Pretty Impressed

In January a girlfriend attended the Miss America pageant and purchased a book for me called Pretty Smart by Penny Pearlman. Penny is a former Miss America. Her book has insights from twenty-two former Miss America's she interviewed. I didn't take the time to read the book until a couple of weeks ago when I was on spring break with my family. It is a wonderful book and I recommend it to everyone. I just wanted to share a few things I took away from the book.

1. Heather French Henry (Miss America 2000) and Phyllis George (Miss America 1971) have both commentated fashion shows for me that I produced. After working with both of them I walked away wondering how they could be so nice. They were approachable, genuine, basically as sweet and nice as they could be. There was nothing forced about being nice. In her book, Penny explains that there is a power to being nice. The power and influence of a Miss America is truly to enforce positive change in others and our society. Be Nice!

2. It is amazing how intelligent the Miss America's are and have to be to wear the crown. They are outspoken about the issues that matter to them and aware of everything else going on around them. Reading and life long learning is a theme in this book. Readers are Leaders!

3. I've never thought about the thick skin these gals must have. Fox and Friends co-host Gretchen Carlson (Miss America 1989) talked about people feeling like they have a right to say anything about them because they are in the public eye. It seems to be a form of entertainment today to put people down. I can think of several television shows that have high ratings because of blunt, negative, mean statements that are made. I don't think I want to participate in that. Be Positive!

4. Most Miss America's didn't grow up on easy street. Many of them have overcome personal struggles. Make the best of whatever does occur. Be Resilient!

There are so many other lessons I learned from this book. The words that I read over and over were words such as focused, disciplined, integrity, detemination, perseverance, authentic, genuine, compassionate, kind, honorable, committed, responsible, ... you get the picture.

As soon as I finished the book I went back to my hotel room to email Penny. Of course she promplty responded and seems as nice as Heather French and Phyllis George. You can purchase her book on her website www.pennypearlman.com

This Pretty Smart book is pretty impressive. Let me know what lessons you learn from it.

Joyfully,
Chris

You Go Girl!

Yesterday in The Wall Street Journal, there was a story about women selling their personal clothing out of their closets. Women who have a lot of clothing and then find themselves without a job are posting their advertisement on Craigslist suggesting women not shop in stores but to shop in the advertisers closet. I had to laugh as I read about one seller complaining about her first five customers making a mess looking through the clothes, leaving them on the floor or hanging them over the rack. Welcome to my world. However, I look at "the mess" as a positive. The more clothes a customer tries on the more fun we have. Sometimes it takes a woman an hour to finally find what makes her body happy. However - I am there to serve my customers and these gals selling out of their closets just want the money. In the article it talks about how they serve wine, beer, and water to customers. That is one glorified garage sale.

This article made me realize how resourceful women are during tough economic times. Doncaster Apparel was started during the great depression over 75 years ago by a woman - Millie Tanner. Jana Kos just started her new trunk show company, Partners in Style, in January. A frind of mine sells Cabi and is doing better than ever. I have no doubt that these companies will thrive during this recession - because of the customer service these consultants give customers. Women are not going to stop purchasing clothing but they do need to make smarter choices. Wardrobe consultants are perfect for helping women make smarter choices.

This Thursday, Doncaster Louisville, is celebrating a grand opening in a new location. We have a lot to celebrate. A small, determined, group of us invested our time and money into creating a charming studio that allows us to better serve our customers. We have a great location, plenty of parking, lots of studio space with plans for serval special events. Doncaster clothing works for any lifestyle and special event. Stop by and see us - at noon is the ribbon cutting followed by an open house until 7:00pm. Bring a gently used suit to donate to Dress for Success and you'll receive a 10% off coupon.

If you are up early Monday morning, WHAS will have a live remote from the studio during their morning news 5:30-7:00am.

Ladies, however you are being resourceful, stop and congratulate yourself. Helen Redy's song ....if I have to I could do anything - I am strong (strong) I am invinsible (invinsible) I am Woman! keeps playing through my head along with I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, and never ever let him forget he's a man - cause I'm a woman.... Okay - enough. You get the point.

You Go Girl!