Chloe Dao

From LOT 8 boutique to Chloe Dao boutique

2012-01-11T14:00:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone,

Happy New Year! I have so much to tell you guys there are so many changes that is happening for my business.

I've been working so hard in all this I did not have time to write. Finally, I have moment to breathe and share all the news.

The biggest is Lot 8 boutique will be Chloe Dao boutique now. It does make me a little sad to lose Lot 8 but I'm so excited about embracing the future of my brand. Lot 8 will always be my heart.

Here is a sneak peak of my brand identity.

What do you think?

The second biggest new is the remodeling of my boutique.

If you live in Houston near the Rice Village you would have seen all the crazy construction that we've been doing.

Here are some pictures:

The new boutique will be much more intimate. It I am really concentrating on me and my brand. Of course, we will still carry other designers, especially local designers. I have poured heart and soul in this remodeling. This new boutique will reflect my personal style and taste on all things not just clothes. You will really get all of me.

Here a sneak peak of the new boutique:

With any changes, the old have to go. We are having a big remodeling sale and fabric sale. Clothes and accessories up to 75% off. We have a temporary store, same location.

Fabrics such as silk charmuese, silk chiffon and gorgeous brocade everything under $10. Ok, this is a sick sale. I wanted to buy my own fabric back with those prices. But I really wanted to let go of fabrics I have been using and hoarding all this years and start fresh. For all my designers and crafty creative soul this sale is for you.

This fabric sale does start official on Monday. Start creating people.

See you at my next blog.

Love Life,
Love Fashion,
Love,

Chloe

Chloe Dao for Nuo at Zappos.com

2011-12-14T14:10:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Happy Holidays!

This season I am excited to let you guys know my electronic accessories are at Zappos now!! I love them. I have gotten a lot of my shoes there b/c of free shipping and of course, they have shoes for my tiny feet, size 5.

I love how they have video presentations for all their products. So they have inspired me to do so with my bags and luggage for Nuo.

Enjoy the video!

My bags and luggage are also available at Staples and Lot 8 if you want to touch and feel them for yourself. For online stores, shop at ShopNuo.com, Ebags.com, and of course, Staples.com. These are great gifts for the Fashionistas in your life. Stylish but not too trendy.

Happy Holidays!

Love,
Chloe

www.chloedao.com

Spring 2011 Trunk Show

2011-12-09T12:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

I hope to see everyone at my trunk show tomorrow at Lot 8, from 12-6pm. I will be there to help you with the collection.

Enjoy the video,

Love Life,
Love Fashion,
Love,

Chloe

Worlds AIDS Day denim jacket

2011-11-30T09:36:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon!

I'm blogging today to let you all know about a little side project for Worlds AIDS Day, December 1st I have been working on. I was asked by Cesar Galindo to take an ordinary denim jacket and turn it into my own design. The challenge was to take the XL jacket from Salvation Army and design something that was sleek and feminine. Most of the time people just add embellishments and call it a day, I wanted to add details that I love like interesting lines and seams.

Here is a behind the scenes video from start to finish. Please bid on this jacket at the lunching all the profit goes to charity!

Designer Workshop, Nov 19th

2011-11-17T11:35:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

It is kind of apropos I am writing this blog today about the Designer Workshop b/c today I spoke to 32 Fashion/ Merchandising students from H.C.C. textile class. They had a field trip at my design studio. I thought it was just going to be about fabrics but it turned into a Q&A session about the fashion industry and my work history.

So if you were ever curious about the fashion industry and always wanted to asked me questions too, here is your chance. I am part of the group of panelists hosted by F.G.I. Houston and at the Art Institute of Houston at the Designer Workshop this Sat. from 10am-12:30 p.m. there will be experts for each category: Design/Production, Marketing/Branding, Retail/Buying, and Finance. I will be in Design /Production. You will get a 30 minute session with each group.

For more info go to www. fgihouston.com

I wish I had something like this to go to when I was starting off.

Here is the invite and a little video of me talking about it.

I hope to see everyone there.

Love Life,

Love Fashion,

Love,

Chloe Dao

Fall 2011 Photo Shoot with Cody Bess

2011-11-08T10:48:00.000-08:00

Hi,

Fall is finally here!!! Yippeee! As I am writing this, the cold front is coming here to Houston. It will probably last for 3 days but I will take it any time over this heat in November.

It always feels more like the holidays are here when it is cold outside. We are always looking forward to and hoping for a real winter here.

Since it is going to be cold outside tomorrow, enjoy the behind the scene Fall 2011 Photo Shoot with Cody Bess.

If you like any dresses and do not live in Houston you can finally go to my website www. chloedao.com. It is finally back up and running thanks to Dimitry Chamy at www. 2urn.com. He has been amazing to work with. He does everything from brand identity to website development. He is pretty much redesigning my brand and logo for me.

He and I are still tweaking things so bare with us for the slight changes in the future, but I'm so happy Dimitry got it up and running.

I hope you like the new logo, slightly different but still very me.

We will be adding more designs to the website soon.

Love Life,

Love Fashion,

Love,

Chloe

P0sing 101 by Marc Harvey

2011-11-01T23:31:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I am so sorry I have not posted for awhile but I have been doing so much catching work since the fashion show.

I decided to keep you entertained with this behind the scene clipsof Marc " Working It " at my Fall 2009 photo shoot. Beside the modeling and hilarity, he was the makeup artist and hair stylist extraordinaire on the shoot. This makes me smile and laugh still to this day. Good old fashion fun.

Enjoy,

Love Life,

Love Fashion,

Love,

Chloe Dao

Spring 2012 Runway Pictures

2011-10-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I am still editing the video version of Spring 2012 Runway. For now, enjoy the pictures. You know a collection is good when you do not hate it by the end of the process.

I still love this collection. . It is Bold and Beautiful. Thank you, Jay Marroquin for the pictures. Visit his website at www.jaymarroquin.com

Tell me what you think?

Love Life,

Love Fashion,

Love,

Chloe

My Dancing Queen, my niece Lauren Chauv

2011-10-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

Hi,

While I'm waiting to get my videos and pictures of my fashion show together for y'all, I will keep you entertained with my very funny and always entertaining niece, Lauren Chauv.

She used to work with me everyday until she had to go to school. All of us missed her here at the studio.

One of my favorite memories of Lauren is when I was in a meeting with Ty from www. ShopNuo.com. He drove from Austin for this meeting so it was important. We were sitting at the conference table, across from each other and going over design details, when at the corner of my eye, I saw a moving blanket, slowly creeping toward the table.

Lauren was underneath the blanket. She thought she was invisible and started to very smoothly crawl passed Ty, underneath the table and me. I was slightly embarrassed but more entertained than anything. I miss those days. She still makes me laugh just not everyday like she used too.

So enjoy this video, I hope she makes you smile too.

Love Life,

Love Fashion,

Love,

Chloe Dao

Fitting with Runway models, Spring 2012

2011-10-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

Hi,

The show is over and I am very happy. Everyone loved it. I will continued posting video of the

making of it and more behind the scene.

We fitted the models on Sunday Oct. 9th.

We only had 13 models to fit but sometime when you get 3 0r for at once it gets to be a bit

overwhelming. Thank goodness, we have a big team and I was wondering if we needed

everyone with us but it turns out we did.

Here is the behind scene footages. Enjoy.

Music for Spring 2012, DJ Little Martin

2011-10-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

Hi,

Tomorrow is the show and I am still working on the music for my collection. I have been searching for the right songs for about 2 weeks. It has been quite difficult.

I am very lucky to work with DJ Little Martin. He alway gives me history lesson on music. If you ever need a DJ he is the best b/c he is so knowledgable. Best of all, he just wants to make his clients happy.

I have finally decide on the music today. We shot this video about 9 days ago. I have changed the music direction a few times already.

Music is done , now the show is complete.

Enjoy this video, see how confused I was.

For tickets:

www.Fashionhouston.net

Love Life,

Love Fashion,

Love,

Chloe

Styling Spring 2012 with Elaine Turner

2011-10-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I love styling my collection b/c I know the end is near. This year I am so very lucky to have Elaine Turner gorgeous bags and shoes to complete and compliment my looks.

Enjoy this video of us styling.

I have to get back to work in the collection. I have 2 days left before the show.

For tickets:

Go to www. Fashionhouston.net

If you can not make it to the show, we are throwing an "After Party" come by and see the collection up close at Venue. Hope to see you at the Wortham or at Venue.

Love Life,

Love Fashion,

Love,

Chloe Dao

Spring 2012, First Fitting w/ Erica

2011-10-07T07:55:00.001-07:00

Hi,

Today this blog is about the first fitting of the Spring 2012 collection. I do all my first fittings on my fit model, Erica. I do that b/c it lets me see if the fit is right. Most of all I get to really see if I like the design or not. A great model makes your design better than you could imagine.

Being a small company, I need to design a collection that can translate well on the runway into a sellable collection. It is always a dance of compromises. I love designing wearable clothes but sometimes I would love to just go crazy and make very time consuming haute couture pieces.

In this video, you will see me trying to sell some of the designs to my team b/c they think it will not do well on the floor. It is not all about just being creative in fashion it is about being creative and being able to sell. It is a daily struggle but a smart designer, understands the challenges in order to "make it work".

You saw in earlier video of me starting to drape the Binny dress, well she is back in and not happy.

Enjoy,

For tickets for my show:

http://www.fashionhouston.net/

Love Life,

Love Fashion,

Love,

Chloe

Spring 2012 sketches and Naming Them

2011-10-05T22:18:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

Sorry, I could not post yesterday. I actually had to go out last night to show my support for a friend. It was a nice break from constantly working on this collection. I really needed that. It is coming up soon to the deadline, Oct 12th........!!!!!

Holey Moley ( did I spell that right?)

One of the fun and frustrating things about creating a new collection is naming the new designs. They are all my babies, I see them as my children. So when I name them I have to find the right name that suits their personalities. Believe me, they all have personalities. It is not easy b/c I am a very bias Mom. I sound a little crazy here but I acknowledge it.

If you are wondering why the sketches are all flat instead of croquis. I just like it that way and it is much more understandable when you start draping the pattern to see a clear outlined drawing. I do first sketches on croquis. Then my assistants turn the sketches to flats so that they can photoshop prints on it and have a very precise placement of seams for pattern work.

Enjoy this video,

For tickets for Spring 2012 collection:

www.Fashionhouston.net

Love life,

Love Fashion,

Love,

Chloe

Draping 2012 and Being a smart business woman.

2011-10-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

Good Day everyone,

I get a lot of praises for being a smart business woman.

So this video really tells you how I became so successful.. :)

Please excuse my messy design studio but it is what it is.

My collection is almost done. I am working on 4 more pieces. I am excited to style my collection with Elaine Turner accessories today. That is the fun part. I will post that video later this week.

Remember to get tickets for the show at:

www.fashionhouston.net

Love Life,

Love Fashion,

Love,

Chloe Dao

Spring 2011, Sneak Peaks, First day

2011-10-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

It is midnight, Monday morning and I am writing this blog. I am very excited about this blog b/c I am really opening my world to you. From today on, I will be posting behind the scene video blogs of the making of Spring 2012 collection. I have always loved the "behind the scene" of anything creative and I thought why not share my process. I always love watching and seeing how other designers work. I am nosy like everyone else.

I get a lot of questions about how do I start a collection? So here is all the good, the bad and the ugly. I am keeping it "real."

Follow me through this collection and I hope you learn a lot of what it takes to create a collection in 4 weeks.

I will be showing this collection at the Wortham Center, Oct 12th. We are partnering up with Elaine Turner and styling my collection with her shoes and bags.

Here is the links.for tickets:

http://www.fashionhouston.net/index.php

Love Life,

Love Fashion,

Love,

Chloe

Spring 2012 Inspiration Board

2011-09-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon everyone!

As promised here is my spring 2012 inspiration board. It is very 60's Mod, bright colors, and bold prints. Very on trend with what is happening at New York Fashion Week.

Stay tuned for behind the scenes pictures and sketches for the upcoming collection.

Bye!

NYC trip 2

2011-09-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

Hi,

OMG! I can not believe it has been that long since my last post. I have been busy working on Fall production and time just flew by and I forgot I have not updated.

Well, here it part2 of NYC trip. Here are some silly pictures. Jessica and Sasha are my two assistants and it was Jessica first time in NYC. So we definitely needed to take her to Time Square. It was crowded and chaotic but truly NY.

We went fabric shopping for Spring 2012 collection. I will post the inspiration board for that next week.

Enjoy the pictures and thank for sticking around for my very belated blog.

Love life,
Love Fashion,
Love,
Chloe

NYC , Alexander Mcqueen

2011-08-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

I finally have a moment to breathe and reflect on my trip to NYC.

One of the main reasons to go on this trip was to see the Alexander McQueen Exhibition before it was closed.

Anyone who is a designer or loves fashion mourned the death of this great designer. For me at least, I will always be sadden by his death b/c he was so young and talented.

I truly love his work and am always in awe of it. There are very few designers that can take you to a different place, mind set and emotion. McQueen takes you beyond the normal realm. When looking at his work, I know that he is touched by a Higher Being. There is a spiritualism to his designs, it is dark and beautiful and most of all thoughtful. There is always a story or history lesson being told. It is never a collection about colors,style or trend. It is an education.

His fashion shows, were not your typical show. It was pure theater, a full production. I so regret missing his only show in NYC. I had the invite but NYC was under a hurricane warning, it was very apropos, a night for a McQueen show.I was working as an assistant to a great buyer. We were going to all the fashions shows and showrooms during Fashion Week from 8 am-10 pm everyday. It was all very exciting the first few days and then it became exhausting. Sadly McQueen's show was the end of Fashion Week and btw the hurricane warning and fashion fatigue I missed the show.

But there is a slightly happier note, I was in the same room and 3 ft away from him at the Miguel Androver show earlier that week. Miquel and McQueen were friends and he was there to show his support. McQueen was already the darling of the fashion world then. I wanted to approach him just to say I love his work but everyone there was playing it cool and I did not have the nerve. He was just sitting there across from me and so normal and calm.It was enough for me just to be in the same room with him.

Since, I missed the opportunity to show my respect and admiration for his work to him personally and missed his show, I was not going to miss his exhibition at Metropolitan Museum.

It was a mad house b/c we went to see it 3 days before the closing. But it was so worth it to see the clothes and accessories so completely up close and personal.

Long line....

Jessica

I love and respect McQueen even more after listening to the stories told by Sarah Burton, Phillip Tracey and so many that have worked with him. I did not realized the extent of his talent. McQueen can cut a perfect jacket without a pattern, he cut it straight from the fabric by his pure knowledge. That is skill. You must bow to that.

McQueen is a master of his craft and a true artist. I was very fortunate to view his work in person.

Here is a great link from the Metropolitan Museum on the exhibition. You will feel as if you have been transported to this great designers exhibition. There are great videos and pictures. Enjoy and be awed and inspired.

http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/

Side story, I saw Narciso Rodriquez at the exhibition. I was not going to miss this chance to tell him how much I love his work. He was surrounded by his team and I was a bit intimidated at first. But I went up to him, reach out my hand and said,"I love your work." Some of his team members gave me the up and down inspection and I tried to hide my feet. I was not feeling completely fashion perfect b/c I had busted nails, they were chipping and in desperate need of a pedicure. I become a bit insecure and quickly walked away. I really wanted to ask to take a picture with him and say more but my insecurity over my stupid feet got the best of me. What I really wanted to say was,"Hi,I am Chloe Dao from PR I truly love your work and always wish you were one of the judges on my season." But I didn't, I was a little disappointed with myself about it but glad I said something. I guess one step at a time with nice polished toes, next time.

Love Life,Love Fashion,

Love,

Chloe

Model Search

2011-07-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

Hello to all my lovely friends,

I have been watching Bravo's " Million Dollar Decorator's and now I want to talk like Martyn Lawrence Bullard. "Life is deeeliciousss darling". How does that sound? Love it. I watch the show and think, "OMG, I want to live in that world. It's so glamorous."

People think the same of Fashion designers, don't you know we are always looking undeniably chic. I wish. I do confess, I can glam it up when I have to but in my daily life, if I look presentable and not homeless I am please with myself. This is the tragic pitfall of working from home/design studio. Laziness creeps up on you and the next thing you know, it is acceptable to work in your pajamas. Hugh Hefner was ahead of his time, I tell you.

I need to stop digressing and write about the model search contest we are having. I am looking for a model to be the face of my Spring 2012 collection, debuting in Oct. The winner will also receives a photo shoot with photographer Cody Bess, scholarship to Mayo-Hill School for Modeling and Acting, one year contract with Neal Hamil Modeling Agency, and $400 gift certificate from Elementwo cosmetics.

Here is the info:

Fresh Face of Spring - Chloe Dao Modeling Contest from cody bess on Vimeo.

Photo shoots are the one time when it is truly glamorous to be in fashion. I love photo shoots because you see the transformation of the model. A great model is a chameleon. Once she steps in front of the camera there is this moment when you know she has it or not. Witnessing a great model at work is truly like watching a performance. I really do not know how to describe it, it's kind of magical. There is so much beauty in it. The way she moves that flows but always beautiful. I guess the word I am looking for is, "lyrical". It is smooth and dreamy.

I get tons of emails and messages asking me how I choose my models. I usually work with an agency but some times I do my own casting. Well, for all those who think they have it. I This is the contest for you. I am looking for the new fresh face. I am very excited to see the submission. Good luck ladies!

Love life,
Love Fashion,
Love,
Chloe

My inspiration, Bill Cunningham, documentary

2011-07-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

If you guys know anything about me is that movies have played a very important role in my life. Dead Poet Society really did change my life. I was afraid to follow my dream in college until I watched that movie. I always wanted to be a fashion designer but thought it was a very unrealistic dream/fantasy. So I went the safe route and majored in Business and went to the University of Houston like most of my sisters. It was easy to transition from high school to college with my sisters and friends. There was no risk or adventure. I was comfortable.

I did well at UH but I was also very miserable and bored. I started skipping accounting classes and study only the night before the test. That is the best and worst thing about a big university you do not have to attend classes and still pass. If you knew me in high school, I was a total nerd, fashionably always but still a nerd at heart. My parents were crazy enough to allow me to skip the whole family U.S. naturalization b/c I wanted perfect attendance. My family used to joke that I was the only alien in the house and I was going to be sent back to Laos. What the hell was I thinking?

My second year at UH was when I realized I really needed to figure out what to do with my life. I was beginning to not really care about my classes. I have always prided myself on being a good student and really embracing learning. Then one day, I went to see, Dead Poet Society.

I needed something in my life to tell me it was "ok" to not follow the norm. I did not have the courage within myself to do so but Robin Willaims did. " Oh Captain, my Captain!" indeed!! I cannot accurately remember if within a few days, weeks or months after watching the movie, I dropped out of UH and enrolled in the H.C.C. Fashion Design Program. I felt so free, alive and happy about my future. Somehow Dead Poet Society gave me the courage I could not muster up myself. Silly to say but I will always be grateful to this movie b/c I would not be where I am without it, " Got to be more, Got to see more, Got to do more"

It has been many years since I watched a movie that has moved me so much but a few months ago, I watched the documentary on Bill Cunningham. Who is he? I cannot explain better than this;

The "Bill" in question is 80 + New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham. For decades, this Schwinn-riding cultural anthropologist has been obsessively and inventively chronicling fashion trends and high society charity soirées for the Times Style section in his columns "On the Street" and "Evening Hours. "We all get dressed for Bill," says Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

For me, Bill is someone who is truly an artist, an artist in the complete and most honest degree. He does not compromise his work for monetary needs, societies approval or personal gains. He truly lives for his art. He exudes such joy b/c this man has never compromised his work. He does sacrifice daily creature comforts but he is surrounded by love and complete respect with anyone that know him or of him. I looked up to him b/c in this day and age there is so much pressure to be financially successful. Money equals success.

He is really such an inspiration. He makes me think about what I really need in life, as a person and as an artist. Doing your work should not always be about financial gain but the joy of it. Back to the basics when there was no pressure to pay the bills, staff and some time to make other people happy. I know it is a balancing act, I could never be like him but I hope to be just a little like him. Creating beautiful things and being happy I am able to live my dream and to continue to create.

I never have gone up to be Bill in person but have seen him many times at NYC Fashion week. He is a staple there. Next, I will and just thank him for being him.

So if you want to see this documentary and walk out of a theater with a big old smile on your face and have tears of pure happiness inspired by Bill, himself. Come join me this Friday, July 8tth at M.F.A.H. at 7pm. There will also be a panel discussion.

Here is the info on the panel.

Post-Screening Event July 8 Only! A panel discussion with Lynn Wyatt, founding chair of M.F.A.H. film committee; designer Chloe Dao; photographer Jay Marroquin, and Luis Soto (Mr. G), co-editor of MetroVelvet.com follows the film. Afterwards the audience is invited to a reception with refreshments generously supplied by Central Market in the museum galleries. Co sponsored by Lot 8 and Fashion Group International Houston.

Did you read Lynn Wyatt will be there to answer your questions? She is truly a fashion icon and such a dynamic lady. I feel a little unworthy to be on the same panel with her.

Here is the link for the tickets for the movie.

http://www.mfah.org/films/bill-cunningham-new-york/

If you cannot make it Friday, the movie is showing on July 15 and 22.

I hope to see you there Friday.

Love Life,

Love Fashion,

Love, Chloe

Behind the scene fitting with Jen from TLC's Little Couple

2011-06-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

It is always kind of nice to have a moment to write a blog. It is my quiet time. If you are a fan of TLC's, " The Little Couple" you might have seen the episode where I made Jen Arnold a suit. This blog and video are about the behind the scene story.

I normally do not make suits because they are not my specialty and I get nervous when I'm out of my comfort zone.

But after hearing what she has been through looking for a perfect suit, I just had to do it for her. Jen has been wearing the same suit for 10 years because she hasn't been able to find someone to make a flattering one. The one she has now was made over 10 years ago and loves it so much that she has been trying to get someone to rub it off to make duplicates of it. The copies were not successful. Then a few years ago, she had 2 suits made by a tailor. The tailor did some very unnecessary padding that made them very masculine and she couldn't wear them. This is when it becomes very clear what the difference between a designer and a tailor and even female designers vs men designers. I could be wrong but when I design I really do think about the female body and the female psyche. Us ladies, have a lot of issues with our bodies. The best designers are the ones that silence that negative voice inside us and make us feel or see our better self. Good designs really do boost your self esteem.

I made a dress and gown for Jen before the suit, so at this point I feel I understand her body pretty well. For me, she needed a suit that had no padding. Her old suit had a standard lapel which I thought was the wrong collar for her, it made her very strong shoulder line even more noticeable. She needed a soft shawl collar to balance her and add some softness to her shoulder line. Jen's body is very proportionate even though she is smaller. I needed to exaggerate certain seams to showcase her curves, so I added a back waist yoke to the jacket. A little kick in the back yoke creates a beautiful side silhouettes, much more feminine. Every seam was thought out to really give her the perfect fit.

What I really love about working with Jen is that she really appreciated all of my work. That is the best reward for me. Making clothing is a lot of work and nothing is more rewarding then someone loving what you do and really appreciating your work.

Jen, I hope you wear this suit for the next 10 years. You look great it in!!

Here are some pictures from the fitting.

Chloe

My New Summer Dresses

2011-06-20T09:02:00.001-07:00

Good morning everyone,

Hope you all had a wonderful fathers. Now it's time to give your self a present! Now that summer is here so are fun summer dresses at Lot 8. If you went to the Italian Expo you might recognize some of the pieces from the fashion show.

Come by the store and check it out!

3D origami flower demo for the Lot 8 summer window

2011-06-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon everyone!

I just wanted show y'all the new Lot 8 summer window we have been working on. I wanted to do a very bright colorful window for the store and I found this origami technique and fell in love with the flower it made. The written directions were kind of confusing but I figured it out after a few times. So I thought I would demonstrate how simple it really is and how beautiful the out come will be!

Each flower we made takes 5 pieces of paper and each half circle takes 6 flowers, so in all we folded 1440 pieces of paper! It took 5 people 150 hours to finally complete this project it was a lot of work but it turned out to beautiful!

Hope you love it as much as I do! Please leave comments I'd love to know what you think!

Italian Expo

2011-05-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to update you all on my crazy schedule. Today I'm working on my mini Resort collection for the Italian Expo that is this weekend June 3-5. It is going to be a tour of Italy from food, wine, fashion, design, tourism, art, and entertainment. Tickets are available online for $10 and at the door for $15 we also have coupons for $2 off at Lot 8 so stop by and grab one!

Sunday is when the fashion design competition will take place. I will be on a panel where we will be judging 9 designers that will be competing to win a trip to Italy for fashion week in February. I will be closing the show with my collection.

Here is a sneak peak of the line up and what we have been working on.

Here is the link to the Italian Expo, hope to see everyone there!
http://italianexpo.us/

Mommie Series Houston

2011-05-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I was having dinner with my girlfriends last night and we were talking about all the pressure of the modern woman to have it all. For me, my group of close friends are in their late 30 's to early 40's. If you read this blog frequently, you know my big 40 is coming my way. Some of my friends are career women and are mothers, some are a lot like me, very career driven hoping to be mother one day. But I think we all have questions internally asking if we can do it all and have it all. I always struggle to see how I can carry on with my very busy schedule and having a a child. How do some of this women you read about do it all? How the hell do they lose all those weight when I have been trying to lose 10 lbs for 5 years and failing. I am graduating to a one piece swimsuit this year for the first time in my life. Notice, I said, " "Graduate" Positive spin for own personal ego.

I watched the Bravo show, " Pregnant in Heels" and love Rosie Pope b/c she has to deal with some very eccentric Mommie. I wish I could have some of this lady lifestyles but what if you don't.
What if you do not have the funds for a extra help? What if you don't want help and want to spend the time one on one time with your baby. What if you are like every women out there trying to juggle all this tasks just being without a kid and now you have a kid/s and feel so much more overwhelmed now. I am overwhelmed and a little tired thinking about it and writing this blog.

So many questions right, scary bc I am not even a mom yet. I think this what my boyfriends tell me not to do. I always drive myself to certain level of anxiety when all I do is think about all this things I have to accomplish and finish before I feel happy or in control but the the sad part is the " to do list' never ends.

Well, thank god, I am hosting a an event on Wednesday at Lot 8 called the Mommie Series. It is an educational event about family, health, finance and most importantly fashion baby!! It is about helping all moms in every which way possible but I think most of all it is about us, women, helping our self to be better women for our family and most of all our self. I really do not think this event is only for mothers. I am not a mom yet and I am curious to learn more how to take better care of my finance and personal growth . The clothes part I think I kind of got the hang of it. Actually, I am the speaker for the Fashion section, so that add to my "to do list" this week.

But in all seriousness, this is going to be a great event bc you will learn about how to handle all the things in life that comes at you and look fabulous doing it. Also, I heard the swag bags is pretty awesome.

Here is the link to the event if you are interested in attending.

http://www.mististyle.com/events

Here is the facebook link for more info on it.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=209042429135669

I hope to see you there. Please leave me comment so I can feel like someone is reading my blog.

Love Life,
Love Fashion,
Love,
Chloe Dao

2011 Think Pink Scarf

2011-05-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon everyone,

Just wanted to give you all a sneak peak at the new 2011 Think Pink scarf. Please let me know what you think!

Love life, love fashion,

Love,

Chloe

Think Pink scarf

2011-05-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

Every year I design an original print for the Think Pink organization which benefits breast cancer research, victims, and their families. I've been thinking about ideas all weekend, so today I decided I better start putting them down on paper. This year is more pressure then ever because last year I loved the print so much I designed my sp2011 collection around it! It's kind of sad that once you do something you are so proud of you become your own worst enemy and critic. You have to come up with something even better then the last.

I have been mentally blocked because I feel the pressure and am a little scare to start. I'm really not inspired by anything yet. I am so bombarded with other thoughts.

But I can't stall anymore, I have to get this print done by end of May or it will not make the production deadline. I have no choice but to start today and give some idea to my design assistant or I will be screwed.

Maybe writing this blog will help me get motivated!

I am getting into my design mood. Which is listening to classical music and just letting myself relax. Hopefully the pressure of pleasing people will float away and I can just do something I am proud of and most of all love. I guess at the end of the day, I want to love it and push myself too. Designing prints is something I just starting doing 4 years ago. It is very freeing because there is no physical body to fit, it is limitless.

Well, wish me luck!!!

HCC Fashion Show

2011-05-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

Hi,

MY OH MY! How time flies! I recently went to the Houston Community College annual student fashion show. I remember when I was there, it was 1992!! I took my first fashion classes there before going to FIT in NYC. Have Mercy! I was 20 years old, that is literally 19 years ago. I feel old typing this blog, no wonder my fingers hurt.

OK, no more whining about my age, I'm celebrating the amazing designers of this class. They are so very talented. I am very impressed with their work. Talent is found everywhere not just in the big design schools. I truly believe in this day and age, you can hone in on your skill anywhere. It is about putting in the hours to learn your craft. But I do believe, more opportunities are available in the bigger fashion capitols, but honestly opportunities are all around you. You just have to seek them out and be prepared. I do not believe in luck, I believe in being ready and prepared for the right opportunities.

Enough of the lecture.

Here are some pictures of the amazing work from the HCC Fashion Design Class of 2011.

Please post comments so I can figure out what else you like me to post.

Love Life,
Love Fashion,

Love,
Chloe

Product Runway

2011-05-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

Hola,

There is one thing most people don't know about me, I love interior design. I think it is so hard because it is a serious commitment. You have to commit to the floor once you put it down, while with clothes you can just take them off if you don't like it. I have been decorating my house now for like 3 years and I'm still not finish. Probably because I still can't commit to certain pieces and I'm afraid to make a mistake. While again with clothes I know what to wear and design but with furniture and accessories, I am a little lost. Now, I know what my customer's feel like when they're not sure if a dress is right for them or not.

Well, enough about me. This blog is really about the amazing group of interior designers, IIDA, International Interior Design Association. A shout out has to be given to Stacy Dobb and Jeannie Wu for putting the event together, a ridiculously impressive show to raised money for the Houston Furniture Bank. This was the third Product Runway I have had the opportunity to judge. I love this contest because I think every fashion designer wants to be an interior designer and vice verse. 17 different design firms had to create an original garment from soft and hard goods donated and designated from vendors. The garment had to work with a certain musical genre also. It was a challenge and plus the firm had to choose from within their team a model. There were some brave and very generous souls to work and model on the runway. I did that once for Project Runway and believe me I thought I looked like a munchkin on the runway seeming myself on TV. I never realized how bow-legging I was until then. No good at all....

Well enough about me again. Am I vain? Me? I think not.

Here are some pictures from the show. Enjoy the creativity. I think I need to be scare of them because they were pretty amazing!!

Me, Myself, and I

2011-05-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

You know what's funny about being on TV?.. Once you are on it everyone thinks all of a sudden you live this fabulous life where you have a team of people doing everything for you.

I think it is really funny how I get asked if I have my own hair and makeup people. Yes, of course, I do and she travels with me every where. She is me, myself and I.

When I used to do QVC a lot Adam, my coworker would put on my fake lashes and glue on fake nails but that was the extend of a team. I used to get my make up done by the salon at QVC and a few times I have had a professional makeup artist do it for special occasions. I stop when I started looking like an Asian drag queen or madame. From then on I decided to do my own makeup.

Here is a little behind the scene of me trying to get it together on the morning of The Royal Wedding. I was up at 4:30 a.m. working on a wedding dress and turn on the television and realized the big wedding was on.

That morning, I had to film for a few television news stations about the wedding and also do a fitting for my bride.

Mercy!! Here is a touch of my real down home glamorous life. My sister is going to kill me when she sees what I cut my bangs with in this video. I almost poked my eye out with them. Please do not try what I did. Enjoy!!

Miss Hazel's grommet demo

2011-05-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

Hola,

This VB is about how to do grommets and introduce to you my new old dress Hazel. I made this dress many years ago and have worn it to death. I am not embarrassed to admit I have worn it a few days in a row before, different city, different people lol. Here's some pictures of me through the years wearing it. This dress hides all my "yummy for my tummy" issues I have. I guess that's why I wear it so much!!!

Also, if you ever want to see how grommets are set in, I am showing you on Miss Hazel because she is all about her grommets.

Enjoy!

Kai Scissors

2011-05-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

Good day everyone,

I finally have a new blog, hopefully this is a start to more postings. I am finally getting a system down.
I get asked a lot about my favorite things or just what is the best sewing machine, scissors, and so on. Well here is the best shear on the market in my opinion, Kai scissors made in Japan. They are my favorite shears in the world!!! I really love them, they cut like butter and last forever!

I know in this video I said "Gingham" instead of "Gingher". Honey, I never said English was my strong point. Atleast I was still thinking Faaasshiiiiooooonnnnnn! Serious.

OK, this is what happens when you write a blog early in the morning. I digress. I forgot to mention the prices in the VB, the 5000 series is around $14-$32, the pro 7000 series is $60-$130. I am not getting paid to write about this. I just really love these products!

I hope you do too! Here is the website, www.kaiscissors.com

Massage Heights Robe

2011-04-08T08:36:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon everyone,

Monday morning I was on Fox News where I talked about my robe I did for Massage Heights. My team and I made a video a few months ago on the "behind the scenes" making of this robe. It took us over a 100 hours to make this robe!

Now you can register to win the robe and see it in person at 13 Massage Heights locations in Houston. The robe will go on tour at all the locations through April and May. For more information, go to massageheightshouston.com

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Love,
Chloe

Spring cleaning sample sale!

2011-03-31T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I have decided to give myself a fashion cleanse and all of you can reap the benefits! Over the past 11 years I have accumulated numerous fit samples, inspiration pieces, runway designs, and even pieces from my personal closet. It is out with the old and in with the new!

Girls if you are looking for that one of a kind prom dress this sale is for you. All cocktail dresses range from $98-$25 and evening gowns from $399-$50.

Don't worry if you aren't a size 2 model we have QVC samples and runway shoes size 7-11.

Here is a sneak peek at what you will find.

Magenta Gown with braiding detail at waist $299

White silk chiffon runway piece only $399

Lucille summer dress $99

13th challenge dress $78

Houston Fashion Week runway shoes with laser cut detail on strap only $10

Sale starts Friday!

Love life, Love fashion
Love sales more!
Chloe

Update- What's Happening in my World

2011-03-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Life for me has been crazy as usual, and everyone who knows me knows how busy my schedule can get. Lots of things have been going on these past couple of weeks, and before I forget what they were, here's a little bit about them:

Feb. 27th: I was at Camax Campus Market Expo promoting my new print for Nuo. Models wore my clothes and showed off the laptop cases available in the line.
While I was there, Study Breaks, which is a college magazine, asked me to help sponsor and promote their Girls Night Out Contest. Submit a 30 sec. video on why you should win, and you'll be entered in a chance to win one of my Nuo bags bag full of new clothes, dinner, limo service, vip treatment at the clubs, and your own paparrazi for the night. Details on their website here.

Mar. 1st: I attended the Passion for Fashion Luncheon at the Hotel Zaza and got to dine with Mark Badgley and James Mischka of Badgley & Mischka. They were amazingly sweet and down to earth.

Mar. 2nd: I was on Fox News talking about Project Fashionista at the Children's Museum. Project Fashionista is a great way to channel your inner fashion designer to design clothes out of everyday materials. The event is on Wed. Mar. 16th from 11am-1pm, and I will be there to judge the outfits! There will be a lot of other fun activities going on, so don't miss it! Details here. Not only for the kids, adults can play, too (we all have an inner child anyway).

Mar. 7th: I was on a panel for Fashion Group International Houston's career day and student fashion show along with David Peck, Marina Saba, and guest speakers Janet Gurwitch and Carmen Marc Valvo. It was an honor to be around such accomplished people and to encourage student designers.
Later that day, I also met up with Jen from TLC's the Little Couple to make her another outfit. We went shopping at High Fashion Fabrics and she picked out the fabric she wanted. I normally don't do custom work, but she is so sweet that I could not say no.

Mar. 9th: I was lucky enough to be invited to the preview of Cirque du Soleil's new show OVO. Me and my mom got the VIP treatment, free drinks and tapas, great seats, and got to see an AMAZING show. It makes you realize how amazing humans can be. We have no limits.

Mar. 12th: I hosted Macy's "Find Your Magic" Fashion Show at Memorial City Mall. The audience was great especially Angel. I want to give a little shout out to her mom and grandmother. Ya'll made my day!

Here's an upcoming event in case you're in Austin: SXSW has a new fashion showcase called Style X from Mar. 18-19 at the Austin Convention Center. I will be there for the fashion shows and speak on a panel. More details here.

So that's it guys, that's what I did over the past weeks. Crazy huh? Hopefully I don't run out of energy because there's always more coming up.

Ciao,
Chloe

Nuo new print

2011-02-24T09:41:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

This weekend I am going to be at the George R. Brown convention center for Camex which is a college book store trade show. I will be there supporting my line for Nuo and showcasing one of my brand new prints. Since people always ask how I come up with them I'm going to give you a behind the scenes look at my design process.

This is the abstract flower print I did for Nuo it's a best seller right now so my goal in designing the next print was to come up with a new variation of this classic.

First I find my inspiration. This is vintage wallpaper I love the curved lines.

This is one of many designs that came from this inspiration. I liked it but it wasn't quite there yet.

I pulled out the elements that I did like which was the petal like curved lines. I began overlapping and flipping them until it turned into a flower.

Next is deciding colors and how detailed we could be with the flowers.

The final step is making the pattern. We have to decide what size will look the best on all the merchandise which ranges from small net book clutch to a full size suite case.

These are the final products on the satchel and slim laptop brief. This process seems pretty simple but after it was all said and done we spent over a week in development.

Hope y'all enjoy the two new prints they will be in stores soon!

Love Life, Love Fashion
Love,
Chloe

Supporting locals designers and Spring 2011 Web shoot

2011-02-02T14:42:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I know it has been forever since I have written a blog. There have been so many times when I know I should written something but time constraint or just not knowing what to write stop me. What is sad is that I do have so much going on, I actually have tons of material to write about.

So I thought, the best solution to keep in touch with everyone is to video blog. You do not have to read my bad English and grammar anymore. I will no longer torture you with it. My close friends read my blog and just died laughing. I am sometime mortified after I read what I have posted but I am still better then Courtney Love. But at the same time, I cracked myself up with the writing. It really showed that my brain is going at 100 MPH and my fingers is in the school zone.

I will definitely be posting more often b/c I will not have to type. I am a horrendous typist, I create my own language.

Well, my first blog is about the Emerging local designers Party , Lot 8 boutique is having on Friday, 2-4-2011. I talk about in the video. I hope everyone come out to support and celebrate our local talent.

Here is the invite:

Yesterday, we were steaming and tagging the new local designers clothes when a customer fell in love with a piece and literally bought it of the rack. There is nothing like that feeling of selling your first piece. I hope everyone of the designers get to experience that feeling. It is pure joy and elation.

The rest of the video is a little snap shoot of the web shoot we did at the store. I hope you enjoy my first video. I am very excite to start this video diary of my year with you.

Well here is the link to the video:

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Did you notice the bang?? I really like my new haircut, I feel young and cool. That is a great accomplishment for a woman about to turn freaking 40!!!!! I am freaking out.

Enjoy,

Love Life, Love Fashion
Love,
Chloe

Giving thanks andd giving back

2010-12-01T09:51:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I have been a bad bad girl this last few weeks for not blogging. I am pretty sure I am on Santa's Naughty list. Xmas is coming up so let me try to get out of it by giving thanks, giving back and letting you know about some pretty great deals I know about.

Everyone loves a great bargain during the holidays. I am always thankful for a great sale myself. It brings me such joy and great gifts.

I want to start off by being thankful for having my business still in this economy. It has not been easy this year but I am here to stay and "making it work". I want to thank everyone that have been shopping with Lot 8 boutique for the last 10 years. Wow! It has been that long. I feel old. I was 29 or almost 30 when I opened Lot 8. Time does fly, have mercy!!

You all have my gratitude for all those years. If you are in the Rice Village for this week only, mention this blog and get a free Lot 8 T shirts. I will sign it if you like. Thank you for all those years and many more together. I feel slightly a bit like Oprah, giving away free stuff.

I want to also thank everyone for making my laptop accessories line with Nuo successful. I still can not believe it is in 1,200 Staples stores nation wide. It is also on Dell.com, OfficeMax.com and Ebag.com. Unbelievable!

Here is my giving back, take 50% off all my DaoChloeDao for Nuo at Lot 8 boutique for this week.

If you are not in Houston. Nuo technology is based in Austin. They are opening a Holiday “Pop Up Shop” located in the new RunTex store opening tomorrow on Far West Blvd @ Hart Lane in NW Austin. The best part is there will also be a dedicated SAMPLE SALE RACK of laptop bags starting as low as $5 for iPad/Netbook Sleeves up to $20 for Totes and Messengers! I might do a special meet and greet there. Will keep you posted.

Well, I hope Santa read this blog and put me back on the Nice list. If not I might have to join the Bad Girls Club. Oh my gosh! I hope y'all know I am joking. My silly humor.

Happy Holidays.

Chloe (Oprah) Dao

Can not sleep.

2010-11-03T17:28:00.000-07:00

Good early morning,

Its around 3:58 a. m. I kind of just woke up out of no where. I am tired but can not sleep bc my head is overloading with problems to solves, designing some new pieces for the Holiday, fitting that needs to be schedule, dresses that need to be in production, special orders.
That is just the design and production end for my line for the store.

There is still marketing and so many other things I need to work on.

Part of me feels like the Holiday is coming and I want a mini vacation. But the fashion business does not work that way. I need to have Fall 2011 be finished by mid Feb.

How do I split my time btw design, production, and marketing? That is always a dilemma. I am smart enough to know I need help.

I am trying to be smart. Am I being smart? Am I making good decision. Why do I have to make all this decisions?

Am I doing enough? Am I doing too much?

Why am I writing this blog in the early morning?

Why am I questioning if I can do all this when I have been doing it for the last ten years? Maybe I guess bc I feel like it is a new ballgame out there.

Maybe this is just me pmsing....?.

Maybe I need to tried to get some sleep. Or just get up and start work so I can feel some kind of control and accomplishment.

Am I letting you know too much? TMI?

Am I watching too much Oprah's and I want to share my uncertainties and doubts.

I should go back to sleep and try to have dream about relaxing on the beach.

Wish me luck and sweet dreams.

Chloe

Spring 2011 Video, Thank You Mr. Anthony Dowd

2010-10-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

Hola,

So as promised, here are some pictures from the filming of my spring 2011 fashion story. This spring I was feeling happy and free- like a bird. The fashion story is the embodiment of the spring 2011 girl. She is the 3 F's: flirty, fun, and pure fashion. The story begins with a girl who is about to start the best day of her life. She wakes up, hops on her Vespa, buys herself some flowers, goes shopping, eats ice cream, plays at the park, and finds love. I wish I could always have days like that. Here's the link to the video, enjoy!

Unfortunately, the swing didn't make it into the video.

I want to thank everyone who came out to support my collection on Wed. at the first ever Houston fashion week. My team and I were super proud of the collection. It turned out more beautiful than we imagined. Some of even got emotional, lol. You know it's good fashion when you make someone cry.
But most of all, I want to thank Anthony Dowd for his hard work on the video. Without him there would be no video. It was his baby, his vision, and he was the art director and the producer for the whole shoot. He did an amazing job with such short notice. He's my 411. I'm so sorry that I forgot to acknowledge you on the program.

Other shout outs:
Thank you so much, Phil for allowing us to borrow your vintage Vespa. I wanted to drive away with it.

Thanks to Michael and Rich for letting us shoot in your fabulous townhomes!

Michael Frankel and Sean Elder and the Art Institute team for videotaping and editing.

I really enjoyed working with my two models/actress/actor Bridget and Don. Bridget, you looked a-ma-zing in the clothes! You looked modelicious!

Love life,

Love fashion,

Love Chloe Dao

HFW and Spring 2011 Collection

2010-10-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

HI Everyone,
I finally have a moment to breathe and update my blog. Lots of stuff has been going on, mostly I've been working really hard on the Spring 2011 collection for Houston Fashion Week! I am super excited and super exhausted, but I gotta make it work and carry on. My show is on Oct. 13th, so be sure to come and see what I've been busting my butt for. You can buy tickets here; 1 ticket will get you into all of the shows for that day. Divisi Strings will be providing the runway music for my show. If you went to my Spring 2010 show, you know that they rock the house.

The inspiration for the collection comes from the color and print of the Think Pink scarf that I designed for this year.

Here is the inspiration board and a couple of sketches from the collection. The birds represent to me the freedom and the exuberance of the 1920's. The collection mixes elements of the birds, laser cut outs, and my love of color-blocking. We have up to 20 pieces already, but I feel that I need to add a couple more evening dresses. I'm hoping that the collection comes together the way I imagined it.

Also last weekend, we've been filming a fashion story that we will be playing in the background as my collection walks the runway. Thanks to the team at Art Institute for doing the filming, and thanks to my models Bridget and Don for making my clothes "modelicious". Don't we all wish we could be modelicious, lol. I'll post up pictures for the filming in my next blog.

Love life,
Love fashion,
Love Chloe

Sept. 6th

2010-09-03T20:38:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Its Friday night around 9:30 pm. I had a fabulous time last night at my party at my Lot 8 boutique. It was pretty fun to kind of kick start Audi Fashion Houston coming up on Oct 11-15.
I will be showing my collection for Spring 2011 on Oct .13th. It will be me, Toni Whitaker, Irina Shabayeva. I love it. It is an all ladies show. Tickets are available online at www.fashionhouston.com . I am just now starting on the collection. I have 5 weeks to pull this together.

I usually wouldn't stressed about it but I am leaving this Sunday for Philly and NYC. I will be gone for a whole week. I know my team will be working on the direction and ideas I have given them. The truth is I am still at the experimental stage of the collection. It is still trial and errors right now. Pray for me! I will need it. This is truly a very tight schedule.

Even though, I am nervous about my new collection. I am very anxious to do my QVC shows coming up Monday. Here is my schedule for Sept 6th , Eastern time,
I have a 6 am-7am, 1pm-3pm, and 2 styles for PM style with Lisa Robertson starting at 7pm.

That is a lot of shows but I have not been back to QVC since my July show.

Ladies, I have great reorders in new colors. You all have been asking for my stitch cardigan (A84524) to be made in new colors. I brought it back in rich, creamy , luxurious ivory and sophisticated, bold, royal deep purple. Look out for it with Lisa Robertson.

You know I have worked on some of these designs months and months before it gets on air. Sometime, some of my favorites do not survive the process and I am so sadden when that happens. There are many reasons why we can not make certain things. The biggest is we just can not afford it or we do not meet the fabric minimum order. My dream like every other designers out there is to make clothes without a budget restriction. How wonderful would that be? Do not get me started.

Well with that said, I think I did a pretty good job with the new designs I am showing Monday. Here are some pics. Tell me if you like it. If you are watching and buying something please try and call me on air. My favorite part of the show is talking to you my ladies. Without y'all, there is no me.

Miss Jessica wearing....

Ivory Cardigan (A84524), Printed Knit Top with Cowl Neck (A209804)

Charmeuse Blouse with Georgette Trim (A209797)

Houndstooth Crop Swing Jacket( A90946) , Striped Knit Top with Bow Detail(A209795)

Faux Wrap Ponte Skirt (A89823) My favorite skirt!

Double Breasted Trench Coat(A209793), Printed Poncho Blouse with Elastic Waist(A209802)

Cardigan with Button Back Scarf(A209801)
Stretch Knit Stirrup Legging(A84543)

The Trend of the Season

Faux Leopard Print Jacket w/Funnel Neck (A203260)
Stretch Knit Stirrup Legging(A84543)

On a side note, most of the time, I am always just jumping from one project to another and not taking the time to really feel blessed. I do not know what happened today, but suddenly, it hit me. I am a very lucky girl to be able to just create thing and have an audience for it. Thank you everyone who appreciate my work,sincerely.

I am being mushy. I do not know why? I am a girl. What more can I say.

I hope you will be watching.....

Chloe

Austin Fashion Week

2010-08-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

It is Wednesday, 2:36pm. Its have been a few days since Austin Fashion Week and I am very happy the show went super well.

I know I said that I will tell you all about my drama. But after calming down and I realized it is not worth my time or energy to focus on the negative, especially now that it is the past. If I talk about it now I am just giving more attention then it deserve.

But I will talk about the positive. In the chaos of the situation, my team really shine. We feel felt the frustration together, best of all we made it worked together.

Some how the Fashion Gods saw my misery and everything fell into place. The hair and makeup team was so supportive and amazing. The models rocked it. Thank you Monica and Bridget, my angel models for coming to my rescued. They made a huge difference.

One of my motto in life is that "Good things happen to good people." It is so wonderful when that does come true. Everything was not perfect in this show but that is life, I compromised and moved on.

As Michael Kors said, "It just Fashion, People!"

Here are some pics: Enjoy!

The Models and the amazing Hair and Make up crews! Without them, I just have dresses. With them, it is a vision.

Brigette, Monica, Pamela, me, Clarrisa

The Verizon bar! We are gorgeous bars. I speak only the truth.

Brigette, Monica, Rebekah

Chloe's Angel ( Silly me, but I like!)

Brigette, Can I please be you?

Monica, such elegance. Can I be you too?

Love Life,
Love Fashion,
Love,
Chloe

Austin Fashion Week

2010-08-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Its 8:34 pm and I am starting to write this blog. I did not go to sleep last night until 2 a.m. Crazy right b/c the night before I got up at 4:30 a.m. I do not know how I look so good!

Just kidding...

Tomorrow I am going to Austin for its fashion week. I truly love Austin. Its the combination of the city landscape, attitude and weather. Make me "weird" any day.

This will be my first time being a part of Austin Fashion Week. I always look
forward to seeing other designers works. B/c some time, its help you realized how
good you are or not! Fashion is not a sport but we are constantly critiquing and the
dreadful word- Judging- each other.

I am very supportive of other designers but you can't help but compare your work to
other. I just trying to be "real".

I am hoping to see a design that is inspirational and make me push myself further.

In 8 weeks is the first ever Houston Fashion week. I have nothing yet. I have NOTHING....., did I tell you, I have nothing.

Am I nervous? Yes and no b/c I think I am a sick person b/c I work well under pressure and I like it. Give me too much time and I am all over the place. I have to many ideas and it is hard to edit. Limited time work best for me.

I will keep you updated on this collection to be. This baby needs to pop out of me by Oct 11. Spring 2011 please come to me in my sleep tonight.

I think lack of sleep is making sound crazy in this blog. Hopefully, I do not.

Well, here are some pictures of the my mini collection for Sat. If you are in Austin this weekend. Come check out the show. here is the link: http://www.fashionweekaustin.com/.

I love this group b/c it is a continuation of my Fall 2009 collection. She is tough, cool, and sexy. Work it and Bring it!

I sound silly. Enjoy the pics before I write myself into a silly mess. Need sleep.....

The sketches! Thanks to Sasha. I am so jealous of her illustration skills.

Courtney gown. Making it work!

Love me this back. Freaking couture.

Erica's skin looks ridiculous here. Flawless. No photoshoot here. Lenox looks amazing on her.

My height is btw Erica's boob's and knee. The dress I am wearing is like my homey muumuu dress. It feels like air. Do not judge me please!

This is a peek at the collection. I will update on the next blog from Austin.

Sweet dreams, my friends.

Chloe

Go Orange/ Nuo Bag.

2010-08-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Its 10:31 pm. on Wednesday night. I have been up since 4:30 a.m. working on finishing my mini collection for Austin Fashion Week this weekend.

But I want to talk about what I did this weekend. This past Sat., I finally did my photo shoot for Go Orange Campaign.

What is Go Orange?

Here is the press release.

Stitching for a Cause

To kick-off Fashion Week, Moves magazine is partnering with Food Bank
For New York City to raise money to combat hunger with a unique celebrity
design challenge, matching creativity with a good cause.
In this unique event, Project Runway participants are to design original handbags
in Food Bank’s signature orange color to be donated to a charity auction
in the fall. The press opp includes the design of the bag (design details
below) and an invitation to attend the red carpet event hosted by our cover
girl before New York City Fashion Week on September 8, where the unique
bag designs will be unveiled for the first time. All bags will be donated to the
charity for auction with all proceeds going to Food Bank. Pre and post design
press will continue in support of Food Bank’s “Go Orange” Campaign,

Luckily, I will be in NYC for this event. It will be really fun to meet other PR designers I haven't met.

The bag I designed is from my classic satchel bag for Nuo. The print is my brand new abstract flower. This print is not out in store or online yet so you are getting a private glimpse of it. This color story was specifically designed for Go Orange only. But I love it! So you never know. So in a few months this color story might be hitting stores soon.

Here is a few pictures from my shoot. Kris Mcmanus did the shoot and my make up. She is a triple threat. She is an amazing makeup artist, a graphic designer thus a great photographer. Check her website out..

http://www.kristinamcmanus.com/

Let's me know what you think of the bag. Thanks Kris for making look so good.

Love Life,
Love Fashion,
Love,
Chloe

New York! New York!

2010-08-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I apologized for not writing more but I needed a break. I am rested and more focus now.

Today was the last day for my assistant Ben. He started as an intern about 1 year or so. A few months ago I hired him on. Now, he is leaving for the Big Apple. Ben will be attending my old school, F.I.T., I am very excited for him. He is not even 21 yet.

His journey brings back memory for me. I was 20 year old when I first came to NYC. I went there with a girl name Linh, I really did not know her that well. It was supposed to be a weekend trip, just to check out if I like the city. I ended up staying for 8 years.

What a crazy weekend that was! We stayed with Linda, a friend of Linh whom I just met on the plane. Linda grew up in NYC. My first night was at Linda’s mom apartment in Queens. The apartment was broken into the night or week before we came. There was no lock on the door. We had to use a chair to block the door. I was so scared to death. That was my first night.

I would never forget my second night. We went to a house party in Queens. It was a drinking party. Here is a little back-story on me. I was 20 years old and a goody two shoe. I never had a drink in my life until I was officially 21. I am still a lightweight to these days.

As the night progress, everyone was getting so wasted. I refused to drink. People was drinking whole bottle of hard liquors. At one point, I saw a girl passed out. I knew something was wrong b/c she woke up and started throwing up green bile, alcohol poisoning. She was falling asleep again. The next thing I remembered we grabbed her and dragged her into the shower. She was fighting us but she needed to stay awake. That was my second night in NYC. Fun!

There I was first time in NYC, with really total complete strangers. They were nice people but completely different from what I have know my whole life. But it was so new, exciting, and liberating.

When the weekend ended. I called my mother and told her I was not going home.

That is how I ended up in NYC. I am nostalgic for me and hopeful and excited for Ben. He will have many stories himself soon.

I will always be grateful to NYC. The city made me the woman I love being. I always like myself but after living in NYC for 8 years, through tough jobs, interesting romances and an amazing group of friends, I found me. The me that stronger, more resilient, and more confident then I thought I would ever be.

I didn’t have to be nice all the time and I did not have to have everyone like me. I still love people but it was ok for everyone not to like me. Who cares!

Ben! I drink to your future and adventure. Salud!

Love Life,

Love Fashion,

Love,

Chloe

2010-08-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

Hola,

I have been burning the midnight oil like I'm back in school because I'm really excited about showcasing my prefall line this Thursday, August the 5th. It's opened to the public and I'm not only showing my prefall line but also giving styling tips on what to where and how to wear it but most importantly what will work work best on your body type. So ladies who have these issues and you know we do come on by and enjoy free cocktails and a free mini makeover by Luminess Air and hair styling tips from the Lot 8 Salon. Here's a preview of what you'll see tomorrow:

Love fashion,
Love life,
love,
chloe

Bushkills Fall

2010-07-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

My workload was so much I did not have time to write until now. I am actually in Bushkills Fall, Pa writing this blog. I did a QVC show on Monday morning so that is the reason I am in PA. I have another show on July 30th at 8pm eastern time. Please tune in! It is all new designs. I am very proud and excited to show them off.

But this time, I am traveling with my sister and her 2 daughters and my co worker Adam. I am taking a mini vacation. Yeah!!!

Bushkills Fall was so beautiful. We hiked for almost 4 hours at the falls and it was so worth it. Boy, was I out of shape! I got really dizzy when we had to hike uphill. Pathetic!

This place was truly inspiring. I was walking the trail and thinking how I could bring some of this natural elements into my collection.

I have to start on Spring 2011 collection soon and still really at a lost on the direction and theme. Maybe I have found something....

What do you think? Are these pics inspirational and worthy of a whole collection?

I do not know why some of these pics are not rotated correctly. It is in Photobucket. Confuse?

Resting a little bit,

Chloe

My Birthday

2010-07-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

Hola,

Today is my birthday!!! So far it has been a wonderful day. Lots of presents and birthday wishes from my new FB friends and my old friends. I feel the love.

On my birthday, I want to wish everyone lots of laughter and most of all lots
of friends and family who will always be there for you. Find your peace, joy, and happiness. Get inspire and be silly.

Love Life,
Love Fashion,
Love,
Chloe Dao

2010-07-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

Hola,

I am turning 39 this Tuesday. Can you believe it? I can't! I have been in serious denial. I actually have a 20 year high school reunion coming up. Have Mercy!

But the time has come and I've got to accept the blinding truth. So I decided to celebrate early last Saturday. If you can't fight it mind as well as celebrate it. I had a karaoke party and sang my heart out. I am as asian as you can get here! It was so much fun to just let loose and be silly. I can not believe I am almost freaking turning 40. I seriously do not feel or behave my age, I hope I never do.

Let's move onto the fitting I had last week. I designed 4 new pieces and the fitting went really well. Here is a pic of one of the new dress's:

I did sleeves! But of course, it's still got a very cool back.

You like? I am still undecided what fabric I should use.

The printed dress below is named Kim bc my sister Kim helped me designed this dress.

Look's great right? But technically speaking this dress has been a nightmare! I have fit Kim 4 times already but I love this dress and will not give up on it! I did make this for the store a few months ago but after hearing some comments I decided to work on perfecting the fit.

So I redesigned the pleating on the skirt. Hopefully, this will be the last time. Wish me luck.

I am also giving myself a challenge to used up all my current fabrics before buying new ones. In this economy us artists need to find ways to be frugal and creative at the same time. Believe me, it's not as easy as it sounds!

Love fashion,
Love life,
Love,
Chloe

2010-07-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hola,

Update on the chicken. It was ok… not great but not too bad for my first time trying to season like my mother who is my Iron Chef. She is an amazing cook. She can whip up a seven-course meal in one hour. The other Iron Chefs has nothing on her.

Yesterday, my scarf design for Think Pink, a breast cancer non-profit organization was approved. They loved it. I have been designing scarves for them for the last 3 years all for charity. It does take a lot of time from my other work but it is always great to be able to give back and be creative at the same time.

Usually Think Pink always has a theme and I never go by it and I do my own thing. But this year, I thought, “ Ok, I will be a team player and work within the theme.” This year it was “Passport to a Cure”.

I was a little stumped for a few minutes and then I was rumbling through ideas like: passport stamps with such words as strength, survivor, old envelope graphic, the word “cure” itself.

So I came up with this scarf, on the left. They did not like it. The funny part was that they did not want me to go by the theme. How ironic is that? This design took almost a week and half to finish. Honestly, I did not love this design b/c I felt something was not right but I was working on it for so long, I needed to just submit it and see where it went from there. Good thing they did not like it also.

Now that I did not have to follow the theme, I was free as a bird, literally to do what I wanted.

Not many people know I have this thing for birds. I love them, especially bird illustrations by Charley Harper. It is retro and modern. I love that combination. They make me happy.

People are always asking me how I come up with my inspirations. I do not know. But I really felt like doing birds and the shape of a heart, created by the birds. I was a little fearful it might be tacky b/c it can be. I thought all the birds overlapping might look like barbwire but after many designs and changes, it was awesome!! It works and it is cool, very me, and new at the same time. I love it. And guess what? Think Pink love it too. Thank god, they hated the first design.

I have to say thanks to my team for making it happened b/c I came up with this idea and was kind of thinking it wouldn’t work but they pushed me to just do it.

Believe in your ideas, sometime it is horrible but when it works, life is good.

Tomorrow, we are fitting some new designs for August. I will be posting pictures of my fitting and you can see the beginning to end on some of this design. Wish me luck; I will hopefully like some of these designs on the model.

Until next time my friends,

Chloe

2010-07-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I apologized for not keeping up on this blog. From now on I will post every Wednesday and Sunday.

Sometimes there is so much going on in my head and real projects, I feel like I have a million things to write about and to tell y’all but lack of time and those projects always pull me away from writing.

But I guess what is great about this that I always wanted to keep a journal of what I have done, but either I have been lazy or my thoughts are too chaotic for me to focus and write.

But this will help me kind of just sit down twice a week and kind've relax a little and enjoy the moment instead of figuring out want is next.

I get a lots of questions about aren’t you proud of what I did and achieved. Honestly, I never think about it until I am asked b/c I am always on the next projects. It is time to smell the roses a little.

Like today, its Sunday, July 11. I went to the movie with my family. I haven’t done that in years b/c normally I would work half day on Sunday preparing for Monday's work week. I am really trying to balance work and my life. That has always been my biggest challenge. That is the problem when you really do love what you do. But they're times when you need to step away from it. I am learning… I am writing this blog now, and its Sunday.

So what did I do this week, that I should be proud of?

I did the Bridal Extravaganza Expo this Sat and introduced my first ever-Bridal Collection. It was part of my Spring “Lightness” collection. I was a bit nervous b/c I was afraid my designs might not be “ Bridal” enough if there is such a thing. As you can see, I do not really do the big, puffy princess gowns. But after walking the show, I realized, it is good to be different. Beside, the styles and cuts being different, my fabrications are very unique and modern for brides and their bridesmaid. I really loved my bridesmaid dresses b/c it is so different from the classic, boring shape and poly fabric that has been around forever. It is really surprising for me how little has changed for bridesmaid dresses.

I am very proud of this collection. Before this expo, I actually loved my Fall 2009 collection more but now I am really loving and appreciating this collection. I have been a bad mother to my designs, having favorites are not good or nice.

Well, I am going to end this blog b/c I have to have dinner with my very supportive boyfriend, who is grilling the chicken I seasoned last night. Let’s hope it taste good. I will let you know on Wednesday. Balancing…..

Big hug,

Chloe

Featured on About.com's Teen Fashion Blog!

2010-06-30T16:39:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone,

Go check out the article that About.com's Teen Fashion blog wrote about me here.

Also, congratulations to Stephanie, the winner of the $100 Lot 8 Certificate! Thanks so much for commenting guys, I really enjoy reading each and every one of your comments!

Also, look for my QVC lines on TV this weekend.

Love,

Chloe

Part 2 of My Trip to Asia

2010-06-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

My trip to China started with a 15 hour plane ride to Guangzhou. I did not sleep one bit.

It was my first time ever in China. I was really excited to be in China. I've already been to Bangkok and Vietnam before, but never China. I was nervous that I was going to be in a country where I didn't speak the language, so I hired an interpreter. I mainly went to Guangzhout to really look into manufacutring and see how their fashion district was run. I was blown away by it because it was GINORMOUS, like 30 buildings of wholesale. I felt like the whole city was a wholesale district. The wholesale district was not just Chinese deisgners but Korean designers too. They dominate. They're pretty much infiltrating the Chinese wholesale market. If you go to trade shows in LA or at Magic in Vegas, half of the designers or venders are Korean manufacturers. It's interesting to see that they're in China also. I want to be Korean!

Let's talk about one of my other favorite subjects besides clothes: food! (Since everyone who knows me knows that I'm a huge eater; I'm hungry every 5 minutes). However I've got to say that Guangzhou food was not that great. I thought Chinese food was always kind of healthy, but it turns out that every dish is flooded with oil. The soup dishes were tasty but oily. I'm going to jump all over the place when I'm writing this post..my impressions of Guangzhou were that it was very very green for a highly-developped city. On the freeway you would have vines hanging. They were very in tune with mother nature and keeping it green. The thing that made me really sad about the city is that it was so developped and underdeveloped at the same time with the rich vs the poor. Literally I'm in a taxi cab, and on the street is like a 70 year old lady carrying a huge bag on her back and two huge bags in her hands. She didn't even have a bike. It was hot, like 98 degrees. Don't travel in Asia in May, June, July, or August or you're going to die. I really got to see what it meant to be a developping country - in China, not everyone is developping at the same time economically. Same thing with vietnam. Hopefully, there will soon be a balance.

Peace out!,
Chloe

The Little Couple on TLC

2010-06-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

It was a real pleasure to meet with Jennifer and Bill. I am a fan of their show. I watch a lot of reality tv. I am a little obsessed about it. The" Little Couple" just shows you that reality tv does not always have to be mean, trashy, and competitive. I really admire and respect their amazing love and rapport for each other. You can just see and feel it when you are around them. I think that why the show is so successful.

When I found out Jennifer wanted a dress to be made by me I was very excited and nervous because I usually have a mannequin to drape from. But with her being so tiny, I had to work from scratch. I was smart and asked for a basic gown that she liked so I could make a basic pattern from it and develop from there. I wanted her to feel glamorous and beautiful. I found out Jennifer is like me - she gives and gives and sometimes forget to treat herself. This was her only second custom garment ever besides her wedding dress. I know how hard it is to find clothes my size, and I can not image her challenges. So I was super happy to make something special for her. I picked the Lolita dress out for Jen and was really glad she wanted it also. I did a muslim fitting and somehow I made it too short. In about a few days, I made the gown and we did the second fitting. The gown needed some minor adjustment but overall it was beautiful on her. I had to fly out to Asia for a business trip so I could not be there for a final fitting. But I heard it fit pretty well on the show. I have not seen it because I do not know why, but I just can't watch myself right now.

I have to say Jen and Bill can not be nicer people and the crew that film them. I had a wonderful timing and believe me it it not always so pleasant.

I have to admit I always have a bit of a complex about being short, but after working Jen, I need to just shut up. I really do not have anything to complain about. She and Bill really do have an amazing story, they have gone through so many surgeries for things we take for granted. So when you are feeling down on yourself or feeling self doubt creeping on you, just think of Jen and Bill. They are up against a lot more then us on a daily basis but they are happy and successful. We can all strive to be a little more like them.

Peace out.

Chloe

San Francisco - Beginning of a Journey

2010-06-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

This is the beginning of the journey I took to Asia 5 weeks ago and I'm finally going to blog about it in installments because there's just so much to say.

First stop : San Francisco.

I attended the RAMS event in San Francisco discussing mental health. I met with Hung from Top Chef (winner season 3) and the Victor and Tammy, the brother/sister pair from the Amazing Race Season 14, and Pam from Real World Season 2 (first Asian-American on reality television!). The committee members of the event, which was called Changing Reality: The voices of Asian American TV Stars, asked the panel how the reality show has affected us. What's really interesting about the event is for me, how even to this day, Asian parents still want the typical doctor-lawyer path for their children to aspire to: the safe field, the predictable field. And being on the panel with Pam who is a doctor and Victor and Tammy who are lawyers, it's interesting to be on a panel with the perfect parent dream because Victor & Tammy play piano and speak Chinese. Me and Hung, on the other hand, are fashion designer and chef, respectively. You couldn't get more of polar opposites. The beauty of being on the panel is you can choose to be the doctor or you can choose to be in the creative field. It leads to people to become aware that you can be successful doing something else.

I felt so fat next to Tammy.

I don't think we realise what impact we really have, at least me and Hung, until we get on the internet and read about ourselves or meet one of our fans when they tell us about we have changed their life. Here's a true story: once, someone came up to me and told me that after watching Project Runway, they decided to change their mind from being a doctor to being an architect. You dont realise you have this kind of impact until you hear things like this. I'm glad that the change is becoming more evident, I actually did this other event at an art gallery here in Houston and on the panel was me Lan Tran, a playwright, and Andrew Lam a Vietnamese writer; Dai Huynh food journalist. we were all asian artistic people. We proved that you don't have to be a lawyer or doctor. You can be whatever you want be but work hard at it, because nothing comes easily. Doing what you love doesn't always equate to succes, it's doing what you love and working hard that equates to success.

RAMS is a non-profit mental health facility for all Asians - Chinese, Vietnamese, even a small group of Russians. Mental health, especially in the asian community, is such an unspoken thing. In a way, they're saying that it's okay to be crazy, so I think I'm in good company ;)

Next time, I'll tell you all about my trip to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Guangzhou!

Remember, the first 100 people who leave their name with their email address will be automatically entered to win a lot 8 $100 gift certificate!

Stay tuned,
Chloe

The Rest of the Spring 2010 Collection

2010-06-18T14:53:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone, in my last post I gave you a glimpse of my Spring 2010 Collection. Here are some other pieces from my collection - enjoy!

Remember to leave your feedback - the first 100 who leave their name and email will be automatically entered to win a $100 gift certificate to lot 8!

Chloe

Spring 2010 Collection - "Lightness"

2010-06-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

Above are two of my inspiration boards for the Spring 2010 "Lightness" collection. An inspiration board is really a tool to narrow down what the theme of the collection should be. You always have so many themes running around in your head, but an inspiration board really forces you to commit to an idea (though I usually end up changing it again ;))

An inspiration board is also just a piece of paper that you can look at all the time. Sometimes an idea will sound right in your head, but when you're combining it with fabric swatches, you realize, Okay that might not work together.

People always ask me how I get inspiration for my new collections. I usually just go on the internet and look for something that I have an instant conection with. This season, there were lots of colors and African themes. As you can tell, it actually morphed into a collection of lightness instead. Sometimes what you start off with is not what you end up with.

Photos from my Spring 2010 Collection:

And finally, here's me wearing the Lolita dress from the collection at the recent Lightness show supporting The Fairy Godmother Project.

Thanks everyone for stopping by, check back soon for more updates!
Leave your name and email in a comment and the first 100 people will be automatically entered to win a $100 gift certificate to Lot 8! Leave me some love!

Chloe