May The ‘Fourth’ Be With You

Welcome to Summer ‘17! Memorial Day has come and gone and here we are well into June already with the 4th of July nearly upon us. I don’t know about you, but I am pretty dang excited! Look of choice below is proving to be filled with red, white and blue. Let the graduation parties, barbeques, and lazy vacations commence.

A few weeks ago I served on the host committee for Komera’s Girls Run the World event in NYC to support their incredible work in promoting girls’ empowerment in Rwanda.  As a recognized non-profit charity, Komera’s mission is to develop self-confident young women through education, community endeavors, and sport. My donation for the silent auction was the Building A Better Wardrobe service at a value of $1,060 with a low starting bid of only $400. The lucky winner was one of my own awesome clients who is passing the gift along to her mother.  I am so excited to work with her and am grateful for the Komera support.  We raised over $60,000 that night and will provide school and living expenses for 48 girls in Rwanda this year! Let me know if you want to be a part of this rewarding mission next year through a donation or ask how you can virtually e-bid in the silent auction. Making the world a better place one closet at a time!

In a previous posting, I lamented at the state of the American retail sector. It got too big for it’s britches and I believe is going through some self-correction right now. However, I am truly scared to see the kind of sales on in-season items at some of America’s best high-street stores: Gap, Banana Republic, and J.Crew.  At the rate that they are practically giving away merchandise I’m worried that some of the best solutions for accessible, well-made, fair priced, thoughtful basics won’t be around in just a few seasons.  Mickey Drexler the longstanding CEO and Chairman of J.Crew is stepping down.  While I never agreed with his approach to a constant flow of fresh product in the store, thereby creating a consistent cycle inventory surplus and inevitable markdowns; it can’t be denied that he knew how to get people in store with his delectable mix of merchandise. But as I always say, too much is too much and often leads to confusion.  My retail wish is that these companies figure out their specific formula to keep the doors open.  If they disappear, our closets and economy will miss the solid bridge between high-end and mass market these stores provide.  So if you need something this summer, check these brands first.

Concern with retail economy aside, I wish you a relaxing summer.  I know I’m excited to debut a few new summer pieces.  Don’t forget your hat, no go ‘fourth’ and enjoy!

Her
Protagonist Cross Back Bodysuit $159 /  Caroline Constas Adelle Skirt $495  /  Talbots Quilted Leather Crossbody $100  /  Tabitha Simmons Judy Ankle Strap Sandal $675  /  Quay Australia Stray Cat Sunglasses $55  /  Club Monaco Bauble Stripe Earring $50