Mirrors As Room Jewelry

I’ve always thought of mirrors as room jewelry.  And like the most perfect jewelry, it can make a definite statement about the overall look, in this case, of the room.       Back in 2009, at the depth of the last great recession, I was invited to a Girl’s Day at the San Francisco Nordstrom’s with a bunch of really good friends.  I was suffering from “recession fatigue” and wanted to get out with friends and enjoy some shopping.  I was just getting out - I was not going to spend any money!  Well….that plan didn’t work so well and I ended up falling in love with and buying a couple of great outfits that were WAY beyond the current clothing budget.  Then the personal shopper asked, “would you like to take a look at some scarves and belts to go with that?”  In for a penny, or in my case a stressed credit card…..I reasoned.  I agreed and piled on even more expensive accessories.       Even though I knew I would be calling, first my credit card company, and then my husband, to explain these extravagant purchases including scarf, belt and shoes, I still bought them because they were absolutely perfect with those outfits.  Frankly, it would have been a bad idea to try to accessorize these great outfits – expensive clothing investments - with the things I already had.  It wouldn’t have done justice to any of the pieces.  (more…)

Mirror With Value for Your $$

The reviewer said….”it was a bit pricey, but well worth it…..”  I love it when customers find value in our mirrors!  It means that we have struck a balance between the price that they paid and the quality of the mirror that we delivered to them.   It is tricky to talk about value because it is an intangible quality to deliver.  The recent pandemic has made us all aware that seemingly trivial items can have great value – toilet paper in March, for example.  I have been giving a lot of thought to defining how I determine value in a mirror, and even in “normal” times, value is an elusive and intangible thing, often only understood by the person looking for value.  Like beauty, value…. “is in the eye of the beholder.” (Margaret Wolfe Hungerford)  (more…)

Choosing the Best Magnification Mirrors for Hotels

Recently, a designer asked me about choosing the best magnification mirrors for hotels and their guests.  Most successful designs give the guest the feeling of home but with luxurious amenities.    

Do you Need Magnification Mirrors in Hotels?

Magnifying mirrors should be one of those amenities and in every hotel & resort.  Now, I’m not just saying this because I’ve been selling magnified mirrors for the last 10 years but as someone that has worn glasses since the 2nd grade.  Believe me, there is nothing more uncomfortable than having to crane your neck like a giraffe (or in my case a full body stretch) across the vanity to be able to see that painful eyelash poking in my eye or apply eyeliner without looking like a raccoon ~ eek!  I’ve even resorted to using the guestroom wardrobe mirror in the dimly lit hallway.  Battling the unflattering shadows of a single ceiling canister light.  Hoping that I don’t look like a Goth clown as I race off to an important business meeting.  And even if you have perfect vision, magnification allows for exacting application of lip liner or eyeliner, subtle blending of colors, flawless tweezing, and crisp shaving because let’s be honest, we ALL like to look good!  (more…)