Friday, September 28, 2007

J Crew October 2007 Catalogue


Gosh ... they never seize to amaze. I dumped their stock a few days ago for a small profit because I think in the short term their stock is over-priced (I know, I know ... market timing isn't a good thing to do, but considering the whole retail sector isn't doing so well right now, more likely than not, J Crew would not be immune from it all. At least I luckily bought low, sold high). Then today I openned their October catalogue, and once again it made me drool. BUT ... it's one of those catalogues that make me go "If I have lots of money one day, I wanna dress like that". As far as catalogues go, it's the best of its kind out there. As far as the prices go ... ouch and unfortunately that day may never come ... or come way down the road. It's a good thing that they've figured out the formula for concoting the most addictive catalogue because I'll be hooked on this one for the next couple decades, and maybe one fine day in the next couple decades, I'll be rich enough to buy the whole store. I bet that's what they're betting on too.

The store definitely targets the young, the chic and the career-gal types. They understand the audience well, so well that everything about the clothes fit this young/chic/career-gal image to a T. That's the upside, that they do what they do well. The downside is that I think the store would only do really well in the major metropolitan areas, and perhaps some rich college towns at best. Last time I counted on Craigslist there are 23 major metropolitan areas in the US, so they already have a pretty good coverage on those. They can grow ... but only to a limit. I don't think J Crew would ever be as ubiquitous as the GAP. The middle America can afford the GAP, but not J Crew. I still think this stock would be a good long term investment. But I don't think you're looking at another GAP by any means even though it's now headed by a former GAP guy.

Another positive about J Crew is its new Crew Cuts department. As the young professional gals evolve into professional women with little ones spring up (such as moi), they will naturally love to dress their little ones in the same trendy style. I can't wait till my baby hits the 2 year mark.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Are anorexic models out?

Look at the fall 07 catalogue of shopbop. Their models actually have some meat on their stomach, looking almost womanly. The red head looks like she gained some weight for the better. Finally! I complained about their skinny models a couple years back, and they told me that they'd take it into consideration. I guess they did after all! The clothes look hotter than ever because the models look their best humanly possible without reminding me of match sticks. I have to say that I am more likely to buy their stuff now than two years back.

Monday, September 10, 2007

J Crew Shares Tumbled, but the upside ...

J Crew shares tumbled last Thursday after it missed analyst expectations. The share price continued to lower Friday and Monday. All this is good news to me because I've been eyeing this stock for a while now for a good buying opportunity. There is essentially nothing wrong with the company, and the recent selling was nothing more than the result of the herd mentality. J Crew did well last quarter, but not as well as some expected. One source attributed the off the target results to the fact that they stocked too many dresses which did not sell well. I'd agree. I wasn't crazy about their dresses over the summer, it was a lot of nothing, but your can't overlook the rest of their tantalizing summer line without drooling. Many of my friends and I have been loyal fans of J Crew since our mid-twenties, loving its clean and chic design paired with top quality fabrics. Need I mention the vibrant colors? Now that we're turning thirty, while we've out-grown the GAP, and Express, J Crew has remained at the top of our favorite list. Overally speakings, the company has got healthy financials, and a Fall Collection to die for. Is it too obvious that I'm recommeding a Strong Buy for this company?

Doo.ri

New York Fashionweek is underway. My favorite collection so far belongs to Doo.Ri. She makes the jersey, my least favorite fabricate, shine by using the most intricately designed cuts and layers, resulting in artful pieces of sophistication and romanticism. It's fashion rocket science at its best. Checkout http://www.doori-nyc.com/.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Vera Wang Interviewed by Wall Street Journal on Her Kohl's line

I look up to Vera Wang even though I have never bought a single Vera Wang label in my life. I admire her for her talent and hardwork, and her story is one of inspiration. The fact that she is of Asian decent makes me feel proud that Asian girls can make it so far in this dog-eat-dog man's world. So imagine how excited I was to read an interview with her in the Wall Street Journal. She's coming out with a collection called Vera Vera Wang for Khol's discount chain, at very low-end prices. In the beginning of the interview, she was asked about whether she thinks that it's a step down from designing thousands-dollar wedding dresses, and the several hundred dollar ready-to-wears that hold much prestige. Her answer was very Liz-Claibornesk, that it would be great to dress women of all ages and sizes.

It's all fine and danddy until we got to this question:

WSJ: Do you think middle America is getting more or less sophisticated about fashion?

Ms. Wang: I have been all over the United States in my fashion career, and one thing I noticed was how terrific women look today. I see the way girls are put together and how their moms are put together, and I am really pretty amazed. They know what the flip-flop is, the T-shirts, they have the shorts. They have a special jean. They have a great designer handbag.

... eh ... I think Vera Wang is just trying to be very nice here. T-shirt, flip-flops and jeans are pretty much the only things middle America knows. Of course she couldn't have said that or she would have sounded arrogant and have ticked off too many future customers. If being put-together means T-shirt, flip-flops and jeans, then Old Navy and the Gap would suffice. I certainly hope that her collection is more than just T-shirt, flips and jeans.

In any case, I will definitely check out Vera Vera Wang at my local Khol's. People go for the extra edge when they go for designer labels. I hope her collection will be as edgy as the label that comes with it.