Category: Uncategorized

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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Random Ramblings

Staff Writer

This blog is being written LIVE from the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas!
There’s so much to blog about, like the “Miss America” actresses that hoover outside the exhibit entrances (complete with red, slinky evening gowns and bejeweled crowns) directing conventioneers to a prominent apparel supplier’s booth to redeem a free shirt or the (little, old) lady that guards usage of the computers in the Internet Cafe like an angry hawk. Ahhh, sorry readers, but I’ve opted to take the high road and will instead highlight a selection of products in the famed New Product Pavilion. Perhaps, this is a topic more befitting of

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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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Green – The Color of Money?

Staff Writer

I think the only word that comes to mind after attending this years’ PPAI show in Las Vegas is “Wow!” Never before have I seen such a—what’s the right word—menagerie. It was good to finally put a few faces to the e-mails, and probably even more so, it was nice meeting new people with innovative products. I think I speak for many of my coworkers when I send out a big thank you to the wonderful women at the Fresh Beginnings for providing us with what seemed to be an unending stream of cookies. And, while I’d like to admit

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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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Politics and Promotions

Staff Writer

» Be the change that you want to see in the world.
«MAHATMA GHANDI, INDIAN LEADER, 1869 – 1948
I write this editor’s note on the day of the assassination of two-time Pakistani prime minister, Benazir Bhutto. Readers may ask, “What possible connection could her death have with the sales of promotional products?” Directly—I can easily cite, this being our political-promotions issue—it makes sense. Oftentimes, buttons,badges and ribbons are made to commemorate even horrific events, such as this. I can also mention the ensuing ramifications a world leader’s assassination can have on our industry economically. Already-delicate world markets and staggeringly high oil prices—which

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The Color of Green Ink

Staff Writer

Thanks for the comment. Good point about the ink that companies use. I made a few calls about the organic printing/imprinting, but have not heard much back yet. I’ll let you know what suppliers we come up with.
I do know Anvil Knitwear is doing a lot right now in terms of implementing new, more environmentally friendly lines and practices. You might want to check out the AnvilOrganic line (http://www.anvilknitwear.com). The president over at Anvil, Anthony Corsano, is truly committed to going green. I’ve had a few discussions with him about it. Some of what they are doing can be found

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Shades of Green

Staff Writer

There is one thing I’ll promise you—never in this blog will I quote a certain amphibian—shaped puppet on the difficulties of going through life having skin of a certain hue. Firstly, because it is an over-used quote, and secondly because it isn’t true.

It’s pretty easy being green. Maybe not all-out, put up a windmill and solar panels, drink rainwater, take yourself off the grid, Al Gore-green, but achieving a nice seafoam, even Granny-Smith apple kind of green doesn’t really take much work. Currently, I’m that kind of green. I do what I can, but honestly, it’s just the bare minimum and some

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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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