Eat your hearts out fellow northeasterners: I flew out of New York Saturday in front of a surprise snowstorm that dropped 8+ inches of snow on our autumn landscape. I am very happy to have escaped to my favorite getaway, Los Cabos, Mexico; where I am relaxing in the sun enjoying the comfort of the balmy sunshine and light ocean breezes. The temperatures at home were precipitous, edging down … Read More
This Week’s Intimate Discovery: A big risk pays off for a Maryland lingerie entrepreneur
Location, Location, Location; The first lesson I learned as a merchant is that nothing is as important to the success of a retail operation as its location. It’s not only where you position product in the store, it’s also all about where the store is situated. That is why when I spoke with partners … Read More
I am not a chocolate snob. Anyone who knows me knows about my compulsion for M & M’s. In fact, when I was at Macy’s, my staff gave me a gumball machine filled with these mini treats, hoping that the penny requirement for satisfaction would control my obsession while I was pregnant with my son. Frankly, I am surprised that I did not give birth to a chocolate covered … Read More
This Week’s Intimate Discovery: Secrets In Lace reveals an Iconic Collection
For several years now I have been an admirer of the 
Secrets In Lace e-commerce site. It’s not only that I am impressed with the clear merchandising message, but also the methodical approach to building a niche identity that owner, Dan Whitsett has achieved. Founded as the go to site for authentic 100% nylon stockings, Secrets In Lace… Read More
Time has a way of teaching us. In my 20’s my definition of success was to have my picture on the cover of Time Magazine. I wanted recognition and I equated it with fame. The idea of being the center of attention in a room full of strangers was a lustful objective. In my youthful naivety, I did not understand that true fortune was not born from noisy laurels, … Read More
This Week’s Intimate Discovery: Savvy Midwest Shop Zeros in on Soft Cup Bras
I had a great discussion with Jessica Gerard, 
owner of Flirt Boutique in St. Paul, Minnesota yesterday. She emailed me to report the surge in her soft cup bra business. She says that every new soft cup bra she receives “comes in and is gone”. Sales of this category have escalated from 4 a month to … Read More
Honestly, I truly hope that what they say about events happening in threes is true, because after this week-end, I have had enough! First, the airline lost my baggage, which is unbelievable since it was a carry on that I door checked and watched being ferried down the jet way. It’s still not back, 2 days later. Then, I drafted this week’s Brief on Saturday, but on Sunday morning, when … Read More