Going in Half Blind

My first fashion trade show was more than I ever expected. I wasn't prepared. I didn't have any idea about product assortment or pricing, staggering deliveries and all that jazz that goes with planning and operating a boutique and managing inventory (this all came weeks later after some training). It was as if I entered a new mall on vacation and my budget was bottomless (heaven to me!). The important thing is I had a lot of fun. It wasn't exactly my exact style as my husband and I noticed the buyers were years beyond my senior. We figured they were seasoned and very far along in their boutique. Little did I know the contemporary vendors bailed to the LA show instead. I tried my best and scoured the market and still found great buys on new styles, had a little too much wine during the after party and continued this for three full days. This was the beginning of my journey to boutique land. I loved the atmosphere of shopping for the ideal customer (me!) and I can't wait for my next show.