Frequently Asked Questions

I receive many etsy emails asking the same questions about an item. I decided I'm going to put a frequently asked questions t the bottom of every description. But its hard for me because I'm not the buyer to fully understand what people have questions about. Please help!

Just ask Wikipedia

No I dont sew, YES am a designer... just ask wikipedia

Fashion design terms

• A fashion designer conceives garment combinations of line, proportion, color, and texture. While sewing and pattern-making skills are beneficial, they are not a pre-requisite of successful fashion design. Most fashion designers are formally trained or apprenticed.
• A pattern maker (or pattern cutter) drafts the shapes and sizes of a garment's pieces. This may be done manually with paper and measuring tools or by using an AutoCAD computer software program. Another method is to drape fabric directly onto a dress form. The resulting pattern pieces can be constructed to produce the intended design of the garment and required size. Formal training is usually required for working as a pattern marker.
• A tailor makes custom designed garments made to the client's measure; especially suits (coat and trousers, jacket and skirt, et cetera). Tailors usually undergo an apprenticeship or other formal training.
• A textile designer designs fabric weaves and prints for clothes and furnishings. Most textile designers are formally trained as apprentices and in school.
• A stylist co-ordinates the clothes, jewelry, and accessories used in fashion photography and catwalk presentations. A stylist may also work with an individual client to design a coordinated wardrobe of garments. Many stylists are trained in fashion design, the history of fashion and historical costume, and have a high level of expertise in the current fashion market and future market trends. However, some simply have a strong aesthetic sense for pulling great looks together.
• A buyer selects and buys the mix of clothing available in retail shops, department stores and chain stores. Most fashion buyers are trained in business and/or fashion studies.
• A seamstress sews ready to wear or mass produced clothing by hand or with a sewing machine, either in a garment shop or as a sewing machine operator in a factory. She (or he) may not have the skills to make (design and cut) the garments, or to fit them on a model.
• A teacher of fashion design teaches the art and craft of fashion design in art or fashion school.
• A custom clothier makes custom-made garments to order, for a given customer.
• A dressmaker specializes in custom-made women's clothes: day, cocktail, and evening dresses, business clothes and suits, trousseaus, sports clothes, and lingerie.
• An illustrator draws and paints clothing designs for commercial use.
• A fashion forecaster predicts what colours, styles and shapes will be popular ("on-trend") before the garments are on sale in stores.
• A model wears and displays clothes at fashion shows and in photographs.
• A fit model aids the fashion designer by wearing and commenting on the fit of clothes during their design and pre-manufacture. Fit models need to be a particular size for this purpose.
• A fashion journalist writes fashion articles describing the garments presented or fashion trends, for magazines or newspapers.
• An alterations specialist (alterationist) adjusts the fit of completed garments, usually ready-to-wear, and sometimes re-styles them. NOTE: despite tailors altering garments to fit the client, not all alterationists are tailors.
• An Image Consultant, wardrobe consultant or fashion advisor recommends styles and colors that are flattering to the client.

My policies are my protection

The hardest parts about trying to do my own thing is not stressing over every little comment or detail or money... mainly money. Everyday presents a new challenge and I grow from every experience. It's hard not to stress about whether a customer will be happy with their item or not. Everyone is different and I cannot predict how people will react. I stress out more when I assume the worst and I feel I may have to give them a refund. Refunds hurt because I put in all the work and spent many days working on their item.. many days I could use to be making money other ways. On top of that I spend the money to make the item and if the item is returned I cannot resale it, due to it is to their very specific measurements.

My policies are my protection. Though after re writing my policies in order to be protected my sales have decreased slightly (Im assuming my policies present a risk people do not wish to take). But decrease or not I cannot be screwed over anymore.

But of course there are always those people who could care less what the policies say and threaten you. That is the worst and really gets to me. I'm very slowly learning how to speak to them and make people understand I am not a retail store. How do I get the threats to stop all together? I don't know.

Here is an etsy item I need to wear to remind me to just stay calm.

By creationsbymichelles

Creative Customers

At the moment my items are all custom orders. Mainly so that my customers may have the option of having a wide variety of color. Every once in a while a get a customers who becomes inspiring to me. This customer wanted my Ivory wool coat with blood red lining. I loved it so much I had to complete the outfit. I created a scarf and clutch to go with it.

Got my new iphone

woohoo, now I can blog twit, facebook, etsy anything anytime. I love it. My favorite part is the video and the reversible photo. Here some items from etsy id love to have to go with my new phone! Etsy has some of the best cases you find anywhere else.

By: Jolly little purse's
BY: Gadget Gear

DMV TERROR

The dmv has gotten 3 times worse than ever. I wait in line outside for about an hour before I even get a number then wait another 2 hours inside. Thank god for my ipod to keep me entertained with games... but phone.. SIGH, I do not have none. My purse was stolen this weekend and I'm hoping to go get a new one this week. I really want the iphone :( but its way too much money.

It's Labor Day!

And all I'm doing today is relaxing with my family with some margaritas!

Here are a couple of my fave etsy items that really get me in the mood to relax.

BY: Soapopotamus

"This lovely lip butter tastes like sweet & sour lime and the tiniest twang of tequila in a frosty glass."

By: Chacabraka

"These Fluffy, Comfy, Cozy Swinging Chrysalis' will have you "chilled out" and back to normal in no time. After a stressed out Day... just a few minutes in the Chrysalis

will have you refreshed and renewed... INDEED."

Boutique Store Meeting

I had a meeting today with a boutique store owner. The store was amazing, and located right by the Beverly Center. It was such a great area and only carried VERY high end designers. He loved my stuff and wanted to put me in his store but it was $500 a month which I definitely cannot do. SIGH :( Someday Someday....

Any who, todays daily Etsy feature will be to capture my high hopes for the future.. These are so cute and are customizable. I would have mine say BELIVE DREAM and DESIGN. What would yours say?

You can get them at CT JEWELRY DESIGN

Weddings

I have to admit, I was a little scared when first starting to do wedding dresses and brides maid dresses. I didnt feel that I had the kind of personality to be able to deal with... BRIDEZILLAS!!! Now the rumor about brides isn't necessarily untrue. Many of my brides have not been the most pleasant to work with. I understand it is a very important day, but some are in LALA land. All I'm saying is if you order a dress online for a very reasonable price that is custom maid for you please expect that you may need take it in half inch or any other tiny detail. And I have to admit, I'm pretty darn good at doing replications but do not expect to get the same $5,000 Vera Wang dress when I was given $300 to replicate it....

I'm not complaining! It is now humorous to me to see how some people let themselves get so worked up and I'm simply stating the rumors are true. BUT of course, there are those wonderful wonderful exceptions that make everything worth it. I have worked with very lovely people. The best part about my job is when the customer understands these dresses are like your babies and they want you to see the end result. I recently received pictures from a customer (Dawna) and it brought so much joy to me and my sample maker (mom), that it is indescribable. I hope I get more customers like her and I wish her well on her marriage. Congratulations!

Currently I'm working on Replicating this dress (bottom photo) for three brides maid dresses. Already I can tell it is going to be a

wonderful experience. After a while I have learned to spot the crazies and now refuse to work with them from the beginning.

I have learned that I am stronger than I thought and can deal with tough customers BUT the crazies are never happy, so there is just no point in trying to please them. LESSON LEARNED :)

I found what I was looking for

I finally found a place I love. It is not in Hollywood but 2 exits from it and much more affordable than anything in Hollywood. It is in Studio city. We are applying for it next week. This may shock people who are not from Los Angeles or live in a House, but the most exciting part about this place is it has a washer and dryer in the unit. Ive never had one of my very own! If we get this place, perhaps I will get to decorate my personal laundry room with this wonderful etsy item of the day by House Hold Words.

Apartment hunting in Hollywood

To live in Hollywood or to stay in the valley.. HMM

Went apartment hunting all day. I pretty much hated everything. Apartment hunting is not as exciting as I thought it would. Ideally I would love to live in Hollywood instead of the VALLEY .. but if I stay in the valley I might be able to afford an office. BUT>> if I live in Hollywood it would be more convenient as far as transportation and just being around everything I love. I go to Hollywood OR Los Angeles almost everyday.. We will see what happens.

But it is nice to know when I do finally find my apartment in Hollywood (hopefully)
I will be able to fill it up with my local etsian home decor.

CUTE NEW WIDGET

CraftCult for etsy has a new widget for promoting your store, its so cute. Check it out.



Here's the link to get your widget

ETSY in Cali

Here are a Few of My fave artist on Etsy from just around my corner!

Marketing quickies

I went back to school (mainly to try to avoid the loans)

I decided to take marketing. My degree taught me how to make beautiful clothes but it didn't teach me how to sell them. Here are a few tips on selling I learned in class.

NASTY VS GOOD WORDS

NASTY WORDS - GOOD WORDS

Cost/ Price - Total Investment

Down Payment - Initial Investment

Monthly payment -Monthly Investment

Contract - Agreement

Buy - Own

Sign - Okay/Authorize

Pitch - Story

Presentation - Proposal

Commission - Fee for Service

POWER CLOSES

• When do you think you will need it?
• Time frame (We can deliver today or a time more CONVENIENT for you)

TEN STEPS TO A SALE

1. Intro
2. Ice breaker
3. Listen
4. Ask Questions
5. Three to four second pause (In person sale)
6. Trial/ Close ( Ex: Try it, you'll like it)
7. Continue presentation
8. 1-3 Questions
9. Pause
10. Power Close ( Use power words)

POWER WORDS

• Free
• New
• Amazing
• Bonus
• More
• Reward
• Answer
• Secrets
• How
• Discount
• Exquisite
• YOU
• ...etc

Ice breakers using YOU

• I have a suggestion for YOU
• Heres an idea that could work for YOU
• MORE people like YOU own one than ever before
• The price is revelant to the benefits YOU receive

This is why I have the best sister in the world

I received an email from her this morning with a bunch of free things to do in Cali this summer.

I though I would share with the world.

Free Screening of an aztec movie at the Getty Villa. I have tix for this and i plan to go. I plan to go to Dukes before the movie. The Auditoriumat the villa is pretty awesome

http://www.getty.edu/museum/programs/performances/the_other_conquest.html

(We are planning on going to Dukes to have some Tacos and Hawaiian beer before.)

Free Museum Days

http://www.getty.edu/visit/la_museum_free_days.pdf

The Free Movies at the W (Although you probably need to buy a drink or something)

http://www.starwoodexclusiveoffers.com/laweekends/pdf/MLG_330-24x36a3.pdf

Free Concerts in Downtown (Mostly World Music)

http://www.grandperformances.org/

Free Outdoor Movies (Downtown)

http://www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/movie.html

Free Indie Music and Pub Crawl in Downtown (The last Friday of the Month starting this weekend, some of it's free. Some are just clubs that are listed)

http://downtownmusicproject.com/

Free Dance Lesson and Live Music on Fridays (The Dance changes every friday)

http://www.musiccenter.org/events/aa_dancedowntown.html

lafreebee.com is promoting some free concerts at some venue is redondo. They have a bob marley tribute band this weekend.

http://lafreebee.com/free-tickets-brixton-south-bay/

Vanessa Aquino

LOVE YOU SIS!!! YOU'RE THE BEST!!

Being A good seller means being a good customer

It's funny to me that until recently I had been selling online yet I don't online shop. So the honest truth is I didn't actually know what people expected of me as far as customer service and packaging. A couple months ago a friend stayed with me to visit and kept me company while I worked during the day. I was getting ready to ship things out when she stopped and said
Friend: You're going to send it like that?
Me:Yeah why? (As I put a dress into a ups envelope)
Friend: Usually when I buy something online it feels like a gift when it arrives, so I expect to look like one. Don't you??
Me: Actually I've never purchased anything online.
Friend: That's not good since you make your living from doing it.....


What a hit of reality. So the next time I needed to purchase something I did it on etsy. I like buying patterns (purely for reference, I do my own thank you very much...but sometimes I need a little hint) So I purchased a few online. And here was my experience..
*First off WHOA way cheaper than buying them at Michaels!!! Here's there link
http://www.etsy.com/shop/raegirl
*All the patterns I purchased were said to be uncut in the description. A few days later I see in my pay pal was some money credited back to me. She wrote to me right away and told me one WAS actually cut and returned the shipping cost and the money for the purchase. She still sent me the cut pattern for free and on top of sent an extra uncut pattern that was very familiar to the other.
* That was more than enough to make up for the mistake. When i received I was sooo excited which I wouldn't usually get excited for patterns. So at that moment I realized what my friend was talking about. They were wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper (this was in December).

I was very pleased with my online experience and will continue to shop from Raegirl.
Things I learned
*Communication is very important. If I would have received the patterns cut w/out being informed I would have been upset. But I think most people understand that mistakes happen. As long as you're dong something to fix it or communicate with them about the situation.
*Yup...packaging is important. I did feel like I was a getting a present. She had also put the invoice with it which I had never done. I appreciated that. Now I didn't have to print it my self when I do my expense reports. I will be doing that from now on.

Maybe these things are just little improvements.. but nonetheless improvements and very important as an overall seller.

Life On a Silk Cloud

I have a serious addiction. The other day on one of the many trips I do to downtown during the week, I bumped into an old fabric connection. He had just received a truck full of silk he was about to sell wholesale to another vendor. He asked me if I wanted to purchase some before he took it to the other dealer. Now usually crinkled silk chiffon runs from $6-$8 a yrd. I can usually only afford 2 or 3 at a time. He was selling it to me for $2 a yard. I got so excited. I bought 15 yards.

For the rest of the day I couldnt stop thinking about how I wanted to go back and get more. Did I need more? NO. Do I have an apartment full of fabric I haven't used yet? YUP. I can't help it!! Buying silk...especially crinkled silk chiffon, gives me such an ENDORPHAN EXPLOSION!!!!!

I just want more!!!! And I want it now!!!

I can only imagine heaven is made up of silk clouds to fall asleep on.

Sneak peak: Here I am trying to get this shot ... took a few tries.

Yes I did it, I joined all the internet networking sites

Yup, I finally made all my accounts, started with this blog.
And here they are!!!
www.twitter.com/lilleyinCali
www.facebook.com/lilian.linares
www.myspace.com/kalioseano
http://www.blogger.com/www.lookbook.nu/lilianlinares

Lesson Learned

While I'm unemployed and not selling anything on etsy, I do this thing called Alchemy. Alchemy is a section on etsy that lets people post items they want custom made. Sometimes people except my bid, sometimes they dont. Recently I got accepted to make a replica of the Alice and Wonderland dress from the SYFY movie. First I made a Flat sketch. But as you can see the fabric has this diamond pattern to it, which she wanted. I decided I'm going to screen print it on.

I know how to burn screens but it's such a headache. So I decided to have my screen done for me. I go to a place in downtown called RheeTech. I heard it was cheaper there then anywhere else. It wasn't, it was the same. Though it wasn't cheaper it was still worth it. They did a fantastic job with my screen.

I purchase %100 cotton in white to dye it the perfect Alice blue. I cut my pattern pieces and ready to begin screening the diamond pattern. Little did I know what a disaster it would be. It started off great! And then it just got bad, really bad.

I'm going to have to start all over and I've lost half of my profit. All I can say is lesson learned. It is much easier to screenprint a design on a Tshirt then a pattern on a whole fabric. And I will probably not ever do it again.

Happy New Year!!

The first Monday of the year and My first Blog..

Today was the official first day of my one year plan. I've given my self a year to figure out my life and to try to make as an independant designer.
Where I am right now-
Im in crazy debt. I owe about 100,000 in school loans, about 10,000 in credit cards, 5,000 in collections, 2,000 in parking and traffic tickets and a -500 in my bank account with no income coming in.
I live with parents(whom are also struggling financially). I have no boyfriend, Nor intend to have one soon.
As far as my buisness I really only doing the Etsy thing ( www.kalioseano.etsy.com ) and I get about a sell every two weeks....which obviously I cant live by.
I am unemployed...if there is a chance I can be self employed without truggling to much I would. but as of right now its not happening and I just have to try to do both.
I have a pretty big mountain to climb, but Im going channel my inner Gwen Steffani and try to become a succesful and strong women on my own.
This blog is to capture everything of my misadventures of trying to become succesful when starting from nothing. I'm sure you will be reading a lot of mistakes within this year... but hopefully by December it will be a happy ending to this blog.