Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Alison Taylor did a fantastic article for the Telegraph on dressing for work, you can read the article here:
http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG8119866/Dressed-to-impress.html
Toni Bonoj is totally about beautiful and fierce work wear for the modern woman. So you can understand my excitement at this topic. Question then is, do you dress to impress? Or you dress for comfort? In my opinion, they are not mutually exclusive qualities for your work wardrobe: you should be able to combine both.
When you look at yourself in the mirror, what do you want to see? In my head, a beautiful me, a serious woman yet approachable and of course stylish!
However if you don’t dress to impress or at least make a statement, what do you dress for?
I’m curious to hear your opinions on this guys, so don’t be shy to leave your thoughts on this. Tell us what do you do for work? What is your formal style like? Where you shop and what do you (or want to) see when u stare into those bathroom mirrors at work(ladies be honest!)
Catch you soon
T
xxx
Good morning!
I hope you had a brilliant weekend? Mine was pretty relaxed, got a lot of home chores out the way so they don’t get in way of work.
Also testing out wordpress for bb-interesting to see how I can blog on the go.
As I write this post, I’m on my way to London to a couple of important appts and I need to get myself in the right frame of mind: Today, I am the boss. Its my money and my business these guys require so in essence, they’re being interviewed.
This is quite key for me to remember as anyone who knows me knows how laid back I am but today I can’t be that. I must think of my customers and what they’ll require of me in the quality of my apparel and label. I must also get d right bargain for my investors too.
Thinking of mindsets, I am reminded now of a lady on my garment construction course who said to me: “what if you don’t like sewing or the business doesn’t work?”. I was startled and a little irritated at that question however it was a valid one. The difference between me and her was ‘our mindset’- I have set my mind on creating a label, starting my own business, studying all that I could possibly muster and make it successful! It had not crossed my mind there was a choice to not make it. The only option in my head was to make it a successful label and thank God for everything so far, its all ticking along.
Some may say I am not being realistic, I disagree. The fact that I am putting in place all that will make this work shows I have considered what could go wrong and therefore working to ensure it all goes well. However, I will not sit and worry or spend a minute to be negative. Instead, I will use that energy and brain cell to figure out great plan and ideas.
So as we go into this new week, I encourage you to be positive, have the right mindset and work towards great success!
Catch you later!
Love
T
What do you wear to work?
Posted on: September 24, 2010
- In: Designer | Dressing for work | Entrepreneur | fashion | Uncategorized | womens wear | Work wear
- 2 Comments
Hello beautiful people!
You may have picked up from my first post that I do have something for formal wear. With a full-time job, most people spend more time at work than at home so if I am going to splash a little on clothes, work wear comes on top for me.
I am a firm believer in dressing for the role you’re aiming for not for where you are – so I can’t see any reason why any woman’s formal wardrobe should be dowdy.
We all know clothes speaks volumes about us and in some circumstances it could affect our demeanour. If you’re wearing an outfit that accentuates the right parts of your figure, you feel confident and your walk speaks the same language. And if you feel good about yourself, then you’ll attract that from other people.
So am I alone in feeling this way? Would you put much effort into your work wear? Are there particular pieces that work for you more than other?
For me, I love my soft tops and fitted shirts with smart tailored trousers or skirts. I might have been in a cut throat environment but I am still a woman and want to be sexy 🙂
Peter Jensen Helena Frill blouse - this top is fantastic for all shapes - I love the detail
IÂ would love to hear from you, so tell me about your favourite pieces of clothing for work.
Cheers
T
Who is Toni Bonoj?
Posted on: September 20, 2010
First things first, I cannot believe this is happening to me! The last few months have been nothing less than amazing, a rollercoaster ride and begging God daily – we cannot stop this ride now, please.
Lets get to a better introduction, my name is Tosin (toes-in), I am youngish years old, and a budding International fashion designer and label owner. I guess the fact I have a business makes me a business woman too? Nothing sounds sexier than that; Entrepreneur, nice.
I don’t have the same background as most fashion designers because I spent a long time using the left side of my brain doing non creative stuff like completing A’ levels in Physics, Maths and Computing Studies, followed by a degree in Information Engineering and Technology Management then 10 years working with blue chip companies gaining experience in IT, Management Information and Marketing as well as accumulating several certificates to help me perform my job better. So you see what I mean when I say ‘I’m not your usual fashion designer’? So how did I end up where I am today?
Well, earlier this year I lost my job in the city, I was very ill and for the first time since I was 17 years old, I had time to think of what I would really LOVE to do next. When you’ve had a job since you were legally allowed to, and suddenly lose your job (which I later found out was very central to me), there is an initial feeling of shock and despair (well there was for me), add denial too. I wanted to go find a new role immediately but I couldn’t. Whilst I got myself better, I had a light bulb moment of styling my own work wear, usually these thoughts come and disappear as soon as they arrive because my busy life wouldn’t have allowed it; I was always rushing from one thing to the other. In my previous job, commuting to London meant very long days, so having time to think outside of my job, role as a wife and Sunday school teacher was a luxury!
Back to my light bulb moment, well I had more time on my hands so I began to enquire about tailors I could work with to design my outfits. Soon enough I wondered to myself why I couldn’t make these clothes and sell them. I had a niche idea (which I will tell you more about later) and was certain there would be many people who would want to buy these outfits. That was it, I started drawing and loved my drawings even as amateurish as they looked. I prayed about it and trusted God to make things work alright.
I slept on the idea for a few more months but was lucky to speak to a fashion designer friend of a friend – that was fantastic! She suggested I attend a short course at one of London’s art colleges and contact my local college re: Sewing or garment construction. This was the best advice ever and if you’re like me, coming into the Fashion Industry with little knowledge of it and would like to pursue a fashion designing career, I would really advocate this route. Sewing courses can be really cheap or even free at your local college so unless you want to major as a seamstress, the most important knowledge worth paying for is how the industry works; releasing collections, understanding the customer, trend research, the fashion calendar and important people who make the industry tick just to mention a few.
If you are young or not in a hurry to run your business as I was, then go ahead and get a degree from a University; find one that is very respected worldwide and whose students have gone on to successful careers. In London, I can suggest London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins College of arts; they are both renowned colleges worldwide. Do your research, competition will be high for entry places – good luck!
So there we go, a little introduction about me. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment, it would be nice to know your thoughts, did you find any of the information useful? Or maybe you have questions, let me know.
I will be back in a few days, until then I will leave you with this thought:
You only have one life, live it to its fullest. It sounds corny but it is true. Follow your passion and when you do, you’ll never have to work again because everyday will be like enjoying your hobby!
Catch you later!
Much love
T
xxx
Tonibonoj - from my mind to the Catwalk 