Today, I did my regular first day run around to Galleries Lafayette, Bon Marché and the shops in St Germaine. It’s how I ward off jet lag after an overnight flight and a late check-in time at the hotel. It’s January Mark-down mania in Paris and as usual the stores are packed with sales. Interesting fact: in France big sales are government controlled. These big price breaks are en mass, everywhere, only twice a year. … Read More
I love the city of Paris and tomorrow I fly there to attend the Salon De Lingerie. It’s hard work, but somebody has to do it and lucky for me, I have had that privilege many times. Yes, it’s a trade show, long days inside voluminous halls foraging for inspiration with little time for outside expeditions. But still, it’s Paris, whose elegance and innate style have made it one of the most seductive venues in … Read More
Several years back when I was in the process of launching a major sleepwear brand for my company, my Design Director and I decided to create an entire collection around shades of green. There was a rhyme to our reason because this was a licensee recognized world-wide for their horticultural motifs. When we presented our plans to the Sales team, we got a lot of resistance. They insisted that historically, green did not sell in … Read More
By Margaret Shrum
Under every wedding gown, there is a slip that will enhance a bride’s shape and also create the most flattering silhouette for her gown. Wedding gowns need a proper bridal slip to create fullness and for the gown to hang properly on the body. It’s a big mistake to not purchase a slip to wear under your gown; this detail makes a huge difference in the way the gown falls. Depending on … Read More
I love sitting in a showroom, nourishing my merchant’s soul with gorgeous product, beautifully executed and so seductively marketed. This is perpetually guaranteed when reviewing the Chantelle Lingerie collection. It’s always interesting and I am always inspired. This is, after all the brand that has so successfully managed to bring French elegance to the pragmatic North American marketplace. They have succeeded with a balance of sensual designs and essential basics. They understand the Yin and … Read More
By now, it must be very apparent that I get a kick out of finding a new product whose character is clearly defined by vision and quality. This time it’s the luxury designer collection from Minuit Douze showcased by the elegant In Showroom based in NYC. Made in France, this is a concept brand created to evoke the romance of travel to romantic venues often dreamed of but not always in our reach. Ruffles, bows, … Read More
When I first walked into Faire Frou Frou unannounced last week, Alison Rubke, the charismatic co-owner of this eponymous boutique was clearly surprised. We had tried to connect during several of my previous LA visits but never seemed to make it happen. Obligations always interfered; so this time, I did not want to make a promise I might not keep. It’s a bit of a trek from downtown Los Angeles to Studio City and I … Read More