In Our Modest Opinion...

Designer Profile: A Vitzu Original

Here at Funky Frum, we are always in search of new lines to carry. We like to bring diversity to the collection and give you a chance to wear something no one else has in your area. 

On our last buying trip to New York we met with Leah Weisz, head designer for A Vitzu Original. A young designer with a fresh new line, Leah wowed us with her work. Funky accents and great trims make her tops really special and we had to have them! Check out our A Vitzu Original tops - Treasure, Lady Godiva, and Red Label.

 

With tops as unique as these, we knew there would be a great woman behind them! We asked Leah to introduce herself and the line to our chic shoppers… and here’s what she had to say!

How did you come up with the name A Vitzu Original?

Vitzu's my middle name!

 

Where are you from and how did you get into fashion?

I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. I have always loved fashion and started designing my own clothing when I was in high school. I felt there was a need for cool, funky, and modest clothing for everyday. I was sick of the typical Jewish look - consisting of the long black skirt and the same shirts that we all see. So, when I was in college, I decided to pursue my dream.

 

What inspires your line?

Many things inspire my line including different fabrics, trends, and designs.

What’s the biggest challenge you face when designing?

My biggest challenge is putting together fabrics and designs that flatter all body types. I really want every woman to feel confident and happy when she's wearing a Vitzu.

How would you best describe A Vitzu Original?

I hope that Vitzu branches to everyone who wants to dress modestly. It's fun, original, and different!

How do you wear your Funky Frum? Show Us and Get Paid!

Since Funky Frum opened almost three years ago, we’ve sold tons of great pieces. And because we love shopping, mixing and matching, and finding new things, we just have to ask: How do you wear Funky Frum?

Whether you own one piece or a closet full, we want to see what kinds of outfits you’ve created with the pieces you've purchased from Funky Frum. And, we will even give you a $3 store credit for each of your fabulous looks!

Here’s how it works:
1. Put together your favorite outfits that include at least one Funky Frum style.

2. Take a digital picture of yourself.

3. Email it to fashion@funkyfrum.com 

4. We'll take care of the rest and we'll send you a $3 store credit as a bonus!*

Check back to see when your image is posted, read what suggestions people have and find other great looks that feature your favorite tops, skirts, or dresses!

*DISCLAIMERS: Funky Frum reserves the right to accept or deny posting any image. All images should portray modestly dressed females. All images must include at least one (1) Funky Frum article in order to receive the $3 store credit offer. By sending us your image, you grant us permission to post your photograph on our website, blog or Facebook Page.

It's all in the details...

Our new Zoom feature is the latest upgrade implemented to enhance your shopping experience. It allows you to view styles more closely by rolling over the image on each product page. From lace trims to gold stitching, you won't pass by the important details. Check it out and let us know what you think!

Just Launched: The Funky Frum Affiliate Program

Everyone knows it's chic to share your favorite fashion finds with your friends. After all, what's fun if we don't talk about them?

So we've rolled out the Funky Frum Affiliate Program: an easy way to share Funky Frum with the gals you love and make some extra shopping cash to spend on yourself - at the same time.

To learn more, visit: http://www.funkyfrum.com/affiliate_info.asp

You spoke. We listened.

The overwhelming number of responses we received from our Holiday Gift Bag Survey (December 2007) was outstanding. Thank you to all of you who participated and congratulations to our 3 lucky winners who collectively took home close to $1000 in fabulous gifts!

The survey wasn’t just for fun (though it was, wasn't it?); we wanted your input in order to make changes that better suit your shopping and wardrobing needs. You may have noticed that several of the changes on our new site were inspired by you.

• Products can now be sorted in a variety of ways, including by price, popularity,

  and newness.

• More items can be viewed on one page. And the best part is - you decide!

• Also in the works are more size charts for the items – but until then, feel free to contact

  us and a Funky Frum customer service representative will be happy to give you a

  better idea of the fit.

• We now have items pictured in every color in which they are available, making it easier to decide which color you prefer. Mia wrote in just this week with her appreciation: "Thank you so much for making the color options aactual products in various colors, not enlarged color swatches. It makes a huge difference in the whole browsing/buying process." So, to Mia and everyone else who gave us great feedback - thank you!

We really do listen to you, our customers, and try to make changes to better suit you. Don’t feel like you have to wait until we do a survey to give us your input – we welcome suggestions anytime, so keep them coming!

Our Basic Tees: The Difference

Many of you have inquired about the difference between our Basic Longsleeve Tee and Basic ¾ Sleeve Tee; both great everyday, layering pieces!

The longsleeve version has more of a stretch (with 8% spandex) and it is a slightly heavier fabric. The ¾-sleeved version isn’t quite as stretchy (with 6% spandex), although it has enough to give for ease. It is also a lighter material, which means it is easier to layer and great to wear in the steamy summer months without feeling smothered.

Despite the amount of stretch, the tops have the same fit, and colors vary seasonally for each (stay tuned for new spring shades expected in late March!). If you have additional questions about our tees or any other product we carry, please feel free to send us an email.

Our Favorite Couture Headwear Designers

We hope that you have had the chance to browse our great new collection of headwear. If you haven’t, don't delay! There are some divine pieces... especially in our fancy hats department.

Two of our most favorite hat designers are Louise Green and Tanya Benzaquen from Hats by Tanya (hence the featurettes and fall photos that follow).

Louise Green

The name Louise Green may seem familiar; possibly because she donated a hat last year for our holiday gift bag, or perhaps it is because she designs hats for the hit TV series Desperate Housewives. Either way, if you don’t know her, you should. 

In 1987 Louise began her career decorating vintage tuxedo jackets and selling them at a wearable art store. Then, on a luck-would-have-it day, she came across some vintage hats and decided to retrim and adorn them with luxe ribbons, feathers and other decorative pieces. The hats sold out in one day and Louise’s millinery career bloomed.

Each of Louise Green’s hats is made individually in her 6,000-square-foot artist studio, where her team also produces scarves, shawls and flower pins.

Her favorite part about the industry? “...people buy hats for joyful occasions – Bar Mitzvahs, weddings, Sheva Brachas, stage, church and vacations,” Louise says. “It makes me happy to help women look and feel beautiful.”

If you know Louise’s work, you know that she loves color. “Color excites me. Putting the color combinations together and sourcing materials is probably the most fun part of my job as a designer.” (Watch how she does it on You Tube!)

And if you ever happen to run into Louise, don’t be shy...She loves to hear from her customers!

Tanya from Hats by Tanya

Tanya began her career after graduating in 1997 with a Millinery Degree from New York's Fashion Institute of Technology (the same college our founder, Rachel, attended). She was drawn to headwear because of her strong attention to detail and the opportunity to design pieces by hand. If you’ve ever seen her work in person, you can’t forget the incredible detail she puts into every inch of her hats.

Another inspiration for Tanya is her mother. “I grew up watching my mother wear some magnificent European hats, and as an aspiring designer I recognized that the power of a hat lies in its ability to drastically enhance someone’s look and facial shape almost immediately.”

Each of Tanya’s pieces is trimmed by hand with both vintage and contemporary items such as buttons, feathers and ribbons. Her signature look is a cloche shape that sits close to the face and her signature customer is “someone who wants to look unique and fashion-conscious, and who isn’t afraid to use color as a fabulous accessory.” 

Fans will be happy to know that she is currently working on ideas for a future clothing line and has plans of continuing to create millinery works of art for the long haul.

FUN FACT: One of Coco Chanel’s first stores was a millinery shop…

After learning more about our hat designers we hope you love them as much as we do... and enjoy hat shopping!