Hi. Let's go back in time.

"Hi. Let's go back in time" is DeStylez's very first outdoor lookbook. This set of photos happened by pure coincidence.

A while ago, I had the honour of meeting this lady, Cheryl, who applied to be DeStylez's model. At that point, we knew that DeStylez was going to go for a geek chic look. It would be a look that is most appropriate in showcasing style and confidence. Geek chic is not an easy look to pull off and can look real nerdy if not done correctly. While we did not choose Cheryl in the end, we did end up with another form of collaboration. 

I bought myself a DSLR a couple of months ago, and named it Kimberly. It was a name I always wanted to give myself after watching Power Rangers but decided against. I know this is so besides the point but it's important that everyone knows the name of my DSLR, something which I always wanted but had no money to buy. 

Fast forward today, I have already brought Kimberly out on a number of occasions.

"Hi. Let's go back in time" lookbook is another baby of Kimberly. I have to say I was very happy with the output and can't wait to share it. This lookbook is only going up on DeStylez early March but I can't wait already. So, here I am, sharing some of the photos which are beautiful but may not appear in the lookbook.

And yes, these retro vintage pieces are launching on March 13 and 27 respectively on DeStylez.

Enjoy and thank you for reading!
♥ ZM & Kim

 

 

 

 

 

Day 19.

Today marks the 19th day after we officially launch De-Stylez.

While the feedback has generally been positive, mostly from colleagues and friends, but one thing hasn't quite gained any momentum - sales. An irony. Dive deep and bits and pieces of information starts to reveal:-

1. Lack of an impressionable name
2. Lack of a unique selling point 
3. Lack of marketing and awareness
4. Uncertain about product quality

Thought I would just defend myself here, in a space nobody (yet) knows.

1. Lack of an impressionable name 

De-Stylez to me is a big idea. It's a promise to help people find their style through De-constructing their (current) style to find their true style, or finding the (de) style that belongs to them. We are more than a blogshop, more than an online shop, but seeks to play an important role in every girls' life.

And hence, that is how I go about designing our logo. At first glance, it's a DS. Looking deeper reveals a swan-like picture - you get the meaning. Such beautiful idea, I refuse to follow the majority. Stubborn? Perhaps.

 

2. Lack of a unique selling point 

3. Lack of marketing and awareness

Lack of a USP? Lack of Marketing. Indeed. Being an entrepreneur isn't easy, less to say a noob with no contacts, budgetary constraint, saturated market with established players. But we are working on it. I'm glad that we have a dedicated team, and most importantly people who trust and believe in me. I am sure our effort will (one day) pay off and soon, the sun will emerge (smiling) from behind the clouds. 

4. Uncertain about product quality

What is considered a good product with good quality? Non-sheer, thick materials - really? Items are deliberately design in a certain way. While poor quality items definitely fits into this description 99% of the time, but does good quality items not have this? Lace, sheer are all part of what makes an item interesting and unique, strong indoor lights is often not truly reflective of what a pair of bare eyes see.

Being a buyer, I am a consumer myself. If an item is unique but made with sheer materials, a trade-off has to take place. Price versus design versus quality = Value - and this is what we sell. 

This may come across as a defensive post. But I would like to use it as a platform to say out what's on my mind. Perhaps a few years later, I will look back and read and laugh at my foolishness. But, what's more important than defending your own 'baby'?