Stars....They're Just Like Us

“When I see myself in pictures with makeup on, even to this day, I think it looks weird. My eyes get squintier and smaller. On the red carpet, I’m playing a character. As soon as I get off that thing I think, Oof, wipe that gloss off. I’m wiping and wiping and pulling my hair out and trying to change my outfit. I’m immediately trying to get comfortable. It’s really a part I play.” - Jessica Biel to Vogue

photo courtesy styleisthenewblack

Heidi Klum to launch TWO maternity lines!

That's right- TWO! On February 12th, Heidi launches Lavish for A Pea in the Pod and Loved for Motherhood Maternity. Both collections will be available in store and online.

"I chose to call my collection for A Pea in the Pod Lavish because there is no grander name to express everything you want to give yourself and the child growing within you.....For Motherhood Maternity, Love is a celebration of new life and the love around you and your baby" said the Supermodel Mom.

Lavish is said to include 15 pieces. The line focuses on iconic style and detailed construction. Loved is 14 pieces and present comfort, playfulness and supermodel style.

Are you interested to see what Heidi comes up with?

To talk about all things maternity and fashion, join our free forum! And to get FMC news delivered straight to you, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Happy shopping!

-The FMC Team

A Series of Surprises from The Children's Place

The Children's Place is trying to reel you in! They recently launched the site: thechildrensplacecoupons.com where you can get a printable coupon for 15% off your entire purchase (or online, using code K6999). The coupon is reusable for any purchase made through November 16th of this year. When that coupon expires, TCP wants you to know they haven't forgotten about you!

Stop in to any The Children's Place store now and pick up a VIP Passbook. The Passbook includes another coupon for 15% off all your in-store or online purchases from November 17th to November 30th (excluding Black Friday sales). Another coupon gives you 30% off any single item at regular price (in-store only) from December 1st through the 24th. Also included are several Black Friday deal teasers:

• Some stores opening at midnight or 5 am
• Free shipping on all online orders Thursday, Nov. 26th and Monday, Nov. 30th
• Early, early bird savings (unspecified) on Wednesday, Nov. 25th online using the code EARLYBIRD9

Details of the Black Friday sale are to be announced on their Facebook page on Wednesday, November 25th, after 12 pm Eastern.

Want more discounts? These are also outlined:

• Nov. 30th-Dec. 7th, get a free snowman kit with your purchase of $30 or more.
• Dec. 8th-Dec. 14th, get $5 off any regularly-priced pair of denim (excluding newborn)
• Dec. 15th-Dec. 24th, get a watch for just $5 with any purchase $30 or more.
• Nov. 17th-Dec.24th, purchase $40 or more in gift cards, get a $10 coupon.

Finally, TCP is running an awesome sweepstakes! Check out WinAWardrobeSweeps.com to enter for a new wardrobe from TCP! First place is a $2010 wardrobe. Second Prize is a $200 gift card; Third Prize is a $100 gift card; and Fourth Prize is a $50 gift card.

For all things The Children's Place, holiday shopping, and kids clothes, check out our forum (it's free!) and to get FMC news delivered straight to you, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

The Cut sums up all the reasons why we'd like to be in New York City Tonight

In case you haven't heard, it's called Fashion's Night Out- The Fashion industry's way of pumping up the economy. And while many of the activities of the night will still be pricey (though a bargain by high fashion prices) a lot of the events of the evening will be free to cheap and it's sure to be awesome! The Cut has assembled a great list of cheap (or free) events for anybody lucky enough to go or those of us who just want to dream.

http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/08/fno.html

To talk about Fashion's Night Out, join our forum (it's free) and to get FMC news delivered straight to you, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Happy Shopping
The FMC Team

Gucci Gives Back!

The givers at Gucci have commissioned author and illustrator Michael Roberts to write a holiday book for them entitled Snowman in Africa. The book is a sequel to 2004's Snowman in Paradise (also sold by Gucci). The book will be sold in Gucci stores and online for $50 and if the price tag seems a bit much, Gucci has announced that 100% of the precedes will be going to UNICEF.

The giving doesn't stop there! Keyrings and handbags will also feature the snowman and 25% of the precedes from those sales will be going to UNICEF.

To talk about Gucci, join our forums (they're free)! And follow FMC on Facebook and Twitter to have FMC news delivered to you!

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

Images courtesy of Vogue Australia

The Gut Heard Round The World

Some of you may have already heard about this. Page 194 of September's issue of Glamour Magazine featured an un-altered photo of 20-year-old plus-sized model Lizzie Miller. It was a small photo, only 3 inches by 3 inches. But the outpouring was huge! Emails started pouring in the day the issue hit newsstands. Readers identified with a model that wasn't "perfect" and let's be honest, she's not "plus sized" by any standard than that of the modeling world.

So what's Glamour Magazine to do? With such an outpouring of support and identification, they've done what any other good company would do- Capitalize! Glamour is giving us all what we want! Page Six is reporting that the good people at Glamour will be featuring a handful of plus sized models in November's issue. Those to be featured include Lizzie Miller (again) Kate Dillon, Jennie Runk, Amy Lemons, Crystal Renn, Ashley Graham and Anansa Sims- all of which were said to have been photographed in the nude by Matthias Vriens.

We are positively pleased to see real women in a magazine and applaud Glamour for the decision! We'll eagerly be anticipating the November issue!

To talk about Glamour Magazine and plus sized models, join our forum. As always, follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get FMC news delivered straight to you!

Happy Shopping!
-The FMC Team

Fashion Week Kicks off with a.....Snuggie?

That's right, this year at New York Fashion Week, amid all the glitz and glamor will be an entire runway show devoted to Snuggies and Snoggies. If you're unaware of the phenomenon, Snuggies are blankets with sleeves, and Snoggies are their newest line for dogs.

The show is to be hosted by Ross the intern, and to showcase "the latest colors, fabrics and patterns" as well as the "sexiest looks in blanket-wear and adult, kid, and even canine models will hit the runway".

We need to ask, what's next? Will the Hover Round be showing at Fashion Week? Perhaps the Slap Chop? Either way, we're mildly interested to see what The Snuggie (and the Snoggie) have up their sleeves.

To discuss this and other fashion related news, visit our forum. And have the FMC news delivered you on Facebook and Twitter.

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

If you weren't on the forum today...

you were missing out! But there's still time! Here's a quick recap of all the awesomeness for the shopping addict in you!

The Janie & Jack 20% off Group Order is still ON! You have until 9pm Pacific to get your order in!

There are TWO tax-free Matilda Jane shows coming up on September 8th & 9th! Get your Gypsy Blue fix!

DarlingDivasBoutique announced their item of the week and it's completely worthy! Check out the Floriane Gagi Necklace Shirt and Sparkle Skirt! At a 20% discount, this outfit is a MUST!

Finally, if you just want some eye candy without the expense, Becky has been working hard on finding some upcoming Gap pictures (thank you Becky! You're a Rockstar!). Check out her hundreds of finds for girls and boys!

The FMC forums are FREE (what are you waiting for?) and don't forget to check out FMC on Facebook and Twitter to get all the FMC news delivered straight to YOU!

Happy shopping!
-The FMC Team

More details on Tide and Gymboree partnership

As FMC first reported in May, Tide and Gymboree have partnered up to promote Tide's newest product line, "Tide Stain Release". Tide coupons have been popping up alongside Gymbo coupons in recent weeks. Matter of fact, those Tide coupons are popping up everywhere the last few weeks.

We are now receiving new details of the partnership. A recent press release from Proctor & Gamble (parent company of Tide) details:

The holisitc, multi-touchpoint partnership between Gymboree and Tide Stain Release includes shared national print advertising, web site integration, co-branded interactive components, and a robust in-store marketing program within over 600 Gymboree stores across the country.

So what does all this mean? We've seen the print adverts and online integration- but that leaves the mystery of what is meant by "co-branded interactive components" and robust in-store marketing.

What are you hoping to see?

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

Marc Jacobs to do Children's Swimwear line

The ever-growing, one man empire that is Marc Jacobs just got a little bigger. The world renowned designer has just announced that he'll be designing swimsuits and cover ups (a total of 50 pieces) which will debut in the Spring of 2010. The suits are said to be reasonably priced, starting at roughly $25

Rosemarie DiLorenzo, the owner of Swimwear Anywhere (the Licensee of the swimwear) has said "People are always looking for mommy-and-me-type things. ...Honestly, the cuter, the better"

The announcement comes just 4 years after the launch of Little Marc- the Marc Jacobs children's line. Jacobs is a favorite of celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson, Drew Barrymore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Uma Thurman and the Olsen twins.

For this and all other news, follow fashionmomcafe on our message board at fashionmomcafe.net or via facebook or twitter!

Happy Shopping!

The FMC Team

Crazy8 Coming to the UK via Adams Kids Stores...

UK children's clothing retailer Adams Kids has had a long, public battle to stay alive. In 2007, landlords seized the company's stock to cover unpaid rent. In 2008, they were on a short list of suspected High Street retailers to go under. Now, in 2009, news comes that they are converting 2 of thier stores into Crazy8s in the fall.

Representatives of both Gymboree and Adams Kids are denying reports that the two stores are to test the concept before Gymbo offers a complete take over, but the implications are there. Gymboree is known for being agressive in their store openings, but it is understandable that they would want to be a little more conservative in this venture. Gymboree has previously pulled completely out of the UK and Ireland markets due to poor sales. This time around, the attempt is not with the tried and true Gymboree brand, but with Crazy8- a label that doesn't yet have footing in the US.

One thing is for certain- American children's retailers are targeting the UK. It was only last month that Gap announced an agressive push into the UK market with both retail and outlet stores. Prior to that, Gap also inked a deal with Asos to provide their merchandise to the UK. Best of luck to both retailers.

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

Old Navy to remodel 50 stores...Gap opens outlets in UK

At the ultra-exclusive Piper Jaffray consumer conference this morning, officials for Gap announced that 50 of it's Old Navy stores will be remodeled this year in hopes of boosting sales. Old Navy has been rumored to be on the verge of closure for the last 5 years. The brand has tested the new store design in 2 California stores with good reviews.

Though FMC was unable to find either of the California test stores, we did find that the store in St. Petersburg, FL opened in November of 2007 with a sleek, new look, appearing more like a Banana Republic than a big box store. The "Old Navy" signs are replaced by "ON"- the newer logo. Art on the walls changes seasonally, rock gardens and faux bamboo accent the pink pedestal tables. The floors and ceilings are finished and all in all, it feels like a regular store.

It's a good step for Old Navy, whom analysts predict is poised for success in our new value-based economy. But it IS a first step and Old Navy has more hurdles to overcome. Hopefully the recent addition of Mark Breitbard as Chief Merchandising and Creative Officer is enough to bring Old Navy back from the brink.

In other news from the conference, Gap plans to expand to have 40 more stores worldwide as well as a bigger push to open Gap Outlets in the UK, Japan and Canada. Additionally, Piperlime has aquired agreements with approximately 50 new labels to carry their merchandise on their website.

Happy Shopping

-The FMC Team

BREAKING NEWS: Stella McCarney joins with Gap for exclusive children's line

FMC has learned that Stella McCarney, daughter of famed Beatle Paul McCartney and world famous fashion designer has officially teamed up with Gap to create a line of childrens clothing later this year. The collection will be avaliable online and in only select BabyGap and GapKids stores worldwide.

McCartney has said that she has long wanted to create a line for children. She went on to say "I believe that kid's clothing should be more accessibly priced, which is particularly important at the moment, given the current climate".

To see some of McCartney's work in women's fashion (and to pick up a few pieces) you can view her site: http://www.stellamccartney.com/

Tide teams with Gymbo to market OxyClean competitor

Everyone knows Oxi Clean is one of the best products around for removing stains from clothing. Proctor and Gamble has decided to tap into that market by releasing new Tide Stain Release. To make a swipe at Oxi's market, they've come to those of us that use stain removers the most- MOMS. 

Proctor and Gamble has announced a marketing partnership with Gymboree to promote Tide Stain Release. It's unclear at this time what that agreement could include but commonly, a joing agreement might include perhaps coupons or samples. 

Look for Tide Stain Release on your store shelves in July of 2009. 

For all the latest rumors of Gymboree, Janie & Jack, Crazy 8, Gap kids, Baby Gap, Mini Boden and Matilda Jane, join our forums. Registration is free!

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team 

Janie & Jack lines have names and release dates

FMC has recently learned upcoming line names and release dates. The blue scenic line we've seen recently is called Santorini Island (for both boys and girls). The boy's layette is named Baby Elephant and girl's layette is Delicate Rose. All 4 lines will be released on May 31st. 

And get ready- Fall transition is coming June 28th!

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

Gymbo Warns Customers: Check Your Reciepts

Gymboree shoppers at Carousel Center and ShoppingTown malls in Syracuse are asked to check their receipts to be sure they got correct sale prices when using coupons there recently.

"We had a handful of customers that received the incorrect discount due to a change in our register process" said Mark Mizicko of Gymboree. He went on to say that it was a mistake that affected only a handful of customers from these stores and that the company intended to rectify the situation.

The mistake occurred when customers recently used 30% off coupons and were given the 20% discount instead. If you feel you were given the wrong discount, Gymboree asks that you call their customer service department at (877) 449-6932

Thank you to The Syracruse Post-Standard for the original story.

New Gymboree to open in Raleigh

FMC has learned that Gymbo Corporation plans to open a  new Gymboree store at Triangle Town Center in Raleigh sometime this Fall. While few details are known, the new store will be occupying the former Aerosoles store that recently closed after expiration of it's lease. The store is a smaller, narrow space upstairs in the Belk Courtyard. 

Other tennants of the mall include Baby Gap, Pottery Barn Baby, GapKids, abercrombie, The Children's Place and Strasburg Children.

More Exclusive Info on Upcoming Janie & Jack Lines

FMC has learned that upcoming lines from Janie & Jack include a white scenic tank and a white scenic sweater. These items should be seen soon since there are only 2 more Summer lines to go! This Fall we expect to see a cowboy hat and possibly the ever popular pink and brown combination for girls we've seen in the past. 

To discuss Janie & Jack lines, please join our forum! Click the "forum" link at the top of the page or go to http://www.fashionmomcafe.com/fmcforums

Gap, Pumpkin Patch Recalling Coats

The consumer product and safety commission announced recalls this week of coats made by both Gap and Pumpkin Patch. Approximately 23,000 Gap toggled coats were recalled after it was found that the toggle buttons could detatch and pose a choking hazzard to small children. The coats were sold in Gap, Gap Kids and Baby Gap between October 2008 and April 2009. Coats came in 4 colors (Rose, Pink, Blue and Mojave) and sold up to size 24 months.  Consumers are asked to take the coats to any Gap branded store for a full refund. Additionally, a 20% off coupon will be given for all returns prior to August 31st of this year.

As mentioned above, Pumpkin Patch is also recalling coats. The chain is recalling approximately 800 hooded raincoats in sizes 2 through 10 sold between July 2008 and February 2009.  The drawstring on the hood is believed to pose a strangulation danger to children, though no incidents have been reported. Consumers are asked to either remove the drawstring or contact Pumpkin Patch for a full refund. 

 

Pumpkin Patch Set to Loose Millions in US Market

First NZ Capital has announced they believe NZ brand Pumpkin Patch will under perform in US Markets this year. Pumpkin Patch has been aggressive in their attempt to become a power in the US retail market- opening 35 stores in the states. While the brand is still performing strongly in NZ with profits this year of about $62 Million, the US expansion is expected to loose $14 Million. 

Sarndra Urlich, and analyst with NZ Capital believes that one-third of the US stores will never see a profit. She has gone on the record to say that if Pumpkin Patch were to close just these stores, their losses could be cut by more than $10 Million. Her main concern cited was the timing of the expansion- one which coincided with recession in the US, and what Urlich referred to as the "depressed retail landscape in the US".

This all comes about the day after the New York Division of Budget has released a report that lays out their belief that the economy could be stable and recovering between July and September of this year. If this report holds water, then we must believe that the projected losses could be mitigated by a rebound in the market.

Still, Pumpkin Patch has some tough hurdles in the US market. It cannot be denied that Pumpkin Patch has not made a dent to their competition here in the states. Their marketing seems to be non-existent, their website is difficult to navigate, and their markdowns are...well, not that good. On rack of last season's clothes, you can often find marked down prices on par with what the other mall retailers are charging for new styles (full price). Undoubtedly, Pumpkin Patch has some cute styles and nice quality, but the prices make it impossible to compete.

Fashionmomcafe.com has researched the issue and found that New Zealand (the home of Pumpkin Patch) does not currently have a free trade agreement with the United States. Talks have gone on for months now with New Zealand seeking an agreement similar to that between the United States and Australia, but as of this writing, none has been signed. Opening up free trade between the countries could potentially poise Pumpkin Patch to become a major player here in the states. Why? Because  New Zealand has a free trade agreement with China, which the US does not. That means that Pumpkin Patch can buy fabric from China MUCH cheaper than US companies can. In the US, textiles from China are heavily taxed and triffid. If New Zealand gets free trade with the US, it is possible that Pumpkin Patch can buy their textiles at less cost and then import products here at less cost, resulting in lower overhead and the ability to give the US market the markdowns that make their competitors such strong performers. 

Given all the factors, we are definitely putting Pumpkin Patch on our list of companies to watch. This is really a make or break time for them in the US and we hope they can pull it off!

Happy shopping!

-The FMC Team

3 Women Walk Into a Gymbo Outlet...

Police in Ft. Myers, FL aren't laughing. While conducting a sting operation to investigate recent thefts at the Tanger Outlet Mall, Lee County Sheriffs observed 3 women in loose fitting clothing exit the Gymboree Outlet. The women headed to their car, appeared to unload and then re-entered the mall. 

When confrtoned by deputies, one of the suspects is quoted as saying "you got us". Each of the suspects were charged with three counts of larceny theft between $3,000 and $5,000.

The Ft. Myers News-Press has details http://www.news-press.com/article/20090424/CRIME/90424035/1003/ACC

P.S. by Aeropostale Coming to a Tween Near You!

While many companies are narrowing their scope in this difficult economic climate, Aeropostale stands out as something different. This Summer, Aeropostale is expanding their base to include a new concept: P.S. - The same Aeropostale forumla geared toward the tween set (ages 7-12).

Says Chairman and CEO Julian Geiger "We have watched with amazement for years [the way] moms would come to Aeropostale with an older and a younger sibling, with the younger sibling desperately trying to fit into the merchandise that was obviously too big for them. We are expanding and extending all of the things we've done well for the high school student to the elementary school student. We are enormously focused on this."

The company expects to open 10 stores this year.

For the full story, please see MediaPost.com

Gap to go (RED) February 9th

Thanks to our friends at prnewswire, FashionMomCafe has found that Gap will be launching new designs in the (product)RED line on February 9th. According to the release, mens & womens shirts will be available for $28 each and designed by emerging artists.

Other companies taking part in (product)RED include Dell, Apple, Windows, Converse, Emporio Armani, Susan Hanover Designs, Hallmark, Starbucks, and Girl.

The Children's Place in Hot Water

According to PR-inside.com, an investigation has been launched on behalf of investors into alleged misconduct by senior management at The Children's Place dating back to early 2006.

According the the article:

...during this period, the senior management of Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc. ('Children's Place') are alleged to have knowingly and/or recklessly made material misrepresentations in the PLCE's filings with the SEC and to the investing public concerning Children's Place's business and financial results. Furthermore, so the investigation, Children's Place failed to disclose significant problems with a major business partner and that its former Chief Executive Officer and still current director, Ezra Dabah, knowingly violated established internal controls policies., and that Children's Place failed to adequately disclose, among other things, the backdating of option grants to certain members of Children's Place management.

We're sure this isn't the last we'll hear about this investigation and FMC will bring you all the details as we get them.

Old Navy to Bring in New Designs

This article at TradingMarkets.com intrigued us. Old Navy, long time rumored to be in trouble is bringing Mark Breitbard back as Chief Merchandising and Creative Officer. He'll be leading the design and merchandising departments.

A bit about Breitbard from the article:

Breitbard joins Old Navy from Levi Strauss & Co, where he was President of the retail division since 2007. He was responsible for all aspects of Levi's retail division, including design, merchandising, marketing, stores and ecommerce. Previously, he was Senior Vice President and General Manager at Abercrombie and Fitch, where he had responsibility for all aspects of launching its RUEHL brand, from design concept through store presentation.

Hopefully this will be the boost Old Navy needs to dispell the rumours that have dogged them for so long.