Bronx-Diba True-Luichiny Fall Preview

Here is a preview of the shoes that will soon be hitting stores!
I am super excited for this season's line. I think it is the best we have done in a long time. Exotic prints, cognac, ink, oxblood and emerald are a staple in the line, along with lots of riding boots and the platform stiletto you know and love!

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? 

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!

Matching your Mani

Here are a few style ideas for matching your mani.Weather you are hitting the red carpet, or bouncing to concerts all summer, don't let naked nails bring you down!