Suede + Smoke Take WESA
First off, what is WESA? WESA stands for Western & English Sales Association, where retailers like Suede + Smoke can look at products from large and small vendors. Suede + Smoke went to WESA in Dallas, Texas to get more options in the western clothing area and to see what's coming in fashion for 2023. We look for the highest quality at a price point we think our buyers appreciate. Seeing the product and feeling the material really helps us know precisely what lines we want to carry in our store. We stand behind every product we sell and if the quality is an issue, we will look for better options. We can't wait to show you what we found for our western wear fashionistas.
The World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Dallas Market Center, with 15 floors and 3.1 million square feet of shopping! When I say so many vendors, I mean SO MANY VENDORS! 15 floors full! From fashion clothing, ranch wear, horse tack, leather goods, jewelry, decor, and so much more.
I had a grueling day of travel that all started with an early morning flight with turbulence the entire way. I got a rental car but it was about an hour from the airport and the tire blew up on the freeway. NOT FUN. I had to wait for Enterprise to pick me up and bring me back to the rental store and get another car before finally getting back on the road. I decided to stop in Waco, Texas to see the infamous Silos Baking Co. and Magnolia Market. It was so peaceful and welcoming that I totally forgot all my terrible travel luck. With a S’more Cupcake in hand, I headed to the hotel. I was refreshed and ready to head to the Market Center.
I had arrived at the WESA and was immediately immersed in the most beautiful country and western fashion inspo. Seeing all the retailers and influencers dressed to the 9's was like walking on a fashion runway. Put on your cowgirl boots and take note of these 4 Western fashion trends you don’t want to miss out on in 2023! There were so many colors to take in.
Bold Color Combos - Wear bold colors? This year is for you! No color combination is off-limits.
Muted Tones - Bold colors and crazy color combos aren’t your style? Don’t worry, the earth and muted tones are still in, so if this is you, you're in style!
Textures - Guess what! Texture is in and in a fun way! Think big crochet, knit, linen, embroidery, terry cloth, smocking, sequins, etc.
Prints - I saw a lot of prints and patterns displayed. This year think bold, retro, fun, and bright! I even saw mismatched prints styled together.
It's safe to say this year is the year of "wear what touches your soul!" There were amazing vendors there from Ariat, Stetson, Laura Ingles Design, Montana Silversmith, Wrangler, Western & Co, Madison Creek, and so many more but I don’t want to give too much away or I’ll ruin surprise product drops for Suede + Smoke ;)
It was so fun to go to WESA, be inspired, see what fashion trends will be big this year, talk to store reps, and learn about all the products. If you're familiar with the NFR, then you know the western crowd knows how to style loud, fun clothing. We are so excited about what's to come for Suede + Smoke. We want you to feel heard and seen in your fashion choices. We appreciate everyone’s own, individual and unique style and we hope that our products speak to you! We also encourage you to be bold in your choices. Keep a look out for statement pieces coming in 2023. This is the year of feeling confident in the all the colors and patterns you love. Our latest arrivals are a little edgier and more western than previous products. If the ways of the wild west speak to you, then don’t miss out on these items!