That's Right, We're Hiring!

This year Aspiring Couture is starting off right with plans, goals, and everything else needed to make the year an incredible one! In order to facilitate everything, we are looking for people who can help the Aspiring Couture team (which is currently me as the one-women show. Yep, I like to call myself a team). If you are interested in any of these positions, e-mail me aspiringcouture@gmail.com with the subject line as the position you would like to be considered for. At the moment these positions are very part-time but hours vary depending on what you want to do.

Bloggers: We are looking for people who are interested in writing. Whether you are just starting out or are a pro at it doesn't matter. I'm willing to help you out and get your career as a writer going. What you get to do: Find relevant fashion news, trends, photos, etc. to post about. Basically go through gorgeous photos and pick your faves to write about :)

Designer Liaison: Work with designers to their brand on Aspiring Couture. Everything from choosing the pieces from the line to doing photo shoots, to getting them ready and going on the website. You're the one to facilitate it all.  Finding designers to add to the site is a very important part of Aspiring Couture and we need someone to help us out and head this motion.

Advertising Sales: Advertising sales on the site and blog is something we need a lot more help in as of now. So, if you are good at that, contact me!

Creative Geniuses: This year we are doing it all including publish online magazines, hosting fashion shows, etc. We need some people to help us head this whole department!

William Rast. At Target?

I understand the concept these companies are going for when they decide to release their line at a store such as Walmart or Target. The best designers in the world have followed suit to release a collection of designs for the less than wealthy. Vera Wang, Mary Kate & Ashley, Chip & Pepper, and now William Rast. 

When it comes down to it, let's face it, the designs just aren't as good. The quality is poor and the designs just don't get the effort and attention that the retail William Rast styles would carry. As independent designers, it is always tempting to make a less expensive line to get the brand out there and get pieces sold. But what is the impact of that on your brand? It makes it cheaper and less appealing as you have stepped into a lower market. Unless the quality and attention to detail is the same, you are just selling your piece of work for money. The artistic nature that makes your brand yours is gone and replaced with an attempt to make money.

Here are some pieces from the William Rast collection. I LOVE William Rast, but these pieces are just not very good. I am curious to see how it turns out. Can they create the buzz they are going for?

More On Lace

Textures, Lace, Sequins Oh My! I'm loving these fall trends far too much! What are your favorite trends of the season?

Wooga Giveaway

Just wanted to make a quick shout out about a giveaway that is going on right now (you all know how I love to let you in on all the cool deals I come across) so you can win your self a pair of Uggs UK.


Each month they have winners who get free boots. And let's be honest, who doesn't want freebies!

These are called Wooga boots and from the looks of it, they are pretty darn comfie looking! Check out the site and let me know if any of you are the winners!

Fall Fashion Trends

I never thought I would say this ever, but bring on the lace! This trend is an amazing fall texture that is absolutely stunning. I especially love the back accent that adds a little something more to the outfit with this wow factor piece in the back. I'm hoping to see a lot of it on the runway and in the stores this fall!

Obsessed.

I'm loving this

Fall Fashion Sophistication

 Fall is creeping up on us (actually let's give a warm welcome to the first day of fall, which happens to be today!) and inevitably, it's time for fall fashion. I love all the new colors, accessories and layers that we have become unaccustomed to during the summer months.

Alyssa Nicole showed off her fun and flirty collection during Spring on the Runway last June. I was personally in love with the fabrics, colors and designs that swept the runway during her collection. It is definitely interesting to see this new side of her, a more sophisticated fall line with neutral colors and come modest looks. But, who isn't happy seeing such a collection from such a talented designer?? I definitely welcome this change of pace, (not to mention this incredible photo shoot) with open arms!

Shop it Up on her website!

Trendy Hats - The Fall Trend

This lovely collection of funky and fun hats is a great addition to the closet of the ultra-chic and the vacationing-beauty. These Panama styles and Fedora styles are quite fun to dress any style and add an unexpected accessory to your look! Check out all the great styles and colors at 1001 Panama Hats and 1001 Fedora Hats! Happy Shopping :)

Runway Shows

Runway shows are a great way for designers to get their name out there and to get some photos of their pieces on real people in real life. Not to mention, runway shows are incredibly fun!

Any designers have shows coming up??

Have you Checked Out Aspiring Couture Recently?

We are adding more and more new work to the site. You have to make sure you check it out as some of these pieces are selling for some great prices!

Also, just in time for the fall season, we are accepting new designers to be a part of Aspiring Couture. So, if you are an independent designer looking to get your brand out there more and more, let's talk! Also, we have the bridal section of the boutique so bring it on all you bridal collections!

For the Love of Stripes

Stripes Stripes Stripes! You can dress them up or down and make a big statement (top photo) or just have a cute relaxed look such as the cotton pink and black one.

Source: Motel Bobi

Spreading the Word!

I know, I know, this blog isn't a wedding one, but when something really awesome comes up, it's always time to spread the word a little bit, right? CSN stores is responsible for these great prizes! Remember that at CSN stores you can get platform beds, kitchenware, and great modern decor.

So, if any of you are brides-to-be or wedding vendors of any sort, this is for you! It's a giveaway for brides and wedding vendors! The prize is your choice of either 2 cylinder champagne flutes, red wine glasses or white wine glasses!

So, go check it out :)

Personalized Tote

I was sent a personalized tote bag from "Simply-Bags" a bit ago. I must admit that I was a little skeptical at first because I am not a fan of personalized bags, and I thought it was going to look pretty cheap. Well, I was totally proved wrong after receiving it in the mail. And the space, you couldn't ask for more at all.

The thing I always run into is the weight of the bag. I love huge huge bags and I definitely fill those babies up. But, when the bag starts out weighing 5 pounds when it is empty, forget about it. The great thing about this bag was that it was so light, and there was SO much space. I actually took it to the beach and it was the perfect beach bag for Ian and I. It held both of our stuff without cramming it all in, and it was so light that I had no problem carrying it at all. Oh and the straps are nice and big which just makes holding it on your shoulder really comfortable.

Overall, I really really like the bag, and though it couldn't replace my purse, I definitely use it often as a day-bag or carryall.

Check out the site if you want one too!

Date Night

By: Lauren Gantner

Summer love is in the air! That is exactly why we have found some cutesy date essentials that are perfect for you and your beau this season. For a day out, dress him up in the chic pastels of Something's Hiding In Here's Forage bow ties, while you flounce around in this pretty, white summer dress by Alexandra Grecco. Or just stay at home, while cuddling up together with these precious pink heart pillows by Ashley Meaders. And ladies, if you're lucky maybe he'll even buy you this gold, melting love ring from Catbird.

Two of my favorite things: Fashion and Weddings

I have never seen two of my favorite things come together quite as well as they have in this line of T-Shirts.Max Wanger is an incredible wedding and lifestyle photographer. His work is around creative and amazing. He takes normal wedding photos and takes them to a whole new level with his extremely artistic touch.

Then I found his collection wedding photos turned contemporary T-shirts, and just about died! This is such an incredible collection of graphic tees complete with the inspirational photo that started it all. Check out some of my personal favorites. (Sadly some are sold out)

Amazing right? Best part, everything is on SALE! Yessss. So go ahead and shop around on his site. Oh and if you want to check out his photography, here is the Max Wanger site to check out! And if you want to check out more wedding amazingness, check out my other blog Engaged & Inspired.