Saturday Special : Flash Fiction Series 10

Play It : American Classics

Aerosmith - the American version of British classics.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - all American.

American classics...concert experiences..."So much fun!"

Billy Squier - "Stroke" ... "Everybody Wants You"

Journey - "Don't Stop Believin" ... "Lights"

As seen live...amazing I imagine

Hard rock Hotel -

American staple

American classic

Passion for Fashion

Fashion on its own appears to be a weekly theme, so on this Remember When Friday, I thought I would reflect on my love for the industry.

I am an academic by education, so how I ended up with a passion for fashion is a true mystery.

Kitsy Lane -

Kitsy Lane was a fashion jewelry startup launched in 2012.  There was no need for an interview and there was no starter kit fee.  I came across Kitsy Lane as a random advertisement in an unrelated web search.  Out of curiosity, I clicked through and immediately loved the products.  I set up my own unique online boutique and went from there. 

Kitsy Lane did have many corporate flaws that affected boutique owners and customers.  The company eventually shut down and is no longer in business.

Chloe + Isabel -

Chloe + Isabel is a fashion brand with roots in fashion jewelry.  There is a required interview.  If selected, there is a starter kit fee at a healthy cost...but so worth it. 

All accepted applicants are titled "Merchandiser."  Merchandisers are set up for success with unique boutiques to customize on their own.  Pop-ups,  or in person trunk shows, are highly recommended to generate optimal commission income.  Merchandisers and customers are offered incentives to maximize the Chloe + Isabel experience.

Merchandisers -

For every $500 in sales, Merchandisers receive a $50 credit.  For every $1,000 in sales, the credit amount increases. 

Ultimate Merchandiser incentive -

Financial and title growth
Merchandise Manager, Senior Merchandise Manager, Divisional Merchandise Manager ... Forever 40

Forever 40 - Once a Merchandiser generates consistent 5-figure sales, they are inducted into the Forever 40 club where they are permanently set at 40% commission.  Commissions begin at 25%.

MM (Merchandise Manager) is the immediate sought after once achieving $1,000 every month for three consecutive months.  SMM and DMM tend toward the corporate side and any advance beyond that may lead to an official corporate position and relocation to New York City (HQ).

Chloe + Isabel has grown from jewelry to accessories to themed collections to men's accessories and so much more.

I remained as a Merchandiser for three years and eventually stepped down in 2017.  My passion for fashion, however, was sparked with Chloe + Isabel.  I learned a great deal about fashion, especially with regards to styling.

Every passion in life is launched from one moment.  My moment was C + I.

I will never know how I went from being a History major and earning a post-graduate Paralegal certificate to officially saying I have a passion for fashion.

Upon reflection in this Remember When Friday, my love for fashion is meant to be. 

Upon reflection in this Remember When Friday, my love for blending music and fashion is meant to be.

Wednesday Once Over

 

 

 

In the post The Devil Wears..., I featured two songs from the movie, The Devil Wears Prada.  I did not really fill out the post,  so in this edition of Wednesday Once Over, I would like to start over.

 

Book to Film -

 

- Lauren Weisberger's 2003 novel

 

Screen Adaptation -

 

- 2006

- Meryl Streep ("Miranda Priestly" - fashion magazine editor)

- Anne Hathaway ("Andrea "Andy" Sachs - Priestly's co-assistant)

- Emily Blunt ("Emily Charlton" - co-assistant)

- Stanley Tucci ("Nigel" - art director)

- Adrian Grenier, Simon Baker, Tracie Thoms (supporting roles)

 

The Devil Wears Prada Awards -

 

Meryl Streep

 

- 14th Oscar nomination

- Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical

 

Cast -

Critical acclaim and nominations

Interesting Facts -

- Fashion designers did not appear as themselves "for fear of displeasing U.S. Vogue editor Anna Wintour...inspiration for Priestly" (Wikipedia)

- Designers allowed clothes and accessories to be featured in the film

- "one of the most expensively costumed films in history" (Wikipedia)

The full storyline can be found on Wikipedia.

And then there was the music list for The Devil Wears Prada.

In the The Devil Wears... post, the songs I featured were indeed in the film.  Interesting note, though, is that they were not in the movie's soundtrack album.  On the other hand, Alanis Morissette's version of Seal's "Crazy" was in the soundtrack album.

The balance of fashion and music was on an even keel. 

My take away -
The Devil Wears Prada is powerful and intriguing.  In real life, I can imagine intimidation from many angles - such as those featured in the film.  I can somewhat imagine inspiration for those looking to get their foot in the fashion door.  In the end, The Devil Wears Prada is a phenomenal movie worth watching.

 

 

 

 

 



Shakedown - Rock or Jazz

"Shakedown" in two genres.  Could this possible?  Apparently so.

A brief background on "Shakedown" in jazz -

- Steve Laury is an American guitarist
- Stepping Out (featuring "Shakedown") is Steve Laury's first solo album
- Released in 1990
- No. 14 Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart

(Wikipedia source)

Your take away -
"Shakedown" on YouTube -
Jazz as performed by Steve Laury OR Rock as performed by Bob Seger
Which do you prefer?
(I personally opt for both.)

Shakedown

Shakedown

 

 

 

Where "The Heat Is On" defined Beverly Hills Cop as the original in the cinematic series, "Shakedown" defines Beverly Hills Cop II. 





Two simple words out of the whole of "Shakedown" defined the song and purpose of the film - "you're busted."

"Shakedown" History -

- Written by Harold Faltermeyer and Keith Forsey
- Recorded by Bob Seger

"Shakedown" Honors -

- No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
- No. 1 Album Rock Tracks
- Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song (1988)
- Nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song (1988)

Interesting Facts -

- "Shakedown" vocals originally slated for Glenn Frey
- Lost both award nominations to Dirty Dancing's "I've Had The Time of My Life"
- "Shakedown" was performed by Little Richard at the 60th Academy Awards

(Wikipedia source)

Saturday Special - Flash Fiction Series 9

Play It : British Classics

20th Century British iconic classics invading the 21st Century to capture the attention of Millennials. 

The Beatles.  The Who.  The Rolling Stones.

Duran Duran.  The Police.

Sting.  Paul McCartney.

A go for platinum in copies sold.

Millennials found a groove in British classics that they could not find now.