Style Expose Blog

8/26/2009

Blog to Know: Retail Minded

For any designer or retail owner, Retail Minded is a fantastic resource for you to stay on top of issues that press your business daily. This blog is written by Nicole Reyhle, a Chicago native and Professor at Columbia College. After graduating with a degree in Retail Business Management from Columbia College, Reyhle worked as a buyer at Sears. After that, she then worked on the wholesale side of companies like Franco Sarto and Via Spiga and worked with retailers including Macy's, Nordstrom's, and Dillard's. She also had press responsibilities, communicating with Vogue, O Magazine, Lucky, and more.

Basically, Nicole saw the fashion industry from almost every angle and is now here to spread the wealth. She writes daily articles with tips and tricks on the industry.

Her article today talks about questions to ask a sales rep, something we at Stitches are asked about daily. She's listed out 20 insightful questions to help you determine who is the best rep for you. Some of our favorites include:

Are there references from other vendors currently working with this rep that he or she is willing to share with you? There should be!

Why is this rep able to pick up a new line? Did they just lose a line or are they looking for more diversification? The details matter here. You don't want to get lost in a crowd.

How often do you expect to hear from the rep? Some reps don't touchbase at all unless an order is placed. Make sure your expectations are agreed upon.

To read more of Nicole's tips or to register for her daily emails, visit www.retailminded.com

8/25/2009

Quote of the Day

From WWD: "If we sold 10 of something in the old days, we would make 12 and count on reorders. Now if we sell 10, we make eight and chase the business. I'd rather have missed a sale than have an unsold garment." -Marty Staff, chief executive officer of JA Apparel, on the new normal.

8/25/2009

Bess and Loie Local Designer Trunk Show

One of our favorite local boutiques is hosting a pre-fall trunk show this Thursday to show the locals some Chicago designers that they might not yet know. Shop Objets d'envy, Squasht by Les, Brynn Capella and Laura Lombardi Jewelry. Bring dog toys and treats that will be donated to a local dog shelter. Also, get 15% off non-sale store items.

8/21/2009

Serpico $1000 Fall Giveaway

On your lazy weekend stroll, head over to SERPICO's Wicker Park Boutique to sign up for your chance to win a $1000 credit towards your fall wardrobe! Starting now through Aug. 31st. Another reason for a visit: their sale merchandise is up to 70% off.

Drawing will be held on September 1st, 12pm.
Winner will be notified immediately.
No purchase necessary to enter. One entry per visit & one additional entry with purchase.

8/20/2009

Rockaholic Fashion Fest 2009

Check out the Rockaholic Fashion event this Saturday for some great independent music and fashion. It's at Moonshine in Wicker Park on Division Street. Visit
www.yelp.com/events/chicago-rockaholic-fashion-fest-moonshine-wicker-park to find out more.
When: Sat. Aug 22
Time: 12 noon-10pm
Where:
Moonshine
1824 West Division
Chicago, Il
Wicker Park

8/19/2009

Crescendo Apparel Launch Party

Chicago's fashion crowd gathered last Wednesday at the Hotel Sax's Crescendo Lounge(perfect venue for this party) to see the debut of Crescendo Apparel. The line has been designed for the fashion forward pear shaped woman- small waist, full hips. Centered around well tailored pants and skirts and sprinkled with stunning wraps, this line is all about flattering a woman's figure. Kathryn McKechnie, founder of the line, got tired of unflattering shapes and her struggle to find well fitting clothes- especially bottoms. She quickly realized she was not alone in this ill-fitting clothes world and created Crescendo to celebrate the curvy bod.

The Launch party was definitely a night to remember, with an installation of rotating models, delicious treats and a cool room. The collection is full of pieces that can take you from work to drinks and keep you distinct from the standard 9-5 apparel. The Catherine Hepburn style, pleated front Pixie Pants are definitely stylish yet classic pants that will last you seasons. The event left all excited to see what's next with this new line. To see the full line-up of Crescendo for fall, visit their website at www.crescendoapparel.com.

8/17/2009

Drinks and Design on the Deck

Saper Law Offices, in conjunction with Svenson Law, cordially invites you to an evening of Drinks, and Design on their fabulous roof top Deck(seriously fabulous..): Thursday, August 27th from 5:30 to 8:30. The event will feature international wines and cheeses as well as a trunk show by Tel Aviv Couture.

Tel Aviv Couture represents a growing list of innovative Israeli designers by bringing their trends to America and other international markets. RSVP TODAY!

Drinks and Design on the Deck:
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Saper Law Offices
Svenson Law Offices
500 N. Dearborn, Suite 1200
Chicago, IL 60654
Time: 5:30 pm — 8:30 pm
Cost $15 before August 25
Cost $25 after August 25, or at the door. Click here

8/12/2009

Chic Gems CLEARANCE SALE-50% off

Shop the Chic Gems CLEARANCE SALE-50% off(plus free gift with purchase over $100)

The current Chic Gems Collection (www.ChicGemsEtc.com) is being discontinued in 2 weeks to make room for their new Signature Collection and Couture Collection...

Save 50% off your favorite pearls, stones, glass, etc. Take an additional 50% off already reduced sale merchandise.

50% off the entire Collection through August 17. Shop online at www.ChicGemsEtc.com and use code final at checkout to receive your discount or call 888-801-8265 to order by phone.

BONUS: All purchases over $100 (after discount) will receive a FREE pair of Oyster Pearl Earrings. Happy Shopping!

8/12/2009

Private Sale Sites See Great Returns

WWD reported yesterday the skyrocketing revenues of private sales companies such as Gilt Group or RueLaLa. It went on to spell out a seemingly obvious problem with this growing retail vertical. "The biggest challenge seems to be finding enough merchandise. 'There's a real fight right now for product,' says John Tomich (of One Stop, who recently acquired Billion Dollar Babes)" It goes on to quote, "A lot of designers have cut back on production" said Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, co-founder of Gilt Group. This big swing in the economy has turned the industry on its head. While the fashionable crave new styles, many are on tighter budgets and these private sales seem to be their best solution for their big name designer appetites. These sites may also be a good solution for designers sitting on huge inventories. Just an interesting development.

8/10/2009

Beta Boutique's Semi-Annual Stacked Racks Event This Weekend!

After six long months of waiting, the Beta girls are ready once again to show off their stacked racks and will be filling a brand new off-site space in Lincoln Park for 2 days only with rack after marvelous rack of summer & fall's best designer stock and samples as well as the best boutique overstock selling at 40-90% off retail prices. Look for prices to start at just $5! (All items $150 and under!) A must do for your weekend schedule!

When: Saturday, August 15th (10am — 6pm) and Sunday, August 16th (12pm — 5pm)
Where: NEW LARGER LOCATION! In Lincoln Park @ 651 W Diversey Pkwy (in the old Pier One store next to Akira, just west of Clark and Broadway)
What: 9000 sq ft of the best designer stock/samples and choicest boutique overstock priced at 40-90% off for men and women, sizes XS — XL, all prices $150 and under.

Make sure to keep a look out for some of the Chicago designers Beta has stocked including Lara Miller and Blake Standard.

8/6/2009

Creative Industries Open House

The Chicago Department of Community Development and the Department of Cultural Affairs invite you to be the first to see newly available work, office and entertainment space in the new Creative Industries District at Cermak Road and the Chicago River. The district was recently re-zoned to include creative industry uses.

Two open houses will provide opportunities to view the district and learn more about leasing and investment opportunities. This is a FANTASTIC opportunity for an emerging designer looking for inexpensive workspace.

Aug 15 - 16
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Wendnagle Warehouse, 600 W. Cermak Road

8/4/2009

Stitches Fashion Program Presents: Creating a Blockbuster Marketing Strategy Seminar

You are invited to our Creating a Blockbuster Marketing Strategy Seminar on September 10, 2009
From 10am-Noon
At the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center
200 E Randolph, Suite 2200
Chicago, IL 60601
Cost: $30
RSVP at http://ww2.chicagolandchamber.org/sub/event_calendar_detail.asp?EVE_ID=1254

RSVP Required

Topics to be covered: Preparing a Dynamic Press Kit, Trade Show Marketing, Email and Web Marketing as well as Integrating Social Media into your existing marketing efforts

Presented by Ralinda Harvey, lead consultant and advisory board member for Fashion Business Inc. in Los Angeles. As a consultant she has helped designers of major fashion houses launch their own businesses, managed government training programs for the design industry, written grants to promote apparel industry education and is a featured speaker at International trade shows and events.

For questions, contact elise@chicagolandec.org