Yesterday Martin from Springboard Media came to the office to talk about our technology ‘needs’ for the new set-up.  Springboard is the licensed Apple retailer in Philadelphia www.springboardmedia.com and though there is a Mac store not too far I much prefer working with them because A. they always fix my stuff and are very nice B. if you buy machines from them they give you free loaners when you need repairs or updates to your machine C. they are smart.   The real question here is:  Why is it that when there is talk of getting new Mac’s it seems more like Christmas than a Christmas tree? For not being that in to technology (as in I couldn’t tell you I have seen most t.v shows, nor do I know of or how to play any video games or have a multitude of electronics) it sure is exciting!

My dad, who knows about these things did all of my initial research in to servers, and systems and wiring (which Mike has already taken care of for me) so I was feeling ahead of the game in terms of the system.  So here is what it comes down to: We need to run a p.o.s. system, digital signage, a server, all of these things

need software and hardware…it (the hardware and software)  was much more than I had even imagined.   That said – it is very exciting!  Less paper, organized information that everyone here has access to, client interactivity, the webstore integrated in to the apparel software integrated in to a server that every one can access from the office, the store, the garment center, or at home!   Next mission:  digital/paperless receipts!

I have been working nearly all day, minus a few meetings, on preparing myself for market next week and what purchases to make.  I have only made it through

by gemma redux

accessories.   65% of the product that is carried in the SA VA store will be clothing that we design and manufacturer ourselves, but right now we want to do what we do best and buy the rest.  This becomes tricky, we want to have everything if possible be made in the United States without making purchases that don’t fit our brand and keep to our conscious price points.  So, if we love something and it is not made in the U.S. it has to be fair trade – that is the goal!  Here are some items of inspiration, let me know what you think – I haven’t bought them yet!

Mima

helena de natalio

well, I wish I could tell you that I spent all of this 80°+ weather outside, but alas I have already worked out, gave a presentation and am finishing up some research for a talk I am giving to a Philadelphia University class this Wednesday.  In my search, I found a great panel discussion on slow fashion given at the New School recently and thought it was a really great start to the new conversation of fashion (and was happy to realize that these are things that we have already considered in rebranding and more importantly restructuring our company).  Check it out….

New School Video