Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

The Guild 10-7-2004 Retailers embrace the poncho, betting the trend will last into fall
Star Living ^ | 8-24-2004 | Style Section

Posted on 10/07/2004 3:27:41 AM PDT by BigWaveBetty

I'm praying retailers are dead wrong. Wasn't a fan of the poncho in the 70's and my heart hasn't grown any love for them in 2004.

Please excuse the insult if you like them but they do nothing for me. And I've never seen a poncho that says, I'm the one, we'll look gorgeous together, buy me! Plus those annoying little fringes inevitably drag in the onion dip when I'm at a party trying to get a little nosh.

Hey! You got onion dip on my fringies! Well you got poncho fringies in my onion dip! *We pause to ponder the possibilities...*

The hostess and I let out a simultaneous Nahhhhhhh! Nothing good ever comes from combining poncho fringies and onion dip. However, the dog, trying to nip at the onion scented fringies did become my best friend.

Now from the experts on ponchos:

Apparel retailers across the country have been begging for something new, a fresh look that every woman doesn't already have in her closet.

This summer they got one: the poncho.

Crocheted with airy holes, off-the-shoulder or down to the knee, the '70s-era accessory has made a big-time comeback and is a hot product for clothing retailers headed into the fall shopping season.

Teenagers are wearing ponchos. So are their mothers and grandmothers. There aren't many fashion trends that can claim such reach.

Adding to the poncho's appeal, it disguises less-than-buff arms and comes in a friendly one-size-fits-all.

"Women got tired of everything being so body-conscious and bare," explains David Wolfe, creative director with the Doneger Group, a consulting firm that advises retailers on fashion trends.

Retailers from top to bottom have embraced the once utilitarian cover-up. At the low-end, Wal-Mart has them displayed front and center in refurbished apparel departments. At the high end, Neiman Marcus is showing a striped cashmere poncho in brown, black and gray for $245.

In between, Marshall Field's is offering a black open-knit poncho for $29.99, while Target is featuring a cheap-chic, flower-adorned pink version for $12.99.

The women's apparel industry certainly could use a boost. Sales of women's clothing fell 6 percent in 2003, the third consecutive year of declines, a reflection of the recession, lower-priced foreign imports and a lack of hot items.

Sales of women's clothing were flat through the first half of 2004, but they could jump 4.5 percent by year-end, predicts Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst with NPD Group. If so, it would be the best showing in five years. Continue the Poncho Pitching

Here are some examples, some good, some bad, some just plain ugly.

..

..

..


TOPICS: The Guild
KEYWORDS:
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 101-120121-140141-160 ... 261-273 next last
To: MaeWest
W has the best crowds of any political rally. We are a fun bunch!

U.S. President George W. Bush (news - web sites) speaks to thousands of supporters next to a giant letter W at an election rally in Wausau, Wisconsin, October 7, 2004. Bush is campaigning in Wisconsin on the eve of his second presidential debate against Democrat John Kerry (news - web sites). REUTERS/Jason Reed US ELECTION

121 posted on 10/07/2004 3:57:44 PM PDT by BigWaveBetty (KEdwards vowed to hunt down al Qaeda wherever it is, unless wherever's in Iraq.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 118 | View Replies]

To: Carolina

I've wondered where you've been! Welcome back!


122 posted on 10/07/2004 7:29:03 PM PDT by Endeavor
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 49 | View Replies]

To: Endeavor

Thanks, E. I missed y'all.


123 posted on 10/07/2004 8:07:14 PM PDT by Carolina
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 122 | View Replies]

To: lodwick

Really??? The AP posted this and then pulled it? Argghhhh, I can't wait until Nov 2 and this election will be over. In my heart I know Bush is going to win big, but my head keeps saying it will be really really close.

And the thing I really can't stand is the off-chance of having Theresa as first lady. Shallow, I know.


124 posted on 10/07/2004 8:31:44 PM PDT by Utah Girl
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 115 | View Replies]

To: BigWaveBetty
This guy could pull it off.


125 posted on 10/08/2004 2:15:32 AM PDT by NYpeanut (gulping for air, I started crying and yelling at him, "Why did you lie to me?")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Utah Girl
And the thing I really can't stand is the off-chance of having Theresa as first lady. Shallow, I know.

I believe the type of woman a man chooses for his wife is very telling. I don't like to bring this up, but the first Mrs. Kerry seemed to have some emotional health issues, and Mrs. Heinz seems to as well. Now, my question is, were they unstable before they met John, or did they become that way after marriage?

In my mind, it seems that John preys on vulnerable women. To me that makes him a much darker character than just a poodle.

Given Teresa's bizarre remarks and behavior, Kerry should know that his wife is not capable of handling the task of being first lady. But I suppose personal ambition trumps what's best for your helpmate.

126 posted on 10/08/2004 3:28:42 AM PDT by pubmom (Suffering from DITS (Democrat induced tourette's syndrome)since 1992.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 124 | View Replies]

To: Utah Girl

The station said that the network was, "testing the system," whatever that may mean...

I, too, am ready for November third.


127 posted on 10/08/2004 3:34:39 AM PDT by lodwick (He that meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 124 | View Replies]

To: lodwick

We're all READY for the election.


128 posted on 10/08/2004 4:50:16 AM PDT by Iowa Granny (Proud to be associated with pajama wearing news gatherers)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 127 | View Replies]

To: Iowa Granny

;-) Good morning up there.


129 posted on 10/08/2004 4:54:17 AM PDT by lodwick (He that meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 128 | View Replies]

To: lodwick

Terrezzza to Dr. Phil yesterday:

"I think men are supposed to be boys always. They just go through different stages and if wives understand that they can love them."

So comforting in wartime.

It's distressing that such a couple of whackjobs could even be close to occupying the White House. I'm so nervous about tonight's debate that it's tempting to just go to a movie and skip it. Then come home and read the commentary to see what new lies Kerry told---he's been practicing them all week! And what about those "plants" in the audience? But I know I won't be able to stay away.


130 posted on 10/08/2004 5:03:46 AM PDT by Timeout (Proud, card-carrying member of JAMMIE NATION)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 127 | View Replies]

To: Timeout

I'll just read the live commentary threads, or go poncho shopping.


131 posted on 10/08/2004 5:16:46 AM PDT by lodwick (He that meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 130 | View Replies]

To: BigWaveBetty
Oh, that "W" is so much more wholesome. Compare.

Lovely role model for her child.

132 posted on 10/08/2004 5:56:27 AM PDT by Carolina
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 121 | View Replies]

To: NYpeanut

Ah yes, the Clintser. The poncho adds a certain junoesque for the he-man gunslinger set.


133 posted on 10/08/2004 5:59:19 AM PDT by BigWaveBetty (KEdwards vowed to hunt down al Qaeda wherever it is, unless wherever's in Iraq.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 125 | View Replies]

To: Timeout; Utah Girl
Speaking of "plants" in the audience, tonight's "town meeting" is at my alma mater. I remember when I started law school there, I seriously thought I'd landed in the middle of Red Square. Needless to say, if 1 percent of the crowd is pro-Bush, it will be surprising.

In the same vein as your hotly debated thread yesterday, J, I've been feeling so uneasy about the debate and the election, and the president's ability to effectively rebut Kerry's lies. The voter fraud alone will be a substantial obstacle. I predict voter intimidation, also. Like you said, UtahGirl, Bush should win handily, but that's only in the absence of fraud and intimidation. It will be close, it even could be lost.

I'm going to suggest we start today and pray fervently for the next 3-1/2 weeks.

134 posted on 10/08/2004 6:01:48 AM PDT by mountaineer
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 130 | View Replies]

Try to picture yourself following this idiot's advice when you go to the local elementary school to vote:

"I ALWAYS vote. It's hard because it's so dreary in those places. People dress badly. It's decorated badly. Try to pick up people when you vote. I tell college kids that when I'm lecturing. I say, 'Dress provocatively.' Cruise. Touch yourself as you pull the lever. Do things to make it more interesting. How else are we going to get young people to vote? They think it's dull." — JOHN Waters to Black Book magazine. (Page Six)

135 posted on 10/08/2004 6:08:27 AM PDT by mountaineer
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 134 | View Replies]

To: lodwick

We had some rain yesterday, and rain overnight. It was time for the harvest crew to get some rest anyway.

Corn yields are very, very good. Which is good news for those who will be feeding livestock, but very bad news for those with grain to sell. But I guess you knew that.

I'm ready to hit the showers and take off for the day.

Have a good one!


136 posted on 10/08/2004 6:11:07 AM PDT by Iowa Granny (Proud to be associated with pajama wearing news gatherers)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 129 | View Replies]

To: All

More actual quotes from John Edwards (to add to yesterday's "Saddam was an imminent threat"):

We watched as the man who's now John Kerry's running mate - but back then was a candidate for President in the Iowa caucuses - deals with a flannel-shirted protester.

"How do you feel about 3-1/2 thousand Iraqi civilians dying because of your vote for the war?" the young man demands.

Edwards: "I think I did the right thing about this war."

Protester: "So you think they should be dead?"

Edwards: "I think we should have gotten rid of Saddam Hussein. It's a good thing he's gone."

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1238736/posts


137 posted on 10/08/2004 6:21:03 AM PDT by mountaineer
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 136 | View Replies]

To: mountaineer
I'm going to suggest we start today and pray fervently for the next 3-1/2 weeks.

I couldn't agree more. There is a darkness associated with the leadership of the Democratic party, the only way to defeat it is through prayer.

Pray, people, pray.

138 posted on 10/08/2004 6:23:32 AM PDT by pubmom (Suffering from DITS (Democrat induced tourette's syndrome)since 1992.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 134 | View Replies]

To: pubmom
DNC Source: Rumor that Radicals Have Penetrated Town Hall Debate. Gee, what a surprise.
139 posted on 10/08/2004 6:29:20 AM PDT by mountaineer
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 138 | View Replies]

To: mountaineer; pubmom
I'm going to suggest we start today and pray fervently for the next 3-1/2 weeks.

I have been praying this psalm for the last year.


Psalm 91

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

Surely He will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with His feathers,
and under His wings you will find refuge;
His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you make the Most High your dwelling --
even the LORD, who is my refuge --
then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
For He will command His angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

Sign up for the prayer thread: Can You Spare an Hour to Pray? Presidential Debate Prayer Thread for October 8

140 posted on 10/08/2004 6:33:29 AM PDT by Carolina
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 134 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 101-120121-140141-160 ... 261-273 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson