Great weekend in New Orleans. Now I have 2 days to wrap things up before heading back to work. 2 days to relax and recover from the busyness of this past weekend.
So, I hit up Magazine Street and dropped off a handful of line sheets and look books. Let's cross our fingers now that some of these tremendous little boutiques pick up the line. In the meantime, we're still trying to work out sales here on the NYC front.
Today? Well, we potentially have a showroom that may want to rep us! That would be the most amazing news. We're hoping to touch base with the owner of the showroom this afternoon.
Tomorrow is TBD. I think it somewhat depends on today's progress.
I would be remiss not to mention last night's Red Carpet, right? After all, it is my very favorite night for fashion and glamour. My eyes are dazzled by the beautiful creations that walk the red carpet. This year, for some reason, seemed even more magical than I remember. Here are my faves!
1/ Gwyneth Paltrow - She looked great...her gown was GORGEOUS!
2/ Nicole Kidman - Classic and beautiful.
3/ Amy Adams - A little conservative but super classy and she clearly knows that blue is her color. Plus I love the emerald jewelry.
4/ Mila Kunis - Well, I'm a huge Elie Saab fan and this was so dainty and pretty.
5/ Robin Roberts - She looks amazing. Sharp and spot on with the whole thing. Did you see her shoes? I think RR lost a little lbs but she looked HOT HOT HOT!
6/ Anne Hathaway - With all those changes, it was difficult to keep up with her looks! If I have to pick one, it's the Givenchy (her look #2). 2nd fave? Valentino red. 3rd is the Oscar de la Renta gold. Least favorite was the liquid blue Armani Prive...hated it.
7/ Helena Bonham-Carter - NOT!
Since we have a couple other creative projects in work, I'll be writing the blog a bit less often to free up some time to work on those. I hope you like what's coming;-)
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Day 62 - The Big Easy
And today, a little R&R...well, not exactly. Fun WILL be had but likely not much rest OR relaxation. We have 3 birthdays to celebrate plus a new job. So...sleep? Probably not too much of that going on.
Heading to the Big Easy to take it easy for a few days, in theory. But actually, my plan is to grab my sister-in-law and hit up the little shops on Magazine Street. Yes, that's correct, I'm peddling my slips right up and down the streets of New Orleans. Fitting, right?
Jerry is staying back. He's got his own agenda full of fixing up the slips a bit (they're getting a little tossled now, need to spruce them up a 'lil). He's got some printing to do plus networking, as much as possible. Gotta keep it going!
Yesterday's video interview was fun and went well! There's something strange, and a tad bit awkward, about sitting in front of a camera telling the story of one's life. With a little practice, we could get use to this I think! Can't wait to see the results. We'll share...I promise. Thank you Sarah, Channon & Elisabeth for hookin' it up!
And finally for today, PLUSHNYLON's Overton Monroe article Part II, the continuation of last weeks publication, is now live! Check it out at http://plushnylonmag.com/entertainment/designer-spotlight-overton-monroe-%e2%80%93-part-ii-the-vision-the-process-and-the-breakthrough
Taking a long weekend...see you on Monday! I mean, if something amazing happens between now and Monday, you'll def find an update here;-)
Heading to the Big Easy to take it easy for a few days, in theory. But actually, my plan is to grab my sister-in-law and hit up the little shops on Magazine Street. Yes, that's correct, I'm peddling my slips right up and down the streets of New Orleans. Fitting, right?
Jerry is staying back. He's got his own agenda full of fixing up the slips a bit (they're getting a little tossled now, need to spruce them up a 'lil). He's got some printing to do plus networking, as much as possible. Gotta keep it going!
Yesterday's video interview was fun and went well! There's something strange, and a tad bit awkward, about sitting in front of a camera telling the story of one's life. With a little practice, we could get use to this I think! Can't wait to see the results. We'll share...I promise. Thank you Sarah, Channon & Elisabeth for hookin' it up!
And finally for today, PLUSHNYLON's Overton Monroe article Part II, the continuation of last weeks publication, is now live! Check it out at http://plushnylonmag.com/entertainment/designer-spotlight-overton-monroe-%e2%80%93-part-ii-the-vision-the-process-and-the-breakthrough
Taking a long weekend...see you on Monday! I mean, if something amazing happens between now and Monday, you'll def find an update here;-)
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Day 61 - Thank Goodness for Good People!
What a day! Here's how it went...
10am - Thanks to a great friend and supporter, we were afforded the opportunity to walk through Coterie and meet lots more good people. We spent the morning strolling the aisles trying to figure it all out, made a few acquaintences, sought out any competition and determined that we need to be at Coterie next season. We loved it. Being there completely rejuvinated us. We are re-inspired and ready to make a go of Overton Monroe for many seasons to come. This is not a hobby....our hearts are too invested! Good thing we were reminded of this.
1pm - Curve was super cool too...but we realized that, even though we'll likely be hanging on the floor with bras & panties in the majors (hopefully someday soon), we really want to be considered closer to contemporary ready-to-wear. So, another great realization...Curve is not the trade show for us. But all you guys out there should DEFINITELY check it out....it's a lingerie trade show;-)
2pm - Headed to SoHo for a key meeting at 3:30pm with more great people! Brighter future, lots of fun, ready to move on professionally to an amazing new opportunity. Couldn't be happier! We have to keep in mind that while OM is moving ahead full force, I still need to work and will continue working indefinitely (call me crazy but I love to work).
5pm - Home to Jersey to take a little break, chill with my hubby before heading back into the city for the last meeting of the day.
7pm - Back to SoHo for our dinner meeting at Balthazar. Praying that something comes of it. Made new friends and Jerry and I are excited to be broadening our network.
1am - Home
Today? Super tired but lots more to do. We have a video interview at 1pm. Not quite sure what to expect but we're going with it!
Tomorrow? Hello New Orleans! Woo-hoo! Building memories with my bros and sistas (hubby too).
The more we can grow our circle, the more support we're likely to stumble upon. But most importantly...if we can do this by surrounding ourselves with good people, we'll feel success to have built a business well grounded with genuine support.
Oh! One more thing!! We have more press! Check out this great article: http://www.informalrunway.com/2011/02/introducing-overton-monroe/
10am - Thanks to a great friend and supporter, we were afforded the opportunity to walk through Coterie and meet lots more good people. We spent the morning strolling the aisles trying to figure it all out, made a few acquaintences, sought out any competition and determined that we need to be at Coterie next season. We loved it. Being there completely rejuvinated us. We are re-inspired and ready to make a go of Overton Monroe for many seasons to come. This is not a hobby....our hearts are too invested! Good thing we were reminded of this.
1pm - Curve was super cool too...but we realized that, even though we'll likely be hanging on the floor with bras & panties in the majors (hopefully someday soon), we really want to be considered closer to contemporary ready-to-wear. So, another great realization...Curve is not the trade show for us. But all you guys out there should DEFINITELY check it out....it's a lingerie trade show;-)
2pm - Headed to SoHo for a key meeting at 3:30pm with more great people! Brighter future, lots of fun, ready to move on professionally to an amazing new opportunity. Couldn't be happier! We have to keep in mind that while OM is moving ahead full force, I still need to work and will continue working indefinitely (call me crazy but I love to work).
5pm - Home to Jersey to take a little break, chill with my hubby before heading back into the city for the last meeting of the day.
7pm - Back to SoHo for our dinner meeting at Balthazar. Praying that something comes of it. Made new friends and Jerry and I are excited to be broadening our network.
1am - Home
Today? Super tired but lots more to do. We have a video interview at 1pm. Not quite sure what to expect but we're going with it!
Tomorrow? Hello New Orleans! Woo-hoo! Building memories with my bros and sistas (hubby too).
The more we can grow our circle, the more support we're likely to stumble upon. But most importantly...if we can do this by surrounding ourselves with good people, we'll feel success to have built a business well grounded with genuine support.
Oh! One more thing!! We have more press! Check out this great article: http://www.informalrunway.com/2011/02/introducing-overton-monroe/
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Day 60 - Choices
And our selections for the opening video clip are done! Website updates are done too! We are super excited. And today is a potentially BIG day for OM.
Ok...one thing at a time. Firstly, here are the photo selects for our video clip. Now, we'll see what our web guy can do with this material, which is meant to be the intro to our website. Remember? We had put this on hold a couple of weeks ago? Finally we're done. Can you see the read the story? What does it tell you?
Also, we had a handful of minor changes to the site. Check out the Collections tab and the detail pages for each style.
Finally, this morning, we have lots to do. Firstly, Coterie and Curve for the early part of the day. Then back to back meetings. Our day will end with a key dinner meeting with what could be really great press! We're crossing our fingers.
Tomorrow, another busy day....It's all good stuff;-) And...we're almost to 7000 hits already!! What?!?!
Ok...one thing at a time. Firstly, here are the photo selects for our video clip. Now, we'll see what our web guy can do with this material, which is meant to be the intro to our website. Remember? We had put this on hold a couple of weeks ago? Finally we're done. Can you see the read the story? What does it tell you?
Finally, this morning, we have lots to do. Firstly, Coterie and Curve for the early part of the day. Then back to back meetings. Our day will end with a key dinner meeting with what could be really great press! We're crossing our fingers.
Tomorrow, another busy day....It's all good stuff;-) And...we're almost to 7000 hits already!! What?!?!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Day 59 - Refreshed
Sigh.....so refreshing to have a weekend away. Don't get me wrong, a weekend at home in PA is never quite "relaxing." No, that's not the word I'd use, but rejuvenating, motivating, refreshing...yes. That's more like it.
There's nothing more important than spending time with the people who support you, family and friends, the ones who conditioned you, who created your world, who love you, who made you the person you are, those who understand the true you. It all really puts things into perspective.
So here we are, driving across the state. I remind myself that merely 4 months ago, on this same highway, making the same drive across PA (only I was with my husband that time), Jerry and I decided to take that leap of faith and officially establish OM after more than three years of talking about it. And thank God we did.
Tomorrow is a big day for us. Lots of exciting things including what we hope to be an awesome interview. Wednesday, we're being filmed for another interview and we have two others on deck thereafter.
On top of that, we have trade shows to visit and, at the end of the week, I'm heading to New Orleans to hit up the boutiques on Magazine Street.
Our sales pro is all over the NYC Metro area calling boutique after boutique. We are on a roll and making a splash.
Thanks for following!
There's nothing more important than spending time with the people who support you, family and friends, the ones who conditioned you, who created your world, who love you, who made you the person you are, those who understand the true you. It all really puts things into perspective.
So here we are, driving across the state. I remind myself that merely 4 months ago, on this same highway, making the same drive across PA (only I was with my husband that time), Jerry and I decided to take that leap of faith and officially establish OM after more than three years of talking about it. And thank God we did.
Tomorrow is a big day for us. Lots of exciting things including what we hope to be an awesome interview. Wednesday, we're being filmed for another interview and we have two others on deck thereafter.
On top of that, we have trade shows to visit and, at the end of the week, I'm heading to New Orleans to hit up the boutiques on Magazine Street.
Our sales pro is all over the NYC Metro area calling boutique after boutique. We are on a roll and making a splash.
Thanks for following!
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Thursday, February 17, 2011
Day 58 - Pebbles
Just so, so much to do! How do we get it all done? How did I get it all done before? Well, we just need to keep moving forward, keep looking ahead, one day at a time.
We are moving into our R&D Road Trip Weekend to do our research for the Resort 2011 collection. Can't wait to hit the open road!
Update on the look books....hardcopies are still not done. We are just torn and, therefore, kind of procrastinating for a minute. We've got several quotes on a variety of different qualities but we just don't know which one to choose. We need another day or two, one more place to check and luckily, it takes only about 2 days to get the books printed. The good news is that the digital look book is all set, line sheet is all set and website is done.
No update on the sales side. Still doing what we can to push forward there...but it's early yet. Fall 2011 Fashion Week is not quite over and sales will continue on for the next 4-5 weeks. We just need our orders in by end of March and we'll be fine for production delivery (honestly even mid-April and we're still cool).
We have 2 more press pieces coming up within the next week and potentially a third big one! We will keep you posted once those articles are published.
Thought for today:
"Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain." ~Author Unknown
Huh, similar to the more famous statement, "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" and the small stuff comes in many ways and on many different faces. They will try to derail you. Don't let them!
We are moving into our R&D Road Trip Weekend to do our research for the Resort 2011 collection. Can't wait to hit the open road!
Update on the look books....hardcopies are still not done. We are just torn and, therefore, kind of procrastinating for a minute. We've got several quotes on a variety of different qualities but we just don't know which one to choose. We need another day or two, one more place to check and luckily, it takes only about 2 days to get the books printed. The good news is that the digital look book is all set, line sheet is all set and website is done.
No update on the sales side. Still doing what we can to push forward there...but it's early yet. Fall 2011 Fashion Week is not quite over and sales will continue on for the next 4-5 weeks. We just need our orders in by end of March and we'll be fine for production delivery (honestly even mid-April and we're still cool).
We have 2 more press pieces coming up within the next week and potentially a third big one! We will keep you posted once those articles are published.
Thought for today:
"Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain." ~Author Unknown
Huh, similar to the more famous statement, "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" and the small stuff comes in many ways and on many different faces. They will try to derail you. Don't let them!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Day 57 - "The Go Getter"
We are in a holding pattern for the immediate future. The OM team is getting the word out, doing everything we can to get the stuff sold, linking up our Facebook, Blogger, and Twitter to http://www.overtonmonroe.com/ and continuing to spread the word on LinkedIn. Share the news if you can! The faster we can make this go viral, the sooner we can get OM to the next level!! We'd love your support.
While we still need to get Fall 2011 sales and then move into production, Jerry and I are planting seeds for the next season. As a production professional, thank goodness I have that process down pat for Fall 2011. I'm not worried in the least bit that we'll be able to negotiate great prices at the factory, achieve ON TIME delivery of all raw materials, and subsequently succeed in delivering goods to our warehouse and retailers perfectly on schedule. Stores, of course, love when designers deliver as they say they will. I assure you, they will not be disappointed.
For Resort, we have started talking about fabrics, sketches, some special items and are just about ready to get Resort 2011 out of our thoughts and onto paper.
So between now and the time we start Resort...what are we doing you may ask? Well, we've gotta find other avenues to get the word out in addition to our current strategy...hence, we will be attending CurveExpo and Coterie, both trade shows targeted to bridge the gap between designers and buyers. We'll be attending both next week! Go Get 'Em!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stYPo9bHiFI
While we still need to get Fall 2011 sales and then move into production, Jerry and I are planting seeds for the next season. As a production professional, thank goodness I have that process down pat for Fall 2011. I'm not worried in the least bit that we'll be able to negotiate great prices at the factory, achieve ON TIME delivery of all raw materials, and subsequently succeed in delivering goods to our warehouse and retailers perfectly on schedule. Stores, of course, love when designers deliver as they say they will. I assure you, they will not be disappointed.
For Resort, we have started talking about fabrics, sketches, some special items and are just about ready to get Resort 2011 out of our thoughts and onto paper.
So between now and the time we start Resort...what are we doing you may ask? Well, we've gotta find other avenues to get the word out in addition to our current strategy...hence, we will be attending CurveExpo and Coterie, both trade shows targeted to bridge the gap between designers and buyers. We'll be attending both next week! Go Get 'Em!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stYPo9bHiFI
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Day 56 - Ready, Aim.....FIRE!
In the past several days, OM has been developing its sales strategy. Friday evening, we met with our sales guy, briefed him on all the garments, the fabrics, the seaming and details. We walked through points to call out, details which might be interesting to buyers, walked through the wholesale and retail pricing, target customer, etc, etc. All the things a sales person would need to run with it. Then on Saturday, we were so lucky to spend time with an amazingly talented businessman. Someone we look up to and, especially after having met, we have the utmost respect for the him and the successful business he has built.
We spent yesterday creating a list of boutiques we'd like to approach. Next step? Approach them! Let's hope they like what they see and agree that there is a void in the market.
Goals this week:
http://plushnylonmag.com/entertainment/designer-spotlight-introducing-overton-monroe-%e2%80%93-part-i
What else....well, Jerry and I have lots and lots of plans. We LOVE Overton Monroe and the places we envision it will take us. Aside from focusing on our line, we have some other creative endeavors stewing. Stay tuned, we have some work to do before I can expose what's going on but I promise....you are gonna love it!
You may be curious about yesterday's post. Well, it stems from a deep philosophy and passion within. I am sick of people trying to rain on my parade (it has happened once or twice before)! Who do these people think they are anyway?? And I won't take it lying down, most definitely will not accept having my character (flawless to date) being called into question because I had the balls to do something exciting and fun, harmless and innocent. So I'll push forward! Let them have the mini accomplishment, however unconscionable it may be. I won't lose sleep over it (haven't so far). Au contraire mes amis, I am all the more motivated and determined to get it going in a BIG way. Thank you!
For all you dreamers out there, GO FOR IT! Don't let the spineless hold you back. Set yourself free and get it going. Don't waste another moment wondering about what could be. Just take the leap of faith. Who, at the end of their life, wants to say "I wish I would've done..."
Thank you for reading!!
~Annie & Jerry
We spent yesterday creating a list of boutiques we'd like to approach. Next step? Approach them! Let's hope they like what they see and agree that there is a void in the market.
Goals this week:
- Hit the phones
- We also have a bit more work to do on the site. Just a few little things so we'll take care of that by next Monday hopefully.
- Take an inspirational road trip to gather some vintage items and antiques which will lead us into the Resort 2011 season.
- Prepare for industry trade shows.
http://plushnylonmag.com/entertainment/designer-spotlight-introducing-overton-monroe-%e2%80%93-part-i
What else....well, Jerry and I have lots and lots of plans. We LOVE Overton Monroe and the places we envision it will take us. Aside from focusing on our line, we have some other creative endeavors stewing. Stay tuned, we have some work to do before I can expose what's going on but I promise....you are gonna love it!
You may be curious about yesterday's post. Well, it stems from a deep philosophy and passion within. I am sick of people trying to rain on my parade (it has happened once or twice before)! Who do these people think they are anyway?? And I won't take it lying down, most definitely will not accept having my character (flawless to date) being called into question because I had the balls to do something exciting and fun, harmless and innocent. So I'll push forward! Let them have the mini accomplishment, however unconscionable it may be. I won't lose sleep over it (haven't so far). Au contraire mes amis, I am all the more motivated and determined to get it going in a BIG way. Thank you!
For all you dreamers out there, GO FOR IT! Don't let the spineless hold you back. Set yourself free and get it going. Don't waste another moment wondering about what could be. Just take the leap of faith. Who, at the end of their life, wants to say "I wish I would've done..."
Thank you for reading!!
~Annie & Jerry
Monday, February 14, 2011
Day 55 - "The tongue has no bones, yet it breaks bones"
I had never heard this proverb before yesterday. Seems coincidental that I would hear such a clear and concise thought at church this very weekend. Yes, I'm a spiritual person. Though not a bible beater, I have a strong faith grounded in a solid upbringing, thanks to my parents and all the good and decent people around me. Maybe too many good people in my small town that I was protected from the true creeps in the world. Who knew that with so many honest people that the world had room for so many of the dirty ones? Alas, this world never ceases to amaze me.
I am a strong believer in that things happen for a reason. I am also a strong believer that we are spoken to in mysterious ways. That is what happened yesterday. These words came through and I knew immediately who in my world this was directed to. How interesting that people just simply aren't able to support others, that when a person is doing well and achieving all they've ever wanted, someone insignificant comes along and does their best to stomp on it, at any cost and whatever it takes. Some just can't handle that others have it so well pulled together and have a good life and, in their small world, so it appears that some of us have much more compared to them. Not in dollars, not in material items or real estate or love or any of those things. But in true control of their own circle, true confidence in who they are, true comfort in their own skin and without fluff, without untruths, without the need to exaggerate...just simply "this is who I am, love it or leave it." But isn't that envy the evil creeping into the world? Those whose loathing is so extreme, those who are so disgusted by your confidence that they stoop to deceit to take down the good ones? It's out there. For sure.
Eh, it happens, doesn't it. Thank goodness for resilience. Thank goodness for strength and thank goodness that no one can ever take away one's talent, one's skill, one's dream to make life everything that it can be. Don't take "no" for an answer, don't let others pull you down for being an overachiever, for living life. Don't let them reduce you to a life of mediocrity and conformity. Don't let them silo you into being a sheep. We live life once. Fill it up with as much as you can while you can. The nature of human dynamics will allow them to knock you down for a brief moment but those of us who are strong and determined, and those who have been faced with these "types" before, those who bleed perseverance, those of us who know that envy and deceit are all around also know that the immediate feeling the other one receives as a "win" is just a flash in the pan. Anyone with a soul knows that winning by deceit it not truly a win at all. The true winner never really arrives at their final destination, they're always looking ahead to the next goal. It almost makes you want to feel pity on the others but...
I love positivity and I thrive on challenge. I love the feeling of freedom and living life to the fullest. Eliminate those in your world who are green. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. And if someone comes along and poisons the lemonade, spill it out and get a new glass.
This week, Overton Monroe is focused on the future. We have a lovely level of success ahead of us and we will push forward until we reach it. Thank you to our supporters! Thank you to our mentors! Thank you to those who follow their gut, make their dreams happen and hold steady until the dream is realized. Thank you to those who love life and live it.
I am a strong believer in that things happen for a reason. I am also a strong believer that we are spoken to in mysterious ways. That is what happened yesterday. These words came through and I knew immediately who in my world this was directed to. How interesting that people just simply aren't able to support others, that when a person is doing well and achieving all they've ever wanted, someone insignificant comes along and does their best to stomp on it, at any cost and whatever it takes. Some just can't handle that others have it so well pulled together and have a good life and, in their small world, so it appears that some of us have much more compared to them. Not in dollars, not in material items or real estate or love or any of those things. But in true control of their own circle, true confidence in who they are, true comfort in their own skin and without fluff, without untruths, without the need to exaggerate...just simply "this is who I am, love it or leave it." But isn't that envy the evil creeping into the world? Those whose loathing is so extreme, those who are so disgusted by your confidence that they stoop to deceit to take down the good ones? It's out there. For sure.
Eh, it happens, doesn't it. Thank goodness for resilience. Thank goodness for strength and thank goodness that no one can ever take away one's talent, one's skill, one's dream to make life everything that it can be. Don't take "no" for an answer, don't let others pull you down for being an overachiever, for living life. Don't let them reduce you to a life of mediocrity and conformity. Don't let them silo you into being a sheep. We live life once. Fill it up with as much as you can while you can. The nature of human dynamics will allow them to knock you down for a brief moment but those of us who are strong and determined, and those who have been faced with these "types" before, those who bleed perseverance, those of us who know that envy and deceit are all around also know that the immediate feeling the other one receives as a "win" is just a flash in the pan. Anyone with a soul knows that winning by deceit it not truly a win at all. The true winner never really arrives at their final destination, they're always looking ahead to the next goal. It almost makes you want to feel pity on the others but...
I love positivity and I thrive on challenge. I love the feeling of freedom and living life to the fullest. Eliminate those in your world who are green. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. And if someone comes along and poisons the lemonade, spill it out and get a new glass.
This week, Overton Monroe is focused on the future. We have a lovely level of success ahead of us and we will push forward until we reach it. Thank you to our supporters! Thank you to our mentors! Thank you to those who follow their gut, make their dreams happen and hold steady until the dream is realized. Thank you to those who love life and live it.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Day 54 - Praying for Rain
Well, now that our site is up, our digital look books are done, our hardcopy look books are just about there (ready to go to print hopefully this weekend...couple day delay), our line sheet is pretty well wrapped up, our WIP is all set, we just need that rainmaker to step in and help us network with buyers, get the meetings, gather orders, get some press and get the product out there into the market place. We're looking for a sales/marketing/PR guy all wrapped up into one (for now anyway).
And THAT is the point of tonight's dinner. Our guy is gonna make it rain...we know it. We are confident that Brandon is the one. It just feels right. We'll continue going with our gut feeling, as so far, it has not steered us wrong.
Thanks for following! See you on Monday!
http://www.overtonmonroe.com/
And THAT is the point of tonight's dinner. Our guy is gonna make it rain...we know it. We are confident that Brandon is the one. It just feels right. We'll continue going with our gut feeling, as so far, it has not steered us wrong.
Thanks for following! See you on Monday!
http://www.overtonmonroe.com/
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Day 53 - And we are LIVE!
Sorry about the late, very late post today! Not feeling well and spent most of the day taking care to get better...it's Fall 2011 Fashion Week and who wants to be ill?
Just a quick thing for now....we are LIVE! Overtonmonroe.com is up! Check it out and let us know your thoughts. We did find a few little things to touch up but we'll get there. And our video clip still needs to be done but that's no biggie. We didn't want to hold up the launch so we just went for it;-) Would love your feedback!
THANK YOU!
Annie & Jerry
Just a quick thing for now....we are LIVE! Overtonmonroe.com is up! Check it out and let us know your thoughts. We did find a few little things to touch up but we'll get there. And our video clip still needs to be done but that's no biggie. We didn't want to hold up the launch so we just went for it;-) Would love your feedback!
THANK YOU!
Annie & Jerry
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Day 52 - We've only just begun
So you may be wondering...where does the blog go from here? We have shared quite a few photos so now we're back to mostly writing (for the moment anyway). The point was to write a blog about a start-up of a fashion line, what it takes to pull it off, exposing the bumps in the road, from the initial concept through launching the line - From Start to Fashion: The Making of Overton Monroe.
We are just about launched but there is still PLENTY to write about! While we are basically wrapping up the development portion of the process, we still have to get our sales, make production, ship the product and get the product on the retail floors. We have an entire other half of the business still to write about. We've only just begun. Hang with us....we expect Overton Monroe to be an exciting ride!
Quick updates:
1/ Last night, Jerry and I were interviewed for our very first press article! We are looking forward to next week when the article is published. Stay tuned for the link to that! Thank you Tamara;-)
2/ Our sales meeting tonight is moved to Friday due to a last minute conflict with my schedule. No harm, no foul here.
3/ Jerry is taking our look book to print today! This is a big deal so we're super excited to get the proof and pick up our official hardcopies on Monday (we hope). Crossing our fingers everything looks great on the first proof, which we'll see tomorrow.
4/ Website is JUST about there! Phone call with Squirrel Media this morning and we should be good to go. Will keep you posted on that front as soon as we are launched. Promise...you'll be the first to know!
5/ Finally, we decided we do NOT like the profile photo of Jerry & I. So we'll be taking a new picture....see if we can't get it to be a little more flattering. Definitely on the bottom of the priority list but....
Thanks to you all! Keep on following!
We are just about launched but there is still PLENTY to write about! While we are basically wrapping up the development portion of the process, we still have to get our sales, make production, ship the product and get the product on the retail floors. We have an entire other half of the business still to write about. We've only just begun. Hang with us....we expect Overton Monroe to be an exciting ride!
Quick updates:
1/ Last night, Jerry and I were interviewed for our very first press article! We are looking forward to next week when the article is published. Stay tuned for the link to that! Thank you Tamara;-)
2/ Our sales meeting tonight is moved to Friday due to a last minute conflict with my schedule. No harm, no foul here.
3/ Jerry is taking our look book to print today! This is a big deal so we're super excited to get the proof and pick up our official hardcopies on Monday (we hope). Crossing our fingers everything looks great on the first proof, which we'll see tomorrow.
4/ Website is JUST about there! Phone call with Squirrel Media this morning and we should be good to go. Will keep you posted on that front as soon as we are launched. Promise...you'll be the first to know!
5/ Finally, we decided we do NOT like the profile photo of Jerry & I. So we'll be taking a new picture....see if we can't get it to be a little more flattering. Definitely on the bottom of the priority list but....
Thanks to you all! Keep on following!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Day 51 - Steady now...
This week's goal? Hold steady, stay strong, keep healthy and focus...most importantly, breathe.
Yesterday was a busy Monday for me at my day job. I was exhausted upon returning home. But, thank goodness, Jerry was rockin' it out with the phone calls and emails to showrooms. Here's this week's schedule:
Today: Lunch with a great helper, Sade, who has offered pro-bono PR work. Who could be so kind as to do so? Well, good friends lead you to new good friends and that's really what makes the world go round, isn't it?
Tonight: Interview!
Tomorrow: Dinner with our sales guy. He has a name...Brandon. We can't wait to get him fully on board. It's new for us and new for him, so exciting for both of us!
Also important, we need to launch our website! We are super duper excited about it! Just need to make it happen now and we're sooooo close. We're putting a hold on the video clip for the initial launch, just until we have a chance to pull it together in the right way. It'll follow shortly though.
Thursday: I'll just say it's gonna be hectic. Thursday night, we have a fashion week event to attend for a friend's line plus, after that, a meeting at my church. We're working to plan a meatball cookoff to raise money for a family in need from our church. If you don't make time to help people in need, what's the point, right? Good thing Mike and I have our own recipe for killer meatballs! I'm willing to share the recipe if you're interested;-) Yummmy.
Friday: Another event after work. Good networking opportunity.
Weekend? What MUST happen for Overton Monroe is yet to be determined. I suppose that depends on how successful our week goes! One thing for sure.....it's Valentine's Day weekend so I have a date with my husband to a little Italian restaurant. Other than that let's hope the weekend involves some down time and relaxation...Jerry and I can both use a little time to chill out.
Just for fun, I'm attaching here our Profile Photo of Jerry and I. This will be on our site. Neither of us are picture takers but we like this one!
Yesterday was a busy Monday for me at my day job. I was exhausted upon returning home. But, thank goodness, Jerry was rockin' it out with the phone calls and emails to showrooms. Here's this week's schedule:
Today: Lunch with a great helper, Sade, who has offered pro-bono PR work. Who could be so kind as to do so? Well, good friends lead you to new good friends and that's really what makes the world go round, isn't it?
Tonight: Interview!
Tomorrow: Dinner with our sales guy. He has a name...Brandon. We can't wait to get him fully on board. It's new for us and new for him, so exciting for both of us!
Also important, we need to launch our website! We are super duper excited about it! Just need to make it happen now and we're sooooo close. We're putting a hold on the video clip for the initial launch, just until we have a chance to pull it together in the right way. It'll follow shortly though.
Thursday: I'll just say it's gonna be hectic. Thursday night, we have a fashion week event to attend for a friend's line plus, after that, a meeting at my church. We're working to plan a meatball cookoff to raise money for a family in need from our church. If you don't make time to help people in need, what's the point, right? Good thing Mike and I have our own recipe for killer meatballs! I'm willing to share the recipe if you're interested;-) Yummmy.
Friday: Another event after work. Good networking opportunity.
Weekend? What MUST happen for Overton Monroe is yet to be determined. I suppose that depends on how successful our week goes! One thing for sure.....it's Valentine's Day weekend so I have a date with my husband to a little Italian restaurant. Other than that let's hope the weekend involves some down time and relaxation...Jerry and I can both use a little time to chill out.
Just for fun, I'm attaching here our Profile Photo of Jerry and I. This will be on our site. Neither of us are picture takers but we like this one!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Day 50 - Busy, busy, busy and...we're going with "B"!
We had a mix of opinions for Friday's pics. We decided to go with "B" for a few reasons. We LOVE what Kylee is doing in this photo and her facial expression is really pulling you in...Zach's arms look great too. AND, this image will be placed in our video clip, flashed for about 2 seconds. So for that purpose, the more we reviewed it, we love this image the best.
This weekend was quite busy here at Overton Monroe. Here's how it went:
Saturday, Jerry and I spent the day laying out the final choices of our Look Book. We're very happy with the result. So we PDF'd the look book, printed the labels, and burned the DVDs. This way, we are all set to start passing out the digital look book to whomever's hands we can get these into. Look book attached here! Hope you like what you helped to create!
Cousin Annette came through for us!! She color corrected all of our website photos. This was a big concern of ours but...check! Thanks to Annette.
Jerry and I worked on the website quite a bit. On our "Collections" page, which is the page where you can see all of the styles in the Fall 2011 collection, we needed to work out concerns we had with the "Details" pages. So we created (actually Jerry did the work while I watched the Steelers lose Super Bowl XLV) all 15 of the details pages. This way, Squirrel Media can easily upload that information and get the site launched asap this week...just in time for NYC's Fall 2011 Fashion Week. We are shooting for a Tuesday/Wednesday launch of the site. Cross your fingers!
We also have great news!
1) We have a sales guy on board. Our very good friend who will be helping to make some calls for us and network with some industry insiders. We are thrilled that he's coming on board!
2) Jerry and I have an interview this week! For a cool magazine. So we've put together some intro information for that and sent it over to the writer last night.
Things are popping! Keep on watching!
THANK YOU! Annie & Jerry~
Look Book:
By the way, that funny looking thing on the last page is a QR code. If you place your smart phone's bar code reader over it, the little symbol will bring you directly to overtonmonroe.com. Thank you Uncle John for that cool little tip!
This weekend was quite busy here at Overton Monroe. Here's how it went:
Saturday, Jerry and I spent the day laying out the final choices of our Look Book. We're very happy with the result. So we PDF'd the look book, printed the labels, and burned the DVDs. This way, we are all set to start passing out the digital look book to whomever's hands we can get these into. Look book attached here! Hope you like what you helped to create!
Cousin Annette came through for us!! She color corrected all of our website photos. This was a big concern of ours but...check! Thanks to Annette.
Jerry and I worked on the website quite a bit. On our "Collections" page, which is the page where you can see all of the styles in the Fall 2011 collection, we needed to work out concerns we had with the "Details" pages. So we created (actually Jerry did the work while I watched the Steelers lose Super Bowl XLV) all 15 of the details pages. This way, Squirrel Media can easily upload that information and get the site launched asap this week...just in time for NYC's Fall 2011 Fashion Week. We are shooting for a Tuesday/Wednesday launch of the site. Cross your fingers!
We also have great news!
1) We have a sales guy on board. Our very good friend who will be helping to make some calls for us and network with some industry insiders. We are thrilled that he's coming on board!
2) Jerry and I have an interview this week! For a cool magazine. So we've put together some intro information for that and sent it over to the writer last night.
Things are popping! Keep on watching!
THANK YOU! Annie & Jerry~
Look Book:
By the way, that funny looking thing on the last page is a QR code. If you place your smart phone's bar code reader over it, the little symbol will bring you directly to overtonmonroe.com. Thank you Uncle John for that cool little tip!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Day 49 - And it's "A" again! Ok, here's another one!
Hi Everyone,
You guys are a GREAT support!! Thank you! Now if we can just get someone on board to help get orders rolling in, we'll be in amazing shape. Jerry and I are spending the weekend really nailing down a plan to get it going in the sales area. We have a lot of work to do but we have solid information to go with (thanks to lots of great support from colleagues, family and friends) and just need to get a plan in place.
In addition to working on that, we definitely have work to do on the website images, which will take some time. It's nothing that difficult, just simply having the time to do it. In fact, the most difficult part is choosing the photos! Too many good ones to choose from!
Oh!! I forgot to mention, yesterday's winner is "A" again! Not unanimous but definitely the majority. We'll do a little cropping to get it just right.
And todays...we have 3 choices. Which one do you love?
PHOTO A:
PHOTO B:
PHOTO C:
You guys are a GREAT support!! Thank you! Now if we can just get someone on board to help get orders rolling in, we'll be in amazing shape. Jerry and I are spending the weekend really nailing down a plan to get it going in the sales area. We have a lot of work to do but we have solid information to go with (thanks to lots of great support from colleagues, family and friends) and just need to get a plan in place.
In addition to working on that, we definitely have work to do on the website images, which will take some time. It's nothing that difficult, just simply having the time to do it. In fact, the most difficult part is choosing the photos! Too many good ones to choose from!
Oh!! I forgot to mention, yesterday's winner is "A" again! Not unanimous but definitely the majority. We'll do a little cropping to get it just right.
And todays...we have 3 choices. Which one do you love?
PHOTO A:
PHOTO C:
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Day 48 - Shirley "A" Wins. On to the Website!
It was unanimous! Shirley "A" is the winner! Thanks for voting.
We're making significant headway with the website. Just about complete. Targeting the launch for roughly this time next week. Before we can do that, we have lots of decisions and editing to take care of. Squirrel Media has our 15 looks, so we're set with the photo selects. However, now that we see the pics all together, we can tell that they need a little more work. So, we'll be dealing with that over the weekend (might need my amazingly talented graphic artist cousin's help to get it right;-). We need to get the shading to match from image to image.
A handful of other minor comments after reviewing the updated site last night. We're confident these adjustments will get us right where we want to be!
PHOTO B:
Thanks for reading! It's Thursday and everybody's working for the weekend! Can't wait to catch my breath. Oh...wait, it's the Super Bowl and the Steelers are playing. Guess my Sunday is all tied up with game plans. Oh well, that'll be fun! See you tomorrow!
We're making significant headway with the website. Just about complete. Targeting the launch for roughly this time next week. Before we can do that, we have lots of decisions and editing to take care of. Squirrel Media has our 15 looks, so we're set with the photo selects. However, now that we see the pics all together, we can tell that they need a little more work. So, we'll be dealing with that over the weekend (might need my amazingly talented graphic artist cousin's help to get it right;-). We need to get the shading to match from image to image.
A handful of other minor comments after reviewing the updated site last night. We're confident these adjustments will get us right where we want to be!
The next thought regarding the website is getting that video clip together. We made several selections for these photos too but again, color correcting will take a minute. Plus, we still have so many decisions to make...which is where we need your help!
Which do you like??
PHOTO A:
Finally, we are just dying to get a showroom on board but we're running out of time (thinking about the fact that NYC fashion week starts next week). So it seems, we're on to plan B! We're just gonna have to sell it on our own. This weekend, we'll have to pull together a list of hot stores and start hitting the pavement. Anybody out there have a knack for selling clothing to better boutiques??
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Day 47 - And the winner is...Ollie "A"
We agreed! Ollie "A" was the clearer picture and we liked Taylor's attitude there. Last one for the look book is Shirley (don't tell anyone....she's my favorite in the whole collection).
We have 15 styles total going into our look book and onto http://www.overtonmonroe.com/ (the site is almost there!). But based on your votes, we're able fill in the balance of the look book styles. We get where you're going with the votes;-)
We WILL need your help with just a handful more photo selections. For the opening to our website, we're putting together a little video clip. We have so many photos and we need to squeeze our faves into a 45 second spot...too tough for us to decide on our own!
Redirect....back to today's goal. Can you help us out with Shirley? A or B??
PHOTO A:
PHOTO B:
THANK YOU!!
We have 15 styles total going into our look book and onto http://www.overtonmonroe.com/ (the site is almost there!). But based on your votes, we're able fill in the balance of the look book styles. We get where you're going with the votes;-)
We WILL need your help with just a handful more photo selections. For the opening to our website, we're putting together a little video clip. We have so many photos and we need to squeeze our faves into a 45 second spot...too tough for us to decide on our own!
Redirect....back to today's goal. Can you help us out with Shirley? A or B??
PHOTO A:
PHOTO B:
THANK YOU!!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Day 46 - WE HIT 5,000!!! Thank you for reading!
Hi Everyone! Thank you! We reached 5000 hits on the blog just in time for February 1st. It was kind of my secret goal...and you helped us reach it, which is awesome.
Ok, so Lucy "A" it is! Next up...here's Ollie!
PHOTO A:
PHOTO B:
Have a great Tuesday!
Ok, so Lucy "A" it is! Next up...here's Ollie!
PHOTO A:
PHOTO B:
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