Atlanta Market Day 7....really?

We found some great new resources today! With Christmas behind us, we could concentrate on finding some fun new offerings to bring in and our design vision was working overtime!

No elevator traffic was a joy, but we traded that for lack of food vendors. Hmmmm.  Tomorrow is the last day. We work a full day and drive back to Charlotte after we finish. Generally, we return too late to post a report, so this will be my last peek at what is to come!

Some of our favorite vendors were sporting the brights that we saw in the fashion trends!

Several styles of dining chairs. (Note the chrome yellow one in the background!)

Pure Style.

Even the kitchen can be in sync!

One of our last stops was a great new resource we found early in the week. We finally found time to retrace our steps to place the order. These are paper note cards and napkins and note pads made from the archives of drawings from a fashion designer. The files were recently found by the daughter of the artist and this is what has been offered by this discovery! Of course, Linda was enthralled and we purchased some note cards to share. Not sure these will even make it into the store!

I couldn't help but think of my sister, Denise. She studied fashion design and costumes with great passion. How cute these would look as framed art for her studio! As yet, they are not offering the images for framing. I made the suggestion, of course!

We ordered these printed table runners to be sold by the bolt of by the yard. Kraft paper with black print. So cute.Note the collection of vintage meat covers they used for props! Be still my heart.

This is a pad shaped like a wedding cake. It comes with the butter knife! Brides, this one's for you.

Both Linda and I have a weakness for tea towels and these really took our breath. They are unusual in size and style! BIG! We ordered several sizes and designs. I suppose you can share the joy. These are great!

I convinced Linda to pose in this chef's apron. After we made a count for what she and I wanted and several gifts that came immediately to mind, we placed the order! 

 

One more market day and we're headed home. As for me, I just want to take a day off, sit back and kick my shoes off.

*Sigh*

Underestimating Your Desires

Several years ago, one of the main vendors we love (Jim Marvin) introduced fabulously trendy colors in shatterproof ornaments. Now there are plenty of shatterproof ornaments on the market to find, but none set the bar as high has his. No seams. Bold colors. Delicate colors. Matt colors. Pearl colors. Shiny colors. Over the years, other vendors have stepped up and now we can find additional suppliers and assorted colors. Oh the beauty, charm and practicalities wrapped up in all sizes from soccer ball to baseball...

Since then, we have always offered an array of our favorite picks for indoor as well as outdoor use. Last year, we vastly underestimated the demand for this category! I even hoarded them in my stockroom, shielding them from employee purchases until my outdoor urn event (well into the first of December). Sadly, we sold out in one day. Wow. We grossly underestimated the demand!

So, today, we bought hundreds of shatterproof ornaments in the most delicious colors, finishes and sizes. 374 ornaments to be exact. Just wait till you see them. Cherry red, apple green, persimmon, burgundy, chocolate, and rust. We listened and we're prepared.

And look at this array of roses marrying all the colors together. Ahhhh. This one's for you, Mary!

Just as this was selected for our client, Mary, we can source your special requests too. Market trips always include a list of these "hearts desires" for many Black-eyed Susan clients. Feel free to add your name to the list!

I'm already looking forward to next years color stories and designs. Can't wait!

Atlanta Day Three....Brrrrrrr!

It's rare for Atlanta to take such a turn for cold weather. However, last year we drove into an ice storm in January! Today we really could have used winter coats and gloves...of which we had neither.

Thank heavens our adrenalin served us well on the way to Cash and Carry ( jewelry finds galore). You'll be pleased to know that I'm bringing back loads of new inventory for your selection. We're happy to be back in our room and have the heavy load of today's purchases put away. I can tell you that those steps are a bear with 20 extra pounds of jewelry each!

After battling the crowds and check out lines, we headed back to the Merchandise Mart to resume our Christmas purchasing and designing. Here's just a peek....


Every year there are some common themes throughout the market. We always search for an inspiration that takes us to a less common look, something that requires our own imagination and contribution. This year, one of the most common themes so far seems to be what I will call "novelty"...Oh. Dear.

We found WAY too much of this...

...and not enough of this.

Here is a corner of a beautiful mixed wreath with blue spruce, eucalyptus and silver ornaments. *sigh*

We found this beautiful unexpected color in only a few showrooms...rather Sapphire-ish. Ahhhhh.

As you can see, there is something for everyone at the Market. As the owner and buyer(s) for Black-eyed Susan, we're just thankful that we can be selective and have another day of scouting.

More tomorrow...but right now, we have to make a hard decision on what shoes to wear when we start that search on day 4.

News Flash! Atlanta Market Report January 2012

Alright, I know I've been absent from the blogging world. Let me explain.

A new project in Charleston; mid December crazy busy Black-eyed Susan Christmas season; night after night of the "late shift" merchandising gig; holiday travel to Charlotte, NC; take- down and reorganizing of the entire retail store; haircut, manicure, pedicure; Bucks County Designer House organized and planned...just in time to catch a plane to Charlotte in preparation for the drive to Atlanta for a 7 day marathon buying trip! Altogether, these are the things that have preoccupied my blogging schedule.

I always like to give you an inside vision of what happens here...the good and bad. The daily finds, and a little entertainment to tie it all together!

So, let me start with our color picks for the week's wardrobe. (No prior discussions were held between Linda and I.)

It looks like shades of gray, taupe and black dominate. Two fur vests-yes, Linda brought one, I the other. Two sequin tops, one T shirt, one vest-same color! Animal print boots, skirts and belts. Black boots...some more practical than others. Coordinating jewels for all and companion rolling carts (photo tomorrow).

We put in a good half day after driving through drenching rain all the way-hairdos not worthy of self portraits. Three good orders were placed and some serious scouting for the days to come. I'll remind you that this trip is mainly about Christmas 2012. Yes, you heard correctly. The last ornaments from 2011 just got put away today...2012 is in the works!

Stay tuned. I'll keep you posted.

Sorry for the December no-shows in posting.

January 2012. A new start!

See you in the morning.