African Print Maxi Dress

As you know, we are also a Social Enterprise with a clothing range for women. Our collection showcases vibrant African prints in modern designs like this Mermaid style dress.

Shop the range here> www.eighteenforever.co.uk
We are giving away 20% off all items from this range for Christmas at www.stylesafrik.com

If you wish to collaborate with us, please send us an email- eighteenf@gmail.com

Happy Shopping!

Photo credit: Nish Tog

Christmas Photo Shoot

We are preparing for our shoot on Saturday 23rd November in Liverpool City Centre. Looking for the following people to join us:

10 models
2 make-up artists
2 hairstylists
1 stylist
1 event runner

Interested participants should email- eighteenf@gmail.com

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever 

5 Ways To Promote Your Blog

Once you start blogging, you are now faced with "keeping it interesting" for your followers. The question is- how do you keep your followers happy? A very simple question with a complex answer. The trouble is, only your followers can tell you how to keep them interested. Here are 5 tips to help you keep your current followers and gain new ones (in no particular order). These tips are based on my experience as a blogger. They cost you nothing but few hours of your time per week.

Credible content
As a blogger, you are also an informant. It is important to have legitimate content to keep them rightly informed. Make sure you share honest information with your followers. Do not share information that you are uncertain about or taken without consent from another source. The same goes with images. They must be credited to the source or avoid using them. Once your followers realise that your content cannot be trusted, your credibility will be flushed down the drain. Trust me, you don't want that on your brand.

Networking
There would be no success without meeting people. You have to get out there. Go on Google and search for fashion networking events in your area (or whatever you blog about). There are lots of FREE networking events to trial before committing to paid events. With networking, comes the opportunity to collaborate and develop your craft.

Collaborations
You know the saying 'two heads are better than one', yes!....that one. Collaborating with emerging brands and even well established businesses will benefit you in terms of visibility and return on your services. It is always useful to run competitions on your blog and social media page to keep up with competition, but most importantly keep yourself relevant.

Events
It is important to attend events but, it is also important to organise one. Of course this depends on what you blog about. For example, if you blog about Arts & Crafts, then you might want to organise an Arts & Crafts fair/workshop/discussion with people in the industry. This would help raise your profile as well as others involved. Ask for sponsorship from companies in similar trade. It is also an opportunity for you to meet with some of your followers. Make sure you have a feedback form to help you improve or know how well you're doing. We all need reassuring now and again.

Professionalism
Although you might be blogging for fun, you might want to take this to the next level at some point. Get your brand name, logo, slogan (if applicable), aims and objectives in check before you go out networking or seeking collaboration. If you can get the aforementioned marketing mix in place, people/businesses will take you seriously. Make sure you get a business card too! Oh...and your business proposal.

If you have any questions, please contact eighteenf@gmail.com

Content credit: Eighteen Forever

Project Shenanigan & Eighteen Forever Fashion Show

We have collaborated with a quirky Irish Bar in Liverpool to promote the bar and our Social Enterprise Fashion range to new markets.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

Photo credit: Shenanigan Liverpool 

Date for your diary: Vogue Fashion Night Out Manchester

Vogue fashion night out has landed in Manchester this year. A great night to meet fab fashion people. Designers, stylists, top fashion and style bloggers, models and many more. Unfortunately, tickets are not available anywhere but still digging here. You just never know! This event is scheduled for Thursday 10th October in Manchester.

For more information, please follow this link: http://www.vogue.co.uk/special-events/fashions-night-out

L: Vogue Editor Alexandra Shulma

Photo credit: Vogue

Nominated: Fashion Blog of The Year 2013

Another nomination from Black Weblog Awards group for Fashion Blog of The Year. Hope to win this time!

Photo credit: Black Weblog Awards

Featured: The Showroom Online

Michelle Holden launched 'The Showroom Online' 1st November 2012 in Manchester. The month of the launch coincided with the publication of an article in Vintage Life Magazine: The Vintage Bag Lady with editorial pictures by London photographer Anna Fayemi and styled by Michelle. The photography and styling accompany a autobiographical account by Michelle of loving vintage and being inspired at an early age.

About Michelle
I am a vintage enthusiast and fashion lover. For over 10 years I have been buying and wearing unique vintage pieces and friends and strangers would ask me “where’s that from?” or telling to find something similar for them. I’m also an avid online shopper but disappointed with some of the options available online I decided to start The Showroom Online.

The boutique
Mid range luxury vintage accessories and clothing for women from 1910 to 1980, available online. It’s all about wearable vintage that can be incorporated into a modern wardrobe.
Stock includes vintage Gucci, Christian Dior, Salvatore Ferragamo and Ossie Clarke to name but a few. This area of vintage fashion as exploded because people feel a sense of heritage and authenticity about the product they’re purchasing. Products are sourced from reputable auctions houses in the UK and Europe as well as traders in the UK and traders overseas so items are authenticated and provenance can be verified.

Why vintage?
It’s sustainable, you can be unique and you acquire some history and preserve the heritage and craftsmanship.

The blog covers fashion, art, music and anything else that inspires. I love vintage because of the history and the stories but more importantly I love that vintage clothing is a sustainable and unique shopping experience. This is really reflected in the designer’s interviewed and featured for the blog. For example, Zoe Boomer and Pikolinos Masaai show that timeless luxury can be ethical and sustainable.

Projects & Activities 
Fashion Stops Trafficking in aid of A21; an anti-slavery anti trafficking charity - January 2013
RM Dance Fusion 5th birthday celebration fashion dance music flashmob in Yorkshire and Lancashire July 2013

What’s next? 
The website has been nominated for Vintage Manchester Award – Best Vintage Newcomer The awards take place on 23rd October in Manchester. It’s such an honour and the website is in great company. I’ll be there reporting back fashion and vintage news from the Awards. And here’s where to vote http://www.vintagemanchester.com/2013-awards/ and every vote counts so please vote.

Looking to year two
It’s been a fantastic first year and I hope to keep growing the website and finding excellent timeless pieces for all my amazing customers.

Shop the range here:
Website: http://www.theshowroomonline.co.uk/

Follow us on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheShowroomOnline
Twitter: https://twitter.com/showroomonline @showroomonline
Blog www.theshowroomonline.co.uk/blog.

Photo credit: The Showroom Online