Welcome to another weekend reads! And Happy Valentine’s Day everyone.
I just got back from New York City last night, so I’m slowly catching up on life. But now that all the spring trade shows are over, the next few weeks will be all about getting the store up and online.
So here’s the store update…
I’ve been working with a web designer for the last month, trying to pick out things like colors and fonts as well as planning how customers will navigate through the site. So much goes into getting into your customer’s minds to figure out what and how they shop. We’re about 90% down with our logo and brand designs, so I’m excited to share those final products! Here’s our mood board for the site:
And then there’s the buying. Fashion is interesting. About half the brands I carry do cut to order, which means you have to order what you want 3-4 months out. They do this for cost efficiency as well as sustainability. It cuts down on clothing waste, which is a huge problem today.
The other half of the brands do a mix of both. But they also always carry products that you can get within one to two weeks. This is really helpful for a store because if you sell out of a product, you’ll most likely be able to get it back in stock. That’s not the case with the ordering ahead model.
So in New York and Vegas, I was buying for both immediate needs as well as getting a feel for what’s coming for fall. Most of what you saw on my Instagram stories this week were things that will be on the site in June and July.
We’re also holding our first product photo shoot on Monday! It’s a bit nerve wracking considering I’ve never coordinated a photoshoot, but I’m hopeful that the blogging background will translate. Make sure to watch my IG on Monday because I will be sharing pics and videos from behind the scenes. 🙂
Three Favorite Things I Bought for the store in New York:
This is just perfect for a big birthday party, bachelorette party or you just want to feel uber special. I love this piece. And we have it in up to a size 14.
This headband in person is just spectacular. You could be wearing it with a $2 t-shirt and look so glamourous.
First of all, this dress is so pretty on. It would be great for engagement photos or a vacation because it’s really lightweight. It reminds me of a Free People dress, but at a fraction of the price. This also comes in up to a 3X.
One of the things I’m most excited about this store is that we’ve been able to be size inclusive. We are carrying up to a 3X, and some of the fancier dresses that are made to order can be ordered up to size 22.
With someone who has struggled to always feel that I needed to be a smaller size, making customers feel that everyone’s included no matter what the size is on the tag is really important to me.
Weekend Reads | 2-14
Looking for a last minute Valentine’s Day date idea? This is a great list. I particularly love the idea of going to a board game bar. If you’re in Portland, try Game Knight Lounge.
An Instant Pot Peanut Butter Cheesecake… yes please!
Had to share this teddy coat in weekend reads… AGAIN. I wore it all over the city this week, and I am obsessed. Plus it’s still on sale.
I’m a foam roller fanatic. This is a foam roller and reusable water bottle all in one.
The 28 best travel accessories according to Cosmopolitan. I got #6 for Christmas, and it is awesome.
An interesting read on what it means to have actual hobbies (which don’t include watching TV).
Totally for this easy spring trend: the knit maxi dress. I sported this one in the fall:
The other trend I’m incredibly excited for is shorts suits. Love this pink houndstooth one.
I really enjoyed this piece on how exercise shapes you beyond the gym. The idea of being comfortable with the uncomfortable is something that comes up all the time in yoga, and it has totally re-shaped how I think about challenges and progress.
Weekend Sales | 2-14
American Eagle: 25-50% off everything.
Ann Taylor: 40% off your purchase with code WEARIT. Plus an additional 10% off just FRIDAY.
Anthropologie: 20% off furniture plus an extra 50% off sale.
Asos: Take 20% off everything in their app with code APPUSA. I have to admit…in app sales are really annoying to me. But I’m also cheap, so you can buy with the discount and just immediately delete the app. LOL.
I just bought these leather shorts and they are the BEST! And only $35.
Banana Republic: 40% off everything.
Express: 40% off everything.
H&M: 14% off FRIDAY only.
J. Crew: up to 60% off sale styles plus 30% off almost everything else with code WEEKEND.
J.Crew Factory: 40- 60% off everything.
Loft: 40% off full priced styles plus an extra 14% just FRIDAY with code LOVEU.
Madewell: 15% off for Madewell Insiders. Free to sign up! It’s just a rewards program.
Recently on Haute Homebody:
–the best drugstore makeup products…according to you! A weekend reads from a few weeks back.
–photo diary for our Argentina trip