“I am cursed to be in this Mother Hubbard body,” Alice Neel once remarked of her grandmotherly image. The artist’s sensitivity to nuances of style and gesture informs the portraits in “Alice Neel: Painted Truths,” a retrospective opening tiffany month at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Since her portrait work was largely uncommissioned and did not require that she flatter the sitter, “you get a sense of how people really looked,” says Barry Walker, who, with Jeremy Lewison, curated the show. That’s as true for the cheerful Fuller Brush man and Dachau survivor who showed up on her doorstep in 1965 as it is for the art-world elites cheap money clips (eventually) posed for her — including the Factory’s

Ritta Redd and Jackie Curtis (right) and Andy Warhol himself, seminude and scarred. (Neel was notorious for sweet-talking her subjects out of their clothes.) When faced with truly stylish subjects, like the art-world players John Gruen and Jane Wilson and their daughter, Neel focused on the psychological — the self-assured couple and the young girl, hunched like a figure out of Munch — but she didn’t neglect the clothes. The painting’s pet cheap pendants: “Six Patent Leather Shoes.” LESLIE CAMHI

Backstage after their spring show, the designers Viktor & Rolf explained that because of the credit crunch, they had decided to “crunch their couture” — literally, burrowing tunnels and cutting away slices in their extravagant tulle dresses. In the spirit of fashion’s new D.I.Y. ethos, they offered this simple guide to reproducing their results. Have fun.

1. Purchase 149 yards of fine tulle for the skirt, 44 tiffany silver bracelets of stiffer tulle for the underskirt and 2.3 miles of very thin yarn, which you will use to sew the garment by hand.

2. Dye the tulle pale green.

3. Create a stiff black inner crinoline-like structure, measured to your body, using camel’s hair and boning, in the shape of the final skirt with a cutout strip below the hips.

4. Build up the skirt, gathering the tulle layer by layer, lightly tiffany silver earrings-stitching the layers together. Work toward a solid shape that is airy and light; fine-tune the volume. Use sharp, slim scissors to cut a perfectly straight and uniform horizontal swath in the tulle to match the cutout in the structure underneath.

5. Move on to the bodice, which you tiffanys fashion to your body using metal boning and chiffon. Hand-embroider 547 white sequins onto the front panel.

6. Attach the skirt to the bodice.

7. You’re done! And it only took 163 hours.

Anvil Knitwear is a USA-based apparel supplier with a long-standing commitment to sustainability. Indeed, the principle of sustainability is incorporated into every aspect of the company’s business from product design to manufacturing and distribution. Since the company was established in 1976 as a maker of T-shirts, it has expanded its product range and now specialises in the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of activewear and accessories for the imprinted or decorated segment of the apparel industry. Its products also include headwear, tote bags, towels and bath robes. Throughout this expansion, the company has supported environmental initiatives by promoting the conversion of acreage from conventional cotton to organic cotton and the recycling of plastic beverage bottles. It also supports good causes, having tiffanys money to breast cancer research and helped to fund the building of homes in rural Nicaragua.

In 2007 Anvil launched a range of activewear made from tiffany silver bracelets-friendly fabrics, including organic cotton and recycled polyester. Since then it has been filling a gap in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace. In 2009 it teamed up with the fashion designer Vivienne Westwood to design a limited edition T-shirt to promote REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) a UN conservation effort aimed at stopping the greenhouse gas emissions associated with deforestation. Also in 2009 the company launched TrackMyT.com, a web site which enables users to track the origins of their T-shirts and the processes used for their manufacture.

Financially, times have not always been easy for Anvil. At the end of 2006, faced with competition from firms which had moved their manufacturing operations to low cost countries, the company was forced to apply for protection from its creditors under Chapter 11 of the US bankruptcy code. But by the beginning of the following year, it had succeeded in restructuring its debt-laden balance sheet and eliminating approximately US$200 mn in debt. Going forward, with a more secure financial position, the company will continue to focus its efforts on minimising the impact of its operations on the environment and thereby maintain its tiffany silver earrings as one of the apparel industry’s most environmentally friendly and socially responsible companies.

During the past few days I have been thinking (something I try to do as often as I can), not only about what salespeople need to do to sell more but about the causes our industry has historically fought and the political action we have had to institute to get the attention of key decision-makers.

Is it possible we have been sending the wrong sales message to the press, to Congress? Where did we go wrong? How can an industry that does so much good and improves the quality of life for so many receive so much press that never silver earrings who we are and what we are actually all about?

I think this all started because we called ourselves medical equipment companies. We sold that incomplete message to anyone who would listen. We had people believing we sell products like electronic stores, jewelry stores or shoe stores. The only difference is that in our business, you didn’t need any money to pay for our most expensive or most valuable products, just a contract with an insurance company.

What were we thinking? Since we simply sold ourselves as medical equipment companies, we opened the door to those with larceny in their hearts. We were all about a diagnosis, the right paperwork and waiting for the check in the silver key rings. Too bad it really isn’t that simple.

Some devious minds found they could just make up patient names and act like home care providers. It was all about the forms being correctly completed. Heck, for too long, our sales message has been, “We are just in the medical equipment business.”

And now comes accreditation. Yes, it will discourage many thieves since they are not used to working so hard to keep up quality standards. But do you think all of our problems will now go away? No! We could end up being accredited but with continuous falling revenues.

Maybe we sold ourselves wrong. silver necklaces we needed to talk about being an industry that changes lives, gets people back to work and allows people to take care of themselves, often eliminating the need for costly assistance.

Maybe the word “equipment” is our problem. Lawn maintenance equipment, cleaning equipment, construction equipment and then there’s us - medical equipment. But it looks to me like we are the only ones who have equipment people cannot live without.

Televisions and home appliances had service contracts way before we even gave them a thought. Did they know something we didn’t? When did they realize people needed their televisions so badly and wanted a reliable place to call for repair? How did AAA know people would join so they could have immediate emergency service for their cars? Why didn’t we have service contracts years ago?

We cannot turn back the clock, but we can turn our sales message in a new direction. We are not solely about products. It has always been the service and the care we have shown our customers that has made all the difference. The speed at which we work enables hospitals to discharge patients more rapidly, allowing new and greater revenues to come in. The speed at which we repair oxygen systems often saves lives.

Have we talked about all of this during our sales call to America?

We may not be where we want to be in the eyes of decision-makers, but we are where we should be in the eyes of our customers. They realize that when they witness the expertise of our delivery staff, hear the respiratory therapist on the telephone at 10 p.m. trying to help them and see the wheelchair being repaired as they wait in our store that we are more than medical equipment companies.

It’s not an easy road to travel but maybe with one step at a time we can look back at this year, grateful for the messages we sent out and the results we enjoy. If you are having a bad day, talk to your customer and ask, “What difference have we made in your Ufe? ” Once we hear the response we will really understand what we’ve sold.

It’s 2009. Let’s stop talking about selling medical equipment. Let’s begin talking about what we really do- allowing people to live productive Uves.

Feb. 6–Shoppers bypassed the jewelry counter in January, delayed buying their favorite perfume and even skimped on buying clothes for growing kids. If they looked at status handbags, they put them back on the shelf and walked away.

The dismal January sales that retailers reported Thursday silver necklaces a cold spring as consumers worry about massive layoffs and their dwindling retirement funds.

Bigger-than-expected declines crossed the spectrum from Gap Inc. to luxury retailer Saks and the Children’s Place. Others, such as Macy’s and Limited Brands Inc., did better than forecast but still saw sales drops.

Wal-Mart was among the outliers, reporting sales gains that beat Wall Street’s forecast with a 2.1 percent increase in same-store sales, excluding gasoline. The discounter has benefited from consumers’ focus on necessities and finding cheaper options.

J.C. Penney Co. lowered its fourth-quarter earnings guidance as it reported a weaker-than-expected 16.4 percent decline in January same-store sales and said it expects sales to fall 10 percent in 2009. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected Penney’s January sales to drop 11.7 percent.

“Consumers have only one focus today, and that is survival,” said C. Britt Beemer, chairman of America’s Research Group. “They only want to buy the things they have to have.”

What’s clear, he says, is that nothing these days is recession-proof — not even makeup. Estee Lauder Cos. reported a 30 percent drop in fiscal second-quarter profit as shoppers cut their spending on makeup, skin care products and perfume. Chief operating officer Fabrizio Freda said he has noticed consumers are delaying purchases, especially fragrances.

January sales at established stores fell 1.6 percent, silver pendants to the International Council of Shopping Centers-Goldman Sachs tally — not as bad as expected but still the fourth consecutive monthly decline.

The index was helped by the better-than-expected results from Wal-Mart, which accounts for just over half the index. Excluding Wal-Mart, sales fell 4.8 percent. The tally is based on same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year.

While January is the least important month of the sales tiffanys, the figures confirm how weak consumer spending is. Merchants couldn’t even count on the usual post-holiday lift from shoppers redeeming holiday gift cards. Sales of gift card were down because shoppers were focusing on deals, or just not buying.

And with the economy deteriorating, ICSC chief economist Michael P. Niemira expects sales to keep falling at least through spring.

Shoppers are worried about job security, slumping home prices, tight credit and shrinking retirement accounts. The harsh environment is sending a number of stores into liquidation.

Plano-based Penney’s same-store sales fell 8.5 percent in 2008, its first full-year decline since its turnaround in the early 2000s.

Fitch Ratings cut Penney’s credit rating to its lowest investment grade. Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s placed Penney on review for a possible downgrade to junk status, citing concern that profit margins will remain weak and sales will continue to lose ground. Management forecast a mid-teen percentage decline in February same-store sales.

The “extreme promotional environment during the holiday season and weaker-than-expected sales in January” led Penney to lower fourth-quarter earnings to a range of 90 cents to 93 cents a share.

Feb. 11–The average sales volume at stores on election day yesterday was double the daily average, and reached NIS 100 per square meter. The average daily sales volume was NIS 50 in the three weeks that preceded the elections. The figures were Tiffany Nature Dragonfly pendant by RIS System for mall ratings from actual sales proceeds at 800 stores of fashion, books, jewelry, gifts, opticians, office equipment, and other retail chains.

Large malls saw average sales volume on election day increased by 132 percent to NIS 140 per square meter from NIS 60 per square meter. Yesterday’s stormy weather further boosted traffic at indoor malls, while average sales volume at strip malls rose by only 70 percent to NIS 50 per square meter from NIS 30 per square meter.

Although retailers were satisfied with yesterday’s proceeds, yesterday’s election day sales were 8 percent less than on the last election day in March 2006.

The Kirion Mall in Kiryat Bialik had the greatest increase in Link necklace proceeds yesterday, at 200 percent compared with the daily average. The Modi’in Mall saw its first ever sell-out day, with a 200 percent increase in sales proceeds. Especially heavy sales were recorded at the Kanyon Hazahav in Rishon LeZion (190 percent over the daily average), the Givatayim Mall (up 175 percent), the Rananim Mall in Ra’anana (up 174 percent), the Azrieli Mall in Tel Aviv (up 167 percent), the Holon Mall (up 165 percent), and the Grand Kanyon in Haifa, the Ayalon Mall in Ramat Gan, and the Bat Yam Mall (up 160 percent).

Stores in downtown Jerusalem saw only half their daily average sales proceeds, because of the Venetian Link necklace weather and because many businesses did not open at all.

When money’s tight, John Mickinak said one of the last items people think about buying are antiques. But, those classic pieces could, in fact, be the best deal.

When the 36th annual Antiques Show & Sale, which benefits the Monongalia Arts Center, comes to Lakeview Golf Resort and Spa on Feb. 27-March 1, Mickinak, comanager of the show, said it’s a perfect time to buy some items you need, because Return to Tiffany mini heart tags bracelet can be a great deal.

“I think when most people think of antiques, they think they’re more expensive and that’s not true at all,” he said. “Antiques are 100 percent recycled. Believe it or not, it’s cheaper to buy antique furniture than new.

“They hold their value, whereas new furniture Tiffany 1837 Round lock pendant faster than vehicles. If something’s been around 100 years, it’s going to last.”

The event, featuring about 40 different dealers, will be from 1-6 p.m. Feb. 27, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 28 and noon-5 p.m. March 1. Admission is $6 and is good for all three days. A portion of the proceeds goes to MAC.

Mickinak, who’s run the antiques show for 10 years with co-manager John Kroeck, said furniture stores often mark up their prices as much as 500 percent. Compare that price to the cheaper price of an antique, which has already stood the test of Tiffany Cushion Drop earrings, and he said it’s a no-brainer.

The show will feature fine, early furniture, as well as glassware, china, jewelry, costume jewelry, stoneware, art, paintings, clocks, handmade Oriental rugs and more. Local items, such as glassware and books, will also be available.

“Whatever you might be interested in, chances are you can find it at this show,” Mickinak said.

Since it’s the only show in the area, Mickinak said the variety of items will be greater, so while you’ll find items that are 200 years old, you can also find items from the 1950s.

Ro Brooks, executive director of MAC, said the show is one of the main fundraisers for the organization, a nonprofit arts and cultural center that offers classes in visual and performing arts. MAC’s been involved with the show for about 31 years.

“It would be great for people to come out. Even if they’re not interested in antiques, there’s still plenty to look at,” Brooks said.

And, if you have an antique of your own, you may bring it to the show for an appraisal, she said. Antique and collectible appraisals will be from 1-4 p.m. Saturday. John Kuehn, owner of John P. Kuehn Fine Jewelers on High Street, will appraise jewelry from 1-3 p.m. Sunday. The cost for verbal appraisals is $7, and written appraisals are $15. All proceeds from the appraisals will go to the MAC. Brooks added that you don’t have to pay the admission cost to receive an appraisal or to attend the small art show sponsored by MAC.

The antiques show will be configured differently this year, Mickinak said; there will be no dealers in the hallways, only in the main room. And, while you’re wandering around the show, you can also stop by the Reflections restaurant for a bite to eat or take a look at the art show.

“No matter what you’re interested in, there will be something there for you,” Mickinak said. Whether you have $5 or $10,000, it doesn’t matter; you will be able to buy something, he added.

Plus, while at the antiques show, you can learn about the stories that go along with the items you purchase.

“It’s not just the antiques. It’s not just the item,” Mickinak said. “It’s the history that’s attached to them.”

Spartanburg Art Museum is holding its second annual Arts and Antiques Show this weekend featuring nationally known speakers and an array of dealers from the East Coast.

The event, a benefit for the museum, begins with a gala Return to Tiffany Heart tag pendant and runs through the weekend at the Chapman Cultural Center.

Visitors can see and buy predominantly 18th- and 19th-century American, English and Continental fine art, antiques and accessories.

Dealers from New York to Florida will have antique art, furniture, glassware, jewelry, silver, Tiffany 1837 Round lock pendant, linens and Oriental rugs for purchase in a variety of price ranges.

Visitors can shop or merely browse the Return to Tiffany mini heart tags bracelet, and a luncheon will feature guest speakers. General admission is $10 for a one-day pass or $20 for a weekend pass. Guest speakers cost an additional $5. Lunch on Friday and Saturday is $8, and brunch on Sunday is $15.

Here is a schedule of the activities.

Benefactors’ gala: Begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $150, which includes a weekend pass.

Sovereign Bank has filed suit against Findings Inc., a large jewelry manufacturer in Keene, charging that Findings is in default of a consignment and loan agreement. The bank is asking for about $4 million in precious metals back as well as calling in a $1.9 million loan.

The suit, filed Oct. 5 in U.S. District Court in Concord, also Tiffany Key Heart key charm that Findings install a vault custodian at the store, to secure and protect the banks co-signed precious metals. It also names Findings Realty Inc. and Harvey O’Conor, Findings’ CEO.

Findings, which was founded after World War II, has 100 employees and makes parts (90 percent of which are gold and 10 percent silver) such as ear wires and posts for earrings, ring heads to set gems and bezel charms, according to the rumpany’s Web site.

Sovereign was acquired in January by Banco Tiffany Nature Dragonfly pendant, the largest bank in Spain. It has $90 billion in assets and some 750 branches, including a number in New Hampshire. The suit was filed by Sovereign Precious Metals LLC and Sovereign Bank, both based in Pennsylvania

Sovereign first entered its consignment and loan agreement with Findings in June 2000, according to the court filing. The agreement, which has been extended and amended some 18 times, includes a condition to limit the amount of precious metals that the company can have at a given time. If Findings exceeds that amount, it would have to return the metals and repay the loan.

According to the suit, Findings maintained some $476,000 in excess metal. Findings tried to bring it into compliance but lacked the liquidity to eliminate the excess, the suit said.

Sovereign also had asked for a letter of intent to sell the company’s Two Hearts pendant or a repayment plan, but got neither, said the bank. It sent a default notice on Sept. 15 and on Sept. 29 and on Oct. 2 sent demand let-ter, but did not receive a satisfactory answer, the suit charges.

Bauer’s necklace, part of The Fluke Collection, designed by Janet Cadsawan, was created to celebrate the environment and IFAW’s ongoing efforts to help whales flourish in their natural habitat. The collection is made in the U.S. and is cast in 100% recycled silver and gold with renewable south sea and fresh water pearls. 100% of the proceeds will benefit whale preservation through IFAW.

“Women want to adorn themselves with jewelry that stands for Elsa Peretti Open Wave pendant. The Fluke Collection not only makes the consumer think about the environment, but the habitat of the whales as well. We’re all connected,” Janet Cadsawan said.

“All of my favorite possessions have a great story behind them,” said actress Kristin Bauer. “This jewelry may seem an insignificant way to address the issues facing whales, but it’s made from recycled materials, all of the money supports IFAW’s whale work, and I can wear it as an object that resonates with deep personal meaning. It ultimately reflects something I care passionately about, protecting animals. Plus, it’s gorgeous. Coin Edge disc pendant still a woman.”

The whale-inspired collection features silver and gold anchors and whale flukes available in pendants, lariats, necklaces, rings, cufflinks and bracelets from $60 - $500 at www.cadsawan.com/fluke.shtml and in select stores soon.

For more information about The Fluke Collection, please Double heart pendant Debbie Son or visit www.cadsawan.com/ifaw.shtml.

About cadsawan jewelry + design www.cadsawan.com

Janet Cadsawan’s philosophy is that jewelry is magic adorned. She designs one-of-a-kind talismans, fine jewelry and supernatural baubles. Her pieces are showcased in both art galleries and fine jewelry stores. Born through her passion for nature and architecture, Cadsawan’s pieces are like miniature sculptures. She uses local craftsmen to create her jewelry and she continues to recycle her recycled metal for her collections. She is a lover of small and large animals and lives on a farm in Greenwich, CT.

About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)

As one of the world’s leading animal welfare organization, IFAW works from its global headquarters in the United States and 15 country offices to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals by reducing the commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW works both on the ground and in the halls of government to safeguard wild and domestic animals and seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people. To learn how you can help, please visit ifaw.org.