Palazzo pants have been making women feel "pretty" since the 1930's but they stand for so much more than just a pant style- they are part of history and have evolved along with women's movements throughout the years. First introduced by Coco Chanel, who is responsible for classic trends we still wear today, palazzo pants were later adopted by Hollywood actresses like Katharine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich. The palazzo pant style surfaced as a necessity and definitely out of creativity- many restaurants and public places were frowning upon women wearing trousers so women got creative and come up with a wide legged style that resembled a skirt but still possessed the comfort of pants. It was an innovation that eventually changed fashion history and gave us what we know as palazzo pants and the culottes (a shorter version of wide legged pants). 
If you do a little snooping around on dictionary.com, you can find the literal meaning of the word  "palazzo" which originates from Italy and is described as "a large, splendid residence or public building, such as a palace or museum". It comes as no surprise then that this fabulous wide legged pant ended up with its well deserved title- the style itself is grand and architectural resembling the structure and size of a magnificent building. They are certainly just as resilient as a museum or palace because they have lasted in fashion throughout the years and keep making a come back. We've witnessed the palazzo pants go from resembling a maxi skirt to being incorporated into a jumpsuit in the 1960's and becoming more tailored in recent years. No matter what form they are presented in, one thing is for sure: they are here to stay and will keep making a come back in future years.
                                                                 
                                                                  Here are 4 reasons why we think so:

1. They are comfortable. It is no surprised that the reason they were created in the first place was their ability to be comfortable but still feminine. Women will always seek comfort especially as we move into a fast paced environment where we're always multi tasking. 
2. There are infinite ways to style them. It really is a well-rounded clothing item and can be styled a variety of different ways. A simple pair of palazzo pants can work just as well with a blazer as it would with a casual blouse.  It also gives the wearer the control to make them casual or more dressed up simply by mixing them with the right pair of shoes (we think Palazzo pants and heels are a match made in heaven)
​3. They offer design versatility. Palazzo pants are the easiest to take from casual to formal and work with any fabric choice and design element. They work just as well as a beach cover-up as they do in a formal setting at the office- All that's necessary for the transition is the appropriate choice of fabric. We've seen them work well in summer florals and bold prints as well as in a classic suiting fabric. It's the A-line character of the pant legs that will always give it a classic look. 
4. They are flattering! Palazzo pants look beautiful on both curvy and slim figures. They flare out from the hip into an A-line shape to create a clean, proportionate look. They can make your legs appear longer and more slender but also maintains an hourglass characteristic by accentuating the waist. 

Looking for more unique stuff? Check out our 11:11 Jacket, the magical jacket that transforms into a bag! ​

Have you ever wished your clothing items would serve more than just one purpose? We have- so we recently created an exciting jacket that is so much more than a simple jacket. It transforms into a fully-functional shoulder purse in just a few easy steps. This idea came from exploring our busy lifestyles and experiencing what it's like to run from A to Z throughout the day in a fast changing environment, not to mention temperatures. This is the time when we are traveling, socializing, working multiple jobs, and keeping up with all the little things in our lives that require daily maintenance. The jacket we created takes the headache out of some of the simple things we, women, do throughout the day. The idea was to have a jacket that looks like any other, but has a hidden purpose- we stayed far away from gimmicky in this design concept by making the jacket fully functional and all it's conversion elements completely hidden. 

If you've landed on this page, chances are you're either thinking of opening a gift shop or are looking to refresh your existing store with new, unique finds. It makes no difference whether you're at the beginning of the road or have been in business for years, you should always be on the hunt for newer, more competitive products that your customer must love. After all, the key to a good gift is it's originality. 
We have entered an era where there is no limit to innovation and customers of all ages are looking for something that is not only unique but functional as well. People have access to massive amounts of information and get bored very easily- they are always in the search for the newer, the better, the more intriguing. Consumers have acquired a level of consciousness where it isn't about the product itself anymore, but rather how it will make them feel? How will they get the most use out of it in their busy, hectic lives? Even if you own a very traditional gift shop, or maybe a fun, new-age boutique by the beach, keeping this new transition in mind will position you above the competition in your area. 
So where do you start? How do you get the most competitive products in your gift store that will have the customer coming back for more? The following  Tips might come in handy:

Tip #1 Use the Internet to your advantage and get creative in your google searches. The world-wide web is an important tool in finding some of the most unusual products out there, you just have to know where and how to look. Start with a simple google search but be specific in your search terms. Instead of typing in "unique wholesale gifts", have your search terms be unique to your store. For example, something like "unusual glass sculptures" or "unique wooden boxes" would work more efficiently. Another suggestion is to search for  vendors or indie startups first and then browse through their list of products. Think about what is specific to your store, what sort of items or materials you are looking to bring in and start your search from there. If you have no idea and are just looking for clues, then finding a vendor that offers a variety of unique products first will make it easier in search for the perfect one for your store.

Tip #2 Visit craft shows, and travel to smaller trade shows that are NOT in your immediate area. 
If you've been in business for a while, you probably already attend some local trade shows. The trick to standing apart from the crowd is not going where the crowd is going but heading in the opposite direction. Chances are, all the gift shops in your area (your greatest competitors) are attending the same shows and browsing through the same product line-up. Next time you're planning your buying season, take a risk and find a trade show in a completely different city, preferably where no store in your area will think to look. A smaller trade show is probably your best bet because it will feature younger companies and brands offering products unknown by many (Don't forget, we're looking to stand out). Yes, it's more time consuming but it will pay off- your existing and future customers will know you are the shop to go to for unique products they can't get anywhere else, and your reputation will grow. In addition, don't underestimate the small craft shows in your area. It's at these small craft events that you can meet a local artist who may potentially become your number one best seller in the future. You just never know- the trick is to attend as many events as possible and never stop exploring.

Tip #3 Don't be afraid to contact individual inventors or local craftsmen directly.
If you come across a new invention that is really unique or something handmade from a local craftsman, don't be afraid to reach out to them personally. Even if the artists don't sell wholesale, they will be happy to come to an agreement with you and get their art in your store. Working directly with an artists gives you flexibility when it comes to quantity and design- you can always get something customized. If you come across a new revolutionary invention (perhaps you saw it on social media or stumbled upon an article) check with the vendor to see if you can get a  trial run in your store- You will be viewed as an innovator in your community. There is also a possibility customers in your area have already seen the product in the media and will seek you out directly to buy it. 

11:11 Jacket: the jacket that transforms into a shoulder bag. 

Tip #4 Search in other markets- don't be limited by just one industry. 
Don't ever feel like you have to be confined to just one industry. Let's say you own a shop that offers mainly home accessories and handmade goods, next time you plan your buying week, don't just visit the home goods and gift trade shows, try to fit maybe a fashion accessories and apparel show in your schedule. There is a high probability you will come across some unique accessories that will work well with you store's character and it will set you apart from other similar stores in the area. It's always a good idea to offer a nice variety for you customer- just having some small unique accessories by the register could attract not only your customer's interest but also some additional sales.

What are the most important elements a clothing item has to have in order to become your favorite? We think that for a garment to make it to the top of the list, it has to be a well-balanced combination of style, versatility and comfort. Nothing fits the bill more than a simple pencil skirt. We've chosen a favorite from this Fall's collection, but this isn't just an ordinary pencil skirt. It stretches, it has pockets, it's uniquely designed and on top of all that, it offers incredible versatility when it comes to wearing and styling it. It's not just the crisp white color that allows it to be so easy to style with any of your favorite tops, it's a combination of the length and the thickness of the ponte knit (which, by the way, has the most beautiful stretch) that acts as a key factor in creating the perfect work-to-casual skirt. 
The following elements will make you fall head over heels in love with this gorgeous pencil skirt!

                                             1. It has stretchy side pockets and a high waist!
Why is this so important you ask? Well, the pockets are self explanatory: They are convenient, add comfort to any clothing item and serve as a temporary house for all you important items (cellphone, keys, lipstick, aaaaaand most importantly, hands.) We've seen plenty of women get that sparkle in their eyes when they realize something has pockets. So yes, pockets are a given, but why is it so important that a skirt have a high waist? The answer will not shock you- It accentuates your waits, giving the allusion of an hourglass shape and it holds "everything" in place. It is perhaps the most flattering style for your waist and hip area, and works well with any body shape. In addition, a high waist skirt allows your favorite light blouses to be tucked in with ease, thus creating so many more styling options. 

                                                                    2. It is the perfect length.
At about 1 to 2 inches above knee, this pencil skirt is the perfect length. Although here at Doina Alexei, we love any length for a skirt (from mini to maxi and beyond), this by far is the most versatile. We often take length for granted, but for a pencil skirt it is quite an important factor. Here's why: the length of the pencil skirt can make or break a business/work outfit. If it's too short it becomes a bit inappropriate, but if it's too long it can risk making your figure look disproportionate or a little frumpy [ :( ]. An inch or two above knees is the perfect length for business- not too short or too long but still making you feel a little sexy. Perhaps what makes this pencil skirt truly PERFECT is the fact that once you're done wearing it at work, it transitions beautifuly to a dinner or party outfit- just play around with the tops you're styling it with and you're good to go. 

                                                       3. It can be worn in a casual outfit
We've described how great it works at the office, but we haven't told you how completely appropriate it is to wear  with any of your casual tops. As the photo above will testify, even a bulky sweater is perfection with this beautiful pencil skirt. It's both the universal color and the minimalist design (which we'll discuss more bellow) that makes it the perfect match for any of the casual blouses, sweaters and tank tops you already own. A universal clothing item that requires no additional shopping? We think that's a win- win!

In the fashion industry, we often have the perception that the more busy elements and "craziness" we add to a clothing item, the more unique it becomes. There's a misconception that a garment has to be overly embellished with bulky bows, beads or sparkles or over-pleated, ruffled and over-embellished with complicated trims in order to be labeled as one-of-a-kind. Although these can be a great addition to a garment meant for a specific occasion or be used cleverly on a well balanced outfit, they do not necessarily represent what makes a garment truly unique. After all, clothing is what we wear and need every single day, and it is important to pay attention to its functionality. That being said, design is just as important and should never be put on the back burner. 
The reality is, as it's true for many things, we focus so much on the complicated and forget to notice the obvious right in front of our eyes. We are talking about the simple straight stitch- the one that serves as the only (efficient) means to bind seams and keeps a garment together physically. We often don't give it enough credit in design. It is this simple tool that offers unlimited design options but also one that can make or break a garment. Yes, a simple straight stitch can actually ruin or completely change a style. For example, have you ever wondered why women's business suits (and especially men's) don't have top stitching anywhere on the surface? Well, it's both a design and technical issue. Adding top-stitching on a suit not only changes it's look from business to casual, but it also causes it to loose it's tailored aspect creating a less smooth surface and wrinkly seams. 
After playing with complicated draping and pleating techniques for years, we've come to the conclusion that using the simple straight stitch is actually a more powerful tool for design. It does not jeopardize functionality, it is not bulky or overstated but it makes a big difference both visually and technically. As far as design is concerned, this simple line can take a garment from simple to unique in an infinite amount of ways- Your creativity is the limit.

This asymmetric (already uniquely cut) Xandu navy tunic top is kicked up a notch with the addition of white top-stitching on the front, creating an original plaid-like print. 

3 vertical top-stitch lines bring the white diagonal lines together creating a well balanced composition.

A subtle yet one-of-a-kind addition to a simple white blouse, this thin black stitching creates a beautiful organic print of intersecting lines.