All kinds of unexpected things happened this morning and it is only 11:55. Matt Lauer was fired. That had to be a serious accusation because he is the most, or was the most, powerful person at NBC. Obviously not as powerful as the woman who accused him.
We have a sea change going on in America. I hope we women are learning that we DO have power and that men across the country are taking heed. I also hope that it is giving women the courage to not say okay to salaries that are less than men for the same work. And that the hiring authorities at our nations’ companies are held to that standard. My favorite story about salary equality is Jessica Chastain. Although she was the star of a movie she was in recently, she found out that men with small supporting roles were paid more. She has taken the stand that unless she can see the salaries of the men in the movie, she will not sign a contract to be in any film. I say it is about time. We work hard, and in a lot of cases go home to a second job of cooking, cleaning, and children. We deserve salary equality. Even when I was a buyer at a department store I insisted on being paid on commission because I didn’t want to work hard just to see someone make more for doing less. Let’s resolve to do what men do BEFORE accepting a job: negotiate, negotiate, negotiate.
The next amazing unexpected but fabulous thing that happened today is that my friend Susie Turnbull is running for Lt. Governor of Maryland! Susie will be running with Ben Jealous, the former NAACP Chair who did an excellent job of running that organization. Susie was the Vice-Chair of the DNC when I met her 14 years ago and I have come to admire all the work she has done on behalf of women both in elected positions and unelected positions. Her work as the Chair or member of the Montgomery County Board of Appeals and her achievements as Chair of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs have long been acknowledged. And those are only two of things she has done over the last 40 years. Susie is the kind of woman we need in office so that women can be heard. In the last two weeks I think we have proven that you’re either going to listen to what women have to say or you are not. And if you are not, then watch us elect women all over the country who will be our voice. And then you can stay home and do the dishes and raise the kids.
We are very happy to invite you to Susie’s first fundraiser in DC on Monday, December 18th from 5-7 to be held at the store. It costs a fortune to run for office and for those of us who live in the District and do not have representation in Congress this gives us the opportunity to give money to candidates all over the country that we believe in. We may not have a representative but we still can contribute to the makeup of the Congress. As soon as the invitation is available I will get it out to you. Consider this a Save the Date!
One last word about politics. We lost some customers because we hosted an event for the Women’s March. These Republican women took offense. We completely understand although we are very much saddened by it. I want you all to know that we have the utmost respect for your values and opinions. We have reached out to several Republican women to be our guest at our Off the Rack: Conversations at Upstairs on 7th, but we have not been successful getting them to accept. We will keep trying.
And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming: GIFTS! And do we ever have them. From gift certificates of any denomination, to candles, notecards, accessories and clothes we have a full range of gifts starting at just $10 so we hope you will shop small, continue your amazing and gracious support of our store, and stop by soon.
Have I mentioned that I love these candles from Linnea Lights and the chocolate from Vosges? (I may or may not have just opened a candy bar)
We got in two new jackets from Sun Kim and a stripe and black crushed top that goes with your new stripe ankle pants or your plain black ankle pants. Don’t have those pants yet? Come in and get them! It is the chicest outfit and yes, I wore mine already yesterday. I would have worn them again today but Katy complains. Ok, maybe I did wear my collar scarf from Ray everyday for a week, but still.
Our hours for the holidays are as follows: we are open every week day M-F from 11-6, Saturdays from 12-5, and Sundays until Christmas 12-4 including THIS Sunday. If you want to come over after work or before, let us know and we will accommodate you.
Thursday night, November 30th, stop by for a glass of champagne until 7:00so we can spread a little holiday cheer and thank you again for being so supported today and every day.
Have a great day and we hope to see you soon!
Ricki and Katy