Mr. Leone has used his network of stylish female friends a who's-who roster of fashion magazine editors, publicists, designers and socialites to create a stellar offering of their lightly used designer clothing and accessories.

WSJ: The Fashion Piece That Got Away

Nanotechnology is offering a new way of processing fabric that could revolutionize the clothing industry.

NPR: Nanotech in Fashion: The Trend in New Fabrics

Ralph Lauren is offering round "John Lennon" sunglasses this spring and French clothing maker Lanvin introduced red-and-bronze high-tops reminiscent of the classic Converse sneaker.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Shoes grew into other accessories, several clothing collections and labels, and then went public, with its first offering in 1994.

WSJ: Kenneth Cole returns to fashion week on his terms

The beneficiaries will be retailers offering value for money in particular, discounters such as Wal-Mart and Costco, cheap clothing chains such as the foreign-owned Zara, and groups such as Walgreens and Kroger, which sell food, drugs and other basic necessities.

ECONOMIST: American retailers

If someone, say, purchases plus-size clothing, the health plan could flag him for potential obesity and then call or send mailings offering weight-loss solutions.

WSJ: How the Insurer Knows You Just Stocked Up on Ice Cream and Beer