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Retailers from American Eagle Outfitters Inc. (AEO) to Bloomingdale's are betting that women are ready to shed skinny jeans for a return to flared styles, a change that may firm up more than sagging denim sales.“The fashion shift is coming," said Christine Chen, an apparel retail analyst at Needham & Co. in San Francisco. “Once the bottom changes, your tops are wrong. It's a whole new reason for the consumer to spend."Form-hugging denim, around since the middle of the last decade, boosted jeans purchases during the recession with styles like J. Crew Group Inc.'s “matchstick." Now the novelty has worn off, with sales of women's premium denim sliding more than 6 percent last year to $1.36 billion, according to Port Washington, New York-based NPD Group Inc.
Upscale department stores like Macy's Inc.'s Bloomingdale's aim to buck that trend with designer jeans from J Brand resembling upside down martini glasses for $185. If women buy in, retailers and jean makers such as True Religion Apparel Inc. (TRLG) may have just the trend to revive demand in the $13 billion U.S. market, helping to offset price increases spurred by record cotton costs.

“It's been a hit," said Stephanie Solomon, women's fashion director at Bloomingdale's. “We've all been wearing skinnies or jeggings for too long. It's a reason to buy."
Runway to Retail

Flares have fueled denim sales this spring and are outselling skinny jeans, Solomon said. The style, which showed up on runways last year, has also reached mass-market retailers such as Pittsburgh-based American Eagle, which unveiled a “vintage flare" this spring for $49.50. True Religion, based in Vernon, California, offers a dozen flared styles for as much as $319.

American Eagle rose 24 cents, or 1.6 percent, to $15.54 at 10:27 a.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. True Religion advanced 43 cents, or 1.9 percent, to $23.19 on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

Fashion had focused on slimmer shapes since the mid-1990s, when women's magazines began looking more to Kate Moss than Cindy Crawford, said Lourdes Font, a professor of art history at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Skinnies, leggings and jeggings (leggings that look like jeans) have left designers with nowhere else to go but bigger.

“It's at the very limits of physical reality," Font said. “The only other thing tighter is your own skin."

The flare revival itself could make much of women's old wardrobes obsolete, Chen said, because pants often spur other trends. Flowing tops and shirt-dresses came into being to compensate for the ultra-skinny. Wide legs will usher in an era of shorter and tighter blouses, sweaters and jackets, Chen said.

New Footwear?

Footwear will change too, said Amy Noblin, an apparel-chain analyst for Weeden & Co. in Greenbrae, California. Skinny jeans pair well with boots, propelling sales past $5 billion last year and sparking an explosion in brands like Deckers Outdoors Corp.'s Ugg.

Bell bottoms, instead, hide much of the foot and may curb the appeal of today's ubiquitous knee-high boots. That could lead to a renaissance in footwear with flat soles such as sandals or platforms, Solomon said.

The wide leg may also gain acceptance faster than skinny because it's more flattering and many women still have a flare or two in their closets, Noblin said.

“People don't have to go back too far in their lifetime to remember the last time they wore a pair of flare jeans, which makes me think this is an embraceable, democratic trend," Noblin said.
Hippie Chic

Still, a fashion shift of this magnitude won't be a boon for every retailer. While San Francisco-based Gap Inc. (GPS) also is offering flares for $69.50, it may have difficulty connecting with shoppers because it's known more for basics and not the “hippie chic" look that's spurring this trend, said Chen.

“This is right up our alley," Louise Callagy, a spokeswoman for Gap, said when asked how the retailer is likely to fare with the new trend. “Gap has always done best when it participates in culture, and flare jeans and pants are an example of that."

Other designers are confident too. Premium denim purveyor James Jeans, found at such luxury stores as Barney's New York, has touted jeans with legs as wide as 22 inches (56 centimeters), more than double a skinny cut.

“This was overdue," said founder James Chung, whose Los Angeles-based company is offering half-a-dozen varieties of flare pants this season. “You can only have so many skinny jeans in your wardrobe."

Conybeare is an honors student studying international affairs, area studies- Latin America, and is the current director of student relations for Eastern Michigan University’s Student Government. She is a member of Delta Zeta sorority, has worked with VISION, Colleges Against Cancer, the First Year Mentor Program and other organizations.Conybeare said she is proud of the knowledge she has attained while at EMU and she plans to be a passionate leader if chosen."As president, I know I can continue to secure a powerful and focused voice to the administration regarding student concerns," she said. "My imagination and ability to take ideas or problems, and use feedback and research to shape them into whatever is best for students at all times, makes me the best candidate for president."
Jameyson, a senior studying international business, is currently serves as speaker of the senate for Student Government. He is also the current executive vice president for the Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization. Jameyson has also been involved in other organizations on campus.

Jameyson said he’s gained a variety of useful attributes while being involved in Student Government and he plans to utilize them to tackle issues.

"I have a unique leadership style that allows me to work hard, but be empathetic to all issues," he said. "I am able to breakdown all facets of an issue to properly find the best solution possible."

One of the issues the pair plans to tackle is campus safety. According to their platform, students living in off-campus apartments and houses should feel just as safe as those who live on campus. If elected, they want to create a designated driver program that would allow students to get around Ypsilanti safely in the evening hours.

Conybeare and Jameyson also want to lobby for gender-neutral housing at EMU by providing an LGBTQ/Ally housing option in a residence hall.

Other issues they want to address include making Halle Library accessible 24/7 by keeping the ground floor open; easier transportation to and from campus with a partnership with the AATA; student advisory boards to address the needs of students within each college at the University; sponsoring forums to discuss student debt and career options; fighting tuition increases; and more involvement with the COB.

For more information, visit their campaign website, phoebeandaaron2011.weebly.com.

Muneeb Khan, president; Ashley Reynolds, VP

Muneeb Khan is a junior majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. Khan was born and raised in Pakistan and worked a variety of different jobs when he moved to the United States, including a year-long stint at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. At EMU, Khan has been a part of student government, CloseUp Theatre Troupe and Delta Sigma Phi.

In his biography provided by Student Government, Khan said his most gratifying experience has come from his involvement on campus.

"I enjoy helping others in any way I can," Khan said. "Humanitarianism is my true religion. With everything Eastern has given me, I aspire to give back by making our campus an even more friendly, inclusive and productive family."

Senior Ashley Reynolds is majoring in communication with a minor in journalism. According to her biography, growing up in a military family has helped mold her into a disciplined, yet empathetic person.

"I’ve always considered myself to be a dedicated worker," she said. "When I set my mind to a task and become passionate about any- and every-thing, I work beyond my potential."

While at EMU, Reynolds has become involved in organizations such as the Black Student Union and You Beautiful Black Woman.

A particular issue of importance to Khan and Reynolds is getting the American Government course included in the general education requirements again. They believe in order to be well-rounded and educated voters and leaders, students need
to understand American values and constitutional principles.

They also plan to advocate to give students a voice on matters such as capital outlay — the money given to universities to build on campuses, changes to student bridge card laws, medical amnesty and student absentee voter legislation.

Programs they plan to start include a bike share program, a service grant reward for student organizations and a book exchange program.

The pair also wants to make sure the university upholds its "Education First" motto by expanding more student representation in Academic Affairs.

To learn more about duo’s platforms, visit whatsyourchange.wordpress.com.

Jelani McGadney, president; Jeffrey Chicoine, VP

Senior Jelani McGadney is studying international affairs at EMU and he has served as a Residential Advisor. Previous positions he has held include president of the Wise Hall Leadership and Advisor Board, EMU International Affairs Specialist and head delegate of the United Nations Student Alliance. McGadney has also interned with Scottish Parliament.

He said his "phenomenal" experience at EMU has driven him to service the community and his various positions have prepared him to lead student government.

"This combination of local and international understanding has given me a unique perspective concerning what it means to be an Eagle and what should be brought to your Student Government," he said.

VP candidate Jeffrey Chicoine said his three years at EMU have provided him with "amazing opportunities." Chicoine said he is thrilled to have another chance to represent the diverse student body.

"I have been fully engaged in university life in spite of my daily 35-mile commute and would bring the understanding of non-traditional and commuter student life to the office," he said.

Chicoine has had experience as a supplemental instruction leader, was president of EMU’s chapter of Amnesty International as well as an international affairs specialist.

One big issue the pair want to address is the idea of EMU students being issued a university card to use the AATA buses to get to class. McGadney believes this would free up parking and support EMU’s effort to be green. McGadney also is proposing the creation of car pool lots. He said this would relieve the main parking lots and structures.

The pair also wants to establish printing stations in all academic buildings and help the relationship between academic advisors and EMU students. McGadney also finds the representation of students with disabilities really important. He is interested in establishing a Student Senate seat that would be filled by the Office of Students with Disabilities.

If elected McGadney wants to tackle the possible cuts to higher education. He plans to fight tuition increases by looking for ways for EMU to save money and cut costs.

Jacob Speck, president; Isra Daraiseh, VP

Speck, a sophomore at EMU, is double majoring in Business Management and Marketing. He has worked at the College of Business and the University Advising and Career Development Center.

In his biography, he said he is very involved on EMU’s campus. He is the vice president of the Residence Hall Association and a delegate on Student Government. Speck is also a New Student Orientation Assistant and he has spent time volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Speck is helping to start a Habitat for Humanity chapter at EMU.

Daraiseh is a junior business management major. She was born in Ramtha, Jordan and raised there until she moved to the United States at age eight. She said she came to EMU because it is a diverse institution that has offered great opportunities. Daraiseh has worked for the housing and dining department as well as the Center for Student Involvement.

She has also served on the leadership advisory board and is currently a senator in Student Government and the president of the McNair Scholar Society.

Daraiseh said she believes she brings a lot to the table.

"It is my goal to give back and therefore serve the students here," she said. "I can bring a multitude of diversity, experience and personality to the face of EMU."

Asda, Diesel, Matalan and Primark are among a group of companies being criticised for selling jeans made using sandblasting, which can cause illness or even death.The pressure group, Labour Behind the Label, said these companies continue to use sandblasting to give denim a "worn" look, despite the danger that silica dust from the sand can get into workers' lungs. British companies including New Look and Marks & Spencer also say they have banned the process. Levi's and H&M stopped all use in December
"Dead workers aren't fashionable," said Sam Maher, co-author of Labour Behind the Label's Killer Jeans report, which will be published on Monday.

"The trend for killer jeans must be phased out by companies and rejected by consumers with immediate effect." It is also calling on retailers and brands to compensate workers who have been made ill by operating sandblasting machines in the past.

Matalan told The Telegraph that it currently uses sandblasting on some denim products. It said safety standards were constantly under review and it would "take action if necessary to protect the welfare of our suppliers' employees".

Asda said it was in the process of phasing out sandblasted products. "It's our intention that there will be none on sale in our stores by the end of this year," a spokesman said. Diesel said it would stop using sandblasting on its clothing from early next year and Next said it had stopped all new orders. Both said suppliers were required to meet safety standards. Primark said it had halted sandblasting at more than half of its previous suppliers and expected to be out of 90 per cent by the end of the year.

Primark suggested some rivals had been less than honest in their promises. A spokesman said: "A ban is only meaningful when capable of being enforced and carefully monitored. Too often companies impose bans without any real attempt to implement them properly."

But a spokesman for international clothing workers' union ITGLWF said: "In the space of a year workers could contract silicosis. We need to just stop this."

Retail vacancies at Telegraph Jobs

She's impressed her fans with two cameo appearances on hit US TV show Glee.But it seems Gwyneth Paltrow might have taken her new-found popularity with the younger audience too much to heart.The 38-year-old actress attempted to look trendy and cool in London yesterday as she stepped out in a pair of turned-up jeans and Converse high-tops, but ended up looking more like a skater girl than a Hollywood star.
Mother-of-two Gwyneth sported the unusual new look as she returned from the supermarket with her children Apple and Moses.

Country Strong star Gwyneth received rave reviews for her role as substitute teacher Holly Holiday on Glee.

After a successful first episode, which saw her perform Singing In The Rain with the students of William McKinley High, Gwyneth most recently returned to the show to teach the pupils about sex eduction.

And Glee creator Ryan Murphy confirmed he is making further plans for the actress-turned-singer to reprise her role as Miss Holliday in one more episode 'next year'.

'Gwyneth is sort of the muse of the show - she's somebody who I write on the weekends and say, "What do you think about this for an episode even if you're not in it?",' he told TVLine.com at PaleyFest in Beverly Hills.

He added: 'She has opinions. She's great.'

Ryan also confirmed that Kristin Chenoweth will return as tipsy April Rhodes in a forthcoming episode in the current second season.

And along with the host of celebrities keen to appear in guest roles in the show is Gwyneth's mother Blythe Danner, who admitted she would be thrilled to be invited to appear.

'Oh my gosh! You know what, I will do anything. If they ask me to be on, I'm there, but I don't think that's going to happen,' the Meet The Parents star told OK! magazine.

'I love it! She (Gwyneth) has found that there is real joy and it opening up with singing and dancing; the endorphins get released and its an experience that you cant get any other way.'

Impulse boutique in downtown Brighton is known for helping women of any age find the perfect pair of jeans. And to make them look even better in their new denim, customers are snapping up Michigan-based Skinny Tees.

Billed as "The Diet You Wear," the tanks and tees are designed to suck it all in, and are proving to be a staple purchase at the trendy shop.

"Skinny Tees are incredible," said Impulse owner Gail Sherman. "Wear them and you will no longer have muffin top, believe me."

One wall of Impulse is devoted to neatly folded Skinny Tees in every color — including leopard — priced from $13 to $40, and they're selling fast, Sherman said.

Skinny Tees creator Linda Schlesinger said Impulse was an early supporter of Skinny Tees, and sells "a ton of product" compared to shops nationwide. Schlesinger credits Sherman's approach.

"Gail is a retailer who cares about every customer that walks in the door," Schlesinger said as she visited the store recently to deliver an order. "Her personal attention is something every shop owner could learn from."

Schlesinger, of West Bloomfield, has worked in the fashion industry for 30 years, first as co-owner Rainbow Lollipop, a high-end children's boutique at Somerset Mall in Troy, and later launching Annie’s Antics, a children’s knitwear company, and Annie M Designs, a women’s line.

Schlesinger founded Skinny Tees in 2009 when she noticed there was an untapped market for simple yet stylish body conscious tanks and tees. The full line includes a range of products, and Impulse carries Skinny Tees bandeaus, tanks and long- and short-sleeve T-shirts.

When it comes to jeans, Impulse sells Diesel, Seven for all Mankind, True Religion, William Rast, Citizens for Humanity, Joe's Jeans, Paige Denim, Hudson, AG, Robin's Jean and a brand new line called DL1961. They also carry a variety of tops and accessories.

Skinny Tees work as layering pieces with virtually anything, Sherman said, and at Impulse, they're always 15 percent off.

"I have women who buy one Skinny Tee, and then they come back to get one in every color," Sherman said.

The mall area will never be confused with Paris fashion week, but there is plenty of hidden fashion sense on display from students hanging out with friends or heading to class. Some take their style and fashion very seriously, and others, well…not so much.It doesn't take long to spot students who take pride in what they wear, whether it is a normal day of walking to class or heading to a job interview."I've only been [in America] for a month, but I like American fashion," said Kijun Kim, an SHSU sophomore transfer student from South Korea.Kim, who was wearing a jacket inspired by vintage motorcycle racers, is up on the latest fashion for college-aged men.

"I don't really care about what shoes I wear – just mostly clothes," said Kim, adjusting the stone-colored leather jacket. "Abercrombie & Fitch and True Religions are pretty much my favorite stores to shop at."

On the other hand, some students don't mind leaving their pride at the door when it comes to intensely following fashion trends. They choose to wear whatever they feel makes them feel good about themselves.

"I would describe my style as fun and ever-changing," said Megan Lee, a junior accounting major at SHSU. "Whatever makes me happy or comfortable is what I'm going to wear. That's when you look your best."

Lee has style that she wants to keep her own.

"I love online shopping also, but I can't give away all my secret websites," Lee said. "One of my favorites that I visit regularly, though, is [Asos.com]."

Regardless of what the "in" fashions may be, the students of SHSU have a way of creating their own norms.

One reason is the extreme temperatures that Texas weather brings. It's no question that meteorological conditions play a big role in what students wear even if the forecast doesn't permit it.

The variations and expressions of styles among the students of SHSU change with each new fashion season, but light jackets, shorts, tank tops, sandals, and thin layers far outsell GORE-TEX parkas and full-length furs.