Bubble London, June 2011

Beasties print for boys - spring/summer 12

This time last week we had just finished a day of air travel, taxi rides and the setting up of our stand for Bubble trade show. Our day had begun with a 4.30am alarm call to catch the 8.10am Ryanair to Stansted. What with parking, checking in large bags, faffing about trying to balance each checked in bag to nothing over 20kg it still felt like we were rushing to the  gate with only time for a coffee to share whilst queuing to board. How and ever, on landing at Stansted airport we were met by Stephanie's husband James, who'd been in Portugal for a couple of days overseeing events with our manufacturers. Now with time to spare before our taxi transfer to Islington we regrouped and caught up on Portuguese news over lattes and croissants.

Old Rectory stand - Bubble London, June 11

With one trade show behind us, this time we were far more organised with our packing; For example, far fewer garments were brought along this time. At our first trade show we had made the assumption that interested buyers might want to take a sample garment away with them - this is not the case. We cut down on our paper(broshures, business cards etc.) and did away with our bespoke table and chairs brought by land and sea last time - an extravagant luxury.

It was great to see familiar faces again and share the anticipation of what the next two days were to bring. Overall the stands looked great; maybe a sign of the times but brands are going that extra mile to be noticed - selling children's clothing is no walk in the park right now. Green Baby who won best standout competition created a stand worthy of a Chelsea Flower show entry with a garden shed, wheelbarrow, scarecrows and a fun collection of potted flowers in baked beans tins. 

Sping/Summer 12 butterfly dress

Our Beasties wallpaper, which I have a huge soft spot for showed off our new spring/summer print for boys. Our girls butterfly print can be seen on our new girls dress above.

Not forgetting our reason for being at Bubble, which is business and potential sales it was a busy 2 days. Contact was reestablished with existing customers and new ones made. Order forms were filled out and business cards hopped from hand to hand. Second time out at these trade shows brings a new level of business acumen to Old Rectory; Delivery of our first collection is out with customers with a few teething problems experienced along the way -  nothing that can't and isn't being sorted out but enough to merit a longer forward order time on Spring Summer 12.

While the cat's away the mice will play!

Meanwhile back at Old Rectory my eldest son James was busy indoctrinating the younger boys on 'bow and arrow making'. Scary, the one above, he's getting a bit too good at the velocity - this photo was sent to me whilst at Bubble away from my brood. You can imagine my angst as to whose eye this arrow should land upon - thankfully no ones.

With a young family in tow, you're always gonna hit the ground running on return from  abroad. Since arriving home, there has been much planning for our spring/summer '12 photo shoot, unpacking, delivering stock and planning for the next two months ahead. 

Kids holidays and work - I'm looking forward to blogging about that. Lots of mini adventures.

Wolsey and first delivery of Old Rectory clothing

Whilst taking rocking chair 'timeout' with my very grouchy coldy 19 month old who along with a green snotty nose is sporting a boxer style paper stitch above his right eye - steri-strips are a fantastic invention with 5 boys, I have read, back to front this fantastic and comprehensive magazine, Angels and Urchins. This issue is offering lots of advice and tips on summertime with children, ie  - family holiday travel reviews(I'm already planning  a caravaning holiday in France on the advice of one such candid review), what's on, days out, book reviews, website reviews et al. What I really like about this magazine it that it's advertising pages are organized into categorized sections, nothing is haphazard, so much easier on the eyes and head when there's such a vast array on offer for parents. Angels and Urchins will definitely feature in our marketing plan.

A candid and comprehensive parenting magazine

Old Rectory clothing featured in Angels and Urchins magazine