Gloss & Grit - Polished thoughts. Real talk.

Grandma Chic: A Love Letter to Hermes and the Timelessness of Silk Coastal Grandma started it all but come on—did it really?? Let’s give credit where it’s due. Diane Keaton has been fabulous from the start. Scarves have always been in the picture. And I’m here to make a bold but very true declaration: Grandma Chic isn’t a fad. It’s not even a trend (and anyone in marketing knows that’s still a step up). No, my friends, this is a CLASSIC. It’s enduring, it’s elegant, and—blessedly—it’s not going anywhere.  So you'll be seeing multiple posts about my love affair with my 'Grandma' like styles. A Look Back: From Jackie O to Cannes Aliens Think old money style with a modern wink. Jackie O and the Kennedy clan made polo and prep feel aspirational. Grandma Chic is simply the silked-up version of those days—the dressier, glossier, sometimes sassier cousin to the crisp white pants and club blazers. Personally, I’m obsessed with Hermes scarves. They bring wit, charm, and joy t...

Coming Soon: The Gable Edit — A Stylish New Chapter on the Blog I'm thrilled to announce the forthcoming launch of the third section of my blog: The Gable Edit — a curated space where personal style meets storytelling. This section is all about sharing my latest fashion finds, style inspiration, and seasonal obsessions (spoiler: scarves will have a starring role). If you're as fascinated as I am by the art of the accessory, expect plenty of tips and tutorials on scarf styling — from effortless knots to statement wraps. With The Branded Perspective , I’ve shared my take on marketing and business. In Paws & Prose , I’ve celebrated the joy of being a dog mom. Now, with The Gable Edit , I get to bring you into my world of personal style — playful, elevated, and just a bit unexpected. Stay tuned for the launch — and don’t worry, the fourth and final section of the blog is on its way too. The upcoming  Frame of Reference  section will explore my favorite exhibits, beloved a...

When I told friends in New York City that I’d be spending a stretch of time back in my hometown of Altoona, Pennsylvania , I got a lot of raised eyebrows—and more than a few Hallmark jokes. “Are you going to fall in love with the hometown guy and ditch the big city for good?” they asked, half-kidding. (Or maybe not.) It’s a fair question, I suppose. A big-city girl returns to her roots, reconnects with small-town charm, rediscovers what really matters… cue the snow gently falling on a lovingly restored town square. But let me set the record straight right now: there was no flannel-wearing lumberjack, no surprise inheritance of a struggling bookstore, and no last-minute decision to stay forever. But what did happen was something unexpected—and honestly, really lovely. At first, I worried I’d be bored. (Sorry, Altoona, but I’ve got to be honest!) The last time I spent a significant chunk of time here, I was 18 and counting the days until I left for college. Back then, the town felt a...

We are entering a new chapter in the consumer goods economy—one shaped not just by inflation or post-pandemic ripple effects, but by sweeping policy changes, tariffs, and a recalibration of supply chains. It’s not just the cost of doing business that's rising—it's the cost of staying in the game. In this emerging landscape, I believe big, established brands will be the inevitable winners. This is the first in a series of articles where I’ll unpack what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for both brands and the broader ecosystem of grocers, distributors, and consumers. While many of the effects are just beginning to emerge, one thing is clear: we’re headed for a period of contraction, not expansion. Marketing Dollars Will Be First to Go As supply chain costs and tariffs eat into margins, marketing budgets will be among the first line items reduced—especially for brands trying to stay afloat. But here’s the catch: marketing is not just a spend, it’s a lifeline. It...

Thank you to the Altoona Mirror for publishing my recent Letter to the Editor, “Policies need thoughtful attention.” I’m sharing it here with deep respect for all perspectives and a belief that we can still meet each other in the middle—when we’re willing to listen. This wasn’t about taking a side. It was about asking questions. About leaning into community, empathy, and the kind of dialogue that builds understanding—not walls. Sometimes, just one letter… one open conversation… can make a difference. 📰 Read the letter here:  https://www.altoonamirror.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2025/04/policies-need-thoughtful-attention/ hashtag # CommunityVoices hashtag # CivicEngagement hashtag # ThoughtfulDialogue hashtag # AltoonaPA hashtag # LetterToTheEditor hashtag # ListeningMatters

  For the Love of Dogs—and a Good Accessory There’s something about a dog collar that tells the world not just who your dog is, but who you are. So when I stumbled across these adorable friendship bracelet-style collars on Instagram, I was instantly obsessed. While I wouldn’t call myself a full-on Swiftie, even I have to admit that the iconic friendship bracelet trend is pure joy—and on dogs? Irresistible. I’m especially excited to make one myself for my beloved Chihuly Louise Gable, a rescue pup with a personality as bold as her name. If it is a successful DIY - I will follow up with a step by step.  If not - just check out this link for a chance to buy one yourself.   This is the first of many dog-centered reflections and pet parenting moments I’ll be sharing. UPDATE:  It was easy but not SUPER easy.  I needed to try a few attempts before it really took. First I tried elastic thread - but the stretchy stretched too far.  So we made a switch. Nex...

Marketing’s Great Unbundling: Why Projects Are the New Power Move Project Work Isn’t a Compromise—It’s a Strategy The past few years have pushed many businesses—across sectors—to operate leaner, slower, and more cautiously. As supply chain disruptions, tariffs, and financial volatility continue to pressure the bottom line, many companies have hit pause on hiring, particularly in marketing. Let’s not sugarcoat it: marketing teams are shrinking, hiring freezes are holding, and the people controlling the purse strings are tightening them hard.  It’s not marketing isn't essential - it's because decision makers don't always understand what it delivers. Or worse, they think they do and that it's an easy job.  The abstract nature of brand value, audience sentiment, and long-term loyalty doesn’t translate easily into a CFO’s spreadsheet.   If you’ve ever been asked to quantify the value of brand awareness in a single Excel cell, you know what I mean. And if you’ve ever sugge...