If you're wondering why my posts have been scarce these days, it's because I was off being fabulous at the 2013 Platform Show in Las Vegas. If you don't know anything about the show, it's part of a convention called Magic where various Fashion brands come to Vegas and display their newest lines for next season's retail. Platform refers solely (no pun intended) to the convention involving only shoe brands and is held at the Las Vegas Convention center. In other locations in Vegas there are other conventions withing Magic such as the ready-to-wear clothing section called Project. I spent most of my time at Platform because, well, I'm in the shoe business and I happen to love shoes! Anyway, before I get to the glitz and glam of this trip, let me go back to the beginning and start with the flight from hell I took to get there.
The Flight
Let me just say that I never LOVED to fly. I don't mind flying for the most part, but if I had the option to sprout a pair of wings and fly myself to Vegas, I would choose it over the cabin of recycled air, bad food, crying children, and the horrendous smell of body odor coming from the weirdos sitting next to me. From my experience, these things tend to come as a package with any flight. So as I was saying, I get to the airport and feeling drowsy as I usually do in the mornings, afternoons, and nights after a bender, and I go slowly through security until I reach the destination of my gate and took a nap. I woke to the sound of my flight being boarded and I pushed a few old people out of my way to make the front of the line and take my seat. I took another nap...until all hell broke loose.
It had seemed that so far my journey was a smooth one. However, as I was tired for the beginning of the flight, I hadn't noticed that in the window seat in front of me and the window seat behind me sat two children, two 2-year olds.
I woke up to the sound of screaming children 2 hours into my 6 hour flight. I was a bit annoyed, but I realize these things happen. I was trying to control my annoyance, when the little screaming child behind starts kicking the back of my chair. First off, the kid was only 2, but she had legs of steel because it felt like my chair was one of those massage chairs at the nail salon when you accidentally switch the mode to karate chop. I couldn't take the beating anymore so I turned around and (very passive aggressively) asked the child's mother if she was ok and mentioned that "in case you didnt know, she had been drilling into the back of my seat for a half hour now." Thinking this confrontation would end the kicking immediatly, I turned around, put headphones in, and tried to watch TV.
5 minutes later, I feel a pull on the left sleeve of my sweater. The little girl was now pulling my sweater from behind the chair and laughing. She got her nail stuck in the threads of my sweater and then began to slowly unravel my sleeve as she pulled away. I grabbed my sweater and turned back to her mother to say "excuse me, she is pulling my sweater!" and the mother (who was around my age and oblivious to the intolerability of her child) smiled and said "I think she likes you!" I was livid. I smiled and tried to resume the show I was watching, but seconds later, I feel a pull on my hair coming from the back window seat (of course). I quickly pull my hair from the child's grip and lean into the girl next to me away from the child. However, even after releasing my hair, I felt it being pulled. It is at this point where I realize the kid had stuck her lollipop in my hair and it was dangling from my head. I could have died, I was hot, bothered, annoyed, crankly, and now with a sticky lollipop stuck in my hair that took out half of my strands when I had to pull it out. I turn once again to the mother and say "your daughter just got a lollipop in my hair. I am trying to rest and it is hard with her pulling on me." The mother answered "yeah, she does that sometimes, I think its that she likes you." Then she turned and resumed talking to the man sitting next to her. I could feel myself boiling up with anger as I continued to swat away the sticky hands that kept trying to grab me.
..and if you think this flight was horrendous so far, you will not believe what happened next...
Another half hour goes by which makes us about 3 1/2 hours into the flight, when I feel something dripping on my arm. I don't have to look to know its the little girl sabotaging my flight again. I look to see what she had dripping on me and noticed she was drinking milk from a bottle and it smelled like it had curdled. I was sick, physically nauseas, and mentally close to a psychotic break. I say to the little girl "No I do not want that, that milk is dripping on me - give it to your mom." The child just smiles at me with a hint of pure evil gleaming in her eyes and throws the entire bottle onto my lap where the cap comes loose and the milks spills all over me. I yelled - not just a startled yell, but I yelled with the anger more powerful than the fire of a thousand suns. I whip my head around and stared at the child, then at the mother and say "I'm sorry, but I have had enough. Your child has been ruining my flight for 3 hours now and I understand that she's only a kid and probably antsy to get off this flight, but it is your job to control her from kicking my seat, pulling my hair, and spilling milk on me." The mother just laughed and said "ok, no problem!" But it was a problem. I went to the bathroom to try and wash the disgusting milk off me and splash water on my face. Just as I was approaching my seat I overhear the mother saying to her child, "Honey I'm sorry, mommy has no milk left, she left her pump in the suitcase." After hearing this it was if the world started spinning around me. All I could think of is the milk that had spilled all over me was breast milk. breast milk. Seriously WTF!? I turned around and ran into the bathroom because I was pretty sure I may be sick.
And that began my trip to Vegas....
The Hotel
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas
After checking in to the Hard Rock Hotel, I rushed up to my room to shower the previous flight right off me and get going to the Platform show. Although my day of travel was horrendous, my experience at the Hard Rock proved that my day could only get better. When I checked in, the woman at the front desk asked me if I had planned on having a smoking room. I told her no, I needed non-smoking. This request worked in my favor because there were no non smoking rooms available in the standard rooms and she had to switch my room to a Suite free of charge! I went up to my room and opened the door to this:
...and this...
Oh, and this...
...my view...
Lastly, at night I got to see this..
So now that I am done bragging, I can tell you that I really only spent minimal time here because I was at the show, but all and all pretty suite huh?
The Show
I went to the Platform Show located at the Las Vegas Convention Center. It was AMAZING! I have never seen so many shoes in one place in my life!! The show was set up in this huge white room and white lighting which really made the colorful shoes on display stand out like eye candy. The show was set up so that there were numbered aisles split up by category (dress shoes, comfort, ect) and each aisle contained booths for each brand attending in which they would display their spring 2013 and fall 2013 styles.
Here are some images provided by the Platform Website
I attended the show as a buyer, which meant I would approach specific brands and ask if they would like to sell their product on our site, shoeline.com. Of course, this cant always be easy when your awkward like me, but I made it work- pheww! I did find myself wandering around the maze of booths and getting lost and turning around and then having to stop and map my way out. I got really lost on the lower level and I must have passed by one booth about 5 times, staring desperatly at my Platform map for a way out when I overheard one of the younger representative say to another "Dude, this girl is definitely lost..." I was embarassed, so I pretended to call someone on my phone to make it less awkward and ended up talking on the phone to no one in between meetings from that point on. Sometimes its better to pretend you have friends and an idea of where you are at these things, even if it means having a fake phone conversation with a made up person who happens to be really interested in what you do and also thinks your pretty damn awesome.
The second day was very busy. My boss and I were in meetings with clients all day. I got to stop by the booths of clients whose product we already sell and take a look at whats in store for the Spring and Fall 2013. It's really cool to be able to see the product before it is seen by the public, I can get a good idea of whats in style and can then get a head start on whats trending for next season and look better than everyone else - ha! One booth I really enjoyed was the Isola booth. They had the cutest pumps in all different styles and colors. Isola is a brand that I have fallen in love with on shoeline.com, here are some of their past styles:
.jpg)
Unfortunately you can't see what they have for Spring 2013 until they make the line public, so keep checking shoeline.com to see the newest styles from Isola!
Shop Isola HERE
So that's my trip to Las Vegas for 2013 Platform. For more information on the MAGIC Marketplace, PLATFORM and any other shows hosted by MAGIC, Click HERE!
Keeping It Cool Swatches
Monaco Blue and Violet are the colors that will keep it cool this spring. Look forward to luxurious Icy blues and jewl-like purples to jazz up casual ensembles. Often times, deep blues and purples take the place of a base color which goes well when topped with floral patterns of warmer brighter colors. For those who don't like the vivaciously bright colors such as pink, yellow, orange and red that often times are associated with Spring and Summer Fashion, you will be excited to find that these cool, deep, and romantic shades of blue and violet are here to stay. Use these colors as the centerpiece to your outfit and add warmer, brighter hues as focal points to add dimention to your spring forward wardrobe!
How to wear Monaco Blue and Violet:
Floral Button-down Dress (Delias.com - $34.50), Armani Exchange Signature Tote ($98 - armaniexchange.com), Antique Edwardian Mauve Glass Bead Choker Necklace ($38 - etsy.com), Isola Madra in Denim Croco ($178 - shoeline.com), Fat Face Pointelle Skirt ($71- fatface.com), Rut&Circle Destini Sequin Shirt ($52 - nelly.com), Uniqlo Women Synthetic Leather Bikers Jacket ($60 - uniqlo.com), Joia Pastel Colourblock Clutch/Crossbody ($78 - eluxe.ca), Born Julianne in Petunia Burnished ($90 - shoeline.com), Paige Denim Polka Dot Verdugo Skinny Jeans ($133 - shopbop.com), Fiona crepe shirt ($100 - theoutnet.com), FOREVER 21 Retro Chain Link Scarf ($6.80 - forever21.com), Sofft Pheobe in Navy ($99 - shoeline.com)
Featured Styles and MORE!:
Born Paulette-Navy Born Belinda-Jeans Born Bulena-Rey Born Verna-Denim
Korkease Felicia-Reef Born Natania-Denim Born Martine-Reef Korkease Ande-Colony
Born Hanita-Rey Born Kylin-Merlino Born Gayla-Merlino Born Naura-Marino
Born Stowaway II Born Alcala II-Viola Korkease Colette-Petunia Isola Daena-Orchid Purple
Vintage Hana-Lilla Korkease Jaclyn-Merlino Born Julianne-Petunia Born Yemena-Petunia
Sun-Kissed Swatches
It is all about Sunset when it comes to shades of Pink we will see this Spring! It's only fitting of this warm pallette to remind us of the warm weather to come (and hopefully soon!)for a beautiful and sunny Spring. Just thinking about the slightest change in temperature makes me MUCH happier. I guess these new Spring 2013 must-have shades take me to my happy place! To go along with the warm undertones found in shades like coral, salmon, peach, and magenta, I am noticing that the other colors coming our way this spring are all much warmer and pastel-like. These new shades and hues are going to really make your closet vibrant. No more nuetrals, this spring is about to bloom into a garden of color and designs. Get ready for fun, happy-go-lucky vibes this spring because the fashion world is taking colors and patterns to a whole new level of awesome!
How to wear Coral:
CURRENT/ELLIOTT Poppy Ankle Skinny Jeans($92 - stylebop.com), Nest Door Neighbor Top ($48 - modcloth.com), Echo Metallic Beach Tote ($98 - nordstrom.com), Isola Adena in Electric Pink ($97 - shoeline.com), Print Dress ($45 - modcloth.com),Big Buddha Zepher Hobo Bag ($90 - lordandtaylor.com), Sofft Broadway in Coral ($115 - shoeline.com), Current/Elliott High-rise skinny jeans ($89 - theoutnet.com), Blue and White Stripe Debardeur Top ($54 - bleuclothing.com), FOREVER 21 Ombré Scarf ($11 - forever21.com), Vintage Hanna in Sunset Suede ($169 - shoeline.com)
Featured Styles and MORE!:
Sofft Blaise-Coral Born Shanna-Coral Sofft Madeline-Coral Suede Isola Adena-Electric Pink
Isola Madalen-Coral Coast Sofft St. Larouse-Coral Sofft Broadway-Coral Vintage Hana-Sunset
Isola Badre-Magenta/Coral Born Lilibelle-Fuschia Sofft Pascale-Peonia Pink
From the Mod 1960's to the Pop 1980's, we've got fashion trends from every decade!
Then:
Now:
Peace, Love, 1960's
Metallic Dress by Oh My Love ($63 - topshop.com), Black Tassel Earrings ($35 - vincecamuto.com), Banana Republic Jasmine Box Clutch ($60 - bananarepublic.gap.com), SCOOP Perfect Tights - Cashmere ($42 - scoopnyc.com), Born Molly in Savoirda Metallic ($95 - shoeline.com), SUOLI Casual pants ($85- yoox.com), Ivory Victoriana blouse ($29 - dorothyperkins.com), MICHAEL Michael Kors Rabbit vest ($225 - net-a-porter.com), Bakers Herringbone Cap ($19 - bakersshoes.com), Born Roslyn in Mandorla Veg ($185 - shoeline.com), Mini Dress ($45 - modcloth.com), Cambridge Vintage Red Envelope Shoulder Bag ($94 - chicnova.com), Miss Selfridge Black Felt Floppy Hat ($49 - missselfridge.com), Born Olana in Nero Suede ($275 - shoeline.com)
The sixties were all about breaking the mold. Whether in society or in the world of pop-culture, the 1960's became a time of Anti-conformity, Rock & Roll, Peace, Love, and Pushing Limits. Out of the 60's came a wave of Fashion evolution, taking the hour glass curvature and mid-calf lenth dresses of the 1950's, and molding a completely opposite trend consisting of shapeless, ambiguous, and very short "mini" dresses. This style, which started by a new generation of young Modernists in Britain, became the staple of 1960's fashion - better known as "Mod." The "mini" dress, since it'sdebut in 1960, has never left the Fashion Industry, presenting itself in many colors, fabrics, and adornments, but yet it's mid-thigh length remains the same. Where Brit Mod took on brightly colored, quadrilateral patterns, America took on the mod A-line mini dress a bit differed using flashy gold and silver embellishments or simply solid colors such as black or white. Often times, the mini-dress was worn with platform boots that came up over the knee, or simple ballet flats. When I think of this look, I think of Twiggy - or Andy Warhol, Edie Sedgewick, and the Silver Factory - an age of expression and youth in revolt. Today, I have seen the mod culture inspire many new trends. For instance, I went shopping for a dress for New Years Eve and everywhere I went had at least one mini dress with long sleeves and a high neckline. The modern twist of this look keeps the flashy embellishments used in the past, but pulls away from the A-line shape and heavy material, giving it a more flexible and fitted look. The other side of fashion in the later 1960's was the high-waisted, wide leg bell bottoms, the light, chiffon, flutter blouses, turtlenecks and, of course, the fur vests which lead towards the fashion of the 70's.
Then:
Now:
Disco Dancing 1970
J BRAND Metallic Coated Stretch Denim Jeans ($390 - luisaviaroma.com), Karen Millen Peplum T-shirt ($55 - karenmillen.com), Alexis Bittar Gold Pyramid Post Earring ($95 - alexisbittar.com),Zara Large Leather Clutch ($60 - zara.com),Me Too Leeanna in Black Suede ($101 - shoeline.com), Monserat De Lucca Belen Tote ($95 - monseratdelucca.com), River Island Red Corduroy High Waisted Shorts ($40 - riverisland.com), Joie Eleanor Top ($198 - joie.com), Danielle Stevens Jewelry Monogrammed Long Chain Necklace in Gold ($100 - couturecandy.com), Sofft Bellvue in Tan ($205 - shoeline.com), Goldsign Elan mid-rise flared corduroy jeans ($111 - theoutnet.com), TOPSHOP Multi Floral Print Corset ($60 - topshop.com), MADEWELL The Jean Jacket In Storm Cloud Wash ($118 - madewell.com), Longchamp Le Pliage Small Bag ($77- harrods.com), Vintage Veronica in Peanut Bison ($299 - shoeline.com)
The early 1970's continued with the peasant tops, bell-bottom, hippie look of the late 60's, but as the decade moved forward, loose fitting attire became a bit more scarce - to say the least. The 70's took the lenth of a shirt from below the waist to above the belly buttom, hence the term: "belly shirt." The 70's also took the length of shorts from mid-thigh to, well, real high - hence the term: "booty shorts." The 70's was a decade of freedom and openness, which can also be attributed to the lack of coverage provided in 70's fashion trends (my observation - not a fact). As the decade moved forward, and the music changed from anti-war, Rock & Roll beats of the 60's to the post-war upbeat and carefree celebritory music. With the post-war culture change, came a sociatal "dance, dance, revolution." This new social lightness, changed the fashion industry greatly, turning away from the nuetral, grunge, hippie look of the anti-war movement and creating pieces based around this new social epidemic called "Disco Fever." The Disco days were flashy, tight fit attire, big hair, big shoes, and big dance moves. Today, the early 70's style is more relevant in the fashion world, mimicked with bell bottoms, but tighter fit with smaller flare. We also see a new rendition of the "belly shirt" in crop tops which I saw reappear all last summer. We dont often see the Disco style being revived (which is probably good), but subtly it appears in modern day fashion trends with brightly colored leggings and "funky" platform shoes - got to love those platform shoes!
Then:
Now:
VOGUE 1980'S
Kate Spade New York Spotted Floral Lace Sheer Tight ($29 - couture.zappos.com), Miss Selfridge PROJECT #3 Tutu Dress ($61 - missselfridge.com), Mesh Cuff, Gold ($42 - lastcall.com), Belle Noel Beaded Cross Bracelet ($45 - cusp.com), House of Harlow 1960 Sunburst Pendant Necklace ($63 - shopbop.com), Cara Accessories Crystal Spiral Bracelet, Black ($95 - neimanmarcus.com), GUESS Leather Bow Clutch ($42 - guess.com), Isola Coralia in Black ($210 - shoeline.com), River Island Light Acid Wash Amelie Superskinny Jeans ($56 - riverisland.com). Bardot Peplum Top ($63 - bardot.com.au), Betsey Johnson Candylane Bow Necklace ($40 - zappos.com), Parisian Black Leather-Look Puff Shoulder Biker Jacket ($64 - newlook.com), Skechers SKCH Plus 3 - Dunk It in Black ($77 - shoeline.com), Debolina Dress by Motel ($51 - topshop.com), Alzare Metallic Stretch Belt: Gold ($39 - intermixonline.com),Asos Velvet Oversized Bow Tie ($14 - asos.com), Kendra Scott Cushion Cabochon Earrings, Black ($75 - neimanmarcus.com), black glitter vinyl hinge wallet ($20 - hottopic.com), Isola Dore II in Black Patent ($106 - shoeline.com)
Ahh the 80's...the decade of brit pop, madonna, and material girls all over the world. I love the bright colors and crazy attire of the 80's. Those multi-colored jumpsuits, leg warmers, cindy lauper hig hairstyles, and the scrunchy. When I think of the 80's in a nutshell, these come to mind: pez, trolls, Jane Fonda, and one of my favorite bands Pulp (check em out). Either way, we can all agree that the 80's we funny, bubbly, care-free, and yes, very materialistic. The 80's were a time where there wasn't much worry, the country was at an economic high, we did not fear war, and a new generation of happy- go-luckys were born. These factors all together provided a great environment for the entertainment industry to surge. With the rise of MTV Madonna's hit song "Like a Virgin," society began to look at their favorite stars a role models in life, love, and most importantly, fashion. Brand names became increasingly important in the 80's because everyone needed to mimick their favorite celebritys and wear only the most popular trends of the day. Another trend moving forward was the Women of the Workplace attire, evolving from the idea that women in an office was no longer unusual and women were now establishing their own "power" in the working world. The style for women workers often consisted of women's suits, shoulder pads, pointed toes, and spike heels. The ideology of this style was the idea of masculating a women to make her equally as powerful as men in the workplace. Of course the more outrageous couture of the time stemmed from the pop Cindy Laupers, Madonna's, and Pat Benetars of the time with the big hair, red lipstick, and layered jewelry. We often see this "pop star" look today through lace tights, tutu dresses and Peplum shirts and dresses. Leggings have also resurfaced in current years only in the form of solid black or "jeggings." Leg warmers have also re-joined the fashion world but are often worn with tall boots and skinny jeans. However the 80's "Jane Fonda" has still yet to surface and (I pray) it doesnt anytime soon...:-O