You May End Up Naked!

At our recent retreat, Suzi told how she sold her CLAUD!A JEAN necklace, at a customer's insistence, off her own neck. Lorraine took the story to heart and has reported one of her own!

While checking in at the Portland International Airport, the lady behind Lorraine commented on her necklace and said she'd love to have one. Lorraine responded that she could actually sell her the one she was wearing because she had another at home. The transaction was completed before they reached the ticket counter. It gets better! The lady is a buyer for Nordstrom!

There's more! As Lorraine stood on the gangway to board the plane, the lady behind her commented on her "window bag" of jewelry and then had to have one of the watches. Lorraine told her the price and they proceeded to their respective seats. The flight attendant brought Lorraine the check before the plane pulled away from the gate!

Michele has had similar stories and worries that she will sell the last of an item and end up without one of her own! It could happen as merchandise is selling out daily and being replace with new product.

We suggest that every time you wear an accessory that gets you noticed (the whole point!), carry one in your purse so when someone comments you can pull it out and say, "I just happen to have one available..." That's the beauty of cash and carry!

Feel free to add your story!

It's Not Just a Pant!

I love when someone just cuts to the essence! Alison sent our famous black pant in XS Tall to one of her Sorority Sisters, Jen, for critique. To Jen's surprise, her husband remarked (in a very personal way) as to how good she looked as soon as she put them on. He is not normally someone to notice, let alone comment! Score One!

She wore the pant, played in the pant and worked in the pant. Her final comment?

"This is the 'little black dress' of pants!"

Enough said! Thanks for the perfect twist on our signature piece!

PS Jen is Senior VP of one of the world's largest PR/Ad agencies. Clarity sells! Thanks for the free pitch, Jen!

Great Thoughts I

This quote is a personal favorite that I have posted on the wall in front of my desk:

"The test of a first-class mind is the ability to hold two opposing views... at the same time and still retain the ability to function." F. Scott Fitzgerald.

It makes politics, religion and people in general more interesting than threatening if you try to understand where their beliefs originate. When we're open to discussion, we're open to new knowledge. "Knowing it all" is the ultimate bore!

Great Thoughts II

While on the phone with Allen Vine, a good friend (and clothing vendor), I shared the above quote. He in turn handed his favorite to me! I love how strong it is!


"The true measure of a man is not how he acts in times of comfort and convenience, but rather, how he stands at times of conflict and challenge." Martin Luther King


Allen has definitely used and met this measure as he makes his difference in the world. His integrity and ability to work through tough times (which pretty well describes the apparel business itself!) is unparalleled.

Do you have a defining quote that inspires you on a daily basis? Please share!

What a Month!

April was a banner month here in San Diego! It started with an unexpected North County Times feature on the front of the business section. Yea! The contacts are still coming in on that press. We also had a wonderful four minute segment on KUSI-TV. I spoke to the Lady Lions, a most lively group, The Pendleton Military Base "Heart Beats" Club and was a featured author/speaker for the American Assoc. of University Women's (Poway Branch) annual luncheon. Wow! Wow! I shared the podium with Susan Vreeland and Bonnie Marston. Wow! I'm feeling just a little like a rock star! The big thing is that our message of healthy self esteem is a hit and women want to know more.

As if that weren't enough, we finished the month with our fabulous Coaches from Portland, Lorraine and Pam, in town to share insights with the wonderful women of San Diego. There were awards aplenty to Suzi, Pam, Lorraine, Michele, Beth, Carlyn, Cathie, and Leslie. Susan had us in stitches with her story about having a tag on the back of her necklace at a big event but it all led to her getting to talk about her business! For those who couldn't be here, we missed you and you missed a great time.

Feel free to comment!