LifeofABruneGirl

From Factory to Store: Why Fashion Production Sometimes Doesn’t Always Go as Planned

You’ve probably seen it before.

A brand announces a new collection. There’s excitement, anticipation and maybe even a launch date.

And then…nothing.

Weeks pass.
The release gets pushed or the pieces quietly show up much later than expected.

From the outside, it feels confusing.

But inside the fashion industry, delays like this aren’t unusual.

Because between deciding to produce something and actually getting it into stores or putting it out for sales, there’s a phase where everything has to come together, and it doesn’t always go as planned.

That phase is production.

Up until this point in the process, everything is still somewhat controlled.

The product has been designed.
The numbers have been planned.
In-house tailors have been put to work.

On paper, everything makes sense.

But production is where ideas meet execution.

And that’s where unpredictability enters.

What Production Actually Involves

Production is not just “making clothes.”

It’s coordinating an entire process that includes:

Finalising samples
Confirming materials
Managing timelines
Overseeing bulk manufacturing
Tracking progress across different stages

At this point, multiple things are happening at once, and everything is time-sensitive.

Now this is where the Fashion Production Manager comes in.

Their job is to make sure that production moves from start to finish as smoothly as possible.

They are responsible for:

Setting and managing production timelines
Communicating with factories
Monitoring progress during manufacturing
Solving issues as they come up
Making sure orders are completed on schedule

But more than anything, they are responsible for keeping things moving.

Because once production slows down, everything else is affected.

Why Delays Happen More Often Than You Think

Even with a solid plan, production is one of the most unpredictable stages in fashion.

Things can shift.

Materials arrive late.
Samples need last-minute adjustments.
Timelines get pushed.

Sometimes it’s small delays that build up.
Other times, it’s one issue that affects everything.

And because production is connected to so many moving parts, one delay can ripple through the entire process.

The Pressure Behind the Scenes

What makes production different from earlier stages is the pressure.

At this point:

Money has already been committed
Launch timelines are approaching
Marketing plans may already be in motion

There’s less flexibility.

So when something goes wrong, it needs to be fixed quickly.

That’s why production managers spend a lot of time:

Following up
Adjusting timelines
Reworking plans
Keeping communication clear between teams

It’s constant coordination.

Production is one of those roles where you’re expected to stay in control even when things aren’t fully in your control.

You’re working with:

In-house tailors or in some cases, factories
Changing timelines
Unexpected disruptions

So you need to be:

Organised
Responsive
Solution-focused
Comfortable making quick decisions

Because waiting too long to act can create bigger problems.

Why This Role Is Often Overlooked

When a collection launches successfully, production is rarely the focus.

People see the final result.

But when something is delayed, production is usually where the issue sits.

It’s one of the most critical stages in fashion, but also one of the least visible.

And yet, without it, nothing actually reaches the customer.

It’s easy to think of fashion as fast-moving and seamless.

But behind every product is a process that requires coordination, timing, and constant adjustment.

So the next time a collection is delayed or a product arrives later than expected, it’s not always a mistake.

Sometimes, it’s just the reality of production.

This article is part of my Careers in Fashion Retail series, where I explore how fashion actually works behind the scenes, beyond what we see on the surface.

If you’ve been following along, you’ll start to notice how each role connects and depends on the next.

And if you’re just getting into the industry, there’s a lot more happening than most people realise.

Where Are Your Clothes Really Made? Inside the Role of a Fashion Sourcing Manager

Before a garment is produced, before it’s shipped, and long before it reaches a store, a decision has already been made that most people never think about:

Where is this product going to be made?

And more importantly:

At what cost, quality, and under what conditions?

That decision doesn’t sit with the designer and doesn’t fully sit with the buyer either.

It sits with sourcing.

The Conversation That Happens Before Production

One thing I’ve learned from working on the commercial side of fashion is that every product is a series of trade-offs (compromise).

You don’t just decide what to make.
You decide:

Can we produce this locally or internationally?
Which factory can actually deliver this quality?
What is the minimum order quantity?
How long will production take?
And most importantly, does this still make financial sense?

This is the space a Fashion Sourcing Manager operates in.

They’re not just finding suppliers. They’re making decisions that shape the entire product.

So What Does a Fashion Sourcing Manager Actually Do?

At the core of it, sourcing is about connecting the product idea to the right production partner.

That means:

Identifying and evaluating manufacturers
Sourcing fabrics, trims, and materials
Negotiating costs and production terms
Managing supplier relationships
Balancing timelines, pricing, and quality

But beyond the tasks, the real job is decision-making.

Because every sourcing decision has a ripple effect.

Why Sourcing Decisions Matter More Than People Realise

Let’s take something simple like a shirt.

Where it’s produced can affect:

The price you see in store
The quality of the fabric and finishing
How long it takes to restock
Whether the brand makes a profit or not

A lower production cost might protect cost margins but could compromise quality.
A higher-quality factory might improve the product but reduce cost of profit.

Sourcing is constantly balancing these trade-offs.

And there’s no perfect answer. Only strategic decisions.

The Global Reality of Fashion Production

Most fashion brands don’t produce everything in one place.

Production is often spread across different regions depending on:

Cost efficiency
Specialisation (some factories are better at certain products)
Speed to market
Access to materials

This means sourcing managers are often working across countries, time zones, and supply chains.

And in today’s world, they’re also dealing with:

Delays in production
Currency fluctuations
Changing import/export conditions
Increasing conversations around ethical sourcing and sustainability

So the role has become even more complex.

Where This Role Fits in the Bigger Picture

If you think about the journey of a fashion product:

Designers create the concept
Buyers decide what to invest in
Product developers prepare it for production
Garment technologists refine the technical details

Sourcing determines where and how it all comes together.

Without sourcing, there is no production.

Who Would Enjoy This Kind of Role?

Sourcing is not a “surface-level” fashion job.

It’s for people who:

Think in terms of systems and logistics
Are comfortable making tough decisions
Understand negotiation and relationships
Are interested in global business, not just fashion

You have to be practical, detail-oriented, and commercially aware.

Because at the end of the day, you’re making decisions that affect both product quality and business performance.

Why This Career Path Is Often Overlooked

Most people entering fashion are introduced to the visible side of the industry.

Design, styling and content.

But the industry runs on a network of roles that sit behind the scenes, and sourcing is one of the most important.

It’s not always glitz and glam the way it looks online but it’s influential.

Because it answers one of the most critical questions in fashion:

Can this product actually be made, and does it make sense to produce it this way?

So, next time you pick up a garment, it’s worth remembering that its journey didn’t just start with a design.

It started with a decision. A decision about where it would be made, how it would be produced, and what trade-offs were accepted along the way.

And that decision is sourcing.

This article is part of my Careers in Fashion Retail series, where I break down the roles that operate behind the scenes of the fashion industry.

If you’ve been following along, you’ll start to see how each role connects, from planning and buying to development and production.

And if you’re just getting started, there’s a lot more to explore.

What Does a Garment Technologist Do? The Technical Role Behind Well-Made Clothing

When people shop for clothing, they rarely think about the technical process behind the garment they’re holding.

They see the design, the fabric, and the price tag.

What they don’t see is the work that ensures the garment fits properly, holds its shape, and can be produced consistently across hundreds or thousands of units.

This is where garment technologists play a crucial role.

In the fashion industry, garment technologists are responsible for making sure that clothing moves successfully from concept to production without losing quality, fit, or construction integrity.

While their work happens mostly behind the scenes, it is one of the most important stages in fashion production.

Where Garment Technologists Fit in the Fashion Process

To understand the role of a garment technologist, it helps to look at the journey of a fashion product.

A simplified version of the product lifecycle often looks like this:

Designers create the concept
Buyers decide which products the brand will invest in
Product developers coordinate manufacturing
Garment technologists refine the technical details
Factories produce the garments in bulk

Garment technologists step in once a design begins moving toward production.

Their job is to ensure the garment is not only visually appealing but also technically sound.

The Work That Happens Before Production

Before a garment can be manufactured at scale, it usually goes through several rounds of sampling.

This is where garment technologists focus most of their attention.

They review samples carefully and assess details such as:

Fit across different sizes
Fabric behaviour and durability
Stitching quality and construction methods
Measurements and technical specifications
Overall garment performance

If something doesn’t work, whether it’s the fit, the stitching, or the construction, adjustments are made before the garment moves forward.

These corrections prevent larger problems later during mass production.

Protecting Product Quality

One of the biggest risks in fashion production is inconsistency.

If garments are not developed properly, brands may face issues such as:

Poor sizing across collections
Fabric defects or damage
Garments losing shape after wear
High return rates from customers

Garment technologists work to reduce these risks.

By testing garments and refining technical specifications early in the process, they help ensure that the final product meets the expected standards.

This not only protects the brand’s reputation but also improves customer satisfaction.

A Role That Requires Precision

Unlike some fashion roles that focus heavily on creativity, garment technology requires a strong technical mindset.

Professionals in this field need to understand:

Garment construction techniques
Fabric behaviour and textile properties
Pattern making and measurements
Production processes in manufacturing

Attention to detail is essential because even small adjustments can significantly affect how a garment fits and performs.

Why More People Should Know About This Career

Many people who want to work in fashion assume their options are limited to design, styling, or marketing.

But the industry also depends on professionals who understand the technical side of clothing production.

Garment technologists help bridge the gap between design ideas and real-world manufacturing.

Without their work, fashion brands would struggle to produce garments that consistently meet quality expectations.

For individuals interested in the technical aspects of clothing and production, this role offers a valuable and often overlooked career path within the industry.

Looking Beyond the Creative Side of Fashion

The fashion industry is often portrayed as purely creative, but in reality, it relies heavily on technical expertise and operational precision.

Garment technologists are part of the system that ensures fashion products are not just visually appealing, but also well-made and ready for customers.

Understanding roles like this provides a more complete picture of how fashion businesses operate behind the scenes.

This article is part of my Careers in Fashion Retail series, where I explore the lesser-known roles that power the fashion industry.

If you’re interested in learning more about how fashion businesses operate behind the scenes, you can read up on my previous posts and also subscribe.

What Does a Fashion Product Developer Do? The Role That Turns Ideas Into Retail Products

In fashion retail, ideas are everywhere.

Design concepts
Trend boards
Mood boards
Seasonal themes

But none of these things become real products without someone translating vision into production.

That responsibility sits with the Fashion Product Developer.

While designers create the concept and buyers decide what the brand should invest in, product developers are responsible for making sure those ideas can actually be manufactured correctly, efficiently, and profitably.

It is one of the most operationally complex roles in the fashion industry.

And one of the least talked about.

The Bridge Between Creativity and Production

A Fashion Product Developer sits between multiple teams.

They work with:

Designers
Buyers
Manufacturers
Fabric suppliers
Technical teams
Quality control specialists

Their job is to take a concept and guide it through the entire development process until it becomes a finished retail product.

This includes:

Sourcing fabrics and trims
Developing product samples
Managing factory communication
Monitoring production timelines
Ensuring cost targets are achieved
Overseeing quality standards

Without this process, even the best designs would never reach the shop floor.

Turning Ideas Into Commercial Reality

In theory, designing a product is simple.

But in reality, turning that idea into something that can be produced at scale is a completely different challenge.

A product developer must consider:

Fabric availability
Manufacturing capability
Cost constraints
Production lead times
Minimum order quantities
Quality standards

Sometimes a design has to be modified because a fabric isn’t available.
Other times costs need to be adjusted to maintain profit margins.

This is where product development becomes both strategic and technical.

Why Is This Role Is Critical for Retail Profitability?

Fashion product development is not just about making clothing.

It is about making the right clothing at the right cost.

If development is poorly managed, businesses can face:

Production delays
Cost overruns
Quality issues
Missed retail launch windows
Excess inventory

Strong product development protects both brand reputation and profit margins.

It ensures that what customers see in store is not just attractive but also commercially viable.

Who Thrives in Product Development?

This role suits people who are:

Detail-oriented
Highly organized
Comfortable managing multiple timelines
Skilled at negotiation and supplier communication
Interested in the technical side of fashion production

It’s ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving and operational strategy.

Unlike purely creative roles, product development requires balancing design ambition with manufacturing.

Why More Fashion Professionals Should Know About This Career

Many people entering fashion focus on visible roles like design, styling, or marketing.

But the industry depends on operational specialists who ensure that products can actually be delivered to customers.

Product development is one of those careers.

It requires a strong understanding of:

production processes
cost management
supplier relationships
quality control

For anyone interested in working closer to the production side of fashion, this role offers a powerful and often overlooked career path.

Think of them as the hidden architects of retail products.

When a customer picks up a garment in a store, they see the final result.

They rarely see the months of coordination that made it possible.

Behind every successful product launch is someone managing the process quietly in the background.

More often than not, that person is the Product Developer.

If you’re interested in understanding how the business and retail side of fashion really works, subscribe and explore the rest of this series where I break down some of the most important, yet often overlooked roles in the industry.

Fashion Planning: The Commercial Mind Behind Every Retail Decision

Every retail season starts long before the product arrives in store.

Before the buying trips, negotiations with designers and launch campaigns.

In every successful retail business, there’s someone asking a very different question:

“Can we afford this and will it deliver profit?”

That person is the Fashion Planner.

When I first began working within the commercial side of fashion, one of the biggest realizations I had was that product alone does not build a successful retail business.

Financial strategy does.

And that strategy sits with planning.

A Fashion Planner is responsible for the financial strategy behind product decisions.

While the buyer selects what to purchase, the planner determines:

How much budget each category receives
How much revenue the business needs to generate
How much stock is financially safe to commit to
What profit margins must be achieved
How sales performance compares to forecast

In simple terms:

The buyer chooses the product.
The planner controls the money behind it.

Months before customers see a collection, planners are already modelling outcomes.

They are asking:

If we grow 15%, where will that growth come from?
What categories are underperforming?
Where are we restocking the most?
How do we protect margin if sales slow down?

This is another commercial backbone of retail.

Planning Is Where Risk Is Managed

In markets like Nigeria, where buying behaviour can change quickly, planning becomes even more important.

Who Thrives in Fashion Planning?

This path suits someone who:

Thinks analytically
Is comfortable making decisions based on data
Understands business performance metrics
Enjoys long-term strategy over short-term trends
Wants influence without being front-facing

It’s ideal for someone who loves fashion but also has a thing for structure, forecasting, and measurable growth.

Skills You Need to Become a Fashion Planner

This role is ideal for someone who:

Enjoys working with numbers
Is comfortable with spreadsheets and data systems
Thinks strategically about business growth
Understands retail KPIs (sell-through, margin, stock turn)
Can balance risk and opportunity

You can love fashion and still choose a career rooted in analytics.

Why This Career Path Deserves More Attention

One of the biggest misconceptions about fashion careers is that they are purely creative.

Fashion is an industry and industries are built on commercial sustainability.

One thing I’ve noticed in conversations with aspiring fashion professionals is that

Many people don’t realize how many business-focused roles exist within fashion.

Not everyone needs to design.
Not everyone would be a stylist.

Some of the most influential people in retail are shaping budgets, forecasting revenue, and steering financial direction behind the scenes.

Planning ensures that creativity can continue to exist profitably.

So if you are analytical, strategic, and commercially minded, this might be a path worth exploring.

If you’re following my series on unspoken career paths in fashion, leave a comment and stay subscribed for more.

Fashion Allocator: The Data Role Behind Retail Success

When people think about fashion careers, they rarely imagine spreadsheets, stock transfers, and weekly sales reports.

Behind every well-stocked store and every “sold out” online product is a highly strategic role: the fashion allocator.

And honestly? It’s one of the most strategic roles in retail.

While designers create and buyers select, allocators ensure products are placed in the right locations, the right quantities and at the right time.

It is one of the most operationally critical roles in fashion retail, yet one of the least talked about.

So, What Does a Fashion Allocator Actually Do?

A fashion allocator is responsible for deciding how much stock goes to each store (or online channel) and when it should be restocked.

It’s about making sure the right product is in the right place at the right time without overloading stores or leaving shelves empty.

This is a role built almost entirely on data.

Think of It This Way

Imagine a fashion brand with stores in:

Lagos
Abuja
London
Johannesburg

A blazer might sell out quickly in Lagos but move slower in Abuja. What an allocator does in this case is to study those patterns and adjusts distribution accordingly.

They ask:

Where is demand strongest?
Which sizes are selling fastest?
Which store is overstocked?
Where are we losing sales because we ran out too quickly?

It’s data-driven decision-making that directly affects revenue.

The allocator’s work begins once products are ready to enter stores or go live online.

Here are some core responsibilities:

1. Stock Distribution

Allocators decide how many units of each product should go to each store or region.

Not every location performs the same way. For example:

One city may sell more formal wear.
Another may move occasional pieces faster.
Online may outperform physical stores for certain categories.

Allocation decisions reflect these patterns.

2. Monitoring Sales Performance

Allocation is not a one-time decision. It is a continuous process.

Allocators track:

Daily or weekly sales
Sell-through rates
Stock cover
Restock needs

3. Restock Planning

For core or bestselling items, allocators manage restocking.

They analyse how fast an item is moving and calculate how much additional stock is needed to maintain availability without overstocking.

If a product is selling quickly in one location but slowly in another, stock can be transferred strategically.

4. Reducing Stock Imbalance

One of the biggest risks in retail is imbalance:

Too much stock in one location
Too little in another

Allocators help minimise this by reallocating products to maximise sell-through and reduce markdown risk.

How Is an Allocator Different from a Merchandiser?

Although both roles are analytical, their focus differs.

A merchandiser plans total quantities and the overall sales strategy.
An allocator executes distribution decisions at a micro level.

Merchandising is strategic and seasonal.
Allocation is tactical and continuous.

Allocators work more closely with the daily movement of stock.

Fashion Allocator vs Fashion Buyer

Let’s simplify it:

Fashion Buyer – Chooses the products.
Fashion Allocator – Decides how those products are distributed and restocked.

The buyer creates the opportunity.
The allocator protects the opportunity.

Without allocation strategy, even the best buying decisions can fail.

Why This Role Is So Important (Especially in Emerging Retail Markets)

In markets like Nigeria and across Africa, retail environments can vary widely by location. Consumer behavior in one city might be completely different in another.

An allocator helps brands:

Avoid dead stock
Reduce unnecessary markdowns
Improve sell-through rates
Maximize profit per store

Globally, large retailers rely heavily on allocation teams to maintain balance across physical stores and e-commerce platforms.

It’s a role that blends:

Business strategy
Data analysis
Trend awareness
Commercial judgment

Skills You Need to Become a Fashion Allocator

If you’re curious about this path, here’s what matters:

Strong analytical thinking
Comfort working with numbers and spreadsheets
Understanding of retail performance metrics
Commercial awareness
Attention to detail

It’s perfect for someone who loves fashion but also enjoys working with data and structure.

Lastly, I feel we often highlight the creative side of fashion, but the commercial backbone behind retail is just as powerful.

The fashion allocator may not be front-facing, but they’re critical to retail success.

And for anyone looking for a career in fashion that combines strategy, analysis, and real impact, this is one to explore.

If you’re enjoying this series on unspoken fashion careers, follow along for more insights into the roles shaping the industry behind the scenes.

Fashion Merchandising Explained: Is It Different from Fashion Buying?

In conversations about fashion careers, the term “merchandising” is often mentioned but rarely explained properly.

It’s one of those roles that sounds familiar, yet many people cannot clearly define what it involves. And it’s even more confusing because it’s frequently grouped together with fashion buying.

So what exactly is fashion merchandising? And where does it sit within the structure of a fashion business?

Let’s clarify it in practical terms.

What Is Fashion Merchandising?

Fashion merchandising is the discipline responsible for planning, controlling, and optimising product performance in retail.

It focuses on ensuring that the right amount of product is available at the right time and in the right place, and that it sells at the right margin.

While buying is concerned with selecting the assortment (aka product selection), merchandising is concerned with managing the lifecycle of that assortment.

It is a role grounded in forecasting, performance analysis, and commercial planning.

The Core Functions of a Fashion Merchandiser

Unlike visual merchandising (which focuses on store displays), fashion merchandising in a retail context is analytical and strategic.

Here are its key responsibilities:

1. Demand Forecasting

Merchandisers analyse historical sales data to predict future demand. This informs how much stock should be ordered and when.

Forecasting reduces financial risk and helps prevent overstocking or understocking.

2. Inventory Planning & Control

Managing stock levels is central to merchandising. Too much inventory ties up capital. Too little inventory leads to missed sales.

Merchandisers continuously monitor stock flow and adjust plans accordingly.

3. Sales Performance Analysis

Every week, performance data is reviewed:

Which categories are growing?
Which products are underperforming?
Are margins being protected?

These insights influence both current decisions and future seasons.

4. Markdown Strategy

When products do not perform as expected, merchandisers help determine:

When to reduce prices
By how much
How to minimise margin loss

Markdown strategy is a financial decision, not an emotional one.

5. Cross-Department Coordination

Merchandisers work closely with:

Buyers
Retail operations teams
Finance departments
E-commerce teams

Their role connects planning with execution.

So you might be thinking, how is it different from Fashion Buying?

The difference lies in focus.

Buying is externally oriented: trends, suppliers, negotiations, and product selection.

Merchandising is internally oriented: forecasting, data analysis, inventory control, and performance management.

One shapes the product selection.
The other ensures that the selection performs commercially.

Both roles require strategic thinking, but they operate at different stages of the retail process.

Is Fashion Merchandising Relevant in Nigeria and Emerging Markets?

Absolutely!

As Nigerian fashion brands expand into structured retail models and e-commerce platforms, merchandising becomes critical.

Growing brands cannot rely solely on instinct. They need systems:

Sales tracking
Forecasting models
Margin planning
Inventory discipline

Merchandising provides that structure.

Globally, merchandising is a recognised corporate career path with clear growth progression, and it is increasingly relevant as African fashion businesses scale.

Who Should Consider a Career in Fashion Merchandising?

This role is well-suited to individuals who:

Enjoy working with numbers and patterns
Are comfortable analysing spreadsheets
Think in terms of systems and structure
Want to work in fashion from a commercial perspective

It is less about aesthetics and more about optimisation.

Finally, fashion merchandising rarely receives attention in career conversations, yet it plays a decisive role in whether a fashion business succeeds or struggles.

In an industry that often prioritises visibility, merchandising represents the quieter discipline that protects profitability and sustainability.

Understanding roles like this broadens the definition of what it means to “work in fashion.”

This article is part of my ongoing series exploring lesser-known career paths in fashion.

If you’re interested in understanding the business architecture behind fashion brands, from buying to planning to sustainable roles, subscribe to follow the series.

And if there’s also a specific fashion role you’d like me to break down next, leave it in the comments.

I Worked as a Fashion Buyer: The Fashion Career No One Talks About

When people talk about careers in fashion, the conversation usually centres around designers, stylists, models, or creatives working in media. Very rarely does anyone talk about the people who decide what actually makes it into stores, what sells, and what quietly fails behind the scenes.

I know this because I previously worked as a fashion buyer. This role sits at the core of the fashion business, yet remains largely unknown, especially to people exploring fashion careers in Nigeria and across Africa.

Who Is a Fashion Buyer? (From My Experience)

A fashion buyer is responsible for selecting and purchasing products that a fashion retailer or brand will sell to customers. This could be for physical stores, online platforms, boutiques, or large retail fashion chains.

In simple terms, when you walk into a store or scroll through a fashion website, the products you see are there because a buyer made a deliberate decision to put them there.

Fashion buying is not about having a good personal style alone. It is about understanding the customer, the market, and the business and then making decisions that balance all three.

What I Actually Did as a Fashion Buyer

Before working in buying, I assumed the role would be trend-focused. What I quickly learned is that buying is as analytical as it is creative.

Here’s what the role really involved:

1. Understanding the Customer

A huge part of my job was understanding who we were buying for. This meant analysing customer behaviour, purchasing patterns, price sensitivity, and lifestyle needs.

For Nigerian and African markets, especially, this also includes factors like climate, income levels, occasions, cultural preferences, and regional differences.

2. Trend Research (With Restraint)

Yes, buyers research trends. But not every trend is worth buying.

The real question is always:

Will this product sell to our customer at the right price and quantity?

Trends only matter if they make commercial sense.

3. Product Selection

Based on research and available budgets, I selected:

Styles
Colours
Quantities
Price points

Every decision had financial consequences. Overbuying or misestimating demand could directly affect the retailer’s profit.

4. Working With Fashion Brands/Designers

Buying involves constant communication with fashion brands/designers. This includes negotiating prices, reemphasising timelines, and order quantities while still maintaining quality standards.

This part of the role taught me how much of fashion is built on relationships and negotiation, not just creativity. It also taught me that effective communication is very important.

5. Budget Responsibility

One of the biggest realities of being a buyer is that you are spending company money. Budgets are not flexible, and every decision must be justified.

It’s a role that requires accountability and strategic thinking.

6. Reviewing Sales Performance

At the end of every month and season, I tracked how items performed and helped make decisions around restocking or future buying strategies.

Fashion buying is cyclical; every buying season informs the next.

Is Fashion Buying Creative or Corporate?

From experience, it’s both.

Fashion buying sits right at the intersection of:

Fashion intuition
Data and numbers
Business strategy

It’s ideal for people who love fashion but don’t necessarily want to design or be front-facing creatives.

You can work deeply within fashion without being the face of it.

But Why is Fashion Buying Rarely Talked About in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, fashion conversations often focus on design, tailoring, or entrepreneurship, all important paths. But globally, fashion operates as an ecosystem with many specialised roles.

Buying is one of those roles.

As African fashion continues to professionalise and integrate into global markets, roles like fashion buying, merchandising, and planning will become increasingly necessary.

Who Fashion Buying Is Really For?

Based on my experience, fashion buying is well-suited for people who:

Love fashion but enjoy structure
Like making informed decisions
Are interested in business and strategy
Enjoy research and long-term planning
Want a fashion career that works globally

Why This Role Matters

Fashion buyers quietly shape:

What trends become mainstream
How brands perform financially
What customers can access and afford

Without buyers, fashion lacks commercial direction and sustainability.

Finally, Fashion buying is not glamorous in the way fashion is often portrayed online; it’s a lot of work, but it is powerful.

It’s a career for people who want to influence fashion from behind the scenes, using insight, strategy, and intention.

If more people understood roles like this, the conversation around fashion careers, especially in Nigeria, would be broader, more realistic, and more accessible.

So if you’re exploring a career in fashion and have only ever seen design or styling as your options, I hope this offered a different perspective.

I’ll be sharing more insights from my experience working behind the scenes in fashion, from buying and strategy to sustainability and storytelling.

Subscribe to this blog if you want thoughtful, honest conversations about fashion beyond the surface.
Also, leave a comment if you have questions about fashion buying or other lesser-known roles in the industry.

And if this resonated, share it with someone considering a career in fashion.

Building a Capsule Wardrobe: A Beginner’s Guide

Dearest gentle reader, we’ve been far away for too long!!!!

Guess who revived her writing career? This writer!!!!!!

Anyways, this one is for my aspiring fashionistas tired of always staring at a bursting wardrobe and still feeling like you have nothing to wear.

I feel your pain!!

Oh well, It’s time to simplify your style with a capsule wardrobe.

I’ve put together a fantastic collection of must-have items that can totally transform your daily outfit choices. Let’s dive in!

But first, let’s talk about what a capsule wardrobe means.

A capsule wardrobe is basically a small, handpicked collection of versatile clothes that you can mix and match to create tons of different outfits. The whole idea is to prioritize quality over quantity, making sure every piece deserves a place in your closet.

Now let’s talk about why you should build a capsule wardrobe.

Building a capsule wardrobe saves time

Less clutter means you’ll spend less time deciding what to wear.

Saves money

Girl math means investing in quality pieces; which means you’ll avoid those impulse buys.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

REDUCE= Less clutter

REUSE= Quality pieces you can wear as many times

RECYCLE= Defeats overconsumption (buying items you don’t need)

Focusing on versatile items you can style in different ways helps you make a positive impact on the environment.

Gives you a confidence boost

A well curated wardrobe can make you feel polished, put together and self-assured.

So, you’ve come this far and you’re probably thinking, how do I put together a capsule wardrobe?

First, start by decluttering your current wardrobe. Take out everything and evaluate each piece. Ask yourself if you genuinely love it, if it fits you well, and if it complements other items in your wardrobe.

Step 1: Declutter and Assess

Sort into Piles: Create three piles: keep, donate, and maybe. The “keep” pile should only include items you love and wear frequently. The “donate” pile is for items in good condition but no longer serve you. The “maybe” pile is for items you’re unsure about—you can revisit this pile later to see how you feel about them.
Evaluate Your Lifestyle: Consider your daily activities. Do you need more formal wear, casual outfits, or a mix of both? Your capsule wardrobe should reflect your lifestyle and daily needs.
Identify Gaps: Once you’ve decluttered, identify any gaps in your wardrobe. Make a list of essential items you need to complete your capsule wardrobe.

Step 2: Choose Versatile Pieces

When selecting items for your capsule wardrobe, focus on versatility. Choose pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.

Step 3: Build a Color Palette

Creating a color palette is key for a capsule wardrobe. Start with neutral colors like black, white, gray, and beige as your base. Then, sprinkle in a few bold colors that you love and that go well with your base colors. This way, mixing and matching pieces becomes a breeze!

Step 4: Invest in Quality

Quality over quantity is the mantra of a capsule wardrobe. Invest in pieces made from quality materials that will last longer. Look for items with good stitching, durable fabrics, and timeless designs.

Step 5: Maintain and Update

Your capsule wardrobe should evolve with your style and needs. Regularly assess your wardrobe, clear out items you no longer wear, and add new pieces when necessary (only when necessary sis!).

This way, your wardrobe stays fresh and up-to-date!

Building a capsule wardrobe is a journey towards simplifying your life and enhancing your personal style.

Start small and remember, it’s not about having less but about having better.

By focusing on quality, versatility, and pieces you love, you’ll build a wardrobe that makes you happy and confident every day.

Good luck styling besties!

Are you in need of a personalized styling guide? I provide personal styling services for individuals aiming to build their own capsule wardrobe.

For more details, please contact me at [thestyletherapistco@gmail.com]

Let’s begin your style journey today!

Eat Out Series #3: SHANDY’S RESTAURANT, IBADAN NIGERIA

Food they say is the way to a man’s heart

But shall I say it’s the way to my heart??? Hmmmm

Dear reader,

I know you’re screaming INCONSISTENT at me right now but I receive it with my full chest because this particular review has been sitting pretty in my drafts since Lord knows when.

Today’s review is about a restaurant I tried out with a friend earlier in the year called Shandy’s Restaurant which is located at Mokola, Ibadan Nigeria.

One of the things I look out for when trying out a restaurant is affordability and if the food matches up with the price.

They had a very decent menu so we didn’t really explore much. I had their Southern Fried Chicken Burger and my friend got their Special Fried Rice with prawns

For drinks, we went for the easiest, Chapman which was very affordable.

After trying out the burger I’d say the experience was a 7 for me. For the price which was about N4,000, the chicken was crispy but it didn’t have enough filling (errr then again the price can’t complain much). Overall it was fair enough!

*whispers* have you seen the price of burgers in some of these restaurants???

I also tried out my friend’s Special Rice which was fried rice with a sprinkle of mende mende (lmao I’m talking about prawns, chopped meat/chicken I’m not quite sure). It was quite rich with all that good stuff and it was about N5500; she also got peppered gizzard on the side. Overall it was an 8 for me. Tasted really good actually

We got the Chapman for N1,500 which is the cheapest I’ve had so far

I know…..shocking right!!!

For the ambience, as per usual you know I’m all about aesthetics. I must say the ambience is calm and great for pictures!

Everything in total was about N15,050 ($32.50) including VAT of 7.5%

Is it really me if I don’t take aesthetically pleasing pictures!!!

Thank you dear reader for letting me take you on this food imagination hoping you’d try it out sometime. *winks*

Please note I tried them out when they just opened so my review isn’t subjected to any change that must have probably occurred afterwards. Thanks

xoxo

With love,

Your favourite brune foodie,

Tumi