Seasons

Well, I have been gone awhile again, out of town with my family. And when I returned, it was beginning to happen. The subtle change in clothing collections to darker colors. The start of the fall pieces coming into stores. The August magazine layouts will be all about autumn. Holidays have in recent years been introduced in stores earlier and earlier, but fashion has always been several weeks to months ahead of the season. That is because way ahead of the actual season, fabrics have to be chosen, patterns and styles decided upon, orders taken at market, and garments produced and delivered to retailers. Buyers place orders 5 to 6 months before delivery, that means fall orders were placed around April. Fashion also has more than four seasons; winter, cruise, spring, summer and fall. There may be one in between summer and fall (I can't remember) and there is a always a holiday collection. Cruise is mid-January through February. That's why most department stores will have a small area for bathing suits and nautical type pieces after the New Year. These "rules" have been in place for forever. So, while we're still wearing our white eyelet and sandals, somewhere designers are drawing and coming up with what we'll be buying next spring. It's a crazy world in fashion, but I love it! Enjoy the summer sales!