Lots of people have asked: what is a hipster? Well, you’ll find that answer in the above image.  This picture definitely makes us laugh as Style Seen Daily has come across more than a handful of men who adhere to this Hipster uniform.

Lemon yellow, lime green, tangerine orange.  Spring 2009 is all about citrus colors.  

You can incorporate this trend by adding just a pop of color such as an orange clutch or scarf.  

Or you can go all out and have an entire outfit in one color (such as the runway models above).

With the economy in such a slump, there’s no reason why you’re clothing should reflect that.  Instead add color to your life, and we mean that literally ofcourse.  

If you need some ideas on what citrus color items to pick up, just visit our Style Seen Daily Showroom, Spring Section.

From:  Retail News

Date:  2/23/09

An often-cited marketing maxim holds that around 80 percent of consumer purchases are driven by women. The figure is often cited to emphasize how women are underestimated and under-served as customers. But the generally-accepted principle frequently leaves retailers and brands guessing at the extent of women’s buying influence within given categories.

The theory bases its high purchasing power on how much a women will buy for herself, how much she buys for others (i.e., husband, boyfriend, kids, nephews, male friends, etc.) and even how much a women will influenceother purchases. Their buying acumen is often backed by stats around the female gender’s growing economic power, their increasing influence in the household, as well as perhaps stereotypical views on their propensity to shop.

The finding is most often quoted from Tom Peters’ Re-Imagine! Business Excellence in a Disruptive Age. In the book published in 2003, the management guru claims that women make up 83 percent of all consumer purchases. The book notes that in category after category, women are “instigators-in-chief” of most consumer purchases.

Breaking out few categories, the book estimates that women determine a whopping 94 percent of home furnishings purchases, 92 percent of vacations, 91 percent of new homes, 80 percent of DIY (do-it-yourself) projects, 68 percent of car purchases, and 51 percent of consumer electronics buys. The book also found that women make up about 89 percent of the spending decisions around new bank accounts and 80 percent around healthcare decisions.

But it’s tough to figure out women’s influence across all categories.

For instance, take the often male-skewed sporting goods industry. In its annual Sporting Goods Market Report, the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) finds that women on their own behalf acquire about 55 percent of units sold in 14 categories of athletic footwear (excluding rugged outdoor, hunting boots, cleated footwear and water sport). Including purchases she drove for her husband, sons, and other male friends, purchasing power around athletic footwear could be argued to come close to the 80 percent mark. Falling well short might be the category of sports equipment, in which women make up about a third of sales and where purchasing decisions for children are often driven by the father.

But in his book, Mr. Peters laments on how, given their dominant purchasing power, women are rarely turned to when it comes to marketing and product design. And he predicted in Business Week last year that with women outpacing men in college degrees, they’ll increasingly be leading decision making in Corporate America.

Mr. Peters said, “It’s going to be so extreme in the next 20 years, it’s just eye popping.”

From:  Daily Herald

Date:  3/11/2009

NEW YORK — American Eagle Outfitters Inc. said Wednesday that unplanned markdowns during the weak holiday season and a charge related to the declining value of some investment securities sent its fourth-quarter profit tumbling 77 percent.

Its adjusted results matched Wall Street’s expectations, however, as did the company’s first-quarter outlook.

Teen-focused American Eagle has struggled with its women’s fashion and Chief Executive Jim O’Donnell said in the fourth quarter the company faced “particular softness” in that business.

That and the overall drop-off in consumer spending were factors in pushing the company’s profit down to $32.7 million, or 16 cents per share, in the three months that ended Jan. 31. That compares with $140.5 million, or 66 cents per share, in the same period a year earlier.

Excluding charges and one-time items, the company earned 19 cents per share, which met the estimates of analysts polled by Thomson Reuters. Analysts’ estimates typically exclude one-time items.

Sales fell 9 percent to $905.7 million from $995.4 million a year earlier, below the $911.8 million analysts expected. Sales in stores that have been open at least one year, a key retail metric known as same-store sales, slid 16 percent.

While teens can be notoriously fickle, clothing retailers who have hit the fashion trends they crave — at the right price — have fared better than other specialty retailers.

Rival The Buckle Inc., which also targets teens, said its fourth-quarter profit rose 18 percent as sales jumped 21 percent as shoppers snapped up its trendy jeans and accessories. But J. Crew Group Inc. said it swung to a fourth-quarter loss and AnnTaylor Stores Inc. reported last week that its fourth-quarter loss widened over the year before.

O’Donnell said in a statement that lower demand during the quarter led to a boost in unplanned promotions, which helped clear out some inventory.

“Looking ahead, we cannot accept this kind of performance, recession or not. We know that our customer responds when we have the right fashion at the right price,” he said.

The Pittsburgh-based company hired Roger Markfield in January to a new position of vice chairman and executive creative director to revamp its merchandise selection. O’Donnell said his presence will begin to be fully felt with the back-to-school collections.

American Eagle also means to offer more planned promotions — such as a February event when all jeans were under $30 — rather than unplanned markdowns during the year and has improved its women’s collection, including adjusting fits in women’s jeans and expanding its dress offerings from less than 10 choices to 40 styles in the spring.

It is cutting capital spending by half, to $110 million to $135 million, and trimming other costs.

In the first quarter, American Eagle expects a profit of 4 cents to 7 cents per share, while analysts expect 6 cents per share.

Full-year net income sagged 55 percent to $179.1 million, or 86 cents per share, from $400 million, or $1.82 per share, in the previous year. Revenue fell 2 percent to $2.99 billion, while same-store sales fell 10 percent.

American Eagle shares rose 14 cents to $9.71 in midday trading, while Buckle Inc.’s shares rose $1.35, or 5.7 percent, to $25.22.

From:  Canadian Business Magazine

Date:  2/10/2009

NEW YORK (AP) – Apparel maker J. Crew Group Inc. on Tuesday reported a fiscal fourth-quarter loss on lower demand, but results were better than analysts had predicted, sending shares up 10 percent in aftermarket trading.

Losses for the three months ended Jan. 31 totaled $13.5 million, or 22 cents per share, compared with a year-ago profit of $25 million, or 39 cents per share, last year. Excluding impairment charges, the latest-quarter loss totaled 20 cents per share.

Revenue fell 3 percent to $388 million from $399.9 million last year.

But the results topped expectations of analysts polled by Thomson Reuters, who on average predicted a wider loss of 27 cents per share on revenue of $372.8 million. Analyst estimates typically exclude one-time charges.

The company itself had forecast a wider loss between 24 cents and 29 cents per share.

Demand for J.Crew’s preppy clothing has dropped amid the recession and consumer spending pullback. Late last month the company said it would cut jobs, eliminate merit-based wage increases and suspend its 401(k) matching contribution plan through the rest of the year to shore up costs.

Millard Drexler, company chief executive, said in a statement J. Crew is adjusting to the “new, not fun, retail reality.”

For the year, profit fell 44 percent to $54.1 million, or 85 cents per share, from $97.1 million, or $1.52 per share, a year ago. But revenue rose 7 percent to $1.42 billion from $1.33 billion last year.

The company forecast first-quarter adjusted earnings between 7 and 12 cents per share, down sharply from last year’s 48-cent profit but still in range of analysts’ average forecast of 10 cents per share.

Shares rose 36 cents, or 3.9 percent, to close earlier at $9.72, and jumped 98 cents to $10.70 in after-hours electronic trading.

From:  KHQ-TV

Associated Press – March 11, 2009 8:45 PM ET

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) – North-central Pennsylvania clothing manufacturer Woolrich Inc. is dropping its trademark infringement lawsuit against specialty retailer Eddie Bauer Inc.

A document filed recently in federal court in Williamsport says Woolrich is dismissing “all claims asserted in the complaint” filed in January. It doesn’t say why.

The earlier complaint said Woolrich had been using the slogan “The Original Outdoor Clothing Company” since 1997. It said that Bellevue, Wash.-based Eddie Bauer’s slogan, “The Original Outdoor Outfitter,” was too similar. Woolrich said in the earlier complaint that Eddie Bauer began using its slogan in October.

Woolrich was started in 1830 by English immigrant John Rich. It is based in the small town that bears its name, about 90 miles north of Harrisburg.

From: MRketplace.com

Fashion and lifestyle firm Tommy Hilfiger is merging its operations in the U.S. and Canada, the company confirmed on Friday, March 6, in a move that will create a new business unit called Tommy Hilfiger North America.

Some jobs will be lost in the merger, a spokesperson for Tommy Hilfiger confirmed this morning. “A few staff positions will be made redundant but it is close to nothing,” he said.

The changes come after a review of Tommy Hilfiger’s operations identified synergies between the two units which have both shifted their focus onto their retail businesses in recent years.

The new consolidated business will be headed by Gary Sheinbaum, group president of North American Retail.

Colleen Kelly, group president of North American Wholesale, will oversee U.S. and Canadian wholesale activities.

Sheinbaum and Kelly will continue to report directly to Fred Gehring, CEO of the Tommy Hilfiger Group.

Once the integration is complete in June 2009, Howard Starr, CEO of Tommy Hilfiger Canada, will resign.

The changes come after a period in which the company has been expanding its retail business in Canada where it operates more than 50 retail locations.

Under Tommy Hilfiger North America, the Montreal office will remain the Canadian corporate office with regional offices in Toronto and Vancouver.

“The unprecedented economic crisis around the world has led us, like all other companies, to review the business structure and identify areas of consolidation and efficiency,” said Fred Gehring in a statement mailed to just-style.

“The business profiles of Tommy Hilfiger USA and Tommy Hilfiger Canada have many parallels, including a recent shift to a primarily retail business, creating an opportunity to maximize alignment and synergy.

“The integration is in line with our strategy to consolidate brand management and enhance our international presence by approaching markets in a globally coordinated effort.”

Tommy Hilfiger has been making a major push to expand its retail presence in the U.S., and is seeing significant growth from its partnership with Macy’s — which has been the exclusive department store retailer of its men’s and women’s sportswear since last autumn.

In its most recent financial update, the firm, which is owned by private equity firm Apax Partners, said its U.S. sales rose 16.7% to $356m in the six months to 30 September. U.S. same-store sales were up 6.0%. However, sales in Canada were 1.9% below last year.

The catwalk for the 2009 autumn collection at Paris Fashion Week was a happy themed one. Models were smiling up and down the runway, something previously never really seen in Paris.   

Stella McCartney‘s show was all smiles and full of supporters like her father, Sir Paul McCartney as well as her sister Mary both sat front row along with; Beth Ditto, Thandie Newton, Kanye West, Pink, Charlotte Casiraghi, Salma Hayek, and Francois-Henri Pinault.  

Amber, Kayne and Pink front row at the Stella McCartney Show in Paris at Stella McCartney's '09 Fall Paris Show.

Salma Hayek and husband Francois Henris Pinault Front Row at Stella McCartney's '09 Fall Paris Show.

McCartney showed delicate and beautiful cocktail dresses that put aside her typical sportier looks and let loose the “Stella Girl” as she put it. 

Also shown were jumpsuits, knit sweaters and elegant cocoon coats with skinny belts – everything well tailored and “grown up” while maintaining the style she is known for which is simply and easy going unfussy style with sex appeal.

McCartney mentioned backstage that she liked to take things apart and then put them together again, as a result she used spliced tulle and silk as well as black lace floating down arms which was actually an illusion of sleeves.

Stella Girl Dress at Stell McCartney's 09 Fall Show in Paris, France.

McCartney proves that you can make desirable fashion while maintaining your ethics as a strict vegetarian, such as herself.

Stella’s refusals to work with leather and furs have previously been rumored to hinder the style of her shoes and bags – this year she turns that around – if it was ever even true. Her new collection has knee high boots in faux leather and knitted silk. Stella has succeeded in creating must have items that even PETA will approve of wearing.  She has also rose above the previous gossip that she was “just a pop star’s kid” and developed real design chops and respect sans dear old dad.

Stella McCartney.

Stella has a variety of collections in 2009 from her Adidas designs to the two perfumes to both dressy and casual clothes. Her flagship store in London has had a strong year in profits and supporters keep multiplying.

For clothing, accessories and shoes that you can feel good about, both in how they make you look as well as knowing no animals were harmed in their process of being created – check out www.stellamccartney.com  and for discounted Stella (assuming you don’t need the newest trends) go to www.shopstyle.com

Bryon Williams, Nicole Richie, Andy LeCompte and Rachel Zoe.

After all the rumors about Nicole Richie and stylist Rachel Zoe, we were surprised to see the two posing for photos together at when we attended Andy LeCompte‘s West Hollywood Salon opening. Is it possible that LeCompte himself paved the way for a reconnection?

Regardless, LeCompte was so busying touring with Madonna, his salon went open for months before he could host a proper unveiling. Finally when he did, clients like Lindsay Lohan, Micha Barton and of course Nicole Richie all came out to support.

While Madonna was not on hand, LeCompte did reveal quite a few secrets of the popstar. We’ll share but first a little background - he opened the salon with business partner (and fellow stylist) Leanne Citrone,  the two hand picked everything from the “cute coffee cups” to the unique art on the walls by their favorite L.A. artist Paul Rusconi. The  artwork is vibrant and alluring on most every wall in the raw studio like salon, which is tucked behind L.A. fashion designer Jenni Kayne‘s store.

Andy LeCompte's West Hollywood Salon

The hosts, LeCompte, Citrone and Kayne, had candy bar stations equipped with everything from Lolipops to Hershey’s kisses and the washing station sinks were all filled with ice and champagne, poured by typically attractive Angeleno bartenders. In addition to candy and cocktails, guests were given gift bags filled with Joico hair products and some lucky goers also claimed their own House of Harlow headpieces, designed by Nicole Richie and sold in the salon. Nicole sported a gold one herself.

Other clients such as Penelope Cruz, Jessica Alba, Kate Walsh and Fergie were not in attendance, but we’re told are frequent visitors. Now back to Madonna, if you want to get locks all sexy like her’s, LeCompte suggests adding texture by using Sunsilk Waves of Envy Sea Spray and then use either a Revlon 3 Barrel Jumbo Waver. Or if can’t get yourself an appointment to see LeCompte, get that sexy tousled look Madonna, Mischa and Lohan love, by using dry shampoo, a waterless way to freshen and restyle hair when you can’t indulge in a regular shampoo and blow out.

We took the advice and realized this was not only a great way to create that lusty look, but also a terrific soultion when you’re traveling, or rushing out the door with no time for proper primping.

Dry Shampoo Available at Sephora

Naturia Dry Shampoo by Rene Furterer, sold at Sephora is perfect to cleanse hair in minutes leaving it luminous and healthy with no water. The formula absorbs impurities and oil in the scalp with a high absporption power of essential oils that soften’s hair and will give you that “Madonna” look. 

Congrats to LeCompte, both talent and lovely, we could not be happier for his success!

www.andylecomptesalon.com

D&G reveals new collections & spokesperson

Eva Mendes, Naomi Watts, Kate Hudson, Freida Pinto, Claudia Schiffer, Eva Herzigova, Sheryl Crow, Lindsay Lohan, Fergie, Naomi Campbell and Scarlett Johansson all made their way to Dolce and Gabbana’s front row in Milan for fashion week. This line up is the biggest Milan has had in years, all for their fall-winter 2009-2010 collection.

D&G revealed that Johansson will be the company’s new spokesperson for cosmetics.

Lohan and Fergie at Dolce and Gabbana Milian Show.

This D&G ’09 collection was explained to be inspired by surrealist art with desire to push limits.

Dolce and Gabbana Milan Runway 2009.

Everything had a slim silhouette at the bottom and more elaborate from the waist up and was full of details from decorated headbands, ruffled stocking seams and puffed sleeves were widely shown.  

Dolce and Gabbana Milan Runway 2009.

 Furs of all colors made up a big part of the looks.   

Dolce and Gabbana Milan Runway 2009.

Dolce and Gabbana also added an iconic fashion theme to the show paying homage to Marylin Monroe. 

Marylin Monroe inspired collection at the Dolce and Gabbana Milan Runway 2009.

Gowns with Monroe’s smiling face adorned the models down the runway and it seemed that the new makeup ad campaign face, Johansson, who was dressed a light green silk dress with cap sleeves, could not keep her eyes off those styles. Johansson, a reddish-brunette at the moment, was done up in the campaign to look like Monroe with bright red lipstick and white blond hair.

Dolce and Gabbana Make Up Campaign with Scarlett Johansson.

The UK Telegraph reported on Johansson’s shoot saying, “I’m kind of buxom. I love red lipstick and I love a good lip. I was working with Pat McGrath, the British make-up artist, and she was so funny. Everyone kept saying, ‘Get Pat off the set. Scarlett’s smiling too much.” 

“She is beautiful, and she has beautiful skin,” Stefano Gabbana said of 24-year-old Johansson. He added that she embodied the concept of beauty for young people today.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana revealing their new cosmetics spokesperson, Scarlett Johansson.

Backstage at the show, several beautiful male models all joined together to hit the runway in their black and white themed well tailored suits, Dolce and Gabbana still seem to dominate the market for European style suits.

Backstage in Milan at the Dolce and Gabbana Milan Runway 2009.

Look for the new line of make up in stores just weeks from now and the new collection heavy with metallics and also whimsical romantic looks has already hit the flagship retail locations.