Tom Carroll visits 17th Street Surf Shop in Virginia Beach

Two time world champ and 2014 Waterman of the Year, Tom Carroll graced VBers with his presence this past Friday at 17th Street Surf Shop in Virginia Beach. Tom popped by 17th Street's surf camp ending ceremony to give some inspiration to the new generation of surfers. He was able to share his experiences about tackling some of the largest waves in the world! He later did a book and poster signing inside the store from 5-7 pm. We were lucky enough to have him join the rest of our Quiksilver team in the Mid Atlantic for a dinner with17th Street owner, Tom Brown and a few key employees. Joining us for the event and dinner was Jaci Schroeder from HQ. As well at east coast surfing legend, Matt Kechele from Wilmington, North Carolina. We are so glad was able to pop into Virginia Beach before heading back to Austrailia! 

RVCA collaboration with model Ashley Smith

With a unforgettable gap-tooth smile Ashley Smith came onto the modeling scene a few years ago. She has quickly caught the eye of the fashion industry with her flip flipping style and carefree attitude. After RVCA collab with supermodel Erin Wasson it makes sense to move on to their next "it girl". 

"The clothes turned out much like Smith herself, girly and a little naughty." - Harpers Bazzar 

Her new collab line with RVCA lands in stores this week and has RVCA's current customers dropping their jaws at the raised prices. The line includes lots of knits and a pair of high waisted leather shorts for $150. 

The line hit my cathedral account here in Virginia Beach today. Pictures fresh out of the box below! 

Popcorn shirts just won't go away

I am fascinated with these popcorn shirts that became popular at the turn of the millenium.

They were once a hot trend that has ended up still/back on the market.

I have noticed them for several years at Wal-greens....so someone must be buying them!

There is even a website to buy these for wholesale or retail.

Popcornshirt.com

Welcome to PopcornShirt.com!” reads the website. “Our popcorn shirts are the perfect item for the fashion conscious woman! Great for travel, and flattering on everybody, the popcorn shirt comes in many styles. From the button down cardigan for a night on the town to a spaghetti strap camisole for lounging around the house, this shirt is the perfect addition to any woman’s wardrobe.”

These one size fits most shirt sells for $5.99 or 2 for $10 at Wal-greens. I might buy one for research- would love to hear if anyone has had this in their wardrobe.

Flip Flop Workshop

While visiting an account at a local mall I came a across the Flip Flop Workshop.  This new business was started on the island of Hawaii by husband and wife team, Jeffrey and Katie Kraatz.  The Workshop works like Build-a-Bear.  Customers can customize their own flip flops from sole to strap.  Like Havaianas the soles are made of authentic Brazilian rubber but are made thicker for more durability.  Customers start by choosing their sole color and straps then pick accessories to decorate.  The base flip flop starts at $23 for adults and $18 for children.  Any added accessories is an additional cost.  With already 3 locations will this new custom footwear company give Havaianas some competition?

Fabletics by Kate Hudson and JustFab

Fabletics is a personalized online activewear shopping experince; co-founded by Kate Hudson and JustFab; another personalized site focused on accessories and footwear.  Fabletics is for women who want to look stylish while working out.

How it works:

1.  Create Your Lifestyle Profile-  Take a quick lifestyle quiz so they get to know you better.

2. Receive Personalized Outfits- Each month, you'll find new outfits hand-selected just for you and 

    your workouts

3. Shop!- But the outfits you love or skip the month altogether.  There's never any obligation to buy.

Fabletics and JustFab are not the only sites that are creating the online personal shopping experince.  Other companies that hand-select customized wardrobes are Jewelmint for jewelry and Shoedazzle for  shoes.

Macy's #BTS, vendor marketing tool?

Macy's has been using social media to better it's buisness for some time in a variety of ways. 

Back again this year Macy's is advertising #MACYSBTS and this time the visual support behind it is bigger than ever.

Large wrapped columns sit strategically around sales floors advirizing product classifications or vendors that are hot for the season. 

Although initial inquiries with staff has given little insight to the full direction and goal of this campaign it's easy to see where a vendor could benefit. 

Quiksilver merchandisers can easily curate key looks; marketed styles, regional demographic trends, SMU, and upload them to #MACYSBTS encouraging growth in QS products and brand awareness. 

Easy Style - Shorts Edition

From pom poms to ruffles, cotton to silk, these fashionable elastic waist shorts have been popping up everywhere. Not only are they easy to wear but they are also offered at a great price point. Brands like rvca, billabong, wildfox, and brandy Melville have been some of the brands pushing this great style. 

So get out there and get your short on :)