Apparel

Seattle-based SanMar Corporation, a leading supplier of imprintable apparel and accessories, is introducing Caps and Bags, a new 60-page brochure that focuses exclusively on SanMar’s extensive collection, including 16 new caps and 16 new bags.

Well, I never thought I'd see the day a luxury designer such as Dolce & Gabbana would tout its efforts to cut prices. Since these brands exist to be aspirational in the first place, I wonder how this will effect consumers. For those who can still afford to spend the big bucks, will the tactic devalue the Dolce & Gabbana name? Is it a moot point because most if not all of their line is still pretty much unattainable for the general population? Besides branding implications, it's a pretty interesting read—the company's made some pretty easily implemented manufacturing changes in order to achieve the cuts. Maybe we can take a page from their book? (Women's Wear Daily)

Although wovens are the traditional choice, particularly for corporate apparel, pointing clients toward knits can increase the odds a promotion makes its way into a woman's everyday wardrobe. Since they have to be nipped and tucked all over to create a form-fitting silhouette, "The wovens are really tough," explained Gina Gaudet, director of design at Medford, Massachusetts-based Charles River Apparel. She suggested to look for a woman's polo that has darts at the bust and tapers in at the waist.

I'm a little annoyed by this one; I'm interested to see if you agree. But first, all you domestic manufacturers out there can pat yourselves on the back for being ahead of the curve and using "Made in America" as a marketing push. While there are benefits inherent to both domestic and overseas manufacturing, the current trend seems to be that U.S.-made goods are what the people want. And this article says just as much as it describes shoe manufacturer New Balance's push to mine that well. However, it does note that only 25 percent of its stock is produced here in the U.S. Compared to other shoe companies, that's a lot, but still. Do you think this is responsible or irresponsible "creative" marketing? I'd love to hear your thoughts. (Ad Age)

Let’s revisit, if you will, one of the most special and overwhelming times in a young person’s life: the tour de universities. Running around the country through various hallowed halls of learning is enough of a whirlwind, to be sure, but the most daunting part of it all has to be the variables involved. You might be able to briefly try each school on for size, but you won’t know if it truly fits until it’s been bought and paid for (first-semester transfers can testify to this).

It's been a whisper on the wind these past few seasons—a legging here, some lace there—but now, it's officially official. According to Style.com, the online home of Vogue magazine, 80's stylings made a heady appearance on the runways of New York's Fall Fashion Week earlier this year. How to weave it into your promotion? Choose unexpected color combinations, look for bags with a little added hardware (grommets, studs, etc.), and go with leggings for the youth/junior market.

According to Meghan Brazzelle, senior account executive at Atlanta-based Boxercraft, embellishments are a great way to "bring an extra element to any logo." However, as you might expect, they don't necessarily work for everyone. She specifically mentioned schools, teams and retail stores as being the prime targets for a little something extra, as well as items such as concert memorabilia.

Whether you're a self-professed style savant, or barely fashion conscious, you know Vogue is the go-to guide for the world of high-design clothing and accessories. However, if you're not a consistent reader, you might not be aware that's there's been a bit of dialogue lately about Vogue losing its groove. In this piece, esteemed fashion critic Cathy Horyn discusses just what, exactly, might help the lagging title find its way. (The New York Times)

Atlanta-based Boxercraft recently launched its fall 2009 catalog. The newest catalog is packed with the best spiritwear items available anywhere.

Philadelphia-based Bodek and Rhodes, one of the nation’s leading wholesalers of imprintable activewear