Cecile's Creel
Cecile B. Corral has been a product editor with Home Textiles Today since late 2000. She covers the area and accent rug, kitchen textiles, table linens, beach towels, decorative bath and decorative pillow categories, as well as some retail subjects.
Lost in a low-tech lifestyle – but loving it
I am low tech.I do not own a flat-screen TV. In fact, my television set is boxy and has about a 16-inch screen at best.I have no cable TV, so I am immediately zapped out of the conversation with any friends and family members within 20 years of my age who love discussing The Real Housewives of Wherever, Project Runway, Big Love, and the like. I also do not have TV screens in my car on the back of... Read More
Comments (9)High hopes for 2010
I just wrapped up my piece of what is probably one of the most heavily read – and most involved – special reports HTT compiles annually: the Top 15 Suppliers and Top 5 supplier lists. (To be featured in our issue on Monday) And I’ve got to say, I’m slightly encouraged with the overall results – at least from the companies and product categories I cover, which includes rugs, bath coordinate piece... Read More
Comments (0)A week without plastic? Not even a dinner!
My eco-obsessed husband and brother were hoping to take on a challenge that several others have attempted but few have achieved - a week without plastic. "It can be done! We can do it," Oscar, my husband, optimistically said to me over dinner the other night. "Well," I said, pensively, "I don’t know. I’m not so sure it is as easy as it seems." Not one bit. Consider the food we — and our pets... Read More
Comments (4)Heavier on the ‘live better’ goods
Struggling retailers out there might feel the pressure to compete in price and merchandise with Wal-Mart in like markets. After all, Wal-Mart is the prince of retail these days. Its “Save Money. Live Better” formula works best when its customers are most strapped for cash. But the fact that it works for Wal-Mart, which operates 4,259 units in the U.S., is exactly why the same formula co... Read More
Comments (2)Retailers: Wake me up, please!
I just wrapped up my coverage of New York Home Fashions Market last week, and much like HTT editor-in-chief Jennifer Marks noted in her blog, I saw that Anthropologie-esque looks abounded as the new fashion statement – and it was so refreshing. I loved to see this trend emerging. But that design direction was the exception, not the rule. For as many estate-sale, vintage type looks of mix-and-match... Read More
Comments (1)Target homogenizes home
Listened to Target’s fourth quarter call yesterday and was not surprised to hear its home business was down, again. With home performance lackluster for several quarters now, the chain is planning to edit its home skus and consolidate the category’s brand offerings this year, while at the same time ramping up consumables and pharmacy-related assortments. Disappointing. To me, Target is just homo... Read More
Comments (0)Designer Consigner
A couple of weeks back I talked about my friend — a former Macy’s buyer who left the retailer last month to take over a 20-year-old children’s consignment shop . As of two weeks ago, she’s the new owner. I dropped by today for a brief visit to wish her well and see how she is doing. With a big smile, she said "I’m loving it!" No major layout changes yet - it is still too early. But the shop d... Read More
Comments (0)Designer Consigner
A couple of weeks back I talked about my friend — a former Macy’s buyer who left the retailer last month to take over a 20-year-old children’s consignment shop . As of two weeks ago, she’s the new owner. I dropped by today for a brief visit to wish her well and see how she is doing. With a big smile, she said "I’m loving it!" No major layout changes yet - it is still too early. But the shop d... Read More
Comments (0)Considering a free PBKids decorating class...hmmm
I don’t get to shop Pottery Barn Kids (or any of the Pottery Barn nameplates, for that matter) much on my tight, middle-class-with-young-children budget. I’ve been very creative both in design and spending in decorating my girls’ shared room where they sleep and play. I’ve leaned on shabby chic looks with vintage fabrics, furniture and toys – and I must say, it’s worked well. But I won’t deny th... Read More
Comments (1)Tears are falling like Domino
My mailbox mourns, for lo, no more Domino. Now that the shelter magazine that brought modish décor within reach to the masses is gone– it is permanently shutting its doors this week — I feel adrift. My close friend, a real estate attorney, grumbled to me yesterday. Her sentiments summed up mine, too. “Now all we have left is Architectural Digest and Elle Décor. What do we do with that? If I... Read More
Comments (0)Sign of the Times - Part 2
A sign of the times, part 2: My best friend, who two years ago left Miami to be closer to her family in Northern California, called me this week to give me some sad news. A designer who recently worked at Williams-Sonoma’s corporate offices assiting inproduct design, she suddenly finds herself out of work and forced to downsize — fast. My 30-something single, childless friend – who led a low... Read More
Comments (2)Consignment conundrum
A friend of mine recently left her post as a young miss apparel buyer for Macy’s to try something “totally different.” She bought a children’s consignment shop in our neighborhood and she took over it this week. My friend is very bright and a savvy retailer, so I know that even though she admits she knows little about the consignment business, she’ll do well. To boot, her timing is impeccable. No... Read More
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