Quick Q&A

A couple of really good reader questions came in recently and I thought I’d share the answers with everyone

Q: I live in the Caribbean,meaning, only summer clothes and shoes is what I need during the whole year. So if I go to shows and showrooms in winter time can I still get summer dresses and sandals?

A. The answer to the first question is a big, huge YES. First off, most high end lines do Resort/Cruise collections, which are usually the first two deliveries of the year (right after holiday). The idea behind it is that people with money jet off to their exclusive resorts (the Carribean is probably one of those places!) and need swimsuits, shorts and other summer clothes. And even if you’re talking October/November/December, it’s still possible to get summery clothes, depending on the brand. See, I have the opposite problem that you have a lot of times; I have trouble finding warm clothes and sweaters because all the lines I work with are selling sheer dresses, maxi’s and halter tops during this time of the year. So don’t worry, it won’t be a problem at all. Just choose the right brands!

Q: I am planning on opening an online store next summer for fall, but am wondering how early I should start contacting reps? Do you have an office space or do you run it out of your home? Also, do you ever notice some brand reps who will not work with brand new stores? Thanks so much for your advice, you should write a book!

A. Buyers generally work 4-6 months ahead of the season. The Fall collections generally will start to show in mid February at MAGIC in Las Vegas (note that NYFW is also that month) and then they’ll show the next month in Los Angeles and New York. You’ll pretty much have that Febraury-April window to purchase for Fall, but I would recommend contacting the reps ahead of time to introduce yourself and find out what they’ll want to see from you in order to buy. That way you can have it ready for market.

I run everything out of my home. I do have RETAIL space now and I keep 90% of my clothes there and the rest I keep in my home or the trunk of my car!

It’s always different with reps, and it depends on the type of lines you’re looking for, and how exclusive or high end they are (but not, necessarily, how well known they are). And I’d love to write a book someday. Hopefully I will.