Barbie Mania – What’s the Hype?

What’s the Hype about Barbie The Movie ? Based on the Barbie fashion dolls by Mattel, it is the first live-action fantasy comedy Barbie film. Featuring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, they go on a journey of self-discovery, and it’s being released today July 21st, 2023! It’s a stereotypical matriarchal society where all women are: SELF-CONFIDENT, SELF-SUFFICIENT & SUCCESSFUL!   Who doesn’t want that in their life? Stereotypical Ken learns about the American patriarchal system and feels important and accepted for the first time. Now, we just have to watch the film and decide for ourselves! I’m looking forward to seeing the Set Design which extensively uses a specific shade of pink Pantone 219 This brings me to a really important part of this post: THE POWER OF REPRESENTATION Barbie has… 35 Skin Tones 97 Hairstyles 9 Body types and counting… and that’s totally what gives Gender Mannequins the edge. Below…is a Collection called ‘Shape’ which has 8 new ‘Inclusive Faces’ but Gender has always!!! had inclusive faces, hairstyles and… body types. LETS HAVE A LOOK

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Caribou Cottage is Right on Trend!

When my sister invited me to their Caribou cabin, along with my Golden Retriever Forrest…well, how could I say no! The summer was so warm, and being at the lake seemed like such a luxury. Before I show you my photos I’d like to talk about Design trends. You’ll see why later as you discover the beauty of this unpretentious cabin. Minimalism vs Maximalism We’ve been through a very Minimalism trend for at least seven years now. Of course, it’s a timeless Design Concept that’s been around for hundreds of years, but we have seen a resurgence towards Maximalism. If you’re a fan of maximalism, you’re in luck! Here are the ‘Key Characteristics’ of Minimalist Design Less is more Focus on functionality Clean, simple lines Sculptural forms Lack of superfluous ornamentation and decoration Monochromatic, limited color palette, with color sometimes used as an accent to create a soothing environment Use of limited, well chosen materials, such as concrete, steel, glass and wood Everything has a place and a purpose Use of space and natural light Spotlight on craftsmanship Interior design

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Who are the Retail Divas in my life?

MY FIRST RETAIL DIVA When I started out in this Biz I met the wonderful vivacious Toby Rosen. What a force! I was able to do many visual displays for her and it was always a treat to be in her presence. People would see her coming and in awe would whisper…”That’s Tobi Rosen” A jewellery wholesaler who really knew her business and clients. I am grateful to her for leading me to many other display opportunities in the wholesale gift fashion industry. Because of Toby, who sadly passed away in 2011, I have had the opportunity to meet the most incredible people…and definitely forces to recon with…Susan Gallacher (Susan Cooper Agency), Suzanne Bell (Suzanne Bells Fashions) Diane Thomson (former owner Dianes’ Lingerie) Jill McKnight (South Coast Casuals) and so many others including Maizie Thorleifson (Maizie T Agency), which leads me to Maizie! That’s her on the right below working with Siska Schippers. Dutch Jewellery designer Siska Schippers founded the company in 1992 in Thailand…hence the name ZSISKA. I love this jewellery! Last night, while at a restaurant one of

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Mannequins – The Silent Sellers

Mannequins – The Silent Sellers

MANNEQUINS: THE SILENT SELLERS IN RETAIL I’m often asked about mannequins during consultations. Here are some very ‘tongue-in-cheek’ reasons why mannequins can be your best employees.  You don’t have to pay them any benefits, UIC, holiday pay.  In fact… They don’t take holidays. They don’t talk back. They always show up on time. You don’t have to train them! They don’t take sick leave. They work in the windows when you’re closed. They’re emotionally stable. They don’t have opinions on how you’re running your company, They don’t try to take ownership of your company. They don’t make personal phone calls while they’re working They always dress brand appropriate. Dear readers… I’m not suggesting that mannequins replace real live people but I wanted to let you know that there are some real benefits to having bust forms or mannequins in your stores. Here are some of their qualities and differences. Mannequins cost approximately $600.00 – $1800.00 whereas bust forms cost approximately $200.00 – $400.00. Mannequins come in all shapes, sizes, make-up or not, hairstyles…just like people! By the way…Arms and legs are

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Need and Want. Even a Two Year old knows!

I’m going to tell you a story about NEED and WANT. My husband regularly takes our two year old grandson Ryder out for lunch and play. A couple weeks ago, after lunch he took him to a motorcycle  store.  Ryder immediately finds a small replica motorcycle and tells his ‘Papa’ that he WANTS it.  My husband says “No, You need to be four years old to have that toy.”  (This toy is $20.00.)  Fast forward two weeks, and again my husband takes Ryder to the same store, and guess what?  Ryder picks up the same toy, and now says to his Papa, “Papa, I NEED it.”   This time Papa buys the toy.  I laughed! Ryder is only 2 but he has an extensive vocabulary and he knows the difference between WANT and NEED.  His Dad snowmobiles, rides dirt bikes, and does all kinds of outdoor activities.  I think that Ryder wanted to be ‘like Dad’. He NEEDED that toy. What about RETAIL Want and Need. It seems to me that what we want to do in Retail is to create

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Life on the Ladder

I’ve been so excited to have a new website launched but I’ve been scared to death to write this first post.  I want you to get to know me and I want to share my knowledge so your businesses will grow.  You’re going to find me really opinionated.  Don’t let that scare you! I’m here to help you, encourage you, and motivate you.  I want you to feel excited about where you live, work and play. I’ve always thought that if I wrote a book I would title it “Life on the Ladder”,  as I’ve spent over twenty five years doing Displays and Merchandising for large corporations and smaller independent Retailers and Wholesalers in both Fashion and Giftware.  I’ve seen it all!  Sometimes I’ve felt like the ‘fly on the wall’, watching interactions between customers and displays.  About ten years ago I became an Accredited Interior Decorator.  That’s when Retail Design and Consultations really took off.  I had found my niche! People are looking for answers.  They have problems, sales are not what they want, they’re over-worked.  They go to bed tired,

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