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.

The CooL

This isnt the typical New Years Resolution…In fact its not even a resolution.  It is a quest for cool.

Over the last few months I have been thinking about the idea of cool.  Cool is dynamic and complex.  It is something that comes from within and cannot be explained.  Cool also resonates with others and often defines moments, movements and people.

My goal  for 2009 is to find cool and be cool.  My commitment to cool goes beyond this post or my hunt for hipsters.  I have designated a space in my apartment for cool.  And yes it’s on display…for that’s the only way my interpretation of cool can be judged.

It is one thing to think you are cool but its another to have your peers embrace your cool.

2009 is the year of The CooL.

Update from The Happy Hour Studio

I hope that you are enjoying the Holiday Season.  The Happy Hour team has been hard at work preparing for 2009 and I am very excited about the upcoming spring line.

I have gotten great support from the Twitter Community.  Thank you and I look forward to growing with you in 2009.  A couple weeks back I decided to post a basic demo piece of the Twitter “@”.  Well you guys seem to Love it as it is the most viewed page on my blog.

In appreciation I am taking special request for Custom Twitter inspired pieces.  Several of you have already submitted orders and you will be recievening them shortly.  Twitter Exclusive price of $25 per t-shirt.

Enjoy the rest of the Holidays and stay tuned to the blog for updates.

New Holiday Additions

New Hoodie

I did some post Christmas shopping for myself and was able to find some pretty cool deals. I am a big fan of the hoodie and Kid Robot does a great job.

The post holiday shopping period can be the best time to shop. Upgrade your essentials and hunt for some good deals on high end pieces.

I found some more Hipsters

Hipster

Robert Maxwell has a pretty good eye.

Some more Pieces from the Spring Line

Just an LA Girl

The Hoodie below was inspired by a current customer of Happy Hour…

Building Business…Planning for 2009

2008 was a Great Year. Last August (August 2007) I decided that I was going to make a commitment to building my business. A year has gone by and I am very happy with the progress that I made, however 2009 must be better.

What are my next steps…Where is my focus for 2009? There comes a time when your hobby becomes a business and I have reached that crossroad. Over the last few months I have been building my business infrastructure so I can hit the ground running in 2009. Happy Hour embraces culture and creates fashion. It is now time for us to start acting like a Boutique label.

You will see a concentrated effort from our Fashion Department to establish the brand as a leader in Boston’s Style and Culture. Happy Hour will be producing seasonal lines and show at various events.

We also need to pay the bills! I am personally leading the sales charge in 2009 with a dynamic strategy. Happy Hour is more than a T-Shirt line; it is an experience and a lifestyle. Not only are we targeting local boutiques and stores but we have a strong focus on building community. The blog and future website will be excellent outlets for you to participate in the Happy Hour Experience.

I am excited about the possibilities for 2009. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if you have an interest in helping the brand. Best Wishes and Happy Holidays.

Allin Bond
CEO/Creative Director

Sometimes you have to treat yourself to something Nice

I have been in the market for some new sneakers for a while.  Shoes say a lot about a person so I wanted to pick something that worked with my style.  The last two pairs were solid so i felt I had to step it up a bit.  I think these are pretty Fresh.

New Kicks

Fashion makes you feel good.  I cant wait to rock these!  I think they will fit quite well with my style.

The Cool…Quest to find the Hipsters…

modern Beatnik

For some reason I need the approval of this group. I have good style and I know what’s cool, but the nod of approval from a Hipster makes my day.

What makes them so cool? Perhaps it is their complete disregard of rules. Fashion for them is a lifestyle….they wear what makes them feel good.

About a year ago I was out in LA and I noticed that the youth were setting the trends. I witnessed 12 year olds rocking Nike Airs paired with Skinny jeans. When did that ever make sense…but these LA youth were making statements.

Fashion is about standing out. My message to you is to start taking risk with your day to day fashion decisions. Winter is a great time to mix it up and refine your style.