Shop talk
Linda Workman, who has owned a pet accessories boutique in Maine and been a buyer for Filene's and
What is the worst Valentine's present you ever received?
I will make florists very unhappy. I think flowers are overrated. It's too easy. I don't think it shows any thought or creativity. Men have such a fabulous opportunity to hit a home run. To pick up the phone to call the florist or get a box of chocolates? I certainly don't impose my will on my clients but ask them to really think about the recipient, think about hobbies, what she likes, and usually they come up with five or six different ideas they wouldn't have thought of.
What is the most memorable Valentine's gift you've received?
A few years ago my husband got me a Cartier Love bracelet, which I absolutely love. And I've been hinting that if he wants to get another . . . but one of my gentlemen that I'm working with now is adamant that his wife loves flowers. So fine, don't make it a one shot deal, show up every Friday night with a beautiful arrangement or for the month of March. Kick it up a little bit and give it more thought.
But don't buy red roses with baby's breath?
Ick, ick, ick. Buy a beautiful vase. Another gentleman, his wife loves perfume. I am trying to track down some antique perfume bottles. That's my mission for tomorrow.
What are your thoughts on lingerie? Should a woman buy it for herself as a "gift" that she wears or should a man buy it as a suggestion that she trade in her flannel pajamas? What are the pitfalls either way?
Either way, I think that's wonderful. I give a man a tremendous amount of credit for going into any lingerie department and making a purchase.
If a guy doesn't know the right size to buy, what should he do -- guess big or small?
If he can snoop in his wife's drawers that would be a good start. If it's a bra, I'd think he'd rather get something smaller as opposed to bigger.
What other ideas do you have beyond flowers, lingerie, or chocolate?
One woman has a lovely vanity. I got her a beautiful sterling comb, brush, and mirror set. Another is business oriented. I bought her a beautiful business-card case. A friend of a friend is a voracious reader. I plan on buying her a couple of books, putting them in a pretty bag, and getting a nice bookmark. Another person is a knitter, what about exquisite knitting needles? If you think about what your wife or significant other likes you might come up with other things. Instead of slippers, find mules. It doesn't have to be jewelry. I say I'll shop at Tiffany or I'll shop at Target. The other thing is charms are becoming popular again. Start a charm bracelet. You always have a built-in gift.
Is your work helping people purchase such gifts top secret? After all, doesn't it spoil the meaning if you know a professional bought the present?
Absolutely. It's very discreet. I never would say I was the one who bought it. They look like the hero and that's what they pay me to do.
It seems harder for women to buy gifts for men because there are no fall-back options.
What about sporting tickets? If he's a sports enthusiast, rent some sports movies and have a romantic dinner. Do some popcorn. Same thing if they're kind of workaholics. If they have a nice desk, you can never go wrong with a gorgeous picture in a frame, or a beautiful letter opener. If they're into gardening, maybe a book about that.
