"Deckers Outdoor (DECK) -- which is on our recommended buy list -- reported Q4 earnings, once again easily topping analyst estimates on both the top and bottom lines," says Geoffrey Seiler.

The editor of BullMarket.com explains, "This was just a fabulous quarter from Deckers with the company firing on all cylinders. And, in our view, the best could still be yet to come for the footwear and accessories maker.

"For the quarter, the maker of the popular UGG boots posted a profit of $89.2 million, or $2.27 per share, up 32% from $67.7 million, or $1.74 per share, a year earlier. That easily surpassed the $1.99 consensus.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"A financial crisis, severe recession, a supposedly 'tapped out' U.S. consumer -- none of it has been enough to derail Aeropostale (ARO), the New York City-based teen clothing retailer," says John Reese.

The editor of Validea Hot List Newsletter explains, "While other companies have struggled to survive in the past few years, the mall-based firm upped both earnings and sales in 2007, 2008, and 2009, and it's on track to do so again in 2010.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"Athletic apparel manufacturer Under Armour (UA) has been a solid performer in 2010, gaining 110% over the past year," notes Bernie Schaeffer.

The editor of Schaeffer's Investment Research explains, "The stock -- our top pick for 2011 -- has been in a strong uptrend since early September, and is trading above all major moving averages.

"In our view, it looks like China could present some excellent opportunities for us as we move through the summer. Indeed, we believe China's unpegging of its currency will help its manufacturing base," says Richard Schmidt.

The editor of Stellar Stock Alert explains, "And a potentially stronger retail market in the U.S. combined with a stronger manufacturing base in China is a recipe for success. One company that's positioned to take advantage of both trends is retail apparel firm Lululemon Athletica (LULU).

"The company knows how to play both sides of the ocean. Over 65% of its products are manufactured in China. Meanwhile, it has 124 company-owned and franchised athletic apparel stores in the U.S. and Canada .

"Why are we seeing strength in select retailers such as AnnTaylor (ANN), Philip-Van Heusen (PVH) and Talbots (TLB)? asks Mike Cintolo.

The editor of Cabot Top Ten Report explains, "The world of retail is a harsh and unforgiving one, especially when the U.S. and global economies are still technically in a recession. But investors are always looking ahead, and right now they like what they see.

"Coach (COH) is primarily known for its luxury handbags. The company also sells leathergoods, business cases, travel accessories, footwear, watches, outerwear, scarves, sunwear, jewelry, fragrance, and related accessories," says Geoffrey Seiler.

The editor of BullMarket.com points out, "At the end of 2009, Coach had 343 retail stores and 118 factory stores in North America. It also had 163 shops in Japan and 37 in China."

"Our model stock portfolio is developed on a monthly basis by selecting one stock each month from among all the stocks in the prior month that have announced 2-for-1 stock split," explains Neal Macneale.

The editor of 2-for-1 Stock Split Newsletter, the advisor notes, "This month, we are shifting from our normal strategy to buy a stock that has split 3-for-2: Aeropostale (ARO), the clothing retailer.

The Limited Brands (LTD), which operates both Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works, is a sold big cap play in the retail apparel sector," says Leo Fasccioco.

In his Ticker Tape Digest, the technician focuses on stocks that have broken out of basing patterns. He says, "The stock's 12-week, 'W' base is picture perfect. The breakout on the gap move is ideal."

"Maidenform Brands (NYSE: MFB), which earns our strong buy rating, saw sales rise 5.6% in the second quarter based on strong demand," reports analyst Tracey Ryniec.

In Zacks Elite Stocks, she explains, "Maidenform Brands sells intimate apparel such as bras and shapewear at department stores and other retail outlets.

"The company provides a collection of recognizable brands including Maidenform, Lilyette, Control It!, and Sweet Nothings. It also licenses the Donna Karan and DKNY brands, which it launched in the first quarter.

After filing for bankruptcy protection a month ago, Eddie Bauer Holdings Inc. (OTC: EBHIQ) is already seeing the suitors line up. Iconix Brand Group Inc. (NASDAQ: ICON), which owns Rocawear, is showing some interest. Hilco Consumer Capital and Gordon Brothers Group LLC are also looking to make a joint offer for the embattled clothing retailer, and Golden Gate Capital is said to be interested. Hudson Capital Partners LLC may throw its hat in the ring, as well.

Tomorrow's the bidding deadline, and there's an auction lined up for Eddie Bauer's assets on Thursday.

Already in the game, CCMP Capital Advisors ponied up $202 million in a "stalking horse bid," meaning that it will make the acquisition if nobody else beats its offer.

For now, Bauer's is living on borrowed time -- and cash. The company got court permission to take a loan for $100 million to keep the operation moving until an acquisition or auction is complete.

The private equity firms rumored to be eyeing Eddie Bauer have retail and apparel companies in their portfolios, which suggests a possibility that the company could be turned around with the right investment and management team. If not, I wonder if they'll sell the window decorations at the auction . . . always wanted my living room to look like a mall.

"Stocks have struggled lately after their huge recovery; still, I continue to see opportunities, and I especially like Urban Outfitters (NASDAQ: URBN)," says Mark Skousen in The Turnaround Alert.

"Urban Outfitters, the apparel retailer, after it beat Wall Street analysts' estimates. Two years ago, the stock was selling for $37 a share.

"But today, it's selling for nearly half that. During the deep recession, retailers have seen sales drop as consumers cut back on spending for clothing and other discretionary purchases. As a result, retail apparel stocks fell sharply.

"Stocks have struggled lately after their huge recovery; still, I continue to see opportunities in the market, and I especially like Urban Outfitters (NASDAQ: URBN)," says Mark Skousen in The Turnaround Alert.

"Urban Outfitters, the apparel retailer, after it beat Wall Street analysts' estimates. Two years ago, the stock was selling for $37 a share.

"But today, it's selling for nearly half that. During the deep recession, retailers have seen sales drop as consumers cut back on spending for clothing and other discretionary purchases. As a result, retail apparel stocks fell sharply.

"Our confidence in this market is growing... albeit slowly; the fundamental blocks are already in place for a market bottom, and the technical blocks seem to be following," says Jim Stack, well known for having accurately forecast the market. housing and economic downturn.

In InvesTech Market Analyst, he suggests, "We are now stepping up our allocation. The newest addition to our Model Portfolio is VF Corp. (NYSE: VFC)."

"VF Corporation is the world's largest publicly held apparel manufacturer and distributor. It owns an incredibly diverse line of brands; including such well known names as Wrangler, Lee, North Face, Vans, and Nautica.

It's been brewing ever so slowly, but AnnTaylor Stores Corp. (NYSE: ANN) has finally been able to show the results of its efforts. Shares of AnnTaylor soared about 13% today after the women's apparel chain raised its first-quarter earnings forecast.

The company said that better-than-expected results at its LOFT stores as well as lower inventories and better expense management overall contributed to the results. Yes, surprising investors is always good, but it's also always good to remain a little cautious with such news. The company itself warned about the rest of the year, leaving its full-year forecast unchanged.

Of course, the question is what's ahead for AnnTaylor. One answer already came today from the company when it said it would shelve a new store concept targeting baby boomers. But following the success of LOFT, the retailer is aggressively launching an outlet version of the brand. Is it smart? It certainly seems that in the current economic climate increasing lower-priced offerings would allow AnnTaylor to keep cash-strapped customers while offering them budget clothes in a familiar brand.

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"My 'home run' speculation for 2008 is The Buckle (NYSE: BKE), a retailer of medium- to better-priced casual apparel, footwear and accessories for fashion-conscious young men and women," says value investor Charles Mizrahi, editor of Hidden Values Alert.

"The company focuses on personal service, including free alterations, free gift-wrapping,easy layaways, the Buckle private-label credit card and a frequent shopper program. The Buckle operates 350 retail stores in 38 states. Most stores are located in regional, high-traffic shopping malls and lifestyle centers.

"The balance sheet is strong with $157 million in cash and current liabilities of only $56 million. Net profit margin is 11.5%, in line with previous years. The company has no long-term debt, and management and directors own 56.1% of outstanding shares.

"BKE is a good company, and a price of $32 or less per share represents very good value. If BKE can grow earnings at 11% per annum and maintain a P/E of 15, the stock will handsomely reward investors in the next five years."