Friday, February 27, 2009

Have A Ball Giveaway




Thanks to "A Dress A Day" for doing this giveaway with us. So here's how we're going to do this. Please go to our website, Vintage Hem.com and choose from "Have A Ball" in Antique Gold, Silk White, or Ivory and tell us why you love that particular slip in the comments below. You will have ten days from today and we'll announce the winner who will receive a free Have A Ball slip! Make sure and invite all your friends to come and participate in this giveaway. This slip is a classic and transitions beautifully through all the seasons.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

The Next Big Thing 2009-this could be you!


We are encouraging all our readers and fans to take their new products to the next level by entering this fantastic contest. We enjoyed participating and being named as one of the three finalists! Go for it! (the following is a press release from the Dallas Market Center)

February 24, 2009

DALLAS – February 24, 2009 – Dallas Market Center, the world’s largest wholesale merchandise resource, today announced a call for entries for its national product search contest – The Next Big Thing. Three finalists will show their products in front of more than 50,000 attendees during the upcoming Dallas Total Home & Gift Market being held June 24-30, 2009.

The contest is for anyone who has The Next Big Thing – an artist, product designer, entrepreneur, or your next door neighbor. It offers the opportunity for those with great ideas to make their dream a reality.

“Now more than ever we want to partner with up-and-coming entrepreneurs,” said Bill Winsor, president and CEO, Dallas Market Center. “In challenging economic times it’s important to help develop small businesses that can improve the financial landscape of our country. The Next Big Thing national product search contest does just that – it allows individuals to show their products to wholesale buyers from throughout the world.”

The contest allows up-and-comers, whether companies or individuals, to show their product(s) in front of domestic and international retail buyers at Dallas Market Center. The Next Big Thing could be the newest gadget, perfect gift, or must have fashion accessory. This is an opportunity to get your product out in the market.

The finished product should be unique with an outstanding design and concept. Applications can be downloaded at www.dallasmarketcenter.com by clicking on The Next Big Thing and should be submitted via e-mail to thenextbigthing@dmcmail.com or mailed to The Next Big Thing; c/o Dallas Market Center; 2100 Stemmons Freeway, MS 120; Dallas, Texas; 75207 by April 1, 2009.

Three finalists will be selected by a panel of judges from trade and consumer publications as well as Dallas Market Center representatives and announced on April 20, 2009. The finalists will receive airfare and hotel to the upcoming Dallas Total Home & Gift Market FINDS Temp Show (June 26-29, 2009) to show their product in a complimentary exhibit space.

The judges will select a winner based on the finalists’ product, trade space presentation, and production plan. The winner will be announced on Saturday, June 27, 2009 and will win a prize package worth more than $10,000 including exhibit space at the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, January 13-19, 2010, a profile in one of Dallas Market Center’s award-winning custom publications, consultations from leading industry experts regarding branding, public relations, visual merchandising and much more.

Renee Williams, founder of SIPATINIZ™, was awarded The Next Big Thing title this past January with her spill-resistant martini glass and will show her product again this June as part of her prize package.

“I never in a million years thought I’d be selected as a finalist much less win,” said Williams. “The Dallas Market Center has offered the support and partnership I needed to grow my business and develop SIPATINIZ. I still can’t believe all of the opportunities that have been presented to me since winning!”

SIPATINIZ was selected from three contest finalists including Good For You Girls™ and Vintage Hem©. More information on our January finalists is available on their Web sites at www.sipatiniz.com, www.goodforyougirls.com and www.vintagehem.com.

For additional information on the contest visit www.dallasmarketcenter.com and click on The Next Big Thing or e-mail thenextbigthing@dmcmail.com.
Dallas Market Center holds four Total Home & Gift Markets (January, March, June and September) and five Apparel & Accessories Markets (January, March, June, August and October) each year. Retail buyers are offered new lines and products at Dallas Market Center throughout its permanent showrooms and temporary exhibition space.

About Dallas Market Center
Founded in 1957, Dallas Market Center is the world’s largest wholesale merchandise resource. Within its marketplace of more than five million square feet, retailers from around the globe source products ranging from home furnishings, gifts, decorative accessories and lighting to textiles, fashion accessories and men's, western, women's and children's apparel. With more than 50 markets each year attended by more than 200,000 retail buyers from all 50 states and 84 countries, Dallas Market Center offers hundreds of events and seminars geared toward helping retailers expand business and increase profits. As a result, more than $8 billion in estimated wholesale transactions are conducted annually within the Dallas Market Center complex. The Dallas Market Center Web site is available at www.dallasmarketcenter.com.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Deseret News Article


Eliza magazine: Style and substance
By Nicole Warburton
Deseret News
Published: Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009 7:33 p.m. MST

Summer Bellessa didn't intend for ELIZA magazine to be anything big. Just a side project. You know, similar to scrapbooking, she joked during a recent interview.
But when your "hobby" gets featured on "Good Morning America," Fox News and in Newsweek, things change. And for Bellessa, it changed in a big way.

Her magazine, which is based in Los Angeles, suddenly hit the national stage. People were jumping to subscribe to the magazine, which showcases stylish yet modest fashions and also "uplifting" entertainment and lifestyle articles.

For Bellessa, the growth of ELIZA is a clear indication there is a market for modesty. Women want to know about top fashions and trends but without having to wade through articles and images they may view as inappropriate, she said. Her print-run is 10,000, and her magazine can be found in stores across the nation, including Barnes & Noble bookstores in Utah.

"We have found there is a group of women whose voices aren't heard," said Bellessa, who serves as editor-in-chief of ELIZA. "They still want to buy fashion magazines … but they don't cover their view."

You can sense Bellessa's passion as she talks about her magazine. During a recent interview at Bambara restaurant in Salt Lake City, she talked about how articles are selected and trends presented in the magazine.

It's a careful balance to determine how people will perceive things and the message that will be sent by words and images. In the most recent issues of ELIZA, Bellessa said she and her colleagues were careful to call it their "marriage" issue instead of a "wedding" or "bridal" issue.

They wanted to promote their belief that getting married is about more than the wedding and a fancy dress. Sometimes the words "marriage" or even "wife" have bad connotations, said Bellessa.

"We wanted to make sure we could show how fun marriage really is and that it's worth it, working hard to build that relationship," she said.

But the magazine is by no means "prudish." Bellessa, who is in her late 20s, is a former runway model and is still represented by Ford Models. You can sense she knows fashion by the way she dresses and the clothing featured in her magazine, which is published quarterly.


There are beautiful images that showcase trends such as layering, or wearing lace and other vintage-inspired themes. Also, articles and images show different ways to apply makeup, or highlight different styles of wedding dresses for sale.

"We attract really creative people whose work is right up there with Vogue and Glamour and it's so much fun to be able to do that," said Bellessa about the talent that helps produce her magazine.

Laura Field, marketing director for Layers Clothing, which is based in Draper, said her company "loves" ELIZA magazine because of its positive spin on fashion. Layers was started in 2005 by Michelle Boley and three friends and is now represented in nearly all 50 states, the Philippines and Canada.

Field believes ELIZA magazine is a great outlet for "amazing" fashion and really demonstrates how people can mix-and-match high-end pieces with affordable, trendy clothing. Layers advertises in the magazine and is featured on the back cover of its most recent magazine.

"Summer, ELIZA's editor-in-chief, has tapped into a world of fashion that is so needed during these times of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll," Field said.

Jennifer Jensen Young, the owner and creator of Draper-based Vintage Hem, also advertises in ELIZA. For her, the magazine showcases true feminine beauty without too much emphasis on skin.

Young sells slips women can use to lengthen skirts or add a touch of style to their outfits. She said she loves vintage styles that are romantic and feminine.

"I have three little girls and I love the idea they can pick up a glamorous magazine and look at it," said Young, who has more than doubled the size and revenue of her company in two years. "The women in ELIZA are revered for style and beauty, but they are in modest clothing."

For Bellessa, that is the goal: to showcase styles, trends and people that are beautiful yet substantial. Some of the women featured on ELIZA's cover include Brooke White, who appeared on American Idol last season, and Nicole Lapin, who is a young anchorwoman on CNN.com Live. We don't want to put people out there who are glitz without any substance," Bellessa said. "We want to make sure they're really someone who should be looked up to."

For more information about ELIZA magazine, log on to: www.elizamagazine.com

About Summer Bellessa:

Summer Bellessa was born in Chicago and now lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Kerry. She began modeling about age 4 and started a full-time modeling career around age 16.

Bellessa has done runway modeling, appeared in catalogs, magazines and also commercials, including some in Japan. She was married six years ago in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

While she still models, her main focus is working on ELIZA magazine. Her goals are to continue growing the magazine, but she won't go into detail about upcoming plans.

One of Bellessa's fashion inspirations is Audrey Hepburn. ELIZA magazine is named after Eliza Doolittle, the character Hepburn played in a film version of "My Fair Lady."

Said Bellessa: "I think it doesn't matter where you come from. If you cultivate yourself and have knowledge and take care of yourself, anyone can look like a princess."

E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com

Saturday, February 14, 2009

A little about our newest Vintage Hem Model Heather...


• Tell us about you?
Well, my name is Heather. I’m 24 and currently live in downtown Salt Lake. I am a visual arts major and will be graduating from BYU come August, yay! Along with being an artist, I love everything in the fashion industry whether if it’s modeling, photography, clothing design, makeup artistry, and whatnot. I also LOVE dancing and have a huge passion for music. In general, I’m a very happy person, love meeting new friends, and believe it’s the experiences in life that make you who you are.


• Tell us about your family?
My family is awesome. I have the best mom in the world and my dad is pretty much a genius. I am the second oldest of seven and think it’s the perfect spot! I’ve learned from my older sister since she’s had to experience everything first, but, like her, I am a big sister and get to see my younger siblings grow up. Then there’s Alfie, only THE cutest puppy ever, who I’ve recently adopted.


• What would we find in your refrigerator right now?
I’m not much of a cook, so I’m all about simple and quick. Some things I have are yogurt, salad, whole grain bread, grapes, apples, leftovers from Olive Garden, V8, milk, and a chocolate silk pie, ymmm!

• If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?
The first answer that came to mind was Sleeping Beauty, haha. But seriously, I’d like to not only frolic through the forest amongst friendly woodland creatures who are charmed by my beautiful singing voice, but to also have a handsome prince who’d slay a dragon in the course of a perilous quest to rescue me. J


• What was the last movie you went to see?
Australia. (Hugh Jackman- tanned and muscular, speaking with his native accent, and taming wild horses in a romantic epic - need I say more?)


• What is your favorite song?
I’m not sure if I have a favorite, but I looked in my iTunes for help. The song marked with the highest play count is “The Scientist” by Coldplay. Love it.


• If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
Probably Telekinesis, the ability to control objects with my mind, because if I’m curled up on the couch with remote in hand and have ordered a pizza delivery, why not go all the way and be as lazy as possible? J Just sayin… it could come in handy.


• What is the one thing you are most proud of?

I have the best family and most amazing friends in the world and they always come first. I’m proud to be a big sister, caring daughter, and devoted friend. I try to fill those roles the best I can and truly be there for each person, which may be something simple but is incredibly rewarding.


• If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
I lived in Hawaii when I was little and love the idea of sunny beaches where I just let my hair go frizzy and wear flip flops all the time, but I’d also love an exciting city where I can delve in current music, fashion, and pop culture in general. So it’s a tossup!


• What is your best secret (that you're willing to share)?
When I get ready for my day, I like putting thought and detail into a “look” because I believe it’s the small subtleties that count. For example, putting on a sentimental piece of jewelry, or making sure to curl my lashes. It’s so simplistic, but doing so gives that extra oomph and can make someone feel that much more confident…. kind of like slipping on a Vintage Hem. J


• What is your favorite Vintage Hem?
Uh oh, I can only pick ONE? Well, my current fav I’d have to say is Effie’s Dessert from the spring collection. I like this one because it can give an outfit a sweet and almost old-fashioned look, yet make another outfit look more avant-garde and completely unique. As many people know, Vintage Hem is not only about lengthening a skirt because it’s a bit too short, it’s also a fashion statement, and I like to be a stand out. (and we totally think you do stand out...you're gorgeous and you have a light about you that radiates!!-we love you Heather!)

Monday, February 9, 2009

Chic on a Shoestring, ABC

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Only "Good Things" in Utah

Our good friend Summer Bellessa from Eliza Magazine was on Good Things Utah on Thursday for the segment "Chic on a Shoestring". It was so fun to have our slip "Eyeful of Lace" in cream featured and modeled by Keelee. Thanks to Summer, the ladies at GTU, Keelee, and Alicia Richmond for featuring our slips. We love that they're chic and affordable too!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Vintage Hem Customer Spotlight: Staci




We at Vintage Hem love a good girlfriend like we love a good slip! One of our first and loyal customers is Staci. Here is a look into who Staci is:

Tell us about you?
I am 33 years old. I am a mom, daughter, sister and aunt. I love to dance, cook, read books, scrapbook, sew and do anything outdoors.



Tell us about your family?
I am the mom to an eight year old girl (who also loves wearing her Vintage Hem) and a five year old boy (who was recently diagnosed with High Functioning Autism). I have been married to my hubby for 13 1/2 years. I have four brothers and no sisters. I fall right in the middle with two older brothers and two younger brothers. I also have five nieces and five nephews.



What would we find in your refrigerator right now?
Typical milk, bread and cheese. But also, fruit (apples, peaches, pears, apricots) and a bunch of leafy greens for our seven guinea pigs (you go girl!)



If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional. with whom would it be?
Whomever is currently dancing with Derek Hough (Dancing With the Stars). I would love to be his Ballroom partner any day of the week!



What was the last movie you went to see?
My hubby took me to see Twilight!! We went on a double date with my newly married friend and her hubby, and my mom.



What is your favorite song?
It really depends on the day and what CD I am listening to. But, I can never get enough of Jericho Road's "You Melt the Madness"



If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
My power would be to have enough energy to get everything done on my to-do list and cater to my kids and spend quality time with my hubby (isn't that the truth, that should come along with being a mommy).



What is the one thing you are most proud of?
It would definitely by my children (Aawww)


If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
North Carolina -I love that place!



What is your best secret (that you're willing to share)?
I have more than one- so I will let you choose.
When I walk into a clothing store, the first place I go is the Clearance racks
I am addicted to HGTV and a lot of the decor in my home is either re purposed from the DI or built by me (with my hubby's help)
When I feel like I need a inspirational pick-me-up, I browse Quilted Bear or Tai Pan Trading
If I feel like I am feeling pity for myself, I go do something for someone else (other than my family) (We liked them all Staci so we shared them all, hope you don't mind!!)



What is your favorite Vintage Hem?
It all depends on my mood that day. But, I do tend to grab the Dot the Great more often.