By ELLEN LEWIS
The Little Black Dress, made famous by Coco Chanel when she introduced it in Vogue in 1926, has endured because it is an icon of good taste. This ubiquitous style has served for almost a century as a wardrobe staple that a woman can dress up or dress down. A symbol of understated elegance accessible at many income levels has positioned it as a classic fashion necessity. … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
One of my most rivetting entertainment memories is a live event I attended some years ago in Lake Placid, N.Y. during which Olympic figure skater, Viktor Petrenko, commanded the ice in his audacious rendition of Lou Bega’s A Little Bit of Mambo, Number 5. In this spirited routine in which he danced in tandem with a life size doll, he brought the crowd to its feet … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
I’ve been debating about writing this blog about Juana de Arco for a while now. I know that many of our readers look to us to see what’s happening in the market, specifically intimate apparel. So highlighting an artisan brand that encompasses a woman’s entire lifestyle in which lingerie is part, but not necessarily the primary piece of their story could be perceived as counter intuitive. I … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
Some years ago, while working for an international company who was considered expert in the design and development of casual sleep and loungewear, I was asked by the owner to research the potential of entering the bra business. Why? Because at the time we functioned as a sourcing arm for Victoria Secret’s robe and PJ categories. In fact, overseeing this process was my primary responsibility. My boss … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
At an earlier phase of my career, embedded in the department store retail world, Christmas never appeared before Black Friday. The visual holiday transformation showcased the following day was magical; a plethora of decorations that announced the start of a frenetic selling period. Fun as it was to witness the “hot items” of the season, it was the crazy “stuff” people bought that never ceased to amaze … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
Recently, I decided to take a DNA test; not for ancestry, although this was certainly revealed. I was curious about my long term health. I had the results professionally analyzed and was surprised how the counselor identified physical and psychological realities about my nature without knowing me at all. Of course, learning the truth can be difficult, but knowing the truth enables us to take the necessary … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
We flew to Southern California this past weekend to attend the wedding party of my son’s sister-in-law, Megan Best. In true Megan style, it was just a whole lot of fun; a block party held outside her family’s home with 200 people eating, drinking and dancing in the street. Casual as it was; a buffet style barbecue, wine and beer stations, a candy bar, ice cream carts … Read More