Sneak peak - launch at my new line FIN SUR FIN!

Mr. Richard Driehaus Runway Show

Photographer - www.billwhitmire.com
Model - Raven Rashae
Designer - Stacie Randall

Monkey Business

My first photo shoot in March 2011 was a great success, thanks to all the creative folks who pitched in. Now it's time for round two, and this time we're not just capturing still shots of clean garments and silhouettes; oh no boys and girls we're going to the circus. Well, not literally but after a bit of creative brainstorming with photographer Bill Whitmire, we decided to not only use his brand new 2011 Triumph Speedmaster paired with some cool steam-punk fashion goggles, but to go all out and rent a monkey too.

Word on the street is her name is Mindy. She was the best monkey a girl could ever ask to rent, making friends with everyone and meeting all expectations for photogenic.

Props to hair and make-up artist Nina Mithani, who will turn anyone's 'do into a museum sculpture. Her task at hand was to transform model Nichole Smith's fro into a magical mo-hawk and she did just that. Chad Vanags was be the dedicated camera man, doing his best to capture the most unusual shots and some dialogue this time around.

I myself have been sewing ferociously to come up with the perfect ensemble. The theme? Doomsday meets high-fashion girl on a mission, determined to make it to her runway debut, with a dusty desert spinning tirelessly under her wheels.

Enjoy a few of the sneak peek photos above...

Crayola Inspiration

Two little ladies in northern WI gave me some recent inspiration, and reminded me of the importance of creativity in children. It's a true gift to be inspired by this youthful vision, as they can bi-pass the boxed thinking we often have as adults.

Elena (7) & Evelyn (5) Martinson, daughters of Allison & Jay Martinson of Rice Lake WI, enjoy fashion sketching and coloring in their free time. Now I understand most children have piles of coloring books and scattered crayolas in their playroom, however Elena and Evelyn rise above these standards, to the point where I'm almost intimidated to share MY personal sketches with them in return!
















Elena and Evelyn not only enjoy dressing up in princess dresses, but creating their own fairy tales on paper with flowing gowns, contrast colors, embellishments, and of course accessories and matching shoes. They also enjoy creating elaborate 2-D models of their family, and are careful never to leave anyone out. This is a great feat, as this is a family of 16 members!


In addition to sharing a few photos, I thought it would be fun to ask the girls a few questions, not only to share their responses with my fellow Fashion Designers for some inspiration, but also parents in general, as a reminder to always encourage creativity and possibly set aside "art time" with your kids if you aren't doing so already!

Check out Elena & Evelyn's fashion interview! Thanks to these special ladies for taking the time to share your inspirations and dreams!

Jack of All Trades - Nancy Plummer

Meet Nancy Plummer—Image Consultant, educator and all-around inspiration.

"Nancy brings over 20 years of knowledge in the retail industry to each and every client. Her continuing education and hands-on experience have made her a leader in the field of image consulting and training. So whether you’d like a personal session or need her to lead a workshop or seminar at your school, organization or company, Nancy is the perfect fit."

SR: At what point in your life did you know you wanted to pursue fashion?
NP: Growing up a 10-year old girl in Cleveland, my mother made patterns and frequent trips to the fabric store to make our clothes and aprons. I was also the only one of several girls in my family with an initial interest in sewing. My mom started a club as part of 4-H called “Swinging Needles” that exposed me to sewing and creativity at a young age.

SR: Of all your professional experiences (Fashion Design Instructor, Account Executive for Levis Strauss, Ellen Tracy Specialist for Neiman Marcus, Associate Buyer for Lazarus Department Stores, or your personal business as an Image Consultant), what is your “favorite” versus "most desired" position?
NP: My most desirable position was a Levis Account Executive, as I had independent accounts and worked in NYC with great partners. I had the opportunity to develop relationships and be very successful with this business. My favorite business is of course my personal business as an Image Consultant with Fine Threads.

SR: How do you measure success as an Image Consultant through your business, “Fine Threads?”
NP: I measure success by continuous movement and growth with clients, and the ability to build relationships over time.

SR: Do you find people take advantage of your skills by asking casual advice, versus hiring you as their Image Consultant for feedback? How do you ensure you are compensated for your time and the education you are offering?
NP: I evaluate on a case by case basis, depending on the request and my relationship with that person. I have a lot of education and information to offer, so I may share a snippet of information, but at the same time set expectations early on as far as what I can offer for free versus thorough my consultative services.

SR: Tell me more about your “Wardrobe Parties” offered through Fine Threads!
NP: I started receiving phone calls from husbands and best friends, inquiring about how to provide a fresh look to their spouse or friend. I came up with the idea to host a wardrobe party, which allows several women to get involved versus singling anyone out for fashion advice. I ask that each woman wear the outfit she feels best in, and spend time with each person going through what works and suggestions with silhouette, accessories, color analysis etc.


SR: You wrote a book titled “Your Personal Style,” that currently sells for around $64. What does the book entail and what ideas did you need to develop this?























NP: I was teaching at a local school using three separate textbooks, for 1) exercises 2) tips on fit 3) Demographics/target market. It was choppy, not to mention inconvenient for me to be referencing three textbooks. I decided to come up with one seamless resource that encompassed all components.

SR: There is a new entrepreneur program launching this fall, called The Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship by Lisa Canning. How do you believe this will contribute to the Chicago community?
NP: Lisa is a personal friend of mine, and her vision is to bridge the gap for creative folks in the community. I believe this program will be of great value, and encourage anyone in the creative field to explore this opportunity as a way to create a profitable and sustainable business.

A Few Spring Photos

New looks by photographers Benjamin Bibriesca & Ag Stanton! Loved the renovation of the high waist pant & green blazer.

Models: Brittany J M & Shavon

Styling/Creative Directing: Ashley Barlow