Sneak Peak Fall 2010 - Cold as Ice Ring!

So when I started buying for my Fall 2010 line I told myself that I'm not going to blog about any items, in an effort to keep them a surprise when I launch DBMB.  However, I'm weak, and am obsessed with my "Cold as Ice" ring.  It's seriously amazing. Take a look...

Cold as Ice Ring, by Designs by Mandi Boutique

I tried it on last night when I was doing inventory, and didn't want to take it off. It's defiantly one of my favorites for Fall 2010! This ring is going to be sold for $15.00 (Free shipping)  It's very versatile, and definitely makes a statement :) I think I might have to keep one for myself!

Designs by Mandi will be open for business starting August 2, 2010!

Kangaroo Keeper? Kind of a good idea!

I have to admit, recently I've been a little bit of a infomercial junkie.  It's really not my fault.  I go through periods of insomnia where I wake up at 2 or 3 AM and can't fall asleep for hours.  It really sucks because then I'm cranky the next day, and fall asleep at inappropriate times, yada yada yada. Anyway, the only thing on at 3AM anymore is freaking infomercials...and  I get sucked in.  I haven't really bought anything "infomershally" yet, unless you count the pink Snuggie I got for Christmas last year. (That -  I LOVE!) However, I came very close to purchasing this the other night:

The Kangaroo Keeper!

Roo-Keeper

Usually, when watching an infomercial I find myself thinking, "Ok, who is going to buy that," or "Hmm, that's kinda cool but I wouldn't spend three payments of $19.95 for it, plus shipping and handling, even if they do add a free (insert something cheap but sorta cool here). This Kangaroo Keeper however, I could really see myself using.  Its this insert that you put into your handbag, and it has lots of pockets to organize all your stuff for you.  Then when you change handbags, like all of us lovely ladies do, you just pop it out and put it in your new handbag. Kinda cool, and it got really good reviews on forums and websites.

Has anyone seen this? Or even better, have one and use it? The only problems I see with it is that I'm not sure how well it would work with big hobo bags, being that the actual bag is really large, or if you have a really small handbag. Hmm..

Anyway, please take a look, and join my new google follow thingy! I just added it yesterday after a few people from blog hop had requested I set one up.

It looks like this:

Friend Connect

Also, I went ahead and put a link to DBMB's actual website at the top of this blog. Only the entry page is up right now, but my launch date is (hopefully!) August 2nd...which is also my good friend Sallie's birthday. :)  

Hope everyone has a happy Tuesday!

xoxo

source: kangaroo

Blog Hop Monday and My Guest Post :)

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you Ohio people are enjoying this amazing weather!  Since it is Monday, all you blogger pals, dont forget to hop on over to Southern Love's blog and join her blog hop! It's a great way to meet new bloggie freinds!

While you are there, also check out my guest post! Its the first guest post I've ever written, so thanks to Marlie for inviting me to share my ideas with all of her readers!

DBMB is ALMOST Ready to Launch!

My final buying purchase was just submitted for Fall 2010! (Unless I find something I can't live without in the next few days which is more than likely bound to happen, hehe.) As long as everything goes smoothly, I should be launching August 1st or 2nd! I'm SOO excited! All I have left to do is fix a few minor things with the website, and get a few more packaging materials, and wa-la! I'm officially an open business!

 I got invited to do a  guest post on Southern Love's blog on Monday, and I'm really excited! If you haven't, make sure you check out her blog, and go back on Monday to see my post. Thanks Marlie!

Today I also got Paypal Verified! Woo Hoo! This means that I'm legit (well of course I am! haha) and gives my buyers a piece of mind that they are buying from a good merchant.



Woo Hoo!

Again, thank you to all of you guys who have been supporting me! Even those who have been reading the blog who I don't know, or those friends I haven't talked to in a while who read, I appreciate every single one of you!

xoxo - Mandi

Overcoming Obstacles

"Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable. "
Coco Chanel

So yesterday I blogged about the obstacles I have been facing recently in developing my business, Designs By Mandi Boutique.  Today I'm going to share with you some of the ways that I deal with these obstacles. 

#1.  Research

Research, research, research! I'm the queen of teaching myself how to do new things.  If I don't know the answer, or protocol for something google becomes my best friend as I try to find out the answers I need.  I have researched everything about starting your own business, because honestly, I knew nothing about it when I started this adventure.  Sure I had some entrepreneur classes in college, but its not like I really paid attention in any of them!  Research is the key for me to overcome my obstacles, because learning and educating yourself is essential for survival in the business world.

#2. Inspiration

For me, Coco Channel is a huge inspiration to me.  I remember the first time I saw her biography on the history channel - I was literally moved to tears. (This was also the moment I knew that fashion was in my blood.  It was destined to be a part of me, and always will be.)  I could feel her passion, triumphs and tribulations. Coco was an orphan raised by nuns, who opened a hat boutique in her 20's. She then eventually started sewing her own clothing, and ta-da, an Empire was born.  So when I'm feeling a little down, and my confidence is starting to fade I always remember dear Coco. If Coco had obstacles and hardships, then we ALL will!  Sometimes I'll even go online and watch the biography, or head to the library to read more about her.  There's something about Coco's spirit that puts me to ease, and makes me realize - I can do this!
#3. Role Models

People who have "been there, done that" can help a lot. Although my mom doesn't have her own business, she is a fantastic business woman.  She is always giving me new ideas, and tips she has learned from being in the business world.  I would probably be a mess without her! My marketing boss at my "job that pays the bills" is also a good role model.  He has been in the marketing field for years, and has taught me a lot. I also look up to a lot of my blogger friends who have their own businesses. 

#4. Believing in Yourself

When things are though, sometimes it can get really hard to keep believing in yourself.  I have learned that a positive outlook on everything in life is essential to be successful and happy.  When I get down in the dumps, or I'm losing confidence in myself, it helps me to take a look at how far you have come in my life.

 Growing up I was not a very good student.  They tested me for learning disabilities, and I was constantly having to go to special reading and math groups and tutors. I didn't made the honor roll like the other kids, and my horrendous fourth grade teacher used to torment me by making me do long division on the board in front of the whole class, until I started crying. (Funny now, considering I LOVE to read and I'm basically my own accountant with DBMB.)  Eventually I started gaining confidence in myself, and I just started learning "my way." (I'm visual, and back then the schools I went to did not teach in a way that was easy for me to learn).  A lot of the reason I made it through, was my dad.  He pushed me, spent countless hours at the dinning room table helping me with math equations, and told me that if I put my mind to something I could do it.  Once I started believing this, things changed drastically.  I got into college, moved hundreds of miles away from my home, met new people, and became myself.  I've truly come a long way, and I still have a long way to go to complete my dreams and goals in life. During this process, I've come to the conclusion that sometimes, remembering the past can give you strength to take the future by the horns and run with it.

Until tomorrow, xoxo.

My Obstacles of DBMB

OK, so I just wrote a WHOLE blog about obstacles, and wouldn't you know, I hit a key on my laptop and it deleted the whole thing.  I cant freaking believe it! Anyway - lets try this again... 

Obstacles. 

 Websters dictionary defines an obstacle as, "Something that impedes progress or achievement." We all have obstacles in different aspects our lives, but sometimes they rear their ugly faces all at once, and it can be overwhelming.  That's the way this week has been for me - in more ways than one. This post, however, I will be sharing just DBMB obstacles I have faced recently.

Obstacles, when opening your own business, can be overwhelming.  You have to worry about every single aspect of the business you are trying to create, and it can be utterly exhausting.  Most of the time you have to do everything yourself, with your own money and time.  There can be a million things that stand in your way, but I'm going to share with you guys just a couple of mine.

#1. Indecisiveness

The biggest challenge I face in opening DBMB is the buying process.  I am, by nature, a very indecisive person.  This is not a great quality for a buyer! When buying merchandise you must be able to make good decisions, and stick with them.  I am still struggling with this.  I will look at a piece of jewelry and think, "wow this is amazing!" and then the next day, when I go to buy it I'll think, "wow..I wonder if anyone will buy this? Maybe I should look for something else."

 Opinions from friends and family help sometimes, but  most of the time it makes the process even more tedious.  Everyone has their own opinion, and likes and dislikes.  I've come to the conclusion that you cannot please everyone, and to be a good buyer you must keep your target market in mind at all times.  People are going to love some of my items, and they are going to hate some of my items, and I'm just going to have to deal with it. 

...which comes to another obstacle - myself!

#2. Perfectionism

I am a HUGE perfectionist, and it affects every aspect of my life.  Sure, being a perfectionist can be a great thing sometimes.  I'm productive, accountable, and organized.  But perfectionism can be toxic too.  A lot of times it leads to indecision, and obsession.  Nothing and no one is ever perfect, and I have to remind myself of this all the time. I am not perfect, I will never be perfect, and nobody else is perfect!  

#3. Money

I'm not going to lie, it takes some money to start up a business.  You have to buy your licenses, merchandise, websites, domain names, packaging..the list goes on and on.  Right now I am trying to figure out my budget for purchasing merchandise. How many types of necklaces should I have when I launch? This ring or that ring? How many of this design, and that design? Can I afford that?Am I going to be able to pay my bills after this?! (haha, just kidding...kinda.) I have had to keep a very tight budget through this whole process, and record every single expense.  THIS can be very scary and overwhelming.

#4. Confidence

It is imperative to have confidence in yourself and your product when  you start a business.  Most of the time this is not too much of a problem for me, but every once in a while I have that whisper in the back of my head asking me, "Mandi, what the heck do you think you are doing? You can't do this! What makes you think you can live your dream?! Your still that shy, bookwormish awkward girl you were in 7th grade. Give it up."  It's times like these I have to remember that girl, look at where I am now, and say to that voice, "I am NOT the same person.  I can do this, and I will. So screw you."

 And then I move on.

 I think everyone has times where they think they can't do something, and they loose their confidence for a little while.  It can be tough to overcome, but it can be done. 

Tomorrow I will post how I overcome some of these obstacles.  It can be very challenging, but I'm a work in progress, and so is Designs by Mandi Boutique.  So until tomorrow...

xoxo.

My Weekend, Blog Hoppin, and DBMB Update

I spent this weekend with my very best friend - my mama!

She came down here to Columbus from Troy to stay with us, and boy did we have fun! We spent all weekend shopping and cooking, my two favorite things to do.  Mom and I LOVE to thrift shop.  There's something about finding treasures in a pile of junk that's really addicting.  We also made an amazing dinner for my boyfriend Ryan.  Chicken, green beans, red skin potatoes, and cheese fondue.  It was amazing! (Thanks to one of my favorite Food Network chefs, Sandra Lee for the amazing recipes!) To top off our amazing dinner I made peanut butter fudge cookies. 

 They were delicious, and I think Ry finished them off in about two hours. :)

I hope all of you had as great of a weekend as I did! All you fellow bloggers, don't forget to stop by Southern Reflections to join the blog hop today!

Oh, and a quick DBMB update:  My tentative website launch with merchandise is August 1st! Lets hope I can get everything ready by then! Wish me luck :)

Furry Friends Friday! Meet Bonnie the Black Lab

Last Friday's boxer I featured, Bianca, has been adopted!! Woo hoo!

Today, please meet

Bonnie!

Bonnie is a complete lovebug! Unfortunately, and through no fault of her own, this is her second time at the shelter and she would love to find her forever home soon. She is very stoic and has done a wonderful job of trying to deal with the shelter life, but would be the first one to tell you she is very anxious to find better living quarters as fast as possible!!!!! Bonnie loves spending time with people and is incredibly sweet, very lovable, and somewhat easy to walk. She would love to have a running partner!! She is also housebroken, and would make such a loyal and wonderful companion. She also loves treats and will sit in an instant if you gave her one. Since she is so treat motivated, she is an easy one to train and listens extremely well. She is waiting for that perfect person to come along as the shelter life is just no fun! Bonnie would do best as the only dog in the household.

Senior Favorite!
I'm a Young-at-Heart Senior. Dogs age five and older are discounted to Half-Price Adoption Fee!

Shelter Favorite ~ Summer Sale ~ 1/2 Price!
Shelter Favorites have been waiting longer than most dogs for a real home. They have been here more than 30 days. Shelter Favorites are Half-Price Adoption Fee!

•Impound Number: 100528007

•Cage Number: 1/R15

•Gender: Female

•Breed: Labrador Retriever

•Age: 5 years

•Weight: 65 lbs.

•Adult Size: Large

•Activity Level: Average

•Good with Animals: No Animals

•Adoption Fee: $42

If you are interested in adopting Bonnie, or any dog that needs a home in Columbus, please visit the Franklin County Animal Shelter.

Designs by Mandi Boutique Website - Sneak Peak!

The entry page for Designs by Mandi Boutique is up for my website! Woo hoo! However, you will not be able to click in and view merchandise until I officially launch.  I cant let you guys see all the goodies before you can buy! That would just be mean. :) However, I will be doing features of the new merchandise in blog entries in the upcoming days. Click here to view the site and don't forget to bookmark it!

Designs by Mandi Packaging!

Packaging, especially for an online business, is very important.  I've done a lot of brainstorming and research on effective presentation for packaging, and branding, and I've finally narrowed down DBMB's packaging techniques. I experimented a little bit last night..take a look! :)

Merchandise bought will be wrapped up in tissue paper.  I bought this roll thinking it was a bright pink, but it turned out to be this lighter shade. (Grr)  I might also use black tissue paper, but if I do that, I'll be using a pink bow. Tissue paper gives a nice touch, and also helps keep the piece you are shipping protected.

Wrapped and tied..

I like it because it looks like your opening a present when your jewelry arrives!

Can't forget the business card! This is important for branding and marketing.

Ta-Da!

The finished product will then be wrapped and secured in bubble wrap for more protection and then shipped right to you! (For FREE I might add - all shipping will be free to my customers. Woo hoo!)

Thanks for reading!

Hippity Hop - Its Blog Hop Time!

I love blog hops! If your a blogger, please join Green Blog Hop by clicking the icon below. It's a great way to meet new bloggers and promote your own blog! Have a great day guys!

Engaged? Check out 29 Peonies!

29 Peonies

 Passion, Love, Whimsy.

My fabulous friend Megan has launched her own event planning business, and I couldn't be more proud!

After organizing and planning her own wedding this year, Megan discovered her passion for everything bridal.  If you are looking for a chic, reliable, and creative person to help you plan your special day without breaking the bank, Megan is your girl!

Her website is called 29 Peonies, and can be located by clicking here. Make sure to check out her services along with her blog!

(How amazing are these blue shoes! Ahh!)

A Dress AND A Skirt? Yes, Please!

A dress and a skirt all in one? Sure! Introducing Lapis at Anthropologie.  OK, so what if they came out last season, I still think they are super cool, and very comfy! Check them out.

Lapis at Anthropologie

Lapis

Anthropologie

Last season - $60.00

Me in my Lapis dress - (I added the belt)

These dresses are all one size fits all, and made of a very comfy silk blend material.  You can wear them strapless, as a skirt, or with the straps like I have in the picture above. I love wearing mine with my brown belt to give me a little bit more of an hourglass shape.  I got this one at TJ Max last weekend for $19.99 Heck yeah!

Side Style Note:

Ideally - I would have worn this dress with some strappy gladiator heels, but they were in the car when mom took the picture, so causal look it is! :)

Furry Friend Friday - Bianca the Boxer!

I got the inspiration to do Furry Friend Friday from a blogger I follow Confessions of a Domestic Goddess. Every Friday she posts an animal in a local shelter that needs to be adopted.  I think this is a fantastic thing to promote, being that there are 85 or more dogs that need to be adopted in Columbus Ohio alone every day. 

So please meet..

 Bianca!

Favorite Personality Trait: Goofball

I'm a fun-loving, happy-all-the-time, glass-is-half-full kind of dog looking for someone who loves to laugh and play around. Must have a great sense of humor and a bunch of tennis balls.

Summer Sale ~ 1/2 PRICE!

All dogs 6 months and older are half-price, $67, through July11. Senior dogs $42.

•Impound Number: 100625010

•Cage Number: 1/154

•Gender: Female

•Breed: Boxer

•Age: 4 years

•Weight: 49 lbs.

•Adult Size: Large

•Adoption Fee: $67

 

How adorable is she?!

 

If you are interested in adopting Bianca or any other animal please contact:

 

Department of Animal Care & Control
1731 Alum Creek Drive – Columbus, Ohio 43207

Hours

Monday – Friday: 11am – 7pm
Saturday – Sunday: 9am – 5pm

During Business Hours: (614) 462-4361

(614) 462-4361

Recorded Information Line: (614) 462-4360

(614) 462-4360

To see more about Bianca or any of the other hundreds of animals that need a good home, please visit Franklin County Animal Shelter's website.

Kim K - Fashionista.

I love Kim Kardashian's sense of style.  She always looks stylish and classy.  I also love that she embraces her curves, something that you rarely see in Hollywood. Here are a few of my favorite Kim K looks..

Sources: Google Images, People,  Blog Spot, Kim K,

Fall 2010 Line Inspiration

As some of you may know, I've been working on buying for Design by Mandi's Fall 2010 line within the last couple of weeks.  I'm proud to say that I've finally made some decisions, and put in a small order yesterday! I'm super excited.  The buying process is both a creative and business process for me.  I take in consideration current trends, design elements, market research, and demographics.  I am by nature a very creative person, so creating a theme with visual aspects is very important and vital for me to keep organization. Below is a small example of my personal creative process.  This is my inspiration board for Fall 2010.  You will see color story samples, along with fabric and texture inspiration. I believe creating an inspiration board is necessary for me to make sure I am choosing pieces that flow and work together. (Thank you Art Institute for hammering this into my head! haha)

On the board you will see that the colors in my line will be deep greens, purples, golds, silver and an occasional punch of fuchsia. (Demonstrated by the green leaf, purple make-up blob, gold dust, silver studs, and fuchsia flower hair accessory)  I have fallen in love with studs, feathers and shimmery details for fall.  I will have a mix of very trendy items and a more classic, or vintage inspired pieces. (This is indicated by the picture frame, fashion photograph and trendy pump)

FALL 2010 by fashionistafayez featuring ASH shoes

A big thanks to all of you for your continued support!

How to Keep Your Jewelry from Tarnishing

I don't know about you, but I hate it when my sterling silver or costume jewelry starts tarnishing. Here are a few good tips I found to make your jewelry last tarnish free!

1. If at all possible always store jewelry in plastic zip lock bags. Tarnishing happens when the metal interacts with oxygen. This is said to help a LOT.

2. Store jewelry with a piece of chalk. The chalk creates a chemical reaction with the metal and therefore prevents the metal from tarnishing.

3. Spray jewelry with clear spray paint.

( I have not done this, but I am going to try it. I'm a little skeptical but all the reviews I read about doing this were positive.) This is said to work just like the idea of coating your rings with clear nail polish, only it doesn't flake away.

4. Always take jewelry off when washing hands and showering. Also be careful around hairspray.

5. Do not expose jewelry to lotions, perfumes or creams.

I'm going to experiment with these ideas, and some information I have found on what to do with your jewelry once it has already tarnished, and will blog about it afterward.

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!

Stressed? Who, Me?

This is me.

yikes

OK, so that's not really me, but that's how I've been feeling for the last couple of days.  Stressed! I'm seriously in need of a vacation.  Between trying to get the boutique up and going, and working my real job full time, plus squeezing in making dinner, taking care of the pups, and time with the boyfriend..I'm worn out!

So I decided today I'm going to blog about how I (effectively) handle my stress...So here you go.

#1. Hitting the gym.

kiddo

Getting a good cardio workout in always makes me feel SO much better....like I can tackle the world. It must be those endorphins kicking in!

#2. YOGA

yogie

I'm a beginner with Yoga, but there's something about stretching that relieves all that built up negative energy in your body. My friend Jill and I take classes sometimes at a great little studio here in Columbus.  It makes you feel great, and its good for you.

3. Blogging!

bloggie girl

I've become such a big fan of blogging! I've always been a writer, but to have people read your thoughts is uber cool sometimes :) I get in that writing zone and the stress fades away!

#4. Laughing

Laughing instantly makes me feel better when I'm stressed to the max. I usually get my source of entertainment from my boyfriend Ryan. We both love the movie "Hitch" and Ry loves doing the dance movies via Kevin James in the movie. Cracks me up every time.

#5. Icy Pops

icee

Icy Pops are one of  my favorite summertime treats.  There's something about coming home after a hot summer day, and having a nice ice pop that clears away all my stress.  Perhaps its the child in me screaming to get out :)

Wordless Wednesday, Fashion Photographer Michelle Holden

Photos

The Legendary Diane von Furstenberg

Diane

If you don't know who Diane von Furstenberg is - you should. She is one of the most influential and talented fashion designers of our time.  She began designing in 1970 and quickly became an icon in the fashion industry. Diane was known to symbolize freedom and power for women. She is best known for designing the legendary wrap dress. The wrap dress is a staple piece that should be in all of our closets. Its easy to wear, and always looks classic and chic.  The wrap dress looks good on ANY woman, regardless shape and size because it accentuates the woman's smallest part of the body - the waist. Thank you Diane!

Take a look at some of these great pieces I found by Diane..

Diane in her classic wrap dress

Diane's design in 1973

Diane's More current pieces:

Wrap Dress featured in USA Today

 

Wrap Dress 2010