FINAL POST

So my buyers pack is now complete, research file = complete, FMP = complete. I HAVE FINISHED. (Well until I print you off). This means this is my final ever post.
I can't believe the year has finished and I now have to go into the big bad world to try and find a job for the rest of my life NOOOOOOOO scary stuff. At least I now know what career I want to do so hopefully it won't be so bad...
I hope you have enjoyed reading the development of my FMP as much as I have writing it. Its a kind of weird to think that tomorrow is the last day at FRA. Bit emotional if I'm honest but it hasn't yet sunk in. I have met many wonderful people, from tutors to classmates to buyers throughout this year, and I hope to continue my journey into a BAA role. I have been on two fantastic placements, both of which I have learnt so much from. Now I am prepared for the world of fashion retail. Wish me luck. Adios x

The Buyers Pack

2 DAYS TO GO...

I feel like I have made progress today because..... my FMP is complete and is currently in the hands of the FRA Library being bound, ready for collection on Friday! THIS IS GOOD NEWS!
So now that I have got the main project off of my shoulders, I can now finish off my garment tech buyers pack, and put together my research file.
I'm hoping my buyers pack won't take TOO long but we will see! Need to add printing processes and garment specs.
My research file just needs to be organised into subjects and to include a bibliography. So hopefully by this time tomorrow I will be completely completed forever and ever and everrrrrrrrrrrrr.
I will speak tomorrow when HOPEFULLY everything will be done and I can RELAX after an intense 5 weeks of FMP - PHEW

THE STORY SO FAR...

4 Days to Go EEK

So its Tuesday, and hand-in is on Friday, and there is still lots to do!
The main thing I need to write up is my merchandising. The last thing I wanted to do was leave it last, and what have I done? Left it last - I just kept putting it off and off! Once I have completed my merch, I'm going to get it checked at the drop in session tomorrow for the last time before I can bound my FMP. wow
So on top of my merch, I need to just finish off some bits. My SWOT, planogram and store layout. Once merch is out the way I'll be on the home straight at long last! Until then, its going to be a longggggggggg night........

TO DO LIST

Lots still left to do but its do-able!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Must keep going can't stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NEED TO GET MY SKATES ON!

So last week I actually started printing so I could show my work during tutorials - and it felt good! I now have some things that I can properly tick off my list and won't need to come back to them!
This week I started garment tech at last, and almost finished my sourcing. Most of the buying side of things are almost complete, apart from my introduction, plangrams and layouts, and the trend boards that I STILL haven't done - must do them!
I must also remember to do online promotions.
So my aim this week is to FINISH by Friday (wish me luck) because next week college is only open for 3 days due to the Queens Jubilee. And these final 3 days need to be left for binding. So this week is gonna be a long and stressful one!
My tasks for the next few days are: -

• Finish sourcing for good
• Finish garment tech for wednesday so I can show Rachel and get some feedback in case I need to add anything
• Get Angie to check my merchandising on Monday
• Trend boards
• SWOT
• Online Promo

WISH ME LUCK!

MOODBOARDS

TICK TOCK

Times ticking real fast now, so I really need to get my skates on. So over the past few days I have tried to do loads of photoshop tasks, including my customer profile, competitors and brand values all of which are now complete. I did my two main pricing architectures this morning which is also good, and began laying out my sourcing assignment onto photoshop. But I still feel like things are moving really slow... All I seem to do is work and my list is still endless...? Help?
I must keep going I guess, can't stop now! And I'm hoping it'll all come together real quick.
So by the end of the week I need to: -

• Complete Trend Boards (URGENT)
• Talk to Rachel Garment Tech and choose item so I can start that!
• Check my sourcing strategy is okay with Rachel Sourcing
• Finish CP, Open Costing and Line Detail

Not long left, and majorly starting to panic!

Panic Mode

Monday morning, 2 and a half weeks left, although I'm aiming for 2 weeks! So when I looked at my FMP checklist, I hardly have anything checked off = PANIC. So today is all about finishing my half completed tasks.

• Complete customer profile
• Complete introduction
• Concept/idea

If I'm feeling spontaneous, now that I've finished my range I can do my pricing architecture as well by the end of today. Wish me luck!

3 WEEKS TO GO...

So haven't updated you in a while due to illness.. but nevertheless I'm trying my best to power on through and get everything completed in time.
I can say I've almost completed my moodboards (yay) but still need to complete trend boards (boo). However the good news is I've FINISHED my range which is fab because now I can complete some more elements of sourcing; my unit plan, line detail and begin thinking about my garment tech.

I will upload pictures of my progress. Bye for now!

90s Tomboy - TREND INSPIRATION

My 2nd trend has been inspired from 90s youth style, consisting of a heap load of denim and jersey tees. The trend appears to be re-emerging which is why I'm excited to include it in my range for SS13. Check out some inspirational pics for the trend.

THE RAGGED PRIEST

Check out the Ragged Priest Blog for some of their latest collection - Love it

http://theraggedpriest.blogspot.co.uk/

BOY

Bohemian Rave - TREND INSPIRATION

I have decided on one of my trends - a casual trend consisting of LOTS of fun and colour. The trend was inspired from festivals and 90s warehouse raves.

FESTIVAL STREET STYLE

QUICK UPDATE

Just a quick one...
So far I have looked at: -

• Idea Finalised
• Inspiration
• Location
• Comp Shop

I still need to look at: -

• Customer Profile
• Trend Research
• Finalise Trends for Range
• Pop-up shop name and Logo!!

Off to get some more inspiration..

COMP SHOP

I carried out a comp shop along Oxford Street, looking at what Topshop could potentially do that other retailers are doing. I chose to visit Miss Selfridge and River Island as Topshop's main competitors, as well as an online comp shop for ASOS. I looked at what garments the retailers are producing in terms of colours, patterns, price, fabrics and COO. I am to use these results as a guide to my sourcing strategy.

VISITING E1

So having decided to base my FMP idea on 2 inpsirations - The Secret Store pop-up shop and the Topman General Store - I have developed this by merging the two to create a Topshop pop-up shop in Shoreditch! Woooo
So I have my idea, now I need to get a feel for the area, and perhaps find a location for my store.
I braved the pouring rain and dragged myself to Shoreditch to have a wander and see what potential competitors are in and around the area. Check out some of my pics from the visit.