Spring 2015 Apparel Line: Refined Implics Ity Rachael Y

Western Kentucky University TopSCHOLAR® Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Honors College at WKU Projects

12-8-2014 Spring 2015 Apparel Line: Refined implicS ity Rachael Y. Misiuta Western Kentucky University, [email protected]

Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses Part of the Fashion Design Commons

Recommended Citation Misiuta, Rachael Y., "Spring 2015 Apparel Line: Refined Simplicity" (2014). Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects. Paper 520. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/520

This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by TopSCHOLAR®. It has been accepted for inclusion in Honors College Capstone Experience/ Thesis Projects by an authorized administrator of TopSCHOLAR®. For more information, please contact [email protected]. SPRING 2015 APPAREL LINE: REFINED SIMPLICITY

A Capstone Experience/ Thesis Project

Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for

the Degree Bachelor of Science with

Honors College Graduate Distinction at Western Kentucky University

Rachael Y. Misiuta

*****

Western Kentucky University 2014

CE/T Committee: Approved by Professor Cindy Jones, Advisor

Professor Deborah Shivel ______Advisor Professor Dennis Wilson Department of Family and Consumer Science

ABSTRACT

Valuing in the billions of dollars, the fashion market is one of the biggest industries in the world and most of that money doesn’t come from selling a few couture pieces to wealthy clientele, but from selling hundreds of thousands of more reasonably priced pieces to the masses. This paper is not meant as a business plan on how to penetrate the market, but rather it seeks to answer the question, “will this apparel line sell?” While creating these designs, the target market was kept in mind and what these potential customers are looking for: simple designs that are easy to put together to create a stylish and comfortable outfit, affordable, and is of reasonable quality. All of this is combined to exhibit a fashion line that will sell to the masses along with documentation and research to back up this statement.

Keywords: Capstone Experience, Thesis, Fashion, Spring 2015, Apparel, Clothing Line

Dedicated to my ever supporting friends, family, and professors

iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I switched my major from the other side of the world and it was possibly the best decision I have ever made. But I couldn’t have done it without all the support and encouragement I have received from my friends and family. I have to have a special shout out to Jill, Anna Beth, Sara, and my dearest roommate Amy, with whom I counseled with when making my decision and who continue to inspire me to follow my dreams.

An extra special thanks to my Dad. Without you, I don’t know where I would be.

I will always cherish any advice, help, and love you give. Thanks for telling me that you would support me no matter what I chose to do.

To Grandma Mimi, thank you for having faith in me and believing that I will succeed no matter what I did.

I would also like to thank my professors, especially Cindy Jones and Deborah

Shivel, for making class so enjoyable, giving great critic, and helping, not only myself, but all of your students to flourish.

VITA

1992…………………………………………Born – Albany, New York

2010………………………………………....Greenwood High School - Bowling Green, Kentucky

2012………………………………………....Study Abroad – Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand

2014………………………………………...Internship – Kaufmanfranco, New York, New York

FIELDS OF STUDY

Major Field: Interior Design and Fashion Merchandising

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………...ii

Dedication………………………………………………………………………………..iii

Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………………iv

Vita………………………………………………………………………………………..v

List of Figures……………………………………………………………………………vii

Chapters:

1. Introduction……………………………………………………………………….1

2. Boards…………………………………………………………………………….2

3. Marketing Report…………………………………………………………………3

4. Competitive Analysis…………………………………………………………….10

5. Refined Simplicity Apparel Brand……………………………………………….22

Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………..30

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

2.1 Trend Board……………………………………………………………………….2

2.2 Mood Board……………………………………………………………………….3

3.1 Pay Equality by Age Group Graph………………………………………………..5

4.1 Mossimo top……………………………………………………………………...11

4.2 ELLE dress……………………………………………………………………….11

4.3 QZ Lady dress……………………………………………………………………11

4.4 SO Central jacket………………………………………………………………...12

4.5 Bongjashop jacket………………………………………………………………..12

4.6 JOAMOM jacket…………………………………………………………………12

4.7 Merona dress……………………………………………………………………..13

4.8 Messimo dress……………………………………………………………………13

4.9 Lily Rose dress…………………………………………………………………...13

4.10 Xhilaration top…………………………………………………………………...14

4.11 Jennifer Lopez top………………………………………………………………..14

4.12 MyHeart top……………………………………………………………………...14

4.13 SO top…………………………………………………………………………….15

4.14 Candie’s top……………………………………………………………………...15

vii

4.15 Moonbasa top…………………………………………………………………….15

4.16 Merona pants ……………………………………………………………………16

4.17 SO pants………………………………………………………………………….16

4.18 IZ Byer pants……………………………………………………………………..16

4.19 Merona top……………………………………………………………………….17

4.20 Lauren Conrad top……………………………………………………………….17

4.21 OrangeBear top………………………………………………………………….17

4.22 Merona pants…………………………………………………………………….18

4.23 Mossimo pants……………………………………………………………………18

4.24 APT 9 pants………………………………………………………………………18

4.25 Chanel dress……………………………………………………………………...19

4.26 Le Teresa dress…………………………………………………………………..19

4.27 O. SA dress……………………………………………………………………….19

4.28 Xhiliaration top…………………………………………………………………..20

4.29 Vera Wang top…………………………………………………………………...20

4.30 Jennifer Lopez top………………………………………………………………..20

4.31 Daisy Fuentes top………………………………………………………………..21

4.32 APT 9 top………………………………………………………………………...21

4.33 Orange Bear top…………………………………………………………………21

5.1 Color Samples……………………………………………………………………22

5.2 Look 1 of Refined Simplicity …………………………………………………...23

viii

5.3 Look 2 of Refined Simplicity……………………………………………………24

5.4 Look 3 of Refined Simplicity……………………………………………………25

5.5 Look 4 of Refined Simplicity……………………………………………………26

5.6 Look 5 of Refined Simplicity……………………………………………………27

5.7 Look 6 of Refined Simplicity……………………………………………………28

5.8 Look 7 of Refined Simplicity……………………………………………………29

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

This thesis is the result of combining my creative side with the part of me that is more logical and number-driven. Not only have I put together a series of designs, but I have also done the research to confirm that my clothing line Refined Simplicity will sell.

This paper presents an apparel line intended for Spring 2014 production and gives evidence of why this clothing line will sell to the intended market.

The boards in Chapter 2 are meant to show that the silhouettes of my designs are on par with those that are being shown on the runway now and to help potential buyers know the direction I wanted to pursue stylistically. The marketing report identifies my target consumer: who they are, where they shop, and their potential buying power. In short, it tells why my clothing line will sell. Chapter 4 is the conclusive report on my competitors; listed are pictures of pieces that are similar to my own along with the brand name and price point. This analysis is used as a means to keep track of competitors to make sure that my own brand can compete. In the last portion of the paper is my apparel line. It is consisted of seven complete looks and eleven individual pieces.

CHAPTER 2

BOARDS

Trend Board Fig 2.1

Trend Justification

Structured garments that stand away from the body are beginning to appear on runways for the spring of 2014, but it wasn’t one of the main focuses. This leads me to believe that we will continue seeing structured garments for spring of 2015, and it will be

2 about that time that this fashion will be catching the attention of the masses. The garments shown on my trend board (from left to right) were chosen from the Carolina

Herrera, Calvin Klein, Kate Spade, Rachel Zoe, and Giorgio Armani spring 2014 collections.

Mood Board Fig 2.2

The purpose of a mood board is to project a certain feeling to prepare the audience for your apparel line; it is a visual representation of the lifestyle I wanted my apparel line to portray. In my case, I wanted my audience to think of words such as

“sleek, “business attire,” and “polished.”

CHAPTER 3

MARKETING REPORT

Most people underestimate how important fashion and clothes can be, though they are an integrated part of our lives and play an important role in reinforcing social identity.

Today's democratization of fashion has allowed people of all social classes to experiment with their identity through clothing. This apparel line for spring 2015 will be targeted toward women who want a more professional, polished look who are either beginning their career or are already situated within their workplace. Women from their early twenties to mid-thirties will be able to wear these looks to work because this line is both tasteful and trendy. This line seeks to continue the trend of a more structured silhouette that starting appearing during the spring 2014 designer fashion shows. Because this look has just begun to appear, it is expected to rise in demand within the next year for consumers in the mass markets. Consumers will begin to demand this silhouette in different colors and at a lower price point, which is why this apparel line will be both colorful and at prices both college students and entry-level workers will be able to afford.

It is common knowledge that women are still do not receive equal pay as men for the same job, though the gap has been closing steadily over the past few decades.

According to Catalyst, in 2012, women made 76.5% of men’s earnings, but what was

really interesting was the pay gap can vary depending on age groups. The target customers for my line (ages 21-34) are among the age groups with the smallest difference in earnings. The data shows that women from 20 to 24 make 89.0% of men’s earning and women 25-34 make 90.2%. Although this is good news, this information is not enough to support the idea of marketing toward women in the early stages of their careers.

However, women have buying power. She-conomy reports that women account for 85% of all purchases and women are the ones who represent the online market (Holland,

20119).

Fig. 3.1

The United States economy is doing better as well. The Congressional Budget

Office reports that the gross domestic products is expected to increase by 3%, the largest growth in nearly a decade and “similar annual growth rates are projected through 2017”

(2014). Forbes and Kiplinger, both very respectable economic news providers, support the Budget Office’s findings. Kiplinger also mentions that retail sales are expected to

5 have a 5% growth in 2014 (Payne, 2014). That statistic is backed by ReportLinker who marked a 12% increase over the past five years for the women’s clothing industry

("Women's clothing industry:" 2012). These statistics show that women have money to spend, the power to spend it, and a good economic environment that they can trust.

This line is targeting women in the early stages of their career, but more specifically, it will be for women who are moving fast-paced, who may not be as fashion conscious. With the simple, not overly designed looks, women will be able to put together outfits no matter what level their expertise. By pricing the line from $10 to $50, the line will appeal to those who are on a budget, but still have a need for work appropriate clothing.

Most of the target customers will be becoming seniors in college or freshly graduated students who are starting to work in their chosen field. Last year, Fortune released an article that addressed the college graduate gender gap. “Female grads now account for about 60% of U.S. bachelor's degree holders” (Fisher, 2013). The New York

Times reports similar findings: “Women now make up 58 percent of those enrolled in two- and four-year colleges and are, overall, the majority in graduate schools and professional schools too” (Lewin, 2006). With more women earning degrees, they’re going to want to dress the part for their future careers.

The apparel line will include one or two pieces that could be labeled as more fashionable clothing that would be more suitable for a more creative workplace environment; however, most of the pieces would be appropriate for most offices. Being able to put together an appropriate outfit to match the occasion is a key part in being successful in the business world. The New York Times published a very recent article

6 named, “Women Learn to Dress for Success” which stated that women have to be aware of what they are wearing and how it can impact their job. For example the article states,

“Executive women who appear too trendy can come across as alluring, moving the focus away from their reputable business skills” (Chapman, 2013). By putting an emphasis on looking professional, it could mean the difference in a woman succeeding or failing in the business world.

The aim is to sell this line at higher quality discount stores, stores such as Target.

Target is projected to continue to succeed in the marketplace and it’s a great place for women to find stylish career wear that won’t break their budget. Accord to Seeking

Alpha, a website for investment research, identifies Target as “healthy company that will continue to turn profits” (2013). The article also specifically mentioned their clothing lines: “(Target’s) exclusive fashion lines give them a unique quality from other discount stores” ("Target headed much," 2013). By introducing this line at Target, customers will brand this line as better quality, but not as expensive. The pricing of my line will reflect this and compare to the other clothing lines Target offers. Target is where my target market goes to shop; it provides everything from the necessities for dorm living to furniture and kitchen appliances for independent living.

The color scheme of this line is another important factor when marketing the line.

Pantone, a color company headquartered in New Jersey, is one of the biggest influencers when it comes to colors in the fashion industry. Their color scheme for spring 2014 was released late 2013 and includes colors such as “placid blue,” “celosia orange,” and

“freesia” ("Pantone color report," 2013) Very similar colors can be found in my line. My line includes more blues in a variety of intensities and more yellows and oranges. I chose

7 this scheme, not only based off of Pantone’s colors, but also because the colors are bright, fun, and resemble the springtime. After a dreary winter, customers will want to match the brightness that they’re beginning to see in nature.

The line will include a few basic pieces such as camisoles, a white blouse, pants that will be available in black, and an overcoat. The other pieces will be tops that will be completely opaque. I chose to do this to reduce the amount of time women have to think about their wardrobe. With this line, all women will have to think about is a top, bottoms, a jacket if necessary, and shoes. They won’t have to worry about having any inappropriate skin showing through a sheer fabric which makes this clothing line a great choice for a workplace.

The pieces in this line are designed to match a more tailored piece with a fuller, more structured top or bottom. For example, a pair of nice dressy cigarette pants can be matched with a boxier top. This creates a look that is neither too form-fitting and unsuitable for the workplace, nor is it too much clothing structured away from the body that a woman is swimming in fabric. My clothing is a fine balance between workplace appropriateness and being a stylish, feminine woman.

This marketing report was to determine a target market for the clothing line Refined

Simplicity and whether or not that identified target market would be willing to buy. With data from reputable sources such as the Congressional Budget Office, consumers will trust the healing economy enough to start spending money again. Women are the main consumers in today’s market; they are the ones who have the buying power. These women are also getting degrees and earning jobs that require business wear, the type of clothing my apparel line will provide. The colors and silhouette will appeal to women

8 from their twenties to mid-thirties because it is both modest and fashionable. The line will succeed because it will be made available in discount stores such as Target, where my consumers shop when looking for a good deal. The market is ready for this type of clothing and they have the power, resources, and reason to buy.

CHAPTER 4

COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS

Another title for this is “market research” and it is a way to keep track of your competitors and to ensure that your own products stay competitive. There are several ways to keep track of what other brands and companies are doing; for example, studying their advertisements—who is their target, where are they located? — and by buying their products to examine how they were constructed and accessing the quality. In this report, I sought similar products and took measurements of the pieces and noted the price point and brand name to gather information for when my own line goes into production. With this kind of data, I will be able to identify what makes my own products unique.

Competitive Analysis: Look 1

Garment Retailer: Mossimo Retailer: ELLE Retailer: QZ Lady Dimensions Body Length neck 18.0 in 54.0 in 33.3 in to hem Body Width 16.5 in 17.0 in 14.2 Sleeve length n/a n/a n/a Sleeve opening 10.0 in 9.0 in 9.5 in Price point $22.99 $68.00 $18.90 Fabrication 72% Polyester 100% Polyester 100% Polyester 26% Rayon Lining: 100% Polyester 2% Spandex

Photo

Fig 4.1 Fig 4.2 Fig 4.3

Competitive Analysis: Look 2A

Garment Retailer: SO Central Retailer: Bongjashop Retailer: JOAMOM Dimensions Body 27.2 in 31.0 in 30.3 in Length Body 16.5 in 13.4 in 20.3 in Width Sleeve 13.8 in 23.6 in 19.3 in length Sleeve 6.0 in 5.0 in 5.5 in opening Price point $25.90 $92.90 $145.90 Fabrication Cotton 100% Polyester 77% Cotton Polyester 18% Nylon 5% Polyester

Photo

Fig 4.6

Fig 4.4 Fig 4.5

Competitive Analysis: Look 2B

Garment Retailer: Merona Retailer: Messimo Retailer: Lily Rose Dimensions Body 33.0 in 33.0 in 26.5 in Length Body 12.5 in 12.0 in 16.0 in Width Sleeve 3.5 in n/a 5.5 in length Sleeve 5.75 in 9.5 in 5.0 in opening Price point $27.99 $27.99 $48.00 Fabrication 99% Polyester 99% Polyester 97% Polyester 1% Spandex 1% Spandex 3% Spandex Lining: 100% Polyester Lining: 100% Polyester

Photo

Fig 4.7 Fig 4.8 Fig 4.9

Competitive Analysis: 3A

Garment Retailer: Xhilaration Retailer: Jennifer Lopez Retailer: MyHeart Dimensio ns Body 16.5 in 7.5 in 13.8 in Length Body 14.0 in 14.0 in 7.5 in Width Sleeve 7.5 in 4.5 in 7.5 in length Sleeve 5.5 in 5.0 in 13.4 in opening Price $16.99 $36.00 $22.90 point Fabricatio 65% Polyester 93% Polyester 100% Cotton n 35% Rayon 7% Spandex

Photo

Fig 4.11 Fig 4.10 Fig 4.12

Competitive Analysis: Look 3B

Garment Retailer: SO Retailer: Candie’s Retailer: Moonbasa Dimensions Body Length neck 23.0 in 15.5 in 20.5 in to hem Body Width 12.0 in 12.25 in 27.1 in Sleeve length n/a n/a n/a Sleeve opening 10.0 in 9.0 in 7.0 in Price point $24.00 $24.00 $19.90 Fabrication 92% Nylon 94% Nylon 95 % Bamboo fiber 8% Spandex 6% Spandex 5% Spandex

Photo

Fig 4.13 Fig 4.14 Fig 4.15

Competitive Analysis: Look 3C

Garment Retailer: Merona Retailer: SO Retailer: IZ Byer Dimensions Body Length 40.5 in 38.0 in 41.5 in

Body Width 17.5 in 14.0 in 19.0 in

Sleeve length n/a n/a n/a

Sleeve opening n/a n/a n/a Price point $24.99 $38.00 $44.00 Fabrication 100% Cotton 55% Linen 82% Polyester 45% Rayon 13% Rayon 5% Spandex Lining: 100% Polyester

Photo

Fig 4.16 Fig 4.17 Fig 4.181

Competitive Analysis: Look 4A

Garment Retailer: Merona Retailer: Lauren Conrad Retailer: OrangeBear Dimension s Body 21.5 in 26.0 in 22.8 in Length Body 17.0 in 19.0 in 39.0 in Width Sleeve 9.0 in 19.0 in 15.4 in length Sleeve 6.75 in 5.25 in 4.4 in opening Price point $22.99 $48.00 $25.90 Fabrication 55% Acrylique Woven: 100% Polyester 100% Polyester 45% Polyester Lace: 54% Cotton 46% Nylon

Photo

Fig 4.19 Fig 4.20 Fig 4.21

Competitive Analysis: Look 4B

Garment Retailer: Merona Retailer: Mossimo Retailer: APT 9 Dimensions Body Length 34.5 in 34.0 in 33.5 in Body Width 16.5 in 16.0 in 15.0 in Sleeve length n/a n/a n/a Sleeve n/a n/a n/a opening Price point $27.99 $27.99 $44.00 Fabrication 97% Cotton 95% Cotton 95% Cotton 3% Spandex 5% Spandex 5% Spandex

Photo

Fig 4.22 Fig 4.23 Fig 4.24

Competitive Analysis: Look 5

Garment Retailer: Chanel Retailer: Le Teresa Retailer: O. SA Dimensions Body Length neck Unknown 33.9 in 31.1 in to hem Body Width Unknown 30.7 in 27.5 in Sleeve Unknown 23.5 in 24.4 in length Sleeve Unknown 4.0 in 3.5 in opening Price point Unknown $60.90 $129.90 Fabrication 100% Polyester 54.4% Polyester Unknown Trim: 92% Polyester 21% Polyamide 8% Spandex 19.8% Acrylic 4.8% Wool Trim: 100% Polyester

Photo

Fig 4.27 Fig 4.25 Fig 4.26

Competitive Analysis: Look 6A

Garment Retailer: Xhiliaration Retailer: Vera Wang Retailer: Jennifer Lopez Dimensions Body Length 28.5 in 26.5 in 27.5 in Body Width 17.5 in 15.5 in 19.5 in Sleeve length n/a n/a 9.5 in Sleeve opening 9.0 in 9.0 in 6.0 in Price point $17.99 $54.00 $48.00 Fabrication 100% Rayon 100% Polyester 100% Polyester

Photo

Fig 4.28 Fig 4.29 Fig 4.30

Competitive Analysis: Look 7

Garment Retailer: Daisy Retailer: APT 9 Retailer: Orange Bear Dimensions Fuentes Body Length 26.5 in 26.75 in 26.8 in Body Width 19.0 in 17.5 in 15.4 in Sleeve length 21.0 in 23.5 in 26.8 in Sleeve 5.0 in 4.5 in 5.0 in opening Price point $48.00 $26.00 in $25.90 Fabrication 100% Rayon 97% Cotton 40% Cotton 3% Spandex 60% Polyester

Photo

Fig 4.31 Fig 4.32 Fig 4.33

CHAPTER 5

REFINED SIMPLICITY APPAREL BRAND

Brand Position Statement:

Refined Simplicity seeks to dress women for the workplace in styles that are clean, sophisticated, and so effortless to put on and look put together. We aim to design looks that will transfer well from one stage of life to another as you start your career.

Colors:

Fig 5.1

Look 1: Mock 2-piece Dress

Colors: Top: Bottom: Sun Dark Teal Mango Brick Sand Aqua

Sizes: Price: Fabrication: XS-XL $35.00 95% Polyester 5% Spandex

Details: Hidden zipper in back (12”)

Fig 5.2

Look 2A: Jacket

Colors: Sun Aqua Mango Sizes: Price: Fabrication: XS-XL $65.00 Cotton Polyester blend Details: 2 shank buttons (hidden inside jacket, for closure), 2 welt pockets (outside)

Look 2B: Dress

Colors: Aqua Buttercup Sand Sizes: Price: Fabrication: Fig 5.3 XS-XL $45.00 99% Polyester 1% Spandex

Details: Hidden zipper in back

(14”), textured fabric

Look 3A: Crop Top

Colors: Mango Buttercup

Sizes: Price: Fabrication: 70% XS-XL $15.00 Cotton 30% Polyester Details: Structured away from the body

Look 3B: Tank Top

Colors: All

Sizes: Price: Fabrication: 94% XS-XL $10.00 Nylon 6% Spandex

Details: Textured fabric

Look 3C: Wide Pants

Colors: Dark Teal, Buttercup, Sand Sizes: Price: Fabrication: XS-XL $35.00 100% Linen Details: 1 Shank button, Fly zipper, 2 Slash pockets, 2 back Welt pockets, 6 belt loops

Fig 5.4

Look 4A: Plain Top

Colors: Brick Sun Aqua Sizes: Price: Fabrication: 99% XS-XL $22.00 polyester 1% Spandex Details: Textured fabric

Look 4B: Cigarette Pants

Colors: Dark Teal Brick Sun Sand Sizes: Price: Fabrication: 0,2,4,6,8,10,12 $35.00 95% Cotton 5% Spandex

Details: Fly zipper, inside Eyed button, hook and eye, 2 front Slashed pockets, 2 back Welt pockets

Fig 5.5

Look 5: Midi Dress

Colors: Top/Waist/Sleeves: Skirt: Aqua Dark Teal Buttercup Sun

Sizes: Price: $80.00 Fabrication: XS-XL Skirt/Top: 90% Cotton 10% Spandex Waist/Sleeves: 99% Polyester 1% Spandex

Details: Hidden zipper in back (14”), textured fabric on sleeves and waist

Fig 5.6

Look 6: Asymmetrical Top

Colors: Sun Aqua Mango Sand Sizes: Price: Fabrication: 100% XS-XL $25.00 Polyester

Details: Black collar, rounded square neckline

Look 4B: Cigarette Pants

Colors: Dark Teal Brick Sun Sand Sizes: Price: Fabrication: 0,2,4,6,8,10,12 $35.00 95% Cotton 5% Spandex

Details: Fly zipper, inside Eyed button, hook and eye, 2 front Slashed pockets, 2 back Welt pockets

Fig 5.7

Look 7: Blouse

Colors: Dark Teal Aqua Sun Sand Sizes: Price: Fabrication: 60% XS-XL $25.00 Polyester 40% Cotton Details: 1 Shank button at neck, textured fabric at cuffs, black collar

Look 3C: Wide Pants

Colors: Dark Teal, Buttercup, Sand

Sizes: Price: Fabrication: 100% XS-XL $35.00 Linen Details: 1 Shank button, Fly zipper, 2 Slash pockets, 2 back Welt pockets, 6 belt loops

Fig 5.8

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Catalyst. Catalyst Quick Take: Women's Earnings and Income. New York: Catalyst, 2014.

Chapman, C. (2013, November 14). Women learn to dress for success. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/15/business/international /women-learn-to-dress-for-success.html?_r=0

Conerly, B. (2012, January 22). Economic forest 2014-2015: Looking better with help from oiland gas. Forbes Magazine, Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/ billconerly/ 2014/01/22/ conomic-forecast-2014-2015-looking-better-with-help- from-oil-and-gas/

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Fisher, A. (2013, March 27). Boys vs. girls: What's behind the college grad gender gap?. Forbes Magazine. Retrieved from http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2013/ 03/27/college- graduation -gender-salaries/

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