We’re hard at work planning our Summer 2011 line. Our Spring 2011 line has been determined (thanks S.O.A.P. panel!) and will be announced soon. One of the ways I work to plan future seasons is by reading a ton of magazines, walking the mall (color trend, scent trends, bottle shapes and sizes all play into that) and buying from a bunch of different vendors to see what they are making  (what they’re trending towards, are they making traditional products with a twist, what colors seem to be hot, what new ingredients have caught their eye). So, lucky me, it’s part of my quarterly job to seek out cool bath and body products to buy and yes, use.
My first purchase yesterday was from Angel Face Botanicals out of Portland, Oregon.
Then I went over to Nature’s Art and grabbed some all natural toothpaste that I had my eye on. And, since you can’t just buy one thing, I tossed a couple other things into my cart.
I also ordered from LUSH to see what’s going on in their trendy world (I am looking forward to trying their solid conditioner). I can’t wait to use the products, be inspired and get some new Shout-Out to Soapmakers Interviews up and running for you to read and get energized by.
That’s great to hear. I’m really looking forward to trying her products.
I know! I thought so too. That takes some impressive talent. Salt bars get hard quick!
Yeah, I try and switch out the photos every few weeks. His green hat is adorable. Heck, anything the man wears looks cute on him.
I’m always in awe of the marketing that LUSH does. They are the masters at creating hyperbole and fluffy writing. I have to admire them for that.
I devoured the latest Oprah, Martha Stewart Living and am now on to the new ReadyMade today. You never know where you’ll see something that rocks your world.
I do get some insider info on trends – usually 2-3 internal perfumery reports per year – but I don’t feel good about just counting on them. It sort of feels like cheating and also, I really like the trend spotting part of my job. Seeing macro trends is like putting puzzle pieces together and it’s a joy to get the opportunity to make that part of my job.
Thank YOU! I can’t wait to get them. =)
Fantastic – I’ve tried Tooth Soap in the past before but it was definitely soapy and this one captivated me. =)
I can’t wait to get them – they’re fit for all of those things and mamas too! =)
Dear Soap Queen,
Thanks so much!! I am so excited for you to try my Angel Face Botanicals goodies!! Made with natural and organic ingredients to pamper your senses:)
Fit for Queens, Fairy Princesses, Devilish Divas, Goddesses, Nymphs, Sweethearts, Tempting Tarts, Noblewomen, Cutie-Pies and Eco-Minded Angels everywhere!
xoxo
SpaGoddess
I love the products you have showcased here Anne-Marie and I can vouch for NaturesArt personally ~ she makes awesome products and that tooth cleaning soap is wonderful!
Hi Anne Marie! i just sent your goodies to you! Thanks for the mention!
I’ve ALWAYS thought you were privy to some kind of insider info on trends. One time you posted a trend report. It had a pomegranate in it…..and a section about the color yellow, and a splash of turquoise. Then you made a post about being wined + dined by some fragrance snobs. Then you went to NYC to a secret location to sniff things.
I did some digging around + found out that fresh + clean continues to be a hit and also found out that fragrance houses were really struggling. i think that report was for 2009.
i never thought you did it the “hard way”; like this fun but grass roots way! It almost sounds like WE THE PEOPLE could drive the trends! oh to be that powerful.
my inbox is crowded to overflowing with neiman marcus, anthropologie, horchow newsletters that i signed up for to become apprised of trends. now, i delete them, because I could fall in and not be found for days on end…
Angel face has beautiful paper…..my latest obsession. OK back to work!
XO
I love you! I’m currently flipping pages too for colour inspirations. I’m on Elle magazine at the moment! Next up will be ID magazine….then maybe a few holiday brochures!
I love this time of year don’t you?
I just got the Lush Times too…however big they are they still do make some awe inspiring products. Still in love with the blue skies bubble bar though.
Tiggy
x
Nice job you have there. And what happened to Chris’s cool green hat? I liked that hat.
Love that salt bar Anne-Marie, talented swirl in salt soap!
So fun! Nature’s Art products are awesome! I’m pleased to call the owner my friend. I’m sure the other products will be fabulous also. I was checking out the Angel Face Etsy site just this morning.