MAKE LISTS!  Take an inventory of what you have and what you need more of.  Include shoes, jewelry, coats, sweaters…everything.New Kaelyn Max at Openstock Apparel

The smart thing to do, the frugal and self-respecting thing to do is learn how to shop smart for women’s clothing in the first place.

Start off by knowing what size you ACTUALLY ARE.  Find a measurement chart online and take your measurements to learn your standardized sizes.  You’ll need to take your measurements for bra size, shoe size, waist, hips, inseam length and even head size (if you’re going to buy hats).  Even know what size you really need for rings.  Next, find out what type of body you have.  Are you long-waisted?  Do you have a great chest?  Is your waist thick?  Do you have chunky thighs or a less-than-stellar butt?  You’ll need to know what you want to accentuate or de-emphasize before you head for the stores.

There are several things you’ll really need to nail down before shopping including WHICH of the clothes you love and why.  Is your look consistently casual?  Are you more of a button-down type?  Are you trying to bust out of a rut?  Then look through magazines and find what you’d love to try.  Consider whether you’re really happy with a color you consistently go to, or if you’d like to try something different.  Make sure your current color or one you’re considering is even flattering by holding it up to your face and looking in a mirror.  Do you look washed out, or tired in that color?  Do you have enough clothes for different occasions?  For instance, can you go to the beach and to a church outing on the same weekend?

The most important step to learning to shop smart for women’s clothing is to go to stores and try on every clothing item you’re considering.  Consider bringing along someone whose opinion you value, or learn to be realistic and critical on your own.  Is the item flattering, both in fit and color?  Is it comfortable?  Is it affordable? Will you be able to find shoes to go with it?  Do you already have seven of the same item sitting at home?  Can you afford your look, or do you need to learn how to be a little more sensible?

A big trend next season for women’s apparel clothing is in textures: either patterns woven directly into the fabrics, or textures created by draping or folding. This look is good with not just the fabrics, but in the designs of the dresses, shirts and pants. Find styles that utilize these textures to help your clients bring balance to their figures. Ruching on shirts and tanks can create hourglass figures for those who need help on top, and draping can cover hips in flattering ways.

JFW Tangerine Embroider Dress

In style this year will be beads, studs and bright colored sequins. Pastels and bright colors will all be in vogue. Coral is emerging as one of the most popular colors. It looks great on most women, and compliments this seasons colors as well as the very popular black and white.

Dresses will once again be big this year, so keep a variety in stock that include maxi dresses in solids, florals and patterns, . The classic shift is back as well as styles that lean towards the 50s. These styles can be both office oriented and used in casual settings and situations. The summer shifts will allow for catering to all body shapes and sizes. While minis will never go out of style for those with the legs to wear them, this year’s hemlines are holding just above the knee.

Don’t forget that “little black dress” which is always in style. Look for styles that suit your figure. If you want to show off you shoulders, strapless styles look the best. If you like a looser, more comfortable look, go for a dress with an empire waist, and last but not least, if you want to conceal your hips, look for a dress that has a cinched waistband or has a sash at the waist.

Use colorful accessories, to create your own clothing style as well as changing up an outfit so you can wear any dress for many different occasions. Wide studded belts, scarfs, and patterned tights are very popular.

Pencil skirts will be all the rage, especially for those who are looking for work attire. But to transition to a more casual look, keep a stock of A-lines on hand as well, which can work well for both work and casual.

When considering shirts, include a variety of styles in crisp white. This classic look will allow customers to easily mix and match outfits so don’t be afraid to go all out in stocking many designs of this fashion favorite. If white is not your color, bold solid color or fun geometrical patterns also dress up business and casual attire.

This year, with many shoppers will be recycling older fashions, so make sure to carry a unique and intriguing collection from your wholesale women’s clothing vendor, using a variety of colors, texture, styles and trends to keep your customers coming back for more.

]]> http://www.blog.julie-ann.com/public/item/what-to-buy-this-summer/feed/ 0 http://www.blog.julie-ann.com/public/item/nows-the-time-to-start-setting-up-a-valentines-day-event-for-your-clothing-store/ http://www.blog.julie-ann.com/public/item/nows-the-time-to-start-setting-up-a-valentines-day-event-for-your-clothing-store/#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2010 23:31:40 +0000 MGarcia http://www.blog.julie-ann.com/?p=1752

Wishes Square Neck Party Dress

Over the past few years, Valentine’s day has become an important occasion for women to purchase outfits for. Many couples celebrate Anniversaries around this holiday, and new couples are busy celebrating their relationship by going out to eat, or attending an activity together. This has driven up demand for Valentine’s dresses among women. Store owners can capitalize on this by holding a Valentine’s day event in their boutiques.

Why an event?

Events are a great opportunity to get your name out. A store event can be spread on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, which can generate a lot of one-day store purchases. They also go a long way toward building brand name and customer loyalty. By having an in-store event, you are able to connect with your community on a personal level. This may be the deciding factor that brings them to you, rather than to a big department store.

Your in-store event is a terrific place to get customer information, too. You can have a raffle, or sample auction. To sign up, you will need customer names, addresses, or email addresses. if you get a great list of email addresses, guess what – you’ve just built yourself a great marketing base!

What to do at an event?

Any event will need more than an occasion to draw people to it. You’ll need some kind of incentive, like door prizes, or free gifts with purchase. Maybe offer chocolates with the purchase of a Valentine’s dress. or coupons to local restaurants (this is a great way for you to partner with other local businesses).

As a clothing boutique, a fashion show can also be an amazing draw. Recruit your best customers as models, and allow them a discount on their outfits as compensation. Invite local press for some publicity on your event.

Set goals

Decide what you want your event to do for you, and then make all preparations what those goals in mind. If you want to establish yourself as a sophisticated shop with exclusive garments, consider having the even catered with light fare, or having a local violinist or cellist play for clients. If you want to be the hip store in town, have a local band play, or get a DJ. Let your clients mingle, and give them plenty of opportunities to see your garments in action.

If your goal is to gather information, do that by finding ways to have your clients willingly share their information. Announce a newsletter and have them sign up, or offer e-mail only coupons. Get your client base connected to you. Make sure everyone knows you have an account on Twitter if you do, and ask them to follow you.

Whatever you do for your Valentine’s clothing event, make sure everyone has a good time, and leaves with a great impression of your store!

End the year with a big bang by looking your best! Your New Years Eve outfit should be a direct representation of the night’s events, so make your plans before making purchases. Whether you are attending a formal party or spending a night on the town, you can never go wrong with a party dress and a stunning pair of heels.

Consider what’s in style this season. Sequins, studding, and metallic hues are all current trends and extremely festive for a night of celebrating, especially on New Year’s Eve, which is THE opportune time to sport a little glittery sparkle. Dresses can be found in all lengths and styles at the moment, and if you aren’t really feeling the sequin look, keep in mind that you can never go wrong with a little black dress. This fashion lifesaver can be found in all styles, not to mention, become a staple in your wardrobe.

Keep in mind the glamour aspect, but wear something comfortable and weather-appropriate, especially if you are spending time outdoors. If you choose a bold colored or metallic mini or body contouring dress, keep yourself warm by layering it with a cropped leather motorcycle jacket and a pair of colored or black opaque leggings. Faux fur is also an excellent choice this season and is certain to keep you warm and toasty.

Accessories are a major part of any outfit and should be carefully considered if your clothing is bold and already making a statement. When shopping for heels, choose a stylish but practical pair so that walking and dancing doesn’t become a burden. If your dress is a solid color, jazz it up with a pair of exotic patterned heels or studded strappy platforms.  If you choose to wear something patterned, colorful, or all of the above, consider a pair of solid color heels or shoe boots, which are at the height of current fashion. Make sure that your jewelry doesn’t become an overstatement. Keep it simple, classy, and trendy. Finally, remember that toting a large handbag might not be preferable for New Years Eve and a cute clutch is a much easier way to keep track of your necessary items.

Once you have selected your perfect New Years Eve outfit, go ahead and open that first bottle of champagne early and give yourself a toast. You’ll be decked to the nines and ready to celebrate in no time!

Fashion trends never really die, and this season in particular is bringing us old styles revamped.

An unexpected revival comes in the form of Tie Dye. This look hasn’t been around for years, but no one is complaining about the update. The colors have shifted from saturated rainbows, to deep gem tones, making this old look relevant again.

70’s inspired peasant tunic tops are here again, and have been since last fall. This long running trend shows no signs of dying out – likely because of the comfort of the billowy cuts. You don’t need to raid mom’s closet anymore for amazing retro and vintage looks.