It’s Trunk Show Time!

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For all of you trunk show junkies out there (I am one of them!), here we go! Starting now through the end of March, you will be invited to a variety of precious home trunk show lines. So budget accordingly! For those of you who are new to this, let me help get you acclimated. Because once you attend one, you’ll be hooked forever! Trunk shows are typically held in the hostesses’ homes. She will invite you over to view the spring/summer line (and later on the fall/winter line) of children’s clothing and will usually put out light drinks/snacks. There is no pressure to buy anything, but bring your checkbook (or credit card) if you go, because you will not be able to refrain from a purchase. Most of the trunk lines offer clothing from newborn to girls size 12. The boys cut-off is usually around 8. My theory on this is dress ‘em up while you can because believe me, they will form a strong opinion at some point and then it’s all over! Don’t fight it – just enjoy it while it lasts!

Here’s the scoop on a few upcoming shows. I’ve attached a photo of four different lines from their spring/summer ‘08 collections – Castles and Crowns, Hannah Kate, Kelly’s Kids and Rags Land (photos in alpha order too). Make sure you visit each website to view the full collection because one photo just can’t do it justice. Also, for your convenience, I’ve included contact information for a few local sales reps. Feel free to contact them if you would like to attend a show, place an order or it’s not too late to even host a show. Hosting a show is a great way to get a discount on your order plus a fun excuse to have your girlfriends over for some shopping and mingling. It’s super easy to host a show too. You just invite your friends over. The rep brings the clothes over for you and your friends to see and try on.

Castles and Crowns is an adorable line out of Mobile, AL. Castles and Crowns clothes are classically unique with great attention to detail, but with just enough “sass” that your children will love them, too! The cool thing about Castles and Crowns is their prices are slightly cheaper than some lines, depending on the style you chose. Most of this line is smocked and they have a cute monogrammed collection as well. I’m digging the ’08 swimsuit collection!

Castles and Crowns Charlotte Metro Rep: Heather Wilson
http://www.castlesandcrowns.com/
E-mail: h.e.wilson@mac.com
Phone: 704-891-1426
Trunk Showing: January 31st to Feb 22nd, from Rock Hill to Winston-Salem

Hannah Kate is a relatively new, absolutely presh line out of Birmingham, AL. Hannah Kate is a fun, nostalgic, distinct clothing line that you design yourself. You mix and match your own choice of fabric, trim, monogram or applique – brilliant idea! This is one of my new favorite trunk show lines – when you look at the sample on their website, you’ll see why!

Hannah Kate Charlotte reps – Trisha Riesmeyer & Karen Larson
http://www.hannahkateonline.com/
E-mail: eriesmey@bellsouth.net
Phone: 704-365-4200
Trunk showing: February 11th & 12th at the home of Trisha Riesmeyer, 6907 Foxglove Dr. Charlotte, NC 28226

Kelly’s Kids is another adorable children’s clothing line out of Mississippi. Kelly’s Kids offers traditional style appliques and monograms and classic clothing for the entire family to mix, match and coordinate. My favorite thing in the ’08 line is the boy’s alligator stuff. Loving the alligator theme this season– could be due to my orange and blue Gator blood!

Kelly’s Kids Charlotte rep: Jean Grist
http://www.kellyskids.com/
E-mail: gristsix@hotmail.com
Phone: 704-365-4035
Trunk showing: now through March 30

Rags Land is a precious clothing line out of Baton Rouge, LA. Rags Land features high quality, traditional children’s clothing that is different from what you will find in most boutiques. Rags Land specializes in coordinating siblings with styles to please everyone. They have a precious smocked collection, really cute appliques and monogrammed outfits. I love the madras line for ‘08, especially coordinated with the pink and green alligator sweater. You may be interested in knowing that Rags Land was my very first intro to trunk shows!

Rags Land Charlotte rep: Jill Thomas
http://www.ragsland.com/
E-mail: jthomas343@hotmail.com
Phone: 704-367-9200
Trunk showing: now through mid-February

One last thing. At first glance, trunk lines seem expensive, not more so than boutique clothing, but not prices at Old Navy either. However, they hold up extremely well, they hand-me-down beautifully and if you’re really savvy, they all eBay unbelievably! I’ve actually sold a few of my good pieces on eBay for close to what I paid for them. You can’t beat that for a return on your investment!

Happy shopping! We’d love to hear your feedback on trunk shows!