Design Entrepreneurs NYC Program at FIT

On Friday I got such exciting news!! I was one of 35 selected out of 165 applicants to a free mini MBA program at FIT for Design Entrepreneurs to learn from top fashion executives and experts how to run a successful fashion label! The program kicks off at the Andrew Marc Showroom on May 24th with the President of FIT and the President of GIII- Apparel. I will learn the ins and outs of running stella valle from FIT faculty members and industry veterans covering topics in fashion business marketing, operations, and financial management. At the end of the program I will create a business plan and pitch it to a panel of influential industry leaders for feedback and advice. 

I couldn't be more excited to learn how to grow stella valle to its highest potential from the most successful people in the fashion industry. The connections and networking opportunity couldn't be more perfect either! I feel so blessed right now!!

friday finds

the high sock bun trick

I recently did the high sock bun trick while out in Miami which was so easy and fun. I then found this awesome how to for it and wanted to share. Rock your high thick bun and look sexy and cute in 5 minutes!

friday finds

every friday we will share some outfit options for you to match your stella valle jewelry with in order to get a cute, trendy, fun look! 

the perfect day

Yesterday was my dream work day that I'm so excited to share with you. It started off with a sewing lesson by my friend's mom who is an amazing sewer. I have wanted to learn how to sew for probably 10 years now and bought a sewing machine last summer and really never touched it. So as you can imagine this was an awesome morning for me! Cindi was an amazing teacher as most of our lesson consisted of talking about what goes into designing clothes- patterns, draping, pinning, ironing, fabrics, etc. There is so much more then just the sewing part which I learned is really only about 10% of actually making a piece. I am going to start my first project this weekend and I'm nervous, but so excited! My goal is to start a stella valle clothing line one day:) Check out some pictures I took from Cindi's unbelievable craft room that I aspire to have one day (and this isn't even a quarter of it)....it is seriously heaven!!

 Then my day proceeded by visiting one of our favorite boutiques, Pink Jewels in Livingston, NJ for a trunk show. Marie, the owner, has become a dear friend and is such an inspiration as she left her teaching job after a few years to open her dream store. She is a very young business owner and we love her hard work and great style!

After our trunk show I went to the Bloomingdale's best customer event and caught their fashion show showcasing the hottest spring/summer trends. Maybe after our trunk show in June, Bloomies will rock some stella valle jewelry for the Fall fashion show...how fun would that be:) Mark it on your calendars June 13th & 14th to come see us in Bridgewater, NJ!

every day work

Sorry we haven't blogged much the past couple days, but we have been finalizing our fall '12 collection and it is by far our favorite yet!! We actually are obsessed and can't wait to get our samples soon:) It is 1920's art deco inspired with some really funky, bold pieces. We are hoping to have samples of our entire collection and half of the collection manufactured and for sale at our Bloomingdale's and Bendel trunk shows in June!

If you haven't seen our posts on facebook, we need your help. We entered a jewelry challenge and the design that wins will be manufactured by Crowd Jewel and has the chance to go in front of retailers. We need 50 votes to be in the running to win and have 30 so far....take a second and help us out! Only 20 more votes:) http://apps.facebook.com/offerpop/Contest.psp?c=104322&u=19319&a=254553244581393&p=301907439861926&v=Entry&id=322522&rest=1

Friday I have a meeting with a bank to talk about small business loans. If you have ever run a business or are thinking about starting one then there is one thing that is most important...MONEY! The saying 'you need money to make money' couldn't be more true. Right now with the economy the way it is this has been our biggest challenge. Fortunately, we have done it all to this point without a loan, but to take stella valle to the next level we need some working capitol or it will just take a little more time and a lot more patience...either way we will get there. I'll keep you updated (even though those types of posts aren't the most interesting, but essential to entrepreneurship!).

weekend looks

With a weekend ahead mixed of sun and rain, we picked out some cute outfit looks for you to re-create yourself...take a pic of your looks and feel free to share them with us!

 

                  

great for hitting the mall or running some errands.  over sized button down shirt paired with ripped jeans. stack some stella valle bracelets like the mille spiked bracelet for extra edge.

                                         

toss a large comfy sweater on and a long chain number
necklace and the balance beauty ring for a cute, but sexy look. 

weather is getting warm, you can't go wrong with a cute maxi and the hippie harmony earring to add some flair. obsesssed!

how cute is this polka dot shirt and jean short combo?! accessorize this outfit with the jess. casual & confident bracelet paired with the peachy keen queen ring...so cute! 

hitting the bars and don't want to look like every other girl out? well you don't have to with this look. cropped tops are  so in and this sexy, conservative skirt will catch every guys eye. throw on the balance beauty earring to finish off this awesome outfit.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!