A word of thanks

Until yesterday I was certain that no one read this blog and it was merely a ploy to flood search engines with links to the Unlabeled website.  We don't have a substantial amount of blog followers and let's face it, I am not the most avid blogger or even a very skilled one at that.  But yesterday made me change my way of thinking when I received an anonymous comment, from a complete stranger, complimenting me on how well written this very blog was.  So, in honor of that comment which flattered my ego beyond belief, I will continue our blog but this time, with more affection.

Earlier in the week I had the opportunity to meet some very fabulous people; other local entrepreneurs doing just what it is that I do.  The infamous crowd included Shopcrawlr, Blue 7, Shop Good, Heirloom Shoes, Green Bambino, Bella Vita Jewelry, Keep It Local, A date with Iris, Collected Thread, The Plaza District, Native Roots Market, and a lecture by Braid Creative.  I am certain many of these names are not new to you, and if they are, I do sincerely hope you check them out.  

Braid creative held a very interesting discussion on their business consulting services & informative self-assessment quizzes in which we partook on our own clock.  From these small tests came a fleeting of questions in which I hadn't thought of in some time.  You see, running a business isn't rocket science, but it does utilize your brain in a far less creative way than I had dreamt of prior to opening a shop.  I am often so occupied with calculating numbers, maintaining a budget, and organizing future adventures, that I now lack that initial creative spark that I've always so naturally held onto.  

As I am typing away and rereading for grammatical errors, I ask myself, is this content even appropriate for Unlabeled's Blog?  And it is, I do feel, related to the shop.  I think this because one of the excellent points made by Braid creative was that your customers will shop your store if they like you.  How simple of an idea, I thought, to gain customers simply from being personable.  The longer I lingered on this concept of attracting customers with the same interests as me, made me realize how true that was.  I sincerely enjoy my job, more than any other job I'd ever had before.  Is it scary?  Yes.  Will it make me rich?  That isn't likely, though, one can hope, but it will continue to bring me the same nonsecular pleasure despite the aforementioned uncertainties.  

So thank you, to all of my customers for making it possible for me to live out a dream and love every second of it.  I appreciate your patronage & support so very much. :)

April Events

I absolutely love Spring.  I adore color and this season is filled with vibrant hues like fiery oranges, sapphire blues, and electric yellows.  The weather is so graciously turning, flowers are blooming, and the warm sunny days are like nothing else.  This time of year influences me to prop open the door and let the fresh air roll in.  We want to take advantage of this cheery time here, so we are hosting lots of events in April.

Norman Chamber of Commerce After Hours

Thursday, April 5th 5:00-7:00p.m.

Treats from Crimson & Whipped Cream

Wine tasting by Spiritz N' wine

Beer & water will also be served

Norman Art Council 2nd Friday Art Walk

Friday, April 13th 6:00-9:00p.m.

Sooo Lilly Cosmetics

A Make-up Trunk Show

Champagne & Treats

Dustbowl Art Market/ Norman Music Festival

Friday, April 27th 11:00a.m.-7:00p.m.

We will have our own booth during the market

The shop will keep normal business hours

Okie Crowe Trunk Show

Saturday, April 28th 6:00-9:00p.m.

We will have home-brewed beer

Homemade dog treats, soaps, body scrubs & more!

Unlabeled- what does that mean?

Ah yes, the questions never fail to arise among new shoppers, 'Are you a second hand store?  Do your clothes have labels?"  And the answer is no, we are not a second hand store and yes our clothes do have labels.  The name unlabeled derives from the sense that everyone has their own style; a unique style that cannot be summed up with the simplicity of a title...or label.  If you shop at Unlabeled, then most likely you love to find one-of-a-kind treasures that no one else has along with exclusive styles of tees that have been designed & printed locally.

You see, Unlabeled newbies, we are all about keeping the moo-lah here. As a citizen of the USA and a fellow Okie, I (we) feel it is (my)our duty to contribute to society.  Whether you realize it or not, small businesses attribute a lot to our local economy.  The sales tax that we collect goes to pay teachers, firefighters, policemen and more...but I am getting off track here.

Unlabeled features a lot of local artists, jewelry designers, and crafters plus a few indie brands that you may not otherwise recognize.  Fashion is about the look, not the tag!  We try to keep our prices reasonable (most everything under $100) and we insist on purchasing limited quantities of styles so that not everyone is marching around town in the same digs.

Does the name make sense now? :)

Transition

Fashion moves at a rate much different than that of the weather.  Coats, sweaters, and winter accessories seem to go on sale immediately after Christmas, even if we have yet to receive our first drop of snow.  The great thing is you can find some awesome deals using your new Christmas money, the unfortunate news is there is little desire to purchase spring merchandise when you're scraping ice!

There are a few key items that you really should grab during this transition period:

Coats-  Coats are a great buy to be had after the holiday season.  Coats are expensive so getting them at a discounted rate is very desirable.  A coat is an investment piece, unlikely to change with trends (if you purchase well) and will last you seasons to come.

Basics- Stock up on basic tees and tanks when they are on sale.  They make for great layering pieces as the warm weather transcends.

Winter Accessories- Scarves, gloves, stocking caps, are all great buys at a discounted rate.  Many of these items are simple in design making them timeless.  Get the best deals after Christmas is over, although there may be slim pickings.

Not wanting to spend that cheese on winter goods?  Some great transition pieces are jackets, cardigans, and anything that you can layer.  Take for instance these two pieces.  Both could be layered with a long sleeve tee during colder times, then when it gets warm, swap out that turtleneck for a tank.  Not only is it practical to layer, it also polishes your outfit making for a well put together style.

High Fashion

This past weekend I was receiving a much needed haircut by a very talented stylist.  During our typical time-passing conversation the question arose,
'Who are your favorite designers?'
A question to which I replied, 'High fashion or ready to wear?'
'High fashion,' the stylist said.
I drew a blank.  Had I really not one designer that I absolutely, wholeheartedly adored?  Perhaps I was too consumed in the retail business to really give it a second thought.
 I responded regrettably, "I don't keep up with it much.'

Stop right there!  Aren't you a clothing store owner, Breanne?  Shouldn't you be able to recite every fashion designer by era & popularity and in alphabetical order at the tip of a hat?  I am certain my college professors would have been embarrassed at my lack of knowledge in that very moment.   I had nothing.  What is wrong with me, why couldn't I at least have pretended I knew what I was talking about.

Of course, I know the classic designers, but for me to answer that question with certainty would have felt like a lie.  I am so apathetic to high fashion, mostly because I can't afford it, although for most people that is half of the appeal; daydreaming of a wedding dress that costs more than your house.  For the sake and purpose of this blog, however, I am going to post up some pieces from today's top designers in hopes to regain my former knowledge in the high fashion industry & leave today with a little more inspiration.

Alexander McQueen- Sound familiar?  That is because he designed the duchess' dress for the royal wedding.  Unlike the vintage-inspired wedding dress Kate graced the aisle with, his designs are often very structured and simple.



Yes, he does feature prints but in his prints I have come to notice there is always a nice symmetry to the patterns.  If the opportunity presented itself then the first thing I would purchase would be a nice, structured blazer.

ODD

Organic Design Dose.(ODD)


Do you find it 'ODD' that clothing can be made from food?  No, I am not talking about Lady GaGa's epic meat dress, (please don't let those images haunt me for all eternity), I am talking about a clothing company that manufactures everything using natural ingredients.  The ingredients are what I think you will find to be very peculiar and most likely these are not the first "food" items to have come to mind.  The two main ingredients include; soybeans and milk..but why use them?

Soybeans- 

• Have the moisture absorption of cotton
• Have 16 amino acids
• Are anti-bacterial
• Cashmere-like feel
• Chemical free & non genetically modified!

Milk-

• Warmth retention properties make milk similar to wool
• Absorbs moisture
• 18 amino acids
• Anti-fungal & anti-bacterial
• No use of pesticides or chemicals!

I think it is fantastic that we are all starting to pay more attention to the things we eat and drink.  There are so many chemicals that alter our foods and that have negative effects on our health.  ODD is doing something really great here, in my opinion, they are opening up a whole new can of worms.  Did you think foods were the only product doused in chemicals?  Think again!

There is formaldehyde on your clothes!  You mean the stuff they use on dead people?  Yes!  Most of what I have read has said that there is a very insignificant amount, but the formaldehyde is there, even after the wash!  One study was done in which 20 items were tested using a chromotropic acid method.  11 of the 20 items tested positive for formaldehyde.  The 9 items that were free of formaldehyde were all fabrics made from synthetic materials.  The Scientists concluded that even after several washes, the clothes were not formaldehyde free.  EW!

I would carry ODD at the store, but it is a little pricey, as are most things organic.



http://www.organicdesigndose.com/
http://www.ijdvl.com/article.asp?issn=0378-6323;year=2004;volume=70;issue=6;spage=342;epage=344;aulast=Rao
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0091674985900181

FREE $10 Starbucks Gift Card

What to do to get it:
Purchase a $20 or more gift certificate from Unlabeled apparel, either in store or online @ www.unlabeledapparel.com.  We then send you via e-mail, a $10 Starbucks gift card.  For real!  I am not joking.  Talk about a return on your investment.  Gift certificates are a one-size-fits-all kind of present.  The best part about a gift certificate from Unlabeled is.....we have the coolest stuff; clothes, accessories, artwork, handmade fares, you name it!

We really appreciate your business, and for shopping locally.  I know, I know...Starbucks is not a locally owned business, but we felt that it was a universal place that would be in close proximity to most people despite where they live.  We want everyone to get in on the Unlabeled Love.  Spread the word, offer ends Saturday, December 10th.