If anybody ever tells you designing clothing and manufacturing is glamorous, THEIR GUCCI GENIUS JEANS MUST BE ON FIRE!
Yet, I still want to do it.
Masochism is my BFF.
So anyway, after compiling copious amounts of information in my little brain, I've come to the conclusion that the first thing I need to do is figure out what Y'ALL want!
YOU! YES YOU!
My loyal, intelligent, hard working readers whose input and support I've so graciously appreciated throughout all my new endeavors.
The technical term for what I'm about to do is ''audience profile & market analysis'', but I'm just going to call it, ''Hey you guys! What do you want in your closet?''.
I want to know what's missing in YOUR wardrobe. What you wish you could find in stores. What drives you to shop. What obstacles do you face when getting dressed in the morning. And so on and so forth.
This is maybe the most crucial part of starting a clothing line....understanding what, you, the smart consumer wants. After all, what's the point in manufacturing something nobody wants right?
So, hopefully you ladies will so graciously jump on board with me and be a HUGE part of getting this little train that could up and running... all the while shadowing the development of a product line. (Then one day when you see these clothes in a store somewhere in Oregon you can brag to your friends and be all like ''Oh yeah..this top?...yeah, I helped design that!”)
So here's my plan.
For the next 4 Mondays I will ask a little series of questions for you to answer.
You can answer by:
Writing your answers here in the comment section with your real name.
Going all stealth incognito and leaving a comment with a pseudo-name.
E-mailing me your answers at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at nicochic dot com
Although I absolutely don't mind getting e-mails, I like the idea of you leaving a comment so you can read each-other's answers...adds a little je-ne-sais-quoi:-)
And, if you wish, feel free to share this with anybody you think would be interested. The more people chime in, the better perspective I can get.
Ok, here goes! (Bear in mind these are all pertaining to clothes shopping...also, you can answer all the questions or just a couple if you wish!)
1. Generally where do you shop? (e.i Internet, department stores, boutiques, etc)
2. What stores do you most frequently shop? (e.i Dillard's, Lululemon, Artisia, Frenchy's, Goodwill, etc)
3. Why do you shop there? (e.i convenience, bargains, customer service, consistency in product, etc)
4. What makes you follow through on a purchase? (Meaning you've tried the clothes on, now what's the deciding factor that determines if you actually buy it....if on the internet, what makes you click BUY).
5. What do you think is missing in the world of women's apparel?
Ok, that's it for now.
I hope you find this as exciting and fun as I do:-)
THANKS! MERCI!
comments
2. Salvation army, urban outfitters, free people, gap and jcrew
3. Thrift stores because I love finding gems for cheap, the thrill of the hunt, and things made from good quality fabrics at a time when clothing was made to last for more than 2 washes. Urban for trends and bright colors, freepeople for,.. well, have you seeeen their catalog? and gap and jcrew for basics that were made with some consideration to body types and constructed well.
4. Quality and amazingness to price ratio. Honestly, I talk myself out of buying Rayon and Polyester things all the time. I'd rather a 100% cotton dress or shirt any day. And on the internet, I usually date an item for a while. I watch it, think about it, research it (esp with shoes) and if I forget about it, well, all the better. I didn't need it anyway.
5. Right now, man, IDK! I buy vintage all the time. I'd say vintage inspired stores for the modern lady body type with all the quality of construction and fabric.. but I think they have those on the internet :)
2. banana republic, vanessa v (new fave), target
3. banana republic for basics, durablity and style-easy go to. vanessa v for easy to wear stylish, target for affordablity, convienent.
4. internet has it's risk for fit but, tried and true items perfect. I buy vintage there with no idea how it will fit but, if I LOVE it clicking buy is easy.
5. reasonably priced stylish clothes for a working mom. I want to look nice but, still need to get on the floor and play with my child.
2. Target, thrift stores, and Dillard's.
3. I shop at both department stores chiefly because they are cheap (and because it's easy to just go to the Max Azria section and grab a cute dress). I shop at boutiques when I can afford them - and when I can actually find something that fits (this is rare). I shop at thrift stores BECAUSE THEY ARE THE LAST PLACE YOU CAN FIND QUALITY FABRIC, CUT, AND FIT that doesn't involve a million dollars or a tailor.
4. I will buy if it fits OR kind of fits and is cheap. Most importantly, short of a $500 price tag, I'll always find a way to pay for it if it fits well. I usually have to alter clothes I buy, which is fine, but off-the-rack fit is SO NICE.
5. (1) Clothes made WELL of QUALITY fabric. I'm so tired of see-through, badly sewed clothing.
(2) Clothes for petite women.
(3) Clothes for women with tits (but otherwise normal-sized bodies) / women who are not mesomorphs. I feel like most clothes are made for women with boy-like bodies. It's very frustrating when you have boobs. For the record, I'm NOT enormous on top (ok, I am right now because I'm breastfeeding); I'm just a big B, small C and I have to sew closed all my button-up tops and let out dress tops.
2. Artesia, Little Town, Vanessa V, Gap
3. convenience, interesting things, affordable and the Gap or Target when i need run of the mill stuff
4. timing - i'm usually buying for some specific event in mind - wedding, gig, vacay, summer dresses, i commissioned a friend to make a festival dress for me this year!
5. not sure, but what i like are clothes that flatter my good parts...ribcage, shoulders, mid-thigh, and not too billowy in the hip area.
2. Frenchy's, Goodwill. If I wasn't a poor Grad student, I would spend more moolah at Dillard's and Banana Republic (and Academy - I love sports wear).
3. I shop at thrift stores mainly for the price, and because I can get quality items (good fabric, well made) for less. I'd rather have one awesome piece then 8 cheap tops.
4. I never purchase online (I'm too chicken about the fit, and I don't want to mess with returns..) I usually over-think things. I will look in a store (I also prefer boutiques, with a smaller selection. I really detest stores with too many clothes! aka Forever 21), I go around looking at things, feeling the fabric. Something has to jump out at me. I like unique pieces that remain classic. I want pieces that will work well with different outfits. It NEEDS to have a great fit - that's usually the deciding factor.
5. Well, I don't have much for boobs!! So, sometimes the fit in that area is less than desirable (it's true, really!). I'm also short, so petite clothing are appreciated. I love to look feminine, but I also love to move around and actually do a bunch of things (I'm rough sometimes - hello, I'm Acadian!). So, I would like pretty pieces that are functional, not too too delicate. I want pieces that will say: I'm a Lady. But I'm a busy, classy, modern lady - with retro flair - but not the trendy retro that everyone is sporting nowadays. (confusing much?)
Classy, not trendy.
ps: I still think about those wide pants you made for your fashion show a while back ALL the time!
So excited to see what you come up with Nicole! I went to fashion design school a few years back, so I understand your passion and frustrations ;)
1 &2.
I usually shop at Ann Taylor and Talbots, but love bargains from Ross, Target, and Kohl's.!
3. I like classic looks, simple lines, non-complicated, things I can wear for years and most of all comfy!
4. I always go back to Ann Taylor because their clothes are timeless, rarely trendy, and last forever.
5. the era of elegant women - I just love Kate Middleton, although I spend my life in scrubs and running clothes. (but her look is my favorite)
Keep chasing your dream Nic! You can do it!!
2. Frenchy's.
3. Because the kids can run around and if something breaks it won't cost a fortune. Also, because it's a very cheap treasure hunt. Itou because fellow "shoppers" are from all walks of life. Pretty easy going scene.
4. If it FEELS GOOD. quality - nice lines- great fit. If I feel I could wear it everyday, all the time. ANd, also, rarely, If i haven't seen anything like it before but it must first, feel good and make me look great. Ha!
5. a uniform. i don't want to have to think more than 1 minute. i want a uniform - i want a suit that's comfortable - that's functional and sexy. womanly. chanel with curves. simple and easy to mix and match. a UNIFORM for women. with lots of pockets lolol. (for kleenex, advil and booze)
DO IT!!!!!
#2 Can' t really think of the last time I bought myself a piece of clothing but... I shop a lot at Joe Fresh. I mean, where else can you buy nice cloths, hamburger and diapers all at once!
#3 CONVENIENCE!
#4 I usually do the once every 2-3 years shopping spree and buy everything in sight! Helps to have someone else there with opinion (MARCI RACH!)
#5 plus de stylin' jeans pour mon travail!
2. Frenchies, Joe Fresh, Gap, Lululemon et Forever 21!!!
3. Many treasures at Frenchies can be found, convenience and bargains but always the right fit for me at Gap.
4. If I can't live without it, I buy it, but usually if it's the right fit and my own personal style, it'S a definite purchase for me no matter the price.
5. What do you think is missing in the world of women's apparel?
The fit for the real woman, because many clothes are made to small in the waste and if you get a bigger size it's to big in the but or leg and same for shirts, small chest means small shirt but a lot of people don't like tight on the bottom half of the shirt.
2. Vanessa V, Little Town, sometimes Dillards, Macy's, Ann Taylor loft, Ross Dress for less for a good bargain,
3. I like these stores mainly because I know I will find something that fits right and looks good and isn't made for a teenage body, and I do appreciate good customer service.
4. I usually shop when I need an outfit for some occasion or when i have nothing to wear to work, so I am ready to buy at that point.
5. I need more stylish cute but comfortable work appropriate clothes.Also more fashionable clothes that aren't too short, tight or made for a preteen.
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