Spring Market - Three Years Later

Before starting this blog post, I went back to read the summary of my very first Market visit 3 years ago.  Prior to opening Zoe, I made the trip to Atlanta in the Fall of 2010 for my first buying experience.  If you'd like to relive that experience with me, that blog post is here.

So it seemed fitting that three years later, I found myself back in Atlanta again, this time buying for Spring 2014.  Other obligations had kept me from going to NYC in September as usual so I got to enjoy the familiar and more relaxed confines of the AmericasMart.

Because I am what my husband refers to as an "Intense Traveler", I was on a 6 am flight to Atlanta and at Market just as it opened at 9 am.  Having registered with a couple of clicks for a Fast Badge online, I had my buyer's badge in no time flat and was off to my first appointment.

No more breaking Market up into two days like that first trip.  I was all about making the most of my time there with the hopes of heading to see family in Athens on Saturday morning rather than coming back to Market.  Thanks to Tara organizing all of my appointments for me, I had a great schedule with all of the brands I wanted to visit (and a little time to look at other potential lines).  In total, I saw 13 lines that day!

Some surprises - Beth Bowley has ceased producing a line.  We will receive her Holiday shipment but that will be it.  She has been a customer favorite and we are sad to lose her.  And Cynthia Steffe is no longer designing for Cluny.  We have loved her unique takes on traditional designs and were an early buyer of the line.

As I have mentioned before, being in Atlanta allows you to have more time with your reps and to visit as friends.  I loved my time with Maye of Alice & Trixie and Amy Matto, Natasha of Chan Luu, and Noelle of Rebecca Taylor.  They are absolutely some of my favorites and know me and the store so well that they start editing the collections before I say a word.  We've worked together for long enough that they know my buying style and the style of my Zoe customers.

I was so enamored with the jacket from the Lily Aldridge for Velvet Collection that I threatened to take it with me right then!  The reps agreed that it looked great with my redwood colored jeans from Red Engine and my silk blouse from 81 Poppies.

It was surprising to see how many of the trends carried over from Fall to Spring.  Lots of leather and leather accents remain.  Black and White and darker colors were prevalent in the lines (I complained to a couple of brands - where are my Spring colors??)  Peplum is still very in as well.  Seeing a lot less of the High Low trend that seems to be wearing out its welcome.

Lots of Black and White

Velvet finally brought some color to the mix (as did Trina Turk)

Rebecca Taylor always has great dresses

After a VERY long day (I think I finished up at around 6:30), I checked into my hotel for the night and went to get something to eat and relax for a bit.  I've stayed in my hotel (the Marriott Marquis) twice with Jim so he asked me to take a picture for him showing him the location of my room.  Of course, I had to oblige.

Even after three years and countless market and buying trips, the process of shopping for my customers remains one of the most fun and most stressful aspects of owning a store.  Atlanta will always hold a special place in my heart because she was first.

Tara's First Year

In celebration of her 1 year anniversary at Zoe, I asked Tara to write a Guest Post for the Blog today!

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year already.  I guess it is true what they say - time flies when you are having fun.  I first started working at Zoe on this day Sept. 24, one year ago.  I had an idea of what it would be like since I have worked in retail for 12 years already.  But what I have done over the past year with Susan and Zoe, was not one of those ideas.

I will never forget my first day “on the job” was a buying trip in New York City.  Susan took me on a train ride from Union Station (at 5am, lets just say I’m not a morning person), arriving in NYC sometime around 8am.  We went to several showrooms where I had the chance to look at designer lines that were all showing a season ahead.  I felt like VIP getting to see what was coming out for spring when it had just turned fall.  I also felt like a tourist, since I had to photograph and Instagram my entire experience.  I thought I had finally arrived when we went to the Chan Luu showroom, which happens to be in the Penthouse of their building.  This was obviously my first time in any penthouse.  I was like a kid in a candy store with all of those beautiful bracelets, clothing, and scarves!

NOTE:  Susan won't let me go to Velvet by myself.  I would spend the entire season's worth of money there!

After having the showroom experience, it came to no surprise that I would get to meet actual designers.  While at the store, I have had the privilege to meet Meagan Kurtz of ADMK Jewelry, Katie Bartels of Katie Bartels Jewelry, Kathlin Argiro, and Michelle Edwards of Haughty Cosmetics.  I never dreamed of being able to actually meet designers in the flesh (you something you just imagine would happen one day).  To my surprise I was also able to help Kathlin Argiro with a custom wedding gown for one of our customers.  Watching her create this amazing piece of artwork with a sash was incredible.  I was also able to design and create a display for ADMK Jewelry for their Atlanta Market show.

Tara and Meagan of ADMK Jewelry

Like I said, I have worked in retail for 12 years, so getting new items in every week is normally a walk in the park for me.  Receiving merchandise at Zoe is all so different.  It’s always like opening presents on Christmas.  I have even nicknamed our UPS delivery driver Freddie Claus.  I get so excited opening boxes and knowing that I actually had a hand in picking what our customers would one day have in their closets.

Our Favorite UPS Driver EVER - Freddie

Through out this entire year, I have been attending school for a degree in Fashion Merchandising.  For this degree, my final grade hinged solely on my ability to cultivate a business plan and website for my own store.  I don’t think I could have asked for a better mentor.  With Susan already experiencing the good and bad of the industry, I was able to have first hand experiences as a small business owner, and in some cases learn more from her than in class.

With all these great experiences, trips, events, and designer meet and greets, I can’t wait to see where year two with Zoe takes me!  Who knows, maybe we will end up front row at New York Fashion week sitting next to Anna Wintour.  With Susan and Zoe Boutique, anything is possible!

A Different Point of View

This past weekend was not only Jim's first trip to New York but also the first time he had seen me "at work".  He provides his point of view in today's blog post.

Susan:  This was your first trip to New York City.  What did you like best about it?

Jim:  Getting to see you in your role as "the buyer".  I never could really understand this process without seeing it first hand.  I was really impressed with your reps and their presentations.

Susan:  What was the worst thing about your trip?

Jim: One of the cab rides was horrible!  And all of them have road rage!  But I probably would too if I had to drive in Manhattan every day.

Susan:  What was the biggest surprise?

Jim:  The cost of EVERYTHING!  Food, drinks, attractions.  I couldn't believe how expensive it was!  The other thing was the size of Central Park.  I didn't realize just how big it was - and I spent parts of two days there and still didn't get to see all of it.

Susan:  What were three observations that you had about the buying process for Zoe?

Jim:  1) How difficult it would be to make a decision on what to buy, 2) The size of the collections - when you told me that the Resort/Early Spring collections were small compared to Spring/Fall, I couldn't believe it.  I thought these collections were big, and 3) The locations of some of the showrooms.  It is hard to believe these beautiful spaces exist in these nondescript buildings.

Susan:  You compared the visits to sales calls that you make in your job.  What did you observe about my interactions with my reps?

Jim:  I was impressed that your reps seemed to know what you wanted to see.  That they knew your previous orders and didn't waste time showing you things that didn't fit the Zoe customer.  And the interactions between them and you were pleasant and friendly.  And when you went to work, you didn't even seem to remember I was there!  Meaning that you were very natural and seemed liked you behaved the same way you would if I wasn't there.

Susan:  I can always use a chaperon!!  But I did ask you to feel the fabrics sometimes!  What did you think?

Jim:  The fabrics were amazing!  They are even softer than they look!  It is clear that companies are making clothing with a focus on how they feel on the body.  They want people to be comfortable.

Susan:  We met with fab jewelry designer Katie Bartels in her shared workspace office.  What did you think about that set-up and meeting?

Jim:  The shared workspace set-up was very interesting.  I am not sure if I could work in that environment but it seemed like a great fit for Katie and the others working there.  I enjoyed seeing the two of you as small businesswomen talk about the different methods for building and publicizing your brands.  And she took us out for the MOST delicious chocolate chip cookie!  And it was fun getting to see (and weigh in on) the design of the Zoe necklace.

Susan:  Would you go back again?

Jim:  Yes, without a doubt.

Retail Minded

A few months ago, the young lady in charge of social media and communications for the Old Town Boutique District put out a call for volunteers to be interviewed for an article on how to make the most of your time at market or trade shows.  I thought to myself "I've learned a lot in the past three years.  I wonder if they would think anything I would have to say would be valuable?"  So I volunteered myself.  Before I knew it, a writer had contact me to set up a phone interview.  Oh my!

We had an easy discussion over the lunch hour one day in February.  I shared my frank perspectives with the writer regarding everything from respecting appointment times to taking along water and snacks (so low blood sugar doesn't affect your judgement!)  My comments, along with those of three others, were included in their Spring Quarterly magazine (April/May/June). 

Retail Minded really is a great magazine for anyone who owns (or is considering owning) a boutique.  Their tagline is "News, Education & Support for Boutique Businesses."  Between their quarterly magazines, website postings (find them here), Facebook page, and Twitter feed (@RetailMinded) they curate and share timely and useful information. 

Retail Minded also recently conducted a day long conference (the Independent Retailer Conference) in New York City.  I could not attend so I sent Tara, Zoe's Assistant Manager.  She had a great day of networking with other store owners and managers, viewing panel discussions, hearing from retail experts, and visiting vendors. 

So if you are looking for a great resource (or are just insanely curious as to all that goes on behind the scenes), check them out. 

A Change of Pace

If you've been a long time reader of this blog, you know that I started out going to Market in Atlanta and then started going to New York just before the store opened.  I had originally enjoyed going to Atlanta because I could then see my family in Athens, GA.  But when time was of the essence and I wanted to be able to see many brands at once (big and small), I starting taking day trips to NY for Market.

Last weekend was the first time I have been back to the Atlanta Market in over 2 years.  Due to work commitments, I wasn't able to attend market in NY in early May.  I made a quick day trip to NY see a new brand (more to come on this in a future post) in Showroom, visit Velvet/Graham & Spencer, Waverly Grey, and Cluny.  But I hadn't gotten to visit everyone else.  So a trip to Atlanta was in order.

Fortunately, the Atlanta Market stretched from Thursday - Sunday.  I was able to fly down on Friday night, stay in my favorite Atlanta hotel (the Marriott Marquis) and be at Market when they opened the next morning!  I had a busy day of appointments but had to stop to take a picture of this gorgeous flower arrangement in the main foyer.

And...I got yelled at for taking the picture.  There is a rule that photos aren't allowed in the AmericasMart.  When I told some of my reps my story, they said they had never heard of such a thing!  You know me...such a rebel.

The Mart is so large and showrooms are truly like large office spaces that it has a much more laid back feel than the temporary booths in the Javits Center and Piers in NY.  It is not unusual for the reps to offer you food and drink and for you to be able to look at a line by yourself.

One of the best parts was getting to visit the showrooms of the reps that had either only visited Zoe or I had always met in NY.  One of my favorite showrooms is Leib Associates - home to Alice & Trixie and Amy Matto.  I'll bet I spent close to two hours visiting with them and reviewing the Holiday collections.  If you recall, the amazing Maye actually visited me in my home prior to Zoe opening.  I will always love her for that.

Some of my other favorite things from Atlanta Market:

New Wrap Bracelet Style from Chan Luu.

New Bangles and Cuffs from our New Designer (coming in July)

Very Cool Elephant Necklace worn by Maye (so on trend with the feature in Alexandria Stylebook - have you checked out Zoe and our sister shops Kiskadee, Shoe Hive, and Bellacara yet?

This Beth Bowley Dress was to die for!

By 3:45, my work was done.  It was off to Athens for the night to see my family!  And for those wondering, the packing mentioned in the previous blog post worked out perfectly - everything fit is a small rollaboard bag!  And yes, I did not start packing until Friday morning.  Some things will never change.

Wait, There's More?

Shopping for Zoe for Fall 2013 was truly a detailed event.  A week after I returned from the most lengthy trip I've ever taken to market, I was on a train again to visit showrooms for the day! This time Zoe's Assistant Manager, Tara, was with me too!

This was more of the typical NY trip - on the 5:30 train with arrival at around 8:45.  Rush around all day and hop back on a train late that afternoon.  Jim always reminds me when traveling with someone else "Susan, not everyone can handle your intense pace.  Remember to factor in some downtime!"  (Hmmm...think he has been the victim of that breakneck pace in the past?)

With that said, Tara and I had a busy day but a reasonable day.  Our first stop was a visit to the CLUNY showroom.  This was my first trip to this showroom and it was great to see Victoria's smiling face when we exited the elevator.  The first order of business was to finalize my Spring order that is to ship this month!  A few things had been cancelled and I needed replacements!  With that out of the way, we then started shopping for Fall.  Cynthia Steffe, the designer behind CLUNY, always does femininity with a bit of an edge.  I love her fashionable yet wearable style.

A picture of the CLUNY showroom.  I love how clean and simple it is so as to better highlight the clothing.

As we walked toward our appointment, we had noticed a very cute little macaroon store down a side street.  We vowed if we had time, we would go in.  The case full of macaroons was gorgeous!

Our Alexandra loves macaroons so we had to visit and take pictures, just for her!

From there, we went to one of our favorites, Findings NY showroom, the home of Velvet, Graham & Spencer, and Mother.  We first shopped Graham & Spencer (wishing we could buy the leathers and furs but knowing that we had to shop for our Alexandria customer!)  Of course, I loved getting the chance to try on this sweater (we bought it for Zoe!)

Next was our Zoe customer's fan favorite - Velvet!  This always the most fun and the most difficult - so many beautiful colors and styles!

The team at Findings NY is moving at the end of the month to the TriBeCa area of Manhattan.  We will look forward to visiting their new showroom during the next major season shopping trip in September!

By this time, it was time for lunch!  I remembered a charming little Italian restaurant that Kathlin Argiro had suggested to us last year during our Spring showroom trip. Tara and I headed for Mercado in the Hell's Kitchen area of Manhattan and were immediately seated.  There is just something warm and comforting about authentic Italian food.  Tara and I enjoyed an unrushed meal from a corner table. 

Sigh...no drinking wine on the job.  But it was fun to look at their storage shelves from our table!

Once we finished lunch and checked email, we were off to Chan Luu!  Although I had already shopped their booth at market the previous week, I wanted to meet with them to discuss a trunk show and to give Tara the opportunity to see their amazing showroom on Broadway.  While there, we discovered that they also represent an amazing line of hair jewelry by Jane Tran, who is also Chan's sister!  We had a great time picking out some new finds for Zoe's customers.

This is a sample of some of the beautiful hair pins that will be arriving at Zoe in the coming weeks!  Look for great headbands and ornamental hair pins as well!

From there, we walked to the showroom of NEL and Co.  We already purchase the beautiful pieces of Waverly Grey from them but we wanted to take some time to look at two additional lines - Envi and Nell.  I was really enamoured with the Envi line.  And, had to take the opportunity to try on some of the sample sizes (I completely admit this is part of the job I love).

Loving this little fit and flair dress and jacket!  And you should have seen the faux wrap dress I tried on!  The fabric and styling was perfect!

By then, it was time to head back to Penn Station for our trip back to DC.  Tired but happy, we had accomplished our mission - Fall buying for Zoe was complete.

Next Up:  A Great Place to Buy Denim

Fall Market - Part 3

After a better night's rest, I was prepared for Day Two of Fall Market!  One new variable for me - I had a suitcase to take with me!  I bid adieu to the beautiful Algonquin and was off to start my Monday! 

Before things got too hectic, I went straight to Chan Luu.  By getting there early, I knew I would have time to spend with one of my favorite reps, Natasha.  Here she is in the scarf booth at Chan Luu.

And I ordered some of these beautiful scarves for late Spring/early Summer!

After also placing a jewelry order and a Fall RTW (Ready to Wear) order, I was off to meet the ladies from JOOR.  I had written about JOOR in a previous blog post and how much I liked what they were doing to combine technology with fashion!  After talking with me and reading the post last Fall, they asked if I could meet with them during Market this year to review their new mobile apps and provide feedback.  Of course I said yes!

We found a cushy seat and they talked to me about my buying process and how I felt that technology could aid the process.  They also showed me samples of what they were doing on the iPhone and iPad.  I explained to them what I do now and what I WISH I could do and also how I would use the App if it were available to me.  We had a great conversation and finished with me volunteering to be a Beta Tester when they were ready! 

From there, I visited with a brand that we are considering carrying at Zoe called Leona.  The rep had stopped by to visit while on a road trip and Tara had seen part of the line.  They have some creative solids and some fun prints like this one! (Don't we all love shoes?)  All of their prints are first hand painted - it is really amazing to see the detail up close.

At that point, I knew I needed to head up to Pier 94, where many of the denim and accessories designers and showrooms were located.  Imagine me with my suitcase on the little shuttle van that takes you there!

Once I arrived, I immediately sought out my Red Engine rep, Jenny.  I was so excited to share the article from the Washingtonian (which I haven't even blogged about yet!!) that included Zoe and Red Engine!  I gave her my copy of the magazine, knowing that I could buy another one when I returned home.  She also agreed to pose for this photo for a series we were doing on Zoe's reps!

I checked out a few other vendors prior to making my way to see my friend and talented handbag designer Alexandra Satine!  I loved her new Spring/Summer collection!

I am such a lover of color!  I picked out a few of her smaller items which should be arriving at Zoe mid-April!  We got to visit for a short while and catch up on each others lives!  We have always felt we had a lot in common because we were both starting our businesses at about the same time.

At that point, it was just about time to start making my way to Penn Station.  As I sat down to check my email one more time, I noticed that the show DJ was a woman!  Very cool and appropriate!

After procuring an original black & white cookie for Jim, I was on the way back home, orders in hand through September.  But I would only be home for a little while...

Next Up:  Wait, There's More?

Fall Market - Part 2

It was really exciting to wake up on Sunday morning already in NYC instead of on a train.  And to know that I had all day to spend at market as well as a good part of the following day!  I love breakfast (probably my favorite meal of the day) so I started out with a hearty one (since I never know when I will have time to eat at market).  I am not one who normally takes pictures of food but imagine a spread of eggs, bacon, toast, cranberry juice and coffee! 

The first challenge would be getting to the Javits Convention Center, one of the two market locations.  Fortunately, I quickly hailed a cab just outside the Algonquin and was on my way.  Sunday mornings are so peaceful in NYC!  But the cabs were busy - check out this scene from the drop off point!

After registering and checking my coat (another first - I had always just kept it with me the whole day), I was off to explore!  I had intentionally scheduled my first appointment for 10 am (the market opens at 9) so that I could walk around a bit.  My first focus - finding a great sweater company to outfit Zoe's customers for Fall!  Just in the two years I've been open, two of the sweater lines that I carried have either stopped producing or have stopped attending the shows.  So I needed to find a replacement.  I had also had the young lady who does Zoe's social media ask Zoe's followers to provide feedback on sweaters so I was armed with that good information!  Fortunately, I found one that I love within about 20 minutes!

After I finished writing the order there, I was off to my appointments - I was booked solid through 4 pm.  What did I see?  Lots of black and white (already a strong trend for Spring), Color blocking, Peplums, lots of leather accents, and beautiful red/black/camel combos.  And as I've mentioned before, I love seeing my reps!  A few pictures from the day.

Black and White at Rebecca Taylor

Red/Black/Camel (with leather) at Alice & Trixie

My fabulous rep, Maye (read about her first introduction to me here)

Stylish find from Tracy Reese - it always great when they have a model in the booth who can show you exactly what the piece looks like on a human figure!

Loved this trench coat at Contrarian

Also loved Contrarian's gorgeous purple flowers!

I was seeing so many beautiful colors and styles!  But I was also really feeling my ongoing sinus problem in the form of a painful sinus headache.  I took a quick break to get an Americano from the Starbucks kiosk in the hallway area of the convention center and I continued on!

Love this vest from Waverly Grey!

Swing Coat from Beth Bowley (they have the BEST coats - remember the Swacket?)

Project Runway Alum Christopher Collins himself showed me his line!

By now, it was 5:30 and I had reached the point of absorbing all I could and the real need to find some medicine for my headache.  I quickly grabbed a car service back to the hotel and walked straight to the ubiquitous NYC drug store Duane Reade.  A quick purchase of Tylenol Sinus and I was on my way.

I walked into the Algonquin and was once again greeted by the friendly clerk from the night before.  I asked her "where would you recommend I go for a quiet, delicious meal as a woman traveling alone?"  She suggested ReSette, a cozy Italian restaurant only a block away.  It did not disappoint and I had the most delicious homemade bread, olive oil, and black linguine seafood dish (with a glass of wine).  It was just what I needed! 

A quick walk back to my hotel and a change into my PJ's to relax and watch all of the beautiful Oscar fashions.  I needed to rest up again for Day Two!

Next Up:  Fall Market - Part 3

Fall Market - Part 1

This was an out of the ordinary Market trip for me.  Long time readers of the blog know that, with the exception of my first couple of market trips to Atlanta, I have always made the trip to NY in a single day.  While I was always pleased with my efficiency, those trips make for a very long day and did not leave me time to really explore lines outside the ones that I already carry at Zoe.

Now that Zoe is in such good hands when I'm not there, I found myself able to make a multi-day trip for Coterie (the name of the large NYC markets for Spring or Fall).  The first thing on my list - where would I stay?  As I was looking at hotels, I first started with the Marriott website since I have a long standing membership in their loyalty program.  Imagine my surprise and delight when I realized that the Algonquin Hotel was part of their Autograph Collection in New York!  I held my breath as I looked at the rates and realized that it was affordable enough for my two night stay!

As a lover of literature and the written word, the opportunity to stay in the Algonquin made me giddy.  Read up on some of the interesting facts about this historic hotel here.  Oh, and My Fair Lady is one of my favorite musicals!

Then it was time to plan my train trip.  No leaving at 5:30 in the morning for me!  I booked a 1:05 pm train leaving on Saturday afternoon!

Union Station is a very different place on a Saturday afternoon than an early Monday morning!  Although the train was crowded, I settled into the Cafe car and started catching up on emails and reading.  Not long after the train started moving, a group of young men carrying instruments entered the car, looking for places to put their instruments and to sit.  While eavesdropping, I figured out they were a band!  After we departed Baltimore, they started harmonizing!  Free entertainment!

My major plan for Saturday evening (after checking into the hotel) was to visit with one of Zoe's favorite designers, Kathlin Argiro, in the DUMBO section of Brooklyn.  Kathlin had told me that I could either take a car service or take the subway to her home.  I have always taken the subway with people who know their way around NY (I've just followed directions) but decided it was time to break out on my own!  I spent part of the trip studying the subway maps and confirming my trip/route.

When I arrived at Penn Station in NY, it was raining.  And if you think taxi shift change is bad, you should try getting a cab in NY in the rain.  One look at the taxi line after emerging from the station told me I'd be better off walking.  So off I went.

My route took me up 7th Avenue.  Once you get to Times Square, it is just a sea of people.  I found myself thinking "What is going on with all these clueless tourists??"  If it hadn't been raining, what a fascinating study in people it would have been!  I was soon to the Algonquin and was greeted warmly by the front desk clerk. There is nothing nicer than being at the end of a long journey and finding a friendly face.  After settling in my room, I freshened up my bedraggled appearance and set off for the Subway Station.

As I descended into the station alone, I couldn't help but think of all those Law & Order episodes I had seen and hoping I wouldn't end up in a "ripped from the headlines" episode!  Fortunately, the subway ride went smoothly and I arrived at my stop in Brooklyn in 20 minutes.

There are reasons why so many New Yorkers are not overweight.  There is a lot of walking and stair climbing to be done in the City!  I walked from the Subway Station to Kathlin's loft, which is on the 5th floor of a walk-up!  This being an old warehouse (originally), the stairs were very steep.  I did not need to do any additional exercise that day!

Kathlin's loft studio/apartment was beautiful.  I am ashamed to say that I did not take any pictures of the incredible view of Manhattan from her space.  I fear I would never get anything done if I lived/worked there. I would stare out the window ALL the time.

Kathlin had been working on a couture gown which she shared with me.  Those of you who know me well know I am completely enamored with beautiful things.  Too pricey for me or Zoe's customers but I could well appreciate the beauty and handiwork.

Kathlin and I do so much of our work together via email so she shared the actual fabric samples of the wrap dresses that will be arriving later this month!

She is such a great judge of prints and I know that whatever she selects will be gorgeous.

After a glass of wine and visiting with Kathlin and her husband, we headed out to dinner.  Kathlin took me on a walking tour of their neighborhood, explaining the significance of the buildings, who lived where (I saw the very upscale building where Jay-Z and Beyonce live as well as Anne Hathaway), and the history of the area. We also took time to stop into two local boutiques - one named Zoe Boutique (which has other locations in the Northeast...and has on a couple of occasions actually received shipments intended for me!) and another named Bluberi.  Boutiques there stay open until 8 pm even though the streets were fairly deserted of shoppers on that rainy night.  It is always so much fun to see what other people do and I learn from every store I visit.

I couldn't help picking up this pretty pair of earrings at Bluberi.  I've been wearing them a lot lately!

Their neighborhood DUMBO (and the nearby neighborhood of Vinegar Hill) were so charming.  We made our way to Hillside, a small wine bar in Vinegar Hill.  Kathlin's husband joined us soon after our arrival and we had an enjoyable and delicious meal in this cozy space.  From there, a quick trip to the bar that Kathlin's husband co-owns (68 Jay Street Bar) was in order!

Because it was getting late and I needed to be 100% for Zoe the next day at Market, Kathlin got me a car service back to Manhattan.  What a wonderful, very New York evening!

Next up:  Fall Market - Part 2

Summer Market

I know that I've done a lot of posts about my trips to market to buy for Zoe.  It is always fascinating to me that no matter how many times I've gone, each time is a slightly different experience. 

I'll never get used to the fact that we buy so far in advance.  I had resort/early spring items arriving at Zoe this month that I ordered back in July!  So, with that knowledge, it makes sense that I would be buying Summer deliveries in early January.

The minor fashion seasons (Summer, Winter/Holiday, Resort/Early Spring) have smaller collections.  Usually, I can accomplish everything I hope to accomplish in one day.  But I always make a list prior to the show to make sure I know who I want to see and their booth locations.

That's a lot of people to try to visit in one day! (But don't you love my Oscar de la Renta notebook?)

When I asked the young lady who manages Zoe's social media if she'd like for me to Tweet about the experience throughout the day, she said "Yes!"  So I had to make sure I left time to Tweet!

I departed Union Station on a 5:25 am train for New York.  Union Station early on a Sunday morning is NOT the place to be.  Nothing is open and there are some questionable people hanging around.  I was happy to get ON the train.

The train ride was uneventful and we had a slightly early arrival in NYC!  After making sure my Mom and Jim knew that I arrived safely, I was off to catch a cab.  The fantastic thing was that the cab line early on Sunday morning was non-existent! 

Note that the ease of catching a cab does not always translate into a quality cab ride.  When I got in and told the driver my destination (Piers 92/94 please!) he asked "Is that East side or West side?"  Uh oh.  I gave him more precise cross streets and off we went.  In short order we arrived!

Because this was a smaller show, I only had one specific appointment and the rest of my designers had told me to drop in when I had the opportunity.  I started with accessories first and made a stop at San Diego based leatherworks Leatherock.  I love their belts!

Next up was one of my (and Zoe customer) favorites Chan Luu!  My one appointment of the day!  It is always such fun to work with Natasha to pick out great jewelry and scarves.

Quite often, the denim is also located in the same area as all of the accessories designers.  So of course I had to make a stop at Red Engine to visit sales rep Jenny!  I picked some colored denim for the store for Spring as well as stocked up on some new washes for some of our customer staples.

A quick glance at the time told me I had better get going on my apparel shopping!  So it was off to new store fave Amy Matto.

Loving the pinks in these dresses!

Beth Bowley also does some great prints in easy to wear shapes.  I have a hard time editing to exactly what I want to bring home for Zoe's customers!

When I tweeted about this dress, I got an immediate positive response!

Alice & Trixie does some fabulous Summer pieces.  I always have a hard time deciding what to buy!

Next it was off to one of our favorites - Velvet.  The Zoe Girls had given me assignments of pieces that they wanted me to look at during the market.  Velvet is one of the brands that provides access to their linesheet information prior to the show so that you can start "pre-shopping". 

So many style choices!

And color choices!  How do I decide??

Next door was Velvet's higher end brand Graham & Spencer.  Oh, how I love this brand.  I wanted one of everything!

Another personal favorite is Rebecca Taylor.  My rep, Noelle, has been my rep since my very first market in October 2010 in Atlanta.  It is always great to see her and she knows me and my store so well that she can help me start to edit as we are going through the pieces.



How cute are those little stripped peplum tops on the right?

And yes, I had to succumb to picking up a couple of pieces for myself....

Noelle was also so sweet to allow me to charge my iPhone in their booth.  All that Tweeting taking up battery power!  The funniest thing?  The most compliments I got all day were related to my iPhone cover (a pink Kate Spade cover).  Every time I lifted it up to take a picture, the rep would comment on how they loved it!

Then it was off to Tracy Reese.  The rep there also has been with me since day one.  It is so wonderful when they understand my store and know the items NOT to show me!  My editing here was really tough - I loved everything!

Please note that any bias toward red and black was purely coincidental! (mostly)

Just prior to market, I had heard from a great sales rep for another line that she was leaving that line.  Imagine my delight when I ran into her in another booth!  While I don't carry this line in the store, I liked the design, function, and quality of this line.

And before I knew it, it was time to catch my train back to DC.  Not wanting to get caught in the "taxi shift change" that I experienced in August last year, I took the show shuttle bus back to Penn Station!

An uneventful train ride later, I was back in DC.  What a whirlwind!  Everyone always says "Oh, it must be such fun!"  I always tell them that it is one of the most fun parts of owning a store and one of the most stressful!  I always hope I've found the things my customers are going to LOVE! 

Next up:  A Customer Rewards Program