"Small business marketing on a small budget? Yes, it is feasible! Derek Slocum has discovered a fabulous marketing tool that puts your business card in the hands of potential customers.

It is possible to boost your business returns immensely by simply sticking a Card Caddie business card holder to the exterior of your vehicles. Once you have attached the Business Card Holders to your vehicle, it can actually start to generate potential clients. Clients who take a card from the vehicle's Card Caddie business card holder. You will be able to generate additional sales even when you are working elsewhere and with little exertion or effort. This could be the most rewarding advertising strategy that you could have without spending a lot of money.

Can you share a little bit about yourself and how you got started?

I worked a full time job as a production supervisor for 7 years on swing shift. It was a great job but my days were available to do more so I thought I would get into real estate notary services on the side. At the time I was driving a white mustang convertible and I did not want to advertise on my car. I thought I would just put a business card holder on the back and that would be all I would want to do. That is when it started. I was talking to my wife about how I could not find one and she made a comment "Why don't you make one?" That is when we both sat down and came up with the idea. We refinanced the house and the rest was history.

Where do you draw inspiration for your products/service?
         
That's easy, When I look around and see all the potential clients and how this product will help promote their business. I always get a response of "What a Great Idea! Do you have any with you now?"


All the Card Caddie's sell pretty well. My best experience was at the NAR Expo (Nationial Association of Realtors) in Vegas. One out of every Three Realtors that came by the booth bought 1-2-3-5-10 Card caddie's. There were so many people there it was crazy.

What are your plans for the future?

Our plans for the future is to hopefully get in all the large retail chain stores.

Card Caddie's are weather- resistant; they are heavy duty and have a smooth finish. It has an interlocking lid to secure your business cards from snow, wind, or rain. It is easily installed by using robust 3M VHB adhesives.

Visit www.cardcaddie.com  Upland, California

Derek is offering a 33% discount to all Chic Galleria readers!  Use this link http://www.cardcaddie.com/995ad.html

Rian Berry, owner of rian, and his wife Julie Berry came up with the brand concept over coffee at a local diner five years ago. "We still have the napkin with original sketches on it. I am a painter, so my whole background is in art. The initial goal was to create bags that featured my paintings on them. Now, while our designs have evolved since those first bags, all my designs are still influenced by art. In fact, some of our bags feature prints of my paintings on the liners. The exclusive use of our prints is one of the main elements that set us apart from other labels.", says Rian.

Where do you draw inspiration for your products?

I find that a lot of my inspiration comes from travel..By putting myself out there and experiencing different things I always seem to find something to work from. Sometimes it is the obvious, like finding a great textile or leather. But other times it is more abstract. For example, this season I took color inspiration from this old phone booth near our loft in the city.

What products have been your best sellers?

Our best selling line has been the "Breaks" line. The "Breaks" is a region in Eastern Oregon that has a windblown, distressed landscape. It is where I grew up. My family owns an old farm out there. That particular line features distressed oil leathers and brushed steel antique hardware. It has a very weathered and aged feel to it.  I think the antique and distressed finishes give the line a very versatile aesthetic, which led to the overall popularity of the line. 
 
What are your future plans for rian?

We are continuing to grow the brand by offering more shapes and materials options.  We continue to look for interesting leathers and textiles that are not common on the market. The influence of art and the use of progressive materials give the line a distinct feel and we want to stay true to that. It is our own. We are also working on a women's line for fall/winter 2009. We may branch out into other products. Eventually we want rian to be a full lifestyle brand. But at present, our focus is on accessories.

Visit www.rianmens.com

Happy Holidays Chic Galleria readers! Hopefully you're enjoying the company of people dear to your heart.

Winter just began but in the world of fashion, Pre-Fall collections have already flocked the runways of Paris, New York, Milan and other fashion capitals of the world. Being abreast with the trends in fashion is all great, I see it more of a point of reference. Why look into fall collections when the next season is spring? So, let's take it one season at a time.

Men's Spring 2009 Collections are much improved this year compared to last. After viewing most of the spring collections, I noticed quite the contrast of colors and patterns between American designers and their European counterparts. Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren welcomes the new season with bright, bold colors and prints while Dolce & Gabbanna, Gucci and Burberry Prorsum opted for muted colors and solid palletes.

(left to right) Spring European style. Burberry Prorsum, Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana Men's Spring 2009 Collections. Photos Courtesy of Men.Style.com

Whether your American or European, you have to admit that having a variety of distinct styles gives us more options and the opportunity to exercise our own personal style.

Seasons greetings fellow shoppers,

I hope this note finds you happy, well, and warm this holiday season!

It is almost Christmas day and if you are like me then you are thinking about starting your Christmas shopping.  * Did that cause an audible gasp? *  OK perhaps you are a little more organized than myself or perhaps you don't appreciate the thrill of serious Christmas Eve power shopping.  It's really almost a sport...an extreme sport.  I'll be surprised if it isn't included in the next X-Games.  The only real requirement for the event (besides knee and elbow pads of course) is a long list of gift recipients and a Venti Triple Espresso Eggnog latte.  Are you with me?  Caffeine, Credit Card, and Creativity...check, check, and check!

I'm sensing some hyperventilation out there.

OK, let's talk seriously for a moment.  Do you have one of those other lists that have been checked twice with lots of names scored through but you still have one or two someones who still need some gifting.  And I am also assuming you might be interested in avoiding overly caffeinated pushy people mixin' it up at mega-mall mania.  The alternative I am about to lay on you also overcomes the no way possible I can ship something across the country and get it there on time situation.

Here's the shopping idea.  Yes it's all done from the comfort of your friendly neighborhood laptop or PC.  You'll throw a couple of mouse clicks and the recipient on the other end of your seasonal generosity will be downloading Scott Brick narrating A Christmas Carol at the other end.  It's an instant traditional Christmas experience being enjoyed on the other end of the internet as soon as you click send.  

I've got to get that latte, but before I go here is all you'll need to get yourself or a lucky friend or family member some Christmas joy:

The link:  http://www.scottbrickpresents.com/wordpress/store99/

An awesome limited time only $5.00 off discount code for downloadable version of A Christmas Carol narrated by Scott Brick:  marleysghost

That's it.  Click on the link.  Use the discount code on yourself or for gifting.  Check off those last couple of names on your list.
 
Or...see you at the mall tomorrow.  I'll be the wired dude in the bah humbug t-shirt leaping over the novices at ToyTown.

Merry Christmas Eve Shopping!

Richard


Richard Parsons
Brick by Brick Audio Employee of the Month candidate and unrepentant Christmas Eve Shopper

http://www.freke-deke.com
http://www.virginiasquareaudio.com
http://www.givejust1.org

While attending the GMHC Fashion Forward Fundraiser in New York City in November, I spotted fashion designer Malan Breton from across the room.  The event was so crowded that I was, unfortunately, unable to make it close enough to introduce myself.  Disappointed, I contacted Malan and asked if we could do an interview for Chic Galleria.com.  Malan graciously accepted.

Malan, can you share a little bit about yourself and how you got started?

I started creating silhouettes on paper as a boy, I grew up a performer and was always fascinated at how costumes and shapes enhanced a persons character. I was surrounded by people in the fashion industry for many years and learned a lot about proportion fabrics and fit from them, I never trained so it took a few years for me to perfect my craft but those are years I would not trade for anything. I was doing the voice for Espn's Extreme Sports when I realized "wow" I really wanted to pursue the art of fashion. So I took my contracted earnings and launched my line, ended up on television with Project Runway and the rest is history.

Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?

My inspiration comes from everything from Music, Dance, NYC, and the world that I have seen and traveled. Music is vital for me though and having the right pairing is so important. Michael Buble's music has really inspired and been a mood point for the last two collections.

Describe your best selling items and your favorite experience with your profession?

I am best known for my Pajama Trousers and my little short dresses. My favorite experiences in this profession have been the interactions with people and giving them an opportunity to find their own style and glamour.

What are your plans for the future?

2009 is big for us. We plan to expand open a few stores, I want to do an official menswear line, expand on our jewelry line  and I also would like to do television and film production with my production company Cinemalan. Fashion is so multifaceted and paired with media it is magic.

I have to say that, personally, I am crazy about Malan's glamorous Spring collection.  I would wear every one of these pieces.  They are truly stunning and one of the best collections I have seen for Spring 2009.  Congratulations Malan!

Visit www.malanbreton.com  and The Malan Show on BravoTV.com.  New York, New York