Having lived through several seismic events in America’s history, I have learned a great deal about the underpinnings of our national heritage. I remember where I was when JFK was assassinated, my ire over Vietnam, the shame of Watergate, and the shock of 9/11. A country’s character is formed by its approach to challenges so enormous, they could not be imagined. We may be many things in the United States, with many contradicting opinions but … Read More
Crushed! A very familiar word in the past 10 days. It got me to thinking about the real meaning of this term. The dictionary definition states the obvious. But there is, thanks to the creativity of the English language, other poetic interpretations of this expression. Consider this: crushed grapes, crushed ice, a romantic crush. I am thinking succor and love. Add to this PJ. Salvage’s new Crushin’ It collection and I think the word crushed … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
I have to admit that when P.J.Salvage originally shared their plans about collaborating with the iconic Smiley™ brand, I was a bit taken aback. My initial reaction was ‘Really? Isn’t that a bit juvenile?’. Then I did my due diligence and ate my words. Smiley™ is a global phenomenon symbolizing happiness that was founded 45 years ago by French journalist, Franklin Loufrani. His objective was to highlight good news stories. (Can you … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
You might be asking yourself why I have posted a picture of my 2 year old P.J. Salvage slippers on the blog today. It’s really quite simple: They are one of my favorite things. They are so comfortable, so durable and so supportive; I actually fly them back and forth in my suitcase. These slides have traveled, inadvertently, to Starbucks, and to a dinner party (I did turn around and drive home … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
I was a teenager and in college, during the Vietnam War. Our government was submerged in scandal; women struggled with self-image and race relations were buried by an avalanche of outdated social standards. We were disillusioned; looking for a way through the messy politic of the decades that followed the sheer disbelief of the Kennedy assassination. We were all about our long hair, tie-dye t-shirts, and washed out jeans. Woodstock was our … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
Today, I have spent more time than I wanted trying to find a way to artfully explain why these styles from P.J. Salvage deserve a call out. I could go into a diatribe about the way this brand uses trendy design detail to create pajama and robe collections worthy of casual street wear. I could focus on the amazing fabrics for which they are renowned. I could discuss their foray into the … Read More
The very first lesson I ever learned as a merchant was the pursuit of the key item and how to maximize its potential. The term “key item intensification” became a maxim for good retail practice. Identifying a product and expanding its exposure while eliminating styles trickling along in sales is the mark of a savvy buyer. This practice carries through to the wholesale venue. It takes only one great item to build volume. Back in … Read More