I have recently visited several of the Autumn shows, in London and at the NEC.  Whilst I enjoy these, and there are always new things to see, it struck me that this year, the trend is that there is no trend.  I recall saying something similar to one of my college groups last year about this time also.  Is it just that we are all growing tired of change for its own sake?  Maybe the ‘ethical’ agenda is taking hold, and we are all looking for something more permanent and less wasteful?  Or is it the early stages of the credit-crunch?

I enjoyed Pure at Olympia. I like the venue better than the NEC, as somehow it feel slighter and brighter, but it was always the same when I was an exhibitor.  There was a good mix of stands there, and I visited some old friends.  I also met Anna Scholz and her team.  She is amazing, and her clothes really are stunning.  Like Gok, I am a big fan. 

I didn’t buy anthing at Pure, mainly because i was going to be visiting elsewhere, but I always prefer to come away and contemplate in my own time anyway.  I get too enthusiastic, and want to buy everything, but on my small budget I need to be more cautious, so a delay works best for me. But there are some contacts I will be following up.

Moda at the NEC is my least favourite show, just because it is so big, but that is also why it is a must-do show.  As usual, I only got around 2 of the 4 Halls in the day I allowed myself, and again I bought nothing whilst there.  It couldn’t be more different compared to Pure, on every level, including lunchtime arrangements; it is hard to see them as being part of the same fashion marketplace.  That said, I again have new contacts I will be folowing up. It seemed quieter than in previous years, much easier to walk around, except the Pomodoro stand, which was mobbed every time I went past it.

And the latest show, my last for this year, was the Autumn Gift Fair at the NEC just yesterday.  I have not been before, and for an accessorries-addict like me, it was a real joy.  I only managed 1 Hall, but I had not expected so much, and had only given myself 3 hours there (oh how esay it is to fly now to the NEC).  And against all the odds, I actually placed 2 orders, and I am actively looking to do at least 3 more next week, when I get my head round it.  I could have spent a fortune, there was so much to see.  The only disappointment was the lunchtime offerings.  I traipsed around asking people with coffee where they got it, and eventually found a little coffee bar selling what I can only describe as the driest Chicken BLT I have eaten in years, and crisps that were so bad and tasted of nothing more than frying oil that I binned them. Now I know the reason I am visiting is not to eat, and in my exhibitor days there was never enough time to do more than grab and run.  But now I want to rest my weary feet, look over my prospective purchases, and work out the optimum orders, is it too much to ask that I do it in reasonable comfort and with something edible? 

I just wanted to start my blog off.  Maybe I should stay more on fashion and forget food, but recently the two have been linked for me at the shows!  In the next few weeks I hope to start taking delivery of new goodies, which might make it to my website if I get around to updating it, and I can share what I think is new(ish) and exciting.  Look out for pictures of scarves, evening bags, jewellery, ethically sourced items, make-up and jewellery holders - who was it who asked me to look out for a nice way to display earrings I wonder - oh, and I bought some lovely Christmas decorations too.  I am soo easily distracted…