Andrea Wasserman_

True Religion: Goldman Sachs Review is Net Neutral

I have no position in TRLG but agree that there is upside potential. Premium denim may not be what is was two years ago, but it's here to stay. J Brand, purveyor of the most famous skinny jean, has now built on its competency and launched a wide-leg version since BOTH are being purchased for fall. TRLG has grown beyond denim, and is wise to be opening its own stores and exploiting a DTC model. The company was successful in building its name on a few key items and is in a great position to capitalize on that for sales of a broader apparel line merchandised by itself.

Liz Claiborne to Divest 16 of 36 Apparel Brands -- WSJ

A benefit for Liz in focusing on the "power brands" that have their own stores, is that it will make the company less reliant on department store buying in the face of consolidation in that industry. More of Liz' overall business will be conducted direct-to-consumer. Further, if Liz blows out the number of retail stores for these brands, the company can continue to develop its relationship with the younger customer, who often prefers specialty store shopping.