This week’s Designer Fashion Favorites is all about my High Point Market essentials. Next Friday I leave for High Point, the furniture capital of the world. I’ll be spending 4 glorious days in High Point scouring showrooms looking for what’s hot in interior design. High Point Market is to us interior designers what fashion week is to fashion designers. It’s an opportunity to see new trends and products as well as source items for current and future projects. You can read my fall 2017 High Point Market recap here.
During market, we have the opportunity to attend educational events & seminars, network with other design professionals, connect with our friends in the industry and attend some awesome parties. There’s a lot to see, a lot to do, and a lot of ground to cover.
Since this isn’t my first rodeo attending market, I’m packing and planning for my trip well in advance. So, for this Friday’s edition of Designer Fashion Favorites, I’m sharing my essentials for High Point Market. Here’s a hint, I’m all about comfort.
Slacks & Jeans
I’m a huge fan of wearing jeans because they are comfortable and can be dressed up or down. My absolute favorite jeans are the Rockstar jeans by Old Navy. They are my favorite because they hug my curves and have just the right amount of stretch. I’m also a fan of comfy slacks. Therefore, I pack both for market.
Tops & Blouses
Since we are in the south we can’t predict how the weather will be. From my experience, it is still rather warm during fall market. For this reason, I tend to pack short sleeve tops and light-weight blouses.
Jackets & Cardigans
I always pack a couple of casual jackets and cardigans just in case I need to layer them over a top or blouse. Again, we are in the south, so chances are I won’t need them, but I pack them anyway.
Shoes made for walking
High Point Market is HUGE, there are 180 buildings and 11.5 million square feet of show space. We do a TON of walking. Therefore, it is imperative that I wear comfortable shoes. I’m always amazed to see all the women at High Point who sacrifice their feet for fashion. There is no way you will catch me traipsing miles and miles in heels. I opt for stylish yet comfortable flats & sneakers.
A Bag
We collect a lot of information during market, therefore, some form of a bag is necessary. Some people choose to bring a bag that is on wheels. However, my favorite is a sturdy tote. I’m not a fan of using a bag on wheels at market because most of the showrooms are jammed packed and there really isn’t any room to roll that thing around. I would also be afraid that someone would trip over my roller bag or even worse, that I would accidentally knock something over and break it. I also pack a couple of clutches for evening events.
So, what do I carry in my bag?
- A copy of my resale certificate
- My business cards
- Mints/Gum
- A small makeup bag for touch-ups
- Lip balm
- Hand sanitizer
- Hand lotion
- Cell phone battery pack
- Motrin
- Umbrella (if necessary)
- A notebook
Some people recommend carrying snacks and water in your bags. However, many of the showrooms provide plenty of snacks and water, which I take full advantage of.
Evening Attire
Some showrooms host fantastic parties in the evenings. Full disclosure: sometimes I am way too exhausted at the end of the day to attend the parties. It takes all I have to make it back to the hotel to crash and prepare for the next day. However, I always pack a few dresses and pumps just in case.
Accessories
Of course, we can’t leave out the accessories. During market, my accessories of choice are earrings, necklaces, and sunglasses. Sometimes I wear bracelets but I try to make sure that they don’t make a ton of noise when I move hand because that can be distracting during the educational panels. Again, I also bring an umbrella in the case of rain.
There you have it, these are my must-have essentials for High Point Market. Are you an interior designer that frequents High Point Market, or any of the other major markets? If so what are some of your favorite items that you always pack?
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Rebecca says
I’ve never been to HP Market, but I have fond memories of wandering the Merchandise Mart in Chicago while I was a design student there. It’s always great to see what’s new and unique.
Tia Spaulding says
Rebecca, I’ve heard great things about the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. I think it is similar to America’s Mart here in Atlanta. If you ever get a chance in the future, I highly recommend you take a trip to High Point for market. You will not regret it.
Lora Frost says
This is a perfect post for me to read today, as I am going to High Point Market for the first time next week! I had another designer tell me that I should bring a roller bag — would a small roller bag that also acts as a tote bag be appropriate? I was thinking in showrooms I could put it on my shoulder, but in between showrooms I could roll it? How big is the bag you bring to market? (So many questions!)
Tia Spaulding says
Yay!!! Lora, you will love High Point. There is a lot of ground to cover but it’s so worth it. Make sure you pack comfortable shoes for all the walking. I’m sure your bag will work great since you can put it on your shoulder when you go into the showrooms. I carry a large tote. The one I’m eyeing for this trip is 14 1/2 ” W x 14″ H x 6″ D. So it’s a pretty nice size tote. One thing that I try not to pick up in showrooms are the catalogs. Those things can easily weigh my bag down and it becomes too heavy for my shoulders. Therefore, I ask reps to mail catalogs to me and most are happy to do so. I hope this helps and I hope you enjoy your first trip to High Point Market!
Richelle says
So cute! What a great and comfortable guide! I’m pondering what to pack and this will help!
Tia Spaulding says
Thanks, Richelle, hope to see you there!
Megan says
What a thorough list! I could have used this last season when I threw everything in my bag the night before 😉
Tia Spaulding says
Megan, I know what you mean. Trust me I learned this from trial and error.
Kelly says
So cute. I love the yellow accents (I’m in a yellow moment right now) and totally agree about layering and comfort being important. Have fun – I wish I was going next week.
Tia Spaulding says
Kelly isn’t yellow such a yummy color. Mustard yellow is always in my wardrobe for fall.
Veronica Solomon says
This is such a greta list of essentials. I am like you where I like to be prepared. Although that makes for a heavy bag sometimes. This Market I need to remember to bring a portable charger or three. looking forward to seeing you!
Tia Spaulding says
I look forward to seeing you at market as well Veronica. And do make sure to get that portable charger, it’s a lifesaver
Kristy Mastrandonas says
Love your wardrobe choices for market! And I love High Point Market, and you will too! Definitely lots to see and do! Have fun!
Tia Spaulding says
Thanks so much Kristy! High Point is a must!
Nicole says
I just went to Las Vegas Market in July. I thought I brought comfy shoes but had to buy a pair after day #1 bc they rubbed the back of my heels raw. And I wasn’t the only one shopping for shoes after dinner.
Tia Spaulding says
Oh No, Nicole. Here’s a tip, I always try to break my shoes in a few days in advance. I wear them around the house with a pair of socks on. Hopefully, you’ll have comfortable shoes for the next market.
Kelly says
I agree with the Cindy shoes and being prepared. HP is one of my real happy places great article
Tia Spaulding says
Kelly, yes High Point is furniture and decor, Heaven!
Kelly Hopkins Brown says
Great tips on market. I definitely follow the shoe advice and it looks like I will be needing an umbrella this time. Thanks
Tia Spaulding says
Kelly, yes it looks like rain may be on the forecast and comfortable shoes are a must!
Lori Evans says
What a great post. I worked as a buyer for many years and going to market was the focus on my job. I actually had our owner offer to pay for whatever comfortable shoes I would like, to keep me as productive as possible. 😉 This is a wonderful guideline for those attending for the first time. I also love Rockstar jeans. Cheap and flattering. Boom!