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Runway Style
Women’s fashions in the ad specialty market are increasingly mimicking
retail trends. In this women’s fashion product showcase, check out the
slimmer fits and great color selections now on the market.
By Jill Malcolm
Soak Up The Sun
a
For classic glamour a la Jackie
O with modern appeal, these
sunglasses (shown above) are right
on trend. Lenses offer superior protection
from ultraviolet light and significantly reduce forward
and rear reflective glare while strolling the boardwalk.
Available from Eagle Dry Goods Company (asi/51231);
(800) 969-7988; orders@eagledrygoods.com
s consumers go, women certainly have a
leg up on buying power in the United States. Based on MRI’s 2009 Survey of the American
Consumer, 75.1% of women identify themselves as the primary shopper for their household.
With such a presence in retail and consumer spending, how
can Corporate America and the ad specialty industry reach out
to the female demographic? “Women are extremely influential in terms of purchasing promotional products; they are our
core consumer group,” says Gina Kwok, marketing manager for
Alternative Apparel (asi/34850). “We are constantly working to
remain on the cutting edge of fashion basics to create promotional products that appeal to the style-minded woman.”
According to Kwok, as the consumer base continues to
become more retail- and fashion-savvy, offering women a blend
of fashionable and comfortable apparel that they enjoy wearing
can generate a stronger return on investment.
This summer is the perfect time to promote women’s
fashions. Keeping comfort in mind, look for lightweight,
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breathable fabrics and styles in bright, vivid colors. “Bold
hues like jade, tropic and violet are the perfect way to add
a pop of color for the summer,” says Kwok. For fall, warmer
colors will make an impact. Kwok lists marine, bordeaux and
fatigue as key colors to remember.
For the latest in women’s fashions in the ad specialty market, just check out the racks at local department stores. “We
are active in broadening our retail channel and creating a consistent brand image and customer experience,” says Kwok. “The
trickle-down effect of this strategy will, in turn, help the promotional products world as those customers begin to recognize
and request brands they see in retail.”
Here, we show off the latest in products in year-round women’s
fashion.
WOMEN’S FASHION SHOWCASE
Snuggle Up
Cozy up to this 100% polyester silken fleece
sweat jacket with anti-pill treatment for
comfort that lasts. The full-zip, hooded
design also features a dyed-to-match zipper,
decorative antique nickel zipper pull and
front pockets.
Available from Charles River Apparel
(asi/44620); (800) 225-0550;
custserv@charlesriverapparel.com
It’s Easy Being Green
The classic polo is one of the
essentials of corporate attire. This
ringspun cotton and Lycra heavyweight jersey polo features open
sleeves, an even-hem bottom and
side vents. Creative touches such as a
small patch pocket on the left sleeve,
and four madras plaid buttons add a
visual twist to the original.
A Girl’s Best Friend
Bling out your next client promotion with
Swarovski crystals for a classy star-studded
affair. Custom crystal and rhinestone designs are
placed on super-soft fitted ladies’ style shirts that
keep their shape after repeated washing.
Available from Sparkle Plenty Designs;
(800) 952-0446; info@sparkle-plenty.com
Available from Fersten Worldwide Inc.
(asi/53974); (800) 565-7462;
info@fersten.com
The Great
Outdoors
For the weekend adventurer,
this waterproof jacket
features a softshell construction
that combines stretch
polyester with a Teflon
coating to repel and shed
water. A breathable soft
microfleece interior keeps the
wearer warm and dry.
Available from Dri-Duck Traders Inc. (asi/50835);
(866) 852-8222; tanderson@driducktraders.com
Back To
Basics
Every woman
needs classic black
in her wardrobe. This
mock-neck long-sleeve
shirt features sporty and
comfortable styling, perfect for
casual Fridays. Features include open sleeves
and straight-bottom hem with tonal-satin trim on the
snap-button placket.
Available from Cutter & Buck (asi/47965); (800) 929-9299;
corporatesales@cutterbuck.com
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Collegiate Casual
Couture Comfort
With the introduction of velour
tracksuit sets by high-end retailers
such as Juicy Couture, an apparel
item once reserved for athletes
and hip-hop moguls can be seen
everywhere these days. This velour
sweatshirt with snug fit and kangaroo
pockets accompanies a matching pair of
slightly flared low-rise pants.
Available from SanMar (asi/84863);
(800) 346-3369; sales@sanmar.com
Perfect for college sororities or bookstores,
this trendy mini skirt sits low on the waist and
features a 60/40 cotton/polyester fleece blend
with kangaroo pocket, ribbon and taping on the
waistband and hem.
Available from Boxercraft (asi/41325);
(800) 914-7774; info@boxercraft.com
Emerald City
Classic feminine styling
including a V-neck and a
snug, flattering fit make this
T-shirt a weekend favorite. Made
from 60% burnout cotton and
40% polyester, the form-fitting fabric
remains breathable, keeping the wearer
cool and comfortable all day long.
Available from Kavio! (asi/64152);
(888) 586-9989; kv@kavio.com
Work Hard, Play Hard
The Natural
A casual shirt with a conscience, this
short-sleeve V-neck T-shirt features raw
edges and raglan sleeves. Made from a
cotton/bamboo/soy fabric blend, this shirt
provides moisture management and antimicrobial properties.
Available from S & S Activewear
(asi/84358); (800) 523-2155;
requests@ssactivewear.com
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Let the clothes do the work.
This mesh quarter-zip tech
pullover features 100% polyester moisture management
and UV protection for all-day
comfort. Other features include
a right-side zip pocket and open
hemmed bottom.
Available from Vantage Apparel
(asi/93390); (800) 221-0020; sales@vantageapparel.com
WOMEN’S FASHION SHOWCASE
Tennis Anyone?
Whether you’re outfitting a
local college tennis team or
sponsoring a corporate tennis league, this adidas brand
classic dress with Climalite
technology will ace the competition. Features include
sleeveless shape with V-neck
and three stripes piping down
the back.
Available from Sports One
Group (asi/50240);
(866) 264-9175;
info@sportsonegroup.com
After Hours
This stylish number is perfect for cozying up after a long day at the office.
Made from brushed 100% cotton, this
full-zip sweatshirt features a patterned
hood lining and cuff/pocket trim. A pair
of soft 100% cotton jersey pants with
drawstring closure makes this outfit a
dream come true.
Available from MV Sport/Weatherproof
(asi/68318); (800) 367-7900;
info@wpmv.com
VIP
This fine jersey, V-neck T-shirt is
constructed of 100% organic cotton
and would be ideal for both the gym
or casual day at the office.
Available from American Apparel
(asi/35297); (213) 488-0226;
info@americanapparel.net
Soft Embrace
Perfect for weekend getaways and hanging out with
friends, these regular-fit wide-leg pants feature a wide
waistband and drawstring ties. Made from 100% cotton jersey and piece dyed, these pants are satin fabric
washed for a super-soft hand.
Available from Alternative Apparel (asi/34850);
(888) 481-4287; info@alternativeapparel.com
Down The Rabbit Hole
By mixing texture and fabrics, this
genuine rabbit fur jacket with knit
sleeves is as fashion-forward as they
come. An ultra-soft rabbit fur exterior
with body lining is juxtaposed with
a 100% polyester shell and sweater
sleeves, zipper front and extra-wide
knit waistband.
Available from Apparelstar Inc.
(asi/36539); (866) 204-4042;
dino@apparelstarimports.com
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