NYFW essentials

New York Fashion Week is among us.

Though I won't be attending, here is my go to list for any fashion week:

 

Shoes: you need something beautiful, but practical. Being in New York you will be on your feet a lot. Try the Diba True Jet Way.

iPad Mini- small enough to fit in your bag, big enough to keep you connected to the world. Take notes, pictures, live social sharing, etc

Portable charger: they are worth the investment. They will keep you plugged in a little longer, to keep you connected to the world. You're in the city that never sleeps, don't let your electronics end your night early.

Jamberry Nails Mani: You need your nails looking great at all times, why put your trust in a product that will chip or ruin your nails? You'll be looking as good as day 1 all week long.

Sunday Somewhere sunnies- they are beautiful, practical and durable

Lipstick: try e.l.f's matte lipstick. Even if you don't have a second to freshen up, a good lip can change your look.

Business Cards (with a cute holder, of course)
Notepad and pen- to take notes
A great bag: something big enough to get you through the day, but pretty enough to use at night
snacks: for some reason, there is only ever time to eat one meal in New York, curb the 3 o'clock drag with some almonds
LBD: dress up, dress down..you need one

What is on your NYFW list?

FFaNY

I just got back from this year's FFaNY shoe show. FFaNY is a huge trade show where shoe wholesalers present their upcoming collection and buyers from boutiques and stores from all over the world come to purchase their inventory for the upcoming season.  Bronx/Diba True and Luichiny presented their Fall 2013 collections. I went to handle any press or media and stay in contact with them after the show.

Tuesday was set up day, so we went straight from the airport to the exhibit hall to set up all of the inventory and decorations. I was asked by the wardrobe ladies from BET to go to dinner later that night. We went to Phillipe's, which was DELICIOUS and the ladies were a ton of fun. I will  be calling them when I go back to New York.

Wednesday was the start of the show.  Our booths were full for most of the day, and our lines had a great reaction from press and buyers alike! Wednesday evening the Diba Reps and myself went to Iguana. They make guacamole at your table and it was so good, I could have just ate that for dinner. Their margaritas were to die for as well. 

Thursday was a much slower day for us, but our first cost team said that they were busy non-stop, so I think that most people were doing their rounds in the private label division. I left to come back home that evening, traveling out of New York is a nightmare because traffic is always so bad. I almost missed my flight and then I had a delay in my Atlanta layover, as fifty 14 year olds boarded the plane. :-( 

Trade shows are an extremely important part of the footwear industry. It not only racks up sales, but it is the best way to get our brand to reach the maximum number of retailers in a small period of time. With so many new stores that come on to the scene, this is the one time that they will seek our brand out, and not have our reps selling door to door.

Here are some images of our booth set up:

 

 

 

My shoes for dinner with BET!

Have you ever attended an industry trade show? What was your experience like? 

Fall 2013 Sneak Peek

We are debuting our Fall 2013 collection this week in New York. The above collages are some snap shots from some of the images. The photoshoots are so glam, I can't wait to show the full images!

New York Minute

Tuesday will be here in a New York Minute, so I'm making my mental to do lists. I have a super exciting client dinner on Wednesday, and of course I will be hitting the town while I'm there, so I need to figure out what dancin' shoes I will be taking with me. Of course, that means that I will be rocking some Luichiny heels, but I don't know if I can narrow my choices down.

Here are some of my styles that I am thinking about bringing out of the closet:

 

 

 

For a much more practical day shoe, I am thinking about these styles here:

What to pack for a work trip

Next week I am heading to the Big Apple for the Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFaNY) shoe show. Packing for a work trip can be a little overwhelming because you want to look professional, but be comfortable standing in an exhibitor hall all day. You also need to be prepared for client dinners and enjoying a night on the town.

AND, since it is a shoe show---my footwear has to be on point, but practical because will be in New York and standing on concrete all day.

This means that in all practicality, I need 2 pairs of shoes for each day and at least two outfits. I hate carrying around luggage, so I try and keep my suitcases narrowed down to two carry-on sized bags.

Here is my go to list for packing, not all of it is necessary, so I cross those items off if they aren't needed:

***Look up the weather forecast

Basics:
  Travel Aids: reading, gum, snacks, bottle water, pillow
  Funds: wallet, cash, credit cards, atm card, checks
  Travel Info: passport/visa, drivers license, itenary, map/directions, travel tickets, travel confirmation, travel guides, membership cards

Miscellaneous:
  Documents: Copies of travel info, copies of credit card, copies of passport, emergency contact info,   medical insurance card, list of prescriptions, car insurance card, contact info, list of               allergies/medical history.
  Bags: Backpack, purse, collapsible tote, money belt, plastic bags
  Other: Business Card, calling card, work documents, supplies, notebook/pen, list of appointments
  Laundry: bags, kit, stain remover, sewing kit, travel iron

Clothes:
 Basics: underwear, socks, bra, pantyhose, swim wear, robe, pj's, dress shirt, sweaters, blazer, dress, slacks, t-shirt, tank top, sweat shirt, jeans, shorts.

Hygiene:
 Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, soap, washcloth, face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner,  brush, comb, hairdryer, hair irons, razor, styling products, hairspray, mirror, moisturizer, lotion, chapstick, makeup, perfume, makeup remover, nail file/clipper, nail polish, medications, allergy medicine, pain reliever, vitamins, nail polish remover, hand wipes, tissue, cotton balls, qtips, scissors, tweezers, lint roller, first aid kit, bandaids, blister blockers, footpads, feminine hygiene products

Tech:
Phone + charger, ipad+charger, camera+charger, batteries, headphones, alarm clock

Accessories: leisure shoe, dress shoe, sandal, slipper, belt, watch, jewelry, sunglasses

My Top Essentials for ANY travel: a book/magazines, hand sanitizer, mints and hand lotion.

And as you are double checking what you brought...here is a little advice from my mom. Start with your head and cover all of the possible things you would need for that part of your body
Head- do you have/need hats, hair brush, toothpaste, sunglasses, jewelry...
hit everybody part in between. 
Finish with your toes- do you have socks, inserts an shoes.
Don't forget to think about your electronics and Id!

How Does the DISC Personality Test affect your style?

Personality and Your Clothes

Direct Personality:  Someone who takes charge and is a good leader.  You like to keep busy and you’re somewhat of a perfectionist.  Your perfect outfit should be comfortable but stylish.  You need something that is wearable, but says I am in charge. Direct women are very focused on their accomplishments and want to appear successful.

Suggested outfits: Colored slacks with a cute tank, pair it with a jacket that you can take off when you are running around telling others what to do.  A small heel is preferred or flats since you live a very fast paced life style

Influential Personality:  Someone who lives in the fast lane and loves to be the social butterfly.  Your main goals are your ideas and you love to discuss these ideas with anyone and everyone.  You need something fun to express your outgoing personality, but professional so people will take you seriously while you network. Influential women love bling and color. They want that piece that makes other women say OMG, I love your....

Suggested outfits:  A flowy, printed skirt is your key piece.  Pair it with a chic blazer and some bohemian jewelry and you will be free to fly.  Beaded sandals always go with a printed skirt, but you can also try some summery wedges for a more professional look.

Steady Personality:  Someone who keeps to their routines.  Not much changes from their day to day lifestyle and they like to keep it this way.  This type of personality gets along with almost anyone and loves to help others.  You need something that is considered staple merchandise and can be paired with numerous different outfits. Steady personalities are often very family focused, and want to wear something that is easy and versatile, but trendy.

Suggested outfits:  A basic white T that can be paired with a colored skinny jean to bring a little fun to your outfit.  Pair this with chunky black jewelry and a pair of black suede heels and you will be good to create a new outfit in your life.

Cautious Personality:  Someone who is very analytical and likes to know the facts about any situation.  You like others who are like you and you like to keep the peace.  You need something structured and color coordinated that says I have everything under control. Cautious women buy quality, staple pieces. They are often budget conscious, but are willing to pay more for something that will last a long time.

Suggested outfits:  A matching pant suit in a dark blue, a white button up to pull out a neutral color and a pair of beige shoes that shows off your conservative side.  Pair it with either silver or gold jewelry accents and you will be able to take on any question that is thrown at you.  

Do you fit into one of these categories? Many women will cross over into two or three categories. I, for example, am an Influential/Steady personality. I LOVE wearing jeans and a T-shirt, but will almost always complete that outfit with a great pair of shoes or super blingy earrings. 

My Favorite Campaign images

We have had some REALLY Great images with our shoes over the last few years. Here are a few of my favorites.

Hello New York!

Hello Bloggers!

I've worked with a shoe wholesaler and distributor for the last six years. Last year after graduating college, they offered me a full time job in Marketing and PR. It is a very exciting career with expanding possibilities.

For 5 of the last 6 years, I have been stuck doing all the grunt work. Every boring excel sheet, every photo edit, checking in cases in a 100 or 32 degree warehouse.....just short of having to clean the bathroom, if there was a shitty task to do I did it.

Now that I am in this new position, I create all the art work, regularly contact magazines and TRAVEL is even starting to be a possibility! I never knew what I wanted to do growing up. I wanted to be everything from a lawyer to a pirate (For Real). The only thing I KNEW I wanted to do was see the world. All of it. From big cities to riding a horse in Mongolia, I want to see every corner of the world. So in June when my boss told me I was going to New York (and on their dime) you can imagine how freaking ecstatic I was. I spent 4 days in the big apple getting a preview of ALL of the hottest shoes that will be gracing the feet of fashionable women around the world, and seeing the Upper East Side of Manhattan by night.






It was AMAZING.


I just found out I'm going to Vegas in a month. I'm sure this show will be really entertaining.