[Plus Size Clothing, Maternity Clothes and dresses] [Plus Size Clothing, Maternity Clothes and dresses] [Dresses - Wedding Dresses, Women Clothes online] Weather weighs on October sales

By: Leonie Barrie - 7 November 2011 18:42

Growth in US same-store sales appeared to cool in October as weather and economic malaise weighed on retailers, putting extra pressure on businesses as they transition into the crucial holiday season. Indeed, sitting between the back-to-school spending rush and the all-important shopping fest that lies ahead, it is probably not surprising the month's sales growth slowed to 3.9%, according to figures released last week.

Retailers have put the blame on several factors, including unseasonably warm weather curbing demand for winter apparel early in the month and a snowstorm in the north eastern US at the end of October keeping shoppers at home.

UK-based online fashion retailer Asos, meanwhile, plans to focus its energies on its international business - revealing that its overseas sales are worth more because they are exempt from VAT and are skewed towards higher-margin own label lines. The company has just booked a 66% hike in underlying pre-tax profit.

But Limited Brands, which operates the Victoria's Secret, Pink, Bath & Body Works, La Senza and Henri Bendel stores, has sold a controlling stake in its Mast Global Fashions apparel sourcing division to New York based private equity firm Sycamore Partners. There are plans to expand the unit, which will be spun off as a standalone company, leaving Limited Brands to focus on its intimate apparel, beauty and personal care lines.

On the footwear front, a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute panel has largely backed a complaint by China that anti-dumping duties imposed by the European Union (EU) on certain leather footwear imports breached global rules. But while the panel said the anti-dumping duties were inconsistent with the EU's obligations under the WTO, it rejected most of China's claims of violation in connection with the original investigation and expiry review.

And Mexican shoe makers have been lifted by news that Tempe Grupo Inditex, the shoe-making franchise of the Spanish fashion giant, plans to triple its footwear production in the country. Meanwhile, other international brands such as Nike, Steve Madden and Puma are also mulling boosting their output in the Guanajuato region, which has become well-known for making high quality leather shoes.

Following a period of turmoil over the past year as apparel retailers, brands and manufacturers grappled with soaring cotton costs, this month's management briefing from just-style looks at the latest fluctuations in the market. Natural fibres and yarns still hold strong, there is talk of a rise in domestic yarn and fibre sourcing in the west, man-made fibres are waiting in the wings, and cotton supplies fuel the struggle between Indian producers and users.

But while China's domestic cashmere market appears to be booming according to figures released at the annual Cashmere World trade show in Beijing - rising costs cause concern. Cashmere experts have also attacked claims that their industry is unsustainable, and have greeted new China cashmere quality standards with scepticism.

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[Plus Size Clothing, Maternity Clothes and dresses] [Dresses - Wedding Dresses, Women Clothes online] Weather weighs on October sales

By: Leonie Barrie - 7 November 2011 18:42

Growth in US same-store sales appeared to cool in October as weather and economic malaise weighed on retailers, putting extra pressure on businesses as they transition into the crucial holiday season. Indeed, sitting between the back-to-school spending rush and the all-important shopping fest that lies ahead, it is probably not surprising the month's sales growth slowed to 3.9%, according to figures released last week.

Retailers have put the blame on several factors, including unseasonably warm weather curbing demand for winter apparel early in the month and a snowstorm in the north eastern US at the end of October keeping shoppers at home.

UK-based online fashion retailer Asos, meanwhile, plans to focus its energies on its international business - revealing that its overseas sales are worth more because they are exempt from VAT and are skewed towards higher-margin own label lines. The company has just booked a 66% hike in underlying pre-tax profit.

But Limited Brands, which operates the Victoria's Secret, Pink, Bath & Body Works, La Senza and Henri Bendel stores, has sold a controlling stake in its Mast Global Fashions apparel sourcing division to New York based private equity firm Sycamore Partners. There are plans to expand the unit, which will be spun off as a standalone company, leaving Limited Brands to focus on its intimate apparel, beauty and personal care lines.

On the footwear front, a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute panel has largely backed a complaint by China that anti-dumping duties imposed by the European Union (EU) on certain leather footwear imports breached global rules. But while the panel said the anti-dumping duties were inconsistent with the EU's obligations under the WTO, it rejected most of China's claims of violation in connection with the original investigation and expiry review.

And Mexican shoe makers have been lifted by news that Tempe Grupo Inditex, the shoe-making franchise of the Spanish fashion giant, plans to triple its footwear production in the country. Meanwhile, other international brands such as Nike, Steve Madden and Puma are also mulling boosting their output in the Guanajuato region, which has become well-known for making high quality leather shoes.

Following a period of turmoil over the past year as apparel retailers, brands and manufacturers grappled with soaring cotton costs, this month's management briefing from just-style looks at the latest fluctuations in the market. Natural fibres and yarns still hold strong, there is talk of a rise in domestic yarn and fibre sourcing in the west, man-made fibres are waiting in the wings, and cotton supplies fuel the struggle between Indian producers and users.

But while China's domestic cashmere market appears to be booming according to figures released at the annual Cashmere World trade show in Beijing - rising costs cause concern. Cashmere experts have also attacked claims that their industry is unsustainable, and have greeted new China cashmere quality standards with scepticism.

View the original article here

Posted via email from gaureey's Space

Posted via email from gaureey's Space

[Dresses - Wedding Dresses, Women Clothes online] Weather weighs on October sales

By: Leonie Barrie - 7 November 2011 18:42

Growth in US same-store sales appeared to cool in October as weather and economic malaise weighed on retailers, putting extra pressure on businesses as they transition into the crucial holiday season. Indeed, sitting between the back-to-school spending rush and the all-important shopping fest that lies ahead, it is probably not surprising the month's sales growth slowed to 3.9%, according to figures released last week.

Retailers have put the blame on several factors, including unseasonably warm weather curbing demand for winter apparel early in the month and a snowstorm in the north eastern US at the end of October keeping shoppers at home.

UK-based online fashion retailer Asos, meanwhile, plans to focus its energies on its international business - revealing that its overseas sales are worth more because they are exempt from VAT and are skewed towards higher-margin own label lines. The company has just booked a 66% hike in underlying pre-tax profit.

But Limited Brands, which operates the Victoria's Secret, Pink, Bath & Body Works, La Senza and Henri Bendel stores, has sold a controlling stake in its Mast Global Fashions apparel sourcing division to New York based private equity firm Sycamore Partners. There are plans to expand the unit, which will be spun off as a standalone company, leaving Limited Brands to focus on its intimate apparel, beauty and personal care lines.

On the footwear front, a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute panel has largely backed a complaint by China that anti-dumping duties imposed by the European Union (EU) on certain leather footwear imports breached global rules. But while the panel said the anti-dumping duties were inconsistent with the EU's obligations under the WTO, it rejected most of China's claims of violation in connection with the original investigation and expiry review.

And Mexican shoe makers have been lifted by news that Tempe Grupo Inditex, the shoe-making franchise of the Spanish fashion giant, plans to triple its footwear production in the country. Meanwhile, other international brands such as Nike, Steve Madden and Puma are also mulling boosting their output in the Guanajuato region, which has become well-known for making high quality leather shoes.

Following a period of turmoil over the past year as apparel retailers, brands and manufacturers grappled with soaring cotton costs, this month's management briefing from just-style looks at the latest fluctuations in the market. Natural fibres and yarns still hold strong, there is talk of a rise in domestic yarn and fibre sourcing in the west, man-made fibres are waiting in the wings, and cotton supplies fuel the struggle between Indian producers and users.

But while China's domestic cashmere market appears to be booming according to figures released at the annual Cashmere World trade show in Beijing - rising costs cause concern. Cashmere experts have also attacked claims that their industry is unsustainable, and have greeted new China cashmere quality standards with scepticism.

View the original article here

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[Dresses - Wedding Dresses, Women Clothes online] Amy Winehouse Dress Fetches $67,000 at Auction

Photo Courtesy of Island RecordsThe Grammy winner?s red and white dress that she wore on the cover of her Back to Black album just sold for £43,200, or about $67,500, at a London auction, according to CBS News. The Fundacion Museo de la Moda in Chile purchased the dress that was designed by Thailand-based designer Disaya in 2006.

The proceeds from the sale were donated to the Amy Winehouse Foundation that was established by the family to help young people. Amy?s father was at the auction and expressed his excitement for the organization, telling CBS News that his family is "just over the moon and this is a wonderful start to the foundation." If there is one thing that Amy Winehouse will always be known for it?s her style. After all, she had a very distinctive look: beehive hair, cat eye makeup, and retro clothing to match.

Read the full story at CBSNews.com.

Photo Credit: Fred Duval/WireImage.com

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[Plus Size Clothing, Maternity Clothes and dresses] [Plus Size Clothing, Maternity Clothes and dresses] [Plus Size Clothing, Maternity Clothes and dresses] [Dresses - Wedding Dresses, Women Clothes online] 2011 Retrospective: US Textile and Apparel Shipme

Apparel and textile imports were up a little more than 15 percent, totaling $97.2 billion during the first 10 months of this year compared with the same period last year. Those imports have been in positive territory for the last two years after tumbling 13.5 percent in 2009.

China, which sent $40 billion in apparel and textiles to the United States from January through October, still accounts for 40 percent of all U.S. apparel and textiles imports, a rate that has held fairly steady over the years.

But Vietnam has made great strides as an apparel powerhouse, now ranking as the No. 2 supplier to the United States when it comes to clothing. Since joining the World Trade Organization in early 2007, Vietnam’s apparel industry has steadily grown to make apparel the country’s No. 1 export product. During the first 10 months of this year, that Southeast Asian country shipped $7.2 billion in apparel and textile goods to the United States, a nearly 18 percent jump over last year.

India has also been growing its apparel exports, now ranking as the No. 3 provider of apparel and textiles in the United States in terms of dollar value. It shipped nearly $5.9 billion in clothes to U.S. consumers during the first 10 months of this year, a nearly 12.4 percent gain from last year.

Other major apparel producers for the U.S. market were Indonesia, Mexico, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Honduras.

Just as imports were rising, so were U.S. apparel and textile exports as a weaker U.S. dollar helped sales. At the same time, U.S. manufacturers are busy going global and diversifying their markets to Europe, Asia and the Middle East to counter any weakness in the U.S. economy.

During the first 10 months of this year, exports were up nearly 15 percent to $18.9 billion, compared with $16.45 billion during the same period last year.—D.B. 

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[Plus Size Clothing, Maternity Clothes and dresses] [Plus Size Clothing, Maternity Clothes and dresses] [Dresses - Wedding Dresses, Women Clothes online] 2011 Retrospective: US Textile and Apparel Shipments Show Healthy Gains

Apparel and textile imports were up a little more than 15 percent, totaling $97.2 billion during the first 10 months of this year compared with the same period last year. Those imports have been in positive territory for the last two years after tumbling 13.5 percent in 2009.

China, which sent $40 billion in apparel and textiles to the United States from January through October, still accounts for 40 percent of all U.S. apparel and textiles imports, a rate that has held fairly steady over the years.

But Vietnam has made great strides as an apparel powerhouse, now ranking as the No. 2 supplier to the United States when it comes to clothing. Since joining the World Trade Organization in early 2007, Vietnam’s apparel industry has steadily grown to make apparel the country’s No. 1 export product. During the first 10 months of this year, that Southeast Asian country shipped $7.2 billion in apparel and textile goods to the United States, a nearly 18 percent jump over last year.

India has also been growing its apparel exports, now ranking as the No. 3 provider of apparel and textiles in the United States in terms of dollar value. It shipped nearly $5.9 billion in clothes to U.S. consumers during the first 10 months of this year, a nearly 12.4 percent gain from last year.

Other major apparel producers for the U.S. market were Indonesia, Mexico, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Honduras.

Just as imports were rising, so were U.S. apparel and textile exports as a weaker U.S. dollar helped sales. At the same time, U.S. manufacturers are busy going global and diversifying their markets to Europe, Asia and the Middle East to counter any weakness in the U.S. economy.

During the first 10 months of this year, exports were up nearly 15 percent to $18.9 billion, compared with $16.45 billion during the same period last year.—D.B. 

View the original article here

Posted via email from gaureey's Space

Posted via email from gaureey's Space

Posted via email from gaureey's Space

[Plus Size Clothing, Maternity Clothes and dresses] [Dresses - Wedding Dresses, Women Clothes online] 2011 Retrospective: US Textile and Apparel Shipments Show Healthy Gains

Apparel and textile imports were up a little more than 15 percent, totaling $97.2 billion during the first 10 months of this year compared with the same period last year. Those imports have been in positive territory for the last two years after tumbling 13.5 percent in 2009.

China, which sent $40 billion in apparel and textiles to the United States from January through October, still accounts for 40 percent of all U.S. apparel and textiles imports, a rate that has held fairly steady over the years.

But Vietnam has made great strides as an apparel powerhouse, now ranking as the No. 2 supplier to the United States when it comes to clothing. Since joining the World Trade Organization in early 2007, Vietnam’s apparel industry has steadily grown to make apparel the country’s No. 1 export product. During the first 10 months of this year, that Southeast Asian country shipped $7.2 billion in apparel and textile goods to the United States, a nearly 18 percent jump over last year.

India has also been growing its apparel exports, now ranking as the No. 3 provider of apparel and textiles in the United States in terms of dollar value. It shipped nearly $5.9 billion in clothes to U.S. consumers during the first 10 months of this year, a nearly 12.4 percent gain from last year.

Other major apparel producers for the U.S. market were Indonesia, Mexico, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Honduras.

Just as imports were rising, so were U.S. apparel and textile exports as a weaker U.S. dollar helped sales. At the same time, U.S. manufacturers are busy going global and diversifying their markets to Europe, Asia and the Middle East to counter any weakness in the U.S. economy.

During the first 10 months of this year, exports were up nearly 15 percent to $18.9 billion, compared with $16.45 billion during the same period last year.—D.B. 

View the original article here

Posted via email from gaureey's Space

Posted via email from gaureey's Space

[Dresses - Wedding Dresses, Women Clothes online] 2011 Retrospective: US Textile and Apparel Shipments Show Healthy Gains

Apparel and textile imports were up a little more than 15 percent, totaling $97.2 billion during the first 10 months of this year compared with the same period last year. Those imports have been in positive territory for the last two years after tumbling 13.5 percent in 2009.

China, which sent $40 billion in apparel and textiles to the United States from January through October, still accounts for 40 percent of all U.S. apparel and textiles imports, a rate that has held fairly steady over the years.

But Vietnam has made great strides as an apparel powerhouse, now ranking as the No. 2 supplier to the United States when it comes to clothing. Since joining the World Trade Organization in early 2007, Vietnam’s apparel industry has steadily grown to make apparel the country’s No. 1 export product. During the first 10 months of this year, that Southeast Asian country shipped $7.2 billion in apparel and textile goods to the United States, a nearly 18 percent jump over last year.

India has also been growing its apparel exports, now ranking as the No. 3 provider of apparel and textiles in the United States in terms of dollar value. It shipped nearly $5.9 billion in clothes to U.S. consumers during the first 10 months of this year, a nearly 12.4 percent gain from last year.

Other major apparel producers for the U.S. market were Indonesia, Mexico, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Honduras.

Just as imports were rising, so were U.S. apparel and textile exports as a weaker U.S. dollar helped sales. At the same time, U.S. manufacturers are busy going global and diversifying their markets to Europe, Asia and the Middle East to counter any weakness in the U.S. economy.

During the first 10 months of this year, exports were up nearly 15 percent to $18.9 billion, compared with $16.45 billion during the same period last year.—D.B. 

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Gemvara's New Naked Gems Collection

Now that the holiday season is upon us, there is no better time to think about giving that special someone in your life a personalized gift. Gemvara, Inc. has created a unique site that offers more than 1,500 designs to choose from where you can also customize your own pieces to make the jewelry more personal. From a mother’s ring to a beautiful pendant, there is something for everyone on your holiday list here.

Each of the designs takes two to three weeks to create because they are all customizable and all of the products are made in the United States. Corinne Grousbeck, wife of Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck, has recently joined the Gemvara team as vice president of brand marketing.

How did she become involved in Gemvara.com?

For the past 20 years, Corinne has been extremely active in the non-profit community, working as a consultant to organizations like Perkins School for the Blind, Children’s Hospital Boston Children’s Hospital Trust Fund, and the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum and single-handedly raising millions of dollars for charities’ awareness. She has always had a passion for jewelry and fashion and wanted to find a new way to challenge herself. She put feelers out to her friends and contacts to see what type of opportunities were out there and was soon introduced to founder and CEO of Gemvara.com, Matt Lauzon. In July, 2011 she assumed the role as an advisor to Matt and soon after was named vice president, brand marketing.

What was the inspiration behind the Naked Gems collection she created?

Corinne wanted to create a collection of statement-making, eye-catching jewelry that would still be very individualized to its wearer. Like all Gemvara jewelry, the Naked Gems Collection allows the shopper to customize the design with their favorite gems and metals to create a truly unique, one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. With options like London Blue Topaz or Lemon Quartz, the rings, pendants and earrings in this collection focus on the brilliance of the stones. They have secured high-quality gems that are very rich in color so that when the piece is on your finger or around your neck, the color is striking. The pieces are at a low enough price point (starting around $250) that women don’t have to feel guilty about ordering the same ring in multiple colors to match different outfits. They continuously see customers buying different colored pendants in each of their children’s birthstones as a way to honor them. Men often purchase three pieces of jewelry, all in the same gemstone color because they know it’s 'her' favorite. They’re hoping to make fashionable jewelry as meaningful and personal as someone’s engagement ring or wedding band.

What are some of the best sellers from the Naked Gems collection?

Gemstone jewelry is so popular right now that everything in the Naked Gems Collection is selling well. Blue Topaz is one of the most popular gemstones (it has consistently been the number one selling gemstone) and they had the Naked Cushion Petite Bezel Pendant rise to the number thirteen spot this month. Another popular piece is the Naked Pave Pendant because it’s so easy to layer with other necklaces or buy in a few different colors to wear separately or all at once. The response to the new collection has been phenomenal!

[Dresses - Wedding Dresses, Women Clothes online] Former Baby Phat Licensee Files for Bankruptcy Protection

BP Clothing, the Los Angeles–area apparel company that, until recently, held the license to make Baby Phat clothing, primarily for Wal-Mart, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The company, located in Commerce, Calif., filed bankruptcy papers on Dec. 12 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York.

BP Clothing, founded in 2003 by Steven Feiner along with Scott London and investment company Steel Partners, listed $57.4 million in assets and nearly $94 million in debt.

The list of creditors reaches far into the apparel and finance worlds. The top three secured creditors were Guggenheim Corporate Funding, owed $58 million; MVC Capital Inc., owed $24 million; and First Capital factors, owed $3.7 million.

Others on the list to collect money included Majestic Realty, operators of the company’s former warehouse. Majestic is in line to collect $272,377. Foyal Garment Co., based outside of Chicago, said it is owed nearly $200,000. Pacific Continental Textiles of Rancho Dominguez, Calif., has a claim in for $145,000.

Tough economic times, falling apparel prices and skyrocketing cotton prices have challenged the company that once occupied a 111,400-square-foot warehouse in Pico Rivera, Calif., until it could no longer pay the $65,000 monthly rent.

Recently, BP Clothing moved to a 13,000-square-foot facility in Commerce and is renting a warehouse to hold its stock, the company said in court papers.

As an example of its financial hardship, the apparel venture rolled out a slew of statistics showing its revenues in fiscal year 2010 declined to $89 million after hitting high marks of $101 million in 2009 and $132.8 million in 2008.

According to court papers, the company has been battling a cash-flow problem that hampered its ability to finance its Baby Phat production. Subsequently, BP Clothing early this year lost its license to sell Baby Phat clothing to Wal-Mart.

Currently, the only label BP Clothing is selling to Wal-Mart is its own Susie Rose line of apparel.

The idea is for the company, which employs 42 people and uses eight contractors, to quickly exit bankruptcy with a plan supported by its creditors, who may end up receiving equity in the company as opposed to receiving money.

“We are attempting to repair the balance sheet and reorganize around the current licenses we own,” said Michael Fox, BP Clothing’s bankruptcy attorney. He noted that the company is still up and running.

According to court papers, “The debtor seeks to efficiently reduce the substantial debt burden that hinders its ability to effectively compete in a competitive market that has been challenged by overall economic conditions. A successful restructuring will allow the debtor to concentrate its resources on generating revenue and expanding market share.”

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[Dresses - Wedding Dresses, Women Clothes online] Dressing For Your Body Type | Celebrities Show Us How It's Done

Beretta/Sims/Startraks/Jeff R. Bottari/Getty/Jim SmealGetting dressed in the morning doesn't have to be a big ordeal if you're aware of how to dress for your personal body type. There are just certain styles and cuts that aren't going to be as flattering as others if you are trying to force it on the wrong body shape. People magazine took a look at some of Hollywood's hottest celebrities and their various body types to show just how it's done.
If you're tall and thin like Taylor Swift then a corset dress with a singed waist is perfect to give you some curves where you need them. The full, flowy skirt also adds some shape to a thinner frame as well. (Photo Credit: UPI/Terry Wyatt/Landov)
If you are more petite like Nicole Richie, a looser fitting dress in a thicker or shinier material is a great idea. The waist is still accentuated while the low cut neck line and uneven hem line call attention to the right areas. (Photo Credit: Donato Sardella/Wireimage)
If you have a fuller figure like Adele, choosing a darker color palette and embellishments works perfectly. The tea-length adds height and elongates the body along with the three-quarter length sleeves. (Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur/Wireimage)

Visit PeopleStyleWatch.com to see more tips on dressing for your body type.

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[Dresses - Wedding Dresses, Women Clothes online] Designer Profile: Raquel Allegra

Raquel Allegra is perhaps best known for her avant-garde T-shirts made with elaborate shredding techniques and tie-dyed prints. But in just five...

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