ENK LAS VEGAS

 

Another successful trip to Vegas! I think this has to be at least my 20th trip to Las Vegas.  We have been going for at least 10 years now,  we go twice a year, and every time there are new memories made.  This time we will remember the incredibly long hallway of the MGM Grand, the killer sleep at the MGM Grand, Michael Jackson One, Lexie's handwriting (it's better than mine)  and of course our super successful Fall 2014 collection.  As much fun as it is, it is always funner getting home...maybe not on the red-eye!

p.s. all photo's taken on my iphone

Spring/Summer 2014

Well I am off.  I can't believe this day has finally come.  I am sitting in the departure lounge, ready to board my flight to New York, and begin the selling on our Spring/Summer 2014 collection.  We should have been in Vegas, back in August to launch this collection, but because of our flood we have been incredibly delayed this season, to the point, I wasn't sure if this collection would ever see the light of day!  But it's done, and we have never had a stronger collection.  I can't wait to start showing it!   I tell ya, I am going to title my memoir, "Fire, Floods, and Fashion"! by Julia Grieve xoxo

preloved on the road

The preloved pop up party continues! We had the pleasure of going to our friend Tiffany's house for a fantastic party.  A beautiful home, with gorgeous friends, and now everyone in the neighborhood has a little more preloved, to love.  Hey if you can't get to us, we will come to you! Pop up nation.  I tell ya, I am going to start calling myself pop-up Julia! xox

Pop Up Nation

This has been the month of preloved pop up's!  What a great way to meet and greet with some of our preloved fans, and spend time with our incredible wholesale clients. This month we popped up at Body Blue on the Danforth,  DEW up on Bayview,  One Tooth in Sarnia, and all the way out to Port Dover with 13 Reasons. Who know's where we will pop up next!

NYC

Just had a world wind of 2 days in New York , the city that never sleeps, tell me about it.  My two days we jammed packed with meetings, lunches, dinners, and lots of coffee.  My new find is  spina cafe in Brooklyn.  They sell the most amazing Americano's and flowers..yes that's right, shop for beautiful bouquets of flowers, while sipping incredible coffee. Lexie would lose her mind in here. Spina is right across the street from Alter our all time favourite store in New York.  It was so great catching up with the Alter boys, and I am completely green with envy over their new office space! oh man Peter would lose is mind in there!! One day Peter, one day.  All in all and incredible 48 hours!  So quick, my 5 year old told me he didn't even miss me...'but where's my Lego present, mama'?

On the Road Again

Its at this time in the season that I start to think about Willy Loman in Death of Salesman, and then I think that Willy probably never went to Chicago on one of his trips.  It has got to be one of the best city's in the world.  The team at preloved is on their way to the windy city, for another stop on the sales trip for our fall 2013 collection.  So looking forward to catching up with clients, having a cocktail on the top of the John Hancock building,  doing a little shop in at the American Girl store ( just saying,  I do have a 7 year old daughter!) and popping into the most inspiring store of all time BHLDN, and this time we actually have a bride with us! Thanks Lexie.  I think Willy should have considered a sales postition in fashion, it might have worked out better for the guy

What happens in Vegas....

DONE! First stop on the crazy ride of selling our fall 2013 collection is officially over! What a successful trip this has been. So great to see some of our favourite clients, and always a pleasure to meet new fans of preloved  Ashley and I have had a ball this week. And as fun as Vegas is ( even on this 14th trip of mine!) There is nothing like getting on that red eye, knowing when you wake up, you will be back home....even if it is only for 48 hours.....NYC here we come!!!

And we are off

Well the suitcases are packed, the posters are ready, and we still have over 24 hours till we get on the plane, headed for Vegas.  The beginning of the trade show circuit, for our Fall/Winter 2013 collection. I can't believe we have pulled this off.  As I said in the design meeting we always seem to do it.  I had my doubts this season, but no more.  The collection has never looked better, and I can't wait to show it off!!  With all this work, the only thing I didn't seem to have time to do before Vegas, is get my nails done!  I tell ya the stress I have in my life!
photo by the very talented Lise Varrette

what would Ali do?

the beautiful work of Ali Oesch

Home again home again.  Just got back from a week in the windy city.  We were at STYLEMAX, the latest addition to our trade show circuit.  So, that was pretty much the last stop on the crazy ride of selling spring/summer 2013. I must say that makes my husband quite happy ( to say the least!).  We first got word of the this great trade show in Chicago, from a client of ours Ali Oesch.  Ali is a fantastic jewelry designer, based out of South Bend Indiana., and sells over 100 of our Miss Ellie sweaters a year, in a store that doesn't have a dressing room!!  Not to mention the sales of her own jewelry (which is super cute).  Ali is one of the most inspiring people i have met in years.  I love the way she looks at life, and her energy is contagious.  She would give you the shirt off of her back, then sell you a pair of earrings to match.  In these tough economic times, it is so refreshing to meet someone who truly loves their job!  Ali has gotten the entire team here at preloved super motivated.  Whenever we come to cross roads, and are not sure what to do, we just ask each other, 'what would Ali do'.  Thanks Ali, for reminding me, to love what I do!!

A day trip

It started at 5:40 am, which really is not that rare for me.  Usually I am out for a run at the time, but this morning, I jumped into the car and headed for buffalo.  Caught an 11:00 am flight to Philadelphia, and made it on time for my 1:30 meeting with the buyers from Anthropologie.   This is my fourth trip to the Navel Yard, which is what they call the corporate headquarters of Urban Outfitters. (parent company to Anthropologie).  I am telling you, I think this is one of the most inspiring places I have ever been.  When I grow up, this is what I want my office to be like.  It is located in the historical Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.  The company operates out 6 different buildings, and occupies over 280’000 square feet of the navy yard.   The cafeteria building is unbelievable.  It is located right on the water, and I am telling you, it is tall enough that you can park a cruise liner right inside.  Not to mention the incredible food! But that is another story.  Just saying the chicken chili might be worth the flight to Philly.  I had meetings with two different buying teams from Anthropologie, ( the sweater team, and knit tops) and a very inspiring  visit to building 15, the offices of BHLDN, which is the wedding brand of Anthropologie.  Headed back to the airport, caught my flight to Buffalo, located my car,( which was probably the most difficult part of my day! NOTE TO SELF: write down which floor you park on!)  I arrived home safely before midnight, slipped into bed, and dreamed all night, on how the future head office of preloved should look.  Funny, I didn't think at all about the Fallon Top ( the style that anthropologie wants), that needs to somehow, be made out of vintage golf tee’s,  recycled leather and lace, and be ready for delivery by end of NOVEMBER, till I woke up! AHHH!

just a comfy cozy place to get creative 

yes that is a gym upstairs

on my way to grab some chicken chili