How Are We Going to Compete?

Yesterday I went to show the luxury lingerie line that I bring in from Brazil to a potential client south of Calgary. She has a store that sells lingerie to the women in the small towns south of Calgary.
I showed her what I have to offer, and was bluntly told that my price point was too high. This is a store that sells bras for $125 and up. My bras are wholesaling for around $35 delivered to her shop. So in essence, she could easily sell these bras for $70 plus, and still make a decent profit.
The lingerie line I bring in is hand made and uses high quality fabrics and material. I have visited the atelier in Brazil where it is made and I can truly say that the working conditions are amazing. Natural light, windows overlooking the hillside and around 15 women working, laughing and truly enjoying themselves talking about the latest plot of the primetime novela as they stitch away at their craft. I am very aware of worker's rights in Brazil and I know these women are receiving fair pay for their work and all of their benefits(vacation pay, 13th salary, pension etc). Is their salary lower than their counterparts in Canada? I am sure it is, but it is far higher of those from the sweat shops of Asia.
The shop owner showed me what she considered the equivalent of what I showed her in terms of quality. I was offended. Not for me, but for the hard working women in Brazil that I have seen putting their hearts into their work. They are trained seamstresses who are unfortunately a dying breed in Europe and soon to be in Brazil.
Looking at the shoddy quality of what the shop owner was showing me, it was evident that it was made overseas. My hunch was right. Made in China. Wholesaling for $2-$6(shop owner admitted what she pays wholesale for her stuff)...Sold in the shop for $35 -$85.
What's wrong with this picture???

The Underwear Affair

On June 6th, there will be a 5km walk and 10k fun run in Calgary to raise awareness and funds for cancers below the waist.These include prostate cancer,colon cancer,ovarian cancer,and bladder cancer.
Its called the Underwear Affair. Participants are encouraged to drop their trousers and run or walk in their underwear/lingerie. After the run,there is a big party with DJ's and drinks. It sounds like a blast!
Considering that they don't have Carnaval here in Calgary, this could be the opportunity to get semi naked and dance down the street!!!!
Now the big question...
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO WEAR???????????

5 Ways to Surprise Your Man

Yes, I know, Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Hearts are everywhere. Roses, wine and romance are the all part of the 'special day'. I think it is admirable that people celebrate this day, yet I think everyday should be Valentine's Day when it comes to being in a relationship. If you are single, no problem, nothing wrong with celebrating Valentine's Day alone. To love another, one must love themself first. Love is something to manifest everyday.
That said, let me give you a small list.

1. Show up at the door when he comes home from work one day, wearing his workshirt and a pair of his boxers/briefs/YFronts( clean of course...;-)And a smile....

2. Come up behind and give him a relaxing massage. Just follow your instincts and let your fingers literally do the walking. Concentrate on the energy being passed between you both. What happens next is up to you.......

3. Cut back on the face makeup. Nothing wrong with a bit of concealer and light blush but you can ask any man, nothing worse than the taste of foundation. If your skin is bad, there are dermatalogical procedures that can erase acne, age spots, dryness, splotchy skin. Usually a glycolic peel, nothing invasive like a face lift. thirty years ago, this type of treatment didn't exist. Now it does. Don't hide behind a mask.look after your skin..

4. Go through your lingerie drawer and get rid of all your greying tidy whiteys. If there is one item that should not go by the wayside in the recession, that is a nice new pair of undies. Splurge yourself once a month. Always showing up with a new fun pair of knickers to your partner will keep the fire aflame. Play around with the variety of what's out there. It can range from La Senza to Walmart to Agent Provocateur(my personal consumer dream). I lived in France, trust me on this one.

5. If you have any DIY capabilities, fix a thing around the house that you both know needs to be fixed.Or, put up a photo that has been sitting on the floor for the last 3 months. Stud finder, picture hanger nails, and hammer and you are good to go! If you don't have a photo, get one blown up and framed. Use your creativity.