Get Connected through Social Media

ailgrPublic relations pro and social media consultant Alison Ilg taught Atlanta Apparel Market buyers and exhibitors how to get connected with their customers at a phenomenal seminar. Between “friending,” “tweeting” and “linking in,” the whole world of social media can be confusing if you don’t start with a plan and create a presence suited to best reach your target audience.

At the Friday seminar, she explained the basics of  social media to a diverse audience of boutique owners, sales reps, store buyers and retail professionals. Whether you opt for a basic Facebook fan page or tie all your elements together, it’s vital to stay connected and communicate with your customers. Social media tools don’t have to be intimidating and benefit any size business.

Stay tuned for her guest blog with more helpful info coming soon! For now, follow her on Twitter @alisonilg to stay up to date.

To busy buying to attend the seminar? Click here for the notes.

High Museum of Art Party Tonight

We’re throwing a party tonight at the High Museum of Art, featuring the John Portman: Art and Architecture exhibit, and you’re invited!
6-9:30 p.m.

Access to the exhibit, complimentary Italian hors d’oeuvres and drinks and live Jazz music. 

Shuttles will be in front of Building 3 at the corner of Spring and Harris streets and will run continuously throughout the evening.

Admittance is limited to 500 guests so get your tickets NOW! You can pick them up in the 2nd floor lobby by registeration.

New Accessories Showrooms

handbagNew FASHION FORWARD Showrooms opening this Market!

Mad Style, a multi-line showcasing cutting edge and classic designs-perfect styles for all. 

MJK Global Design, featuring fashion handbags in the latest trends and styles–sharp looks at great prices for your customers.  

by Boe, hand-made pieces from New York City using 14-karat gold-filled, sterling silver, and a mix of new and vintage material, worn by celebrities.

Check them out on Floor 8!

Gayle’s Top 5 for Children’s Apparel

kidsdressprintsIt’s fun in the sun for Children’s this Market. Pile up these trends for your store:

 Think Easter: pink and white with accenting white cardigans and suits for the boys

Funky Mary Janes, including metallic colors

Bathing suits with matching sandals

Capri and Bermuda sets (oversized topsp with fashion Bermudas and capris)

Sundresses in fun prints

Caron’s Top 5 in Contemporary

boldprintContemporary is always hot, but be sure to take these top trends back to your store for Spring 2010:

 Everything white

Tall gladiators

Mini skirts and dresses

Bold prints

Short denim shorts

Find the freshest contemporary fashion on Floors 2, 9 and 11 this Market.

Lecy’s Top 5 for Shoes and Accessories at Market

steve_madden_peep_toe_bootsIn Shoes, don’t miss these trends at Market:

 

Orange, pink, red and beige colors.

Peep toe booties (they have been very hot since last summer and are still going strong)

Platforms and wedges

Floral pattern shoes

Heeled Huarache and Gladiator Sandals

Knee length boots

kooba-pleated-bucket-bagFor Accessories, take these trends:

Emerald green, deep sapphire blue, ruby red and rich amethyst colors.

Animal prints on clutches

Handbags with pleats, ruching and ruffles

Chunky choker necklaces

Grey suede purses

Pick up as many of these trends as you can while at Market!

Katie’s Top 5 for Accessories at Market

chunkbraceletBe sure to grab these hot trends while shopping the Accessories floors at Market this weekend:

Stretchy Band Rings-made for all sizes, they make the perfect gift.

Stackable Chunky Bangles

Long necklaces

Booties

Metallic Handbags and Shoes-they match everything.

And, remember bigger is better!

October Fashion Show Schedule

It’s all about style at October Apparel Market in Atlanta. To check out some of the hottest looks, fashion shows staged throughout the day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday feature fashionshow3_150product ranging from contemporary looks to chic bridal attire to some of the most stylish kid’s looks anywhere.

Here’s the full fashion show schedule:

Friday, Oct. 16:

  • 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – Fashion Center Stage featuring Spring 2010

Floor 2, Atrium

  • 4 p.m. – Vow to be Perfect

Floor 10, NW quadrant

Saturday, Oct. 17:

  • 11 a.m. – Fashion Center Stage featuring Spring 2010

Floor 2, Atrium

  • 11:30 – Fashionably Young at Heart

Floor 13, NW Quadrant

  • 3 p.m. – Fashion Center Stage featuring Spring 2010

Floor 2, Atrium

  • 6 p.m. – Style Runway sponsored by The Montreal Collections, featuring Simon Chang

Floor 14, Fashion Theatre

Sunday, Oct. 18

  • 11 a.m. – Fashion Center Stage featuring Spring 2010

Floor 2, Atrium

  • 11:30 a.m. – Fashionably Young at Heart

Floor 13, NW Quadrant

  • 3 p.m. – Fashion Center Stage featuring Spring 2010

Floor 2, Atrium

The Lunch Rush: Special Boxed Fare Available During Market

When you’re rushing around to appointments, trying to cover several floors each day, it’s tough to find time to grab lunch. To make it easy – and inexpensive – boxed lunches will Oct09_BoxLunch_24x36be available for Apparel buyers each day from October 15-19.

Stop by the kiosks on Floors 5 and 9 of Building 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. to get yours for only $4. Boxed lunches include a sandwich, one piece of whole fruit, a bag of chips and an 8-oz. bottle of water.