It has been crazy hot this weekend; classic Memorial Day weather, a salute to the arrival of summer. I do not know why this holiday makes me think of all things nautical; beaches, boats, lighthouses and escape, but I suppose growing up on Long Island and living so many years on the ocean watered my psyche. The strange thing is, because of my proximity to the shore, I never really … Read More
by Ellen Lewis ~
I am not quite sure what it is about the bridal business that intrigues me so much. Certainly, it is not the actual event. I was married in City Hall (my choice) to avoid the chaos and fanfare. I think it’s the theatrics, the staging of a dramatic production replete with costumes, scenery and props. The whole drama ignites my inner artist. Like Intimate Apparel, the … Read More
It has been exceptionally beautiful in NY the past few days: no humidity, 80+ degrees, cloudless skies. It’s the kind of weather that can just make you feel good if you stand still for a few minutes and just take it in. I had this thought while cruising home from my brother’s yesterday , skylight and windows opened in my mini cooper; even driving on tedious route 84 could not … Read More
This Week’s Intimate Discovery: A California Sleepwear Company Opens NYC Boutique
Yesterday, while working on a project with my colleague Margaret Shrum, aka The Lingerie Goddess, we decided to take a break and visit the recently opened Bedhead PJ store located on Elizabeth Street in downtown Manhattan. I wanted to show her my new favorite Bedhead print, New York Botanical, which is currently planted on a variety of their … Read More
I was 17 when I first realized that the human body was much more than a science phenomenon, but rather, a work of art. I purchased a book in Paris, which at the time, I thought was very risqué. Aptly named La Femme, it was a photographic memoir of the naked figure and my initial introduction to a woman’s body as a visual landscape. I was taught in art … Read More
I spent a good portion of my career working for
a robe and sleepwear company that was well ensconced in the Turkish terrycloth market. I know a great deal about this business and have a special place in my merchant heart for this loungewear category whose loudest applause is always around a holiday. I have developed a fair share of bathrobes and given a plethora of them as gifts to … Read More
My mother was a warm, selfless and strong woman whose standard for correct
behavior was off the scales. She had an excellent eye for quality, a fine tuned ear for integrity and a keen understanding of value. A few days ago, my 
brother reminded me that we–including my sister-had a bit of Toledo, Ohio in each of us. How could we not deny that influence on our DNA? She was, … Read More