I am so not fashion and trend forward its kind of ridiculous. So, to dress up a plain black dress this past weekend, I bought myself some houndstooth tights. I was just looking for fun tights, and these were cheap, warm and matched. I looked at myself in them, thought it was a fun pattern on me, and decided I needed more fun tights.

Then I was browsing blogs for work, and came across the bridesmaid clutches pictured below. I love the black geometric patterns, and the houndstooth looks great in the mix. I decided to to a wider search for the pattern, and found…that im WAY behind the times.

Houndstooth  is so Fall 2009…and apparently Fall 2008 as well. I guess I need to get with the program.

Well, I never said I had fashion sense, so I decided to pull together some fun stuff I found…in case you like wearing last seasons stuff.

In addition to the fashion and accessories below that I found, check out Design Sponge’s blog on decorating with the pattern. Pretty cool stuff.

From top left clockwise

Fedora from Houndstooth Hut

Amber Road Coat from ModCloth

Nike Dunk High Premium from Bay Area Kicks

Bridal Clutches from {A03} Designs

Black and White Mary Janes from Little Monkey Toes

Dog Sweater from Pawsitively Charming

I’ll admit I’m not terribly fashion forward. I am aware of all of the trends coming full circle however. The 80′s are back…and when it comes to this trend, I will ask the question…WHY?

Tie-dye jeans remind me of a bad acid wash from when i was 11. Tie-dye was a cheap and easy way to give your old clothes a make over. At the end of the 80s, when this was popular the first time, we used bleach in addition to the occasional RIT dye to get actual colors. I’m sure I got in trouble for bleaching my clothes, but it was popular back then…and i guess for whatever reason, its coming back.

Celebrities are wearing them…so they are picking up style points fast…but not by me.

Seriously. This is not a good look. Thoughts?

hot at the fashion shows

this particular pair is $198. really???

this pair is almost $300! seriously?

i know that two of these photos are Fergie. she apparently likes them...alot

Haha..I kind of laugh when I think of what I do being the fashion business. I mean sure, I am “making” clothes, but is it fashion when the customers are under the age of 1?

A few things have always had me curious though. Ever since I started with the Wunzees (its almost been a year!) , I’ve become more aware to what it would take to actually make it in the clothing industry. I’ve had people approach me at a few of the craft fairs I’ve worked and asked if I’d be interested in selling them at a boutique, or in a co-op situation. I did the math. For what it would take for me to 1)buy the bodysuit, 2)put the art on it (hand stitched), 3)sell it to them for 1/2 the price or whatever percentage they take, and come out ahead, would be a ridiculous amount of time and energy. I think I’d make $5 each in profit, tops, and for the 1-2 hours it takes me to make them, and the sheer quantity I’d have to make to survive…thats definitely not worth it. I don’t want to sew them with a sewing machine to save time, as that takes away from the look I’m trying to portray, and I am in no place to hire anyone. The whole thing isn’t realistic for me to make a living off of. But some people do it! How??

I’ve always wanted to know more about the supply chain of the fashion industry. The logistics behind finding the right textiles, getting your item made, selling it, and making a profit. I know that most people in the fashion industry are turning out garments for adults, and actually sewing the clothes (I buy my items wholesale), but a girl can wonder.

Thats why when I got this email about a workshop just down the street from my office I jumped on the chance to attend. It might not be the right fit for my needs, but I hope to learn something that can help me with what I’m doing.

Next Wednesday, I’ll be attending Fashion Business Incorporated’s “Production Essentials for Indie Designers”. Its for start-up and growing apparel and accessory companies to get an overview of the production process. Thats exactly what I’ve been wondering about! We will learn the steps to take from order to finished product, how to create a production calendar, producing on-time and on-budget as well as domestic and off shore production considerations. May be totally off the mark…but at least I’ll know! I’m excited to learn something new. Maybe it will inspire me.

If you have any desire to join me, it does cost $30, but hopefully it will be worth it.

DATE:
November 4, 2009

TIME:
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

LOCATION:

The Small Business Administration
455 Market Street
Sixth Floor
San Francisco

Non-Members =  $ 30.00
Member = $15.00