Cecile Corral

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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... More

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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... More

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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... More

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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... More

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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... More