Pin This!

As many of you know, pinterest has recently covered the social-network nation with is addictive congeal of photos and hours of entertaining fulfillment.  Housing everything from; recipes, crafts, event planning, and clever insights.  If you are not familiar with this site, you must check it out.  I think even men may enjoy creating a board or two.

The general idea of the website is to "pin" something that you like, the website then gives kudos to the person who originally posted or created the item.  From there, other members can also "pin" the item you posted, along with anything else they find on the infinite web.  For instance, someone could even "pin" this blog, or any pictures from this blog.  The method is really quite ingenious, especially for bloggers.

I am going to share with you something that I think is "pin worthy":

These headbands were handmade by someone here in Oklahoma.  They have been very popular with all ages of ladies, and definitely one of our best selling items thus far.  I love how each headband is so very different, featuring vintage inspired pieces using materials like; brassy metals, shimmery pearls, and pieces of what looks to be-old books.

So if you haven't joined pinterest, you should @ http://www.pinterest.com/ and if you haven't checked out these super popular headbands, well then you should!

Shop here not there!

We are going to give you some awesome reasons as to why you should spend your hard earned dollars at Unlabeled, rather than at a big box chain retailer.  First of all, without getting too political, when you shop locally it is kind of like recycling your money.  The sales tax that is charged goes back to the city to fund projects such as; rebuilding roads and education.  Often times when shopping online, you may not have to pay a sales tax... it is actually quite a big debate right now.

A lot of big chains will say they emphasize customer service, but the truth is they have so much overhead they usually don't fork over the cash to pay enough employees to cover the sales floor.  Yes, it is smart to be conservative with the business dollar, but, it is also crucial to have more than 2 employees in a 7,000 sq ft space.  (This extensive knowledge on the topic comes from 7 years of retail experience) ;) Bottom line, we will give you very personalized customer service!

Now, let's discuss 'outlet malls'.  The fact that Oklahoma recently obtained an outlet mall is fantastic.  We totally appreciate having one here, it is a great sign of growth during an economic time when other states are truly struggling.  Indeed, no one likes to pass up a great deal, but there is a catch!  Outlet stores sometimes obtain last seasons merchandise, but they also have their own brand.  For instance; store XYZ is a really reputable brand at a very high end mall.  XYZ outlet is selling last years sweaters which were originally sold at the high-end XYZ store.  These sweaters were marked down on clearance, and still after the holiday season they remained on the racks (for whatever reason; awkward fit, too bright, too itchy, etc.).  Next to last year's sweaters XYZ is selling a brand new sweater, made specifically for the XYZ outlet store.  What is tricky about it, is the outlet malls create this 'illusion' of a really great deal, and sometimes you do get a great deal, but sometimes the stores will use the image-branding of the high-end store to promote the lower-quality sweater.   

Does that make sense?  Here's a recap:
High-end XYZ store gives last years merchandise to its sister store XYZ outlet.
XYZ outlet re-sells merchandise for a higher price than what it was on sale for at high-end XYZ
XYZ outlet also sells sweaters that are produced with lower quality construction & fabrics but can charge more because of its reputable image.

The above sums up why you should choose Unlabeled over big-box stores, but why should you choose Unlabeled over other local stores?

Well, that is totally up to you!  We think we have really cool stuff.  We feature a lot of local artists and 90% of our men's tee's were made in the USA.  Even if it wasn't made in the USA, we still have quite a few items that were fairly traded, organic, or handmade.  See you soon! :)

Special!

Today Only!  Buy One Get One 25% Off! 
Buy one full price item and get a second item of equal or lesser value for 25% Off!

Let's say you want these bootcut, organic, good society jeans for yourself $110.00.

Then you buy your boyfriend this track jacket by alternative apparel, which retails for $68.00- but you'll get it for $51.00. 

What's that?  You don't have a boyfriend?  Okay, so you pick up the organic denim for yourself, AND, this poncho by Mink Pink- which retails for $100- but you'll get it for $75.00!

  *Offer Only Excludes Art/ Handmade goods

Finally Fall

If you have lived in Oklahoma for long, you will know that when the temperature's drop- there is nothing gradual about it.  We began the week with the temps in the high 80's and we can expect to see the temp drop to as long as 38.  Brr- that 40 degree drop calls for a coat, jacket, or even better....the new alternative apparel fleece pullover:

We have the pullover in 3 different colors; fuschia (above), green, and charcoal.  Let me tell you why I love it.  First off, Alternative Apparel makes it- so you know it is well constructed.  Secondly, the fleece lining has got to be what sleeping on clouds feels like; it is the softest, most luxurious feeling fleece ever.  I am not even exaggerating, I promise.  Also, it is eco-friendly by using materials like; recycled polyester, organic cotton, and naturally occuring rayon.

This sweatshirt has an off-the-shoulder neckline, which is left unfinished making it look that much cooler.  The kangaroo pouch is convenient for your hands and not unflattering.  It is a regular fit, but I think it would be great worn oversized with leggings!  For extra warmth, top it off with a scarf.  I am a creature of comfort, so it is no surprise that this is one of my favorite things in the store right now.  I just see myself wearing it on the sofa, next to a fire, sipping on hot tea...or a Sunday afternoon reading the paper.  Come by, slip it on, and I bet you'll end up wearing it out the door!

Grand Opening Wrap Up

As most of you know, we held our Grand Opening this past Saturday, October 15th.  We want to give a shout out to some people that made the event possible:

Helen & Lisa @ GOGO Sushi Express in Moore (Off I-35 and 19th St. Near Warren Theatre).  The BEST sushi and service you will find anywhere.  The sugar mama roll is a personal fave. 

Also, to Paul Riedl photography for covering the evening portion of the event.  We cannot wait to see the party pics!

To Eric Robles for our super-cool website!  We love it!

'Hey Culligan Man!'  Special thanks to Mollman's Water of OKC for providing us with bottled water.

To Erick Taylor for setting the mood with some sweet beats!  What a talented musician!

To Jeff Richardson, a realtor/broker for Oklahoma Real Estate Options, who volunteered his register operating skills all day.

And, to my mom, Lisa Mollman with Century 21 Gold Castle, who offered up her time to help us get things organized.

Super huge thank you to all the peeps that made it out!  We hope that you were well-fed, enjoyed your purchases, and had a blast.  We will post up the pictures as soon as we get them!  If you weren't able to make it out this past Saturday, have no fear, we are open Monday-Saturday 10a-7p.

Best Sellers This Weekend:

Handmade headbands by Les Beau Fleurs

 Men's Baja Hoodie

 Unisex Biking is for Lover's Tee

See ya soon!

How 'bout them jeans?

Have you heard us buzzing about our selvedge denim for men?  The coolest denim in the Okc Metro?  The jeans that you DON'T wash?  Everything you ever wanted to know 'bout them jeans you can find right here!

Let's get started with the basics:

Selvedge by definition-"the edge of woven fabric finished so as to prevent raveling, often in a narrow tape effect, different from the body of the fabric” (source: dictionary.com).  Selvedge or "self edge" is proof that the jeans are legit.  Flip them over at the bottom and see for yourself!  Below is an example:



Below is a "shuttle loom", a wooden loom from which selvedge denim is made.  This is a process that has been around since the 1800's in Japan.  Haven't heard of it?  This is why; in the 1950's there became such a high demand for jeans, mostly because of punk kids rebelling and listening to rock music, that Levi's took initiative to make some big bucks. That is when the manufacturing process became faster, more efficient, and jeans were now mass produced (this is how most of our jeans are made today).



Denim Washes- Selvedge denim will most commonly be found in a "raw wash".  We don't want to confuse you, but it is possible that denim can be a raw wash and not be selvedge.  A raw wash simply means that it is unprocessed denim, or denim in its natural state (untreated).

Dyeing Process- The reason why selvedge denim fades the way it does is because of a process called "rope dyeing".  There are two types of dyeing; rope dyeing and vat dyeing.  Most of the time your jeans will have been vat dyed.

• Vat Dyeing- The yarns are shocked and the dye quickly penetrates to the core of the yarn.
• Rope Dyeing- The yarns are dipped several times (30ish) and in between each 'dip' they are allowed  to dry.  This builds up layers of colors.

In rope dying, the yarns are not left in the dye baths long enough to absorb the color at the core.  This is why after time, the selvedge jeans will gradually fade, and why your massly produced jeans pretty much keep their color. 

How to wear them:
Hard!  Wear them hard.  Roll in dirt, do squat thrusts, jump up and down, wear them every day, and most importantly, DON'T WASH THEM!  At least not for a year, you can wash them sooner if it is killing you...but a full year will make them optimal.  The more you do in these jeans, the more customized and cool they will become. 

When you first take your jeans home they will feel really stiff and they will look like this:
You might first even question why you purchased jeans that were so dark and stiff.  But soon you will notice the gradual changes.  Over time, the denim breaks down, loosens up, and fades.

 "Whiskers" will form around the thigh area :

Whatever you put in your pocket will have its own memoir:

And "honeycombs" will form behind the knees:

We realize that was a lot of info to pack into one small blog- so take a deep breath and absorb.  Basically, here is what you need to know:

1. Unlabeled carries selvedge denim by the Unbranded brand
2. The jeans come in a skinny and a straight fit
3. They cost $78.00 (exceptionally affordable)
4. The longer you wear them without washing them, the cooler they look

(Works Cited: Dictionary.com, Wikipedia, Unbranded brand, Rawrdenim.com)

Cocktail Anyone?

This is a dress that deserves more than a do-it-yourself cocktail, a dress that pushes you to leave the comforts of your sofa, a dress that begs to be worn around town.  'But I have no place to wear such a dress', you might rebuttal, and we thought you might say that.  Our response-Find a place; a wedding, a charity event, the theatre, or an art show.  We believe that you might find the courage to finally give netflix a night off. 

Oh, and did you notice the beaded detailing at the bottom of the dress?  Beautiful.

Dustin Moore Art

Dustin Moore is one of the local artist's that we feature here at Unlabeled...this guy is in-sane; not literally, his art is just really, really, good!  He specializes in the pen & ink medium; focusing on animals for the subject. And when we say animals, we do not mean your typical fuzzy wuzzies, what we mean is power animals.  Yes, power animals; animals just doing what they do.  Alright, while we might have made up the term 'power animals', it was the best way to describe the pictures.  Actually, how about we post some pictures so that you all can see for yourselves just how talented this man is.

The camera does not do this work justice, so why don't you just come in and check it out for yourself?  The pieces range in prices and sizes-and we assure you, you won't be unimpressed.

Upcoming Events @ Unlabeled

We are excited to announce upcoming events and partnerships that will be held over the next few weeks.

First, we have landed a spot on KSBI New's Channel 52 "all about you", we will provide more information once the program air's.  The segment will be around fall/holiday fashion.

 And to give this business a kick in the right direction, the chamber of commerce will be here on Thursday, October 13 at 4:00 p.m. for an official ribbon cutting!  We will be serving cupcakes from Emma J's bakery and the event is open to the public.  We hope that you can join us!

The moment we have all been waiting for...Our Grand Opening Celebration! 
On Saturday, October 15 we will be open from 10:00a.m.-10:00p.m.  We sincerely hope that you can stop by and check us out!  We will be serving cupcakes, popcorn, and other treats along with champagne and drinks.  Enter to win one of our many prize drawings and enjoy live music from 8:00p.m.-10:00p.m. 

The Community Christian School of Norman (CCS) will be holding their annual silent and live auction.  All proceeds go to help pay teacher's salaries and towards new improvements of the school.  Being a private school, their funding is very limited and teacher's pay is highly dependant upon this annual event.  We will be auctioning off a gift certificate & shopping party for 5 friends.  The event will be held on Friday, October 21st. 

We think that giving back to the community is very important and we are proud to partner with the
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity for a Fashion Show to benefit the Peggy & Charles Stephenson Oklahoma Cancer Center of Oklahoma City.  The event will be held on October, 28 at 7:30p.m. at the Oklahoma Memorial Union Ballroom.  Admission is $5.00 and all proceeds will be donated to the aforementioned institute.  Please join us in promoting a good cause while enjoying a fun fashion show!

Introduction & FAQ's

Unlabeled apparel is Norman's newest retailer for men's and women's clothing.  We offer a selection of trendy clothes, inspiring artwork, and funky novelty gifts.  Although some may say we target 18-35 year olds, we would like to think that people enjoy our merchandise at any age.  For instance, who wouldn't get a laugh out of a book titled, 'What's your poo telling you?'? 

A popular question that we often receive is, "So are your clothes, like, blank or something?"  and the answer is no and yes...but mostly no.  Allow us to elaborate; Unlabeled is this crazy concept of wearing clothes that you like wearing because they look cool and because they make you feel great.  Somewhere between the 1990's and the 2000's logo's and labels became 'the thing' and the focus on fashion was thrown by the wayside.  That is why Unlabeled apparel is bringing style and suave back to the market; with ingenious screen prints, eye-popping palettes, and one-of-a-kind designs, everyone is sure to find something. 

"What sizes do you carry?" is another question that we frequently get.  Unlabeled carries sizes 24-32 (XS-XL) for women and 28-36 (XS-XXL) for men.  Certain styles are not produced in some sizes but we do try to carry the aforementioned in most styles.  Let us emphasize that there is no sizing regulation in the United States so often people are surprised when things fit...or don't fit- but that is a topic in itself for another day's blog.

"Where do you get your stuff?" the 'stuff' comes from going to market, but also from local artists, and small companies that haven't hit it big just yet.  We tried to buy items made in the USA as often as possible, along with fair trade items, and handmade items; although the whole store is not made up of it- we gave it our best effort. 

Our store hours are Monday-Saturday 10:00a-7:00p.  You can check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or our website @ http://www.unlabeledapparel.com/.  We appreciate you reading our blog and can't wait to meet you.