Take a load off of trade-show promotions.

According to John Amsterdam, president of Oceanside, California-based Neet Feet, women and men alike are constantly staggering up to his booth at trade shows, begging to buy a pair of his sandals because they brought the wrong shoes. Could be a good place to start when considering practical trade-show promotions.

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America v. Pirates: Fashion Edition (Fashion Week Daily)

Piracy exists in every industry—even (and perhaps especially) ours. Intellectual property in the fashion world is often up for debate, particularly with the growth of such stores as Forever 21 that sell pieces that mimic high-end designs for a fraction of the cost. Depending on whether or not Congress passes the Design Piracy Prohibition Act there could soon be a definitive line drawn in the sand. Worthy of note … (Fashion Week Daily)

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Spring 2009 Trend Reports (Style.com)

Now, I know we traditionally work three months in advance in terms of promotions and that puts us in August’s dead heat. However, in the fashion world, spring and fall are the only seasons that matter. For your summer promotions, particularly those in late summer, remember: Versatility is key. A sleeveless shell can work through fall with a light cardigan while a buttondown can go summer casual if it’s worn open over a light T-shirt and the sleeves can be easily rolled up. Just a few thoughts. (Style.com)

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Can Luxury Survive This Economy? (New York Magazine)

Can anyone survive this economy, for that matter? My money’s on yes, but this is an interesting read anyway. Interestingly, for our January 2008 issue, I spoke with a trend expert who noted that “luxury” was going to be a big deal moving forward. Pretty fascinating how that worked out, huh? Either way, the writing is on the wall. Getting through the tough times is about adapting. Anyone who doesn’t will be left behind. (New York Magazine)

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Remember to Stretch

Ash City USA—Ladies’ Micro Fleece Sport Jacket

I have a big problem with looking like a disaster when I go running. I live only a few short blocks from my place of employment and though it’s silly, I always have visions of running (literally) into my boss while I’m sweaty; red-faced; and wearing an old, ratty T-shirt. The problem isn’t shared by many, obviously, but the sentiment is. This jacket is sleek, and has stretch properties and Lycra binding so you know it will give off that sporty, “Look at me, I’m physically fit and I have the stuff to prove it” vibe you’d like to embody should you run into your boss. It could happen.

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New Jersey

Outer Banks—Double Mercerized Pima Micro-strip Jersey Polo

I’m not typically a polo person, but in the interest of editorial objectivity, I’ll suspend my personal preferences. This design is just plain classy. I particularly enjoy the fact that the women’s style showcases a very slight V-neck, as opposed to the traditional button collar. It just gives the piece a little more of a feminine and fashion-forward look, which I can safely say, is always appreciated by the ladies.

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Norwood Issues Press Release on Chapter 11 Filing

Indianapolis-based Norwood Promotional Products announced today it has entered into an agreement to sell the company to Aurora Resurgence, an affiliate of Aurora Capital Group, a private equity firm managing over $2.0 billion. This transaction is the culmination of the refinancing and restructuring efforts that the Company has been working on since 2006. The purchase price includes cash and the assumption of certain liabilities.

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