Under the heading of “romance” some of this season’s hottest trends are combined into must have dresses.

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 

Now that June is officially here, and summer is finally just around the corner; it’s time to really celebrate. There is no better way to break out of the hum drums, kick back and relax in the sun,  then by having  some summer fun, and nothing this season says fun better than the plethora of amazing summer dresses.

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!!

Father’s Day is coming up fast and just in time, Loehmann’s is filling up with designer men’s apparel and gift ideas to show that special guy in your life just how much he means to you.  Whether you need gifts for a Dad to be, gifts for a first time Dad, gifts for a long established Dad, or need to help find gifts for Dad from his son or daughter; Loehmann’s has got you covered. And as always, with prices much less than you find elsewhere.

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!

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!