Vegas: Acrimony & ACRE/SF-style!

Last Monday, Jenny and I were in Las Vegas to visit the all-important MAGIC trade show. I have to say it was an amazing opportunity for me and something I will never forget. It was a long day consisting of traveling, appointments, people watching, standing in lines, eating the “Acrimony” diet and meeting icons. Here is a timetable of my experience, enjoy!

6:00 AM | Alarm goes off. Shower. Outfit pre-ironed the night before for multiple reasons that we don’t need to discuss.
7:00 AM | In the car on my way to SkyPark. SkyPark you ask? Yes, SkyPark because according to the SF Airport website parking is $33 a day. Cut that down to $16. Find out later Jenny paid $2 less than I did and parked at the airport. My idea, not so efficient anymore.
8:00 AM | Arrive at SkyPark, grab a sprinkled donut from their “complimentary” breakfast table. It’s possible these have been out since last night, but who can pass up a table full of donuts? Not me.
9:00 AM | At the gate, Jenny still not there. Flight leaves in 30. She doesn’t know this but I am freaking out that she may not make the flight. I am a worry wart, what can I say? 5 Minutes later I see her walking up to the gate. Nerves are calmed.

11:30 AM | We land. Off the plane, walk to baggage claim, follow signs for Taxi’s. Take a step outside the door and witness the world’s longest Taxi line. Can I get a Guinness Book of World Records up in here? For real, that line was not playing, 5 1/2 zig zags. Jenny throws out a time of when she thinks we will be out “12 PM”. I question it, I am thinking more like 12:30 before we are out this b*tch.
12:00 PM | Thank God she was right, in the cab on our way to Magic.
12:30-1:15 PM | We arrive at Mandalay Bay Convention Center. I feel as though I am in the Disneyland of retail. Brian McDonough not showing up as registered. I become Marcus Leung for the day. Luckily we are identical, no sweat. Arrive at our first appointment inside Pool. Jeffrey Campbell booth is going off. My Filson backpack bumps into 15 people and knocks over more shoes than I can count. Is it obvious I am new at this? Jenny starts pulling. Jenny trys on 5 pairs of shoes. Spikes, loafers, sneakers, boots. Shoe freaks be ready, a serious shoe game arriving in our stores in 2012.
1:30 PM | Walk into project. I see the lights for Project Wooster. Palms are sweating. Tunnel vision toward his booth. Am I really going to see this guy or is he going to be outside smoking a cigg when I arrive? If so, I am going to find him outside smoking a cigg. Luckily he is there, dead center. Jenny moves toward our other appointment while I geek out. Wait for it. The next person leaves his side, here is my chance. Shaky voice and all I meet Nick Wooster. Snap some photos. Come to find out I was so nervous, just about 1 out of 10 I take is in focus. Epic fail. Either way, I met Nick Wooster and you didn’t.

2:00 PM | I meet Jenny over at the C.P. Company booth. A new brand arriving in store for Spring. A HUGE highlight for me was pulling from this brand. Italian made, true menswear. With military and workwear influences C.P. Company delivers beautiful colors and fabrics in each of their pieces. Best piece goes to the shawl-collared blouson.

2:30 PM | Move straight into Stone Island’s booth. Outerwear that makes North Face look like Buggle Boy. Hands down the best outwear I have put my hands on. Each piece I tried on fit like a glove. Comfortable, smart, functional, slim outerwear = Amazing. Highlight from this booth, Blue Reflective Camo piece. Homie, get your shine on!

(Be aware, photo does not do this any justice).

3:00 PM | Introduced to the “Acrimony Diet”. I think we chose to eat lunch a bit too late. Food is gone. Jenny refuels with Red Bull. I enjoy some BBQ chips and chocolate chip cookies. The lunch of a champion, obviously.
3:30 PM | Stop by the Unif booth. Fun to meet these guys. Picture the most stereotypical surfer dude from Los Angeles. Total characters and it is proudly shown in their clothing. I appreciate their humor and the fun they have in their designs. Shirts with words like “Your Shit Bums Me out.” Look out for more of these pieces arriving in store as well.
4:00 PM | Run into an old friend of Jenny’s at the United Stock Dry Goods booth. The designers have experience as custom jean makers and bespoke tailoring. Need I say more? Highlights include textured wovens and soft navy selvedge denim. I would wear almost every piece of theirs. Very San Francisco.

4:30 PM | We check out the Ivy Prepster booth. Really looking forward to seeing their bow ties in our stores.
5:00 PM | Geek out more in the Wooster Project booth. Jim Moore, GQ’s creative director is in the house. Instagram the sh*t out of Wooster. So focused on him I miss the fact that Pharrell is standing 10 feet behind him. Epic fail #2.

Jenny on the Wooster camo couch!

5:30 PM | We fit in our last appointment with Kai-aakmann. Always interesting pieces here. Sharp angles and cuts, drop crotch pleated pants, corduroy wovens, varsity jackets. Typically not my cup of tea, but there are several pieces I would definitely rock next fall. Especially their green wool front pocket cargo pants. I would wear them in every color.

6:00 PM | Exit the show. Energy is down to about 5%. Another taxi line. You’re kidding? $60 ride in a 7-seater SUV changes that issue real fast.
7:30 PM | Board the plane. Sleeping is not an option. Adrenaline is running far too high. My mind and body are still digesting the past 7 hours.
9:00 PM | Land in SF. There is no place like home. One of the best 13 hour days I have ever experienced. So motivating to be in that environment. Blessed to be apart of the Acrimony team.