Fragrances in fashion are an interesting category. Some smell fabulous; others, not so much. Some invoke positive memories and emotions; others, not so much. Some are made with rare ingredients and are created with time-honored traditions; others, not so much. When it comes to fine fragrances, there is only one master. And his name is Tom Ford.
From years at Gucci and Yves St. Laurent, to his own brand for more than a decade, Mr. Ford gives 100% of his attention to every single detail. His demand for excellence and superior design are unrivaled. If his name is on the product, you are guaranteed to fall in love. From fragrance to footwear and everything in between, the quality and integrity of each product go above and beyond expectations.
This same commitment to exceeding expectations is found especially in the service you'll receive with Tom Ford employees. I've never seen a brand with so many dedicated, loyal, and knowledgeable staff. It's as if each associate is also an ambassador for Mr. Ford himself. Case in point: Kerin, Clarence, and Tonya at the Tom Ford Beauty boutique inside Nashville's Nordstrom. The love these beautiful people have for their brand, let alone their industry, is infectious. Before new product even arrives in store, I get phone calls and messages filled with excitement and anticipation, as if an old friend was calling to tell me the best news of their life. It's absolutely awesome to build a relationship with such fabulous people, especially when they share my love of looking good and feeling better.
A few weeks ago, I was introduced to the new Vert private blended fragrances. Even the descriptions of the fragrances go above and beyond, detailing the overall notes of the scents, plus specific emotional feelings and images. You don't just smell a fragrance; you're transported to an imaginary world of fabulosity and grandeur.
Bright. Ethereal. Divine. Sparking and infallible like a jewel gleaming in the sun, private blend Vert Boheme is Tom Ford's interpretation of green at its most free-spirited. Sicilian Mandarin and Magnolia exude bohemian femininity, exquisitely enhanced with Gustavia, also known as the tree of heaven, known for its spectacular single blooms that last for just one day. The fresh vibrancy awakens a divine first bloom, crystal-clear and exposed.
Expressive. Indelible. Deep. Private Blend Vert Des Bois introduces provocative woods at their most expressive. An inventive ingredient in modern perfumery, poplar bud extract infuses avant-garde edge to traditional green. The extract from the unopened buds is further driven by spiked ouzo, evoking the deepest thicket of snow-laden forest.
Aromatic. Distinguished. Wild. The unbridled nature of the Corsican coast, known as the "Perfumed Isle," inspires a distinguished scent at once sophisticated, aromatic and wild. Smoky incense, pine resin, and fir balsam evoke the dense forest and rugged peaks, while delectable heliotrope and woods heighten the grand atmosphere of sea and shadow.
I always joke that cosmetics brands can't hire ugly people, since the product they're selling is supposed to be beautiful. Kerin, Clarence, and Tonya aren't just physically beautiful, with flawless skin and gorgeous makeup - they exude beauty. Always gracious, happy to demonstrate products, and providing fabulous service, they are my one-stop-shop for all things beautiful. To place an order or book a consultation, phone +1.615.850.6700.
With these new Tom Ford private blend fragrances, Green is the new Black, and it's sexy as...
I love mission based retail: brands, companies, stores, and designers, who all have a special purpose and motivation behind their business. I don't just mean having a mission statement; there has to be a greater cause. For example, (product) RED is a movement to provide really cool products that are no more expensive than the regular versions, but a portion of the proceeds supports AIDS research and provides lifesaving medicine and treatment to pregnant women with HIV and their young children. Or the Navy Exchange - a semi-governmental agency that sells quality goods and services to active duty, retired, family members, and Department of Defense civilians at a more affordable price, and ultimately donate a large portion of the proceeds to the morale, welfare, and recreation at military installations worldwide.
Now, imagine a company going "above and beyond" a standard mission and addressing multiple needs simultaneously. Imagine a company that employed local, small farmers to produce ingredients naturally, with as minimal negative impact on the environment as possible. Now also prioritize hiring young people, who traditionally avoid the agricultural and farming industries for work. And then sprinkle in the fact that those fresh, locally farmed ingredients are transported just two hours to the laboratories, where they're cold pressed for maximum efficacy and strength (much like the farm-to-table restaurant movements). All these incredible aspects only begin to scratch the surface of the ethos at Farmacy Beauty.
Farm fresh ingredients + scientific engineering and formulation = gorgeous skin naturally. Skincare doesn't have to be fussy, full of fillers and lackluster ingredients, and definitely isn't just for women. Here are some Farmacy Beauty products I'm loving:
Sleep tight! Literally. Reinforcing the skin’s natural moisture content, this balm aids firmness
and tone while helping to restore elasticity and reduce the appearance
of fine lines and wrinkles. The texture is super lightweight, which I really appreciate in the warmer weather. I rubbed a pea-sized amount on the palms of my hands to "warm up" the product, turning the gel into a luxurious oil-like consistency, which quickly melted onto my face, neck, and left just enough to treat my hands as well. Farmacy Beauty's star ingredient is Echinacea GreenEnvy, a unique
patent-protected variant of Echinacea Purpurea. GreenEnvy contains the
highest known concentration of the phytochemical Cichoric Acid, a potent
natural antioxidant which helps protect and firm the skin by inhibiting
the enzymes that break down collagen. Cichoric Acid is more than just a powerful anti-aging booster - it also normalizes the skin pigmentation process to promote a more evenly toned, smoother complexion. In short, Sleep Tight packs a powerful punch with vegetable-derived “Retinoid-like”
ingredients to help prevent early wrinkles, smooth deep wrinkles, improve
skin radiance and texture while restoring firmness.
It would be so easy to recommend a cleanser, exfoliant, and toner. Or you could put your best face forward with New Day. If you're in a hurry in the mornings, travel frequently and have limited space in your cosmetics bag, dopp kit, or gym bag, or are on a budget, this is definitely for you. This powdered product is a three-in-one, gently cleaning the skin, sloughing away dead skin cells and pesky pore-clogging debris, then clarifies and tones, leaving skin silky smooth and radiant.
I tried this out in the shower and can't say enough good things. I poured about a quarter sized amount into the palm of my hand and mixed a few drops of water into a frothy paste. I then massaged it all over my face, neck, and hands, allowing it to sit for a few minutes (while I conditioned my hair), and rinsed clean.
Natural cranberry seeds and rice bran powder sweep away dead skin cells and debris and absorb excess oils, while the brand's stellar GreenEnvy protects against anti-oxidants and free radicals. Plus a natural cocktail of White Willow Bark, Carrot, Green Tea and Marshmallow soothe, protect and calm the skin.
I love face masks. They're quick, effective, and convenient. If you travel frequently or are always on-the-go, I recommend getting one of the assortment packs. This way if you have a sudden breakout or unexpected dry patch, you have a quick and easy solution without having to buy an entirely new skincare regime. During the summer months, you're more likely to have increased sun exposure as well - so a trip to the "farmacy" may be just what the doctor (or farmer!) ordered. Natural coconut gel provides natural moisture to help skin look fresher and more radiant. Kale extract offers a complex blend of
minerals, antioxidants, vitamins and amino acids that helps re-balance
vulnerable, stressed skin. Vitamin A strengthens the skin while active minerals help restore the skin’s ideal oil and water balance. All in one easy mask.
Smooth, soft, full lips are always en vogue. And that's exactly what you'll get with this soothing herb-infused balm. In addition to the anti-aging GreenEnvy, Caster Seed Oil provides a plant-based protective film that helps preserve natural hydration levels, while Sunflower Seed Oil helps maintain the
skin’s barrier function with high levels of emollients derived from
natural essential fatty acids. And the best part - it's not glossy, so it's perfect for men and women.
With Farmacy Beauty, you don't just have to eat your fruits and vegetables - you can wear them, too!
I've worked in luxury retail for nearly 18 years now. A friend was asking me if I thought I'd only ever work in luxury. And my first response was plain and simple: anything can be luxury. So my short answer: yes.
Consider this: with the right attitude, approach, and communication, every job can be luxurious.
The attitude: you must always convey a "can-do" tone with your clients. The more service you deliver, the more time and resources you invest, the relationship becomes more meaningful and more valuable. Asking open ended questions will determine not only the immediate needs of your clients, but help you learn valuable details about their life and long term goals. In luxury retail especially, personal details and knowledge is more than power. They lead to money in the bank.
Your approach must be consistent. You must warmly welcome your clients, quickly determine their needs and wants, and start achieving those goals. Customers don't buy shovels because they want a shovel; customers buy shovels because they need to get digging. The quicker you respond, the more time you save the clients, and thus, the most loyalty you establish. Time is everything, no matter what demographic you may be categorized.
Communication is everything. What does your uniform or clothing say about your personality and salesmanship? Are you trendy, polished, and professional? Or did you just roll out of bed and last launder your wardrobe when Tony Blair was at the helm of the kingdom? Speak confidently and competently; know as much as possible about the goods and services on offer, what you can do for your clients, and how to achieve their goals quickly and discretely. When you act with purpose, you'll be viewed more seriously and more favorably. Ultimately, you should be committed
to driving the business and mastering your craft. And when you do, you'll exceed your
own goals and do so with an added dash of style + class.
In doing so, you'll want to offer your clients either a sample of the goods or services you wish to sell. Recently I was visiting my favorite Nordstrom store in Nashville with a friend. While we were browsing the cosmetics and skincare department, an associate quickly and casually greeted us, offered herself for assistance if needed, and told us she'd check back with us. She was unobtrusive and quite lovely. A few moments later, upon reapproach, the conversation turned to new products on offer. Candy, the associate, asked if we had ever heard of the brand Diptyque. I had indicated that I had a favorite candle, but that's all I really knew of the brand. Her simple question turned into the biggest smile. Apparently the brand wanted to remove their skincare range from the store, but Candy was so excited and had built a loyal customer base for the products, that they were able to keep the extended range. And since I had never tried the skincare before, she wanted to offer me a few samples. After a moment away, I was presented with the loveliest little bag of a handful of samples, her business card, and the invitation to follow up and share my thoughts on the products.
I'm so impressed. Not only was Candy excited about her products, but she knew exactly how to introduce the brand. And with her fabulous presentation, she not only signaled to me that the products were really wonderful, but she signaled to me that she had established a great relationship with the brand's executives, she was willing to go above and beyond for her customers, and the service she could provide me would be top notch as well.
Candy could have very easily pointed to a few "tester" products on the shelf and told us to take a look. But instead, by offering a few samples in a small bag with her business card, and asking the right amount of questions, she created a solid relationship.
We can all take a few tips from Candy. If you work at a supermarket, offer to push the groceries out to your client's car. It'll give you a moment to grab some fresh air, a little added exercise, and you will be able to push the empty cart back in and prevent unwanted dings and dents in the parking lot. Or if you work at a clothing store, make sure to nicely fold the purchases before placing them in the bag. Wrap them with tissue paper if available. And walk around the cash register to present the purchases to your clients and thank them for their business. Or if you're a travel agent, be sure to follow up with your clients after their return. Not only will your interest in their happiness solidify business in the future, but you may also learn additional tips or updated information from your clients to pass along to others.
No matter what you're selling, offer a sample as much as possible. You never know what big successes may stem from such a small gesture.
One of the hardest aspects of any company, particularly in the retail segment, is establishing and maintaining a strong client base while still growing your non-traditional demographics. Many brands have tried expanding their reach, only to short-lived success. Abercrombie & Fitch expanded to a younger demographic with their surf inspired Hollister & Co., but their attempt at wooing a more refined, mature audience resulted in their Ruehl No. 925 surviving just a few years. American Eagle Outfitters' more sophisticated Martin + Osa unfortunately saw the same demise. Personally, I was really sad when both of these stores closed, as their products were spot-on with fit, fabric, and price point.
To reach a broader demographic successfully, brands must have a strong awareness and identity - customers should automatically associate their brand name with quality, value, and trust. The products must stand on their own, without overly gimmicky marketing or tacky packaging. The same codes and hallmarks of the brand must be evident in the "new" product lines.
Two really strong, successful examples of companies expanding their reach are Target's capsule collections and Estee Lauder's new "The Estee Edit" campaign.
For the last several years, discount retailer Target has created capsule collections with luxury designers and fashion houses to viral success. Target's shoppers are known for favoring clean lines, fresh perspectives, and quality products at an affordable price. They're typically willing to buy a new cleaning product, as long as it smells nice or comes in cute packaging, and get weak in the knees for a "deal" on something you might not have been looking for, but would love to have. Their client base is fashionable and trendy, well traveled and more globally aware, might own a few luxury pieces, and appreciate living a more beautiful, simple life. So it's no surprise that designers like Alexander McQueen, Lilly Pulitzer, Missoni, Liberty of London, and Marimekko. These pocket collections often feature iconic prints or details indicative of the famous designs, only mass produced or made in a significantly more affordable manner. The marketing is always co-branded, featuring a flash of the famous red bulls eye and elements so obvious to the featured design house. And the second these products are released in-store and online, they immediately sell out. Target makes money, brands extend their awareness, and customers get a taste of the luxe life they've only dreamed of or drooled over. It's the ultimate "gateway drug" for luxury fashion houses to the mass market and middle America.
Another great example is cosmetics and skincare giant Estee Lauder and Sephora. When you think of Estee Lauder, you typically think of older women like your Grandmother who are focused on anti-aging skincare and the same lipstick shade they've worn since 1962. Over the last few years, Lauder has really ramped up their game and extended their reach to a much younger demographic, hiring the likes of Kendall Jenner as a spokeswoman and featured cover girl. Impressively, they've continued to focus on what they're known for - bringing revolutionary skincare and quality cosmetics to the marketplace, only with a bit of a twist. Capitalizing on social media and technology, they've recently launched "The Estee Edit", a pocket collection of established skincare and beauty products mixed with a few new products and packaging for taking the perfect "selfie". From makeup removers, cleansers, and wipes, to pore minimizing sticks and flash photo powders, to skin illuminating creams and bronzers and everything in between, the collection focuses on how to have flawless, photo-ready skin and makeup.
Technology is always associated with youth. The latest and greatest trends could be lost on an older generation if they seemed cheap, tacky, or not well executed. But the power and image associated with Estee Lauder are underlying throughout all of these pieces. And for a brand that's traditionally focused on anti-aging and looking your best, what could be more perfect than being photo-ready at a moment's notice? It's the ultimate injection of youthfulness for the beauty brand.
Rule Breaker. Risk Taker. Beauty Boss. No one owned it quite
like Estée Lauder. She built a beauty empire practicing what she
preached: “Beauty is an Attitude.” In this spirit, we bring you the
Estée Edit. Beauty attitudes—inspired by Estée and Guest Editors—created
by you. From instantly gorgeous skin to covetable color trends. Mix it.
Match it. Blend with abandon. You make the rules. This is a declaration
of who you are and who you make yourself up to be. What’s your
attitude? Wear it. Share it. Own it. #beautyattitudes
It's no secret, I love skincare. Maybe it's because my dear Mother
had skin cancer for most of my life, and we grew up knowing how to care
for our skin, from face washes and exfoliants to the ever important sun
screens. It's a daily ritual I've come to love, and really enjoy
learning about new ingredients, trendy treatments, and cutting-edge
technology in the industry.
At some point, we've all been responsible for cleaning the kitchen or bathroom floors. One typically follows these steps:
-- remove as many objects as possible, like area rugs, mobile pieces of furniture, etc
-- sweep away debris
-- mop with special solution / cleansers
-- steam or use special techniques for problem areas
-- allow to dry, accentuate with pretty things
These
same steps for floorcare can be applied to skincare. You'd never mop
before you swept. And sometimes you have to break out the steam mop to
remove extra layers of grime and gunk. This is just like your face, and
why it's so important to consider a facial peel.
Skincare isn't just for middle aged women. It doesn't have to be fussy or complicated, either. 80% of your skin damage is done by the time you're 18, so it's never too early to start using a little effort for a big result. The skin is your body's largest organ, and should be treated appropriately. Facial
peels are one effective treatment I love, and are received at a medical spa or trusted
dermatologist's office. And now, you can even peel at home or on the
go.
For those who don't know, Dr. Dennis Gross is a
board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic
surgeon, with his own specialized
dermatology practice in New York City. He is an industry expert,
focusing on skin cancer research and pioneering techniques for healthy,
radiant skin, and promotes both the industry and his own skincare range
with frequent rounds on the daytime television circuit, in numerous
beauty and entertainment magazines.
Last week I was
visiting my ever-awesome local Nordstrom and met Enrique from Dr. Dennis
Gross. To be honest, I had never even heard of Dr. Gross or experienced
his products. Enrique kindly offered a complimentary facial and
demonstration. And I must say, the results are beyond appealing I'm
hooked. Instantly my skin felt fresh and firm, with a soft, velvety touch. I looked awake and alert, without the "surgical surprise" or redness you'd expect to see after intense treatments in an office. And the next day, the results only got better.
Peels work with a two-pronged plan of action:
first, thanks to alpha and beta hydroxy acids, exfoliation gently sweeps
away dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin and nourishes with
revitalizing vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Retinol peels
exfoliate by encouraging fresh cells to surface
faster, working together to achieve a brighter, refreshed complexion.
What's
most appealing about Dr. Gross? Where do I begin? Firstly, the peels
are effective and gentle. This is a big deal in the industry, and quite
honestly, separates the professionals from the amateurs. It's very
rare to find clinical strength products that are safe, effective, and
gentle on the skin. You don't have to worry about looking like you fell
asleep in a tanning bed for two weeks and are bright red. And you're
also not paying for watered down, ineffective creams and magic potions
that pack everything but results. Secondly, I love that the peels are
delivered through travel friendly wipes. There's no guessing how much
solution you should apply, no wasting money by using too much product -
you literally tear open the packet, follow the quick instructions, and
continue with your daily beauty regimen. As an added bonus, the entire
range is Cruelty Free, many of which are also vegan friendly.
Just like your dermatologist focuses on your exact skincare concerns, so too does Dr. Gross's skincare collection. There's literally something for every skin - from fine lines and wrinkles, to loss of firmness and brilliance, large pores, dry and rough texture, acne and oily skins, redness and sensitivity, and the non-negotiable sun protection. The collection offers peels, cleansers, serums, moisturizers, treatments, masks, oils, and even sunless tanning products, haircare, and steamer solutions.
Of
course, in a perfect world, skin care companies would always have it
that you exclusively use their brand. I don't work for any skincare
companies, so I like to pick and choose what's best for me and recommend
things I'm loving as well. Whatever skincare you're currently using, I
think everyone could benefit from using one of Dr. Gross's skin peels.
After all, you want to maximize the efficacy of your skincare products
and have them absorb deep into your skin, not the dead cells that will
just flake away. Using it regularly will sweep away your skin's pore-clogging debris and
ultimately prep the skin to receive your favorite lotions, potions,
tonics, and creams. Sounds appealing to me.
Dr. Gross' skincare is available at his office in New York and online, or through Nordstrom and Sephora. Have questions? Call Broderick at Nashville's Nordstrom Advanced Skin Care Counter on 615.850.6700.
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