her answer a few questions that all Fashionistas I guarantee are dying to know. You can read our interview below.
So it's time to stop shopping alone people and to start shopping with Laura at FSC. She is a 'must have' in your 'Fashion 911' list. Look for her special guest appearance at an upcoming O&L event soon.
Love,
Oliver & Lilly
- How did you get started working in the Fashion Industry?
I worked in retail throughout University and have always loved fashion. After graduation, I decided to pursue work in other fields. But I couldn’t stay away forever.
- How did FSC come about?
A friend suggested I take my love of shopping and ability to “tune in” to people’s personal style, and make it a business. I’ve shopped for friends and family my whole life. I’m the one who calls you to say “I’ve found those black shoes you were looking for.” So once the seed was planted, it grew really fast. I just knew it was right.
- What inspires your buying?
A love of quality. I never tire of beautiful craftsmanship. I’m obsessed with the INSIDE of garments. I own a pair of black pants lined with bright pink satin. Stepping into those pants puts a big smile on my face. Every time.
- What is the best business advice you have heard or applied to your business?
Trust your instincts/gut/inner voice- whatever you want to call it. A lot of people will offer you (well meaning) advice about how you should run your business. Apply what you think is useful and ignore the rest.
- Any advice to those looking at starting their own business?
Say “Yes” when people offer their help. Family and friends have played a huge part in the success of my business. I literally could not have done it without them.
- Any advice on organizing and editing our own closets?
Get help! Enlist a friend or hire a professional. You need an impartial second set of eyes to help you decide what to keep and what to toss (to goodwill of course). More practically speaking, be ruthless. Get rid of everything you don’t love. If you don’t love it, you won’t wear it.
- What are your observations on how most of your clients are purchasing fashion these days?
They are looking for versatility, quality and longevity. Many of my clients are working professionals with little ones at home. They want clothing that can do “double-duty”. On the flip side, they also love to buy “standout” pieces. The gorgeous cocktail dress or the bright red shoes.
- How do you start your day? What is your morning ritual?
Absolutely the very first thing I do in the AM is make myself a latte. I even travel with my electric espresso maker. At the same time I make myself a big breakfast (usually three eggs and hot cereal. If I’m rushed for time I’ll make a protein shake with banana, yogurt and (of course) espresso! Once I’m fed and caffeinated, I can hit the shower.
- If we took a peak inside your handbag what essentials would we find?
You would see a wallet, keys, sunglasses (always!) and my clear “essentials bag”. The “essentials” bag contains just about everything I could possible need: measuring tape, aspirin, lip balm, hairspray, a toothbrush, a pen, hand cream, sunscreen, a corkscrew etc. When I change purses, I just have to move one little bag. It’s handy.
- Okay, so I must know who your favorite fashion designers are?
The two
- Describe your personal style?
It’s classic with a twist. The majority of my wardrobe is very classic and slightly conservative. The foundation of a versatile wardrobe is good quality basics. Then add cool accessories and, of course, fabulous shoes.
- What is your Favorite fashion piece that you own?
Ooh that’s a tough question. Right now it’s my black, cashmere Anya Hindmarch Cardigan. I bought it online thinking I was buying a basic, classic cardigan. When I took it out of the box, I discovered the sweater had these really cool patches on the elbows (showing a little girl with big glasses). It was hilarious because I hadn’t looked at the back view when I bought the sweater. It was a fun surprise. And the sweater is gorgeous too!
- Anything else you would like to share to the readers?
Something I tell all my clients is this: buy clothing when you don’t NEED it. This will eliminate that horrible, “I have to buy X today for the party tonight” panic. In these situations you usually end up spending too much money, buying something you don’t love, or both. Highly regrettable and totally avoidable. The solution? Always be on the lookout for items to fill the gaps in your wardrobe.
Thanks for taking the time to do chat with us Laura, it is always inspiring speaking with you. We look forward to having you at the upcoming events as a guest stylist.