Unique Photography with a Touch of Mode Merr

Good Sunday Morning to You, Dear Readers.

Spring Hue

My amazing bosses had a family vacation in Florida, so I had a much needed 5 days off. Plans to visit friends in Nantucket fell through. There was a lot of house cleaning, resting, Etsying, etc. Probably the most fun I had during these days off was going to Unique Photography's Spring Hue opening last Friday night.

One from my shoot

Unique Photography is my friend, Tracy King's business. She is a very amazing and talented photographer. I was flattered when she asked me to model for an upcoming show at Flat Iron Restaurant in the Bullfinch Hotel. The photo shoot was held at UMass Boston (my Alma Mater). (And yes, I did wear a black Mode Merr Peasant Top for the shoot.) All the models' make up was done by Makeup by Mau (pronounced Mo).

Getting ready to go. Candid shot.

The Piratical Fiance and I got ready for a fabulous evening. He wore spiffy new black and white Dr. Marten wing tips and a crisp new black shirt (both acquired at Hootenanny's going out of business sale. You have until May 5th to shop and get some great bargains. Get thee to Harvard Square and the Garage!). I wore a blue Mode Merr Perfect Skirt with a sugar skull applique and some cool hanging pompoms and ric rac. I had never worn that skirt before. I absolutely loved it and I am confident in revealing to you that I did indeed feel a very tiny bit like a pinata! 

New shoes!

Posing with my shots

Upon arriving at Flat Iron, I was instantly taken with the lay out of the show. Tracy had meticulously placed her framed and mounted photographs in strategic places on the walls. Some were on narrow strips of wall while others were on broader walls. Although all the photos were framed and mounted in the same way, they were all different sizes, which was very pleasing to the eye. There were snacks and very delicious cocktails and lots of people to schmooze with. (Oh yeah, I had 2 shots in the show!)

Tracy and I

The very best part of the evening was when Tracy's 4 year old niece came up to me (holding her uncle's girlfriend's hand) because she wanted to tell me (through her uncle's girlfriend, who she hid behind the entire time) that she really liked my skirt, my handbag and the flowers in my hair. I of course turned into a pile of goo! <3 I love kids and I love that they all like my Frankenstein purse! I think she may be a future Mode Merr customer. (I know her mom is one for a fact!)

Another from my shoot

If you were not at Flat Iron last Friday, and I know you weren't because I didn't see you there, Tracy's photography will be there for another month or two. You should go have some dinner at Flat Iron (I recommend having an Espresso Martini) and look at some beautiful art. If you happen to like a particular piece, they will be auctioned off, with all the proceeds being donated to charity. You will have amazing photography and you will feel good about your money going to charity. Everyone wins! (Just stay away from my shots...I want those.)

There are future plans for more photo shoots as well as an engagement photo shoot. I am excited about more modeling with a talented photographer. The bottom line is if you want family photographs, a portfolio, a wedding, baptism, party, or really any event that needs a photographer, do yourself a favor and get in touch with Tracy. She's amazing! Go like her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/uniquephotobytk


Until next time, my dears. <3

Mode Merr and the SOWA Open Market

Good Morning, Dear Readers,
  
    Yesterday, I had the pleasure of spending the entire day with Angela (and 2 of her friends) at SOWA Open Market at the Mode Merr booth. It was the first time that Mode Merr was at SOWA. For being rookies at SOWA, business was pretty good. 

Mode Merr Booth at SOWA

   It was a hot and sunny day, unusual for October. The Mode Merr booth was located directly across from the Roxy food truck, which made for a lot of wonderful smells floating by. The shop was set up with the ever popular bargain bin section. (Everything for $20 and organized by size.) As well as 2 racks of clothing from the new Fall line. We did a lot of chit-chatting with patrons and even more people watching. There was even the added bonus of running into a High School friend and her family. <3

Mode Merr Fall Line

  The best part of our day was helping gals of all shapes and sizes find clothes that fit their particular body types. We sold sizes xs to xxxl. It's very rewarding to assist women find the right fit for them and answer all their questions (and maybe concerns) about fabrics, fits and care of their new purchases. Some ladies even stepped outside their comfort zones and holding their new purchases told us, "I don't own anything like this!"

   Probably the funniest thing that happened is an older lady came by to search through our bargain bins. Suddenly, she tipped over what looked like a child's sippy cup (you know, the kind with the bendy straw). It fell on the ground and she hurriedly picked it up and scampered off. About a minute later we knew why. The odor of cheap booze started to permeate the air around us. The reaction was a combination of giggles accompanied with feeling bad for the lady who obviously has a problem. 

$20 Bargain Bins. Wildly Successful!

  Next weekend, Sunday the 16th, Angela will not be at SOWA. She will be at TT the Bear's Place from 11 am to 4 pm. Even though we had great sales at SOWA, there are still tons of great clothes to buy and we will still have $20 bargain bins filled with clothes.

Here I am in the booth, staying cool with my parasol.

   Angela and I will be back at SOWA on Sunday, October 30th. It is the last day of the season for SOWA, so come visit us!


  Until next time. <3

   

Mode Merr Pop Up Boutique Boston...Have Any Ideas??

Good Afternoon to You, Dear Readers,

    Since the debut of the fall line at the Boston fashion show almost 2 weeks ago, we at Mode Merr have been thinking of ways to bring our product to you. We think the best way to go about this would be for a pop up boutique, similar to what we had set up at the fashion show.

Old School Tupperware Party

    Basically, a pop up boutique would be held in the Boston area at someone's house or perhaps a local clothing store. (This would a great alternative to all the press, scheduling and general hullabaloo of a pop-up boutique at a venue.) Think of it as Tupperware party. (Are you old enough to remember Tupperware parties?) That was when ladies used to get together, without men, and go to a friend's house, have a glass of wine and shop for nifty containers and cookware. That was a long time ago. Maybe you you can relate to a sex toy party better. Ladies get together, have drinks and buy some nifty sex toys. 

She has pretty new things. Why shouldn't you?

   Our pop up boutique would go something like this: We would have a location (preferably someone's home) where you could invite your girlfriends (as well as some gals that Angela knows) and other ladies (co-workers, book club buddies, family members,etc) you might know who would like to buy some Mode Merr, experience Mode Merr or that have a special occasion to shop for. Knowing who would be on your guest list, Mode Merr could make sure to bring specific sizes as well as specific styles to fit the needs of the ladies invited. (Can you imagine, a pop-up boutique that caters to YOU!!) Angela would bring her beautiful merchandise as well as some lasagna, snacks and perhaps some champagne. The boutique would be set up in the living room or dining room, whichever is more conducive to shopping. (I am sure we could have one of those folding curtains to make a dressing room for the more modest ladies.) The ladies arrive, (remember, this is a no boys allowed event. However, maybe they could be allowed to come over and hang out after 11pm) have a nosh and a drinky-poo and start shopping and chatting. The great thing is that you can get the opinions of your girlfriends right there. If something doesn't fit you quite right, pass it on to one of the other girls. At the end of the night, you have a full tummy, a quenched thirst, some gorgeous new outfits, and have spent a quality evening with your friends. Maybe you have made some new ones as well. Everyone wins!

A lady in a varying stage of undress

   As you can already begin to imagine, it would be much more fabulous than a Tupperware party and less smutty than a sex toy party. However, I will warn you that there may be ladies in various stages of undress at any given time.

Don't make these fashion mistakes!

   Remember, the holidays are coming up. You probably need a new outfit or 2 for all those parties and family dinners. Besides, life is so hectic lately that time is precious. Shop and see your pals at the same time. If you shop at the pop-up boutique, you'd save money, since there would be no shipping charges. That extra money could certainly go to more Mode Merr clothing!


   If you would be interested in hosting a pop-up boutique (there would be something in it for you) at your home or know of a local shop that would like to, please let us know. You could let us know through the blog or you could send a message or post a comment on Facebook. What's that? You aren't friends with us on Facebook? Well, what are you waiting for? If you have not already friended us on Facebook, please do so. 

  We look forward to hearing your ideas and  suggestions about our pop-up boutique. As always, we appreciate Mode Merr fans, supporters and readers of this blog. You are all great.

Until next time. <3


  

Flyering Boston and Mode Merr Fall Fashion Spectacular Press Release

Good Evening, Mode Merr Fans,

This has been a busy week of flyering for me around Boston, namely in Jamaica Plain and Cambridge. Angela was kind enough to give me flyers and postcards (designed by the lovely and talented Beck Rustic). My crusade began in JP, which is my hood. I went about to Eye Q, where I got my fantastic cat eye spectacles last Spring and Got Sole, a cool store to buy new kicks. I dropped flyers at JP Licks, Real Deal, Kitchen Witch, Station 8 (go check out Gia, she does fantastic brows!), Salmagundi (hats for ladies and gents) and Boomerangs. Needless to say, perhaps I should not have worn my pink heels that day. 

The following day I was able to post at Kookoo Cafe at Brookline, which has fantastic coffee. Cambridge was next on the list. Flyers can be seen at Hootenanny, Raspberry Beret and Hourglass Tattoo, which luckily already had postcards and just needed a flyer (thanks, Amy!). For the vintage minded among you, The Cambridge Antiques Market has been tagged. For those of you who are driven by their tummies, like I am, my fantastic and piratic boyfriend posted at Poe's Kitchen at the Rattlesnake (where he works) and at Bukowskis in Inman Square. If you want to get an up close look at our lovely flyer (or want food, coffee, eyeglasses, shoes, hats, ice cream, etc.) stop into one of these classy joints and check it out!


I have to say my flyering experience has been a fun and positive one. People are friendly and genuinely seem impressed by Mode Merr and our product. People get excited about the style and especially the fact that it is made in the USA, and always will be. I truly hope that all the interested folks show up and support a local designer. <3

Below is the press release, written by Irene Fazio, as well as the stunning flyer for the Moder Merr Fall Fashion Spectacular. (Check out the entertainment!!) Remember to buy tickets now, as the venue can only hold about 200 guests.

Calling all modern day pin-ups, the infamous Mode Merr Fall Fashion Spectacular finally makes its way to Boston. After several successful shows in New York, New England native Angela Zampell brings her label back to her roots for a retro- fabulous afternoon of fashion, cocktails, scintillating sirens and most importantly SHOPPING! Saturday September 10th, 2011 - Spend a glamorous afternoon sipping cocktails while enjoying live music, tantalizing burlesque performances and the notorious Mode Merr fashion show. Catch a sneak peak of Mode Merr’s newest designs for Fall and Winter in sizes
xxs-xxxl in their pop-up boutique at Church, during the event. Be one of the first to own some of the newest Mode Merr designs. In addition to lovely ladies strolling the catwalk in the latest Mode Merr; the audience will be delighted by the off-color, yet incredibly sexy musical satire of the Steamy Bohemians, Boston’s new favorite rockin’ girl-fronted band the Skeleton Beats and saucy performances by Boston’s sweethearts Thru the Keyhole Burlesque.

*Mode Merr*
Founded in 1989 by Boston's girl genius Angela
Zampell, Mode Merr is a line of edgy retro women's
clothing made in New England with an international fan
base of loyal customers from boardrooms to burlesque
halls.

“If anyone knows how to combine fashion and partying into one exciting afternoon, it’s Zampell, who’s even impressed
designer Jean Paul Gaultier with her collection. Not only is the audience being introduced to some of burlesque’s
hottest dancers since queen bee Dita Von Teese, but they’re also discovering one of the few existing labels that
celebrate glamour in an array of sizes. ‘I don’t like the stagnant shows where the models don’t relate to the audience,’
Zampell says.’ I make clothes for the girl next door with curves.”
- Stephanie Nolasco, Splash Magazine, NYC

“Mode Merr designs are classic and streamlined; the perfect foundations for a fantastic retro wardrobe, yet unique so
as not to be deemed “basic”. Even if you’re not dramatically into pin-up, there's no telling how many creative vintage
looks you can create with their elegant “Perfect Black Pencil Skirt.”
- Hope Adela Pasztor

www.chictopia.com
http://www.modemerr.com
Mode Merr Fashion Show Spectacular - 2009
by Suzanne Hillinger
http://vimeo.com/9938731

*Steamy Bohemians*:
“Thwack together vaudevillian comic chops, astounding musicality, and oodles of quirky sex appeal and you’ve got the
Steamy Bohemians, Boston’s very own darlings of debauchery. Part glam rock, part stand-up comedy, and all sass,
steamy duo Lainey Schulbaum and Niki Luparelli seductively tickle audiences with songs like “Second Cousin,” and
“The Ballad of the Bastard,” which the ladies claim are inspired by “chaos, cultural discontent, and gender polarity.
Though their banter rivals Lucy and Ethel and their lyrics are borderline absurd, these broads offer more than just a
kitschy hook. Both are classically trained sopranos, and Schulbaum’s guitar playing will rock your pretty little face off.”
- Boston Phoenix

*Skeleton Beats*
The Skeleton Beats are a brand new band formed this year by Amy Von Eerie (ex Ghouls Night Out & Pulp 45) whose
focus is high energy riffs that ooze with the influences of 70’s punk, garage and 50’s rock and roll. Amy's vocal styling
has been described as a female Eddie Cochran with a growl for the blues and she continues to growl even more
leading the Skeleton Beats. This band is an all star cast of ex Boston band members from Pulp 45, Mourningside,
Photon Torpedoes and Red Invasion. Each member donates their individual style to produce an explosion of rock that
will fuse to your soul! With Mike Rancid on drums, Joey Two-Fingers on bass and K-rock on lead guitar, this group's
rhythms will really shake your bones!

*Thru the Keyhole Burlesque*
Boston’s longest running and most playful burlesque troupe, shimmying since 2002! From Maine to Connecticut, TKB
keeps New England entertained with saucy costumes, imaginative props, obscure musical selections and a kicky
chorus line.
http://www.facebook.com/thruthekeyholeburlesque

Mode Merr Fall Fashion Spectacular
Saturday, September 10th
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door
http://www.ticketfly.com/event/54711/
18+

Church
69 Kilmarnock Street
Boston, MA 02215
617-236-7600
http://www.churchofboston.com

Contact Info:
Angela Zampell
angela@modemerr.com
603-923-8679

My final agenda for tonight, is to happily report that after a minor snag, Mode Merr is once again up and running on Etsy. For those of you who do not know, Etsy is an online market place. There are only 2 kinds of shops on Etsy...vintage shops and handmade shops. (Yours truly has one of each.) Mode Merr of course has only one shop and that, of course, is a handmade shop. Here is the link. www.etsy.com/shop/modemerr 
Go take a peek. You know you want to. 

Now I must say good night, dear readers. I hope all of you on the East Coast are safe and sound this weekend and that Hurricane Irene does not cause too much trouble for you.