Langford Market Archives - LAFashionsnob.com

'Fashionably Illustrated' with Langford Market x Rongrong Devoe

Feb 14 2015

My lovely friend and fashion illustrator- Rongrong Devoe hosted the ‘Fashionably Illustrated’ meet-the-artist event at Langford Market in Rice Village last night. Her presentation of her wares: prints, cards, totes and cell phone cases complemented Langford Market’s boho esthetic. Large framed prints hung all around the store. It was chance to shop, have light bites, champagne and mingle with the artist; who also did live sketching with an in-store purchase.

While there, I also met another fashion illustrator- Eva Duplan, who recently relocated to Houston from Dallas. She is (now) a mutual friend of Rongrong and I’s. I do hope that there are more events that enable local artists like Rongrong and Eva to showcase their talents to the community. These ladies are incredibly talented and their illustrations embody different traits that are special and unique. Basically, my point being… everyone has their own way of perceiving things and these ladies show that through their illustrating.

Before I took my leave, I had the chance to see Rongrong in action, sketching the cutest customer, wearing a hot pink knit sweater and billowy floral skirt. I was impressed to see that it probably took Rongrong maybe ten minutes to sketch her. The illustration (in color I might add) turned out exceptional and the girl was just ecstatic with joy.

Keep up the great work Rongrong!

FGI Houston Presents- Shop Talk: A Big Talk on Small Businesses

Jul 13 2014

Fashion Group International of Houston recently held a panel discussion regarding “small business.” The event was co-hosted by Tout Suite, a bakery and cafe that is new to Downtown and will be opening soon. The panel was moderated by Sarah Gabbart of Houstonia Magazine and featured five key small business owners: Brandi Garcia of Do or Dye TX, Cheryl Schulke of Stash Co., Davina Tweedy- director of marketing for Langford Market, Jackie Adams of Melodrama and Jenny Morgan of Settlement Goods.

After a few opening remarks by the lovely Sydney Dao, the panel discussion began. Here is a synopsis of the topics and advice that were discussed throughout the evening…

*Branding and Building Buzz Before Opening the Store

– Free Fridays (usually during first year).
– Discounts on back of business cards for first year.
– Martini Mondays (usually during first year).
– Networking, handing out flyers door-to-door, trunk shows.
– Pop-up shops, professional womens networking groups, selling via Facebook and Instagram.

*Marketing

– Instagram is such an amazing and free resource.

*How to Stay Current and Keep-Up with Changing Market

– Sometimes you have to change as the economy changes.
– As your long-term clients grow in life, you need to change and grow to fit their needs as well.

*How Do You Maintain Store Presence?

– Do charity and beauty events.
– Network.
– Trunk shows.
– Emails (like constant contact) and social media.
– Be consistent on social media.
– Keeping up with the customer (such as sending birthday cards).

“It’s not always about ‘sell, sell, sell;’ but also enriching your customer.”

*Long Term Goals and Advice to Future Business Owners

Jackie of Meladrama and Cheryl of Stash Co. had some very enlightening advice on this topic.

– Write down your ideas. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel, it’s probably already been done. Put your own spin to it.

– Do something that you are passionate about.

– Always try to give back to the community.

– Do the research.

– Start out small, while building your clientele.

– Create your own experience when you own a business.

– “When you’re going through hell, keep going.”

– Check out books (and their websites) by Malcolm Gladwell and Seth Godin.

– “Do the best you can, until you know better and then do better.” – Maya Angelou

– “Don’t push the river.” If it doesn’t feel right or if you are pushing/working too hard, it’s probably best to rethink your business.

– Don’t go into business with the wrong person. Always trust your gut.

– Budget out operating expenses a year in advance.

The event concluded with some closing remarks from the owners (and gracious hosts) of Tout Suite and Shop Talk Chair- Trang Nguyen. Followed by a continuation of networking and mingling.

HUGE thanks to the folks at FGI Houston, Tout Suite, Sarah, Brandi, Cheryl, Davina, Jackie and Jenny!

"Pay It Forward Fashion Exchange" with Glam Authority

Apr 08 2014

The Rice Village branch of Kendra Scott played co-host to the “Pay It Forward Fashion Exchange” that took place a couple weeks ago. The event was spearheaded by Kesha Scott- founder of Glam Authority, Houston’s go-to destination for getting your closet cleaned and organized, while also making it fun and profitable for you.

The event’s attendees were asked to provide designer clothing items to donate and exchange. All donations went to support The Women’s Home, a non-profit organization. They also own and operate The Cottage Shop- a boutique-y thrift store here in the city. The event also featured light bites and bubbly. While waiting for the exchange to begin, guests mingled and had the chance to shop the latest Kendra Scott products and check out the famous “Color Bar.” Giveaways from sponsors like Kendra Scott, Pynk Luxe, Chloe Dao and blogger/author Megan Silianoff were also handed out to a lucky few.

The exchange was divided into groups based on the color of the wrist band received at check-in. We had three minutes to grab items of our choice (but based on the number of items we brought to exchange). I ended up with a cute Nipon Boutique dress and jacket set, who’s bold pink hue stood out to me from across the room. It was fun seeing what everyone ended up with. Megan grabbed the vintage St. John top that I brought and I’m excited to see how she styles it. As we left, we were handed a swag bag, which featured a $25 gift card to Langford Market (thank you!) and other small treats.

Loads of thanks to Kesha Scott, The Women’s Home, the Kendra Scott Rice Village team, the sponsors and volunteers.

Tag - Langford Market