So, The last two months have been spent buying for A/W 12 and I'm completely exhausted. Every year I find buying more and more difficult, I think i'm getting harder to please, which might not be such a bad thing ;)
I have to buy a fashion collection which is the biggest headache, I have to make sure that each brands collection sits along side other brands in the shop, colours need to blend, styles need to be on trend but also unique and quirky with a sense of 'not following fashion' I have to be careful on fit and tailoring which means trying clothes on A LOT! And the biggest problem of all is not over spending ;)
From each brand I visit I take a colour swatch photo on my phone and constantly refer back to these as a guide when I'm buying accessories, I love the bright colours coming through for Autumn 12, who doesn't love a bit of shocking pink velvet to cheer up a November day!
I always take on at least two new brands each season, I like to keep the product fresh and intesting and having something new to shout about is always great for business.
Not forgetting to buy the classic, well made, good quality seperates that you can't buy on the high street, I can not preech to customers enough how important it is to buy good quality T shirts, they wash well, never go baggy and you'll wear them for years.
I can't pretend it's all rushing about, tube rides, trains and traffic jams.....sometimes It's great to catch up with the brands designers and sales people for a coffee and colour swatching. In fact the best part of this years buying was meeting all the Avoca People who were over in England for the trade shows, I have spoke with this brilliant team every week for the last 6 years so meeting face to face was just fabulous!
Oh...and sometimes I get to stop for fruit, nuts and champagne too :)
Not only to we have to buy a fashion collection but we also stock a large selection of gifts and homeware plus accessories and these all need to coordinate with the fashion and trends and be well priced, well made and unique to our style and branding. Phew! Now you understand why i've been away from blogging for a while and why i'm so rubbish at keeping up with friends, sorry :(
A/W 12 wont be in store until August but S/S12 deliveries are coming in thick and fast.
L joined me at one of the trade shows which she and I loved, she turns 8 on Saturday, where do the years go??
XOX
via here 
Fashion Designer Nanette Lepore's has a sumptious boudoir inspired dressing room designed by Jonathan Adler via Elle Decor
via here 
Fashion Designer Nanette Lepore's has a sumptious boudoir inspired dressing room designed by Jonathan Adler via Elle Decor
