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Retailers' online sales grow by double digits Posted 5/22/2006 10:08 PM ET

By Mindy Fetterman, USA TODAY Consumers are becoming more comfortable with using the Internet, and that has led to rising retail sales online. Online sales will top $200 billion this year, up 20% from 2005, according to the National Retail Federation's online division, Shop.org. That's nearly double what online sales were just three years ago. Online sales are projected to be $211.4 billion in 2006 vs. $176.4 billion in 2005. "This is the real growth engine for the retail industry overall," says Scott Silverman, executive director of Shop.org. Retail sales are growing 3% a year, vs. double-digit growth online. The rate of growth is slowing somewhat, however. Sales jumped 51% in 2003 from 2002, 24% in 2004 and 25% in 2005. Travel is by far the largest type of product bought online, making up nearly one-third of all online purchases, according to the survey of 174 online retailers. Online travel sales hit $62.8 billion in 2005 and are projected to rise an additional 17% in 2006. Buying computer hardware and software online is No. 2, and buying autos and auto parts online is No. 3. Nearly half (44%) of all computers and software sold are sold online, according to the survey. "Consumer comfort and familiarity with the Internet has been a hurdle to growth in the past," Silverman says. "But people are used to the Internet now, for e-mail and doing research. If you aren't in that game (as a retailer), you're at a huge disadvantage." Retailers are trying to capitalize on growing comfort with shopping online by closely integrating their stores with telephone, catalog and online ordering. That means more retailers are giving in-store and telephone salespeople access to the Web for information, prices and ordering. They also are doing more cross-promotions — such as getting a coupon online to use in a store. "You want that seamless shopping experience," between the Web, catalog operations and stores, Silverman says. Many retailers have in-store kiosks that let customers order online if they don't find the right product in the store. J.C. Penney will finish rolling out access to its jcp.com website at all of its 35,000 checkout registers in August. That lets salespeople offer customers sizes or colors of products not in the store. In-store Web access also lets customers get help with issues such as how to measure a window correctly or how to buy the correct-size bra, says Richard Last, vice president of merchandising for jcp.com. "We can offer a lot of complementary products that are not available in the store," Last says. "We have a strong line of infant and toddler clothes in the stores, but online we can supplement that with infant furniture — everything for the baby's room." The website is the fastest-growing business for the retailer. Penney's online sales rose 17% in April, on top of a 45% increase in 2005. Last expects retailers in the "soft goods" business, such as department and clothing stores, to continue to improve Web use. Appliance sellers such as Circuit City and Best Buy let customers order online and guarantee pickup at a local store. That's "on the horizon" for other retailers, Last says.

7 Wardrobe Mistakes Career Women Make
By Sheila Dicks 

1. Lots of Clothes Nothing to Wear:

Most women only wear 20 percent of their clothes, leaving the other eighty percent hanging in their closets because it’s uncomfortable, it doesn’t look right, nothing matches it, it’s itchy, it rides up, it’s too small etc. Does this sound familiar? Are you one of the women who, when she shops just fattens her closet? If you have garments that have been hanging in your closet for several months you could be fattening your closet. Learn how to build a wardrobe that works for you so that you can look great everyday.

2. Knowing How They Really Look:

If you don’t have or use a full-length mirror, then you may not know how you really look when you leave home. A full-length mirror is a must have for a woman who wants to look her best and know how she looks from head-to-toe. If you rely on a mirror that only shows you from the waist up you are missing out on the full picture. It is the full view that will let you see if something is not right, out of proportion or will let you know you look great.

3. Looking Dowdy:

You don’t have to be a fashion plate but to be seen as competent you must look like you know which decade you are in. If you wear clothes that were fashionable or trendy ten years ago you could be damaging your credibility.

4. Making Bad Clothing Choices:

When you are at work dress appropriately. The latest trends are not always appropriate for work. Keep see-through fabrics, glitter, short skirts, sleeveless tops, bare legs and revealing clothing for other occasions.

5. Wearing Unflattering Clothing:

You can look great no matter what size or shape you are. The trick is to wear clothing that suits your body type and is the right fit and balance for your size and shape. Wearing clothes that don't fit properly or brings attention to areas you’d rather hide is not helping you look your best.

6. Wearing the Wrong Shoes:

Wearing the wrong shoes for your outfit – too casual, to heavy, to light, wrong style – will spoil your overall look instantly. Make sure your shoes suit the theme of your outfit.

7. Wearing the Wrong Color Stockings:

Choosing the right stockings for your outfit is very important. The wrong stockings will ruin an otherwise great look. Take into consideration the length of your skirt, the time of the year, the color, the weight of the fabric and the type of clothing you’re wearing.

©Copyright 2006 Sheila Dicks

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who helps women feel more confident by dressing to suit their body type. To get tips on how to dress slimmer and find your best styles get a copy of her ebook “Image Makeover” at http://www.how-to-dress.com or go to http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to get the Free Report "7 Things Your Girlfriends Won't Tell You About Beauty and Fashion".

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheila_Dicks

Spring/Summer 2006: Pick Your Favorite Color and Wear It! Anything Goes!

It is a dreary day in the Paris as we prepare for fashion week. There is a great anticipation in the air, not uncommon to the world’s capital of fashion, just before the unveiling of the collections. What will we be wearing next autumn and what colors will occupy our overstuffed wardrobes? What will we have to pack away in storage and what will we pull out again to accompany the looks of winter 2006/2007? It’s a blessing and a curse to live always a season ahead. It’s almost as if spring 2006 has passed before it has even arrived. So, in homage to living in the moment before delving head-first into next winter; let me take this opportunity to stop and smell those roses which will soon be blossoming in Parc de Bercy and the lilacs at La Place des Vosges and remember another reason why we love Paris in the springtime; fashion!

This spring, we get to remember why it is so much fun to be girls! (Or ladies, if you prefer). Lace, flowers, pearls and bows, if it says “feminine” it is on order this coming spring! Don’t pack away your flirty print skirts from last year just yet; they will still look fresh this summer! Preppy shirt dresses will look great on women of every age, weather your hips are more suited to a straight belted style, or a fit and flair, there is something for everyone. We simply must take advantage of the great A-line dresses which will keep us looking fresh and lady-like, while being oh so comfortable. The androgynous look seems to have found it’s feminine place in fashion for the past several seasons and won’t be neglected this coming spring.

Please, do have a flip through your favorite fashion magazines before trying this look at home, however. A heal or open-toed sandal (exposing well-manicured toe nails), puffy sleeves and a generous flower on the lapel keep us from looking like cross-dressers. Spring 2006 is all about celebrating femininity.

It seems hard to find a color not on offer this coming spring. Pick your favorite and enjoy! White will dominate the scene allowing plenty of opportunities to accessorize with fantastic colors. Denim done in a clean-cut casual style opens up the same accessorizing opportunities. Golden beige is can be a bit boring on its own, but mix it with a little white, and you have understated elegance. Or, if you prefer, add a jewel tone and let the fun begin! The little black dress is still a must have; chose a style which suits you and enjoy accessorizing to show your individuality. Floral prints will brighten any spring day weather you chose to get the print dress and accessorize with solid accessories or vice-versa; we have the opportunity to indulge in our individual femininity like never before.

With a little planning and a daring open mind, this spring offers an opportunity for each of us to re-discover our femininity, enjoy sunshine even on the cloudiest of days, and live in the moment making memories of the spring of 2006.

I have enjoyed this day dream of near anticipation. And now, off I go back to the future of autumn/winter 2006/2007! I will keep you updated when the time comes, but certainly not too soon! Enjoy looking forward to a beautiful spring but don’t forget to live in this moment.

Jennifer Marvin is an American born Parisian fashion designer who grew up in the mountains of Colorado passing wintry days at a sewing machine under the guidance of her mother. Jennifer’s passion for creating and manipulating fabrics into wearable art took her from her family’s Colorado ranch to London and finally to Paris where she now considers home. Her work has been published in British Vogue magazine, sold on the most fashionable street in Paris and auctioned for charities such as Seeds of Peace in New York City and The committee for Missing Children International.

Jennifer Marvin, Paris

http://www.jennifermarvin.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Marvin-Letourneux

8 Styles Of Shoe A Woman Must Own!

If you are like most of the women I know then you will have a wardrobe full of shoes there can be mountains of sandals, trainers, flip-flops, boots and every other type of footwear under the sun. However how many times have you gone into your wardrobe and there are just no shoes to fit the occasion? The following 8 shoes will get you through any situation you may find yourself in.

1. Go for smart and comfy flats for work. If you are in full time employment it is likely that you will be working 8 hours a day, therefore having a pair of shoes that are comfy and don’t put to much strain on your feet is paramount. Heels may look good but if you are on your feet for any period of time you will regret them very soon. Two or three pairs of these shoes are ideal, and chose dark or medium neutral colours, this will ensure they go with any work outfit and wear end tear will not be as obvious with light or bright coloured shoes.

2. One warm-weather work shoe. Try and go for some open toed flats, or sandles if your company allows it. Getting hot and sweaty feet during the summer months can be very uncomfortable during long days at work

3. One pair of slingbacks in a neutral shade. They look chic with straight skirts and classic-cut trousers. They can be worn with bare legs or opaque winter stockings. Plus, they work well with formal and near-formal wear, they add sophistication to jeans, and instantly dress up a denim skirt and cardigan like nothing else can.

4. One pair of strappy dress sandals to wear with formal or semi-formal attire. They can sex-up a pair of jeans, too. Best colors: a mid-tone or pale neutral, including metallics such as silver or gold.

5. One pair of neutral-colored casual shoes for weekends. A woman can never go wrong with classics such as oxfords, moccasins, loafers, or clogs.

6. One pair of attractive athletic shoes. If you go to the gym these are essential, and if not they come in handy when in the garden or just slobbing around the house in

7. One pair of fashion boots in a medium or dark neutral. Something classic enough for work-wear yet sexy enough to add an edge to jeans and an everyday tee. Top-of-the-calf boots with a flat heel are one of the cold weather season's hottest looks, but are surprisingly in-demand even as the weather grows warmer.

8. Two or more pair of casual, warm weather shoes in a pale neutral or fashion color. Think sandals, ballet slippers, or flip-flops done up in a dressy material like leather.

So next time you think about buying a new pair of shies think twice, do you really need them? Or would the money be better spent elsewhere? Maybe instead of getting another pair of casual shoes you would be better off getting some sexy boots that you can wear out with a pair of jeans.

For the latest designer shoes made from leather or nubuck go to Joan Cope for excellent prices!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Smith

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