Hi all,

If you live anywhere close to one of Loehmann’s stores in Chelsea, San Francisco, Beverly Hills or Beverly Connection, and you happen to be a fan of men’s urban jewelry, then you better get running. I just got in a limited number of men’s sterling silver from none other than: King Baby!!!!

King Baby Studio is another story where street style and alternative life influences design and fashion. Designer Mitchell Binder, a biker at heart, took typical men’s metal jewelry and brought it up a few notches. Taking very masculine and  “Harley Davidson” type designs  such as crosses, skulls, lions, dragons, and crowns, he handcrafted them in sterling silver with semi precious stones such as garnets and rubies.  This quality and high end rock and roll, biker gear soon caught the eye of some big names…and before you know it; another big trend!In fact, Binder’s pieces are so cool that countless women found their way to their significant other’s dresser top valet finding the need to “borrow” a King Baby pendant or cuff for their own internal “bad girl”. This, of course, lead to the creation of Queen Baby, the women’s signature line.

But for once…the guy’s come first! Once again, only in Beverly Hills, San Francisco, Chelsea, and the Beverly Connection stores and only for men in sterling. I can’t guarantee that you will find “the” piece you have been dying for, but discounted King Baby? That’s worth the trip!You heard it from Jack!

Hi all,

Yes, it’s back.

When tens of thousands of viewers watched American Idol each week to watch Ryan Seacrest and future pop stars like Michael Johns don the two finger width skinny tie, I knew this trend had some staying power.

In “non-skinny” times, the neck tie varies from 3 and one half inches to 3 and three quarter and back again, making it is a fashion rarity when the tie dares go to 3 inches or less.  Skinny ties and more can be attributed to the resurgence of 80’s influenced fashion trends including the bubble skirt and asymmetrical zippers, but like many of the 80’s trends, the roots are back in the 1950’s.

Originally worn and copied by such 1950’s legends like the ratpack, it became a fixture of the mods before it was absorbed by the new wave and punk rockers of the 1980’s. I know I have quite a few embrassing pictures from high school dances! Back again, the skinny tie now says more than just cool; it’s elegant, sophisticated, driven, yet relaxed and casual and that’s why it is back with a vengeance.

According to Men’s Flair : “A tiny bit geek, a tiny bit chic, skinny ties have an attitude that’s all their own.” Geek is the new cool.

What is clear is that the trend is here in full force;  designers Alessandro Dell’Aqua,  Lanvin, Narciso Rodriguez, and Rag & Bone show them on the runways. Rockers Pete Doherty, Fabrizio Moretti,  Ryan Adams and celebs; Jude Law, Orlando Bloom, Zac Efron, Daniel Craig, Patrick Dempsey, Brad Pitt and David Beckham wear them on the red carpets with style. The reporters get them on film and then countless American men want to be that snazzy too.

It’s not a bad idea, as long as one knows how to rock that skinny tie. Most concur that there are fashion faux pas that need not be broken when wearing a skinny tie, most skinny tie tips are pretty easy to follow:

“It’s going to look totally incorrect on a big-collared shirt,” warns Carlo Brandelli. And a bit silly, unless you have a narrow lapelled suit and some narrow pants.”

Wear your skinny ties with an equally modern suit. No double breasted suits at all.

They can’t be past your belt and should not be more than 3 inches above.

If you are a big guy, then you cannot wear a skinny tie: “Skinny ties really only look good on skinny guys .”

Really, you need the collared shirt. You can be untucked if you must, but no tee shirts please, though a vest will do nicely.

The classic black skinny tie is still smart on a crisp white shirt, but mixing up your colors and tones can add a more modern look.

Avoid the black and white checkerboard unless you are going to a 1980’s themed party.  Shades of gray on gray look sharp, though my favorite look in skinny to date: a men’s fleur de lis tie on a shirt with a very subtle check….smooth.

Some warn that the very conservative office might not accept a skinny tie, but what is fashion if not a bit edgy?

The necktie might have begun as a symbol of love, but it’s a fashion staple now, and at Loehmann’s, it won’t make you choke.  You’ll find a great selection of discounted designer skinny ties at Loehmann’s from Ben Sherman, CK, Nicole Miller, Penguin and Theory.

You heard it from Jack!

Hi all,

Jack here and it’s time time to tell you about some upcoming Men’s arrivals at Loehmann’s:

Diesel denim line for men:

Even though the Diesel brand was developed over 20 years ago, it is still one of the most popular and edgy-fashion lifestyle brands in the marketplace!  From classic washes to ripped, frayed, and torn contemporary styles, Diesel lives up to their motto of “Diesel–For Successful Living.” 

Look forward to seeing a nice selection of jeans for 89.99 ($175-$220 elsewhere) and designer sportswear adveraging 120 ( over $500! elsewhere). 

Men’s Graphic Tees

Graphics range from simple message statements to all-over tattoo and Asian inspired artwork in a wide array of colors. I know I love them.

Loehmann’s is not taking this trend lightly, as I have a vast assortment to select from in all the popular premium labels.  (14.99-69.99 Compared to department store prices of $40-$105). 

Here are some of the exciting brands delivering in August:   Black Hearts Brigade, Junk Food, OTB, Drifter, Buffalo de France, Filmore,  Go Couture, and Z-Brand. 

Michael Kors

From the early days of receiving numerous designer accolades for women’s wear to his achievement of the prestigious CFDA menswear award in 2003, Michael Kors is no stranger to American fashion! Loehmann’s shoppers are in for a real treat this month, as I have secured over 10,000 Michael Kors men’s dress shirts for immediate distribution.   Patterns range from stripes to dressy checks, in 100% luxury cotton–in a full array of sizes–and will be offered in most of our stores at 39.99!  ($135 elsewhere)

Seven Diamonds

Always pushing fashion to the limit, 7 Diamonds sportswear is one to watch!

Committed to creating looks that are innovative and trend-right, the designers at 7 Diamonds use their knowledge of quality, fit, exclusive finishes, and designs to create a lifestyle brand that captures what we’re looking for in comfort, self expression, creative design and quality. Since 7 Diamonds has mastered the technical aspect of production, they continue to offer constant innovation and new designs, keeping your wardrobe ahead of the curve all season long.

I have 7 Diamond’s short and long sleeved shirts just arriving in select stores and more on their way.

Just around the corner for Men’s fashions:

Watch out for Hickey Freeman and Ike Behar shirts and ties to hit our stores soon.

Both brands are known for their tremendous quality and exclusivity…and will be offered at Loehmann’s at amazing discounts.

Coming in June to the Loehmann’s Blog:  Buyers LoehDown!

We are so pleased to announce  new authors to our blog here at Loehmann’s. Beginning in June, we shall have postings from our head men’s and women’s clothing buyers.

Jack and Ava shall be authoring blog posts that will give Loehmann’s shoppers greater insight on new and upcoming collections coming into Loehmann’s locations.  With information coming directly from them as they wander through the inner sanctums of the designers’ fashion world, these reports are sure to become tantalizing peeks into upcoming Loehmann’s merchandise. 

Ladies Clothing Buyers, Men’s Clothing Buyers:

At Loehmann’s, our buyers work hard finding the best quality fashion merchandise at the best prices for you.  Jack is head of the men’s division and will be bringing you the latest news on men’s fashions and sportswear coming into Loehmann’s.  Ava handles the women’s designer clothing and will be reporting on the hot new trends and fashion must haves to look out for.

As Loehmann’s buyers, Jack and Ava go directly to the source, negotiating discounts, so you don’t have to. Before the email flyers get printed, before information gets on our “what’s new page”, they will be able to let you know what coming up as the deals are made. While they cannot tell you the names of all the designers directly, both Jack and Ava will be dropping tempting hints and arrival periods so you can plan your shopping accordingly.  It will be like having your own personal shopper, but budget minded to boot!

How does this discount magic happen?

Jack, Ava and their crew of Loehmann’s buyers are extremely conscience of three very important factors that need to all be in place; the label, the price and the actual product. They are looking for a synergy of the elements that make the purchase more than just a great deal; it has to be a Loehmann’s quality deal.

If we are looking at a designer wrap dress, for instance, and the designer label is in high demand, it won’t work if the price is not in line.  In the same vein, if the price is fine, but the label is not in demand at all, then that dress won’t make it to the Loehmann’s selling floor either.  Or it could be a preferred label, at a good price, but either a low quality or just undesirable product and that won’t make it pass Ava’s muster either.

Jack and Ava read the same fashion magazines that you do!

Religious is the word used to describe how Ava subscribes to fashion culture though Jack has a pretty impressive collection of magazines as well. The fashion magazines and celebrity fashion favorites are key elements in making sure that the products that make it to the Loehmann’s floor will be fashion finds and what our customers want to buy.

Local demographics also play a part in the initial purchases; so the Beverly Connection Loehmann’s in trendy LA might have different products than Troy, Michigan just based on the customer’s needs, their attention to image and trends, and the seasonal weather differences.  A Chicago winter is very different than a Phoenix winter and stock is decided on accordingly as well.

The purchases on key items and what has been moving on the floor are also factored in. If, say, a certain name brand of designer jeans are sold out within a few days, then Ava makes sure that stock is replaced if at all possible. We know what Loehmann’s customers want and the buyers do their best to get it.

The same designer labels as department stores at the same time:

Jack and Ava’s goals are to get the same exact designer fashion clothing as your local department stores and speciality stores.  Yes, that is really the same labels with no restrictions. It is not unusual for an item to be in a well known department store at the suggested retail price at the same time the item is at Loehmann’s at a minimum of 40% off the ticketed price.

Direct contact with the various manufacturers also provides “exclusive” access to many labels and products. Loehmann’s cleans them out of overstocks and then has control of the entire off price distribution of that label.

How does fashion apparel become an “Overstock”?

An overstock is not a bad thing at all, though it might sound as like “unwanted” merchandise.

After a designer shows a collection, the buyers form the various department stores and boutiques place their orders.  Then the line goes into production.  Frequently the fabric must be ordered from one manufacturer at a certain standard bulk quantity for pricing and the actual construction of the garment is also ordered by quantity as well. 

So, for instance, if a certain blouse has garnished 800 orders after the initial showing, and it takes one yard of fabric to make each blouse, the design house might still find it in their best interest to order 1200 yards of fabric. Then, when the blouse goes into production, the designer gets better pricing on the manufacturing of 1000 blouses, rather than the needed 800.  The 200 blouses that were not slated for a particular store’s distribution become the overstocks.

Both the original ordered blouses and the overstocks are made in the same place out of the same material at the same time. Instead of the designers trying to find a store to purchase the extra 200 blouses, they sell them to Loehmann’s and then the Loehmann’s buyers deliver them to the selling floor as quickly as possible.

 And you benefit!

Jack, Ava and their legion of buyers comb the designers’ haunts to find you the best deals on current designer fashion.  With the introduction of their voices on this blog, you will have an even greater chance to benefit from their labors, so stay tuned for their insight and fashion tips.

Welcome Jack and Ava!  Let the Buyer’s LoehDown begin!