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In This
Issue

Allure Leather

Chance TV

Frangi Pangi

Eldorado

Intimate Payments

NandoVision

Risque Wigs

Gozooko

Studio Time

Tia Lyn 
Lingerie

International Lingerie Shows

McPete Sales

The Underfashion Club

Styles Fashion

Articles Of Interest

India Ends Cotton Export
Restrictions 
Page 1

STOREROTICA Awards
Page 1

Little Black Box to hold 5th Annual Model Search
Page 1

Virtual Fashion Mirror
Page 1


The Full Figured Chest Launches the “I Am Made To Measure” 
Awareness Campaign and Giveaway!
Page 2

The International 
Lingerie Show
Page 2

Intimate Graphics
Page 2

Business and Technology: Google made 52+ changes in April
Page 2

Private Arts
Page 2

McPete Sez
Mailbag
Page 2

Lipgloss & Lace: Time for a Me-Ality Check?
Page 3

Fab Foundations: Page 3

Lille Boutique's 5th Anniversary Celebration
Page 3

Frederick's Contemplates
Sell-off
  Page 3

Ask the Gozooko Guys
Page 3

Ask Andy
Page 3

The International Lingerie
Show Continued 
Page 4

Lingerie PR Launches
& Announces Claudette
as a Client
Page 4

The Addict Expose -
Let’s Talk Bras! An Interview with 
Ali Cudby of Fab Foundations
Page 4

Shades of Sex & Mischief'
Distributor Promotion
Page 4

California Exotic Novelties 
Offers New Tantric Items
Page 5

Hot Products
Page 5

MCPETE SEZ CLASSIFIEDS
Page 5

The Buzz
Page 5

Reps Corner
Page 5

Shows & Events
Page 5

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                                     Page 3
    Sales Reps Wanted 
Frangi Pangi hosiery seeks sales reps throughout the country- www.myfrangipangi.com  Contact- George Hardy georgeh4@bellsouth.net or call 919 676 8190
3/3

Fab Foundations
                           by Ali Cudby
Memorial Day Weekend is just around the corner, and swimming pools are being primped and primed for summer. With the opening of the pools comes swimsuit season and the attendant shopping excursions.

For full-busted women, swimsuit shopping can be a dilemma. We already feel exposed – and the dress-sized offerings in most local stores aren’t cut for our proportions. Fortunately, in recent years, more companies are offering bra-sized swim options in an array of cuts and colors. I was lucky enough to sample several suits recently – here’s what I found.

First of all, a note: Swimwear is a very individual shopping endeavor and these observations are based on my personal preferences. That said, I have never understood the tankini. It’s a bathing suit for women who want the sass of a bikini but with a little more coverage. A woman who wants that modest two-piece is likely to feel that way for a reason. And yet…the tankini exposes the one area that most women are self-conscious about, the belly roll. I’m sure there are toned, athletic women out there who love a tankini but personally, I don’t get it. Given my bias, I am not reviewing any.

                          AERIN ROSE:
SHIRRED FRONT PANEL ONE-PIECE WITH TUMMY CONTROL UNDERWIRE
          
This one-piece from Aerin Rose features an underwire built into the front of the bodice, with an elastic band that continues to the back, for support. The criss-cross sweetheart neckline with adjustable straps compliments a fuller bust. Bathing suits are sized by both dress and cup size, for ideal fit. Cup sizes come in D/DD and F/G. 

The ruched panel that runs over the stomach is flattering, and is backed with a firmer fabric, for light tummy control. The body of the suit is forgiving and might run a tad large.

This particular suit provides generous body coverage, and there is a wide range of one- and two-piece styles in the collection.

                                   PANACHE
NATALIE BIKINI AND SOPHIA ONE-SHOULDER SWIMSUIT
             
If you’re looking for a two-piece with support to rival your lingerie, the top of the Natalie bikini is constructed like an underwire bra, complete with three-part cup, power mesh and adjustable straps. Natalie has bra sizing in a D- through K-cup (band sizes 30-38). The folded bottom is fun and enables the wearer to decide how much belly to bare. Bottoms are offered in dress sizes.

The Sophia one-piece offers a built-in strapless bra, complete with interior backwings, adjustable band and underwire cups. The suit comes in a rich purple and is sexy while providing significant body coverage. The one-shoulder detail can be detached. 
           



                             ELOMI
ISIS HIGH WAIST BRIEF AND SWIM BRA
  

Elomi recently launched their swim line, which offers an attractive mix-and-match wardrobe for full-figured women. What is smart about this collection, especially for the Elomi customer, is that it bypasses the tummy bulge dilemma that plagues the tankini wearer. The style of bottom provided to sample was a high-waisted brief, reminiscent of a shaper, that stopped below the bust-line. This is a flattering style on women who many not feel comfortable baring their middles. The top is also bra-sized and constructed in the cut-and-sewn method, with the addition of power mesh for optimal lift and projection. Elomi offers additional pieces designed to be worn over the bra-top – both dress and tankini styles. The swim bra is offered in 36-46 bands and DD-HH cups. Bottoms and other pieces are sized 16-26 (UK sizing, comparable to 12-22 US). 

                                 EMPREINTE
                        SIENNE COQUELICOT
              

Empreinte’s swim collection offers a variety of styles in one and two pieces, in cup sizes C-F. The Sienne two-piece style features construction very much like an underwire bra. What sets it apart is a firm, contoured cup. This style might be helpful to women who are asymmetrical or wish to have some structure to even out their bustline in swimwear. In the style I personally sampled for this article, Empreinte tended to run smaller in the bottom half of the swimsuit. However, some of their styles run larger than others – some going up to a size 12 and others to an 18. Women who need the combination of full-busted on top and narrower on the bottom (you know who you are, and I am not counted in those ranks) will appreciate having even more options in the category.

This sampling of full-busted swim styles is just the tiny fraction of the brands – let alone styles – that are in the market today. And options continue to emerge and evolve to better support our curves, allowing all women the appropriate showcase for their Fab Foundations. 

Ali Cudby is the author of the book Busted! The Fab Foundations™ Guide to Bras That Fit, Flatter and Feel Fantastic (December 2011), and CEO of Fab Foundations™, an intimate apparel consulting company. 
Ali can be found on Twitter @alicudby, and you can be a fan of the Ali Cudby’s page on Facebook. To learn more about bras that fit, download a free chapter of Busted! 

Lipgloss & Lace
                         by Mandie Mutchie
Time for a Me-Ality Check?

The other day, my boyfriend Tommy and I went to the mall, which is unusual for me, as I normally prefer to buy from small, local boutiques. We were walking, and a large, octagonal form in the middle of the hallway caught my eye. People were getting inside of this box that looked like a big elevator that was going nowhere, and standing very still in a specific way, then getting out and getting a printout.

Since I am a beachbody coach, and very interested in physical fitness and the body in general, I was quite intrigued. I at first thought this was some sort of scanner to determine body fat percentage/body composition, but then I started reading the signage, and discovered Me-Ality, a radio wave body scan that is used to tell you where to find the perfect pair of jeans, to eliminate the time needed to try on millions of pairs.

I had to try it! So I filled out a bit of information (name, email, year of birth), and soon I was inside. I stood with my feet on the foot censors, my fingertips on my thighs with my wrists bent at 90-degree angles, and stared at the circles on the inside of the machine while radio waves used the water in my skin to do a general scan of my body and measurements.

When I got out, they handed me my results, which included scales that showed how close to a perfect fit a given pair would be. Apparently, if you buy any of the jeans listed on the paper, I could come back and show my receipt and get a Starbucks giftcard. In fact, I was supposed to get one anyway, because they were giving them away to every tenth person who tried it, but they were all out of them, and I am still waiting for it to come in the mail (we'll see if that happens!). Anyway, I was SHOCKED when I saw that my results said my best pair of jeans were a size 00 from Chico's. I had never shopped at Chico's in my life! And, size 00?! Clearly, the sensor missed something, like my entire butt! 

I had to try them on. So after Tommy's scan - during which the power in the mall went out and we were concerned that he would be stuck in the scanner - (it had his size right, and also recommended a brand he'd never tried), we walked over to Chico's, and I tried on the most awful pair of "Mom jeans" I had ever seen. It didn't help that the only pair they had was a very light, dated wash... And I looked at the sizes, and they were so ridiculous. The next size after 00 was 0, then .5, and so on. What?! I had definitely noticed that some stores had me listed for a size 9/10 and everywhere in between. I was so surprised by the discrepancy!

The look on Tommy's face when I came out of the dressing room was priceless - it was like I was wearing a Halloween costume or something. We talked a bit, and wondered if it is because I don't exactly dress my age, so I decided that I would come back and lie about my year of birth, and see if that made a difference. The Me-Ality staff said that the reason why they asked age was to see who was using their service, which made sense, but was contrary to the fact that the second time I went in, two days later (and said I was six years younger), Chico's (and, sadly, size 00) was nowhere to be found on my list, and the top spot was now a size 5/6 pair of jeans from Wet Seal.

Despite the fact that my experience was strange and inconsistent, I definitely see a future for this technology. I think that with some tweaking (perhaps a short survey to get a sense of the user's style, as opposed to just using age and assuming how someone that age would dress), this could be a great service. The idea itself is definitely brilliant, in my opinion! Apparently, they are working to soon be able to use the same for shirts. What's next? Bras? Like I said, lots of potential! It's just a same that the jeans industry hasn't figured out a more standardized sizing system like the bra industry has. But, at least I feel better now when someone asks my jeans size and I'm flummoxed - now I have documentation that I am either a size 00, a size 9/10, and every size in between!

You can check out this service and look for locations at www.Me-Ality.com. Please let me know how it goes for you! I am very interested to hear if anyone is using it successfully!

xoxo,
Mandie

Amanda Mutchie began her professional modeling career nearly ten years ago, and has appeared in many national and international publications, and commercials. Over the course of her modeling  career, she worked with many acclaimed makeup artists, learning from them along the way. She eventually became a makeup artist herself and started FaceScape Artistry. Now she works with incredible photographers, models, brides, and other clients to create glamorous as well as natural makeup looks. She also channels her passion for fitness and nutrition and desire to help others into her work as a beachbody coach, and is pursuing her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. 
For more information on Mandie go to www.MandieM.com, www.facescapeartistry.com, email Mandie at mandelicious@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @mandelicious.  Don't forget to "like" her pages on facebook, too!  www.facebook.com/MandieLM & www.facebook.com/FaceScapeArtistry  www.lipglossnlace.com 
*Photo by Rafal Krolik of Seville Media  

Hot Products 
         Courtesy of
 STOREROTICA Magazine

Aphrodisiac and body care rolled
into one with Dona by JO
A common misconception is that aphrodisiacs can only be ingested. This, however, isn’t the case—effects from aphrodisiacs can also be achieved through inhalation or absorption. And, as the skin is the body’s largest organ, Dona by JO is an aphrodisiac-infused line of sensual bath and body products designed to increase your energy, stamina and well being. Each of the products in the Dona line help facilitate absorbing the aphrodisiacs into skin through luxurious, pampering ways.

Dona was designed to be a series of steps, or a ritual, to guide individuals through an indulgent, pampering experience. 
Taken as a whole, using the products within each step of the ritual will nurture the mind, body personal sensuality.
Dona by JO products not only serve the basic functions of cleansing, moisturizing and rehydrating, they go a step further by making the experience of body care a sensual one. Each product is created with natural and naturally derived ingredients; is obtained from renewable resources; is eco-friendly and biodegradable; contains no mineral oil, petrolatum, lanolin and/or other petroleum derivatives; contains no parabens, sulfates, harsh chemicals or preservatives; is cruelty-free and not tested on animals; and is infused with one of six proven aphrodisiacs.
For more information, please call (661) 295-1700 or go to http://www.systemjo.com/

Put marketing’s new wave of the future—QR codes—to work for your store with the E-tique kiosk
One of the more difficult decisions facing erotic retailers is, which of the myriad of new products available should you add to your store’s inventory, and which ones simply aren’t worth the risk? The E-tique kiosk (e-tique. org), however, may help ease the pressure of that choice. With this kiosk, your customers can special order products you don’t stock in your store, as well as scan QR codes to watch informational videos about the products you do stock. E-tique’s digital-aged marketing tools help move products on your shelves and prevent needless spending on products that won’t sell.
E-tique kiosks come ready to plug in and go, and set up can be customized to fit your location (all you need is a high-speed Internet connection).
The kiosk includes a top of the line, all-in-one Dell computer, outfitted with a QR code reader and plenty of informational posters and other visual aides.

You have the option to upgrade and/or customize your machine and set up.
The E-tique kiosk comes with 100 QR codes of your choice from E-tique and 10 percent off future orders, a complementary staff training seminar from an E-tique representative, kiosk signs, posters and other visual aides, free support, a listing on the E-tique retailer locations page with the option to integrate social marketing page, unique sales codes and QR buttons for all of your employees and much more.
For more information, please call (805) 966-3255 or go to http://e-tique.org

About STOREROTICA Magazine
STOREROTICA Magazine was formed in October, 2008, when the company merged its two successful publications: TEEZE Magazine and ADULT STORE BUYER Magazine. STOREROTICA Magazine is a niche publication geared toward the owners and buyers at intimate apparel and adult retail stores. The magazine is more about what happens within the four walls of those retail stores than what happens outside. STOREROTICA's editorial focus is almost exclusively on store operators and decision-makers — how to make more money, how to simplify operations, how to manage inventory and personnel, how to avoid legal problems and how to grow your business. Unlike any other publication, STOREROTICA Magazine doesn’t only tell store owners about the latest and hottest products on the market, it also tells them how to sell more of those products. Every issue is packed with business advice columns, retail strategies, informative B2B articles and targeted industry news that store owners and buyers keep and refer to all year long. For more information, please visit www.Storerotica.com.  

Lille Boutique's 5th Anniversary Celebration
Lille Boutique celebrated their 5th anniversary with a series of events in the first week of May, including a VIP party, 1st Friday Artist's Reception, Dance Party and Breast Cancer Fundraiser. 
Lille Boutique kicked off the festivities with a private invitation only VIP Party with exclusive discounts on Friday, May 4, 2012.
The event included a fashion installation with models wearing the latest Lille Collections, video projection their collaborations with filmmaker Justin Koleszar for Stella McCartney Lingerie, musical entertainment from DJ Hannukah Miracle and signature cocktails donated by House of Spirits. 
Lille gave away $1000 in gift certificates throughout the evening, with raffle tickets available to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. 
                
            
            



            













            











For more information email info@lilleboutique.com or go to http://www.lilleboutique.com

Frederick's Contemplates
              Sell-off
Lingerie and swimwear retailer Frederick’s of Hollywood is contemplating a sell-off or merger of the business, the company confirmed.
The US group has retained New York-based investment bank Allen & Company to help it in “evaluating and exploring a broad range of strategic alternatives”, it said, including a possible sale or merger of the company.
“Over the past few months, the board has received several inquiries regarding various transactions,” said Thomas Lynch, Frederick’s chairman and CEO.
“We believe it is an appropriate time to formalize the process by engaging a world-class advisor that can assist us in identifying and reviewing a wide array of strategic alternatives that can maximize value for our shareholders.”
The company has set no timeline for the review and said there was non assurance that it would result “in any specific action or transaction”.
Frederick’s sells women’s intimate apparel and swimwear through 117 stores, a catalogue and an online shop.
The company reported a net loss of US$3.5m in its second quarter, as margins fell on nearly flat sales of $32.5m.

UKFT Released Manifesto
The UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) has launched its manifesto, calling on the government to support the fashion and textile industry.
The association said the industry, which contributes over GBP37m (US$59.8m) to the UK economy is seeking a commitment from Ministers to engage with UKFT on a regular basis on behalf of the fashion and textile industry, and to ensure the industry as a whole remains high on the political agenda.
"The fashion and textile industry is still growing 20% year on year and this is a truly remarkable achievement. It is an industry that young people particularly are inspired to be in and is one that we can be truly proud of," said chairman of the All Party Group for Fashion and Textiles Damian Collins.
"Our job should be to look at what barriers and limits there are to growth and see what we can be doing to help."
The association is seeking a level economic and business playing field with Europe and internationally, and is calling for a commitment to make it simpler for UK companies to bid for UK contracts, a commitment to stop the "steady creep" of government activity which impacts on the trade association sector's ability to support their industry, and a commitment to reinforce the Climate Change Levy scheme and for it to continue to be administered by industry associations. It is looking for the simplification of policies within different devolved regions and administrations, which can cause confusion overseas and raise resentment between the regions.
UKFT said it wants government support to help it deliver training, including a campaign to ensure that fashion and textile graduates have a basic understanding of running a business; a program of industry mentors to support start-up designer companies; a scheme to ensure accurate information outlining the range of opportunities in the sector be made available to schools and that teachers and lecturers become familiar with the sector.
It is also looking to increase the role of export, seeking a closer working relationship with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), particularly around preparing companies for export and the allocation of budgets. It is calling for a program of supported trade missions for established exporters to the BRIC markets, increased funding for the Tradeshow Access Program (TAP), and greater flexibility to channel the existing budgets to the best investment potential for the taxpayer. It is also calling for trade associations to be reconnected directly with Commercial Officers in overseas Embassies and a "swift conclusion to FTA negotiations with key markets including Japan and the USA".

        American Apparel 
  Workers Protest for   
   Immigration Reform
American Apparel closed its factories in Los Angeles for three hours on May 1, to allow workers to march to protest for better working conditions, fair pay and immigration reform.
The company has long advocated comprehensive immigration reform and has "criticized the apartheid-like treatment of undocumented workers".
CEO Dov Charney said: "Immigration reform is critically important not just from a humanitarian perspective, but also from an economic perspective.
"Economic growth and stability are adversely affected by the ability of employers to exploit undocumented workers, engage in sweatshop tactics, and drive wages down. Immigration reform will 
help raise wages and working conditions in Los Angeles and throughout the country."
In 2009, an investigation by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement found nearly 2,000 American Apparel workers in Los Angeles were working illegally. Some 1,600 workers had obtained employment by supplying suspect or invalid documentation, while the records of another 200 had discrepancies and could not be verified.

The Blondes Fight Back 
What's black and blue and brown and laying in a ditch? 
A brunette who's told too many blonde jokes. 
What do you call going on a blind date with a brunette?
Brown-bagging it. 
What's the real reason a brunette keeps her figure?
No one else wants it. 
Why are so many blonde jokes one-liners?
So brunettes can remember them. 
What do you call a brunette in a room full of blondes?
Invisible. 
What is the difference between a brunette and garbage?
Garbage gets taken out at least once a week. 
What's a brunette's mating call?
"Has the blonde left yet?" 

                'Ask the 
Gozooko Guys'
Gozooko.com is a business technology and web hosting company. With over 20 years experience working with Fortune 500 companies the Gozooko Guy’s design, develop, deploy, and manage business technology solutions. Gozooko’s core focus is to provide affordable and efficient hosted ecommerce solutions to small and medium businesses. The past 3 years they have been working with manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers in the apparel industry. Gozooko has data centers in the western and central US, and services customers around the globe. The Gozooko Guy’s goal is to provide our customers with easy and affordable ecommerce solutions that allow them to spend time focusing on their core business and sales, instead of working on their ecommerce solution.”Please send your questions about business and technology to gozookoguys@gozooko.com   

     "Ask Andy"
Andy Weinstock has been in the fabric and textile business all his life, but professionally since 1969. 
"I love what I do, selling fabrics around the globe. I've met lots of interesting, creative, dynamic folks; some have become dear friends. I love to help new businesses find the things they need to become successful. It works for everyone." 
You can ask Andy questions about Fabrics at
Andy@mcpetesez.com  

Hello, I am looking for a manufacturer in California that can make my bikinis in smaller quantities, approximately 25-50 of each fabric and all the same style. I am a small designer that is looking at streamlining my process and being able to offer a quality product faster than a local seamstress can. I am requiring up to ten styles in various fabrics which I can supply. I require a product that would be ready for my jewelry/adornments as each pc will be a little different than the next, a piped and finished bottom and triangle tops is what is needed. Please contact me for more information. 
Thank you,
Stephen


Stephen: visit www.Seams.org. It is the National Independent Sewing Contractor web site. There you will find, businesses, listed by state, that can do the type of sewing you need. 
You may also want to look at the classified ads in the back of California Apparel News.
Good Luck,
Andy

The "Ask Andy", "Ask Mara" & 'Ask Goozoko Guys' Columns are opinion Columns and may not necessarily reflect the views of McPete Sez  


   The McPete Sez Lingerie Newsletter & Women's Wear Journal                                  

                             
                 
                  
         

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