Happy Happy Fun Times mini Release

Soul Party Baby

Talking shoes with @ShoeSmitten

@ShoeSmitten might be the hardest working woman in the Twitterverse so I am delighted that she took some time out for my interview questions.  If you can’t tell from her handle Anna Bassham is totally smitten for shoes.  She is also awesome and brings a wealth of journalism and fashion knowledge to Twitter conversations.

She was also my first customer via Twitter so she knows a thing or two about style.  You can check her out at http://www.shoesmitten.com/blog/.  Enjoy!

So I heard you might be moving to Boston…What clicks with you in this city?
I have visited Boston only two times, but the atmosphere is so great, and there is always something to do.  Plus, it’s close enough to NYC so I could go to many more fashion shows than I can currently, living in Kansas.

Whats your favorite word?
Well my favorite word is, of course, related to shoes…ESPADRILLE.  I just love how it rolls off the tongue, and it’s a gorgeous style of shoe!

Before we get to shoes….whats your favorite (excluding footwear) clothing item?
Oh that’s tough – I love all types of clothing.  My favorite would have to be the Little Black Dress – it’s always flattering and versatile, and I can wear funky, colorful shoes with it!

What has been the most difficult challenge you have faced in regards to being a young Entrepreneur?
My most difficult challenge comes from within myself – time management!  It is difficult to go straight from being in college to working full-time from home and maintaining my own Web site as well.  There are so many things I want to accomplish right now, and I often find myself overwhelmed with the options.  There really aren’t ever enough hours in the day.  But the rewards of my efforts far outweigh the difficulties I face.

I don’t think anyone works harder than you…Where does your drive and work ethic come from?
Well thank you, that is kind of you to say.  My drive really comes from my passion for fashion and for my readers!  Without my readers, I really am nothing.  Thinking about how each and every morning, my readers are looking at my site and expecting something new, exciting and useful pushes me to do the best work I can.

Could you go a week without Starbucks?
NO!  Wait, YES!  Well, yes without Starbucks…no without a latte for a week.  I have a few favorite coffee shops, Starbucks is usually the most convenient for me.

Heels, Flats or Boots…and you have to pick one?
Without hesitation, I choose heels!  There’s nothing sexier than a pair of high heels, and I have gotten so used to wearing them that I actually feel odd wearing flats for more than a few hours.  I workout all the time so sneakers are a must, but if I had to, I’d use the elliptical with my heels on. 

Im not going to lie…I judge people by the shoes they wear.  You know I cant stand Uggs as a fashion statement.  What things just piss you off(feel free to rant)?
I don’t think anyone can help judging people by the shoes they wear – it’s a good indicator of a person’s personality and style.  I can’t stand UGGs either!  Seriously, I see people wearing UGGs everywhere I go, even now that it’s spring.  What I don’t get is how people claim they buy them “because they’re so comfortable” and “easy to put on quickly”.  Seriously, how much longer does it take to slip on a pair of Naughty Monkey D-Ring boots, which are FAR more stylish, and just as comfortable? I will give UGG a bit of a break because they’re now creating some cuter styles, including ones with heels.  But the original slipper-like boots will never be stylish.  It’s like wearing your pajamas in public – they are cute for around the house, if they ever can be considered cute.  *steps off soapbox*

You know this one was coming…Whats your favorite pair of shoes…past, present and future?
My favorite pair of shoes from my past would have to be my very first pair of heels – black and brown Jessica Simpson peep-toe slingbacks.  They looked so pretty with dress pants and they were so comfortable that I could wear them all day and night.  I still own them.  My favorite pair right now is my new BCBGirls ‘Gita’ cork wedges.  They are on trend and perfect for Spring, and they look really sexy with this new sundress I bought.  My favorite pair of shoes that I don’t own yet but would like to: Giuseppe Zanotti’s strappy platform sandals
(it was tough to choose just one GZ shoe!)

You are the shoe expert but I have a couple things that you need to look out for in 2009
-Sergio Rossi (http://www.sergiorossi.com/)
-See by Chloe (http://www.chloe.com/version_en/)
-Surface to Air (http://www.surface2airparis.com/store/?pg=style&collection_id=16&style_id=18)
-Sigerson Morrison (http://www.sigersonmorrison.com)

How has Twitter impacted your life?
Twitter has helped me grow my readership as well as connect with all sorts of resources, from other shoe bloggers to shoe designers and companies to people needing help with finding certain shoes.  One main reason I love Twitter is because I can get a response almost immediately from people who really matter to my business.  I really enjoy hearing other people’s opinions and helping men and women find the shoes they’ve been trying to find.

What excites you most about the next 6 months?
Well in the next 6 months, I will have moved and started a life somewhere new (possibly Boston).  I hope to be more established online and helping www.ShoeHunting.com grow into a megasite.  I am also extremely excited to see what happens in the fashion world and the economy.  As far as shoes in particular, I am excited to try out some above-the-knee boots (which are going to be super-hot this fall/winter)!

What advise can you give young people who are thinking about jumping into Web 2.0?
My advice is to get in there, don’t let the more established folks intimidate you, and be authentic and interactive.  I truly believe that it’s far better to start off by observing others during your first month on Twitter.  See how people communicate – how they help each other, how they flirt and how they fight.  It is kind of like a constant cocktail party.  When you start interacting, make sure people know what you stand for, and start by trying to help others, not help yourself.  Once you’ve developed a bit of a presence online, you will find that people are very willing to help you, too.  Web 2.0 is all about interaction.

Soul Party Part 2

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

LOL

LOL and some cool

This one goes out to Mr. Cupcakes

Ms. Cupcakes

The Creative Process and Gulden Draak

Gulden Draak

The other day I was asked about my creative process.  That’s the first time anyone had ever asked me that.  So of course it got me thinking about my creative process.  The best I can do is chaos.  Sometimes its random and sometimes its planned.  Most of the time music is involved.  I like to be comfortable.  If I’m not comfortable I can’t create.

When I have customers over for consultations I want them to be comfortable so we can get down to creating something unique to your personal style.  Style is really about being yourself….having the confidence to wear what you want.

I can tell you that tonight is a Friday night.  I had a long week…So its the best time for me to  do what I want to do.  So I had to find some tunes.  Im going to go on a tangent…So brace yourself.

My Buddy @PDXBlazersFTW is a MAVEN.  He is a music Maven.  So as always I went to a mix tape that he sent.  And as always it was exactly what I needed.  This guy knows his tunes.  Tangent over.

I needed something to drink so I went with Gulden Draak.  I dont know if you guys have ever had this beer but is it heroic.  It is the official beer of Happy Hour Clothing.

Friday Night + Mix Tape + Gulden Draak = Creative Process

Good Night Ladies and Gentleman…I will catch up with you next Friday.

*Drink Gulden Draak Responsibly.  It carries a punch.  To find out more contact @CraftBeerNYC

Soul Party

Twitter Exclusive Interview with @Sh3n3rd

I had the pleasure of interviewing @Sh3n3rd.  I think you will find her wisdom, style and perspective very refreshing.  @Sh3n3rd introduced me to Bartering on Twitter…T-shirts for Cupcakes…You got to love Twitter.  I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I did.

You are a self proclaimed book nerd.  What are your top 3 books of all time?

The Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger

(I think I may be the female embodiment of Holden Caulfield)

A Prayer for Owen Meany – John Irving

(The character development is so rich that I can still, years after my last reading, hear Owen’s voice in my head as vividly as if I’d ever heard him speak)

The Gift of Fear – Gavin DeBecker

(A manual for living – fascinating study in human behavior and the science of predicting it)

Cupcakes are a new phenomenon…How does your personal style differentiate your treats from the pack?

I like to create my own unique recipes such as : mojito, maple & bacon, clementine, coconut & mint. Making cupcakes is like therapy for me…and have you ever seen anyone NOT smile when offered a cupcake!?

What turns you on about technology? I love how technology is an enabler – it allows people all over the world to create things, learn things, and connect with one another in a way never possible before. Plus, shiny gadgets are sexy baby!

What is your favorite word? Synchronicity

What is your favorite swear word? Sheize!! (unless you speak German you don’t even know I’m swearing! It’s covert.)

Talk to me about your personal style…How has it evolved…How were the 80’s?

I have evolved from the girl who follows every trend and has to buy a new wardrobe every season to keep up – to the woman who is confident enough to know that looking good is about attitude. Confidence is the hottest accessory! I tend to keep it minimalist and focus on quality rather than quantity. Some of my staples are: the classic Calvin Klein pencil skirt and the black Jimmy Choo stilettos, to the Diesel jeans,pink Converse sneakers and a cool t-shirt!

The 80’s were about big shoulder pads, big bows, and even bigger hair. I should have bought stock in Aqua Net back then.

Are Tattoos Sexy? Tattoos are very sexy – mostly because they tell a little bit of the person’s story. I love a person who is not afraid to express who they are.

Drugs, Sex and Rock and Roll…Any Comment? Three things that definitely shaped the world – good, bad, and indifferent.

What excites you the most in the next 6 months? San Diego Comic Con, the new “Fast and the Furious” movie, doing some traveling, and new collaborations that will hopefully free me from my corporate enslavement and keep putting fantastic new people in my path.

Your blog is good…However, it is pretty random…explain the chaos.

Random is my middle name! I know we’re supposed to pick a “niche” and focus there but I’m really not a “niche” kinda girl – I’m interested in so many things and am constantly learning something new. It could also be the A.D.D.!!! ;)   I don’t like to set limits, and it’s a true reflection of all things….me.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Places, faces, images and colors. Every day I’m inspired by friends and family – the looks in their eyes and the things that they say. I’m amazed and inspired by the kindness of strangers. I’m moved and touched by photographs and works of art. A few words in the right typography can really motivate me -  Helvetica font may be the love of my life.

Check out @Sh3n3rd on Twitter and at her blog http://sh3n3rd.blogspot.com/

I hit 2000 Followers this week…

Things have gotten so busy that i didn’t even realize that I had hit a personal milestone.  This Twitter thing is something fantastic isn’t it?  First and foremost I couldn’t have done this without you guys.  The Twitter community is the most dynamic group of users on any Social Media Network.

I commented last November when I hit 1000 followers and much has changed since then.  October, November and December were my most active months on Twitter.  I think I was averaging 2000 updates a month….it was kind of crazy.  I have since cooled down and taken a step back.  I have found that it is just as rewarding to listen.

To be frank I was really just understanding the potential of Twitter back in November.  The last 2 months have been spent cultivating  relationships and building business.  Twitter is truly a full time job if you want it to make an impact on your business.

The beauty of Twitter is that its Global and human beings are the catalyst…but that requires you to be on your toes.  That has been my greatest frusteration.  It is hard to stay on top of the Twitterverse…Some days I just need a summary of what went down.  Moreover, Twitter is an addiction…so I am also struggling with balance.

The road from 1000 to 2000 surprised me and has left me in Awe.  @Shoesmitten warned me that Twitter got crazy when you hit 1000 followers.  I couldn’t agree more.  I saw record grown in my business.  Twitter powers my blog and is my top revenue stream.  I cant keep up with the orders!  If Twitter is not a priority in your Business Strategy then shame on you.  So Twitter entrepreneurs keep it up and move forward….Twitter is a melting pot of innovation.

I have to stress responsibility.  2000 followers is a measure of visibility and reach…we all have an impact on our community.

Boom…Part of The Soul Party (Spring)