Get To Know The Owner of Fabulous Fashion Finds: Ashley Nobbe

I asked a couple of questions of the buyer, owner, designer and brand manager of Fabulous Fashion Finds to really find out how someone gets into such a cool gig like this:)  I also love to get inside a creative persons head and see what they are LOVING...it might be something we might not know about...and FYI, Ashley Nobbe's definitely has some things I didn't know about.

1.  What's the secret...where do you search for your fabulous fashion finds?

$$$That is the million dollar question.$$$ (That I bet we all want to know:)   Unfortunately I don’t kiss and tell.  My Fabulous Fashion Finds come from a variety of places. I hand pick only the best items and items that I think “could” be really cool once I am done reconstructing them.

2.  How did you decide to start your own business?

I graduated from college 6 months ago with a degree in Marketing. I started looking for work and due to the economy NO ONE was hiring. I started to flip out till one day I thought to myself, “ Do what you love to do for yourself” So I started with 10 samples of  vintage items I had previously reconstructed for myself and after those sold  I did another 10 and  then  I just kept going till Fabulous Fashion Finds was born.

 3.  Do you do anything on the side, or is Fabulous Fashion Finds your only job?

Yes, I also own an accessories line called Poodlies.   Right now my hot item is these feather headbands I make by hand. I use vintage buttons and beads, so they are each one of a kind. I just expanded the line to carry hand made jewelry, which will also use vintage finishes and fabrics.

4.  Why did you choose Etsy for your store online?

Etsy has been my secret shopping source for years. There are so many talented designers on there.  I am just thankful that I am able to sell on a site that features so many talented designers.

5.  Do you have plans to open your own store?

I definitely want to expand FFF.  I love the online business though; I can work from my studio in my favorite vintage house dress and sell my clothes to people all over the world from behind the curtain of my computer. 

FFF is actually open to the public.  I have a studio in my home where girls can come and shop by appointment. Lots of girls from Miami (where I am from) come and shop with me on a weekly basis. 

My goal is to eventually have a large industrial space where I can do all my sewing in the back and have my store in the front, but no matter what I will always be 50% online. I shipped to Finland today; I mean how cool is that?

6.  I saw in one of your blogs that you were looking for a vintage coffee table...where do you find antique furniture?

I travel a lot and am a pack rat, so I have acquired quite the collection of things over my travels. I also lived in a really cool college town where there were lots of antique furniture shops.  I also LOVE estate sales.   If you ever see an estate sale GO!   It is so worth it.

7.  How would you describe your style?

Romantic, girly, sparkles, drag queen! I love sparkles and anything that has glitz. I also love the slightest hint of a costume in an outfit.  My signature look is a dress or a skirt. I own maybe 2 pairs of jeans which I never wear.  I like things that flow and that are SHORT ;)

8.  Where are your fave places online to shop?

Goldsaturn.com

FabulousFashionFinds.net

Etsy.com

www.chictopia.com/ ß Great for up and coming indie designers

9.  What are your fave stores to shop?

I love boutiques and vintage stores.  I love to mix current looks with vintage wear.  One of my favorite vintage stores is in New York City. It is called Opera Vintage. They have an amazing collection of vintage clothes and furniture and there prices are very reasonable.  Best of all, all the proceeds go to the New York City opera.

10.  Who are your favorite designers, why?

My favorite designer/ stylist is Patricia Fields.  I think she is a breath of fresh air. Her style and line is amazing. She is girly/ edgy and is not afraid to mix new with vintage clothes. I also love that she is an older woman and refuses to dress like one.  If she wanted she could turn a paper clip into a fashion statement.

I also love a line called Otis & Maclean. I love their dresses.

11.  Who do you like to check out on Etsy?

I like to just browse. I usually type in “vintage mini dress” and get a variety of different sellers.

12.  What are your favorite blogs and magazines?

1. Fashionista.com

2. Perezhilton.com

3. Nylon

4. Runwayfashion.com

5. Dailycandy.com

6. Vogue

13.          Who inspires your fashion choices?

History. I think looking at past eras is a great way to find inspiration for potential designs. I love looking at past shows and photos and seeing what other designers have done. 

I also get inspired by Stevie Nicks and Carly Simon. I love there look in the 70’s, Eclectic bohemian woman with long flowing hair and strong souls.

Check out my site at http://www.fabulousfashionfinds.net/

The Bad Girl Has Got The LooK: Olivia Palermo

She might be the bad girl on the show...and she must be LOVING the attention since that is what she was looking for with the show, but I think she has the look down...she changes the hair, the makeup is signature for her, and each look is right on point.  It's funny, when I did the search for her, she has an OFFICIAL FAN site on blogspot...I like to follow looks, but, I won't say that I am "a fan."

I wonder if Olivia does anything on a budget...I'd like to see her shop at a store like Beacon's Closet...

New! I ♥ Ronson Collection

JcPenney Commercial Oscars 2009

Vintage: Fabulous Fashion Finds

I am addicted to this Etsy retailer!  She knows what she is doing with vintage...she finds items that are relevant to fashion right now!  I almost don't want to share the images, because I know everyone is going to go for all of the items I want and then they will be gone...but, sharing is caring!  Happy Shopping:)  I love all of the prints and the prices are AMAZING all under $50!

Also, check out Ashley, the sellers blog, it recaps her LOVE for fashion and shares her day to day fashion world. 

Fall in Love With a Sneak Peek of Christian Siriano shoes at Payless Shoe Source

Yummy shoes to expect at Payless...I am on the edge of my seat...I can't wait to see how these look in person, on my feet....I can't wait!!!!!!

Keeping it Casual

These are the key casual items every girl should get into their closet:

Nixon watch...I have never been a watch wearer...I always check out the watches people wear and I have noticed recently that celebs watches have been in the limelight recently...it's all about the Rolex baby:)  I guess, everyone needs to know what time it is:)

Everyone needs Citizens of Humanity Jeans for their casual, but "together" look...dress it up for night or pair it with a white tee.

Rachel Pally dress-this is a great comfy, but dressy style that makes it easy to get up and go without stress.  I love the print on maxi dresses this spring to be inspired by the Matthew Williamson spring 2009 runway...add a skinny belt and a fab, brilliant bib necklace.

WooHoo! Vivienne Tam mixes the colors for fall

I love the color combos at the Vivienne Tam show for fall 2009 which were based on the Chinese character for "nothingness"-wu-.  These colors are a mantra that I would love to add to my look next fall...

I also want the HP Mini Vivienne Tam Edition...it's so me and I would use it for all things fashion of course...I just saw a top by DVF on The City that would compliment this laptop perfectly!  

Ok sidenote: I love this dress by DVF too:)

Good, But Bad...

NY Mag is sharing that Barney's is halting it's spring orders...this could be good if it helps bring my Marc by Marc Jacobs jacket further down from what it has dropped already...but, does that mean no Barney in Scottsdale?:(  We shall see...either way I will be happy I guess...

Tea Time

I was just introduced to a tea that I fell in love with last week and I had to share with everyone!  I plan on getting a new special tea set from Target to pair with this fab tea to make a perfect tea time:)

The brand: Tetley

The type: Elaichi

This has cardamom and the flavor is very unique.  Add some milk and sugar and this is perfection when relaxing anywhere.

Donna Morgan brings a look I love with what looks like inspiration from India...this is a scarf print dress that stood out to me that I would wear on holiday to Cabo or something....I would pair this with a fab pair of gladiators this season to add some edge.

In most places the weather is still cool...unlike Tucson at 91 degrees today...(I know, people think I am crazy for complaining:)but, everywhere else people can wear slouchy boots with leggings, skinny jeans, and short dresses with tights.  I have a vintage pair like these that I LOVE!

I am LOVING the fringe trend this spring...It is everywhere from jewelry to shoes...and this Melie Bianco bag is just right for the season...make any look wild with this bag.

Get Your Staples Ready...

Here are the pieces you need in your closet right now:

1.  LBD...this has gone from the Little Black Dress to the little "blue" dress, to the little bold dress and beyond...I am taking it back to the basics because that is what you can turn to no matter what day of the week.  The LBD can be worn with anything from high heels to flats depending on the silhouette.  I recommend the classic black shift so there are no problems changing the look drastically with a variety of accessories.

2. LNA tank...so, as you can see it is all about the acronyms here:)  This summer I feel like I need a fab long tank that can make a look a little lighter for the summer heat and this tank is the one to do it...

3.  Save the best for last...I know some people say they like to shop for shoes and then the outfit...but, I find it more exciting to make a fabulous ensemble and then add the punch at the end to take the look over the top...and, that is what a pair of Lanvin pumps can do for any look.

Nicole Richie...Preggers Again...I Wonder if the Next Baby Will be the Inspiration for the Clothing Line?

Until then, there will be a PA at Kitson for 100 lucky girls to meet Nicole and buy her fab jewelry line!  I wish I could be in LA for this...but, since I am not, others better go for me and enjoy:)

xoxoxoxo

Christian Siriano: Fall '09 Fashion Week Preview

More for Payless...sneak peek to the designer from Project Runway...he is taking off and sharing with all of America...smart!

Payless=Get More

I haven't shopped for shoes in soooo long...but, there are a couple of styles that are such good deals and I love the styling that I have to have them!  Plus, I had to throw in some cute bags too:)  

Payless

Abaete'

Patricia Field

Forever 21

What I've Been Wearing

I keep getting stopped about these fab bangles I got at ALDO (which I haven't been to in forever--once again because I have only been shopping at Stems:)....sadly, they aren't online...but, I have a pic attached...and, I found so many wonderful pieces of jewelry that I had to share!

For Christmas, my mom bought me a piece from American Apparel that can be worn a billion ways and that I would recommend playing with a cotton maxi dress or a short cotton dress...the piece makes a casual ensemble look rather snazzy.  I would also pair this with leggings, and a tunic style tank.

Meet the Faces of Running With Heels!

Yay! Here it comes---this is the show that is on the top of my list!

Fabulous, Fabulous: Kimora Life in the Fab Lane

Finally, Kimora is back on the Style Network...it looks like this will be the go to network this season for TV!  I was just ready to give up on the channel...that just shows...you never know what you are going to get:)

Now, back to Running in Heels again....exciting news watch the first episode NOW!  I can't wait to watch this tonight after all of my shows are over:)  No need to wait get it right now:)  I am already LIVING for the wardrobe that the interns are rocking!

I am going to follow the blog religiously...don't forget to check it out...I can't let go of Isaac's blog either:)