Rising Star Fashion Designer Spotlight: Meet The Fabulous OOGII Flower

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It never ceases to amaze us how much precious time most people waste trying to find that imaginary shortcut that’ll lead to massive wealth and entrepreneurial success when the only real way is staring them right in the face: genuine entrepreneurs who want to be successful in business needs to put in a lot of careful planning, research, and hard work – and that’s what Oyuntsetseg Olonbayar aka OOGII Flower has done over the years.

OOGII started her career at the age of 20, by getting a degree in Journalism. She then entered a competition that was searching for someone who would be a newsreader on Mongolian National TV. After a lot of effort and perseverance, she eventually won the contest, which is held every 14 years. Eventually, though, she realized that her passion was not really in being a newscaster but in fashion. So, she left journalism to focus more on creating her own fashion label. This risky move has eventually paid off, as she has built one of the fastest rising fashion empires. She went from creating glamorous and comfortable shoes to making exquisite handbags and now accessories. She has also expanded from an online business to a retail store in Japan and just recently in Mongolia.

Like many successful high-profile fashion designers, OOGII’s career has had a lot of highlights. For example, she got the chance to collaborate with Germani Jewelry to create a range of products for weddings. In addition, her high-quality designs have received positive comments from several customers. One of the most memorable feedback she has ever received was from footballer named Robbie Farah and Japanese Sumo Wrestler, Harumafuji Kohei. They gave her a really good review because they were impressed by the comfort of the shoes she makes. Fashion has also paved the way for her to meet a range of interesting people. For example, at a function celebrating International Women’s Day, she got to meet influential designer Carla Zampatti which is still one of the highlights of her career in fashion.

OOGII believes that the fashion industry can be difficult for people to get into. There are several things that designers need to learn before they can actually start making money from their designs such as learning to limit their production costs. You also need to have a realistic idea of how many products you’ll be able to sell while using the best materials. For example, OOGII uses sustainably farmed snake skins to create her shoes. By mastering this aspect in her business, OOGII has made it easier for her to produce more high-quality shoes at a comfortable pace. Despite her rapid rise to success, she hasn’t lost sight of the most important things in life. OOGII admits that she has been fortunate enough to get plenty of support from her friends and family. Her family and fiancé help keep her grounded and ensure that she continues to stay true to her values and beliefs.

Crossing from journalism to fashion has enabled OOGII to travel to many new places and meet inspiring people. Now that she’s on a roll – she has no intention of slowing down. She wants to start designing her own clothing label soon, as well as creating multiple new products. Brace yourself Australia, because OOGII is soon to take the Australian fashion scene by storm!

The Brutal Truth Of What It Takes To Be A Fashion Designer

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I hate to be the one to burst the bubble of fashion enthusiasts, but there are a lot of misconceptions about fashion designing. One of which is the thought that it is easy for you to become part of the statistics of the most popular fashion designers such as Coco Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, Georgio Armani, among others. Another misconception is that fashion is all about glamour! Well… Surprise! It’s not. Just like being a famous celebrity, everything that is too good to be true has a certain price to pay for. Third, fashion schools teach only the basic things you need to know. When you eventually go out in the real world to start your business, you will be shocked to find out that you still have a lot to learn.

Passing Through the Eye of a Needle

In all actuality, becoming an established fashion designer is just like becoming a bonafide movie star. It’s like a camel passing through the eye of a needle. First and foremost, you have to compete with famous fashion designers who serve as the edifice of the industry… which is by the way, close to impossible. If you are persistent enough, then, perhaps, you can still land a career in fashion and you might even end up working for a recognized and reputable fashion designer. Start doing your homework and reading other materials that will help you get prepared for the big challenges ahead of you – it’s going to be a bumpy road.

The Price You Have to Pay

If you become an established celebrity, privacy will certainly be a luxury. Do you also know that there are some famous fashion designers that commit suicide? Why is this so? It’s simply because they are not happy…the truth is – behind the fame, popularity, and glamour…there is emptiness deep inside them that cannot be satisfied by self-fulfillment.

Fashion 101

In fashion school, you are taught to sew, draw, sketch, drape and make patterns. Once you have finished the course, you will feel confident that you are equipped with the needed knowledge, skills and values to succeed as a fashion designer. Alas! While the skills you learned in a fashion school are important, some of the stuff you learned is not as practical in the real world of fashion. If you decide to become an intern, you are expected to know how to sketch flats, design clothes using CAD’s, create garment specs and prepare presentation boards. Having said that, it is quite normal that all your ideal expectations will probably be shattered into bits and pieces. Eventually, you’ll realize that you have to mostly self-teach yourself with all the new concepts being thrown at you.

Different Branches of Fashion

Fashion is a massive entity in itself… it is not always about clothes. In fact, there are a lot of niches you can tap into in the fashion industry — you can be a stylist, designer, photographer, forecaster, and merchandiser, among others. If you are lucky enough, you will have the opportunity to experience working with some of them, if not all. And from there, you can weigh things up and determine which category really suits you best. It is important for you to develop an action plan so you’ll more likely have a better chance of reaching your goals.

4 Surefire Ways To Style Yourself To Look Like A Hollywood Celebrity

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Perhaps, you have just seen your favourite celebrity walk down the red carpet or enter the airport and somehow they have left you wishing that you were wearing the same clothes and accessories as what they have.

Let’s face it, we can’t deny the fact that celebs are always well dressed because they have the money to buy expensive clothes and afford top stylists. The thing is, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to look like a million bucks – you can actually achieve the celeb look by simply following the tips below.

It’s all about experimenting with proportions

You need to experiment with proportions to find the right balance between shoes, sleeves, and hemlines. For example, you can consider wearing a long denim skirt and a turtleneck top with short sleeves together with a trench coat. On the other hand, if you feel like wearing long-sleeved blouses, then a short skirt and flats would make the perfect pair for it. Don’t be afraid to experiment, especially with proportions.

Learn the art of mixing and matching patterns.

If in case you wanted to follow celebrities who have a bold fashion statement, then you should learn the art of mixing and matching patterns. As much as possible, avoid wearing tops and bottoms with the same pattern. For example, if your top has wide horizontal stripes, then you can wear jeans with slimmer vertical stripes. On the other hand, in case you would be layering two clothes, then make sure that they have different patterns. For example, one should have stripes while the other one should have polka dots.

Wear a longer coat

If wearing a dress is your style, then you can just simply wear a longer coat over it. Instead of wearing a coat with the same length as the dress that you are wearing, wear a coat that is at least, a few inches longer than it. On the other hand, if you don’t have a duster length coat, then you can choose a shorter skirt to pair with it.

The more monochromatic your clothes are, the more you will look like a celebrity

If you have noticed, most celebrities out there, wear monochromatic clothes instead of using clothes that are of different colors. Nevertheless, it does not necessarily mean that you should always go for the exact same hue. In fact, you can go for the same color but with different shades. For example, if you’re going to a party and you have prepared a white dress, then you can look for a white coat and white shoes. For sure, you would capture the attention of the other guests who attended the event.

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Online Shopping

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So, you find yourself going online to get your new threads with the increasing regularity of late. The lure of fresh fashion picks delivered straight to your inbox is proving a little too hard to resist on occasion. Suddenly you are hitting that “Buy Now” button with reckless abandon. Perhaps you even have a particular store’s app or you know exactly what brand is stocking what, where and when. You are an ace at beating the packs to get that “must-have” item every week.

Now, it’s become a hobby… or should that be an obsession. No matter your level of participation (or addiction) rest assured you are not alone amongst the landslide of consumers now turning toward online fashion shopping.

Online shopping is becoming more and more popular by the minute (or should that be by the gig). Relatively new crops of cheap and cheerful fashion brands are fast becoming household names: take “Boohoo,” “ASOS” “The Iconic” and “Pop Cherry” as prime examples. Ostensibly, it’s no little wonder as to their burgeoning success. The world of Internet fashion appears to offer a less costly, more diverse range of stock that is available to the consumer 24/7. However, there are some definite downsides to the e-commerce fashion industry, not least of all the effect it has on conventional retailers.

According to a Roy Morgan report (source ABC) online retail shopping reached mainstream status in the first quarter of 2013. This followed a decade of consistent yearly growth. Shoppers are drawn to the Internet not just because of price but also because of the time factor. We can now shop at the click of a mouse on our lunch break. The biggest drawcard is ultimately the amazing array of latest fashions and limitless choice that can be accessed instantaneously (as opposed to having to trawl through boutiques, department and chain stores).

One obvious flaw to this system is that you can’t try before you buy. Some online fashion stores do provide a money-back guarantee or refund policy, but, the general state of affairs appears to be “caveat emptor” or “buyer beware”. When you find that delicious dress (that looked so perfect on the model) squishes your boobs, sits halfway across your butt cheeks and is made of some nylon fabric more akin to under than outerwear then the fine print on the website suddenly draws a real interest.

A lot of cheap fashion sites do provide free shipping, but if your garment doesn’t fit you then sometimes the only recourse the business provides is store credit. You will most likely find that the item you ordered in the new size you need is unavailable by the time you have sent off the ill-fitting (or poor quality) item in the post as requested. Keep in mind that you will have to bear the cost of sending the item back (a wise suggestion is to use registered post).

If the item is faulty then it isn’t “fit for purpose” and legally you are entitled to a refund and can make a complaint to the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC). By all means, you can chase a company down. But, be prepared for a major headache. With the cheap prices comes the fact that some online companies seem to be run in some dodgy manner that doesn’t involve an actual telephone contact (or so they claim). It’s the perfect “out” to retain profits.

By the time you have emailed them 15 times and contacted the ACCC you are wishing you never spent that $39.99 in the first place. Contrast this with the traditional retail experience where you can access physical recourse. With an actual store, you can show the item to the shop assistant. It’s a whole lot harder for them to ignore you then it is for some random at the end of an email address.

Using review sites to check online reputations is a great idea. You can search for an online shopping retailer on sites like “estorereview.com.au”. A suggestion… try searching reviews on “Pop Cherry.” The results will yield an amalgamation of everything great and everything wrong with the online fashion shopping experience in relation to this particularly controversial company.

For great general consumer advice, a visit to the “choice.com.au” website is always worthwhile. It is always advisable to do your research when it comes to shopping online, particularly in relation to buying clothing. Sometimes, it pays to try before you buy. Sometimes the lure of instant gratification proves all too much. In any case, online fashion has proven to be much more than just a trend; it is a solid feature of our everyday way of life.

A Beginner’s Guide: 7 Essential Style Tips Every Man Should Know

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Runway is slowly turning into a man’s world with famed male supermodels who incontestably cover high-fashioned magazines such as GQ, Guess, Vogue, Burberry, Calvin Klein, and Versace. Various style bibles for men are now at the forefront of the glamorous fashion realm which solidifies the attractive truth relating to the importance of men’s grooming and style. Indeed, Men’s wardrobe is as equally significant as women’s and to have our gentlemen face the world in an extremely inelegant manner may earn them strong disapproval from many.

Today, let’s celebrate the unignorable contribution of top tier male models to the fashion industry as we uncover the nuts and bolts of Mister Fashionable and the timeless fashion must-haves that should drape such manly frames.

A good pair of jeans

Buy perfectly-styled jeans and you’re in. This is one of the most versatile and timeless pieces that we should never live without as you can easily wear them everywhere. Go for tried and true washes such as faded blue jeans, dark and original blue denim for styles that are guaranteed to last forever.

The Power of White Shirt

Your white tee is probably the most comfortable ensemble that will never be out of the trend. It provides a combination of classy and contemporary appeal that all men should desire to maintain.

Snuggle with your favourite sweater

Find various types of sweaters that you can simply pull out from your closet when you need them. Know what styles look best on you and snuggle with class.

One well-tailored suit for a well-dressed man

Special and memorable events require you to appear in the sleekest and stylish suit that can magnetize all lovely ladies around. The elegance of black and the classiness of grey will save you from appearing a cheapskate.

Have a magnificent taste for ties

Although tie changes its trends as frequent as the season changes, investing in the basics would comfort you on times when you need them. The key to this one is simple and mismatching often ensues to a terrible fashion disaster that you would never want to be in. When buying a tie, it is highly recommended to consider the colour and pattern as they should suit well with your shirt.

Secure a lifetime trend with black leather shoes

Every guy should have at least one black leather shoes to go well with your once a year upscale occasion. Its transcendent nature gives a classy look that will be too hard to overlook. This also calls for a black belt and a black pair of socks for a completely impressive fashion sense.

Sneak out with sneakers

The fashion fundamental for every outgoing guy is evidently simple. Purchase at least one pair of perfectly-looking sneakers and stroll around comfortably.

So are you missing some of these classy clothing pieces? Head out now and remember to invest in these basic items for a guaranteed style and sophistication that you can bank on for years. Enjoy styling and happy shopping!

Shopping On The Cheap: A Bargain Hunter’s Guide To Shopping

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Living life as a girl is pretty tough! As our beloved Becky from the famous fashion movie, Confession of a Shopaholic would put it, it’s like buying a cashmere scarf. You would think you are investing in cashmere only to realize later that your money has been spent into a blend of wool and cotton. The point being, you really don’t have to churn out a lot of money in order to stay on top of your fashion game.

If you shop smart, you can really hunt down some amazing fashion bargains and put together killer outfits for yourself. And, here are four easy ways to do that. Let’s begin:

Tip # 1: Build a Capsule Wardrobe

You really don’t need to update your fashion arsenal with each item you see as a ‘must-have’ on an Instagrammer’s fashion feed. Work on developing an individual style of your own – cuts that flatter you, fabric that keeps you comfy and tones that go well with your complexion. Use key clothing items to build a solid capsule wardrobe and then you can use the good old mix and match method to come up with a ton of outfits for each occasion.

Tip # 2: Look for Sample Sales

Keep an eye on the flyers for designer sample sales. You can find some of the most gorgeous, edgy and trendy accent pieces for a fraction of price there. Shop smart, take a best friend along and together you both can treat yourself with luxury fashion items without breaking the bank.

Tip # 3: Add Timeless Classics to the Mix

Polka dots for summers, stripes for spring and plaids for fall – some of these trends are truly timeless classics and would always be relevant to the fashion scene. Therefore, when you do decide to indulge a little, make sure it is one of these fashion pieces which you can style in multiple ways for seasons to come.

Tip # 4: Solids are Always Boujee

When in doubt, go for a monochromatic head to toe look! The secret to looking drop-dead gorgeous, just like a Hollywood diva out of her million-dollar villa is to spend on fabric that gives off a luxe vibe, such as satin or silk. Don’t go for prints. Plain monochromatic look with a mirage of various textures, frills, ruffles, and laces would radiate a very polished and expensive look.

Why The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Was Actually Cancelled For 2019

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Editorial credit: FashionStock.com / Shutterstock.com

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has been officially canceled – it’s the end of an era for Victoria’s Secret and the world is still in shock.

The CFO of L Brands (the company that owns Victoria’s Secret) Stuart Burgdoerfer confirmed that the most famous fashion show in the world, which has been running since 1995, has been officially canceled.

Why you may ask?

Firstly, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show had a number of negative press and controversies over the years. As an example, just last year, Victoria’s Secret’s Chief Marketing Officer Ed Rezak told Vogue in an interview that he did not believe that transgender models had a place in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, he apparently also said that there was no room for plus-size runway shows in TV. He later apologized for his tactless remarks but unfortunately, the damage has been done.

Secondly, Stuart Burgdoerfer confirmed as per Variety that he wants to “evolve the marketing” of its signature lingerie brand, and its annual fashion show had no immediate impact on sales of its bras and underwear. He said: “Did we see specific material impact on short-term sales response to the airing of the fashion show, as a general matter the answer to that question is no… So if you’re like, ‘Oh my God, Stuart, are you freaked out about the day after the fashion show result and what’s going to happen?’, it did air at different times over the years and we didn’t see a material impact on the next few days’ results.”

Variety further confirmed that ratings for the show have also been declining. As an example, back in December 2018, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show which was headlined by Shawn Mendes and Bebe Rexha garnered 3.3 million viewers which is a huge decline from its 6.7 million viewers in 2016 and its 9.7 million viewers in 2013.

On another note, according to CNBC, Victoria’s Secret sales at stores that have been open for at least a year have also plunged 7% from the prior-year quarter. L Brands confirmed this by posting its mixed third-quarter results, which revealed declining sales at its Victoria’s Secret brand.

Burgdoerfer further said that the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show “was a very important part of the brand-building of this business and was an important aspect of the brand and a remarkable marketing achievement, and with that said, we’re figuring out how to advance the positioning of the brand and best communicate that to customers, and that’s among the things that John is focused on.”

Will Victoria’s Secret fashion show ever air again? Only time will tell.

5 Easy Fashion Hacks To Instantly Look And Feel More Put Together

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Dressing chic just comes naturally to some women while others must struggle a little in order to maintain a personal style. We say you ditch the seasonal trend book and device your own fashion rules to always look sassy and chic no matter what’s the occasion. To us, a chic look would have the right amount of glamour mixed with an urban edginess. Here are a few ways to keep up the chic style:

Fashion Hack # 1: Go by the Tri-color Outfit Rule

One of the simplest and basic rules to dress chic is to keep your outfit a little neat and put together; this you can achieve by not mixing more than three colors in your outfit at a time. While a kaleidoscope of tones and shades would appear desirable and artsy to some, pulling it off is not everyone’s cup of tea. So, ensuring that you don’t flaunt more than three colors in the same outfit at a time would make carrying an outfit easy for you.

Just so you know, basics such as a white top or black jeans won’t necessarily count as a ‘color’. Also, busy prints would count as one.

Fashion Hack # 2: Focus on the Basics

We can’t emphasize this point enough! Basics such as a black V-neck figure-hugging t-shirt; a white chiffon top with ruffled sleeves or a white crisp button-up are the key items that would lay the foundation of a solid chic outfit. Use them as a base to build your style. Add on an accent piece and take it up from there.

Fashion Hack # 3: Accessorize

Watches, dainty layered necklaces, trendy scarves, handbags, sunglasses – these minute details really accentuate your outfit. It shows that you pay attention to the details and really ties the entire look together.

Fashion Hack # 4: Rock a Bright Pout

If it’s summer season, go for a vibrant pink; if it’s autumnal bliss, rock a deep plum! A bold pout really makes for a loud and daring fashion statement. When you pair this look with the toned-down outfit it gives off a very cool trendy and uber chic vibe.

Fashion Hack # 5: Invest in a Good Pair of Jeans

Now, this may sound like a no-brainer, but a good pair of jeans can really make or break your entire look. Opt for skinny jeans or slim-fit pairs that create an illusion of elongated legs and narrow waists. Now you can play with textures and colors for your top.