In Fashion, these last few months of the year are crazy fun.  New York Fashion Week has come to an end (arent you excited for the boldness of Spring?), LA Fashion Week is coming up soon (in October), Fall 2009 styles are coming out in stores (yes, Allison Izu Fall 09 will be out there soon), and Spring 2010 styles are being finalized and sold to stores.  Yes, it’s a busy end of the year for us . . .

But for most of us designers, it’s the craziness that we live for - the mumbled creativity that comes out from perhaps lack of sleep and too much multi-tasking!

So what’s been keeping me up at night and pushing my creative buttons, you ask?  Well . . . lots of great press, the release of Fall 09 and the beginning of Spring 10 (which means planning great sales on the past seasons too!)  First things first, we will be featured in the upcoming release issue of Chromatic Magazine - which actually just went online, check it out at: http://www.chromaticmagazine.com/?p=160

Also, we will be featured in the Ala Moana Magazine, thanks to our friends at Split Obsession, who are now located on the ground level of Ala Moana (next to Goma Tei).  And BTW - they are celebrating their 3rd Year Anniversary at Hawaii Kai - this weekend!

And Cynthia Cheng of Prospere Magazine also featured Allison Izu for our friends in Canada . .  lots of petite followers there.  She featured the new Fall line as well as introduced the opening of the web store to all of Canada! read more here:  http://prospere-magazine.com/2009/09/24/allisonizupetitedenim/

But be on the lookout for some great October events, starting with a sidewalk sale at ADORE this weekend, get Allison Izu Spring 2009 denim for $99 and the Spring 2009 shorts for $79.  There is limited sizing, so hurry up and get there early Saturday!  If not, you can always check the online store - the prices will be the same this weekend.  And for orders of $99 or more - we’ll ship it to you for free!

And if you have time this Saturday night, the Butik is hosting a fashion show at Tsunami’s . . . you can get a sneak peek of Fall 09 styles!

And, yes, Fall 09 will be hitting stores by the middle of the month.  I’m planning events with the boutiques right now.  So keep a look out for the emails . . .

I know, I know, it’s been too long . . . I’m still here, going strong.  It’s just been a weird past few months - has it been that long (one, two, three, four, five, almost six months)?  So I have been working to bring Fall 2009 into stores, which has taken longer than expected . . . things I cant control, I guess.  But those adorable Fall denims are on their way - I, myself, am so excited to wear the new styles - especially the Super Skinny Kolohe . . . with a fun nod to the 80’s with some great gold zipper details!  YUMMY!

And, did you hear?  I finally opened that web store I’ve been slaving away at  . . . it’s up there in cyberspace for all to view - www.allisonizu.com/store, so check it out, forward it to friends, and shop away!

Also, I’ll be participating in the Hawaii Women’s Expo this upcoming weekend - September 11 - 13th at the Neal Blaisdell Center (do they still call it NBC?)  I’ll be at Booth #23 with Fall 08 denim from $76 and Spring 09 denim from $102 - It you purchase Kathryn’s book - the Ultimate Guide to Shopping on Oahu - you can get an additional 20% off!

Speaking of Kathryn Drury Wagner - I’ll be joining her on a “fashion panel” with Alyssa Fung of Fashionista’s Market, Allison from Alliway and Alyson from Lei Chic (that’s a lot of Allison’s huh?)  Saturday at 11 am.  So come by and check us out!

I also just got back from LA - attended the Fred Segal birthday bash at a posh Mailbu home . . . I also donated a sweet gift basket to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Club!  It was a fun and exciting experience to be there in the midst of Fred Segal himself!  But I guess that’s life in LA, for you, huh?

While in LA, I got to tour some denim fabric houses, meet with an AMAZING manufacturer - who is going to work to make Spring 2010 even better than any other Allison Izu line!  Lil hint, I have been working to test some washes and treatments and some delicious new denim fabrics too.  So stay tuned,  and I’ll see you at some of the upcoming events.

Remember, I’m here for you - so email me, post, facebook, twitter - whatevers . . .

April has already been a crazy filled month (and we’re only half way through!) But so far, we have successfully gotten through a great fashion show, a part of the Fashion Week at PEARL Ultralounge!  We’ve also moved into final stages of production for the Spring 2009 line, and also planning some AMAZING Launch parties to bring the Spring 09 line to all of you!

First things first, you HAVE to check out the Fashion Show on YOU TUBE.  I posted one, with IMF Visions help (thannks IMF)  and our fashion friend, Nadine Kam, has also posted one of the complete Saturday night!  (thanks Nadine!)  Here’s the link:  Allison Izu Spring 2009 Fashion Show and for Nadine\’s .  Check it out and lemme know your thoughts!  Heehee!

OK, now you’re probably wondering, ‘how will i be able to get my petite hands on your new spring line?  i heard its full of great new styles, shorts, knickers, jeans, oh my!’  Well, dont you worry - Here’s all the information you’ll need!

The ULTIMATE Release Event is hosted by The Wedding Cafe and our great friends Tanna & Bryson.  It’s on April 21, 2009 (Tuesday) from 6 PM to 9 PM.  It’ll be a great party, not to mention, you’ll be the first to snag the spring line and we’ll also be offering 50% OFF the Fall 08 line!  And you’ll receive an Allison izu logo tank top with Spring 09 denim purchase, while supplies last!

If you cant make this one, or you go home and realize you should have bought that other pair of shorts, then here are some other event dates!

April 24th (Friday) at the Butik from 6 PM to 8 PM, April 25th (Saturday) at ADORE in Kahala Mall from 11 AM to 1 PM and then at Split Obsession from 2 PM to 4 PM. That’s right friends, a fun-filled Allison Izu packed weekend!  Can you handle it?  (more importantly, can i?!)

And FYI - The line up of styles is as follows:

The Kolohe Welt (back by popular demand, the skinny jean, re-done for Spring).

The Luana-lulu (a fusion of two favorites, the Honolulu and the Luana - a great trouser pant!)

The Luana Short, a great “walking short”, done up all hip and cute! 

The Kolohe Cropped, a super skinny cropped with fun button detailing.

and The Manini Short, already a fast favorite of mine, super cute & comfy for day or night!

OK - so I hope I’ll be seeing you at one or more upcoming Allison Izu events.  I cant wait to help you find the perfect Spring petite denim for you.  And, as always, I’m here for you, let me know your thoughts, comments, ANYTHING!  peas!

It was a great and crazy weekend, but quite enjoyable I have to say.  First of all, the private sale was a nice success, a lot of friendly faces attended and got in on some great deals!  And I have to extend my thanks to Dawn Sakamoto from Watermark Publishing for all of her help with the rsvp’ing.  I must admit, I didnt think the whole, ‘I’ll text you the room number’, idea through and I got bombarded with rsvp’s.  And so Dawn came to my rescue and offered use of the Ultimate Shopping Mobile Club’s texting abilities, (ask and you shall receive!)

So I want to let you all in on this great offer, it’s in addition to Kathryn Drury Wagner’s book, the Ultimate Guide to Shopping on O’ahu, and it basically texts you deals and info about shopping here in Hawaii.  Too perfect for words if you ask me!  So if you want to join go to this link and add your mobile number: http://talismanlbs.net/ultimateshop/register

And speaking of the Ultimate Guide to Shopping, I will be sitting on their panel (yes, lil ol me on a panel!  i feel so professional!) on March 26, Thursday, for the Shop Ale’a event at Barnes and Noble Ala Moana from 5 PM, we’ll be discussing “local chic”, it’ll be fun - so stop by if you can!

Another great upcoming event for Allison Izu, is the ADORE one year anniversary on March 21 Saturday, from 12 to 5 PM.  I’ll be there with great deals on Allison Izu denim (25% OFF), an Allison Izu logo tank top gift with purchase (while supplies last) and FREE giveaways.

ADORE is also releasing their new girl’s line called ADORE ME and their Spring 09 line of their signature line ADORE, a collection of comfortable, and fashionable knits.  There will also be mini red velvet cupcakes from Hokulani Bakery and chocolates from Godiva (get there before I get to the cupcakes  - i heart red velvet!)  Also, Midori Jewelry is showing their new signature ADORE line and Marsha Nadalin is giving a 15% OFF certificate with any purchase that day.  WOAH!  now that’s an anniversary party!

And trust me, I got so much more in store for all of you . . . I’m moving and shaking my petite derier, and as always, I’m here for you, so email me, blog me, facebook me, text me, whatevers - I’d love to hear from you!

So the last blog was about our last event, which was a great success . .  met a lot of people, did my first petite seminar and got into another boutique in Hawaii (yeah!). The Allison Izu line is now in ADORE Boutique in Kahala Mall (right next to Town & Country; talk about full circle, this was the first place I worked at! CRAZY!)  So,if you haven’t, yet, tried on a pair of Allison Izu jeans, you gotta make it down to Kahala Mall and ADORE!

And, last week, I was busy doing two photo shoots for MIDWEEK, you guys are gonna get sick of reading about me soon!  (please don’t!)  One of the shoots, we did with a couple friends, Chanelle Kanani, owner of Love Luna Spa, Lehua Nahina -  2008’s Mrs. Hawaii, and Tammy Tajiri!  (thanks!)  It was an exciting shoot on top of Tantalus - great views, beautiful models and very surreal shots!  I’ll keep you posted as to when it will be in MIDWEEK.

The other shoot was for the 57th Cherry Blossom Festival . . . to promote the upcoming Fashion Show in February 15, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency.  You can still purchase tickets, if you want to see fashion from, yours truly, Cinnamon Girl & Anne Namba (and support the Cherry Blossom Festival!).  I’ll be pairing my Petite Denim with tops and accessories from Split Obsession.  It’ll be the previous Fall Basics line, as well as, a preview of my Spring 09 line!  Lightweight denim with great stretch - you could do your workout in these jeans.  (I don’t recommend it, but you could!)

Lastly, books to go and check out . . . the Ultimate Guide to Shopping on Oahu from Kathryn Drury-Wagner (an insider’s guide to shopping on our amazing island!)  we’re in it!

And on a personal note, our friend Tanna Dang from the Wedding Cafe has published a book called Wedding Belles, which is a sort of Chicken Soup for the Soul of Weddings (and if anyone knows weddings, it’s Tanna!)  again - we’re in it (well me and my hubby!)  I know, I know, enough of me!  OK . . . that’s all then.

Until next time, I’m here for you . . .

Talk about an Ultimate Shopping Experience . . . I’m off to L.A. to not only shop (for myself) but also shop for a sales representative and/or possible showroom.  And to check out my new samples for my Spring 09 and Fall 09 line - soooo exciting!  So, wish me luck and I’ll see you all when I get back!

But what I am really blogging about is my next upcoming event, the Ultimate Shopping Experience (no it isnt just a great title for this post!).  It is on Saturday, January 24 from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Cupola Theater in the Honolulu Design Center.  It’s FREE - so come down a join us!  I’ll be there selling like a crazy little petite girl, and so will our great friends - Fashionista’s Market, The Wedding Cafe, Split Obsession, Ginger 13, Roberta Oaks, Melia Conrad, and so many more!

And - if you’re in the area at around  1PM - join me for an exclusive speaking engagement on, “Dressing Your Petite Body”.  If anything, I’d love to see your smiling faces in the audience.

This is going to be a great event, and it’s all to kick off the release of an AMAZING book, “The Ultimate Guide to Shopping on O’ahu”  which is written by our friend Kathryn Drury Wagner (who was so kind as to do a great write up about Allison Izu in the HONOLULU Magazine and in the book - page 112 and 146).  So go pick up a copy, today!  It’ll make a great gift for friends and family!

So . . . . I cant wait to see you all there.  See the invite below . . .

And as always, my dear friends, email me, post to me, whatevers, I’m here for you!

That’s right friends, the denim is on the islands - FINALLY! Last week was quite a whirlwind (the good kind!)  I received my complete collection of denim on November 3rd and then had a my Official Launch Party on November 6th!  Can you say, “Busy Bee?!”  But it was so “Well worth the wait!”.  I was beyond ecstatic when I opened those HUGE boxes of denim and pulled each one out.  I actually felt like hugging and kissing each one, like they were my long lost children or something.  But I stopped myself, I heard a little voice inside me saying, “crazy!”

So I was busy sorting, tagging, checking, folding, etc with my staff (wink wink - friends and family) and then a whole bunch of my amazing beautiful friends and family helped me to show and sell the line at PEARL on the 6th.  It was a successful event, just the right amount of a crazy frenzy.  I appreciate everyone who came out to support me and my dream!  THANK YOU!

But if you couldnt make that event, never fear - I have two other events planned for this weekend.

November 15 (saturday) at The Butik on Kapiolani Blvd. from 10 AM to 1 PM and then on November 16 (sunday) at Split Obsession in Hawaii Kai from 11 AM to 3 PM.  You can check out my newly updated website for more information and details!  www.allisonizu.com

But I wanted to give you all a little sneak peak at the styles and details of the Fall 2008 collection.  As many of you already know,There is the Kolohe (Skinny Jean), which I have already heard has helped to make people feel, “mentally skinnier”.  And it has the ultra sexy purple “A” embroidery on the back pocket!

Then the Honolulu (Trouser Jean) which is favored by the career woman or anyone who has a job!

Then there is the Peni Skirt (or Pencil Skirt) which is super sexy and fitted perfectly to show off your curves!

And the Luana (High-Waisted Wide Leg Pant) which I wore to my party, it has the signature “A” embroidery on the back, which makes it to die for!

And finally the ever popular Paniolo ( Bootcut), this one was a crowd favorite at the party, and for good reason! 

So come on out this weekend to get your own pair of Allison Izu Premium Petite Denim, I’ll be at both events ready to help you navigate it all and find your perfect fit!

For those of you, “in the know”, you know this Allisonizu line of petite premium denim has been a long time coming.  But I must reassure you that IT IS COMING! (no really, it is!)

I must say the wait, the journey, and all of the craziness was well worth it, to know the line I always dreamed of is finally a reality.  My journey brought me face to face with all the trials and tribulations of manufacturing, but like they always say - YOU LIVE AND LEARN; and I really did.  It made me realize that I will not settle for OK or average, I only want the best manufacturer, the best fabric, the best details, trims, whatever; because this whole line is ME and it’s for YOU - so only the best is acceptable!  (Do you like the possible back pocket embroidery?  Like the color of thread?  Cause I do!)

So this is the inside scoop . . . I am finally IN production (as we speak!), it’s being made in California, with the very premium American-made Cone Denim.   The fit, has been fit, and fit and then re-fit and is up to the Allison Izu standards.  It’s a pair of denim that you can not only look good in but also feel good in, because its  Made in America - supporting out American economy and its totally sustainable!

So keep in touch, keep reading, and I’ll keep you totally informed - so you’re always “in the know”.  email me anytime (me@allisonizu.com) or post me a message at “the Petite Lounge blog”

And again, thanks for listening, thanks for the support and thanks for being there!

So as a designer for petite women, my first task at hand is to define and clarify what petite is. As I said before, the fashion industry does not have a clear cut answer (as usual) - so it’s up to us to take a stand and make our own definition (Merriam-Webster take notes . . .cause your definition is, well, petite)

As far as my research has taken me, being petite is just a reference to height; more specifically being 5′4″ or shorter. That’s it . . .no really, that’s it. So take out your tape measure and check yourself. Go ahead, measure yourself right now. Are you 5′4″ or shorter? If you answered yes, welcome to the club!

So whether you are a size 00 or 12. you’re a petite person and you should be proud about it. We should demand that clothes fit us well because guess what? the average American woman’s height is 5′3″, so why is the fashion industry making clothes for the 5′10″ fashion model? As a petite person there is some responsibility, shop appropriately and take the necessary steps to properly tailor your clothes. And before you commit to a hem length, think about when you are wearing these pants and what shoes you’ll be wearing them with. Try it on with your shoes and get an idea of where you want the hem to fall. Every style guru will tell you to have the hem touch the top of your shoe and almost skim the floor. This will help to elongate your leg line, but it really depends on the style of the pant and you.

I could honestly go on and on about pants and how to fit them, and I will (another time). But please email me and ask questions - I can try to help you as much as technology will allow. But I wanted to put it in your mind that your not alone, as a petite woman - we should unite and demand more from this industry that we love and support so much! OK - I’m here for you . . .

Today, I thought I should talk about denim and more specifically my petite denim line, Allisonizu. It’s been a long time coming (to say the least) and I can honestly say - I’ve been through a lot of twists and turns to create a line of premium petite denim I can be proud of!

This is line that carries my own name as it’s brand (Allison is my first name and Izu is my middle name), and for me to do this, everything had to be perfect. (which is tough . . . did you all know that I am Type “A”, ie: very “A”nal or a perfectionist) So my previous line (which was due out a while ago) was not up to my standards of quality or fit - so I scratched it (cried and bitched a little), started new, found an amazing manufacturer in LA and moved forward. This whole, “picking myself up from the floor” and moving forward, actually created a better line of denim in the end.

This line, which will be out in August . . . will consist of 5 styles that I feel are essential to every petite woman’s wardrobe. The Kolohe or Skinny Jean, The Paniolo or basic boot-cut, The Luana or the higher-waisted wide leg pant, The Honolulu or dressy trouser jean, and The Peni Skirt a sexy denim pencil skirt. It’s all made from Premium Cone Mill Denim with great spandex stretch.

Through it all, I’ve always designed with me (and you) in mind - utilizing my own basic fit patterns which I created especially for a woman who is 5′ 4″ or shorter. Not only a shorter inseam (31″ and 27″) but a higher knee break, better pocket placement, re-shaping of the hips and waist, new back yoke shape and other little tricks of the trade to make you look long and lean! (loving it yet?)

So I hope you will keep in touch, cause I’ll be in touch, keeping you informed of the line, and also sharing thoughts and ideas of fashion and being petite. I’ll be here . . . .