Shoptique

I'm going to NYC again- the catch is that this trip is only for the day. Yipee?!?!  I'm not so sure about it.  I'm leaving on the 6am flight and returning at midnight.  Am I crazy?

photo from style.com

 

The reason for my trip is to hand deliver merchandise to Shoptiques.com.  It's a members only, multi-boutique web site.  You can shop some of the best boutiques from all over the country, in one convenient location - your home!  We're really excited to be of the shoptiques family and hope that you check us out. 

Mardi Gras 2012

Nicolette's Mardi Gras windows were inspired by an image of a flying Pegasus.  She recreated them using her childhood horse collection, some donated scraps of fabric and some help from a sculptor friend (he designed the wing armature).  They're lovely and have wowed many who pass by the shop.  

Photo from Seven Days

Since they (and who gets to decide) moved the Mardi Gras parade to Main Street, it's a much quieter affair on Church Street.  Not that we're not thankful but we still get the drunk crazies in the shop.  We just don't get to watch them from the safety of our windows anymore.

Coterie

I spent three days at the Coterie show - fall is going to be fabulous.  There's a whole new color palette - burgundy, teal and gold.  Gorgeous.  French Connection is always my favorite and you can see that they got the memo on the colors.  

BB Dakota also looked amazing.  They had some rich textures, with shots of fur.  I was equally impressed with their sister line Jack.  

Free People was cute - they were really into the peter pan collar and nerdy school girl chic.  They didn't leave their bohemian girl in the dust but updated her with some edgy pieces.  

Overall, this is will be a lux fall filled with yummy sweaters, gorgeous bags, sparkle dresses and to die for accessories. xoxox

(capsule)

It's been a whirlwind of shows for the last two months.  This was my last trip for awhile and it was filled with outstanding goodies for the shops.  This is an image from the (capsule) show.  It's a high end, contemporary show and that features cutting edge designers.  This section was the "outdoor" part.  There were some outdoor gear vendors, wool and the gang and of course, your friendly woodland dj. 

Here's a shot of the main selling floor.  As you can see, it differs from other trade shows in that it uses an open air booth set up.  I find it to be very friendly and easy to shop.  It's almost like you've just walked into the most amazing shop ever but you can't take anything home that day. 

Gift Show

We had a great time and the gift show!  Can't wait to share all of our finds with you.  The picture above is of a line that we use to carry at tribeca, Nervous Systems.  The new collection, cell, cycle, was "inspired by the complex forms of radiolarians, these shapes derive from a simulation of spring meshes.  We created interactive software to morph, twist, and subdivide each design, transforming a simple mesh to a complex structure.  The final design is built up layer by layer in a rigid, durable nylon plastic using Selective Laser Sintering, a kind of 3D printing.  These forms would be impossible to create by traditional manufacturing methods."

This a new line, inspired by a gift from a friend, Carolina by Carol Workinger. She uses brass, nylon cording, and leather to make her lovely but rugged creations.  Needless to say that we each placed a personal order here.   

We also did a little personal shopping for the store - check out the petal light.  You may be seeing them in the dressing rooms sometime soon!  Can't wait for the next show!

Travel

This is trade show season and I'm on my second trip of the year to NYC.  This trip is for the gift show - one of my favorite shows.  It's the most like "real" shopping because it has everything there - jewels, stationary, design, lighting, furniture...  They also really take it the next level in their displays.  I mean you have to to, the gift show is the entire Javitis Center and a section of the piers!  You really have to shine to catch a buyers eye.  


After nearly killing my feet at the Intermezzo show, I decided to take it easy/casual at this one.  There is a lot of walking ahead of me. I packed simple, easy outfits and shoes that are feet friendly.  I also have my flat boots as a back-up.  

I also hope to get some personal shopping in.  I just got this jacket from French Connection and I need some pieces to go with it.  I'm off to the show!

On trend

So it appears that I'm either ahead of the game or one step behind - depending on how you look at things.  The above announcement is from Kate Spade and no doubt has been planning the year of pattern way before I announced my pattern mixing goal.  I will be strong and push ahead.  I have to admit that I have so far been unsuccessful in my attempts.  I had serious intentions of mixing patterns for my recent buying trip to NYC.  But the shoe/hurting feet situation combined with the fact that every single woman at the shows seemed to decide to bust out her animal print, I opted for some old standbys.  

My latest love is neon!  Again, I may be one step behind but it will be new to Burlington.