We moved yesterday; downsized from a 5 bedroom home on several acres of land to a 3 room apartment. I am sitting on the porch of our cozy new abode situated on the Hudson River with my morning coffee. Across the water all I see are the burgeoning trees rising from their own reflections in the NY waterway. WestPoint Academy, poised among the greenery, adds a classy allure. The April weather is uncharacteristically mild and … Read More
Retail tides are rising as the 
resistance to luxury goods ebbs. Visiting the Cosabella flagship and showroom in Soho, NY a few weeks ago, I discovered an interesting retail tidbit that set off my merchant’s radar. Cosabella has noticed a real sea change in their business: Customers are focusing on product in lieu of price. Only a short time ago, it was all about the cost of an item. Now the priority is in the … Read More
By Libby Dowd
Today more brides opt out of the traditional garter toss. But that does not mean the demand for this dainty underpinning is waning. In fact, the garter selections available to brides are expanding and styles are becoming more decadent and luxurious. La Gartier owner and designer, Sarah Dobson says garters are trending—big time. It’s not the traditional toss that is drawing in customers. “Brides are buying garters just to have them,” says … Read More
You have to be an animal lover to visit my sister, Beth. Her home is the asylum for 8 wiener dogs of varying temperaments, 3 belonging to her and the remainder in foster care. As an active member of Fido’s for Freedom and Dachshund Rescue of North America, she devotes a good chunk of her day caring for abandoned, abused and surrendered hounds. She calls them her surrogate children. Her objective is to provide … Read More
This Week’s Intimate Discovery: A Tried and True Product Roars Into The 21st Century
From the time I was a little girl, I have clear
memories of my mother getting dressed in her girdle and stockings. It was, after all, the proper thing for a woman to wear and she tried vehemently to get me to comply, but alas, to no avail. I was not into control. I liked vintage, loose, and laissez faire. … Read More
Hanky Panky Joins Forces With Hello Kitty
Finding the just-about-to-be-
launched Hello Kitty Collection at the Hanky Panky showrooms last month was like traveling back in time. I have some major memories of perusing the Hello Kitty Boutique while shopping at the Tokyo Department eons ago when I was traveling for Macy’s. My girls were young and any item with which I returned that engendered the iconic motif was welcomed with open arms; “Hi Mom, … Read More
It’s early Sunday morning and I am watching a flock of sixteen wild turkeys grandstanding in my yard. Eight toms and eight hens are engaged in a ritual dance of some sort: the boys are strutting their stuff and the girls are prancing around in a flirting match. Tails are spread wide, plumage erect as a symphony of courting cries announce each male’s presence. The female plays a subtler role, less conspicuous, more seductive; her … Read More