Ivy, Our Groovy Intern!

SPOTTED: A new face has been seen around the Groove office.  In the marketing department, with the sales team, and even the design department?  Who is this mystery girl and what is she doing at Groove? You'll have to read on because I'll never tell!

                    XoXo,
                    Groove Girl

I am so happy to be the newest Groove Girl and to be part of the Groove family, even if it is only for a month.  I can't believe it's already over, I feel like the time passed way too quickly!  I really have the sense of belonging here because all of my colleagues are so nice and helpful.  They are always willing to explain or teach me things, I really have fun with them.  They During my internship I worked with the Sales, Marketing, and Design departments and learned so much.

One of my favorite parts of my experience was working with the design department.  I learned how to research the newest and upcoming fashion trends for the coming seasons.  For example, one day we went to South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island (some of the biggest shopping centers here) to help clearly define the current fashion trends.  Shopping for trends is a lot like window-shopping.  It was my first time shopping from a professional standpoint, but it was really fun!  We figured out who/what are top sellers and researched where that style came from.  When I got back I took all my observations and information and make my very own trend board (design team has so many and constantly updating/making new ones)!

I Made This! 

Another highlight during my internship was working with the Marketing department.  Prior, I really didn't have any idea what marketing was.  To me sales and marketing were basically the same thing.  Now, however, I have learned that in marketing it is important to focus on promotions and advertisements, social media, and of course the customer.  I learned how to get into the consumer's mind and see what effects their buyer behavior and habits.I also helped make Instagrams, pins, a press release, and promotional material for email blasts.

GG the Fish

I really enjoyed taking pictures on the balcony and posting them to Facebook with Jacquelyn.  Jacquelyn and Natalie have a lot of creative ideas and know how to find inspiration from the surroundings. From working with marketing I found that I am a creative person and really enjoy creative stuff.  Btw, I love their pet beta fish, GG (short for Groove Girl of course!) who lives in Jacquelyn's pen holder on her desk...how cool!?!

That's Me Packing Up Samples! 

Sales is interesting to me, mainly because I was not very familiar with it.  I understand the whole sales process better now.  I learned how a sales representative communicates with potential customers to make a sale.  We also rearranged the showroom (I loved playing with all of the shoes)! I also helped pack sample shoes for a major trade show!

Outside of working with the various departments, I really enjoyed being at the office because of the cool location!  I always mentioned to Yuchi and Monica (in the design dept.) that the location of our company is amazing! Our location, in Huntington Beach, gives us a lot of resources.  Our showroom overlooks the ocean and surfers.  There are a lot of stores downstairs and I love the California style.  There are also a lot of restaurants with great Mexican and American style options.  Monica even tells me that she sees dolphins when she walks around during lunchtime...I haven't seen them L!

The Groove Girl Family!

The Groove Girls really act like they are a family.  When Katrina had her birthday, we all signed a card and went out to lunch to celebrate.  Jessie would cook Chinese dumplings and other authentic foods...she's such a good chef!  I got to grab dinner or lunch with almost everything and I tried so many different foods from sashimi to barbecue and Mexican.  I feel like Groove Footwear is a fast-growing company bound for success not only because everyone works so hard, but because they are such a supportive family.  I know that the days I spent in California will be my best memories ever! We did so much in such little time, I can't wait to come back again!  Thank you so much to my new Groove family for teaching me so much and taking such good care of me!

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Grooving at the MAGIC Show

SPOTTED: In the scorching desert heat on the Las Vegas strip, thousands of fashionistas flock to the convention centers.  Under the bright lights, hundreds of exhibitor's booths are being set up. What are they all preparing for? Read on my friends, because I'll never tell!

                XoXo,

                Groove Girl

As we arrived on Sunday afternoon to the Las Vegas Convention Center we knew the WWDMAGIC trade show was finally here.  We joined the hundreds of exhibitors and vendors as we sought out to find our booths.  Being one of the biggest shows of the year, we made sure to triple check our packing lists and duffle bags to make sure we had every shoe and style to show.  In a few short hours, all of our hard work was finally about to pay off!

One of the biggest shows of the year, MAGIC MARKET WEEK is often described as the Fashion Week of trade shows.  WWDMAGIC is the centerpiece of MAGIC MARKET WEEK and an industry powerhouse for creating connections, introducing fashion trends, and driving commerce within the women's fashion market.  At the show, over 30,000 buyers shop around for the latest trends and hottest styles.  Exhibitors from around the world show off their extravagant booths, hand out swag and showcase their newest lines.

Our marketing department spent weeks getting our newly redesigned booth ready for the show and did a fabulous job!  We really appreciate all of the positive feedback and complements throughout the show.  In case you missed us, our Tiffany Blue booth was draped with a whimsical sheer white fabric and inviting ruffled curtains separated by sparkling chandeliers. 
We got our order forms ready and set up our photo booth with our mustache props (if you stopped by the booth, be sure to check out the Facebook album to get a copy of your pic!). As we unpacked all of our duffle bags and unstuffed shoes, you could feel the excitement and anticipation for the attendees to be let in.  

Walking in to the first day of MAGIC, it was almost overwhelming!  With several new faces and so many new shoe styles, the Groove family sat down to discuss what was about to unfold.  Our designers pointed out which new styles we had and the fashion trend in which they drew inspiration from.  The 4 main trends for our new Spring '14 line is Classic Americana, Tribal Patterns, Geometric Shapes, and Carnival Inspired Colors.  

Our Spring line plays with bright colors, new textures and materials (like elastic and lace), subdued gladiator and comfy casual.  Shortly after set up the crowds filled in and the show had begun. These were some of our top shoes that you all couldn't stop raving about!

Before we knew it our booth was full of interested buyers and store owners with arms full of sample shoes and Spring '14 must haves.  We could hardly keep them on the shelves!  One of the most exciting parts was when we saw our featured denim star flat in the Footwear News August edition!!!  Keep an eye out for Groove Footwear in future editions and other magazines!

When the final day arrived, our voices were fading and our feet were getting tired, but being such a passionate group we never skipped a beat! All in all, the show was a major success and we are super excited to have so many of our shoes out there in your stores! Thank you so much for all of your love and support over the past week.  We can't wait to see you at the next show!!

The Groove Family

What to look for next?!?

::: Words from our intern, Ivy!  She can't wait to tell you about her experience with us :::

:::  Wondering what a Vegan shoe is? Stay tuned for an informative post about this shoe trend :::

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Groovin at the Mansion

The ESPY's Pre-Party at the Playboy Mansion

SPOTTED: Colorful lights in the trees and mansion walls, shuttle busses and limos, bunny tails, ears, and...corsets? Where did we find Groove Footwear shoes?  Keep on reading because I'll never tell!

                XoXo,

               Groove Girl

Pulling up to the mansion a beautiful white peacock has taken refuge from the camera flashes and crowds in the tree.  Right below her, on the red carpet, celebrities and athletes pose for the camera and answer reporter's questions.  As the party bus shuttle make it's way around the infamous fountain in the driveway, the view of the Playboy Mansion is picturesque (just as I always imagined...I loved The Girls Next Door and know this grand view anywhere!).

I have finally arrived to the ESPY's Pre-Party and make my way through the perfectly trimmed hedges.  It is almost overwhelming at first.  Right in front of me is the famous sculpted rock pool, complete with waterfalls and, of course, entrance to the Grado!  There are lights dangling in the trees and bushes setting the scene for a magical, almost unreal, night.

Across from the pool is a huge stage where guests sit and watch the live performances.  I am reminded more of being in a Vegas club, rather than outside in the Playboy mansion's backyard!  In their own raised, and roped off sections, I spy Snoop Dogg (or should I say Snoop Lion now??) and Jamie Foxx.

Walking through the crowd I meet several professional athletes and bunnies.  I found a group of them and took some pictures.  One of the girls complemented my outfit (dress code is cocktail attire) and my shoes!  I couldn't wait to rep my Groove chunky and spiked 'Lexus' platform heel, and was SO excited when a Playboy bunny loved them!!  I can't wait to wear another fun Groove pair to the next Playboy party!  Hmmmm...which will it be? The 'Velvet', 'Bailey', 'Venice', or the 'Topanga'?!? Well, you will just have to wait and see!

Have you worn your Groove shoes somewhere cool? Let us know and I will feature YOU in my next post and on Facebook!

What to look for next?!?

::: Let me introduce you to our new intern, Ivy!  She is getting a hands on experience here at Groove and can't wait to tell you all about it! :::

::: While we are still working on the kinks and bugs, our website will be completed by the end of the month! :::

::: I have Vegan friends, but Vegan shoes?!?  Check back to hear more about this growing trend! :::

::: Do YOU want to be a part of Groove Footwear?!? Here's your chance!  We are looking for Groove Girls on campus who want to be one of our Brand Ambassadors! Keep and eye out for our internship application SOON! :::

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