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
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
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
Just when you were getting ready for the spicy browns and reds of fall, Pantone has released its Top Ten Pantone colors for spring in its Fashion Color Report, spring 2010. As the fashion world turns its attention to Fashion Week, top New York designers have chosen their spring color palette.
Looking at the top five colors, which range from soft violets to terra-cotta corals and mustardy yellows, I am reminded of a sunset over red rock mountains in the Southwest. The vibrancy of these colors, against the rather neutral tones shown in the bottom five, shows a sense of optimism for the spring season. Of course, with the recession still looming large in the minds of top designers, it is a cautious optimism.
Consumers this spring are expected to be somewhat more selective about their purchases, but they still want something that is fresh and relevant. Whether it is just a few key wardrobe pieces, or a range of new accessories, these exciting new colors are sure to enhance any wardrobe.
If you buy wholesale clothes, women’s contemporary apparel, or trendy junior fashions, the Pantone “Top Ten” will certainly play into your decision making.
As a purple-lover myself, I was very pleased to see a soft violet topping the list. Specifically, it is Violet Pantone 16-3320. A huge color for several seasons, this warmer version of what is generally considered a cool color is what finally moved violet to number one. Close to 14% of all designers surveyed used this color in their spring collections.
A perfect complement to purple on the color wheel is yellow, which hit #2 this year with Aurora Pantone #12-0642. Several designers of contemporary apparel have already shown this on Fashion Week runways, primarily in evening gowns and accessories. Follow that with the happy color of turquoise (#15-5519) at number three, a color normally associated with tropical escapes to an exotic ocean resort. Fusion Coral (#16-1543) is a much mellower version of the bolder oranges we’ve seen in recent years, and comes in at number four. Designers have selected this shade because it is more flattering to a variety of skin tones. And rounding out the top five is a lipstick-red Tomato Puree (#18-1661), reminiscent of Badgley Mischka cocktail dresses and a true indicator that this spring will be a color-saturated season.
The remaining five include a serene Tuscany blue, a warmer Amparo Blue, delicate Pink Champagne, and freshly grown neutrals like Dried Herb and Eucalyptus.
Whether you are a junior apparel buyer or a just a fan of designer contemporary apparel, look for these top ten colors in a variety of shapes and styles this spring at Fashion Spot LA. It should be a very exciting return to color.
SOURCE: Pantone Fashion Color Report, Spring 2010 (Women’s COLORS); PANTONE® and other Pantone trademarks are the property of Pantone LLC; © Pantone LLC 2009
Tags: Buy Wholesale Clothes, Contemporary Apparel, Junior Apparel
Can we remain as fashionable as ever, even during one of the worst economic downturns in US history? Well, Americans aren’t known for giving up easily – especially not on fashion. So as we continue to struggle with dismal retail forecasts and record unemployment this year, many wholesale fashion apparel dealers are taking action. Instead of worrying and wondering what the next few seasons will bring, they are taking their cues from their customers, and one thing they do know is that fashion buyers are looking at junior clothing apparel much differently today than they did a year ago.
While consumers try to make their deflated dollars stretch farther than ever, they are buying clothing very selectively, stretching daytime career clothing into evening, and some weekend wear pieces into “business casual”. Even junior apparel is looking a bit more conservative this fall, and this trend is expected to continue into spring.
The key for buyers and shoppers this year is versatility. As buyers become more selective, they think about their purchases more practically and look for wardrobe pieces that can be dressed up or down and worn on various occasions. Gone are the days of the three-sectioned closet: career clothes, evening wear and sportswear. Now you will find many crossover pieces, reversible jackets, and dressed up business attire doubling as date-night outfits.
As fashion designers, manufacturers and wholesale fashion clothing distributors catch on to these trends, they will start showing up in department stores, chains and boutiques. But don’t expect to find as many somber, dark colors as you might expect during an economic crisis. Runway models are showing dusty versions of sage, plum and eucalyptus for spring 2010, and color-rich palettes were seen at Fashion Week in almost every designer collection. Visit Fashion Spot LA to see the latest in contemporary apparel and trendy junior fashion.
Tags: Contemporary Apparel, Junior Apparel, Junior Clothing Apparel, Trendy Junior Fashion, Wholesale Fashion Apparel, Wholesale Fashion Clothing
Many fashion insiders think all major fashion trends start and end with adult fashions, and just “trickle down” to wholesale boutique clothing stores and ultimately land on racks in Macy’s junior apparel section. But trendy junior fashion apparel has its own unique style, and it can often dictate some of the popular looks in woman’s wear.
For teenagers, junior apparel plays a number of important roles in their lives. It offers a way to express their individuality, the lifestyle they currently embrace and the direction they are headed. Its simplicity is based on two things: fitting in with peers, and providing a comfortable means of self-expression.
Junior clothing apparel manufacturers know how quickly a trendy junior fashion can catch on. All it takes is for a star like Miley Cyrus to wear a certain label, or pair a floral skirt with neon leggings, and before long every store is making room for these new styles.
While most teenage girls want to make their mark and try out something entirely different now and then, they tend not to break too many fashion rules for fear of looking foolish. Here are some of the latest contemporary apparel pieces seen recently at trendy junior fashion boutiques:
Layered Tanks and Tees: A splash of color and layered texture can take a few simple pieces and turn them into an “ensemble”. Juniors love the ease and comfort of layering, and most junior apparel stores know this. This is why they offer great deals on buying multiple, solid-color tanks and camisoles all year round.
Halter Dresses: Perhaps the most flattering style of junior clothing apparel for summer, the halter dress is a perpetual staple of any teenage girl’s wardrobe.
Hip-Hop Styles: Another trendy junior fashion that continues to grow in popularity is the “hip-hop” style. Inspired by artists like Kanye West and Fergie of the Black-Eyed Peas, hip-hop junior apparel includes looser, hip-riding pants, and layered tanks, offering freedom of movement and a relaxed sense of style. You can find trendy junior clothing wholesale at Fashion Spot LA, an off price apparel boutique.
Tags: Contemporary Apparel, Junior Apparel, Junior Clothing Apparel, Junior Clothing Wholesale, Off Price Apparel, Trendy Junior Fashion, Wholesale Boutique Clothing
Depending on how long ago you were born, you may or may not remember the 1970’s version of the maxi dress. I remember the one I owned back in 1973 when the printed jersey-style maxi dress was the hottest style. The purple scooped-neck one I owned was a little different than the ones on sale today at wholesale boutique clothing stores.. As a former “flower child”, I couldn’t help but wax nostalgic when I saw this season’s vast selection of maxi dresses at junior clothing apparel retailers.
Whether you share a soft spot in your heart for 70’s fashions or you have no idea what I’m talking about, the maxi dress has made a comeback last year in contemporary apparel stores, and it looks like it’s here to stay. Nothing is more feminine, comfortable and fashionable on a hot summer day.
Junior apparel stores are showing maxi dresses paired with flip flops and eco-friendly canvas totes, but some misses retailers dress them up with bangles, wraps and strappy low-heeled sandals. No matter how you wear one, the maxi dress makes a fashion statement. Plan on rolling one up in your suitcase and take it with you on vacation this summer.
Junior clothing apparel stores offer a wide selection of the maxi dress, but some of the best ones can be found online at wholesale junior clothing sites and contemporary apparel boutiques.
Depending on your price range, consider the higher end maxi dresses at Young Fabulous and Broke, S Twelve, Anat B, Veronica M Clothing, Akulani and Pico 1988, among others. For more accessible (and affordable) junior apparel retailers selling maxi dresses, check out stores like Target, Charlotte Russe, Forever 21, H&M and Hollister. Many of these retailers get their clothing from wholesale fashion clothing buyers such as Fashion Spot LA.
As a child of the seventies, I still cannot understand why the maxi dress ever went out of style. They are so easy to wear and flatter almost every figure. For off price clothing buyers, consider the maxi dress a classic staple with staying power.
Tags: Contemporary Apparel, Junior Apparel, Junior Clothing Apparel, Off Price Clothing, Wholesale Junior Clothing
Making environmentally conscious choices in what we buy has become very important, particularly among young people. However, until recently it was hard to find a source of contemporary apparel that is both stylish and socially responsible.
For those of us who buy wholesale fashion apparel on a regular basis, it is tempting to load up on inventory that is competitively priced and hope for a quick sale. But with so many young women seeking junior apparel with a conscience, it makes sense to consider carrying more eco-friendly brands.
From maxi-dresses to skinny jeans to the latest novelty t-shirts, today’s teens are seeking ways to do some good for the environment without sacrificing their sense of style.
How do companies do this? Well, they start by supporting the use of sustainable textiles, renewable energy and the reduction of greenhouse gases, as well as organic farming of textile crops. In addition, they support recycling and waste reduction, low-impact production and the use of carbon offsets.
The junior apparel brands carried by many wholesale fashion boutiques guarantee sweat-shop free production, plus they give back to the community through their support of environmental non-profit groups. They specialize in sustainable contemporary apparel and accessories for women and men, all of which are grounded in good design and sound ecological production. In addition to their environmentally responsible policies, these companies support organic agriculture, engage in fair trade and support environmental concerns throughout the world. Many such fashion boutiques get their clothing from Fashion Spot LA.
Tags: Contemporary Apparel, Junior Apparel, Wholesale Fashion Apparel
Vying for the coveted “seal of approval” from teen shoppers, mass merchants are always looking for the right mix of popular styles and unique new looks to support a trendy junior fashion department. This is no easy task, since all it takes is a few influential teens’ opinions to either make or break the junior apparel department of a mass retailer.
For example, Target employs a team of junior apparel buyers with years of experience in seeking out the next trendy junior fashion clothing and accessories. Target knows that becoming the “approved store” for junior apparel will drive sales in other departments as well. They believe so strongly in this that they display their trendy junior fashion section right in the front of the store, where it cannot be missed.
Buying wholesale junior apparel in large lots before a style has proven to be popular can be a huge risk for mass merchants. While some large retailers let the clothing speak for itself, general merchandise retailers like Target, Sears and Wal-Mart will invest heavily in the merchandising of these items to their target audience – teenage girls and their mothers. This includes colorful displays, funky signage, techno-metal fixtures, hip mannequins and ambient lighting.
Expert marketers like these rely heavily on research and focus groups to determine how much to invest in a particular part of their stores, and it has been shown that women with teenage daughters will often choose their “favorite” one-stop shop based on the store’s selection of junior apparel. Mothers appreciate the ability to buy less expensive junior apparel that their teenagers will actually wear, and teenage girls know that if they go to a store like Target for some “school supplies”, they can usually talk their mom into a new top from their trendy junior fashion collection.
Teenage girls are more influential a part of these retailers’ marketing strategies than many other demographic groups, and their opinions of a store’s junior apparel department can have an immense impact on the store’s overall success.
To find out more about the junior clothing wholesale apparel buyers who help set the contemporary apparel and junior fashion trends, visit Fashion Spot LA.
Tags: Contemporary Apparel, Junior Apparel, Junior Clothing Wholesale, Trendy Junior Fashion, Wholesale Junior Apparel