Next Steps for Mane and Chic

Remember the poll that I posted the other day? The one where I asked, "If Mane and Chic was an online clothing retailer, would you buy?" Luckily and surprisingly, an overwhelming majority of you (well over 80% of readers) answered "definitely" or "maybe". I'm happy that you said that because I just woke up one morning and wanted to do it.

You'll remember that I was considering a magazine, but the more I explored that, the more I realized that I could fulfill that dream while also fulfilling my childhood dream of having my own clothing shop/boutique.

Is the market over saturated with clothing stores? Probably, but none will have my unique concept. You'll see more of that later.

As far as the magazine goes, it's not totally nixed. I'm going to create a lookbook twice a year (maybe: fall/winter and spring/summer) featuring the clothes and different ways to rock the same pieces along with some hair tips, interviews with the models (only going to use models with curly, coily or highly textured hair), tips on how we achieved the makeup looks and hair styles being used in the lookbook.

Affordability will be super important. I don't plan to do anything over $100-200, per your responses to the DEAL BREAKER PRICE POINT poll and when I do show pricey pieces, I will show you a myriad of ways you can rock it to stretch your dollars.

The shop will feature lifestyle clothes, clothes you live in so nothing formal, but pieces that you can dress up or dress down and really really work daily and get your money's worth and all the pieces will fit together so that everything will look like it belongs in the same closet. Think urban, unique, sexy, edgy, feminine, on-trend, euro-chic, cohesive and versatile. Think Tracee Ellis Ross, Solange with splashes of Shingai Shoniwa, Badu, Kesh, Rihanna and Kelis. That's the concept. So lots of statement pieces or bold pieces that can be paired with basics to be toned down or exaggerated if that's your persona.

For unique pieces, I'll show how to work it into your already existing wardrobe, using pieces that you already have or pieces that are highly accessible: white tees/tanks, black pants, black blazer, lbd, and things of that nature.

So, that's the idea and the new focus for Mane and Chic in 2011. I'm putting this out there right now so that those of you that love Mane and Chic can help make it happen with your support and positive energy. I'd love to hear you ideas and feedback. Comment here or send me an e-mail.

What will happen to the blog? It will still be around, most online shops have blogs. I don't know how often it will be updated, but... there's always the archives and the 101 Guide to Hair.

When will it happen? I'm buying my inventory in January and I will hopefully have the new site up for Spring 2011.

Making things happen, hope this will inspire you to push for something you've been wanting to do!

Best wishes,