Always a bridesmaid – Stocking the perfect bridal dresses

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For those of you carrying bridal fashions, be on the lookout for the very best stock in bridesmaids gowns as the wedding season approaches! “The brides are saying I want them to wear it again,” said Monta Vaden, a certified wedding specialist at Wedding Wonderland in West Knoxville. “Some of them look like party dresses.” One reason dresses translate to other occasions is length. “The trend is tea-length to cocktail, which is about right at the knee,” Vaden said. “This makes them kind of flirty but sophisticated.”

The higher hemline plays to a certain bridal demographic. “The average bride that comes in here is 19 to 24,” Vaden said. “Her bridesmaids are going to want something young and sexy, so they are going for the shorter dresses.”

Silhouettes for the little numbers range from classic A-lines to empire-waist goddess designs. Some have a simple natural waist with an easy skirt. Also, the bubble skirt is blowing up.

Fabrics also make them easy sells. There is polished cotton, which has a soft casualness and creates a dress that works for more relaxed or outdoor weddings. Chiffon adds elegant movement to the pieces. Of course, silk is popular, as is taffeta. Some makers have opted for polyester-silk blends, which has a super-lightweight hand. The Alfred Angelo label has done a knit-jersey line of bridesmaid dresses. “The fabric drapes beautifully and flatters every body type,” says Alfred Angelo designer Michael Shettel. “The combination of a unique fabric and trendy styling means these dresses can be worn again. Whether to a summer cocktail party, fancy dinner out or next year’s holiday parties.” Vaden said some brides are snapping up the dresses for rehearsal dinners. Also, she has sold some of the dresses to high schoolers during the prom season, where shorter looks took center stage.

At A Joyous Occasion, Frye has seen interest in them from mothers of the bride. “I encourage younger mothers to look at bridesmaids dresses,” she said. “A lot of the things for them are so matronly.” Although short is in vogue now, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for long dresses. “Some girls get nervous about the hem not falling at the same place (on their bridesmaids) with the shorter dresses,” Frye said. “I say eliminate the stress and go long.”

In necklines, strapless reigns supreme, with emphasis on the sweetheart. Halters are an option, too.

Details make the dresses pop. Waist interests are key, from skinny belts to bold obi-style sashes. Ruching (vertical and horizontal) at the bodice works, as does pleating. Some even have pockets.

As far as color, citrus brights are hot right now. On the other end are neutrals: black, brown, and taupe. Metallics are popular, as well. And it seems white bridesmaids dresses are no longer a no-no.

“The rules are out the window,” Frye said. “It’s all about personal style and about what the bride envisions.”

A Fine Vintage

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Fashion trends never really die, and this season in particular is bringing us old styles revamped. Mod cuts and styles are huge, but the prints we’re seeing are reminiscent of another age. 70’s paisleys in earthy tones are back as strong as ever. Art Nouveau inspired curls and lines cover fabrics from chiffons to satins.

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.

A DOSAGE OF CONFIDENCE FOR PLUS SIZE

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Looking good is what every human being desires. There is a need for appreciation in all of us. But, if you feel your plus size is a hindrance in receiving that, then you must change your thinking.

The fashion of today has changed people’s perception towards many things. Over weight people who think that they are bound to wear custom dresses only can change their style now. Now even plus size people can choose trendy clothes that they have dreamed of wearing. Considering the rise in demand of such dresses, many new companies have plunged into the market. These companies provide a large variety of clothing exclusively designed for plus size people. Thus, it has become easier for people to buy a dress of their choice. Though earlier they were available, it was only at a few selected places, but now one can find a variety in the most popular stores. Many of us might be apprehensive to buy such clothes because of the soaring price of clothing. We have the idea that only wealthy people can afford the luxury of purchasing them. But this is not the case anymore, with wholesalers making an impact in plus size clothing. They provide you these trendy expensive clothes at pocket friendly rates. Now plus size people can face the world with confidence.

Marketing Wholesale Apparel and Retail Apparel on the Web is an Art…

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It’s not like buying an Ipod or computer, where you know the item and the quality by the picture, or the reputation.

The best items in Ladies clothing are not always named brands. That’s what is so interesting about the apparel business and at the same time makes it tough to market on the Web.

The same item can be available in many different price points. Take a basic V-Neck top.

We are born with five senses, six in my wife’s case. Not all of these can be used when buying on the Web. For the moment anyway, we can’t smell, taste, or touch the garment, so we are left with hearing and seeing.

Hearing is a viable sense on the Web, but for apparel purchases it is mostly useless.

Seeing is the main “Sense” used for apparel purchases.

In order to build a successful online apparel business we must keep this in mind.

How does the consumer know the quality and value of an apparel item that looks the same?

It is easy to see the difference in a music player or computer online. You look at the description and see the different capacities, processor speeds etc. There is no need for a picture, just the brand and the specs.

First we judge an item by the store that carries it. So reputation is important. If you see a v-neck top at Walmart and a v-neck top at Neimans or Nordstroms, you know there is a quality and fabric difference and that is the reason for the price difference. ( I am of course assuming that Walmart will be cheaper than the department or better specialty store).

It is hard to see quality on a Web Site, so the consumer has to look at the fabric content, and has to know a little about fabrics to disseminate the info.

It is really the reputation of the supplier, the brand and website, as well as detailed pictures,  and views that the consumer will use to determine value.

An example is the new Metric long sleeve tops from Open Stock Apparel. They are new tops, that just came in, available in 2 styles and over 10 colors.

They are basic tops, that is the style is basic. That is all that can be said about these Spring blouses that make them basic.

They come in a V-Neck blouse style, and a Surplus Blouse Style. Of course our retailers can sell these for half of that and still double their money, plus some.

What makes these worth more? The Fabric. They are 94% Rayon and 6% Elastine, or Lycra. This blend gives the fabric a luscious feel and fit. Better than cotton blends, or poly blends, available in less expensive versions.

We are betting on our reputation and Metric’s, that our customer will be able to recognize the incredible value in these new tops, available in long sleeve blouses also.

We have incredibly detailed pictures on our Site including different views, and all 23 colors.

This alone is not enough to build a successful online business. We (you), must build a reputation that says that you (we) value quality and value over cheap prices.

Value and customer service is our best asset..and reputation proves this better than words!

Happy Retailing!

Wholesale Clothing

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Wholesale clothing is intended for merchants to buy, not for consumers. A lot of different retailers, especially in today’s economy are looking to buy wholesale clothing items at a fraction of the cost they would pay for similar designer items. Wholesale clothing can be bought in all different sizes, colors, patterns and from different designers. When looking for the best wholesale clothing deals my opinion is to look around. If you’re looking for women’s clothing items don’t just stop at the first cheap wholesale clothing vender you find, look around!

If you’re trying to make money off of selling cheap wholesale clothing your best bet would be to negotiate with your buyers. Have a set price listed, but if you have a merchant that wants to buy wholesale clothing from you, but they don’t want to pay your asking price see if you can come to an agreed upon amount. Sometimes to get the best wholesale clothing deals you have to be willing to negotiate. Selling cheap wholesale clothing is better than not selling anything to merchants at all.

Women’s clothing I would think is in higher demand than most other clothing options, so if you are a cheap wholesale clothing distributor I would go after the retailers you know sell women’s clothing. Ask around, investigate, see how much they are paying their current wholesale dealers and where they buy their wholesale clothing items from. If you can meet or come under what they normally buy their wholesale clothing items for; pitch yourself. Offer them your best wholesale clothing lines at a fraction of the cost that they are paying now and chances are your wholesale business will climb.

A lot of people now-a-days are looking for ways to make a little extra cash. Why not start your own online women’s clothing store? You could buy wholesale clothing items; make sure to look for cheap wholesale clothing items at first, your not supposed to bust your bank account here, the outcome is for you to make money. Find out where the best wholesale clothing items can be bought for the amount you’re able to spend and go for it! Most likely you’ll be able to do a search for cheap wholesale clothing online and come up with a few choices as what to buy. Women’s clothing is a high demand sector, so if you were to buy wholesale clothing for women and turn around and sell in on your website; my guess you’d make a nice profit. In today’s economy it doesn’t seem to be about the label as much as it’s about how much can we save!

Merchants can buy the best online clothing they can find, sell the different items to stores or even other merchants for a profit. The key in wholesale buying is to make sure the items that you’re buying can be quickly turned to make a profit. Merchants should also look into those clothing stores that aren’t doing to hot and offer your services. Offer to buy them the best wholesale clothing items in return for their loyal service to you and spreading your name to other stores who could use your wholesale services as well.