Atlanta Apparel Market

white sunglasses

If you guys follow along on social media, you may have seen that after my brother-in-law’s wedding in Mississippi, I hopped over to Atlanta to be a guest host of the Atlanta Apparel Market.

It’s been a couple of years since I’ve visited Atlanta, and it was just as fabulous, friendly and delicious as I remember!  A fun fact: my grandparents owned a ladies clothing store in Greenwood, Mississippi. Growing up, when we would visit them from Nashville or Columbus, we would go straight to their store and eat peanut butter crackers in the back office or wait to be given coins from my grandfather for the gum ball machine (my personal fave… I wish I had claimed that machine!!!).

They always had stories from their trips to Atlanta, Dallas and Las Vegas for market, and until last week, I’d never fully understood what they were up to. This was my first clothing tradeshow and I was amazed.

It’s HUGE! Yet still so organized and streamlined. The actual AmericasMart building is so beautiful with over 10 floor of vendors and booths.  I spent two full days at the tradeshow, and the first day I teamed up with the fashion department of Atlanta Apparel to scour the floors for key spring/summer trends and pieces.

After collecting different clothing, jewelry and accessories all day, I created 16 looks that would be displayed on some gorgeous models the following day during a live model demonstration.  I am not a stylist but… this was so much fun!  The key spring trends I was looking for were lavender, yellow, sheer, ruffles, floral, both pastels and vibrant hues, white sunglasses and suiting – you can scroll down for my final looks!

sarah alexandra shirtatlanta tradeshowsouthern tradeshowatlanta appareltradeshowpink lace midi skirt

shirt, love this one for less | skirt | similar heels here and here (on sale) | similar earrings here and here

yellow lace dresslavender sheer toplavender sunglasseswhite lace toppalm suitwhite ruffle setrust striped setround beach bagpink and green striped suitblack polka dot joggerslavender floral maxi dressbrunette bold browsstriped shirt and pant setone shoulder maxi dressred polka dot maxi skirtflynn skye skirtred tassel earrings

shirt, just bought and love this one | skirt (sold out), similar styles here and here | similar heels here and here (on sale) | earrings | clutch

photos by Derek Oladokun

I also participated in a Q&A session with Diana Harbour of Red Dress Boutique that was fabulous. We both talked about how brands/boutiques and influencers can successfully work together for a mutually beneficial partnership, and I loved hearing her perspective on building relationships with bloggers. She was spot on and she shared both fascinating and insightful info. I put some of the audience questions on Instagram Live – so I hope some of you were able to catch it!

My first tradeshow experience blew right by. By the time I was checking out, I couldn’t believe how quickly the time had passed and I felt like I needed an extra day to get my shoppin’ on!  I had so much fun. The girls that work for Atlanta Apparel, the showroom and boutique owners – they were all so kind and FUN.

I love California, but I do need my Southern “fixes” from time to time, and I loved spending time chatting with all the lovely Southern gals in Atlanta.

Have any of y’all ever been to a tradeshow or the Atlanta show? I’d love to hear about your experience! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

Brought to you by Atlanta Apparel

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13 thoughts on “Atlanta Apparel Market”

  3. I grew up in Greenwood and loved the Abide’s gum ball machine! I just had a major childhood flashback of sitting on the counter waiting to see what color I would get. Oh the anticipation!

  4. Can anyone go to these shows? It looked so awesome but I figured you had to be a wholesaler or invited!

    1. For this tradeshow you do have to have a small business (tax ID or something of the sort). I wish they had a day or so that was open to the public! Maybe one day!

  6. Growing up, my dad worked for a small, family owned pet supplies company that had their products in various national stores. He worked the trade shows and sometimes we got to go. So many cool pet products, freebies and ANIMALS! It was the best. Running around (I’m sure the vendors looooved that, ha!) going to the different booths playing with all the dogs, cats, bunnies, etc. One year, my mom decided it was okay for her 4 small children to bring home hermit crabs, which I bet she fully regretted afterwards. Mine had a hot pink shell, naturally. Such great memories!

  7. I am from Atlanta and have thought about going for market and now I feel like I’m going to have to go sometime. 🙂 Love shopping at The Mart though. So fun!

  8. We were there for your talk and Q & A with Red Dress Boutique. You were so lovely, and everything you said was super informative!! We really enjoyed it and learned so much!! I have an unrelated question… Where did you get your beautiful circle bracelet? Thank you!!!

  9. I’ve heard amazing things about the apparel market there, and I’m planning on traveling there by the end of the year. Love the post!

  10. OMG…. I miss doing the tradeshows!! Atlanta was always my favorite. Plus all of the fun events we would have after, aka they would have a little happy hour for us. lol The Dallas Mart was fun too! Oh how I miss my days of being a seller! I miss being able to meet with all my little boutique owners:) So glad that you had fun!

    Mel 🙂

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