CaliforniaApparelNews.net

Just when retailers thought they had their hands full with the abundance of social media tools already on the market, along comes gamification.

No longer just the realm of 20-something males, gaming has increased in both retail and female audiences. According to a recent Mashable article, “66% of tablet owners play social games daily, and 46% of tablet gamers are women,” and “the largest group of social gamers is women between the ages of 35 and 44.”

Not that you needed an excuse, but instead of donning the old suit and tie to work today, you may want to slip into your favorite pair of blue jeans instead in honor of the timeless apparel's 138th birthday.

Stop Staring!'s Alicia Estrada in the New York Times

Did you catch the recent story in the New York Times about designers who make vintage reproductions—and the shoppers who love them?

Did you catch the fact that all but one of the companies mentioned is based in California? Nice!

The piece mentions Stop Staring!, reVamp, Bettie Paige Clothing and Queen of Heartz.

Merilyn Aickin moved her showroom to a non-traditional location.

For Merilyn Aickin, you don’t need a traditional showroom building to run a successful showroom biz. She’s proving her point with her new venture.

ENK New York at The Tunnel 

NEW YORK--The menswear market has kicked off the latest round of New York trade shows, including ENK New York at The Tunnel in Chelsea and MRket at the Javits Center in Midtown.

Both events include several shows-within-shows. At ENK, there are contemporary brands showing at the Designers Collective, premium-denim brands showing at Blue, accessories and men's grooming products at Clean, and newly launched labels at Tomorrow.

Fashion blogger Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere in handpicked pieces from Planet Blue

Los Angeles retailer Planet Blue has teamed up with local blogger Emily Schuman of scrumptious fashion blog Cupcakes and Cashmere to create a summer loobook inspired by 1950s pinup girls and Americana.

Shot on and around the Santa Monica Pier, the lookbook captures the essence of summer on the boardwalk as well as Schuman’s sunny blonde locks and effortless, girl-next-door style.

Barefoot model at Odd Molly store debut

What’s a store opening without a party? Add Los Angeles Fashion Week runway shows and celebrity, and soiree becomes a bona fide glittering affair.

That was the case when Swedish bohemian chic label Odd Molly held its debut party for its new Los Angeles boutique on March 19.