Now's the time to start setting up a Valentine's Day event for your clothing store!

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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!

Women’s Clothing One Byte at a Time

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apparel.JPGIf one truth holds water in today’s busy economy, it is this: the internet has opened up the women’s clothing industry to a completely new type of consumer. Once upon a time, if a woman wanted a fashionable new dress, her choices were limited to the local retail and department store market. Those days are gone, and the retailer has to keep pace.

When the time comes to shop for women’s clothing, the fashion savvy woman looks for those hot new styles and the frugal woman looks for those money saving sales; the fashion savvy, frugal woman looks for hot new styles that do not cost an arm and a leg. The internet has been a wonderful addition for those women wanting to find women’s clothing that is stylish, affordable, sexy, casual, formal, and/or sassy.

Staying on the cutting edge of the latest styles and fashions is a full-time undertaking. The internet has proven to be a versatile, useful tool in staying on top of those latest styles and fashions. The retailer and the consumer both can get instant details of latest fashion trends with only the click of a button. Nothing could be easier, right?

Top 5 Reasons to Use the Internet for Women’s Clothing

  1. Shopping on the internet does not mean buying something is necessary.  In fact, window shopping for women’s clothing is easy, fun, and convenient when using the internet. Imagine window shopping without feeling guilty or being pressured by overanxious salespeople.Statistics have shown the majority of consumers will investigate a purchase via the internet before making the final purchase at a brick and mortar store. Consumers are learning what to buy long before they enter a brick and mortar store.A retail store with an internet website will attract more potential consumers!
  2. Shopping for women’s clothing via the internet is educational. Consumers and retailers can investigate instantly delivered news on popular new fashion trends, and getting all the juicy gossip on which star is wearing what hot new designer’s fashions is a simple button click away.Staying up to date on the latest in trends, styles, and fashions in women’s clothing is a necessity for the wise retailer, and the internet allows the retailer to get instant information.Retailers can find a cornucopia of fashion magazines, trade magazines, and connections via the internet translating to lower costs and higher profits!
  3. When women and/or retailers are looking for women’s clothing, the internet offers a wider variety and selection of fashionable, affordable styles. The internet is a virtual marketplace where the astute retailer will find selections and options never before dreamed possible.Plus size clothing, missy size clothing, junior clothing, special occasion clothing, and many more types of popular women’s clothing are available from all over the world. The larger the variety of women’s clothing, the more chances the retailer has to offer consumers new, trendy fashions at affordable prices.The internet is a versatile tool in adding diversity and versatility to any women’s wardrobe!
  4. The internet offers a worldwide market for buying and selling. Women’s apparel from all over the globe is available from the comfort of your own home or office. Gaucho sets, gauchos, ponchos, special occasion clothing, and other popular clothing styles can be purchased directly from the supplier.In addition, the retailer will find with an internet website, the possibilities for a consumer base are enormous. The internet has a huge profit potential for the retailer looking for an adventurous purchase for and from a global market.Did you know there are over 450 million internet users according to Internet World Stats?
  5. Women’s apparel that fills a niche can be quite profitable via the internet. Women’s apparel boutiques and specialty stores will find a wider audience and wider choices as well. A global marketplace filled with unique, special, and ethnic women’s clothing. With the popular of ethnical clothing, purchasing a selling via the internet just adds to a storefront’s visibility.Niche specialty boutiques make an average of 245% more profits than the regular retailer!

When wanting to find women’s clothing, the consumer expects superior design, style, and fashion at an affordable rate. The perceptive retailer uses the internet as a mode of education for learning of past, current, and future fashion trends. Then armed with an arsenal of information proper steps are taken to insure the greatest chances of success for the retailer.

Women’s clothing such as that offered by Open Stock Apparel offers the varieties, the styles, and the affordable prices necessary for an attractive presence on the internet and the brick and mortar storefront. In addition, Open Stock Apparel offers expertise, information, and customer service second to none.

Using bytes to increase profit potential allows the retailer to take a bite out of an unstable and fluctuating marketplace.

The History and Versatility of the Poncho

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AugustSilkAUG071073The poncho is a wonderfully simple garment with an extensive history around the world used as a tool as much as a fashion accessory. The simplistic design has won the heart of consumers around the globe, and retailers will find adding a poncho or two to the storefront will provide a beneficial asset.

The beauty of the poncho is seen on many levels. First, regardless of socio-economic status, the poncho can be seen draped comfortably over the shoulders of men, women, and children in most countries. Second, the poncho is simplistic, often being nothing more than a hole for the head located on a blanket type material. What could be easier, and of course, more affordable?

Any woman will find the poncho a great addition to her wardrobe, and rumors have it that this fall and winter the poncho will be all the rage.

What Does a Poncho Do?

Depending on whom you ask, the poncho will perform various tasks from being stylish and fashionable to adding warmth and utility. A poncho, depending on what it is made of, is a versatile fashion accessory and tool available in women’s clothing, men’s clothing, and even children’s clothing.

In women’s clothing, fashion trends depict the popularity of new fashions in the clothing industry. A poncho is one of those rare fashions that really never goes out of style. While the fabrics, styles, colors, and prints of the poncho will fluctuate with the fashion trends common today, the basic design of the poncho changes only a minuscule amount.

The Poncho in History

The Jesuit missionaries in the 16th century found the tendency of the indigenous natives in Northern Argentina to wander around virtually naked indecent. The Jesuits would give the indigenous natives ponchos to keep them warm and modest. The poncho was an easy, affordable solution for the Jesuits.

Today, the poncho is not too different from yesteryear. The major difference is the materials used today are slightly different from when the Jesuits freely handed out the poncho in attempt to allow for some modesty among the indigenous natives of Northern Argentina.

The Poncho Today

Women’s clothing most often includes the poncho as an accessory. However, many popular designers actually have blouses with the look and feel of the traditional poncho. Today’s authentic poncho is usually colored with natural colors in European countries, but the indigenous people of Argentina today use dye to decorate the material making those ponchos decorative and colorful.

Once upon a time, a poncho was made from wool, but today, a poncho can be made of wool, cotton, or other synthetic materials, and usually can be knitted, crocheted, or any other type of construction. The poncho is indeed a versatile addition to any storefront selling women’s clothing.

A Poncho by any Other Name

Interestingly, various parts of the world have different names for the poncho of Latin America. For instance, in Northern and Southern Chile, the word to use would be poncho, but in Central Chile the word to use would be chamanto.  In Mexico, the people use the word sarape or jorongo in place of poncho; in Switzerland, Bavaria, and Austria, the people use the word kotze.

In the colder regions of Columbia, the people call ponchos ruanas, and in the Middle Ages, the people would wear heavy ponchos constructed of wool that they called grugels. Another heavy poncho is commonly called a poncho chilote; the poncho-like garments, worn by the Roman Catholic Church cassocks, are called kasels or pluviales.

Women’s Fashion Trends and the Poncho

Women’s clothing has to look good – plain and simple. The poncho offers a wide range of fashionable colors, and today, many women’s ponchos are knitted or crocheted, and then embellished with bows or other types of fashionable embellishments. The poncho can be used for warmth, but it can also be used solely as an accessory to accent the complete ensemble similar to how a scarf or sash would work.

In addition, many ponchos are made of a heavier duty material making them perfect for use as a raincoat or as a protector from other harsh elements. Have you ever seen these ponchos worn at sporting events? Yes, even sporting teams have their emblems put onto raincoat type ponchos to sell to awaiting fans.

When purchasing wholesale women’s clothing adding an array of ponchos will benefit the retailer. Ponchos are stylish, attractive, and versatile. With the addition of some classy, stylish ponchos, wholesale retailers will find the consumer base knocking on that door to get the latest in poncho designs.

Open Stock Apparel offers a wide array of ponchos in various colors, styles, and designs perfect for today’s busy lifestyle. With Open Stock Apparel, the retailer can be assured the wholesale prices are competitive enough to allow the retailer some leniency in pricing strategies. After all, with Open Stock Apparel, the retailer and consumer are what matters, and offering elegant ponchos is just one way Open Stock Apparel beats the competition.

Understanding the Versatility of Sweaters

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Historically, sweaters have been popular throughout many fads and fashions withstanding the test of time. Sweaters are one of the most versatile of fashionable apparel, and sweaters come in a copious number of styles, designs, and price tags. Yes, sweaters can keep you warm, but a sweater can also keep you stylish and cool even on the hottest of days.

Just a few types of sweaters include cardigan sweaters, wool sweaters, argyle sweaters, sweatshirts, cashmere sweaters, and even dog sweaters! In times past, sweaters were hand knitted from wool, but even within the wool category, there are different types of popular wool material used to make wearable sweaters.

Exploring the Undershirt

Commonly, sweaters of all types are worn over an undershirt. Women’s shirts, normal t-shirts, custom t-shirts, polo shirts, and dress shirts are all popular types of shirts to use as an undergarment with a sweater. The type of undershirt worn will be partially dictated by the type of sweater worn for the day.

Normal t-shirts, custom t-shirts, some pop shirts, and some women’s shirts are useful because there is no collar. When worn under a women’s sweater, only the sweater is left showing. However, sometimes, a collar such as those seen with many dress shirts, polo shirts, and women’s shirts, can be a stylish way to accessorize the sweater while adding a bit of additional insulation on those cool days or nights.

Types of Popular Sweaters

There are a few popular categories most sweaters fall into today: cardigan sweaters, crewneck sweaters, Vee neck sweaters or V-neck sweaters, and turtleneck sweaters. Each of these popular categories offer something special to the consumer.

Cardigan Sweater

Cardigan sweaters can be short sleeved, long sleeved, or somewhere in between. What makes a cardigan sweater a cardigan sweater is the front-style closure. Usually, the closure will be either buttons or zippers, but sometimes other types of closures will be utilized. The cardigan sweater will be similar to a knitted jacket.

Cardigan sweaters are useful for any temperatures, occasions, and body sizes. Plus size sweaters will often have numerous cardigan sweaters to accent the natural beauty of the plus size woman.

Crewneck Sweaters

Crewneck sweaters are an extremely popular and versatile type of sweater. Most commonly, the crewneck sweater refers to a sweater an individual would pull over the head, and where the neckline of the sweater is close to the neck. Rounded crewneck sweaters and boat neck crewneck sweaters are two of the most popular of crewneck sweaters on the market today.

With a crewneck sweater, the sweater is a solid piece with no closures. These look great with an undershirt containing a collar or a simple t-shirt to protect from skin irritation often accompanying a sweater.

Vee Neck Sweaters or V-Neck Sweater

Vee neck sweaters, or v-neck sweaters, are extremely popular in today’s busy and stylish women’s apparel. This type of sweater is similar to the crewneck sweater except the neckline makes a “V”. In addition, the vee neck sweater is also found commonly with closures.

The v-neck sweater is a popular sweater with or without the addition of an undershirt. Additionally, plus size sweaters will often be a vee neck sweater to show-off a bit of cleavage. Many plus size sweaters are a v-neck sweater because many larger women do not appreciate the snugness of the crewneck sweater.

Turtleneck Sweaters

Turtleneck sweaters have been popular for as long as sweaters have been around. These beautiful sweaters have an unusual neckline – the neckline of turtleneck sweaters has extra material so that the sweater bunches around and covers the neck. This is great for the woman wanting to add a bit of warmth with high style.

Plus size sweaters may come in a turtleneck styles, but usually the more extended the size, the less likelihood the sweater will have be a turtleneck sweater. Plus size women do not usually appreciate the constriction offered by the turtleneck style. Instead, a vee neck or even a crewneck is preferred in plus size sweaters.

Designs and Materials

The designs and materials used in sweaters is evolving over time, but sometimes, the designs and materials will never go out of style. These designs and materials have withstood the test of time and will be with us for centuries to come. Most commonly the materials used in developing the sweater will change according to new technologies utilized in the development of the material.

Cashmere Sweaters

Cashmere sweaters are one of the softest, most luxurious sweaters on the market today, and the cashmere sweater is a good example of a fashionable, evolving material. Cashmere wool is obtained from a Cashmere goat. A common misconception today is that any “soft” fiber used is considered cashmere, but this is far from the truth. Cashmere wool, in fact, has extremely strict standards to fall within the cashmere category.

Cashmere sweaters are stunningly gorgeous and ultra soft. In addition, cashmere sweaters are great for making plus size sweaters because they act as comfort apparel and, of course, the softness is second to none.

Argyle Sweaters

Argyle sweaters have been popular since the 50s, and are a good example of a fashionable, evolving pattern. These versatile sweaters are not made of a particular material, but argyle is a pattern used on the sweater. At one time, argyle sweaters signified an upper class, but today, anyone who wants to look fashionable will find the argyle pattern beneficial to an entire apparel ensemble.

The argyle pattern consists of diamonds within a diagonal checkerboard pattern. The diamonds can be of any color, and often, the argyle sweater will have popular colors in today’s fashionable color schemes.

Today’s fashionable society understands the importance of sweaters as much as Open Stock Apparel does. Sweaters come in all shapes, sizes, and fashions designed and developed with today’s busy woman in mind. Regardless of the apparel scheme for the day, there is a sweater to highlight the natural beauty of the woman in question.

When you expect the best quality, the best design, and the best price for your sweaters, Open Stock Apparel exceeds all expectations. By offering a large quantity of designs by various designers, Julie Ann caters to your changing needs. After all, when you expect the best, Open Stock Apparel listens and complies to you and your consumers desires.

The Appeal and Perfection of Party Dresses

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Every woman wants to look good, but more important is the attitude associated with how she is dressed. Newly acquired women’s clothing has a way of making the woman feel special – as if she just chose something solely hers. Few things compare to the fresh, clean, and crisp feel of new women’s apparel.

Of course, some ensembles have a special way of elevating the woman to new heights of euphoria. The distinction between the special occasion and the special clothing causing the special feeling is not always easy to distinguish. That is the beauty of special occasion clothing.

The party dress is one of the most widely popular purchased ensembles in the women’s clothing category offering that special feeling of euphoria. Party dresses cover a wide range of dresses for an even wider range of occasions, but the party dress is an exquisite example of how women choose to get that feeling of euphoria from an ensemble and occasion regardless of the rhymes or reasons.

Popular Types of Party Dresses

While women do not necessarily need a reason to wear special occasion apparel, there are a few common reasons the women may go looking to purchase new party dresses.

  • Prom dresses are considered one type of party dress that often are a once in a lifetime purchase. The prom is an extremely important milestone in a young woman’s life, and a new party dress is the perfect accent for the special day.

    These prom dresses are often cherished by the young woman, and may be passed down to future generations as a family tradition.

  • Wedding dresses are another popular types of party dress associated with an important date in a woman’s life. A wedding is often the one party every young girl dreams of from a very young age. There are “pretend” weddings played out by little girls dreaming of the white, flowing wedding dress with all of the beautiful, feminine accessories.

    Wedding dresses are another popular keepsake dress often passed from one generation to the next. Women treasure the significance of their wedding dresses, and this is an extremely important type of party dress.

  • Cocktail party dresses are a sexy, sassy dress worn by a woman to a cocktail party. That little black dress is a perfect example of a traditional party dress designed for a cocktail party.

    Of course, cocktail party dresses are not necessarily only for cocktail parties and this makes the cocktail party dress a smart purchase for any woman.

  • Mother of the bride or groom party dresses are another important type of party dress worn by a woman to commensurate the union between cherished and beloved children.

    These party dresses may be suggestions by the bride or groom, but often, the mother gets to choose her own special party dress. This occasion is an important reason to purchase an elegant party dress.

  • Evening gowns are another type of party dress popular with women of all ages. The evening gowns offer an excellent method for dressing up for that special night out on the town or having a special evening at home with a partner.

    Choosing evening gowns is fun, exciting, and beneficial because evening gowns can be used from one occasion to the next making it extremely versatile and durable.

  • There are also military ball gowns, bridesmaid dresses, summer party dresses, and many other types of party dresses to actually purchase and wear for any number of special occasions.

Plus Size Party Dresses

One market that is evolving quickly is the market containing plus size party dresses. This evolution is a natural response to the increasing number of women within this category. Retailers recognize and accept that plus size women want to as look sexy, sassy, and voluptuous as the missy size woman or the junior size woman.

Plus size party dresses are designed to emphasize the natural curves and shapes of the plus size woman while drawing attention away from those less desirable features such as extra full thighs or hips, larger bust size, and/or a less than perfect stomach region.

The Perfect Party Dresses Made Simple

Whether you are purchasing plus size party dresses, missy size party dresses, or junior size party dresses, here are a few tips to remember when making a purchase to guarantee a proper fit. Plus, dresses will fit women better by understanding what looks best, and what should be avoided.

  • The empire line dress is a classic, fairytale dress. This type of party dress makes the woman look taller and hugs the figure. A classic party dress for those with a marvelous, slim figure.
  • The ballerina or full skirt party dress is one of those romantic fits appealing to those of us wanting a classy and sexy all in one package. This type of party dress is for the full-busted woman, and petite women should use caution when wearing this type of party dress. This dress is great for concealing heavy hips and thighs.
  • The princess or a-line dress is simply gorgeous and accents the bust and waistline. The bodice on this party dress is form fitting, and may draw attention to those women with a small bust.
  • The bias cut and column party dresses are a very chic, lovely styles of dresses. These types of party dresses hug the form closely from neck to feet, and are generally avoided by women without the classic hourglass shape. However, the hourglass shape can be extremely slim or extremely voluptuous opening up this style to many body sizes and shapes.

Open Stock Apparel offers wholesalers the opportunity to purchase wholesale party dresses by designers such as Nite Way, SL Fashions, Studio I, Nicole Studio, Nebiani, Montee, Morgan & Co., Aspeed, Faviana, Zum Zum, Niki, and Jody. Regardless of the occasion, Julie Ann offers a party dress to fit the occasion.

With the expertise and low wholesale rates offered by Open Stock Apparel, the retailer will find a copious number of styles, types, colors, and sizes of party dresses perfect for any woman from junior size dresses to plus size dresses. Plus, dresses offered at Open Stock Apparel are designed with the women in mind.

When you expect the best not only for your storefront but also for your customers, Open Stock Apparel makes common sense. From informational suggestions to superior designs, the retailer will find compassionate and knowledgeable service offered only the way Open Stock Apparel can offer.