Friday in my Principles for Design Development class we were given the homework assignment to create a diffusion line, or extension of an existing label. I struggled with it for a while but I finally came up with what I think is a great idea...This is the magazine cover that inspired it:



More details to come....

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!!"

Photo courtesy of ANTM

Be sure to check out the Gilt Group Christian Louboutin sale. 50% off select shoes!! I can't afford them right now but if you can wear them for me!!! Not yet a Member? Join and tell them Mei-Li sent ya! Oh and I will NOT be skipping any tuition payments for shoes...

Happy (and stylish) Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA"

At every major event we see celebrities standing in front of giant backdrops of sponsors, pr firms, and event hosts. They are called Media Walls, and for our Benefit Fashion Show there will be one.

Talk about pressure!!!! So with this of course LadyLace Marketing, my friends company, will be on the wall. But....What about me???

In a past Logos post I talked about creating two logos on for this blog No Fear, Just DIVA, and then for the idea of a parent company First Three Inc. Also the name of my email address, Twitter Page, and this blog's url.

I want to have something created, that will later be trademarked, to go on the wall to represent me and my work. I'm a bit torn however because whatever I choose I want it to follow me along my career. I am excited to build a company and later an empire, which will be represented by the logo that I choose.

After taking my Brand Development class learning the importance of a brand that accurately represents your company, is easy to remember, and appealing to a mass audience I have been over thinking everything that I thought I knew and love about both the above names. And so the battle begins:No Fear, Just DIVA, as many of my long time travelers know, started as a mantra I say to myself in the times that I was/am afraid and nervous. At its birth "DIVA" was an acronym for Devastatingly Innovative Via Apparel. The "A" was later changed to Affirmation - all about telling myself I can do it. This change was also only noted in my head

The logo that I created through polyvore.com represents everything that I personally believe No Fear, Just DIVA to be.

The Stiletto- ultimate style item
The PDA- business
The Luggage- packing it all up and going for it
The Road – Fashion Freeway hello!!!!
The City in the distance – the desired destination – Point B

I love it but I also recognize it’s a lot. McDonald's just has one “M”. Baby Phat one cat. Another problem with this logo is that I have other people’s products on here. Not Okay.

When it comes to FirstThree Inc I like it as a business name a lot better because I think it’s John Smith friendly. I’m sure many of you out there know exactly what I mean by that. While discussing this with a friend of mine she made the point that not all business have John Smith friendly names (ie FUBU). This made me feel a little better. I also think that FirstThree Inc is a better name for a parent company, as I plan to expand my goods and services in the future. I think that “No Fear, Just DIVA, a FirstThree Inc company” has a nice ring to it. But I have been playing with “______, a division of No Fear, Just DIVA”

Effective brand names have usually one or two words, sometimes three, and they are usually shortened to one or to initials (Victoria’s Secret/Vickys). What happens when you initial No Fear, Just DIVA? NFJD. Right. Knocks the sexy right out your walk. This is not what I want to come to mind when mentioning my fashion business. This is another reason when writing why I never abbreviate my blog’s name. If you shorten it to No Fear, that’s an extreme sports brand I think or something hardcore. Just DIVA is cute though and Google searches have brought about nothing but my blog! Kinda like calling someone by their last name.

These a are all my thoughts Travelers and as I inch closer towards my Point B, the destination takes more shape. In the end I think No Fear, Just DIVA won and I will put FirstThree Inc on the back burner for a while. Just because I am not using it now does not mean that I will never use it in the future. Besides I think on a Media Wall "No Fear, Just DIVA" will catch more eyes. I'll keep you posted!

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"
(photos from ConcreteLoop)

(source) Now if this pic doesn't motivate you to get your money up nothing will! Travelers I don't know about you but I am ready for this economy to do something other than fall faster than a JC Penny stock and get better so that in 6 months when I graduate I can find a job! But until then I have started taking a financial class to better manage and save the money that I do have.

Travelers being a broke DIVA is one thing but to be fiscally irresponsible is another matter altogether!

Currently the 6 week course is using the "Total Money Makeover Workbook" by David Ramsey. It has only been the first class so I don't have much to report, however updates will be necessary. I am a strong believer that good financial habits can change your life and getting a handle on them at any age is commendable; getting a handle on your financial habits in your twenties puts you ahead of the curve. There are many choices out there that will personally work for you, and you specifically. Once you find it discipline yourself and get to work!

Another source that I follow (but still have yet to actually read) is Suze Orman, financial expert who has been featured on Oprah and her site sooooooo many times. For more options check out this selection of Personal Finance books at Barnes and Noble, and find the book/system that is right for you.

Any fellow Tweets out there???? Well then you must follow EcommerceDiva. She has a wonderful site, calls in some fellow financial experts to discuss a wide variety of relevant and easy to understand financial advise.

Note: for all you emerging Fashionproneurs out there, EcommerceDiva is a necessity when it comes to small business advice. You know I am all about filling in the cracks and that is what her site will do for you. Hit the Road with this one Travelers!

"If you will live like one else NOW...LATER you can live like no one else" -David Ramsey

I officially registered for classes last week! Granted I have to try to ease my way into one class to get added in, but things are looking good! Thank you so much Travelers and all those who donated. The war is not over, but this battle has been won!

(Source) Howdy Travelers! It's been a busy week (or more)! Just recently a friend of mine decided that she was going to put on a benefit fashion show in honor of her grandfather who is suffering from bone cancer and asked me to come on as the Fashion Coordinator. I gladly accepted and ever since then there have been numerous model and designer casting calls, sponsorship meetings, and midnight email/brainstorming sessions.

I LOVE IT! I have to admit I have a lot more time since I am on vacation but Travelers let me say when there is a challenge ahead of you that can make you better at your craft, and with someone you enjoy spending time with it is just that much more fun!

The show is in partnership with The American Cancer Society and so we want to make sure that we do it right!
Slated to debut May 17th the hope is to have a show every quarter to promote emerging designers and models that they may have a platform to build their portfolio.

This has been such an amazing ride so far! The venue Taglyan Cultural Center is more than we could have dreamed of and want the total event to live up to its expectations. Oh and the theme: "Narnia: Your Fantasy Wardrobe" (the YFW I added but she said it was cute so I kept saying it, lol).

Now Travelers I could never tell you about such an amazing experience without sharing it with some of you. So here is what's on the "We-Still-Need" list:

• Plus Sized Models
• Production Assistance (dressers, runway management, etc)
• Designers
  
• Vendors (if you have product that you would like to sell at the event tables and booths will be available
• Ticket Sellers ($35 regular $15 student)
  

On Saturday (12-5p) there will be a final casting call for the show at the following location:

LP Entertainment Offices

123 La Brea

Los Angeles, CA 90036

If you are interested but cant make it to the casting fell free to email me (resume rundown tab above) or leave a comment with your contact info.

I will keep you updated with the progress but I must say that this is the best thing ever! I am working super hard and have no idea how this is going to all fit once school starts next week but I am so ready for it! Thank you Travelers for your support! It means more than you know!!

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"