In the nascent days of my retail career, I had a brilliant mentor who guided me through my basic training. I credit much of my success as a merchant to his vision and expectations. One lesson that has never left me, particularly as I rose to management positions, is that excellence in merchandising depended on a combination of Picasso and Einstein. One needed vision as well as sterling analytical skills. … Read More
The Art Nouveau movement was unique. It’s influence permeated every aspect of contemporary culture in its day: architecture, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, furniature, lighting, graphics; just to name a few. Combining flowing designs with organic forms and geometric contours, this prolific period changed the face of art history. Seeking to elevate decorative art to fine design, excellence in workmanship was a priority. It was a visual gamechanger and became the … Read More
I’ve been doing a lot of writing lately about the surge in curvy and plus size intimates, and I will continue this trend, because frankly, a great deal of the innovation in the market is surfacing from this venue. But today, I want to focus on another consumer need, currently neglected by the fast volume business predators unwilling to nurture and savor a very important niche in the Lingerie business, … Read More
I always thought my daughters might want to be married in a Betsey Johnson dress, obsessed as they were as teenagers with her clothes. Not sure that would be their wedding attire choice today, but I have no doubt that a bridal shower themed by Betsey would be very interesting. Imagine a pink afternoon tea party decked in flowers, balloons and any shower gift of Betsey Johnson’s Lingerie. Creative … Read More
Diving is a big sport down here in Cabo San Lucas. I for one, have a whole hearted respect for the ocean, but going down that deep searching for the unknown evokes a feeling somewhat like the worry I had as a child, afraid to look under the bed after dark. Snorkeling is about as far under as I intend to go. True the rewards can be spellbinding, but I … Read More
I met Tina McMillen almost 5 years ago, right at the height of the recession. She had started a business in “retirement” that had, to her complete surprise exploded from the onset. Shipping feverishly from her garage, she embarked on an entirely new career with her PJ Harlow brand. We hit it off, two women at a certain life crossroads, interested in beauty, comfort and simplifying our lives and finding … Read More
Riding two or three times a week here in Mexico affords me an opportunity to meet so many interesting people, one of whom owns a very chic Italian clothing boutique in the Luxury Mall called Maliparmi. I knew the store before I met Rosanna because I bought a pair of sandals there that I thought were a steal at 250 pesos only to learn (after I wore them) that … Read More