Sukara Sterling

Project Runway....Project Sukara

2010-11-17T19:42:00.001-08:00

Austin and Santino are in Chicago promoting their show, On The Road With Austin and Santino (www.lifetime.com/austinsantino) and doing some local runway shows. This evening they had a show at Block 37, and I went to check it out. I was fortunate enough to meet them and get some feedback from them about my designs. They loved the dress that I was wearing Scarlet, which is one of my designs and can be purchased here: www.SukaraSterling.com --Austin made a great point and said.....it is great to wear from day to night! He went on to say, you could do a more casual look during the day and pair it with flats, colorful tights and a blazer--and for night change the flats to some sleek edgy heels and remove the tights and blazer. I agree!!!! Great fashion advice Austin!

I watched both of their project runway episodes. My favorite design from Austin was his cornhusk dress he made for the grocery store challenge--I also loved all the capes he wears, so cute!

Santino was also a favorite of mine because all his garments are flawless and so beautiful. I was so sad when he didn't win, but he did get runner up--he should have won! He also made me laugh with his jokes on the show, He does the best Tim Gunn impressions.

I must say I have not watched their current show, On The Road With Austin and Scarlet--They are a great duo. Austin speaks the fashion language very elegantly and Santino makes jokes.....they complement each other well...I might just have to start now :)

Movie Review: Social Network

2010-10-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

Social Network: 4.0 stars

The movie social network was a pleasant surprise. I walked into the theater already knowing the story (or a similar version of it) and didn't think I would like it. The acting (even JT) was good and the story line was pretty awesome. A movie about the next big thing, coding, programming, getting sued (double time), and how to grow and make your business awesome.

I wonder if all the next big ideas are going to show up on the web. It is amazing the codes these kids are writing these days.I really wish I knew how to do programming so I could cash in on that. I guess there is always outsourcing to India, perhaps I am not completely out of luck.

The Movie made me realize the importance of execution. Anyone can have an idea, but those who execute their ideas are going to come out ahead. It also has me excited and got me thinking entrepreneurial again. Thats all for now, I am off to execute. :)

www.SukaraSterling.com

2010-07-19T11:43:00.001-07:00

www.SukaraSterling.com is now open for business!!!! You can now shop at my boutique online and have our fabulous items delivered right to your door step!

www.sukarasterling.com

Not to mention, we are having a SUMMER CLEARANCE SALE AND EVERYING IS 50% OFF!! (tunic pictured on sale for only $12.50)

<3 What percentage are you at?! <3

2009-12-19T21:01:00.000-08:00

Todays post is one of my all time favorite short stories. I've shared it with a few close friends in the past. I love it so much that I read it from time to time because I strongly believe in fate and I am such a sucker for this kind of stuff. I wanted to share it with ya'll and see how you feel about it. It was sent to me by a very close friend about 2 years ago. He taught me so much and we have since drifted(miss you). I hope you enjoy the story as much as I do.

Haruki Murakami: On seeing the 100% perfect girl one beautiful April morning

One beautiful April morning, on a narrow side street in Tokyo's fashionable Harujuku neighborhood, I walked past the 100% perfect girl.
Tell you the truth, she's not that good-looking. She doesn't stand out in any way. Her clothes are nothing special. The back of her hair is still bent out of shape from sleep. She isn't young, either - must be near thirty, not even close to a "girl," properly speaking. But still, I know from fifty yards away: She's the 100% perfect girl for me. The moment I see her, there's a rumbling in my chest, and my mouth is as dry as a desert.
Maybe you have your own particular favorite type of girl - one with slim ankles, say, or big eyes, or graceful fingers, or you're drawn for no good reason to girls who take their time with every meal. I have my own preferences, of course. Sometimes in a restaurant I'll catch myself staring at the girl at the next table to mine because I like the shape of her nose.
But no one can insist that his 100% perfect girl correspond to some preconceived type. Much as I like noses, I can't recall the shape of hers - or even if she had one. All I can remember for sure is that she was no great beauty. It's weird.
"Yesterday on the street I passed the 100% girl," I tell someone.
"Yeah?" he says. "Good-looking?"
"Not really."
"Your favorite type, then?"
"I don't know. I can't seem to remember anything about her - the shape of her eyes or the size of her breasts."
"Strange."
"Yeah. Strange."
"So anyhow," he says, already bored, "what did you do? Talk to her? Follow her?"
"Nah. Just passed her on the street."
She's walking east to west, and I west to east. It's a really nice April morning.
Wish I could talk to her. Half an hour would be plenty: just ask her about herself, tell her about myself, and - what I'd really like to do - explain to her the complexities of fate that have led to our passing each other on a side street in Harajuku on a beautiful April morning in 1981. This was something sure to be crammed full of warm secrets, like an antique clock build when peace filled the world.
After talking, we'd have lunch somewhere, maybe see a Woody Allen movie, stop by a hotel bar for cocktails. With any kind of luck, we might end up in bed.
Potentiality knocks on the door of my heart.
Now the distance between us has narrowed to fifteen yards.
How can I approach her? What should I say?
"Good morning, miss. Do you think you could spare half an hour for a little conversation?"
Ridiculous. I'd sound like an insurance salesman.
"Pardon me, but would you happen to know if there is an all-night cleaners in the neighborhood?"
No, this is just as ridiculous. I'm not carrying any laundry, for one thing. Who's going to buy a line like that?
Maybe the simple truth would do. "Good morning. You are the 100% perfect girl for me."
No, she wouldn't believe it. Or even if she did, she might not want to talk to me. Sorry, she could say, I might be the 100% perfect girl for you, but you're not the 100% boy for me. It could happen. And if I found myself in that situation, I'd probably go to pieces. I'd never recover from the shock. I'm thirty-two, and that's what growing older is all about.
We pass in front of a flower shop. A small, warm air mass touches my skin. The asphalt is damp, and I catch the scent of roses. I can't bring myself to speak to her. She wears a white sweater, and in her right hand she holds a crisp white envelope lacking only a stamp. So: She's written somebody a letter, maybe spent the whole night writing, to judge from the sleepy look in her eyes. The envelope could contain every secret she's ever had.
I take a few more strides and turn: She's lost in the crowd.
Now, of course, I know exactly what I should have said to her. It would have been a long speech, though, far too long for me to have delivered it properly. The ideas I come up with are never very practical.
Oh, well. It would have started "Once upon a time" and ended "A sad story, don't you think?"
Once upon a time, there lived a boy and a girl. The boy was eighteen and the girl sixteen. He was not unusually handsome, and she was not especially beautiful. They were just an ordinary lonely boy and an ordinary lonely girl, like all the others. But they believed with their whole hearts that somewhere in the world there lived the 100% perfect boy and the 100% perfect girl for them. Yes, they believed in a miracle. And that miracle actually happened.
One day the two came upon each other on the corner of a street.
"This is amazing," he said. "I've been looking for you all my life. You may not believe this, but you're the 100% perfect girl for me."
"And you," she said to him, "are the 100% perfect boy for me, exactly as I'd pictured you in every detail. It's like a dream."
They sat on a park bench, held hands, and told each other their stories hour after hour. They were not lonely anymore. They had found and been found by their 100% perfect other. What a wonderful thing it is to find and be found by your 100% perfect other. It's a miracle, a cosmic miracle.
As they sat and talked, however, a tiny, tiny sliver of doubt took root in their hearts: Was it really all right for one's dreams to come true so easily?
And so, when there came a momentary lull in their conversation, the boy said to the girl, "Let's test ourselves - just once. If we really are each other's 100% perfect lovers, then sometime, somewhere, we will meet again without fail. And when that happens, and we know that we are the 100% perfect ones, we'll marry then and there. What do you think?"
"Yes," she said, "that is exactly what we should do."
And so they parted, she to the east, and he to the west.
The test they had agreed upon, however, was utterly unnecessary. They should never have undertaken it, because they really and truly were each other's 100% perfect lovers, and it was a miracle that they had ever met. But it was impossible for them to know this, young as they were. The cold, indifferent waves of fate proceeded to toss them unmercifully.
One winter, both the boy and the girl came down with the season's terrible inluenza, and after drifting for weeks between life and death they lost all memory of their earlier years. When they awoke, their heads were as empty as the young D. H. Lawrence's piggy bank.
They were two bright, determined young people, however, and through their unremitting efforts they were able to acquire once again the knowledge and feeling that qualified them to return as full-fledged members of society. Heaven be praised, they became truly upstanding citizens who knew how to transfer from one subway line to another, who were fully capable of sending a special-delivery letter at the post office. Indeed, they even experienced love again, sometimes as much as 75% or even 85% love.
Time passed with shocking swiftness, and soon the boy was thirty-two, the girl thirty.
One beautiful April morning, in search of a cup of coffee to start the day, the boy was walking from west to east, while the girl, intending to send a special-delivery letter, was walking from east to west, but along the same narrow street in the Harajuku neighborhood of Tokyo. They passed each other in the very center of the street. The faintest gleam of their lost memories glimmered for the briefest moment in their hearts. Each felt a rumbling in their chest. And they knew:
She is the 100% perfect girl for me.
He is the 100% perfect boy for me.
But the glow of their memories was far too weak, and their thoughts no longer had the clarity of fouteen years earlier. Without a word, they passed each other, disappearing into the crowd. Forever.
A sad story, don't you think?
Yes, that's it, that is what I should have said to her.

The Frock "galaxy dress"

2009-11-15T22:19:00.000-08:00

Francesca Rosella and Ryan Genz of interactive clothing company CuteCircuit have created a dress made out of 24,000 full color LED lights! And it's actually wearable! The frock, which has been dubbed the "Galaxy Dress" uses the smallest full-color LEDs possible and are flat as paper measuring 2mx2mm. The designers say "the circuits are extra-thin, flexible, and hand embroidered on a layer of silk in a way that gives it stretch so the LED fabric can move like normal fabric with lightness and fluidity." However the bright creation does have a Cinderella effect. The tiny iPod batteries that power the dress only last anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour. But even if the batteries go out the dress is decorated with 4000 hand-applied Swarovski crystals so it's always sparkling! No one has actually worn the dress and is currently on display at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry.
Click here : "the frock" to see a video of this futuristic garment!

The Summer Boot

2009-06-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

Boots are no longer only for 12 inches of snow in the thick of winter months. We are seeing a lot of designers and style icons pair ankle boots with their cute summer dresses. Predominately for summer we are seeing an open toe ankle boot in materials of lace, leather, suede and silk. For me, its no surprise that they have been making their way into warmer months. Boots have always been a favorite piece of mine, and I too have been marching in my boots this summer!

Facebook Movie

2009-06-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

Would you see a movie based of the social networking site facebook? The movie would be based of the book The Accidental Billionaires: The founding of facebook and would follow Mark Zuckerberg's early days in college developing the network to its crazy popularity today. I wonder if they will omit the scene where Mark is hired by a friend who comes up with the idea to develop the site but steals the idea an spins it as his own. I wonder who would play Zukerberg? Possibly Shia LaBeouf or Micheal Cera, leaning more towards Cera. So tell me, is this a production that you will see?

paper water bottles

2009-06-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

The 360 paper water bottle from Brand Image is an attempt to address 60 million plastic bottles thrown away daily in the United States (of which 86% become garbage). The paper vessel is made from 100% renewable food-safe resources, fully recyclable and versatile in a number of potential liquid categories. This is absolutely amazing click the link below to read more about this innovative product, and do your part for the environment, switch it up! thedieline.com/papperbottle

Manicurist sells house and car to build school in native village

2009-06-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

Lidia Schaefer returned to her native village in Ethopia and was troubled by what she saw. Children were walking three hours each way to attend classes held not in a school but under a tree. Schaefer knew she had to act when one of the children was killed by a hyena. She worked very hard fundraising and putting a portion of her own wages to the school. When she still fell short of the money, she decided to sell her home and car to come up with the rest of the money for funding the school. Click the link to read the full article. cnn.com/heroslidia

Homeless to Harvard

2009-06-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

Kenneth Chancey is 17 and does not exactly have the easiest life. He is a homeless student who dreams of going to Harvard and becoming a doctor. He just finished his Junior year where he was named the best overall academic student, and is the star running back of his football team. When classes and practice end, he starts his hour long journey home with his sister where he lives in a homeless shelter. click the link to read the full article. cnn.com/homlesstoharvord

Stacy Sterling Helps Design Global Summit Braclelet!

2009-06-24T21:50:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce that Stacy Sterling has decided to volunteer her valuable time and expertise to help design a unisex Global Summit bracelet. Stacy Sterling is an innovative jewelry designer who has a very impressive resume. She has been able to make a career out of designing jewelry in Los Angelos CA where the competition is thick. She has a long list of celebrity clientele including Paris Hilton, Debra Messing, Hilary and Haily Duff, Ashley Simpson, and so many more! The bracelet will be available for purchase on our website at www.globalsmt.org . All of the proceeds from the bracelet will go directly to the non-profit. If you would like to purchase one, please keep checking back with us, we will be announcing a release date soon. Let the bracelet be a reminder of the good you are doing, helping change the world in a positive way.

Politicians and Infidelity....

2009-06-24T21:20:00.001-07:00

Why do all these politicians keep cheating on their wives (although its not just poloticians)? Mark Sanford would you like to answer this question for me? You find out you are being considered for the GOP 2012 presidential election and you end your affair, interesting. Would you have ended it if you were not going to advance your political career?

shall i name just a few others in this category.......
Gov Sanford (brazilan rendevous)
Elliot Spfitzer (prostitution scandle)
Bill Clinton (white house *cough*)
John Edwards (out comes a baby)
i could keep going........

I guess my first thought is if someone can not even be trustworthy with their family how can we trust them to help run the country? I am uncertian to where I stand on this, I would love to hear your thoughts. Should politicians be able to remain in office after they have affairs? Please leave a comment on this post and let me know where you stand.

In the news......

2009-06-01T09:07:00.000-07:00

Fashion News.......
Two words, toughen up!
www.newyorktimes/fashionend

Showing a lot giving little
www.nytimes.com/showlotlittle

Other News........
GM bankruptcy.......will it ever end?! The prez wants to pump more money in, but I say just close already!!!! If it's not working, its not working, move on!
www.cnn.com/gmbankruptcy

Missing Jet?!??
www.cnn.com/jetfrance

Weight battles.....with celebs (I say as long as u work out and eat healthy why does it matter what weight you are)
www.nytimes.com/celebsbinge

So sad, South Africans Euthanize whales
www.nytimes.com/euthanizewhales

It's a sunshine day......

2009-06-01T08:33:00.001-07:00

Good Morning lovelies!!!! Last night there were some awesome thunderstorms, I love thunderstorms at night. I woke up today to beautiful weather and SUNSHINE. I have off from working at my shop today, but I am still working of course, and mixing it with a little pleasure too (hopefully windsurfing). Today I am working on some pieces for my spring line and designing a bracelet for my non profit (www.globalsmt.org). I am off for a walk with Benson now, it is his favorite time of the day. Hope you all enjoy your day too!!

music television awards.....mtv style

2009-05-31T21:14:00.000-07:00

Highlights...
Jim Carreys acceptance speech was really funny
so this girl(pictured left) was def strung out---Kristin Stewart (she even dropped her popcorn)
The host, i forgot his name was also funny at most times.

The fun thing about the MTV movie awards is you don't have to dress glamorous its a little more laid back, fun and casual (still cocktail) and spunky.....below are my FASHION HIGHLIGHTS
Sienna Miller

Megan Fox

Lauren Conrad

Mr. Zac

Maimi B*tch.......

2009-05-31T21:03:00.000-07:00

www.youtube.com/maimibitch

sONg OF ThE dAy!!

Quiet on the set......

2009-05-31T15:34:00.000-07:00

(Sukara with the Man, Myth, Legend...can u guess who is who?)

I just finished up my styling gig for Man, Myth, Legend. We were working on shooting a pilot, that hopefully will be picked up by a big network. The show is basically the male version of Sex and the City. I had an amazing time working on set with everyone. There was a great cast and crew involved. It seems as though everyone involved (well most) are moving to LA, Hope to see you all there ;)

Lily Allen

2009-05-30T18:44:00.001-07:00

I just picked up this cd, and I heart it, and I wanted to spread the words so everyone else can heart it too!Click here to watch LDN video....... www.youtube.com/ldn

Her debut cd is called Alright, still....EVERYONE SHOULD BUY IT AND LIKE IT! (warning explicit lyrics) www.amazon.com/lilyallen

fashion forever.....

2009-05-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

So i just finished sweing up my first dress for my spring line...I would love, love, love to show you all (hey is there anyone even there listening, reading?!?! hahaha) but I want to wait till I am finished with the whole collection, I will be having a fashion show and revealing it there!!!! I am off for a run, then a private fashion party, then sleep, then tomorrow I have my last day styling for Man, Myth, Legend!

UrbAN SuKAra

2009-05-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

What is Sukara?!?!

www.urbandictionary.com/sukara

........And sometimes they make us sound cooler than we actually are ;)

2009-02-22T19:45:00.000-08:00

click the link below, to read my article in the badger herald!

www.badgerherald.com/sukara

Why don't you blog about it!?!??

2009-02-22T19:00:00.000-08:00

People have been telling me a bunch lately that they read my blog and they want me to keep posting stuff because I have not been lately. I am sitting here thinking, yea right my blog doesn't even get any comments(hahahaha)EVER. But so here I go again with hopefully daily posts.....prob more like weekly since I can be a slacker and get consumed in life's daily tasks and often sidetracked. Pero, I am going to give ya'll what you want, and if you truly really read my blog, feel free to leave comments, it will keep me up to date with it. (smiley face) When girls come into my shop I sometimes get caught up gabbing with them and talking for longer than they really have time for and are usually like why don't you blog about this kind of stuff??? So if you want to know whats going on with me and my shop you can check here!!! (the Oscars are on right now and everyone looks fabulous so I am going to get back to that and I will give my Oscar critiques for my next post!! So check it!!!)
-Sukara and Benson

The Power of Education

2008-11-12T08:26:00.000-08:00

Last night was a very exciting evening for me and some of my friends. We have talked of starting a non-profit organization for a long time now and last night we finalized the paper work for getting Global Summit, Ltd started (and let me tell you there was tons and tons of official paper work that has been taken care of). Our main focuses at Global Summit, Ltd will be building schools and orphanages for children all over the world. Our first goal is to have a school built in Africa in one year, and shortly to follow an orphanage built in South America. Though to most of you this probably seems far fetched but we plan on doing major fund raising and organizing to achieve our goals. We will also be working hand in hand with an already established organization (Building Tomorrow) they will be guiding us to reaching our goals.

I was named President of the organization and will be focusing on ideas and planning for fund raising events. Timothy Kemper was named Vice President, Margarete Balza was named treasurer (because she is so trustworthy with money, and i have a gambling problem ;)hahaha), Christopher Nienhaus was named secretary (because he has amazing note taking skills). Though these positions are just temporary titles because with time, we plan to hire full-time people for these positions and the original four of us who are starting this organization will be sitting on the board of directors.

The four of us all believe that education is extremely important. Not only educating children but also adults. If we educate the entire communities, everyone involved can implement what they learned to the "real world" and make positive choices to better the community. We plan on implementing a non-formal education system. One of the things that I am most excited about teaching is entrepreneurial skills and helping individuals believe that they can achieve anything. By educating kids and getting them off the streets at a young age, we feel that it will take them out of the hands of drugs and guns which in turn will produce healthier communities. We know this won't achieve Utopia but its defiantly a positive step in the right direction.

I encourage all of you to get involved with us, or find a cause that you believe in. We live in this great country with endless opportunities. Most of us are fortunate to have an education and with that fortune you can help others in need of direction. So please get involved!! If you would like to help our organization out with fund raising and or donations please contact me or one of the members on the board.

*We are planning our first extremely fun fund raising event NOW, and more details to follow....keep Dec 5th 2008 open on your calendars!!!

*I am also designing a bracelet for Global Summit, Ltd. ALL (not 5%,10%,29% or 99% ALL) of the proceeds will be donated back to our organization.

Thanks for listening!!!
-Suk

Tim Gunn for everyone!!!!

2008-11-11T10:19:00.000-08:00

Project runway is one of my all time favorite shows for obvious reasons. A big part of what makes the show so special is Tim Gunn. With his witty comments, elegant vocabulary and flawless sense of taste, he makes the hour show seem to pass by in mere minutes. Well girls and boys, ive got great news for you!!! Tim Gunn will be making an appearance in Madison at the womens expo on Saturday November 22. The Madison Women’s Expo is an annual tradition held each year on the weekend before Thanksgiving. Hosted by Brava magazine, the event features hundreds of exhibitors, celebrity guests and interactive fun encompassing every aspect of a woman’s life. Categories represented include food, health, leisure, fashion, beauty, style, home, entertaining, children and families, career opportunities, non-profit organizations, fitness and so much more. With Tim Gunn as one of my mentors, I will be attending the expo with my beautiful mommy, hope we bump into ya'll there!

a poem to share.......enjoy!

2008-11-10T16:11:00.001-08:00

I found this poem and i liked it because it reminds me of the walks i take with Benson...And I must say that i've exchanged some smiles with cute runners myself but usually in the day light.....maybe you will like it to!!!
Evening Exchanges
who was the man i passed in the dark,
this brisk evening as i strolled through the park.
side by side my dog and i,
hearing the stride of the passerby,
in the moonlight twinkle we share a glance,
smiles exchanged, my walk enhanced.
the monumental moon it guides me,
back to the house where i lay dreaming of thee.
-anonymous

Work it, Own it!

2008-11-09T15:40:00.000-08:00

I must say that I was not looking forward to the brisk weather that pops up this time of year in Madison. To my surprise I seem to be embracing it. I find myself getting excited every morning when I get dressed to go to work. I love layering, and wearing my snug sweaters, and putting on one of my thousands of jackets I have to choose from. Just because it is cold out, doesn't mean you have to throw your style out. Have fun with it, rock with it. Though I've turned in my stiletto heels (I still give myself a stiletto advantage on special occasions) for furry warm boots, and cute dresses for chunky sweaters, I'm still enjoying the weather. Thing is, its usually pretty pleasurable at first, and we haven't had that freezing hand chapping weather yet. Can't wait till we do though, so I can throw on the ice skates, and hop on my snowboard! Gotta make the best of every season, Right? ;) Snowball fight anyone??? (ha! when it snows of course.)

Plus the thing about fall/winter for me is...it turns into GO TIME. I got big plans for this winter: WORK. I hope that I will have even the slightest bits of free time to do the winter activities that I enjoy doing. This past week/weekend I spent countless hours detailing 6 business plans. I have my work cut out for me, and I am excited to get to it. I've got awesome plans for the shop. I have an amazing design team dreaming up my website right now as you read this. (take a sneak peak www.sukarasterling.com ) I have been told that it should be ready to launch in 2 weeks. That is great news, but with that great news comes lots and lots of work and loads of responsibility. I am also working on a non-profit organization that I am starting. My book of course is still coming along slowly but surely. I am drafting up plans for seminars that I will be hosting. But the thing that I am most excited about right now is my clothing line that I am working on. Designing has always been a passion of mine, and I am sew ;) excited to be crafting beautiful handmade dresses right now. WORK>>WORK>>WORK-IT.

My plans with the blog are to be doing at least a few posts a week...so CHECK-CHECK-CHECK-it. The posts will be various, updates on what I have done/am doing, great recipes I will be suggesting, vacations, website stuff, store stuff, of course fashion stuff....anything i wanna post, because its my blog!!!!!

Love ya'll and special shout-out to Benson for helping me with all my projects.
~Sukie

"Try not to worry about your bills here is a biscuit for ya"

2008-07-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

Bikini or Bust is a reality show about fashion designer Ashley Paige. The show follows the daily life duties of Ashley as she struggles to pay her bills as an independent designer. Despite her already famous name, she still can not find the means to pay her bills. There are other characters in the show her adorable mother, and her staff. Her mom really adds to the show with her not trying to be hilarious but hilarious mind set. ("Try not to worry about your bills here is a biscuit for ya." Line by her mother, she says funny things like this throughout the whole show)

I really like this show because it reminds me of the struggles I went through when I first started my business. I started the business with no money to fall back on in the bank, so I had to operate on positive cash flow. This is not something that most or any other people would do when starting a business, I on the other hand sometimes think I am super woman and just go for it. I mean, looking back it probably was not the smartest idea, but today I am not struggling to pay the rent so I am happy about the choices I made.

The show is on Friday nights on TLC...but they always have reruns because I am sure most of you will not be sitting in on a Friday night! But check it! Next show synopsis; With only 2 weeks left before LA Fashion week, Davis Factor tells Ashley that if she wants to keep up her profile, she'll need to put on a fashion show this season. Can Ashley find the money and the models in time?

http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/ashley-paige/ashley-paige.html

Paper or Plastic.........Elle or Vogue

2008-07-27T19:57:00.000-07:00

Vogues revenues are down while Elle's are a jumpin up! Why could this be?? How could this be?? Is it cover vs cover, Kate Moss vs Mariah Carey?? Is it content vs content?? Styles vs styles?? To be honest with you, even before I heard this, I was disappointed in this months issue of Vogue. When I was finished with the magazine I thought to myself thats it? I was left wanting more, and Vogue unlike many fashion magazines usually fulfills my fashion desires (for a short period of time). Elle is also about to come out with their biggest issue ad page wise. They beat Vogue hands down with add revenue for the past 4 months in a row. Anna what is up?

I mean for me, its not really a vs thing. I think that both of these magazines have great content but in different forms. For example Roberta Myers who is Editor for Elle magazine has a fresher new outlook and Vogue's Anna Wintour stays with the classics of fashion. Thats just my opinion! Content aside, its interesting to see that Elle is beginning to outshine Vogue when Vogue is usually the brightest star in the sky. Vogue you better give it to us next month, im ready for something huge!

sTuFf........

2008-07-26T09:22:00.001-07:00

MAXWELL STREET DAYS..........
Sales galore, maxwell street days is over!!! Maxwell street days the state street Christmas has already came and gone and was a great success! It is one of my favorite times of the year for multiple reasons. My mom and sister come to Madison to help with the hectic weekend of crazy sale shoppers and the other big reason is its the time of the year to get rid of everything old in the store and GET IN NEW STUFF!! With fall on the horizon we are going to start getting in our fall looks and students are about to come back, this is when things get good here at Sukara Sterling. And I aslo really enjoy MSD because I am BUSY!! I am so busy that I can't even stop to think thats the kind of busy I was and thats the kind of busy I like, hence the reason I am trying to build a magnificent empire. I wonder if any of you came and found some good deals at my shop or at any other stores on state. I was so busy that I didn't get to go to any other stores. Actually thats a lie, in attempt to go shopping down the street I lost my credit card and took that as a sign not to purchase anything. I have yet to get it reissued, but think of all the money I am saving without it :)
DON'T FORGET ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD.......
Every year so far after maxwell street days, my mom, my sister and my moms bf (lets call him John, well cuz thats his name) we go to Noah's arc. So far its a 3 year tradition since I have been through 3 years of maxwell street days. It is much fun because after a busy week of sales and shoppers, you go to Noah's Arc and its a day of riding rides and relaxing in the lazy river. Also, I love the candy stores that are there, I spent all my money on candy just like i did as a child (but i really didn't spend ALL of my money now that would just be stupid but i spent $20.00 on candy thats a lot of candy). It was a lot of fun, I highly recommend going before the years over to take you back to those young and innocent days....i might even go and get my fix again :)
LOVE FOR FASHION CONFIRMED........
Do you ever feel like you lose sight of something?? I feel like sometimes it just happens, but then when you stumble upon it again, its just that much better! So it's okay to lose sight of something your passionate about only if you can find it again. Well the thing about me is I have not done any designing for a year. A WHOLE YEAR!!! I guess I kinda just lost track and got caught up in managing my boutique and working on a website that no longer exists (tear). But let me inform you that I will be designing again....YAY!!! This will start soon, real soon, I am moving to a new apartment and I am designating a whole room to my sewing area! I CANT WAIT!!! Actually I did make a personal bracelet for myself the other day (its called: love,me) I wore it to work the next day and this girl loved it so much, she special ordered one from me before they even hit the shelf and she is from California so I will be shipping it to her. Let this be the start to my major fashion production :)
THE SARTORIALIST............
This is a blog worth checking out. It was recently suggested to me, and I would love to spread the word. What I like about it so much is well obvi the fashion but the fashion mixed with the photog is priceless. I emailed the guy who is behind the beauty and proposed lunch next time I am in New York because I think he is amazing and feel like I could learn from him.
anyways...the point of this post is not to copy him but to bring some fun Madison (or where ever my travels take me, primarily Madison) street style to the internet blog world. So basically what I am saying is that when I see fits that I feel are inspiring I will photog them and post them for your enjoyment besides there are great styles everywhere you go so the more the merrier right?
o here is the link to Scott Schuman's blog www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com
HMMMMM WHAT ELSE????
nada for now---have a good day, its a beautiful day here in madison like 80deg and sunny who could ask for anything better than a day like that. I am working now, my first Saturday in like a year. Lindsay my fabulous employee needed the day off to go see her familia, so i gave her off cuz im nice..hahahaha but Jessie is comming in at 2:30 so I am planning a picnic walk through villas with my big and little pups!
ENJOY YOUR DAY TOO!

What Are You Writing A Book About??

2008-06-28T18:50:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all,
I have got a lot that I am working on right now. Maxwell Street Day Planning, Writing A Book, Website (getting it back up and shoppable), Styling, Buying for and Managing the Boutique, Clothing and Accessory Line, linen and Home Decor Line, and there are some other things in early stages that I am working on. But right now these are my main focuses.
One of the things I wanted to talk a bit about was my book I am working on (which is still currently nameless). Every day I get asked my life story by so many people men and women, most are interested in opening a boutique or starting a business and some are just interested in learning about my success story. I have decided to take this story to the next level and write a "how to" book. I am actually currently working on it now, its in its early stages but I have started it. This is gonna be one of my greatest challenges because I am not a writer. I'm a little nervous but still willing to try. Because y'all know my policy is try everything and don't be afraid of failure. Some of the topics In the book I will include are: Trade Shows, Business Plan, Work Smart or Work Hard, Do It Yourself, Cutting the No's out of Your Life, Never Give Up, Establishing Good Relationships, Paper Work, Do What Works for You...etc. Im not sure when this will be done. But its coming along really well, and I will keep you posted.

More posts to come soon, pos daily! Watch for Weather and a Fit.
-Suk ;)

Sukara Sterling on NBC!

2008-04-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a great feature that NBC just did on the boutique!

Wednesday --- April 2, 2008 ---

After a gorgeous day like Wednesday --- it is time to start thinking about what to wear in the warmer weather.

In this week's Hot Trends, Christine Bellport takes us to a tiny shop in Madison that has the attention of Hollywood.

We are all thinking about lighter clothes and clothes that reflect our relief the cold weather is on its way out.

If you are looking for a trendy store that won't break the bank -- try Sukara Sterling on State Street.

Owner Sukara Sterling tells us this Spring, the trend is all about crossing classic lines with a feminine touch.

Owner Sukara Sterling says, "It is kind of like a mixture of both. It is feminine with like ruffles and its very ornate but at the same time it is very tailored and classic."

All her clothes are all imported from Los Angeles -- the place where fashion reflects eternal spring. Popular colors this season are fuchsia, coral, yellow and orange.

And for Jewelry -- the big look this year is pairing a feminine or classic sundresses with very funky piece.

Her sister, Stacey Sterling hit it big in LA with a wire or dreamcatcher inspired jewelry.

Also, her peace sign designs were worn on the MTV show 'Newport Harbor'. Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson and Nicole Richie also are big fans of her jewelry.

Sukara reminded us as we left, that fashion does not have to be expensive to be trendy. Always good advice.

Get it while its hot!!

2008-03-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
If you have not checked out the website yet, nows the time to check. I just finished adding in all of our fabulous spring clothing including some really great bathing suites. And if you know anything about the store, our stuff sells out fast. So get your orders in while the stuff is still available and hot(not that anything we sell would ever dare to go out of style ;)). We also have several new shipments of stuff coming this week that I will be adding immediately upon receiving. We pretty much get new stuff every week sometimes everyday so check back daily. You WILL love it!!

Also, I just wanted to say that this whole process has been surprisingly really enjoyable. I never thought that it would be, when i started all I could think about was this extra work that I have added to my plate and I wasn't that excited about it. Now, I am excited to see where the website goes from here and what kind of sales it will do. Its exciting to have opened myself up to this global market, from a tiny little State Street boutique. Not to mention, all the valuable skills that I learned from doing the website, and I am sure there are more lessons to come.

Check it out! www.sukarasterling.com and ENJOY!!!

That's A Wrap!

2008-03-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterdays shoot for www.sukarasterling.com homepage went amazing! I decided to come up with a fun theme to get people ready for spring. I thought it would be really exciting to do a Ghetto Fabulous Spring Cleaning theme. As a stylist, I don't usually get to do such outfits (well maybe back in my younger days) so I really enjoyed the styling for this. It was also fun to scout out the locations; we choose an old laundry house with lots of character, a bright green kitchen and a trashy city alley. I also just wanted to say thank you to everyone involved in this long fulfilling process. We had a rocky kickstart but we ended up doing some of our best work in the end. Anthony David Adams was the brilliant photographer who brought new ideas to the shoot. Anja was also there to assist and help inspire. Also, thanks to Daphne Sproquette Sterling and Benson Paddigton Sterling for your moral support ;)!! The weather here has been so crazy!! Even though there is still snow on the ground aren't you ready to move forward with your wardrobe regardless of mother nature?? I know I am!! I can't wait for ya'll to see our latest spring looks, sooo cueeetttt you WILL love it!!! Check back daily as we add new stuff every day!! THAT'S A WRAP!
~Sukara Sterling