SKIMS: First Layers for winter weather

Skims: Unveiling the First Layers Collection

Skims, renowned for its innovative approach to shape wear and loungewear, has once again raised the bar with this exciting new addition. Boasting premium fabrics, impeccable fit, and a dash of signature Skims flair, the First Layers Collection is a must-have for anyone who appreciates fashion that effortlessly transitions from day to night.

So, whether you're a fashion maven or simply love to stay on-trend, get ready to indulge in a delightful mix of style and functionality with Skims' First Layers Collection. Take a look below as we have a closer look at the pieces that are destined to become wardrobe essentials!

Turtleneck Top - £78, Skims

Zip Front Catsuit, £148 - Skims

Legging £88 - Skims

AW24 TREND : Aprs Ski Chic

Ah, the apres ski chic trend, because apparently, what the world needs right now is a healthy dose of 70s and 80s nostalgia mixed with a side of skiwear. Who knew that vintage-inspired ski apparel would make a roaring comeback? Perhaps it's a desperate attempt to escape the monotony of lockdowns and work-from-home routines. Suddenly, everyone seems to be channeling their inner retro ski bunny, donning colour-block onesies, oversized goggles, and chunky knit beanies as if they've just stepped out of a time machine from the era of disco and questionable fashion choices.

Whether it's a genuine love for vintage ski fashion or just an excuse to hit the slopes and take some Instagram-worthy shots, the apres ski chic trend is certainly making its presence known. See you on the slopes, darlings – in all our vibrant, throwback glory!

The mood board above is something I would create as a first page when looking into trends for the next season. From this I can start to pull outfit images, silhouettes, top key items and finally resulting in the actual design of a new apparel product.

Mood - Apres Ski Chic

If you want to look at a brand that are doing things right, take a look at Halfdays. If you’re on the lookout for stylish and earth-friendly outdoor wear, you've got to check out Halfdays. This brand is all about nailing the perfect combination of fit, function, and style, all while being a champion for our planet.

What sets Halfdays apart is their unwavering commitment to using only recycled materials that are responsibly sourced. Not only will you look amazing in their gear, but you can feel good about reducing your environmental footprint with every wear.
So if you're ready to embrace sustainable style without compromising on looks or performance, Halfdays is the brand you need in your life. Let's step into the outdoors with fashion that's as eco-conscious as it is fabulous!

Fay Midweight Merino Top - £90, Isabel Soft Shell Bib Pant -£336, Halfdays

Merino base layer top, a midweight blend of merino wool and bamboo to keep you warm from basecamp to backcountry. Pair this with the slim-fit soft shell bib pant, designed to be as flattering as it is functional.

Free People is an inspiring brand known for its stylish and contemporary designs, offering a diverse range of clothing and accessories that embody a feminine and spirited aesthetic. The activewear and ski sections are particular highlights, showcasing a stunning array of modern and stylish designs that seamlessly blend fashion and functionality. With a focus on quality and innovation, Free People appeals to the modern woman who seeks both elegance and performance, making it a go-to destination for fashion-forward activewear and skiwear. I use this website regularly for design inspiration and creating cool on trend boards.

Myoko Jacquard Base Leggings, £118 - Free People

Undercover Base Legging, £98 - Free People

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PE Nation has consistently been my go-to brand for fashion design inspiration, seamlessly blending style with performance gear like no other. Their sustainable ski jackets not only boast top-notch functionality on the slopes, but they also showcase the brand's commitment to sustainability. The use of all-over prints in their designs adds a distinctive flair, setting them apart from other brands in the industry. The fusion of bold, eye-catching prints with high-performance materials is a testament to PE Nation's ability to merge fashion and function seamlessly.

Check out their Snow Collection Drop 2 here

Niseko Snow Jacket in Bandana Print - £336, PE Nation

How to send a Freelance Design Proposal

Once you have spoken to your potential client, you would have discussed the basic job outlines and possibly how long the design job could take with an estimated cost.

I used to follow up any phone calls with the client with an email which would then outline the proposal. This email would tell the client what the tasks were. For example 1) Research, 2) Design phase and 3) Technical Specs. It would highlight the deliverables, cost and time frame of each task.

The emails would end up being quite long, and one client pointed out to me that he would prefer all this information summed up as one conclusion. This was a great point, and so I have put together a graph which sums up all the information you would need to send your client once you have spoken about the project details already. You can add or take away any sections for your own proposal plan!

How to become a successful freelancer

Being a successful freelancer can be hard work.  I moved to Auckland, New Zealand two years ago when my partner transferred with his job and thought I would get a design job straight away. A few months down the line, I was sadly no where near to finding a job. 

Having a background in sportswear design and having worked with companies Adidas & Puma , I felt I had enough experience that I could take on jobs online and be able to design for people with the knowledge I had. 

I started working on websites such as 'Freelancer', 'Upwork' and 'People Per Hour'  and at first took on really small projects so I would get reviews, and eventually more jobs. It helped to have a good portfolio to show the work that I could do and as most of it was sportswear apparel, it gave me a speciality area. One thing I wish I had done straight away is to create a website. Once I had made a website on square space, jobs came through my email and I gained work without needing the online platforms! 

Becoming a freelance designer is the first brave step, but the next step is to be a sustainable & successful freelance designer.  The ideal client is someone who is professional and who is creating a brand with long term goals. You want to work with clients on a regular basis where you can build a good relationship with them and be able to make a living without having to search for new jobs on a daily basis.

Here are some of my main tips which I hope will help you (hopefully...) : 

• Create your own portfolio website which shows off the quality of your work. Make sure there is a contact page where people can contact you.

• When people contact you, make sure you have a set rate which you stick to. This should reflect your skill set, experience and by looking at fellow freelancers around the area you are in.

• Find out exactly what your clients needs are. There is nothing worse than starting the job, and realising you cant meet some of their needs. How many garments do they need designed, do they need graphics, do they want technical specs....do they need your help to fit the clothes....etc. Be open and honest with what job you can provide and send examples of your work so they know what to expect.

• Keep a log book of all the jobs you are doing, do you are on the ball with all your clients. Know deadlines, when you should be sending work, invoices...etc.

• Use a professional finance App which allows you to send and track your invoices. (I use Quickbooks)

• When it comes to payment, be totally clear how much the quote is. I usually ask for 50% of the full amount to be paid upfront, and then send that half of the work. I then send a second invoice for the rest of the payment. There have been jobs where I have sent all of the work before being paid... and then not been paid, so now I manage the invoicing differently.

• Always keep communication open and constant with your clients. If you are running behind on a job, then let your client know. If they are not happy with your work, then make sure you stay on a professional level and do the work until they are happy.

• At the beginning of your freelance journey, I would say always be looking and applying for the work that you can do. Always be one step ahead so you have work coming in constantly and are not left in limbo once one project has ended.

Most of all enjoy the freedom that freelancing gives you! Stay ahead of the game, learn new skills, take on a variety of projects and have fun! 

You can sign up here FREELANCER.COM - https://www.freelancer.com/get/jessw18

Designing for Russell Athletics & freelance tips!

I had an old Puma colleague contact me recently in regards to doing some freelance work for a sub brand of Fila. It would be to design a women's collection for Russell Athletics for Urban Outfitters. This was the best news! In terms of a freelance contract & the reason it was so exciting was a) I knew the person who asked me & she was really nice,  b) it meant I could go into London to do some of the work and c) it was at my day rate. I absolutely loved going into London and working next to my old colleague, and I ended up doing about 3 weeks work for the company. The project was about 20 garments for women, for Russell Athletics which would be sold in Urban Outfitters. I would have loved to keep designing for the company and felt really comfortable in their office plus having the flexibility to still do some work from home. Unfortunately the contract they offered me didn't work out,  but it made me think that if you are struggling to find any freelance work in your industry, it can be worth reaching out to old work colleagues or finding work through people you might know. I had never gone down this route when I first started doing freelance but after my old colleague got in touch, it would have been so good if I had reached out to various people I had worked with from the beginning! 

*TOPTIP* - If you are looking for contract or freelance work, try getting in touch with old colleagues. You never know if they are looking for an extra designer to help them! 

*TOP TIP 2* - When bigger companies make you a contract offer, take into consideration that you are taking on all the risks as a freelancer, the company is not paying any workers insurance, tax, or holiday pay - this is why your day rate is higher than a fully employed person. Always know your worth and don't accept seriously low offers. Of course it can depend on your current situation in terms of how much work you have coming in, but remember not to settle.