HadleyStilwell, a new Seattle-based designer and online retailer of women's clothing, is pleased to introduce a unique collection of dresses, shirts and jackets that are tailored to meet the needs of working mothers.
Named after Harris's daughter, the HadleyStilwell collection is for mothers seeking well-tailored pieces that integrate with their existing wardrobes. With just a quick change of accessories, women can achieve their professional look for the boardroom, without sacrificing comfort when they're relaxing at home on the weekends. HadleyStilwell clothes are the wardrobe staples women reach for – from the new, nursing mom who needs quick access to breasts for pumping, to the mother of young children who may find herself frequently running from desk to after-school activities each week.
The new collection was designed by mompreneur Holli Harris, who like many mothers before her returned to work after maternity leave shouldering new time constraints, competing priorities and a large dose of sleep deprivation.
Harris ducked out of meetings to pump; pumped in parking garages; and arrived at business dinners carrying the telltale black bag. She quickly understood why a joint study by the National Women's Health Resource Center and Medela brea women's coats st pump company found that 32 percent of mothers in the U.S. stop breastfeeding 7 weeks after returning to work.
Caught in a constant quest for increased efficiency during work hours, Harris hit on the fact that in addition to the logistical challenge of pumping in cars and planes while in business attire, she was adding precious minutes to pump sessions by having to get undressed.
"If I can minimize the challenge of pumping, or nursing, at work through well-tailored designs that enable quick and discreet access to breasts -- and it helps new mothers to breastfeed that much longer -- then I've accomplished my goal. It's really much larger than the clothes – it's about empowering women to succeed at both career and motherhood," Harris says.
Harris approaches the design process by creating clothes that women want to wear, and that just happen to accommodate nursing and pumping. Indeed, some early customers have been women who are not breastfeeding at all, but who simply like the design details, coordinating colors and knit fabrics.
"I test drove the Signature Dress and Jacket myself at a board meeting, and no one knew it was anything other than a suit," Harris says. "When challenged, my female confidantes couldn't locate the hidden zippers. Then a few hours later I was in a plane bathroom pumping away in close quarters with clothes intact – mission accomplished!"
The HadleyStilwell collection is available online at http://www.HadleyStilwell.com. The women modeling the clothes on the home page of the company's website are real mothers involved in various careers. HadleyStilwell profiles their stories, and offers their tips for working moms.
HadleyStilwell's website also is a resource for new moms who are looking for resources about breastfeeding after returning to work. A section called "Milk Notes" provides advice on nursing and pumping, including a chart of the breastfeeding phases; tips on presenting the business case for breastfeeding to your boss; and the art of pumping in a car. Visitors to the site can also sign up for weekly Milk Tweets via Twitter, through which Harris shares vetted sources for new mother information.
More information about HadleyStilwell can be found at http://www.hadleystilwell.com or by calling 1-888-872-9885.
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Debenhams has announced the launch of its first ever interactive TV channel, Debenhams TV which it expects will become the destination for shoppers and online browsers looking for easy to digest, friendly style and shopping advice and purchases.
The new station is expected to win an estimated 1.5 million views in its first week, making it one of the most watched channels in the UK virtually overnight, giving Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley a run for their money.
The channel will provide a fresh alternative to the traditional 'browse and buy' online shopping experience and TV already on retailer websites, and will also offer exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews from photo shoots, fashion shows and launches.
For the first time, Debenhams is lifting the lid on its head office and the people behind the brand; with experts from womens fashion (http://www.debenhams.com/women), lingerie, mens clothing?(http://www.debenhams.com/men) and accessories naming their pick of products and how to make these work for the season. There are also plans for personal shoppers and celebrity stylists to give online workshops on how to pick outfits which make the most of your appearance when attending job interviews, weddings, parties and other special occasions.
Launch content focuses on key seasonal dilemmas such as what bra size your wife might be, or what the perfect gift for her at Christmas is. With this useful 'how to' narrative, the channel aims to attract the attention of other consumers that might not be on Debenhams.com through interest generated by social media.
Said Debenhams online trading director, Simon Forster: "Our online TV channel is a brilliant way for our customers to get style and beauty advice, see the latest fashions and just be entertained. You can see it on our website, through our iPhone app, on Youtube and coming soon - in our stores"
The new channel, Debenhams TV?(http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category_10001_10001_162101_-1), will have interviews with top designers such as Ben de Lisi, Henry Holland and Matthew Williamson, plus fashion advice from top industry experts.
Menswear shows feature exclusive footage from the launch of Debenhams latest brand, FFP. Take a peek as British boxers Kevin Mitchell and Frankie Gavin, the faces of the brand, guide customers through their favourite pieces and talk about their boxing victories.
The beauty channel includes easy to replicate, step-by-step make up lessons from industry experts, plus a detailed guide on what to buy to get the look.
Customers can purchase any product that takes their fancy at the click of a mouse, buy taking advantage of the click-to-buy feature as they watch.
Debenhams TV will be available on Debenhams.com to launch, with plans to stream live in store in the future.
ENDS
About Debenhams:
Debenhams is a leading department stores group with a strong presence in key product categories including women's wear, menswear, kids clothing (http://www.debenhams.com/kids), home, perfume gifts (http://www.debenhams.com/beauty) and health and beauty.
Debenhams is the second largest department store chain in the UK.
Debe women's jackets online nhams operates 167 stores in the UK, Republic of Ireland and Denmark, comprising 154 full department stores and 13 Desire by Debenhams stores, which is a small store concept featuring an edited product range. Debenhams also has 60 international franchise stores in 23 countries. Debenhams online store can be found at Debenhams.com, where shoppers can find out all about the latest products to reach Debenhams's via Debenhams TV.
PR Contact:
Michelle Dowdall
PR Manager - Lingerie, Childrenswear and Home
Debenhams
33 Wigmore Street
London
W1U 1QX
(020 7529 0449) 66449
http://www.debenhams.com
To download free high res images visit prshots.com/debenhams
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Ever thought of designer clothes and shoes as ingenious gift solutions? Celebrations and festivities are just a few days away but you still don't have the perfect gifts for the loved ones?
Every shopping mall in town has been thoroughly searched in hopes of finding something valuable, meaningful and at the same time not too severe on the savings but to no avail? Don't panic, there is still time to take advantage of the spectacular holiday deals on designer clothes. Trust us, you will find things for everyone. Cheap designer clothes are of course a cruel myth but at DolceFugo prices "inexpensive miracle" is the first phrase that pops into mind upon little inspection. This holiday season, DolceFugo has it all: womens designer clothes, mens designer clothes and designer footwear. Here are some interesting gift-for-man suggestions to make these holidays truly unforgettable:
1) Show love or friendship with a set of designer scarf and hat. These modern and stylish sets by Armani are perfect for enjoying the outdoors.
2) Demonstrate good taste by giving a luxurious knit sweater. The DolceFugo catalogue features a a vast selection of funky and traditional designs by Gucci, Versace, D&G and Prada.
3) Dare to go over the top and present an ultra-hip pair of fur-lined sneakers from Prada or Gucci. These pieces will definitely be major stars in any gift-opening show of the holiday season.
4) Share your warmth by presenting a fabulous casual winter jacket. These come in a number of intricate designs and finishes. They are absolutely women's jackets state-of-the-art in thermodynamics as well as in looks. So don't worry about getting cold. Leave the chill for the Champagne.
5) Can there really be a smarter winter gift than a pair of top quality gloves? They are elegant compact and extremely desirable. Check out some great leather gloves by Prada, Gucci and Versace. Just make sure they are the right size.
6) A perfect balance between pure class and sincere expression of sympathy and affection is a nice high quality shirt. Men of style will certainly appreciate the elegant gesture.
7) Give a naughty, sexy gift of decadent designer underwear to your naughty boyfriends. Just try to save them for the moments when his parents aren't around. DolceFugo carries a fabulous new selection of Armani briefs.
8) A less imposing but still cool and valuable gift is a nice designer t-shirt or polo. Get a more traditional design by D&G for coworker and maybe something more flamboyant with prints by Christian Audigier for friends and buddies.
These ideas should help you navigate through the galaxies of gift-paper-wrapped designer clothes. Happy Holidays! Happy Shopping!
And don't forget to buy something for yourself when visiting the one stop apparel shop.
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From small personal items to larger high-tech goods, adding new items to the inventory benefits the wholesaler and provides additional sales and greater income for the year:
Transportation and Automotive
1. Integrated navigation and auto control systems: GPS systems have been available for some time but the latest technology combines a navigation system with automobile controls and offers enhanced user friendly features. Lower cost GPS devices make excellent wholesale buys.
2. Electric Bicycles: Now available in a lightweight design, these bikes fold easily and will continue to bring the wholesaler profits as more people rely on bicycles for daily transportation needs. The new Gocycle (trade name) product allows plenty of cycling range in power mode and also doubles as a manually pedalled bike.
High-Tech and Electronics
3. Compact Smart phones with greater capability: The smaller size and advanced features of mobile phones make a good choice for updated inventory. Consumers want one device that does everything and may be willing to pay a little more for additional functions and a compact size.
4. Portable notepads with advanced touch screens: Products that combine readable book downloads, such as Kindle, and multi-tasking screens will be hot sellers this year. Dual screen notebooks that allow online usage at the same time as viewing photos and personal documents are another favourite new trend.
5. 3-D plasma TVs: The 3-D trend for home use may be just catching on in 2011. Added to a plasma TV and a system complete with Blu-ray player and 3-D glasses, this large screen TV package is the latest high-tech home entertainment trend that is gaining popularity.
Appliances and Household Products
6. Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker: This state-of-the-art appliance thinks for itself and automatically adjusts the time and temperature to create perfect rice for every meal. Food enthusiasts will enjoy the sleek appearance and moderate pricing.
7. Baby Sound Machine: Designed to soothe the baby to sleep, this new gadget plays a variety of tunes and includes a soft nightlight for comfort. The device can be attached to an MP3 player to download additional music and to ac women's jackets cess personal favourite tunes.
Clothing, Jewellery and Beauty Products
8. Clothing accessories: Imported hats, scarves, stockings and leggings in bright colours and trendy patterns are a popular wardrobe addition in 2011. Preferred fabrics include wool, cotton blends and synthetics and these items are available in colours ranging from basic black or grey to bright pink, blue, red and yellow. Products such as scarves and wraps made by indigenous tribes in Africa, Asia and Central America are popular sellers. Caps with famous sports logos attract buyers in many regions and are worm by both men and women.
9. Beading and jewellery making supplies: Making necklaces, bracelets and earrings has become a widespread hobby that continues to demand unique components. Inexpensive glass beads, clasps and pre-made jewellery items work well with a wholesale supplier offering smaller items and provide a quick turnaround profit. Precious metal pieces, gemstones and crystal can also be offered adding to the variety and marketability of a supplier.
10. Fashion handbags: Designer inspired handbags continue to attract consumers looking for a faux or real leather item without paying an exorbitant price. These continually changing products can be offered seasonally or on a year-round basis and are an ideal addition to a wholesale inventory. Consumers prefer high style pieces in this category and are looking for unique details and quality construction.
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It is an accepted fact of life that consumers do not need as many items of clothing as they buy - and nowhere is this clearer than in women's lingerie. They buy because they want to, because the style looks right under certain clothes, and because it fits them.
The big issue now facing manufacturers, brands and retailers is how they continue to relate to the genuine desires and emotional wants of their female consumer base.
In its report 'Global market review of lingerie and intimate apparel - forecasts to 2014', just-style estimates that the value of the global lingerie market rose by just 2.6% to US$29.92bn between 2004 and 2007.
The reasons for this low growth include ageing populations in the developed world, fierce retail competition driving prices down, and the continued movement of production to lower cost countries. The report says that by the end of 2007, clothing prices (including those for lingerie) were 4% lower than they were in 1995.
By garment category, bras account for 56% of global retail sales, briefs at 32%, and daywear and shapewear (corsetry) taking the remaining 12%.
Brand marketers should note that although global growth has come from the developing world (up 8.1% between 2004 and 2007 and led by the Indian sub-continent), the biggest opportunities are still in Western Europe and North America, which between them account for 65% of the lingerie market.
Having said this, the engine for market growth in the future will be in the developing countries like China and India, where more merchandise will be sold but at lower unit prices.
Just-style's global market review estimates that the retail market for lingerie will grow to US$33.57bn by 2014 - a rise of 12.2% over 2007.
However, there's no doubt that the market is crowded, and recent industry events have seen a number of players review their market positioning.
Over the last two and a half years, three of the industry majors, namely Sara Lee, VF Corporation and Warnaco have either exited their European lingerie operations or excited the intimates business completely.
These events point to some major changes taking place in the lingerie industry, namely: the dramatic changes in ownership of the big multinationals, and changes in the methods of distribution of lingerie to the final consumer (specifically forward integration by brands into retail).
Lingerie, however, still has a plethora of 'real' brands, especially in Western Europe. Elsewhere in the world (in regions without 'organised' retail distribution), much of the lingerie sold is anonymous merchandise sold from market stalls.
As a consequence, the report suggests that each player in this market must ask whether it wants to be a designer, a brand or retailer? And it must identify its strategic core competence.
In the long term, it seems likely that more and more lingerie brands will venture into retail, partly because the independent boutiques are getting fewer so their customer base is declining, but also because the boutiques are unable to stock and show the wider ranges that brands offer.
But it is also appears that while the multinational Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) s have failed to dominate, the smaller brands will continue to compete for space in a very cluttered market.
Across the lingerie market worldwide, the market as a whole at retail has grown by US$770m. Of that total, brands have grown by 62%, retail own labels have grown by 53%, and anonymous merchandise has fallen by 16%.
This has convinced just-style that, whatever statements various international brands may happen to make, there is no future for a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to selling lingerie around the world.
Just-style's 'Global market review of lingerie and intimate apparel - forecasts to 2014' is available to purchase via calling +44 (0)1527 573 604, emailing store(at)just-style.com or visiting http://www.just-style.com/lingeriereport.
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