Styles have changed a lot over the past fifty years, but athletic apparel and sportswear has remained a steady part of women’s wardrobes, most notably in trendy junior fashion. The only thing that’s changed is where we wear athletic clothing and what we call it.
If you came of age in the 1970’s, you might have called your “tennies” to the gym, but only to the gym, but as soon as the 80’s began, so did the athletic boom. Before long, jogging shorts, tennis shoes, and workout tops were a part of every woman’s wardrobe, and they were worn everywhere. Remember when women wore running shoes and socks with a business suit? It was a contemporary apparel trend most were glad to see go away.
Then came the movie “Flashdance” and the danskin/hip-hop look, complete with ripped t-shirts, leg warmers and stretch pants.
Today’s wholesale fashion apparel buyers are still cashing in on the sporty look, but now it has many faces. Some trends just seem to hang on forever, like leggings, Converse “Chuck Taylor” All-Stars. Even though the athletic look has been toned down a little this decade, these styles continue to play an important role in junior fashion apparel.
But the more interesting story here is the way top designers have interpreted athletic apparel and worked it into even some of the highest priced couture items. Sweatshirt fabric, platform sneakers, athletic-inspired jackets and yoga pants have all made their way, in some form, onto the runways of Paris and Milan, and into wholesale boutique clothing showrooms, such as Fashion Spot LA, for decades.
Perhaps it is the comfort-factor that attracts even the best dressed people to athletic wear, but it is a trend that doesn’t seem to be going away. Junior fashion apparel is more influenced by the sporty look than others, with most teen stores focusing on hooded sweatshirts, sweatpants and yoga pants as anchors to their fall collections.
Even the Juicy Couture brand has cashed in on the popularity of their signature tracksuits for children and teens, and sneaker companies have learned that sneaks can come in every pattern, color and texture under the sun. Now, if we could just start working out as often as it looks like we do, we’d all be in great shape!
Tags: Contempo, Junior Fashion Apparel, Trendy Junior Fashion, Wholesale Boutique Clothing, Wholesale Fashion Apparel
Over the past several years, trade shows and expos have evolved to make them more accessible to people around the world. While less personal and a lot less fun than a trip to Paris or Milan, they offer many of the same benefits as traditional shows without the travel expenses. It may have taken a bit longer for the fashion world to catch on, but with so many travel budgets being cut, wholesale fashion clothing buyers are starting to like the idea of “virtual fashion shows.”
One successful venture, the Forward Global Trade Show, is an interactive web site that allows fashion designers to show their products to women’s and junior apparel buyers in a revolutionary new way. By hosting a two-day event on their site, Forward Global allows for unparalleled networking opportunities between designers and wholesale boutique clothing buyers, making it easier than ever for fashion houses to showcase new contemporary apparel trends to buyers around the world.
Thanks to virtual shows like these, consumers will no longer need to wait two seasons to see the clothing at runway shows begin appearing in stores. This meets the immediate needs of a changing market, and allows women’s fashion apparel buyers to stay on top of emerging trends and “buy them while they’re hot.”
Just like a normal trade show, Forward Global allows up to 300 vendors to exhibit their collections in an online virtual environment that mimics an actual fashion trade show. Wholesale fashion apparel buyers from around the globe can register to attend the show, where they can watch runway shows on video, network with other attendees, and place orders on vendors’ web-stands. Women’s and junior apparel buyers such as Fashion Spot LA are expecting this trend to continue in 2010 and change the way designers go to market with their collections.
Tags: Junior Apparel, Wholesale Boutique Clothing, Wholesale Fashion Apparel, Wholesale Fashion Clothing
As the holidays approach, retailers are stocking up on evening dresses in every style color and fabric. In fact, the biggest weekend for buying evening wear is quickly approaching. Many women use the same dress for their corporate Christmas party as they do for New Year’s Eve, but this year you will see even more women trying to get one dress that will suit both occasions.
Buyers of contemporary apparel are acutely aware of how the economic crisis may affect this season’s evening wear purchases, and many are looking at a more casual line-up than in past years. Part of the reason for this is that so many companies have cut back on the formality of their holiday events, and fewer people than ever are attending fancy-dress New Year’s Eve parties. For the wholesale boutique clothing buyer, it makes sense to offer a more laid-back holiday dress selection this year.
In most ready-to-wear lines, the fabrics of choice will still be silk, satin and polyester. Best selling colors in women’s holiday dresses tend to be wine red, gold, black and turquoise. Most dresses are designed to accent the bust, and include added support, especially the strapless and empire styles.
One of the reasons for the popularity of the empire-cut dress is that so many women want to hide their waistlines and upper legs. The most enduring styles are available with a matching shawl, and are fully lined in polyester with a back zipper. Most ready-to-wear dresses are retail priced at $100 and up, with designer gowns starting at over $1,000, but wholesale fashion clothing buyers like Fashion Spot LA, are getting more incentives this year, enabling them to offer lower prices to their customers.
Tags: Contemporary Apparel, Wholesale Boutique Clothing, Wholesale Fashion Clothing
The art of being “Elegant” is defined differently by everyone; hence the phrase, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” For some, elegance can be the sheer simplicity of making something beautiful appear effortless, and for others it can be a glitzy and glamorous ensemble. But for the contemporary apparel buyer, such as Fashion Spot LA, it means knowing a few secrets of the trade. For an elegant retail collection, it all comes down to knowing your customer, what she wants, and what she doesn’t.
Elegance is an abstract concept to most people, and few people can really pull it off, but wholesale boutique clothing owners know that they are not just buying clothing; they are setting a standard of tastefulness for their clientele. And beyond that, they are showing them – through their collection of clothing and accessories – how to look elegant. In short, to a wholesale clothing apparel buyer, elegance is the art of “pulling it all together.”
While everyone has their own definition of elegance, here are some of the tips I’ve picked up after spending several years as a junior clothing apparel buyer.
1. No big flowery prints on dresses
2. No fluorescent or overly bright colored clothing
3. Fabric should be appealing to the eye- stay away from polyester – please.
4. Keep it simple – no excessive sparkles, beads or embellishments on everyday clothes
5. Make sure your blacks match other blacks and your whites other whites.
6. No unnecessary zippers or buttons on sleeves, bodices and shoulders
7. Wear clothes that fit. Something too small or too large is almost always inappropriate
8. Whatever you do, wear clean clothes, and don’t be afraid to iron them when needed
9. When something gets faded, permanently stained or ripped, get it out of your closet
10. Perhaps most important of all – if something doesn’t flatter your figure, don’t wear it just because it’s trendy.
As you can see, elegance in junior fashion apparel is not about changing innate sense of style. In fact, it’s more about what not to do than anything else. Beyond that, elegance is a state of mind.
Tags: Contemporary Apparel, Junior Clothing Apparel, Junior Fashion Apparel, Wholesale Boutique Clothing, Wholesale Clothing Apparel
Teens have a surprising amount of buying power when it comes to fashion, even during the recession. As a result, junior apparel buyers are still placing decent sized orders for the holiday season. Perhaps it is because the price of entry into the trendy junior fashion market is still so low, but what really keeps it going is the pressure teens are under to keep up with what their friends are wearing. After all, no teenage girl wants to stand out in a crowd.
With so much of their inspiration coming from television, movies and magazines, it doesn’t sound difficult to predict the next trend, but it may be trickier than you think. Teenagers are still balancing their need to be different with their need to fit in, but they also want to be trendsetters themselves. This can be impossible to accomplish unless you do a lot of shopping and a lot of buying.
Let’s take a look at some junior fashion apparel trends and what makes them each unique.
* EMO: Also known as “emotional” style is the most extreme form of teen fashion at the moment. Girls are often shocked when one of their friends “goes Emo”. Similar to the punk trends of the eighties, Emo is all about extremes. Bright colors balanced with jet black, Zelda hairdos, pencil thin jeans with a studded belt, facial piercings and of course, black kohl eyeliner.
* Gothic, or “Goth” as it is more commonly known, is more about black than anything else. Slick black hair, black eye makeup, black nails, chunky heels and metal details are everywhere in a Goth group. Add some fishnets, a short skirt, Doc Martens and some face whitener and you’re good to go.
* Hip-Hop is a style that speaks of the streets. Even suburban teens are attracted to trendy junior fashions like baggy pants, t-shirts and body hugging “Flashdance” tanks. And don’t forget the cap. Hip-Hop can be more loosely interpreted than some other styles, and its definitely less predictable than Goth or Emo.
Other styles, like Bohemian, Prep and Jock are less individualistic and more label-conscious; definitely for people who want to fit in with the crowd. While less exciting for the wholesale fashion apparel buyer, such as Fashion Spot LA, these groups account for the vast majority of teens.
Tags: Junior Apparel Buyers, Junior Fashion Apparel, Trendy Junior Fashion, Wholesale Fashion Apparel
For contemporary apparel buyers lucky enough to score a ticket to the Milan fashion shows this fall, the Max Mara show was a real highlight. Already known for their stunning collections of couturier coats, the latest Mara creations are sensational in shape, style and fabric. Whisper thin models sashayed down the Mara runway, all decked out and bejeweled, but nothing stole the show more than his 17 stylish top coats.
While some designers rely on their name and dose of drama to make their shows a success, Max Mara could have done it on the strength of his designs alone. Every fabric and texture was represented too, from alpaca to tweed, camel’s hair to cashmere. Saturated colors were everywhere, like the deep red evening coat with rosettes on the collar.
The coats are beautifully shaped, with defined waistlines, A-lines and barrel-shaped styles evoking a tasteful blend of nostalgia and modernity. Max Mara is also offering a supple pair of opera-length gloves to go along with his three-quarter length sleeve coats. For wholesale fashion apparel buyers, the coats will only be available in five of the label’s US stores, but expect demand to expand the availability over time. If these coats are any inspiration to next season’s outerwear collections, a whole line of imitators will be competing for space in wholesale clothing apparel showrooms such as Fashion Spot LA.
Max Mara’s chief designer, Laura Lusuardi can be very proud of the attention this new line has received in Milan. One of the distinguishing characteristics of this collection was the hand-finished silk linings, each completely done in Max Mara’s factories. While this may not seem extraordinary to some, it is quite a bit more expensive to do this in-house, which is a testament to the financial health of the company.
Tags: Contemporary Apparel, Wholesale Clothing Apparel, Wholesale Fashion Apparel
If you ask today’s teenage girl what’s on her Christmas list, she will undoubtedly start rattling off a list of labels ranging from typical “mall store” items to designer duds. You can’t blame a teenager for wanting the same things they’ve always wanted. Trouble is, with the economic crisis, it’s not so realistic anymore for these “luxury generation” children to get everything on their list.
Trendy junior fashion is not immune to the changes seen on runways in New York, Milan and Paris. Even junior apparel buyers are adjusting their orders to meet a higher demand for practical yet stylish items.
Athletic apparel like jackets from The North Face, body-hugging yoga pants; baggy sweats and neon-colored Converse sneakers have replaced some of the dressed-up looks of the nineties. But some remnants from the age of excess are still favored by teenagers. Must-haves for some include a Juicy Couture hoodies, micro-clutch bags from Coach, and the ever popular UGGs from Australia.
Retailers looking to purchase junior clothing wholesale are in luck this year. Because so many designers had a lean year in 2009, most are looking to unload their warehouses over the holidays. Prices have never been better on the wholesale junior clothing market, but some retailers are reluctant to pass along these savings to their customers… at least not until the last week before Christmas.
One thing that has changed since last Christmas is that more customers are likely to search for lower-priced replicas instead of the real name-brand item, particularly if the original has a price tag that is out of reach. But expect teenage customers to continue looking for those labels at places like Fashion Spot LA. The only question this Christmas will be whether they (or their parents) can afford them.
Tags: Junior Apparel, Junior Apparel Buyers, Junior Clothing Wholesale, Trendy Junior Fashion, Wholesale Junior Clothing
Only Prada can take what the rest of the world considers tacky and make it work in a new collection. Case in point: Prada’s recent spring show in Milan. The inspiration? Sketchy references to crumbling Italian hotels with checkered floors, seaside postcards, clear plastics and raw edges, all blended together in a unique twist that only Prada could pull off successfully.
Even the runway itself was crafted to evoke the saturated tones of a seaside hotel, with a classical façade running the length of the runway. Then came the models sporting fly-away cropped jackets worn over long white tees with Bermudas. A mélange of clear plastic platform sandals, floral mini-shifts, floaty halter tops and souvenir postcard scenes printed on jackets gave a playful new perspective to Prada’s collection without losing the proper couturier look.
For wholesale fashion apparel buyers, the show was a refreshing twist on well established fabrics and styles, and may provide junior fashion apparel buyers’ new fodder for how they merchandise their collections this spring. If nothing else, it may precipitate orders of clear plastic footwear from wholesale fashion buyers looking to cash in on the Prada look.
Trendy junior fashions for spring 2010 may include grey florals and blue-hued postcard scenes, as well as layered spring looks that incorporate Bermudas with platform sandals. Also, look for a return of the halter top, paired with jangly chandelier-style beads. The look is raw and edgy, yet feminine; tacky and superfluous yet grounded. Overall, for junior clothing wholesale buyers, such as Fashion Spot LA, Prada has done it again!
Tags: Junior Apparel, Junior Clothing Wholesale, Junior Fashion Apparel, Wholesale Fashion Apparel
Now that the Paris shows have started, contemporary apparel buyers are making predictions about what will be the most enduring trend for 2010. Some of the lesser known designers often come up with the most compelling presentations at these shows, with an eye on attracting buyers to their wholesale fashion apparel sales after the show. It is also a time for junior apparel buyers to find some exciting new ideas to start showing in stores.
A few of the designers that caught my eye this year included Eyola Victorian-inspired dresses, the black and white sculptural presentation by Agonovich, Rochas by Marco Zanini’s French sportswear and the “White Collection” by Osman Yousefzada.
One of the undercurrents that seemed to run through almost every Milan and Paris showing is a simpler, less glitzy, more accessible approach to contemporary apparel. It is as if the economic crisis has forced designers to take a long hard look at their clients’ personal outlook, and started seeing their designs through the eyes of wholesale clothing apparel buyers too. The result is a relaxed and simple design sense with an emphasis on texture and layered fabrics.
In his crisp “White Collection”, Osman Yousefzada used simple structured silhouettes in a singular palette of white, with gold accents, drawing attention to textures of silk, cheesecloth and suede in various shades of white. In his classic minimalistic style, Yousefzada applied a more futuristic feel to his spring collection with kimono shapes and abstract dip-dyed edges.
Marco Zanini offered an unhurried, sportswear approach to his Rochas collection, featuring beautifully cut liquid silk dresses falling just below the knee with layered skirts and vivid florals. Colors like mulberry, lemongrass and pistachio turned up in tiny colorful blazers, paired with tap pants and classic accessories.
When it’s time to buy wholesale boutique clothing for spring 2010, look for these fanciful yet wearable silhouettes to start showing in wholesale boutique clothing store Fashion Spot LA.
Tags: Contemporary Apparel, Wholesale Boutique Clothing, Wholesale Clothing Apparel, Wholesale Fashion Apparel, Wholesale Fashion Clothing
The best part about being a “fashionista” is keeping up with the latest in trendy junior fashion and seeing how the influences of haute-couture, MTV and the Disney Channel intersect in the average teenager’s closet.
Junior apparel is somewhat tricky to predict, since teens tend to follow one another when it comes to fashion. Only when a new trend is being pushed by a few major retailers will it gain enough traction to be worn by your average high school girl. Another way a new “look” becomes popular is when it is seen on a few major celebrities, or in the hottest new music video.
Who which trends are making their way into junior clothing apparel racks this fall?
1. Believe it or not, the velvet bustier and pouf-y little mini dresses are on the must-have list for teens. This reminder of the Madonna of the eighties recalls dark eyeliner and big hair too, but thankfully they are being presented much more tastefully for ’09.
2. Face it, we’re living in some dark days and even teenage girls haven’t been immune to this. Look for some dark gray knits, muted blues and a renewed obsession with black to show up in juniors’ apparel this fall.
3. On a brighter note, neon candy pink is a hot shade for fall too, bringing to mind a generation of excess and an optimistic outlook for the future. Whether it’s a pink jumpsuit, micro-mini dress or neon pink accessories look for pink to make a comeback this fall.
4. Another glitzy trend is platinum and gold – not just in shoes and accessories, but in jackets, shirts and handbags too. Pair a gleaming gold jacket with gray or black for maximum impact.
5. Perhaps the biggest New York style to finally make its way into the wholesale junior fashion stores is Bondage Boots. Similar to the Pirate Boots of a few years back, these hip-high (or more comfortably, knee high) black boots look terrific with a mini-dress or shorts.
6. For outerwear, the Pea Coat and collegiate tweed are an excellent choice for teens. Not only are they warmer on cold mornings at the bus stop, they go with almost everything.
7. Pencil skirts and skinny jeans are still the rave, but this year contemporary apparel wearers are pairing them with oversized, strong-shouldered, belted jackets that hug curves in all the right places
8. Hounds tooth and buffalo plaid are showing up everywhere this fall, pairing bold black shapes with a host of primary colors like yellow, vermillion and cobalt.
9. Rock n’ Roll style studs, scattered across black leather, are another junior fashion trend making a comeback this year.
10. The vest, a perennial fall favorite, is being shown this year over long tunics, over tanks, and under leather or plaid. Layering with a vest invokes a bulkier silhouette on top, which looks great when juxtaposed with skinny jeans and pencil skirts.
Look for all these trends and more at Fashion Spot LA, your one stop junior clothing wholesale boutique.
Tags: Contemporary Apparel, Junior Apparel, Junior Clothing Wholesale, Trendy Junior Fashion, Wholesale Junior Fashion