The SEO Rack

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Back in the ‘dark ages,’ before the Internet, advertising a wholesale clothing business involved an awful lot of print media and networking.  Developing a name for your business was much more difficult that selecting what pieces to carry.  Today, many wholesalers have turned to the Internet and with good reason.  Not only can the Internet give you access to a far larger number of potential clients it can be easier to advertise as well – but only if you know what you are doing.  Learning the ins and outs of online marketing means using news skills with your unique fashion flair.

The nuts and bolts of marketing wholesale clothing online comes down to SEO, or Search Engine Optimization.  Think of SEO like a rack on which you hang examples of your most trendy pieces.  Each SEO piece brings a unique ‘flair’ to your marketing plan – much like your pieces do.  The question is, what do we hang on our SEO rack?

Basics

Every wardrobe is built on a few critical basic pieces – the LBD, dress pant, classic shirt and so on.  Your SEO campaign is as well.

– Keywords:  the terms potential clients use to find you

– Site Maps:  tell search engines what is on your site and how to find it

– Links: links from other sites are an important part of the ranking process

– Content:  fresh content, updated regularly, attracts search engines more easily

Wow

Every wardrobe needs one or two go-to WOW pieces – and your wholesale clothing marketing plan does as well.  Consider including a social media factor, PPC (Pay Per Click) campaign or interactive features for your customers.

By building your marketing campaign with the same intensity you have built your collection you will not only increase the viability of your site you will make it more attractive to your potential clients.

How To Shop Smart for Women's Clothing

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How many clothing items are hanging in your closet or languishing in a dresser drawer that you hate?  What percentage of your clothes are things that you pass by in favor of ANYTHING else and haven’t even considered wearing in more than a year?  If you’re like most people, you have an unseemly number of clothing items that should probably have been a) never bought in the first place; b) donated to a thrift store a long time ago; or c) set on fire.  Get rid of what doesn’t fit, what’s torn or dirty, what just never looked right on you.  Clean the slates before you get started on restocking your clothing bank.

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 ApparelNew 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?

New Kaelyn Max in 4 colors

New Kaelyn Max in 4 colors

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?


Ten Must Have Wardrobe Pieces

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Stylish new dresses from Wishes.

Stylish new dresses from Wishes.

Let’s face it – as women, our clothing often makes a statement about us long before we speak for ourselves. Fashion trends come and go, but there are certain wardrobe pieces no women should be without. Stocking your wardrobe with these ten timeless items will mean that unheard statement is always positive.
1.  Little Black Dress: No women should be without one. Stylish enough for a cocktail party, flirty enough for a special date and appropriate for almost any social gathering, the little black dress is the backbone of every wardrobe
2. Fitted Jeans: A solid pair of fitted jeans will see you through many occasions. Dress them down or dress them up, jeans are the everyday pant. Be sure yours are properly fitted for maximum impact.
3. Tailored Slacks: A pair of tailored slacks is ideal for almost any occasion that requires business attire. By pairing them with a tailored shirt or matching jacket, your tailored pants will see you through more than just business meetings.
4. Buttoned Blouse: a classic button blouse in white can be paired with anything from fitted jeans to skirts. An easy way to dress up your look, added stylish and classic jewelry will make this piece go even further.
5. Maxi Dress: fun and flirty, the maxi dress isn’t just for formal occasions. Select a color and cut that you feel comfortable in and you will find more and more occasions suited for your maxi dress.

Wishes block style maxi dress.

Wishes block style maxi dress.

6. Trench: A classic coat is just as important. Many women turn to the tailored trench, but any lightweight coat cut in a classic line will work. Keep the coat simple by selecting a black one. Your classic black coat will work for any occasion and can be paired with any item in your wardrobe.
7. Tailored Skirt: No wardrobe is complete without at least one tailored skirt. You may decide to select several skirts in varying lengths, but if you only purchase one, be sure it is knee length and tailored.
8. Suit: Worn primarily for business, a suit is an excellent addition to any wardrobe. Keep the color simple to allow for variations. Pairing a black suit with a pink shell, baby blue blouse or a simple white button blouse will allow you to get more use out of the piece.

Nubiano Special Occasion Suit

Nubiano Special Occasion Suit

9. Every Occasion Top: Select one top that is versatile enough to be worn with a variety of bottoms. Select a neutral color that can be used under your suit or paired with fitted jeans. Ideally the piece can be dressed up or dressed down.
10. Black Pumps: No outfit is complete without a pair of black pumps. Purchase a pair of classic black pumps. Perfect with the little black dress, they can also be paired with slacks, a suit or even jeans.
Once you have your wardrobe basics down, use current fashion trends to flesh out your wardrobe. Have fun with it and you will soon see it is possible to go from day time business attire to night time fun by simply changing one part of your outfit.

How to buy wholesale clothing

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Kaelyn Max

Kaelyn Max

When acquiring merchandise for your clothing store or boutique, understanding the process of buying women’s clothing wholesale will go a long way to ensuring customer satisfaction in the most cost-efficient way. Here are some smart guidelines when developing a process to create an exciting inventory that will keep your clients coming back for more.

First, you must have a sales tax ID number. This number should have been issued early on in the process. If you are planning to open a clothing store, you will need to bring a letter of intent to do so in lieu of the tax ID number.

Fashions, by their nature, will change frequently. It’s important to develop healthy relationships with your wholesalers. They are the ones on the front lines of these changing fashions. Once you pick the wholesalers you wish to work with, spend some time getting to know them, informing them of your mission and basic style choices so they can be on the lookout for what you need and like.

Finding good wholesalers can be done over the Internet, or, by making regular shopping trips each year to fashion headquarters in various cities around the world. New York City has an entire district that caters to wholesale fashion buyers. On the other hand, local flea markets are places to find other vendors selling the styles you want to carry. Strike up a conversation and see if they will be willing to share their wholesalers with you.

If you are only selling on the Internet, find a wholesaler who will update you often about new styles, sales, and hot sellers.

Be very careful if you choose to do business with foreign wholesalers. They can generally offer a much better deal around quantity and price, but educate yourself on not only tariffs and taxes, but also on customs procedures. Be sure to request that the packing list be attached to the outside of the box for easy access. Otherwise, customs officials may end up opening the packages and searching them before delivering inventory to you.

A-List Women's Multicolor Tiered Maxi Dress

A-List Women's Multicolor Tiered Maxi Dress

When first establishing relationships with your wholesalers, be sure to place an initial order of some basic wardrobe staples, like wholesale maxi dresses. Once you receive the first order, you can check the actual quality (if you are buying for the first time from a seller you have not met in person). You also need to see how responsive and accurate in their orders they are. Pictures on a website should be excellent depictions of the items that arrive. Plus, remember you are developing a relationship. Do they ship in a timely fashion? Can you reach them over the phone? Get to know them before you invest further.

As fashions are always changing, be sure to buy what works for your store. Choose a variety of sizes and colors that will appeal to your clientele and have fun doing it!

What to buy this summer

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This year’s summer fashions will definitely keep you on your toes when you are purchasing merchandise for your boutique or women’s clothing store.

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

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.

Major themes in styles include a variety of bohemian and bold prints to create a goddess look with less structure. The feminine theme speaks of elegance, in both casual and evening attire. Chanel-like suits, elegant ruffles and vibrant colors make up this theme, in dresses, skirts, tops and jackets. Less is more in the modern styles that also include bold neutrals of grays, blacks, and various shades of white.

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.