AmericasMart Blog

Accessories on the Rise

Moda Nuovo — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 10:30:58 +0000

Since the economic downturn, we have seen an abundance of accessory lines at tradeshows. They have become an easy, more efficient way to spice up your wardrobe. Add a scarf instead a new top, buy a pair of $200 shoes you will wear daily instead of a $200 skirt, or throw a statement necklace on an old dress.

Even though we are seeing the apparel industry coming back, accessories never went away, and Atlanta Apparel is no different. We have fabulous hand-crafted, original, and statement accessories at our April show. Here are just a few of our new, up-and-coming lines who show true originality.

Wm. coleman mills is debuting their scarf collection at Atlanta Apparel. He is an established artist who has projected his paintings onto these beautiful cotton voile and silk chiffon scarves.

Deepa Gurnani is an accessory line out of New York who creates the most amazing beaded headbands, bags, and jewelry.

Inge Christopher is handbag line also out of New York. They stand apart because of their use of many different, unique fabrics and materials.

In our shoe category, Rockwell Tharp is debuting their collection of embroidered accessories at our April show. Their unique embroidery has a pattern for everyone and would brighten up any boutique.

You can find all of these collections, and much more, on our Premiere, floor 2, at the Atlanta Apparel show this weekend.

The Search for the Perfect Jean

Kim McCoy — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:24:27 +0000

When you ask a woman, “what is the hardest thing to shop for,” more than likely her answer is “jeans.” This exact shopping dilemma is what inspired Beija-Flor designers Kathy and Emilie to bring women a jean that finally works with their natural bodies, rather than against them.

The key to finding a jean that really fits comes down to just three simple rules – finding the right pockets, rise and leg opening for your body. With more than six years of experience, Beija-Flor designers Kathy and Emilie have a secret formula that allows over 90 percent of women (with all different types of bodies) to find a jean that really fits! Take a look at some of the designers’ dos and don’ts when it comes to jean shopping:

Do
• Go for midrise, having a slightly higher waistline (8 ½ inch) not only elongates your legs making you look instantly slimmer, but also gives you a sense of security that nothing is “hanging out.”

• Look for a jean that is composed of a “denim blend.” For example, our jeans are made with a Brazilian cotton, poly, and elastane blend.

• Memory stretch. You will be thanking yourself later, when halfway through the day your jeans are still holding their shape!

• Find a jean with a contoured waist. All of Beija-Flor jeans’ are higher in the back giving you more coverage in the rear, and eliminating gaping in the waist.

Don’t
• Focus on size; it’s just a number. Look to see where the jean hits you in rise, whether the pockets are flattering, and if they are comfortable.

• Stick to only one jean style. Branching out to a skinny leg or wide leg will instantly upgrade your wardrobe.

• Focus too much on trends. Stick to jeans that compliment your own personal style. Trends fade, style is eternal.

• Select heavy weight jeans. Look for a jean that can be worn year-round. Denim is timeless.

Styling the four Jeans Every Woman Needs:
1. Skinny – Don’t be afraid to have a skinny pair – or two – in your closet! They are great for creating a sleeker (and skinnier) look. Plus, they are the perfect jean to wear with heels, tucked into boots, or with ballet flats. We suggest our Nicole Skinny in Washed Oregon that will also give you an added butt lift.

2. Bootcut – Everyone’s favorite jean. This type of fit is a must-have to create that ultimate relaxed look for laid-back days. To dress it up, wear with heels or over boots – just make sure they are long enough. We suggest our miracle bootcut, the Jennifer bootcut jean, in Oregon.

3. Straight & Ankle – The ultimate fit to wear with flats. A dark straight leg always flatters and lengthens, too. We suggest our Audrey ankle jean in Oregon.

4. Wide-Leg & Trouser – This fit is great to wear on Casual Fridays or out on the town with your girlfriends. While it is the trendiest fit, don’t be afraid to experiment – it can dress up any outfit instantly! Tuck in a shirt and effortlessly create the ultimate hourglass silhouette. You will instantly show off your tiny waist. We suggest our Amanda trouser jean.

Look for the Daily Strut featuring Beija-Flor at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 13 on Floor 2.

Blogging with the Best

Kim McCoy — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:30:01 +0000

AmericasMart had the pleasure of attending the 2012 Design Bloggers Conference in Los Angeles last week with about 200 industry bloggers. It was a welcoming, motivated group, eager to soak up advice and meet their fellow bloggers face-to-face.

Martyn Lawrence-Bullard kicked off the conference on Monday morning with a glimpse into the world of designing for celebrities such as Cher, Elton John and Cheryl Tiegs. Thought-provoking sessions were led by a who’s who of the hottest design bloggers including Tobi Fairley (Tobi Fairley Interior Design), Ronda Carman (All the Best), Cassandra Lavalle (coco+kelley) and Brian Patrick Flynn (Décor Demon).

I think fellow attendee Leslie Fine (Leslie Fine Interiors) summed up the conference nicely with the following “Ten Pearls of Wisdom”:

Four Tips to Boost Your Business in 2012

Kim McCoy — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:51:19 +0000

Colliers International released its U.S. Retail Highlights: 2012 Outlook this week. Here’s a roundup of the top trends:

1. Invest in e-commerce and reap the rewards. Make sure your site is easy to read and navigate on both desktop Web browsers and mobile devices. Mobile-phone commerce alone accounted for $6.7 billion in sales last year and that number is projected to soar to $10 billion in 2012.

2. Luxury shoppers are feeling less self-conscious and are buying more. Look for accessories, leather goods, watches and electronics to do well in 2012.

3. Customer service and convenience will often outweigh price for consumers, especially for long-term loyalty. Focus on easy but effective solutions like minimizing wait times in checkout lines, streamlining the returns process, maintaining inventory levels and offering adequate parking.

4. Create a sense of urgency by offering limited-time-only items and offers. The use of mobile applications is escalating price competition and retailers must find new ways to captivate the customer.

Visual Therapy

amandamacycheek — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:08:48 +0000

What a fantastic Friday at Atlanta Apparel! There was so much going on and the energy was great.

My favorite event was the Live Style seminar presented by Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo from Visual Therapy. The hour long event featured live models, a look at historical trends, different style types, upcoming trends and how to take looks from day to night.

Jesse & Joe, Visual Therapy

Lovely models all dolled up!

Behind the scenes with Visual Therapy’s Lisa Marie. We got a secret look into the suitcase of a stylist- she is beyond prepared for a fashion emergency!

The whole team after a wonderful event

To learn more about Visual Therapy click here and check out their website and blog. For more images from the event please visit Atlanta Apparel on Facebook.

(Tasty soba noodles from an earlier party)

(sushi!)

Tonight- we are excited for two Atlanta Apparel evening parties. At 5:30 p.m. join the floor 11 exhibitors for Trends & Tapas. This special event will be complete with a live DJ, complimentary drinks and food, plus…a secret pop-up giveaway! (you heard it here first!)

Then, stay late for Slide In and Shop Late on floor 8, this is best time to get your accessory buying done with the added bonus of scrumptious snacks and complimentary drinks.

Enjoy your night

-Amanda Macy Cheek

Increase the Impulse- February Atlanta Apparel

amandamacycheek — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:50:25 +0000

Increase the Impulse: Live Demonstration

The creative and talented Fredrick from Fab’rik unloaded amazing information to our retailers this morning to kick off the Market!

Let’s get straight to the information…

When setting your tabletop displays have the mindset of enticing your customer, selling a story and setting a scene. Pick your theme and go with it- all pieces should correlate back to the original “look” and be cohesive. Fredrick knows his customer well and develops his themes based on upcoming trends and what he knows his client is looking for.

Frederick stressed three main steps to setting the perfect style setting…

Balance the table: start with a blank canvas then pick a focal point (typically the most expensive item on the table) next play with scale, shades of similar colors and texture. At this point your table should be flat, but full of fashion.
Add Depth: roll up sleeves, cuff pant legs, hang belts from pants, etc. Layer different colored tanks with tops and always tuck a top under an outerwear piece. Tip- by showing the items together in unexpected and trendy ways; your customer is more likely to gravitate towards purchasing the entire look rather than just a singular piece. Jeans + Belt = Increased Sale!
Add height: this is your chance to show off your hot accessories. A great pair of heels stacked together, sexy flats staged on a display block, bring the eye up with a handbag that makes a statement and back down by layering bangles and necklaces in groups of three. For summer- a lovely sun hat and sexy “sunnies” will be items that move fast when well displayed.

Remember that table displays are your silent seller and should be changed out twice a week- or more. Integrate easy buys with higher priced item; your goal is to sell a look!

For to-the-minute fashions follow us on Twitter at @atlantaapparel & check back here as I blog LIVE from the Atlanta Apparel floors!

See you tomorrow!

-Amanda Macy Cheek

Opening Day Events at February Atlanta Apparel

amandamacycheek — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:19:25 +0000

The energy is building and we are excited to swing open our doors tomorrow morning for the February Atlanta Apparel Market!

Here is a quick preview of Thursday’s fashion focused special events:

Increase the Impulse: Live Merchandising Demo

10-11 a.m. Floor 2, Center Stage

We are thrilled to have snagged the Visual Merchandising guru from Fab’rik {Atlanta-based fashion boutique franchise…that is amazing!} to kick off our Merchandising Demonstration series. Grab some free breakfast and watch Frederick Morelli style accessories to increase impulse SALES! Bonus…I got an insider look at the featured accessories, and they are sure to be top Spring/Summer sellers!

Buyers- if you start your shopping on Thursday, make sure you hit up one of our tote bag giveaway events. Be one of the first to snag the hottest freebie at Market that will definitely look hot on your shoulder! {Check out registration signage and your Apparel Guide for details}

A Stylish Soiree

5:30-6:30 p.m. Floor 9

By this time you will probably be ready for a cocktail, specialty snacks and more shopping! Floor 9 is the place to be for a lavish complimentary cocktail party. The floor will be ready to party with free drinks, delectable foods, a live DJ and…a photo booth! Enjoy the fun- and tweet your pictures to us at @atlantaapparel

We know that our Atlanta Apparel customers aren’t quite ready to stop the party at 6:30 p.m…So, we will all be heading down the street to Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint to continue the party and start this market off right! Juke Joint is about 2 blocks away and well worth the walk. Their food is southern-ly scrumptious and I have been eyeing their drink list all week. Pimms + Lemonade classic potable or the Fresh Watermelon Aya Tini martini? Decisions….decisions…

+ It wouldn’t be an Apparel Market without fashion shows! Catch the catwalk events at Noon and 4 p.m. daily on the floor 2 center stage.

For to-the-minute fashions follow us on Twitter at @atlantaapparel & check back here as I blog LIVE from the Atlanta Apparel floors!

See you tomorrow!

-Amanda Macy Cheek

Hello from February Atlanta Apparel!

amandamacycheek — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:43:43 +0000

For the next five days I will blogging LIVE from our February Atlanta Apparel Market! As a part of our AmericasMart Marketing team, I am excited to bring you a behind-the-scenes look at the new trends and fashions. Plus, I will be attending all of our exciting events and seminars…and of course, reporting back to you with all the good information!

Get a head start and check out americasmart.com/apparel for line listings, showroom/booth locations and event schedules!

See you at Market tomorrow!

Amanda Macy Cheek

NEW at AmericasMart! Our very own Fashion Blogger’s Lounge

ksantry — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:50:51 +0000

NEW at AmericasMart!

Come see what the bloggers are saying about Atlanta Apparel! Or just stop in for some refreshments, a place to sit down and relax or log in to catch up on what’s going on back home while you’re at market.

The blogger’s lounge is sponsored by Yepser, a Social Media/Internet Strategy Company that can help you build and market your brand through digital media. Find the lounge in Building 3, Floor 9, Southwest Quadrant, Showroom 354

Fresh February Lines in Atlanta

ksantry — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:41:45 +0000

February Apparel Market means fresh looks for summer. From top accessories to timeless materials, new looks and new names abound in Atlanta.

To discover the latest in contemporary and designer fashions, don’t miss the evolving Temporary collections on Floors 2, 3 and 4. With 50 percent more exhibitors than February 2011, the Temps offer boundless opportunities to expand into new lines.

Check out hot fashions from labels including Robins Jeans, Brian Lichtenberg, Matt and Nat, Beija-Flor Jeans, Minnie Rose, Cambio, Repeat Cashmere, Magaschoni, Mavi, Elaine Turner, Dolce Vita, Old Gringo, Renee C, Ark and Co, Via Spiga, Free Endearment, Calvin Klein Performance, Fresh Produce, ZAD, Pendleton Woolen Mills, Minuet, Miilla, Marrakech Clothing, Go Silk, Grace Hats, By Phillipe Illia, Darling and MUCH MORE.

Temporaries are open February 2-4 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and February 5 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Full Market information is always available online.