Ever wonder why Lady of Leitrim shops for Spring fashion in the middle of September? It’s all part of the fast-paced world of fashion, where planning ahead is the key to keeping your wardrobe fresh and on-trend. As your go-to boutique for stylish, curated pieces, we attend major fashion market events like Coterie in New York City to ensure that we bring you the latest and greatest from the upcoming season. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to shop for Spring in the Fall and how we handpick the perfect pieces just for you!

It’s September, why are you going to New York to buy your Spring clothing offerings NOW?

This is how the industry works! Fashion labels showcase their Spring/Summer collections during fashion weeks in September and October, allowing retailers (that’s me!) to preview and place orders for the upcoming season.

When you say you are going to “Market” what does that really mean?

Coterie in New York is a women’s fashion market event that happens on the show floor in the Javits center in September (for spring/summer collections) and February (for fall/winter collections). This is where brands, retailers, experts, and influencers come to showcase their lines or expertise so buyers and sellers can connect in one space.

What does a typical weekend at Coterie New York look like for you?

Coterie is in the Javits Center which is a big busy loud space full of vendors. It’s hard to have solid conversations so I head into New York City the day before and make showroom appointments with some of my top vendors such as Free People, Sanctuary and Liverpool. This allows me time with my sales reps and the line so I can touch and feel product and have real conversations about buying minimums, production timing, and trends! The next day I am on the floor looking for new brands and pieces that my Lady of Leitrim customers will adore.

What is the one thing that surprises you about being a fashion buyer?

It’s harder than it looks! It’s easy to get the impression you just spend your time shopping but there is so much more to it than that. You have to be very analytical and strategic in what you buy and when. I have to put myself in the place of my customer and think: Okay, based on last year’s reporting, when will my customers be ready to shed their winter wear? When should my spring product start going out on the shelves? And again, based on previous sales numbers, what will my customers want to wear? What trends will they reject, and which ones will they embrace?

What’s your favorite part about going to Market?

Two things. Number one: being in the City! It’s always fun to get a change of pace and having lived in NYC, it’s nice to go back and visit some of my fave places. Number two: seeing what’s in store for next season! Trend forecasting reports, fashion shows, and visiting vendors. It’s so fun to get the inside scoop.

Shopping for next season’s trends is always an exciting part of what we do, but the best part is bringing all these fabulous finds back to you. Whether you’re getting ready to refresh your wardrobe or just want to browse our latest arrivals, Lady of Leitrim has you covered! Stop by our boutique in Clinton, NJ, or explore our collections online to find the perfect pieces that will make you feel confident, playful, and graceful. Shop with us today and discover your next favorite outfit!