Fashion Diva Dives into DDD Sale by Arlene Fine Is Linda Barnett clothes-minded? You bet. The impeccably groomed Beachwood resident can’t remember not having a passion for fashion. “Even as a little girl, I was interested in clothes and always wanted to play dress-up,” she says. “My personal philosophy is life isn’t perfect, but your outfit can be.” Barnett also believes that whoever said money can’t buy happiness doesn’t know where to shop. But she and her partner Sue Bergman did their best to correct that situation. The two women were the owners of Collectibles – a trendy clothing and accessory shop at La Place in Beachwood, whose specialty was classy sportswear, glitz and blitz. The enterprising entrepreneurs began their retail odyssey by renting a small glass showcase at Kenneth’s beauty salon at La Place in the early 1980s, where they sold handmade belts and select costume jewelry. That one showcase quickly expanded to two, then three, then four, as Bergman and Barnett’s fashion sense resonated with customers looking for something edgy and fun. “We quickly outgrew those showcases and when a store right next to Kenneth’s became available, we grabbed the space and we were suddenly in business,” says Barnett. “Kenneth cut through the wall so his salon and Collectibles became an organic whole, which appealed to our free-range shoppers.” Barnett and Bergman enjoyed a booming retail business for many years. “Sue and I traveled to New York and other major cities to buy merchandise for the store,” says Barnett. “It was thrilling to be part of the vibrant Beachwood retail scene where we made lots of friends and learned valuable lessons about customer service and the fashion world. We both agreed that the most beautiful thing a woman can wear is confidence, and we created our inventory around that idea.” After retiring in 2000, Barnett’s attention turned to National Council of Jewish Women, where she held many board positions, including director of retail operations – a perfect fit. She served as NCJW president from 2014-2016. While overseeing retail operations, including NCJW’s Thriftique and the yearly Designer Dress Days (DDD) fundraiser, the business-savvy Barnett applied her invaluable first-hand retail experience to her volunteer position. One of the first rules of retail is to treat your customers fairly, advises Barnett. “The old adage, ‘the customer is always right’ should be everyone’s mantra,” she says. “At Thriftique and DDD we know that our customers’ loyalty must be earned. There are plenty of places for people to bargain shop, but our customers know they will always be treated with dignity and respect. That’s what keeps them coming back – plus our ample inventory of marvelous merchandise at incredible prices.” Clearance sales are also a big incentive to bring people through the door. “In retail you have to know when to purge your inventory,” says Barnett. “At DDD we reduce items on the second and last day of our sale. It’s a formula that works and the sale prices are beyond amazing. On the second day of last year’s sale, someone picked up a stunning pair of designer jeans, retail priced at $550, for just $30. Bargains abound and shoppers love to find them – whether they want to dress for success or excess – we have it all.” Barnett is looking forward to this year’s DDD, chaired by Michele Kaminsky, Jill Braun and Kelly Markowitz. “We have so many lush, jewel-toned cashmere sweaters and racks of soft and luxurious furs that are not to be missed,” she says. “We have styles and prices to fit everyone’s budget.” Designer Dress Days WHERE: Mandel JCC, 26001 S. Woodland Road, Beachwood 44122 WHEN: Friday, October 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Preview Day: $20 admission) Sunday, October 30 • 10 am – 4 pm Monday, October 31 • 12 noon – 8 pm (20% off ) Tuesday, November 1 • 10 am – 8 pm (50% off ) WHAT: A four-day sale of close to 10,000 new and gentlyworn famous label and designer clothing, accessories, jewelry, handbags, coats, furs and leathers at less than 1/8 retail prices. WHY: DDD is the major annual fundraiser to support NCJW/ Cleveland community service projects, advocacy initiatives and educational programs to better the lives of women, children and families locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. DDD groupie Bonnie Rubin has this year’s opening day, October 28, marked in red on her calendar. “At DDD I let my fashionista self run wild,” says Rubin. “Life is too short to wear boring clothes and at DDD prices, I can score armloads of to-die-for elegant or funky clothing that makes me feel like I am walking down a runway every time I step out my front door. The only thing DDD is missing are paparazzi snapping my picture as I leave the sale.” Pictured: Linda Barnett modeling Rene Lazar chiffon palazzo pants, Elie Tahari lamb leather jacket and Judith Leiber snakeskin purse with stone trim (left) and Lisa Moran Sansapelle wool suit (right). Center: Salvatore Ferragamo leather purse. 18 Beachwood Buzz n October 2016