I can't offer any direct advice on this but it is the same in most of the retail industry. Certainly for the branded or designer line. A few years ago I wanted to get involved in retailing Epson compatible ink cartridges. I contacted several suppliers in the UK who gave me silly prices with even sillier MOQ's. I decided to but direct from China where, like most things, they are manufactured.  One company I contacted were willing to give me my own brand etc but again the MOQ's were like 10K! I kept pushing them and in the end they put me in touch with a distributor that they supplied in the UK who in turn gave me less silly prices but still not good enough to be competitive. I told the account manager I would just buy from the supplier in China and set up in direct competition with them! I got a good deal later that week with no MOQ. Unfortunately the remaining stock is from my last order is now sat in the loft as I do not have time to sell them!

Anyway keep trying I am sure you have searched the net search again there will be a supplier out there. Other option is stay away from the designer stuff and buy unique quality clothing from Europe even Ebay!  for example but use this to build your business (less profit of course) and once you are established look to the designer gear. My partner just bought me a "layered" t-shirt the other day...very nice I hasten to add, I am in no way snobby but would never have thought about entering the store where she bought it from simply from a quality perspective. The top is excellent, trendy £6 and from Primark. My no1 choice now!

Hi MIRgirl,

My first buisness was a ladies designer clothes boutique in yorkshire, after a couple of months trading I set up an online boutique. I came up against the same problems as yourself, it's hard & costly to hold the stock if you are just starting out so I started to use cash & carry wholesalers were I could buy what I want when I want. I could give you some information about fashion/trade shows were you can getin for free you apply on line for your trade pass, its good to go to, you get small and large traders there, london has some great wholesalers places like porobelo road. Send me an email if you want any further advice. 

Wayne,

buy on line contemporary jewellery for men & women...

You will find my email address in my profile.