Channel: Hold

Model Tee

Staff Writer

Ever since I was a gawky teenager, it was clear that my arms and legs were just going to grow on their own, unhindered by the fact that the rest of me wasn’t exactly catching up. It’s okay. I’ve made peace with my wingspan. However, finding long-sleeve shirts that are actually long enough to compensate for my affliction is quite another story.

It’s not like long-sleeve shirts for mere mortals are THAT much shorter on me, but most hit an awkward point on my arm—not quite three-quarter length, yet still stopping short of my wrist. I’ve obviously put a lot of thought into

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Live from Las Vegas

Staff Writer

8:37a.m. — Bright and early, here’s your loyal correspondent, blogging live from the PPAI Fashion & Accessories Show. Despite its 8:30 a.m. starting time, there’s a more-than-adequate turnout, though according to a few of my row companions, it’s considerably less than years past. The coffee hasn’t yet dispersed through my system, and I can kind of see how this could be that much more fun with cocktails instead.
8:41 — The lights dim 10 minutes late, and I can’t help but think of Marc Jacobs’ two-hours-overdue N.Y. Fashion Week opening. Good to know our industry can keep “fashionably late” from approaching diva-like proportions!
8:43

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Down to Earth

Staff Writer

Just four days ago in Philadelphia, it was 30 degrees outside. Completely appropriate for January, but I really felt—through violent, you’re-an-idiot-for-wearing-a-light-jacket shivering—that I was getting the last laugh. I was heading to sunny Orlando!
Yeah. It might have been sunny, but it was far from warm, as anyone who attended the ASI Orlando show can attest.
And now, here I am, back in Philadelphia. It’s still January. Only this time, it’s 62 degrees outside. And to paraphrase words of my coworker Ethan Boldt (editor of a sister publication at our company), it’s the first time in a long while that people aren’t necessarily

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Giving it Away for Free

Staff Writer

Hi. Welcome back, you.
Since I got nothing but crickets from my last post’s call for comments, I am forced to do all the heavy lifting this week. But that’s the point of having one’s own blog, I suppose. It seems you’re onto the fact I’m trying very hard to not have to think of a new topic each week. Thanks reader, for always keeping me on my toes and teaching me a life lesson to boot.
Now, let’s talk a little bit about things that are free.
First up, free editorial. Suppliers, I’m going to let you in on a not-so-hidden secret:

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Ho Ho Hum

Staff Writer

According to the sticky note put on my desk by Charles Plyter (PM’s esteemed Web editor and my cube neighbor), I am a grinch.
I can’t help it.
I’m just not feeling very Christmas-y this year. And though that just happens to be my denominational holiday, I’ll even go out on a limb and say I’m also on the outs with Hannukah and Kwanzaa. Not even up for Festivus. My lassitude is that bad—I’m actually denouncing holidays I’ve never even celebrated.
But that doesn’t mean I’m going to rain on your seasonal parade. However, if I may, I’m going to widen

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Making Good on My Word

Staff Writer

Well, compared to my last installment, this week’s blog will be quite the little ray of sunshine. At least, that’s what people call me.
I kid, but you see where I’m going with this? It’s a proven fact that a casual joke builds rapport. No need to laugh, I can’t see you. Just know I’m trying to make you feel comfortable. Because, frankly, lead poisoning doesn’t go very far in achieving the laid-back vibe I’m trying to create. And, yes, last week’s call to action had to be aired, but I’d like to choose this moment to move forward from a subject I obviously

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Get the Lead Out!

Staff Writer

This, the first of my blog entries, was originally supposed to be a “nice to meet you, here’s why I think you should visit with me each week,”- type of intro. Standard fare—easy, breezy and at least vainly attempting to be funny. But, since I believe that candor is essential when forging relationships, there’s something that’s been on my mind that I’d like to share.
I’m a bit of a newcomer to the promotional products arena, but there’s one thing that has been unceremoniously drilled into my head since my very first trade show. This is an industry entrenched in its “process.” Suppliers

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