Alyssa's Blog

What is the number one thing you love about designing your own clothing line?

Wow…the number one thing…

I would have to say the reaction to the Touch Collection I have received from the female fans.  It has simply been overwhelming!!  I try to think of the female fan in every silhouette and detail that I put into each piece.  I want each piece to be special.  I can not tell you how may times I have been brought to tears by a female fan when she comes up to me wearing a piece in the Collection, thanks me and tells me how great they she feels in the piece.

What is your favorite thing about the NFL Playoffs and the Superbowl?

I love the intensity and focus of the Playoffs.  The players, coaches and fans seem to take things to a new level.  I love that each game is “Win or Go Home”!  As far as the Superbowl goes, I have been fortunate to attend a number of them since I launched the Touch brand, and all I can say is that the NFL does it right!  The energy in a Superbowl city in indescribable!  I wish every fan gets a chance to experience one for themselves.

What is your favorite sport or team to watch when Baseball isn’t in season?

Wow…that’s a tough one, as I am a true sports fan through and through.  I love to watch football games with my family and friends.  However, I also love being at a LIVE hockey game—the grace, speed and skill showcased in a hockey game is sooooo captivating!

Who is your all time favorite sports figure and why?

Roberto Clemente, the Hall of Fame right fielder of the Pittsburgh Pirates.  I admire him not only for his amazing athletic skills, but also for all of his philanthropic efforts.  He played in the bigs for 18 years, won 12 Gold Gloves and one MVP Award before he died in a plane crash on his way to Nicaragua to deliver supplies to earthquake victims.   He was one of the good guys.  He didn’t use his status as a baseball star to make his life better.  I think he would have lived the same philanthropic life had he not been a baseball player, doing his best to make the world a better place, a little more livable.

Do you have an all time favorite piece of the Touch collection so far?

How do I answer this one…

It’s funny, after every collection I design (we have  Spring & Fall collection each year) I ask myself the same question—“How am I going to make the next collection better than this one”—and I never think it can be done!  But, somehow, someway I can honestly say that I think the collection’s are getting better and better.  I am not afraid to try new silhouettes, new fabrics, new embellishments—whatever it takes to bring the female sports fan what they have come to expect from Touch—fresh, innovative designs that fits their body!

What have you been up to lately?

It has been a wonderful year!  The Touch brand continues to grow and the response from the female fans has been so overwhelming.  This time of year I like to turn things off a bit and focus on my family & friends.  However, I did just get through doing a photo shoot for the Touch Spring & Fall 2011 Collections.

What is your favorite thing about the holidays?

Family, family, family…and friends!  It is just a great time to reflect on what you have in your life and what brings joy to you on a daily basis.

Any recommendations for items to keep us warm and cozy?

You can literally melt into the Velour Cheer Hoody it is so yummy and the Sweetspot Jacket is a very stylish way to keep warm—I love it!

Any hints you can give us about what to look forward to in the Spring Line? We’ve got to have something to look forward to!

The Touch Spring Collection has something for everyone…

The collection is still comfy and fun, but the pieces allow you to feel flirtatious, sexy and elegant—even in the midst of cheering on your favorite team.

There are also some pieces that take a fresh approach to retro—in a feminine style.

I can’t wait for the fans to see it!!

What were your inspirations for the new Fall Collection?

I really wanted to continue to create unique, stylish silhouettes that the female fan has come to expect from the Touch Collection.  Fall usually brings a little chill to the air…and I like to be warm and cozy, so I wanted to make sure the  Collection had a number of pieces that can keep you warm either by themselves or with some nice layering.  I am excited about how the Fall Collection turned out!

Do you have a favorite piece in the new Fall Collection?

I get asked that question a lot and it is always so hard for me to answer.  I usually end up picking 4 or 5 things.  Hmmmm…the Thermal Tunic is a  neat piece because it is a fun fashion twist on the basic thermal top.  And then we have the Rugged League Collection for Fall that  has 3-4 really yummy, warm pieces.  And, the Team Tee and Shoulder Lace Top are really cool pieces.  The Team Tee has a custom illustration on it that I just love!  See…I told you it was hard to pick a favorite!

What have been your favorite sports moments this summer?

Well, it was a tough summer for me being a Dodger fan, but there is always 2011.  I really got into World Cup Soccer this summer…how could you not?!?  The passion and energy of the games were so inspiring.  Our American team had a great showing and played their hearts out!

Are there any specific games you are looking forward to this fall?

How about EVERY NY Giants game?!?  I am also excited for my LA Kings this year.  They have a young, exciting team and could really make a run in the playoffs..I hope!

Peace & Love,

Alyssa

Can you feel it? Spring is in the air! And with Mothers Day coming up, now is a great time to get your Mom something stylish and comfy to wear to a game or to coffee with friends. It’s also time to answer some more questions from you guys…keep ‘em coming!

Spring is here, finally.  What do you like about this time of year in professional sports?
 Spring is one of my favorite times of year as it relates to professional sports.  Opening Day of Major League Baseball is quite possibly the best day of the year!  I literally can’t sleep the night before Opening Day I am so excited.  I am sure fans around the country can relate...it’s like “Alright boys, let’s get off to a great start!”.  I have high hopes for my Dodgers this year!  Also, I love the NHL this time of year!  Playoff Hockey is so intense—the players definitely take it up a couple notches.  However, I am not sure I am a fan of the whole “don’t shave, beard growing” thing.  Although I do respect traditions and superstitions.
 
 What items in Touch would you recommend wearing to a Spring Baseball Game?
 Hmmmm...that is an interesting question.  I would definitely recommend wearing layers.  Spring weather can be funny.  You want to be able to throw on a fun, warm top if you need it.  My Organic Bubble Tee or Long Sleeve Armband Jersey would be a nice base layer.  Then I would recommend either my Classic Satin Baseball Jacket or my Quilted Full Zip Hoody.  Both of these are great pieces and have a double zipper—so you can be comfortable sitting in your seat.  If you want to go Touch all the way, check out my jeans—they are super comfortable!
 
 Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Is your Mom involved in your company?
 Whose Mom isn’t involved in your business—HA!  Actually, I come from a family of designers.  My Grandmother was a fashion hat designer and my Mom designed clothes and owned retail stores in Brooklyn while I was growing up.  So, I guess you can say that fashion design is in my blood!  I am blessed to have my Mom and entire family’s support on the Touch brand.
 
Does your Mom have a favorite Touch piece?
 She LOVES the jeans and wears many of the Hoody’s and Jackets.  She tells me they fit her great and are really, really comfortable!  But, what do you expect my Mom to say?!?

We recently caught up with Alyssa Milano at a photo shoot for her hot new spring styles. Between changes, our favorite actress and sports fan-turned-designer talked about the reactions of female fans to her popular Touch Line. Now you can be the first to hear what Alyssa shared with us during an exciting day on the set!

I was sitting in Dodger Stadium on a chilly night in 2006 and a bit underdressed for the game.  So, I decided to go to the Dodger Team Store and buy something to warm me up.  When I stepped into the store and started to look around I realized that there was really nothing cool and fashionable for me to wear.

I looked around the store at the other female shoppers.  Then I walked outside the store and starting looking around the stands at the other ladies in attendance.  And that’s when I noticed that there were not many women wearing stylish clothing with the Dodgers logo on it.

Can you say “LIGHT BULB”?!?!

If I was looking for something like this, there MUST be other women looking for the same thing.

It helps that I come from a long line of designers in my family…so, it’s in my blood.

And, I am a HUGE sports fan.

I was convinced that I could create a new collection of fashion apparel for the female sports fan.  Something you can wear to the game and to the party after or just living life everyday.  Something I would wear.  This collection needed to be created for all of us.

I have taken great pride in the delicious fabrics (by the way, I have invented my own “garmento” lingo) and details that go into my designs.  Everything I design has the female fan in mind—like the double zipper on all of the outerwear, so you don’t get that “pooch” when you sit down…and the built in support bra in many of the tops.

I cannot tell you how excited I am about the response from female fans all over the world.  Even now I cry when I see a fan wearing a piece of the Touch collection in the stands.  It is all very overwhelming.

I am excited to be involved with Fandalia.  You will be able to find product from ALL of the leagues and colleges we have licenses for.  There’s nothing better than one-stop shopping.

With Love,

Alyssa

Welcome to Fandalia.com, your home for the women’s apparel with true fan flair. Or, as we like to say, where fashion gets it game on!

We’ve just launched our brand and we are proud to be a premier boutique for the Touch line by Alyssa Milano. Alyssa sets the pace when it comes to the styles female fans want, whether it’s for the game or a tailgate party, on casual day, or anytime looking good is as important as showing your team loyalty.

At Fandalia.com, you can shop the latest in tops, hoodies, jackets and pants featuring the logos of your favorite teams in the National Football League and Major League Baseball. You’ll find styles available in a wide range of sizes and you’ll enjoy FREE SHIPPING and a great return policy.

Check back soon for announcements about contests you can enter online at Fandalia.com, including an opportunity to Meet Alyssa in LA!

This blog is for women like you, who are just as passionate about their sports as men, but never want to be mistaken for just one of the guys. We want to hear your opinion – good, bad, or otherwise. Do you like the Touch line? What’s your most favorite style? Your least? How about the website? Does the look reflect your tastes? What would you do differently? Can you find everything  on the site OK? Here’s your chance to let us know.

Make Fandalia.com your own and to visit this blog often as you like to express your take on things. We’ll be sharing new styles and hot ideas for ensembles and accessorizing. That’s the Fandalia way. Enjoy!