Ladies would you buy these?

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   Bill Manningposted 12 years ago

   I run a leather apparel site, and have the opportunity to start carrying the leather apparel you see below. Currently the leather jackets I carry I buy them from drop shippers.
   
   So I only have to buy one at a time. However the ones below I basically have to buy them in bulk and carry them myself. That requires a lot more $$ upfront and risk.
   
   So, if you like leather apparel could you ladies tell me if you would buy items like the ones below? Or do you think others would buy them? Thank you.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

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      prettydarkhorseposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I like the black one

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      SportySheekposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      the red one with buttons is best and most trendy!

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   couturepopcafeposted 12 years ago

   I think the white jacket and the white zippered vest are cute and might buy them if the price was right.  I don't typically buy fitted outerwear but many many people do.  They're still popular.  You should check out trend forecaster sites designed for the industry not the public.  This is the way to test the market.  Still you can never tell about fashion.  You have early buyers, those who buy at the beginning of the trend, middle and late buyers.  So even if something is on it's way out, there are those who wait to see if they really like a trend and will buy even if it's not the hottest most current thing.

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   1. 59

      Bill Manningposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the advice couturepopcafe. Most of my jackets I sell are motorcycle jackets. Those stay the same look year after year since they are designed for function, not fashion.
      
      But I noticed the new fashion jackets I have sell better, which is why I'm looking to add more. I'm a bit clueless about fashion, my idea of dressing up is a T shirt, jeans and clean sneakers! 
      
      But leather jackets never seem to go out of style and the colored types seem popular with the ladies. Thanks again!

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   LaMamaLoliposted 12 years ago

   I love the style especially the second one, not sure about the colours- am not a pink kind of gal! But I would definately buy a black maybe blue one. White one love the look but never wear white so would be a risk! guess what i am saying is yes probably would buy!

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   1. 59

      Bill Manningposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for letting me know.

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   SomewayOuttaHereposted 12 years ago

   hey Bill...i have both those jacket styles..not for riding a bike though...just everyday....i bought those designs a few years back...as for motorcycle jackets for women...yea I want function and style combined...and different colours...a nice dark red one and boots to match - wow..that'd be nice...or natural tan colour....i'm always looking for something different....they seem to be designed by men and don't change much...that's the problem for me anyway...and not quite hitting on what i want in a bike jacket for riding....my 2 cents anyway.

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   1. 59

      Bill Manningposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hey there SomewayOuttaHere! So your a biker gal huh? I have a few different motorcycle jackets for women that are different colors or flames.
      
      From this same company I might buy from they have these too:
      
      
      
      
      
      

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5. 61

   Disturbiaposted 12 years ago

   I wouldn't buy them because I try to avoid both leather and fur.

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      Bill Manningposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I understand where your coming from Disturbia. I would never sell a real fur jacket. However with leather, the hide is a by-product of the meat of the cow, pig or goat.
      
      So the animal would still get killed and the hide simply thrown out if not made into a jacket. So I don't think selling leather apparel is cruel to animals.

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   NikitaButaliaposted 12 years ago

   I feel that lather jackets are always in style. BUT, at the same time, this year is very different. Recent styles are very different from the jackets you have here. I feel that woman of a slightly older age- maybe mid-thirties, would be a better market for you. This is because, most of today's youngsters, are into a completely different fad, at the moment.
   
   Hope it's helpful!
   All the best.

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      Bill Manningposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for sharing that. However I don't know what the new fad is? What does it look like?
      
      Unfortunately I've noticed a lot of the new younger styles is the cheap crap stuff. All that fake, plastic but name brand junk. I refuse to sell that garbage.

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         kirstenblogposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I think you have just answered your own question there!
         
         As for me, I don't think I would buy any of them, sorry
         I found them somewhat plain looking to be honest.
         I have a leather jacket and I spent a lot on it but for me, I wanted THE jacket. The one that would last most of my life if I took care of it and as such I saved and saved and bought based on the look and style and quality of the leather itself and I somewhat ignored the price tag. To me leather is not disposable fashion, buy cheep, wear twice, and toss and so I am picky about it

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         NikitaButaliaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I agree with that. The fad IS that. Though Cashmere and Polyester design jackets are pretty famous. Hope it helps!

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7. 68

   Flightkeeperposted 12 years ago

   I think the jackets and vests look boring. I liked the other two that you posted later.

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      Bill Manningposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Ahh, so you like jackets that have some patterns or embellishments? I can see how that would be popular.
      
      I have to force myself to think of what other people like, not just what I think is cool. Designer handbags for instance are the ugliest things I've ever seen, but they are popular.
      
      Thanks for sharing.

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         Flightkeeperposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I know what you mean, some leather handbags really overdo it.  And then on the otherhand something stands out and just looks like everything goes together.  That's why I'm not a designer, I couldn't figure that stuff out.

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   Ivorwenposted 12 years ago

   I really like the fitted jackets, as they both appear to be very classy, unfortunately, I am not in the market for either right now. 
   
   I like leather and think it is worth the investment because it will last for years and the styles don't change that much.

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      Bill Manningposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, glad you like them. All this so far is getting me to think maybe I'll start carrying them.

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   EmpressFelicityposted 12 years ago

   Leather is a bit cold in winter; what about something down-filled/padded?
   
   

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10. 59

    Bill Manningposted 12 years ago

    I actually have warm leather coats already, those have been selling well.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    They are warm with zip out liners. I'd love to carry shearling leather jackets but I can't find any wholesalers for those.

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       EmpressFelicityposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I like the top one - probably wouldn't wear it in black any more though, because I find that as I get older, black just drains the colour out of me!  With my pale English skin I tend to go for soft, berry hues or olive green/khaki rather than anything like black or scarlet.
       
       Also, black leather trenchcoats are just that bit too Gestapo for my personal tastes lol.

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       Ivorwenposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       These are really nice.

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    lrohnerposted 12 years ago

    Bill--A few of the ones you showed are similar to leather jackets that I have. I like the fitted look. I strongly dislike the vests though. Does anybody actually wear those anymore? Now, my 23- and 25-year-old daughters do have fitted leather jackets, but they're a bit, ahem, trendier than the pics you have here.
    
    You should do what Nelle does. Go to the mall. Don't look at what's on the shelves -- watch what people are buying. Express (always one of the hottest stores for young adult women)just had an incredible sale on a black leather (or maybe faux leather - not sure) jacket. Both of my daughters bought one and Express was sold out in something like 24 hours. Trust me -- if you carry styles similar to stores like that and can undercut the price, I think you'd be good to go.

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    1. 59

       Bill Manningposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks for the advice Iroher. The problem is that it's hard for a little independent retailer like me to get those types of leather apparel.
       
       It's almost impossible for me to get a real wholesale price on the latest leather trend jackets. So I'm stuck with the basics, which stay in style forever but are not popular with the younger crowd.
       
       A friend actually was telling me how so many women like to wear leather vest, so I guess it depends on the part of the country.
       
       Surprisingly, these have been very popular, but where would you wear them!!
       
       
       
       
       
       

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          EmpressFelicityposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          This one has a great vintagey look to it.  I'd definitely consider wearing it over a 1970s style tunic or long-sleeved top - probably that's how most other women would wear it as well, i.e. over something else. (Dunno about any of you, but I don't encounter many social situations that call for going commando in a fringed suede waistcoat )

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    lrohnerposted 12 years ago

    Gosh, Bill, I totally didn't think about it from that perspective! I like most of the jackets you showed though. You want to know what's really made a comeback and is very popular with both young and old? The basic old peacoat. I have one, my girls wear theirs and I just bought them for my twin grandbabies too! You should look into those for sure.

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    1. 59

       Bill Manningposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I'm off to Google peacoats. Yes that's how fashion challenged I am!

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    Joy56posted 12 years ago

    oh yes i would wear them, any samples to give out, i could hold up a sign saying where they could get one.....

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    1. 59

       Bill Manningposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Ha-ha! Actually it's too bad your not close by. I am making youtube videos of my jackets and need a model.
       
       I have a friend, Ashley, who is going to model some, but she is a size XS! Leather jackets somehow don't look that great on a girl that small.
       
       She can keep whatever she models so it works out well. She modeled some leather chaps and was excited to keep them. She's a lesbian.

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          Joy56posted 12 years agoin reply to this

          now i am really upset, i am quite a bit bigger than her, and look good in leather, believe me.

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          1. 59

             Bill Manningposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             Oh I'm sure you look lovely in leather!
             
             Well if you ever take a Disney vacation here in Florida let me know and we can schedule a shoot.

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    Bel Marshallposted 12 years ago

    I'm drooling over most of these!  YES!  I would buy them, wear them, sleep in them, do naughty things in them...oh that is probably TMI!

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    1. 59

       Bill Manningposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Ohhh, you sound like a girl I'd like to meet!
       
       Glad you like them. From the responses I've had I think I will start to carry a few. Then slowly build up to all of them when I can afford it.

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    lhepburnposted 12 years ago

    I would not like any of these jackets... at all... sorry!!!

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    IzzyMposted 12 years ago

    I've just read through the thread - the new ones no not for me they are slim and young looking and I am neither of those things LOL
    
    The second lot of photos I'd die for that second one - classic lines!
    
    Then came the ones with the tassles (sorry if I missed any out) and they are fantastic - not for everyday wear but still highly sellable (I think you said you were already selling them).
    
    Then again, I am not a fashion guru nor even a follower of fashion. Never have, never will.
    I either like things, or I don't.
    
    So this is really not much use to you, is it?

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    1. 59

       Bill Manningposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Well at least you looked at them, LOL!
       
       One thing this has told me is that everyone has their own taste. Some on here love these, others don't think much at all of them.
       
       I think enough like them that it will be worth it to me to carry them. You never know what some like, I sold two of these today:
       
       
       
       I'm sure most here would not wear them, but obviously some do. Thanks everyone for your input, like them or not.

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