{Woman To Watch} Abi Ferrin

Published on by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

 Meet Abi Ferrin!

Fashion Cents She Makes CentsAbi Ferrin is a fashion designer, humanitarian, a woman who uses her “cents” to ignite awareness in global issues and define what that success means to her… oh and did I mention that she is our November Woman to Watch (#w2w).  She defines success  as “a moving target”, explains Ferrin in an email interview with She Makes Cents.    ABI FERRIN, the company,  is the versatile and sophisticated fashion brand that offers  easy-to-care-for fabrics providing a chic solution for women of all ages and body types; remember the 5- Way Nikki Dress?  Each of her Made in the U.S.A. garments feature  hand-crafted adornments made by women rescued from the sex trade and other forms of abusive employment in Nepal and Cambodia.  Ferrin adds, “My idea of what [success] is always moves ahead, so I can never seem to quite feel like I am there yet. Ten years ago the company I have created today would be a huge success in my mind, but now that I am here I have so much more I want to do! I think being successful is an ongoing project, measured by reaching certain benchmarks along the way. If you can see that you are impacting people’s lives in a positive way as a result of your daily existence and making a difference in this world, then you are successful”.  Yes, there are plenty of successful women to watch in business, but it is Ferrin’s impact on others that I find compelling. 

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About the Freedom Project

The Freedom Project is the branch of Ferrin’s business that focuses on giving back by incorporating vendor businesses that are created for and by marginalized people. For example,  all of the buttons and most accessories are from Sak Saum in Cambodia, which rescues, restores and rehabilitates trafficked people. These people then become a part of the Sak Saum business once they are healthy, and as a vendor she gets to be a part of supporting their ongoing success and empowerment through their own efforts and responsibility!  Ferrin explains, “Freedom is the most important thing to me. I knew I wanted my fashion company to have substance that went past making people look good. I wanted to empower women to step up their daily style and feel good about themselves, while still living their lives”.  Congrats Abi Ferrin for being our November Woman to Watch. 

For more information about The Freedom Project, please visit www.abiferrin.com or www.saksaum.com. 

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{Money & Relationships} Who Should Pay for the First Date?

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You just met this guy. He appears to be as nice, intelligent, and handsome as your friend said he would be… and did I mention he is a gentleman too. After sort of getting to know each other as best you can over casual first date, the bill comes….Who Should Pay for the 1st Date

Who Picks Up the Check?

I have always adopted that paradigm that planning and paying for the first date is apart of the courting package. However, my parents didn’t raise a fool. Regardless of my expectation of the bill being taken care of, at least for the first few dates, I would never leave the house without cash tucked sweetly away in my clutch.  Offer to pay the tip at least by the third date and surprise him by planning and paying for a date on your own.  So for those of you who believe that the man should take care of the first date, does that include everything…valet tip to parking or does it end at the table? 

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{Friday Fashion} Smart Investments in Style- One Dress 5 Ways

Published on by Danielle YB Vason3 Comments

I was cleaning out my closet the other day. You know that seasonal purge of clothes that no longer fits my style, clothes I have outgrown, and fads that frankly may be tipping the scales of age appropriateness. As Denia, a SMC contributing writer would put it, “I’m approaching the stage in life where shopping at trendy places like Forever21 should feel…well…awkward”. Don’t get me wrong, I never miss a chance to stop in a Forever21, but I wouldn’t build a wardrobe around it.  While I consider trendy clothing essential to an eclectic closet like mine, I know it is better to have a foundation of well-made classics as opposed to a closet full of cheap and cheerful pieces that constantly needs replacing.
Sure, every stylish woman’s closet should include staples such as the LBD and a classic trench; however, I am here to introduce you to a versatile piece of clothing that has become my favorite new investment piece – the Nikki 5-Way Dress. When I first tried on this convertible dress, by designer Abi Ferrin, I have to admit that I had a “get it girl” moment in the mirror, similar to how I felt in my first DVF wrap dress back in the day. This multi-functional dress flatters in five different ways; as a one-shoulder Grecian style (my favorite, by the way), as a one-shoulder with a peplum accent, as an asymmetrical tunic, tied to the side, or crossed tied for a belt effect. My favorite thing about the versatility of this dress is that it is good to my wallet because you can get five distinctively timeless looks for the price of one dress.

Check Out All FIVE looks!

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There isn’t a SINGLE reason white this signature Nikki dress belongs in every jetsetters, power-players, party girl, and busy bee’s wardrobe, but FIVE reasons. Starting at $155.00, that’s only $31.00 per look, you can’t afford not to add this to the list of foundational must-haves of well-made classics. Cha Ching… that’s the sound of me investing in quality and quantity at the same time.  Want to invest in your style?   Check out Ferrin’s others style staples on her site.  

Thank you to the sponsors of this post, Brandstyle Communications on behalf of Abi Ferrin. 

Which Look is Your Favorite?

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{Souls Saving Soles} Spelman Sophomore Launches Shoe Drive to Benefit Homeless Children & Familes

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Spelman-College

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I received an email yesterday from my alma mater about a Sophomore by the name of Imani White who is making her mark in Atlanta.  Since boots are made for walking, the C’2016 biology major, has launched an effort that epitomizes the lyrics to this classic Nancy Sinatra song.  White recently launched “These Boots Are Made to Walk,” a boot and shoe drive designed to benefit homeless children and families in metro Atlanta.
Working in partnership with the Spelman College student organization Pretty Brown Girls, White is accepting all kinds of shoes – from sneakers and boots to casual shoes and dress shoes – in children and adult sizes. She hopes to collect 500 pairs of shoes to benefit the Atlanta Women and Children’s Shelter, Atlanta Union Mission, Gateway Shelter, Atlanta Children’s Shelter, and Salvation Army, among other organizations.
“This is my way of showing that one little effort can help so many people,” said White, who serves as vice president of Pretty Brown Girls.

homeless-shoes-190x260-process-s175x239This really got me thinking about just how blessed a lot of us are and just how easy it is to take even the smallest things for granted.  If you are in the Atlanta area and want to take part, shoes can be dropped off every Friday through Friday, December 6, 2013 from noon to 4 p.m. in lower Manley of Spelman College. If you are not in the Atlanta area but would like to help, please forward, facebook, and tweet this article to let people know or better yet, plan a shoe drive in your area.

 For questions, contact White at mailto:madetowalk@gmail.com.

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{Every Woman Should Know} How Much You Should Tip

Published on by Danielle YB Vason3 Comments

pizza-margherita-2Everyone has a different tipping policy, which was clear from the vibrant discussion on the  SMC Facebook page.  I for one will always tip, even if the service is terrible.  When going out, always try to remember to keep cash on hand and your budget in mind.  What does that mean?  It means you need to consider the tip, parking fees, and any other areas where you will come out-of-pocket when you consider treating yourself and/or others.  It may sound severe, but if you cannot afford to properly tip, then you probably cannot afford to eat at that restaurant or upgrade that massage. 

Tipping Cheat Sheet

{Lifestyle} Tipping at a Restaurant: a minimum of 15% pre tax
{Lifestyle} Valet Parking: $2- $5 once your car is returned. Even if valet service is complimentary, you should still tip.
{Style Cents} Manicurist, Aestheticians (for facials), Masseuse, & Waxer : 15%.
{Style Cents} Hair Stylist: 15-20%. You should ask for the tip to be split among those who served you.
{Travel Cents} Hotel Staff: $1 per bag for bringing luggage to your room (but a $2 minimum if you have just one bag).
{Travel Cents} Uber: Uber drivers don’t expect the customer to tip them because there’s 20% gratuity included in the fare. However, if you want to tip on top of the 20%, by all means.

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