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.

The Maxi dress is beautiful:

Available in every color of the rainbow and multitudes of patterns, there is a perfect maxi dress to suit every taste. Patterns can be found from traditional 1960’s maxi dress inspired paisleys to bright florals, small patterns or large all over prints, modern themes such as color blocks or huge graphics, then back to nature influenced leaf prints; there is no end to the possibilities nor a  bad look for a maxi.

The Maxi dress is versatile:

Perfect as a casual beach cover up or a day of strolling around the shops, the light and flirty feel of a maxi dress will not look overdone. On the opposite side of the fashion world, you can dress up a maxi dress to suit any occasion. Add a pair of metallic heeled sandals, pump up the jewelry and you are ready for a night on the town, romantic dinner for two or even a black tie event. Even better, the same maxi dress can be dressed up or down, giving you serious wearability for your fashion investment.

The Maxi dress is comfortable:

The range of fabrics is equal to the color and versatility adding to the immense possibilities. From a simple white cotton maxi summer dress perfect for the beach to an ombre dyed silk for afternoon summer wedding, natural fabrics allow for the warm summer breezes and ventilation.  Not to be outdone, one can find a cotton voile maxi dress, viscose-cotton, wrinkle free rayon, or maxi dresses that add spandex and lycra in the fabric mix for a smooth shape.  Plus the long shirt allows for comfortable sitting; the high waist is not binding, and the usually strappy bodice allows you to enjoy the summer sun.

The Maxi dress is flattering:

With the long flowing visual eye, the maxi dress can work for those naturally tall, or to help elongate a shorter stance. The flowing skirt hides a multitude of bottom heavy sins while the minimal top allows for full display of shapely arms.  The higher empire waste camouflages a belly bulge and gives a smooth line. Halter ties, V necks, and thin straps, combined with an eye catching neckline promote attention in all the right places. Again, there are enough variations to let everyone find their perfect Maxi.

The Maxi dress works perfectly with a ton of the other hot summer trends:

Gladiator Sandals? Boho silver hoop earrings? Metallic heels? Huge bags?  Big vintage inspired sunglasses? Chunky bangles and oversized summer jewelry? Fun flip flops?  Yup…all goes perfectly with a Maxi.

If you have been on the fence with jumping in on this trend, wait no more. There is the perfect Maxi dress in Loehmann’s for you. This year the summer goes to the Maxi.

Dress Up game Series: Intro

The Romantic Dress; dress up game series part 1

Rockabilly Dresses; dress up game series part 2

I just confirmed for Loehmann’s a whole bunch of great summer must haves and I just have to share.

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It wouldn’t be summer without a hot pair of designer sunglasses. Not only can you express you inner fashionista, but sunglasses are an essential part of summer sun protection as well.  Sunglasses are a true fashion staple this season. With all the different designers and styles to choose from, it’s easy to fall in love with more than  just one pair.

The “in” looks range from the retro look of wayfarers to a classic JackieO glam shade in a rainbow of hues. The big hit this year is the return of the Ray Ban aviator.  Between the aviator and the wayfarer, you cannot walk down the street without seeing a ton of people sporting these classic styles.

Virtually every designer has a line of sunglasses to choose from: Tom Ford to Proenza Schouler. It makes it that much harder to select a favorite pair. Luckily, since Loehmann’s always has the hottest designer labels at the best prices, you don’t have to decide on only one pair.

Come on in and check out the new selection of the best deals in designer sunglasses. With prices starting form $19.99 , you can’t go wrong.

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Along with the weather, one of the best trends of spring continues to grow  even hotter as we move into summer.

Flat sandals, especially the trend setting gladiator sandal, is an absolute MUST HAVE.  Paired with your favorite jeans, a long flowy summer skirt, or any kind of shorts, they will instantly bring you right to the zenith of high style. 

And so many choices to choose from! It’s time now for flip flops, jellie shoes, and silver wedges as well.  Morrocan influences are being seen as well in flat sandals with jeweled thongs and fabulous ethnic finishes.

We have them all at Loehmann’s, of course! Hurry in for a full selection of flat sandals from Giuseppe Zanotti, Sigerson Morrison, Kors, Michael by Michael Kors, Steve Madden, Wanted, Coach, Tahari, Max Studio, Cole Hann, Havaiannas and many more!

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I think it is a year for interesting fashion surprises.  It is summer, but, this summer one of the hottest fashion accessories is the neckwrap.

I have seen this trend all across the country from the hot celebrities in LA to my local haunts in New York,  and even men are sporting this look! If people are wearing it, I am trying to find the best deals for you at Loehmann’s.

I have linens in, perfect for the warmer summer months, prints with fringes or without, and various classic solids in summer brights or neutrals.  It’s a great investment, too, as this look is showing up in the fall runway shows.

For more fun, the neckwrap becomes a prayer scarf. Forget about your heart on your sleeve, now you can wear your thoughts on your neck. With phrases like ‘peace’, ‘love’ and ‘freedom’ printed on them, this trend is going to follow trough to fall.

I have stocked up and there is a great selection of oversize squares, triangles and other shapes at Loehmann’s amazing discount prices.

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While trend spotters are calling for big, bigger and biggest  in costum jewlery at the upcoming design shows, I have a few lovely baubbles to get you ready.

Just in time to accessorize perfect beachwear, trendy thread wrapped bangles are on the floor now. In multiple colors and low low prices, you can pick a rainbow. These beauties can go everywhere; from jeans to dresses, they stay simple yet exotic.

I also just found a lovely supply of this year’s most popular trend: Color Enamel bangles. Brightly colored hinge cuff bracelets are key this season, and in these colors, oh, you want some. I know you do!

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And off I go.. I have more shopping to do so you will too!

That’s the Loehdown,

Ava

As I sat in the outdoor cafe drinking my espresso and indulging in a fresh chocolate croissant, I was able to take in the style and sounds of the wonderful city of Paris!!   A city rich in history, culture and style; it is for sure, one of my most favorite cities to visit.  There are a ton of great department and specialty stores to shop, fantastic restaurants and many places to visit at all hours of the day! 

I shopped the stores and the market and there were a few trends that I kept seeing. The three major ones were: the return of nature theme, the whole boho/Indian inspired look and then, vintage looks. 

Nature inspired prints were everywhere: lots of great black and brown animal, Ikat and tribal prints, Navajo, and batik, as well, on both woven and knitted fabrics.  Ombre prints were also everywhere: in knits tops, chiffon dresses and voile blouses. I loved the way Ombre was used in both Astuces and Sinequanone, two lines that I thought did this best. I’ll be keeping my eye out for purchases from them. 

Boho and Indian looks were so popular!  Lots of paisley prints in tops, skirts and in maxi dresses, which I thought looked amazing.    I know here in the States, this trend has translated easily to Peasant tops which look so fabulous and feminine with jeans!  I saw lots of skirts, though which are coming back and I feel will be an important category come spring 2009 so I am planning my buying now. Stella Forest was one of the best that I saw with this look. 

One of my favorite looks was the whole “vintage” look; the pretty feminine look with crochet, lace and ruffles, soft floral prints, ladylike blouses with tie necks and more. They are just so girly and pretty!!  Purples and grays were the colors of choice.  Manoush did this look best.   

I had such a lovely time just feasting on the fashion of this marvelous city.  I enjoy what I do and keeping you updated with my fashion finds.   I can’t wait to get our “Paris looks” into your local Loehmann’s. Then all you have to do is get all pretty in your discounted Loehmann’s finds, have a croissant, and imagine Paris.   

That’s the Loehdown,

Ava 

With cinched waists that define the female hourglass shape, full or pencil tight skirts and the natural tendency to match with a sexy high heel or fun slingback shoe, these styles helped define femininity for over 60 years.

One of the easiest ways to incorporate this look is with a fabulous summer sun dress. A full circle skirt, either with the traditional above the knee length or a more modern take above, lends itself to a night of dancing under the stars. With sleeveless, backless, and strapless styles, they can easily go from the beach to a cocktail party and anything in between.  Whether in solid colors, a vintage ditsy print, or the amazingly fun polka dot, colors go from white to bright and graphic.

The bonus is that this is the kind of dress that everyone looks great in. The full skirts can hide a multitude of winter binging sins. The additional waist definition can either show off what you do have, or help define what is not quite there. The bodice details, whether in a sweetheart neckline, or trim, or buttons, or even a chris cross of straps tied up in a bow, bring the eye up to the neckline and face. Plus pairing with a heel of some kind, with the full skirt, demands a sashay kind of walk which is full of both movement and grace. It’s hard not to feel wonderful when you look that good.

If full on vintage swing skirt looks make you feel too much like Halloween, you can still stay on top of the look without a total committement to decades ago. The 1940’s inspired pencil skirt can add an interesting sihouette to a stale office look. In more “office-y” fabrics; natural cottons, summer weights, and solids and plaids, a fitted, higher waisted skirt still demands the cinched waist, giving a great opportunity to show off a very “now” wide belt. Pairing with a cap sleeved blouse or a fitted and belted jacket; you can go from work to dinner with just a retouch of lipstick to freshen your look.

One of the things that is just so creative and fun with Rockabilly inspired dresses; you can take it as mild or as wild as you feel comfortable with.

Dress Up game Series: Intro

The Romantic Dress; dress up game series part 1

The Maxi Dress; dress up game series part 3 

Ruffles, that made headway back in the fall ‘07 collections, continue to find places to adorn. On a flounced hem, layered in tiers, on a sweetheart neckline, or capping cuffs, nothing can soften a look and add that perfect touch better than a perfectly placed ruffle.  Bows, which are tied to the upcoming fall collections as well, help cinch a waist, top a collar with a ribbon, or add interest to a view. Both ruffles and bows add dimension and interest along with another romantic favorite: the 3d floral appliqué.

Gathers and shirring, in this year’s favorite sheers find their way underneath to flounce a skirt, peek out from a hem, or give the illusion of coverage where there is not.  In fabrics such as voile, chiffon, tulle and Swiss dot lace, they create a great contrast to the silky feels of satin, charmeuse and silks.

Imagine a satin corset type bodice covering a sheer chiffon ruffled sleeve blouse, and you have one of the most perfect juxtapositions of smooth and texture, all in one. These are the kind of dresses where detail is queen, and less is just less. A full flounced shirt tied with a silky bow over a lacy top and a sheer illusion of a ruffled shrug can only be considered romantic perfection, rather than fussy or overdone.

All the soft fabrics in even softer colors, gently whisper of romantic escapes, luncheons on the grass, and long walks in fields of wildflowers. In fabrics printed with antique florals, and vintage roses, these summer looks inspire the little girls in all of us, wanting to be a princess in our very own dress up game.

Dress Up game Series: Intro

Rockabilly Dresses; dress up game series part 2

The Maxi Dress; dress up game series part 3 

It has been called “the Year of the Dress”. There are so many dresses out this season, in so many styles, that they can’t just have their own post. They need their own series.

From long dresses to short dress, empire to a-line, simple sheaths to detailed pleats, there is a dress for every mood and every occasion: dresses for work, for cocktail parties, for summer fun on the beach.  From retro inspired Rockabilly looks to contemporary and organic eco-friendly cottons and linens, from sporty tennis sets to romantic Merchant ivory seaside frocks, tribal inspired Ikat prints to soft and gentle roses, polka dots to ombre, soft to bright, solid to pattern, Hippie to Hollywood, no matter what your style, there is a dress for you this year.

There are just too many to detail in one post, so as the summer progresses so will our coverage of the dresses. Nothing says summer like the perfect summer dress, so let the fun dress up games begin!

The Romantic Dress; dress up game series part 1

Rockabilly Dresses; dress up game series part 2

The Maxi Dress; dress up game series part 3

WABC Reporter, Kemberly Richardson of  Eyewitness News, visited the Loehmann’s Chelsea store in New York for the best in discount clothing.

Looking for the hottest fashion trends of the summer as identified by Lucky Magazine, Kemberly was on the hunt to find the best of the best; all for under $100. Of course, Loehmann’s is the place to find the best in designer must have’s at discounted prices.

Floral patterned dresses and tunics plus colorful and trendy beads and bangles were had. Kemberly found summer shorts of all lengths including fun nautical styles. Also on the list was groovy “bohemian chic” maxi dresses in colorful patterns. 

Unable to pass up on super savings and fabulous finds, Kemberly even bought a wondeful white spring coat and sundress for herself!

 The segment will be aired on Monday, June 9th during the 5 o’clock news at approximately 5:40pm.

If you are wondering what summer trends might be waiting for you at your local Loehmann’s, then this will give you a nice tempting peek and inspiration. Don’t miss it!!

The Top Ten Gift ideas for Father’s Day:

(1) The traditional tie heads off our list with new patterns and colors. Designer names to choose from such as Michael Kors, DKNY, Bruno Piatelli and more are at huge discounts and can give Dada that silky flash he desires for only 19.99.

(2) To go with his new tie how about a matching dress shirt? French cuff details and fine designer features are available from 39.99 to 49.99. With names such as Lorenzo Uomo, Joseph Abboud, Alara, Calvin Klein plus many more, the savings are apparent.

(3) Help get Dad ready for the warmer weather with designer casual wear.  The men’s collection of sport shirts, polos, shorts and pants in fine wovens and summer weight linens are the same great labels you’ll find in high-end department stores at up to 60% less.

(4) For a younger Daddy or even a Dad young at heart; premium denims, woven shirts, graphic polos, screened tees and shorts in solids, plaids and more are here just in time as well.

(5) For the sporty guy in your life, Loehmann’s has an activewear closeout that will send you running.  Shorts, tops, jackets and pants from Adidas and others are priced at a fit 12.99 to 39.99.  That allows for both Dad and your wallet to be healthy.

(6) Looking for more sentimental gifts for Dad? You can appeal to his inner child and make him feel like a kid again. Men’s screen tees in Star Wars, Superhero, and vintage sports styles are completely affordable at prices from 14.99 to 19.99.

 If Dad’s closet if stuffed, then don’t despair. Loehmann’s has more than just great designer clothes at discounted prices. Accessories for men are stocked as well and priced to sell.

(7) Novelty cuff links, perfect to match his new French cuffed shirts are priced as low as 19.99 and can be found in a wide range of styles form funky to classic.

(8) A fine collection of leather wallets from designers such as Polo, Kenneth Cole, Ben Sherman, and Joseph Abboud are going from 19.99 to 39.99.  Dad will think that you emptied your wallet for his, but the savings can be our little secret.

(9) If you need to look for gifts for Dad from kids, then look no further. Designer fragrance gift sets for Dads are an extra 25% off.  Priced from 14.99, these low discount prices will be available until Father’s Day.

(10) For the Dad that has everything, gift sets can match his interests and promote some well deserved down time.  Golf inspired gifts are perfect for tee time, shoe shine kits for the dapper Dad to buff and polish, and wine accessory sets for his fine palette are all boxed up and ready for wrappings and bows. All you need to do is sign the card.

Don’t forget to think about Grandpas, Uncles, and other father fiqures, too.  Or maybe, you’re not a dad and just need to treat yourself to some new threads, this will be a prime time for new men’s merchandise to hit the Loehmann’s selling floor.   

June 15th is just around the corner and will be here before you know it.

The Father’s Day Event at Loehmann’s begins June 10th, so hurry in for the top ten gifts for Dads!

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!