Joan Rivers Hawks Her Golden Globes ‘Fashion Police’ Necklace On QVC

We watched the “Fashion Police” edition on the Golden Globes, and were drawling over the gorgeous necklace Joan Rivers had on, wondering if it was one of her QVC pieces.

We got our answer today on Facebook, when Rivers confirmed our suspicions. She reposted a photo of her on the E! Entertainment show saying that the simulated-druzy necklace she was wearing was from her QVC Line.

Joan wearing her QVC bib necklace on Fashion Police

The necklace was on the air tonight. It is the Joan Rivers Simulated Drusy Bib 18″ Necklace w/ 3″ extender, $100, item number J267155. It comes in four colors, blue, gold, pink and silver.

The silver version, the one that Rivers wore on “Fashion Police,” is on waitlist.

All the necklaces are on advance order, coming in March.

‘Fitness Expert’ Mario Lopez, No Relation To Colleen, Teams With Body By Jake On HSN

Actor and “fitness expert” Mario Lopez, our favorite guest star on the randy “Nip/Tuck,” will debut on HSN Saturday to launch Body by Jake’s “The Solution.”

According to HSN’s press release Thursday, the Solution, not to be confused with The Situation, is “a new piece of fitness equipment that will help customers burn fat and get shredded abs in just 2 minutes a day.”

Lopez fans can go to www.hsn.com/mariolopez and leave Facebook messages for the television star and be alerted when The Solution becomes available for purchase.

Customers will receive the Mario Lopez workout DVD with Mario’s two-Minute Ab Shredder workout, plus four bonus workouts. The bundle also includes Mario’s two-week Ab Meltdown Eating Guide and two-day Jumpstart and instructional guide including a seven-step easy assembly and exercise videos.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to appear on HSN and help viewers achieve their fitness goals,” Lopez said in a canned statement. “Having a healthy lifestyle is so important and I am excited by what ‘The Solution’ with Body by Jake can do to transform bodies and lives.”

Mario Lopez

Dig this:

Manufactured by Body By Jake, The Solution features a patented Gravitational Linkage System that takes users through the perfect synchronized abdominal motion, while the contoured Free Flow Swivel seat provides a seamless transition from scissor crunches, to right and left obliques — all while providing firm back support. Upright handgrips also open up the abdominal cage to provide the deepest, ab-ripping contraction possible.

“Mario is a great addition to HSN’s lineup of health and fitness icons,” HSN vice president of merchandising Jane Dyer said in a canned statement. “He is not only passionate about health and fitness, he is dedicated to helping people become the best version of themselves. I know our customers will connect with him.”

We know that we’d like to connect with him.

Here is HSN’s boilerplate about Lopez:

A man of many trades, Mario Lopez has the overwhelming desire to always keep active. He is the single host of the nationally syndicated daily show EXTRA. Concurrently, Lopez continues his hosting duties on MTV highly rated program, America’s Best Dance Crew. Not only does Lopez have a proclivity for the entertainment industry, he is also an avid sports fan. He has taken his love for sports, specifically boxing, to the next level as a recurring commentator on HBO Boxing.

Lopez is a New York Times bestselling author for his healthy eating guide Extra Lean. In May 2011, he released the follow up to Extra Lean entitled Extra Lean Family. This new book featured recipes and tips that are beneficial to the entire family.

Additionally, Lopez penned Mario Lopez’s Knockout Fitness a bestselling fitness book that offers readers a look into his impressive workout regime, and Mud Tacos, a vibrant children’s’ book he co-authored with his sister Marissa. As a follow up to Mud Tacos, on September 14, 2011 Lopez released Mario & Baby Gia, a children’s book he wrote for his daughter, Gia.

No stranger to rigorous routines, Lopez danced his way to the finals in the third season of ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars. Shortly after, in summer 2009, Lopez successfully completed his first run on Broadway. He starred in the long running hit musical A Chorus Line as the audience loved character ‘Zach.’

Mario was named the Alumni Ambassador of Fitness by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), while joining the ranks of some 25 other prominent alumni, including Denzel Washington and President Clinton, in the organization’s BE GREAT campaign.

Mario will help bring to light the major issues affecting today’s young people, including the importance of graduating from high school and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the key role community-based organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs play in the positive development of children.

A popular guest on the talk show circuit, Mario can regularly be seen on programs such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Lopez Tonight with George Lopez, and a slew of other nationally syndicated shows. Mario is also often called upon to co-host some of the nation’s most venerable morning shows including The Today Show, Good Morning America, and Regis & Kelly.

Even with all his other ventures, Mario is still in love with acting. Lopez reincarnated his guest starring role as Dr. Mike Hamoui on the final season of F/X network’s popular show Nip/Tuck. Lopez’s run on the series garnished an instant and well deserved cult following.

He previously starred in the highest rated program in ABC Family history, Holiday in Handcuffs. He also starred opposite Mark Consuelos in the made for TV movie Husband for Hire, which was the most watched program ever on the Oxygen Network.

Mario currently resides in Los Angeles with his longtime fiance Courtney Mazza and their daughter, Gia.

QVC’s Parent To Announce Fourth-Quarter Results Feb. 23

QVC’s parent, Liberty Interactive Corp., will release its fourth-quarter earnings Feb. 23 at 11:00 a.m., officials said Wednesday.

Greg Maffei, Liberty Interactive’s President and CEO, will host the call and discuss the company’s financial performance.

Replays of the conference call can be accessed through 2 p.m. March 1, by dialing (888) 203-1112 or (719) 457-0820 plus the passcode 1032754#.

In addition, the fourth quarter earnings conference call will be broadcast live via the Internet.

All interested participants should visit the Liberty Interactive website at http://www.libertyinteractive.com/events to register for the web cast. Links to the press release and replays of the call will also be available on the Liberty Interactive website. The conference call and related materials will be archived on the website for one year.

HSN To Report Fourth Quarter Results Feb. 23

HSN will release its fourth quarter and fiscal 2011 results Feb. 23 at 8 a.m., the home shopping channel said Tuesday.

CEO Mindy Grossman and Judy Schmeling, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will hold a conference call at 9 a.m. to review the results.

Those interested in participating in the conference call should dial 877-307-0246 or 224-357-2394 at least five minutes prior to the call. There will also be a simultaneous audio webcast available via the company’s website at http://www.hsni.com.

A replay of the conference call can be accessed until March 8 by dialing 855-859-2056 or 404-537-3406, plus the pass code 42849184 and will also be hosted on the company’s website for a limited time.

Gold Gives Us A Rush On QVC, Not So Much With HSN’s ‘Compressed’ Turquoise, Bronze And Copper

We’re sick and should be in bed asleep by now, it’s 2:30 a.m. after all, but we can’t sleep. Tuesday is a jewelry geek’s delight: QVC is doing its California Gold Rush day while HSN is doing Designer Jewelry Day.

“Reset the gold standard during today’s 25th Annual California Gold Rush Sale,” QVC said on its website. It’s your golden opportunity to discover style and savings on a stunning assortment of 14K gold jewelry. Hurry for best selection and savings.

It’s true, all is not perfect. Before the price of this special metal soared, the Gold Rush was a 24-hour event on QVC live. Now, it’s just 13 hours of on-air programming, with the rest of the goodies posted online. Not cool.

HSN has a Studio Barse bronze ring with either a turq, coral or tiger’s eye stone. No. 1, we don’t care if the prices of silver and gold have skyrocketed, we have the bronze and copper pieces that have replaced it, especially on HSN. Now we have bronze Studio Barse and Nicky Butler and Hilary Joy jewelry in those metals.

“Copper is the new rose gold,” Hilary Joy’s chief said on-air.

No, it’s not.

Another pet peeve: Studio Barse boasts that it uses real turquoise and coral. It’s true, it’s real. But it is “compressed” turq and coral, in other words, small bits of those materials are put together and scrunched into one piece.

That to us is less of a value, less desirable, than using a solid piece of turquoise in a ring.

Jewelry Designer Dallas Prince Wings Her Way Back To ShopNBC From HSN

One of our favorite jewelry designers, that master of crosses Dallas Prince, has bounced back to ShopNBC after a stint at HSN.

Prince, a gracious and classy blonde, had her first show back in Minnesota Thursday, for the No. 3 home shopping network’s Designer Day.

Here is what Prince posted on Facebook:

Hey Ladies! Just had fabulous shows on Shop NBC and I wanted to say thank you…..really had a blast with Kendy. Found out the prices were only good today, so prices on the internet may be higher than the actual price. Don’t wait! The new pieces sold like crazy…….go shopping. Hugs, Dallas

HSN is having its designer jewelry day Tuesday, with a TS from Studio Barse. We know it’s a ring, but we hope it’s not in bronze!

With the price of silver soaring, we are finding it better to find sterling pieces at TJ Maxx (although its selection has diminished) and local shops — such as Eastern Gifts and Dem Two Hands in Montclair — than on home shopping networks. The prices of these mom-and=pop shops are higher than they used to be, but they carry lovely handcrafted silver and gemstone jewelry.

An Italian Cruise Ship Kills Dozens, But JTV Still Goes Full Steam Ahead With Its Titanic Jewelry Collectiont A Sa

In light of the tragic ship wreck in Italy, we think that the fact that Jewelry Television went forward with the debut of its “Titanic Jewelry Collection” last week was beyond bad taste.

As one of our astute posters noted, JTV premiered this collection as divers were still hunting for survivors, and victims, of the Italian cruise line crash.

Bad Taste: Ill-Fated Launch Of Jewelry Television’s ‘Titanic Jewelry Collection’

Do the folks at Jewelry Television have gallows humor?

That’s what we wonder every time we see, and cringe at, the network’s promos for its new “Titanic Jewelry Collection.” The pieces have a vintage feel, and look pretty. Of course, there’s a big blue heart in the collection. But that name!

Here is JTV’s description:

For four magical days, the Titanic’s elite passengers reveled in every modern luxury known at the time. Jewelry of that time was depictive of the Art Nouveau and Edwardian eras. Art Nouveau jewelry was influenced on naturalism, involving unusual designs within a symmetrical frame encompassing foliage, leaves, enamel, pearls, crystals and gemstones. Edwardian designs included more formal jewelry; tiaras, brooches, rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets and sautoir necklaces. Many set with brilliant gemstones, diamonds, crystals and pearls.

But what marketing whiz thought it would be a good idea to name the line after one of the worse disasters at sea ever?

The jewelry pieces have names, as well, of what would appear to be passengers on the ill-fated 1912 voyage. We think. Actually, we’re not quite sure if they were real people, or just made up by JTV.

For example, here is what JTV has to say about its Eleanor Social Butterfly Brooch.

Eleanor Widener first class passenger of the Titanic. Eleanor and her husband and aren’t the richest passengers on board–that honor goes to John Jacob Astor–were not far behind him. Her husband is the heir to the largest fortune in Philadelphia and, with that, comes a certain social responsibility.

Consequently, we were very well known for our lavish parties and our enviable guest lists. Once aboard the Titanic, we will make it a point to meet the right people and invite them to our private parties. Speaking of being social…you might find Eleanor wearing this social butterfly brooch while waiting to chat with her fellow passengers.

And we definitely that think JTV jumped the shark when its says “The Titanic Jewelry Collection launches Tuesday, Jan. 17.”

Launches indeed. That’s a real knee slapper.

QVC’s Isaac Mizrahi Is Married, Rick and Shawn’s ‘Anything Goes’ Our Eye, And Lisa Robertson’s New ‘Show’

Sorry we haven’t been blogging as much as we should be. The day job is often a day job and night job. So we’ll try to catch-up here.

QVC designer Isaac Mizrahi, 50, and his boyfriend Arnold Germer have gotten hitched, officially. During an appearance on “The Wendy Williams Show,” Mizrahi said he and Germer had gotten married.

The new thing out in West Chester, is having “shows,” not generic segments. So we recently had “Anything Goes With Rick & Shawn,” namely host Rick Domeier and Shawn Killinger. And in February, we can look forward to “The Lisa Robertson Show.”

Lisa Robertson is getting her own show

We didn’t see “Anything Goes,” but looking at the product lineup, not much went.

Here’s the spicy linuep of goods that Rick and Shawn were selling: a battery-operated callus remover; a Rowenta steam iron; Billy Blanks Ultimate Workout DVD; microfiber dusters; a storage set; a hair flat iron; a ceramic fireplace heater; and an air purifier.

Whoppee! Wow, anything goes, ha? A callus remover and a Rowenta? Rick and Shawn must have been having a wild old time. We’re sorry we missed those microfiber dusters.

We can only hope that Robertson’s “show” is better. Here is what she has said on Facebook about it.

Guess what?! This February, a brand-new show is coming to QVC…”The Lisa Robertson Show”! I’m really excited about it. But it’s not just because I’ll be your humble host. Every Friday night, we’re going to give you your own personal magazine/ trunk show/ private party, (all good things We’re bringing you amazing ideas and we’ll show you how to make them your own. We’re sitting down with your favorite designers and introducing you to some up-and-coming trendsetters. More details to come in the coming weeks.

Robertson, by the way, is on a two-week vacation to India and Dubai.

Finally, who in their right mind would buy a diet or nutrition product from Kirstie Alley, whose weight has fluctuated in 100-pound swings. Yet QVC is hawking her diet program.

“I can assure you that if you follow this program, you’ll get healthier, lose weight, and not be ‘annoyingly’ hungry,” Alley said on QVC’s website.

Jump-start your weight loss with this fun and engaging program: Kirstie Alley’s Organic Liaison. A 30-day supply of the healthy elixir and supplement duo provides the support your body needs, morning and night. The Body Game book guides you through the goals, barriers, rules, and rewards you may encounter as you strive to achieve your goals. From Organic Liaison.

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

Includes:

Two 16 fl oz bottles of Rescue Me liquid elixir with hand pump

One 4.8 oz bottle of Release Me powder supplement

1-year program membership

88-page Body Game book

We have to take a pass on that one.

‘Housewives Of New York’ Alum Jill Zarin To Debut Skweez Couture Line On HSN

“Housewife” Jill Zarin will be returning to TV next month. But she won’t be on Bravo. HSN has got her.

On Feb. 10 Zarin will premiere her collection of Skweez Couture shapewear. Zarin, “who joined forces with Triad Hosiery to design and develop Skweez Couture for HSN, will introduce her line during the Insider NYC event, where customers will get an insider’s tour of the Big Apple,” the home shopping channel crowed in a press release Tuesday.

The exclusive collection of shapewear combines feminine and fashionable designs with powerful innovative control technologies to help slim and smooth the contours of a woman’s body. We could use that!

The line apparently went on sale in retail stores in September.

Zarin fans have been raving about the line, claiming that the product “Skweezes and shapes” like nothing they’ve ever worn before with several styles include beautiful trimmings and are designed so that you don’t have to only wear it underneath your clothing anymore.

Here’s the canned quote from Zarin:

“I’m so excited to debut my Skweez Couture shapewear for the first time on HSN. It has been my lifelong dream to do this and I always knew I was born to sell. Many of the new styles being sold during this event were designed exclusively for HSN, and it will be a great opportunity to reach women across the country to show them how they can Skweez and smooth it all while still feeling fabulous and feminine at the same time.”

Here is more from the press release, bla-bla-bla.

Through collaborative research and development, Zarin and Triad have produced a line with the goal in mind to benefit women of all ages, fusing shapes and colors to ensure that the collection included different styles from the current market assortment. Skweez Couture is also made of innovative, breathable fabrics that adapt to any body shape. The products are made to accentuate what the real woman wants to play up, yet helps to conceal areas that are often problem prone.

“The Skweez Couture Collection is a beautiful assortment of quality garments that are fashionable and solution driven. This is shape wear that you want people to see,” said John Bosco, HSN Senior Vice President of Apparel, Accessories and Jewelry. “Jill’s collection is real, she personally wears it and you can see how passionate she is about it. She is a great storyteller and a female entrepreneur…two qualities HSN strongly supports. I know our customers will connect with her.”

The Skweez Couture collection for HSN offers a wide range of styles and comes in sizes Small to 2XL. The shapewear is available in three strengths — tight, tighter and tightest to provide ultimate shaping and smoothing of the targeted zones. Prices range from $20 to $75 with consistent quality throughout.

Jersey Guy Chuck Clemency Brings ShopNBC Its Own Version Of Kate Middleton’s Engagement Ring

QVC and HSN both have costume jewelry versions of the gorgeous sapphire and diamond engagement ring, once worn by Princess Diana, that her son Prince William gave to his fiance Kate Middleton.

And now ShopNBC has its version — in real gemstones.

Our fellow New Jerseyite Chuck Clemency brought in the ring, the sterling silver sapphire quartz doublet and white topaz “Royal Dreams” Ring, as ShopNBC’s Today’s Top Value Tuesday.

It is $80, has a matching pendant and earrings, and is part of a “Royal Gem Treasures” collection that ties in to the royal wedding April 29 (the day after our birthday).

The official engagement photos of Prince William and Kate Middleton, with the ring

“We wanted this to be genuine (not simulated stones),” said Clemency, who was flanked by Paul Lavers, who we were told is a British actor.

Here is what ShopNBC.com says about the ring:

Celebrate memorable events in your life on a budget! Crafted in polished rhodium plated sterling silver, this classic yet trendy regal ring features one oval cut 14 x 10mm sapphire quartz doublet. Twenty round cut 2.25mm white topaz stones surround the center stone for a brilliant shimmer like diamonds. All of the gemstones have been set in prongs. Gem Treasures brings you this regal style at a reasonable price!

About “Royal Dreams” design

Inspired by the royal engagement, this is a gorgeous and elegant design that speaks of an era gone by as well as the start of another memorable era! While the same design with sapphires and diamonds can sell for thousands of dollars, with this beauty, you’ll receive a genuine gemstone and precious metal ring at a great price, yours to cherish for years to come! The sapphire quartz doublet has the same depth and richness of color as an expensive sapphire and the high-quality topaz shimmers and shine like real diamonds.

What are QVC and HSN version’s of Kate’s ring like?

QVC actually has two versions of the ring. One, the “Princess Simulated Sapphire Ring,” is by Kenneth J. Lane, and sells for $39.

The other is a Diamonique version, set in sterling, which goes for $55.

The Diamonique version has gotten rave reviews online.

HSN’s “Posh Princess” version is by R.J. Graziano, and sells for $30.

ShopNBC Jumps On Royal Wedding Bandwagon With CD Of The Ceremony

ShopNBC is looking to get a lot of mileage out of the wedding later this month of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in Westminster Abbey.

The No. 3 home shopping network Wednesday announced the of the retailing launch of the Royal Wedding CD, Album and Poster this week. The wedding is April 29, just a slightly more important event than our birthday the day before.

The Royal Wedding CD, Album & Poster (K400597 – $21.42) that is is on pre-sale features the wedding ceremony in its entirety, including the readings, vows, hymns and blessings, as well as all the music from what is expected to be a global event.

As part of the official Royal Wedding audio CD offer by ShopNBC is a photo booklet featuring the complete order of service as well as an exclusive poster of the royal couple featured on the album CD.

The official audio recording of the Royal Wedding event will feature music from the Choir of Westminster Abbey, the Chapel Royal Choir, The London Chamber Orchestra and The Fanfare Team from the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.

The choirs will be under the direction of James O’Donnell and The London Chamber Orchestra conducted by its music director and principle conductor Christopher Warren-Green.

The album CD is produced by classical record producers, Anna Barry, who has produced over 500 recordings of distinction for more than 25 years, ranging from works by Andrew Lloyd Webber to opera at the Mariinsky Theatre with Valery Gergiev, and many other legendary artists including Jose Carreras and Zubin Mehta.

“We are excited about featuring this timely and topical offer to our customers,” ShopNBC host Daniel Green said in a canned statement. “Appealing to consumers of all ages, the audio recording and memorabilia of the Royal Wedding will be available to the delight and convenience of millions of ShopNBC homes across the country. Our feature presentation will build upon the massive, global excitement of the Royal Wedding, allowing our customers to secure a piece of history and relive their memories
of this prominent event for years to come.”

QVC Gets New Affiliate Sales Chief: He’s The Dude That Gets The Home Shopping Net On Your TV Set

As Jack Nicholson said in “The Shining,” we’re back….

We missed you guys, but an inexplicable problem with WordPress kept us off the air, so to speak, for a fews days.

We got back on track just in time to see that QVC has once again failed to send us an important press release. The channel’s longtime head of affiliate sales is retiring and is being succeeded by a young whippersnapper.

We covered the cable industry for almost two decades, so we can clue you in that affiliate sales is one of the most important gigs at a cable network — and these executives are often among the highest-paid at a network.

In the case of QVC, senior vice president of affiliate sales and marketing Al Ulozas was the exec who would meet with cable companies, like a Comcast, or a satellite company, like DirecTV or Dish, and negotiates deals to get these distributors to carry the home shopping channel.

Getting a good channel position (a low one) for a network like QVC, for example, is crucial in terms of trying to get people to watch it.

Well Ulozas, who has been with QVC for 23 years, is retiring next month. He will be replaced by Dave Apostolic, who currently is vice president of affiliate sales and marketing.

QVC has promoted Andy Celllucci to vice president of affiliate marketing to fill Apostolico’s slot.

“During his more than 23 years with the company, Ulozas was an integral part of formulating nearly every incentive used to increase QVC’s channel distribution,” QVC said in its press release.

“He began his QVC career in 1987 as regional account manager of affiliate relations and over the next 12 years, his career quickly progressed, holding roles of increasing responsibility,” it said.

“In 1999, Ulozas was promoted to senior vice president of affiliate sales and marketing where he oversaw the overall strengthening of strategic relationships with the company‟s distributors throughout the United States,” the release said.

“As a result of his efforts, he helped increase QVC’s program distribution – with the ultimate goal of making QVC available in every household in the United States.”

Apostolico will report to Angie Simmons, QVC’s executive vice president of multichannel platforms.

In this position, Apostolico “will further the team’s efforts to increase QVC‟s program distribution throughout the country by strengthening relationships with key affiliates,”

He will also be responsible for developing strategic affiliate and trade marketing activities and negotiating carriage and preferable channel positions for the cable retailer.

Apostolico most recently served as the vice president of affiliate sales and marketing for QVC where he was responsible for overseeing contract negotiations, strategizing QVC’s digital plans and new carriage opportunities, and directing the activities of a nationwide account management team.

Joining QVC in 1996 as associate counsel and later promoted to senior counsel in the QVC legal department, Apostolico worked on a number of transactions and negotiations, including the company’s distribution centers in Rocky Mount, N.C., and Florence, S.C.

Apostolico earned his bachelor’ degree in business administration from the University of Delaware, Newark, Del. and his law degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Cellucci will report to Apostolico. In this position, Cellucci will be responsible for contract negotiations, strategizing QVC’s digital plans and new carriage opportunities, and directing the activities of a nationwide account management team.

Since joining QVC 18 years ago, Cellucci has held numerous positions throughout the company and maintains an enviable network of colleagues within QVC‟s global company.

Most recently, he traveled to Germany to oversee enhancements to the affiliate distributor commission processes. In addition, playing an integral role in QVC’s HD launch, Cellucci negotiated terms with one of QVC’s major long-standing distributors.

Cellucci earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa.

Here are QVC U.S. CEO Claire Watts canned comments Ulozas’s retirement:

“We are going to miss Al’s leadership, knowledge and vision. His contributions to QVC extend beyond his many business accomplishments; with his sense of fairness, integrity, and humor, he has also helped shape QVC‟s culture and built many lasting friendships throughout our industry. We wish Al the warmest congratulations on a great career with QVC.”

Simmons’ canned comment:

“While we are going to miss Al, we are excited to celebrate both Dave and Andy’s well-deserved promotions. We look forward to leveraging our talent, past and present, to align our platforms to support short- and long-term relationships with our cable, satellite and telco affiliates.”

ShopNBC To Report First-Quarter Earnings May 11

ValueVision Media, dba ShopNBC, will release its first-quarter financial results before the market opens May 11, the company said Thursday.

The home shopping network will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast at 11 a.m.

Participating in the call will be CEO Keith Stewart, President Bob Ayd and Chief Financial Officer Bill McGrath.

Both the call and webcast are open to the general public.

Learn The Inside Dish On QVC’s Rick Domeier

We’re still having issues with WordPress, so bear with us.

Thanks to the reader who tipped us off to this fascinating profile of QVC host Rick Domeier, whose credentials apparently range from doing Shakespeare to playing “Teen Wolf” in a low-rent horror movie.

And you only thought Rick knew how to trade jibes with Joan Rivers!

The story ran in Broadway World, here is the link: http://broadwayworld.com/article/BWW_Interviews_Actor_and_QVC_Host_Rick_Domeier_20110409

Domeier, who has been promoting his book “Can I Have A Do-Over?,” had an acting career and some meaty roles before landing in West Chester, Pa. He played Hal Carter in “Picnic” and was in the play “Sexual Perversity in Chicago.”

He has a self-deprecating sense of humor about his pre-QVC acting career, describing the time he missed his cue while appearing in the soap opera “The Days of Our Lives” and his experience playing the teen wolf in Sam Raimi’s Movie “Teen Wolf.” The FX, special effects and makeup, left a lot to be desired in that one. We’ll leave it at that.

The story also talks about Domeier making references to F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tennessee Williams and Shakespeare when he’s hawking product on QVC. We’ve been watching QVC for more than a decade, and we’ve never heard of those types of allusions come from Rick’s lips. But maybe we were just too engrossed by the jewelry he was selling at the time.

The profile was written by a guy, but the story was written from the eye of a straight gal.

Here are some of the descriptions of Rick:

After watching the man in action, one quickly realizes that he’s quite intelligent, well-read and still has a penchant for the performing arts. Oh yes, he’s very good-looking, too. His blind hair sets off his blue eyes and the whitest of white teeth.

And that physique of his is amply displayed when he demonstrates workout equipment so that people on various message board post comments that would normally be reserved for the likes of Brad Pitt or Jake Gyllenhall.

We bet Rick blushed at that!

It also says that he was a party boy in college. What a surprise!

Anyway, the story is a good read and tells us more about Domeier than we’ve ever known.

The profile is so well done, we wish we’d written it.

ShopNBC Sets Summer Beauty Day For Sunday

Stop the presses: ShopNBC’s Beauty Day, Summer Edition will be this Sunday.

It is “all about simplifying your summer beauty style with the latest in haircare, color cosmetics, skincare, bath and body, and tanning,” so ShopNBC says.

The fun starts early, Saturday actually, at 9 p.m.

There will be the debut of Epione Skincare, a targeted line of skincare from Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Simon Ourian, the launch of an expanded assortment of Christi Harris Color Cosmetics as well as a special offer on the worldwide premiere of the brand new DermaWand RHF.

Peter Coppola Haircare will return for the first time since its debut in March and customer favorites from Toni Brattin and Celestine Signature Color Cosmetics will also be available.

Sur La Table Shakes Up Some Sales On ShopNBC

ShopNBC is getting cute with its press relases, and we actually likey.

It announced Tuesday that the debut of its Sur La Table Kitchen show series Monday “cooked up four sell-outs in short order, including the network’s Today’s Top Value offer.”

Here’s what else the press release said: “With a 30-year heritage, Sur La Table’s namesake line of fine kitchenware and innovative gadgets, including a number of exclusive Cuisinart appliances, met with great customer enthusiasm and achieved strong performance across the ShopNBC network.”

The Sur La Table Today’s Top Value, a 10-Piece Hard Anodized Cookware Set, sold out, making it the network’s most successful Top Value cookware offer ever.

Additional bestsellers during the Sur La Table show series included three sell-outs in less than 20 minutes. Customers ordered all available units of the Sur La Table Set-of-Two Hard Anodized Nonstick Skillets, Cuisinart Smart Stick 200 Watt Immersion Blender, and Cuisinart 1.5 Quart Three-in-One Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker.

ShopNBC claims that the “special” appearance of QVC retread Bob Bowersox was a plus, but we believe the network exaggerated a bit.

“Households across America were mesmerized by his extensive kitchen know-how, practical advice and helpful presentations,” the ShopNBC press release said.

Mesmerized? We find that hard to swallow.

“The strong debut of our brand on ShopNBC was a great opportunity fully realized,” Jacob Maurer, vice president of merchandising, said in a canned statement. “I was very much impressed by how positively our premium lifestyle brand was received by the ShopNBC customer as well as by the successful sell-through of our featured products. The ShopNBC team was an absolute pleasure to work with. All of us at Sur La Table look forward to our future endeavors together.”

And leave it to ShopNBC president Bob Ayd to get his two cents in.

“We are thrilled with the resounding customer response to the Sur La Table brand,” Ayd said in his canned statement. “Our customers have a passion for cooking and crave newness. I’m so pleased in how wedelivered an entertaining shopping experience across our network, showcasing an assortment of exclusive kitchen must-haves at compelling values. We look forward to providing our customers with ongoing access to the premium Sur La Table product and culinary experience.”

QVC Does Its Royal Wedding Thang

QVC will be profiting on today’s of “William and Kate” (the home shopping network is apparently on a first-name basis with the royals) with a special six-hour broadcast dedicated to the Royal Wedding.

The Royal Affair programming, scheduled to air 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature officially licensed memorabilia and collectibles, as well as Kate Middleton-inspired fashion and jewelry pieces.

QVC will be hawking merchandise as Clogau Gold (the official gold of the Royal Family), smashbox, Isaac Mizrahi, Kenneth Jay Lane, Darlington Crystal and more, the Royal Affair broadcasts will be accompanied by exclusive online content on QVC.com, including tips from wedding experts and additional “royal” products.

“As one of the most significant pop culture events of our time, the Royal Wedding has sparked a level of intrigue in almost all of us,” QVC host Jane Treacy said in a canned statement. “We are thrilled to not only help our customers to celebrate this exciting event but to also give them the opportunity to own a piece of history.”

Signature Royal Affair pieces include a set of a Clogau Gold wedding bands, a Darlington Crystal Bowl or Vase, and the Kenneth Jay Lane Princess Sapphire Ring, which has sold more than 53,000 units since its November debut.

Is An QVC-HSN Merger Really In The Cards?

Our accountant, whose wife is a home-shopping fan, sent us an article that Barrons’s did on QVC’s parent, Liberty Media Corp.

Once again, this is a home-shopping business story that starts out with an anecdotal lede, as we say in journalism lingo: The shopping addict.

In this case, it’s QVC lover Donna Bess of Kissimmee, Fla., a homemaker who “is hooked on the teleretailer’s proudcts and extended-payment plans,” better known as “Easy Pay” to us folk.

Barron’s says that home shopping makes up less than 2 percent of the $450 billon U.S. retail market, “but it has a loyal following, mostly women aged 30 to 60, who didn’t let the recession crimp their buying.”

Well, the recessions did crimp our buying a bit — especially after being laid off two years ago!

Liberty’s big kahuna, Greg Maffei, is quoted about QVC and HSN in the story.

“For the most part, QVC and HSN offer similar products, but HSN has higher average selling prices. Liberty Interactive CEO Gregory Maffei calls the QVC-HSN relationship ‘co-competition’ and notes that they tend to take share from conventional retailers, not from one another,” according to Barron’s.

As for a potential QVC-HSN merger, here is what Barron’s has to say:

QVC may soon have the U.S. TV-shopping business mostly to itself, as it’s expected to snap up its smaller rival eventually. Malone (Liberty chairman and cable cowboy John Malone) has called a potential marriage ‘fairly obvious.’ Maffei calls the talk ‘speculation,’ but adds that ‘We’re in no rush to do it.’ HSN CEO Mindy Grossman declined to comment.

There is also a sad tidbit about QVC’s network in Japan, its largest international market with $1.2 billion in sales.

Because of the earthquake and tsunami, at one analyst, Matt Harrigan (who we often interviewed when we were at Multichannel News), has cut his profit estimates to $162 million from $257 million, according to Barron’s.

HSN Sees Slight Sales Rise, Just 1 Percent, In First Quarter

Pardon us for being late with this report, but we were up until 2:30 a.m. covering and writing up a Montclair Township Council meeting. Duty called.

While we still in bed sleeping this morning, HSN reported that its net sales increased 1 percent, to $526.2 million, following comparable sales growth the prior year of 9 percent. Not exactly a great first quarter, it seems to us.

The sales growth, such as it was, was driven by electronics and fashion, partially offset by lower sales in fitness and housewares.

HSN.com sales increased 7 percent over the prior year’s increase of 15 percent and represent 33.2 percent of HSN’s net sales, up from 31.6 percent in the prior year.

Average price point and units shipped increased 4 percent and 1 percent, respectively.

“The return rate increased 250 basis points primarily due to higher than anticipated returns of certain electronics sold in the fourth quarter of 2010 and changes in product mix,” HSN said.

HSN’s gross profit increased 3 percent to $177.2 million. The increase was primarily attributable to decreased shipping costs due to a new outbound shipping contract.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 4 percent to $52.2 million compared to $50.3 million in the prior year. The increase was due to the 3 percent increase in gross profit, partially offset by a 3 percent increase in operating expenses, excluding non-cash charges.

Operating income was $40.8 million versus $39.3 million in the year-ago period.

“Our focus on maximizing performance through innovative product launches and events, strategic partnerships and increased digital efforts led to HSNi sales growth of 6 percent, e-commerce sales penetration of 40 percent and an Adjusted EPS gain of 14 percent,” HSN CEO Mindy Grossman said in a canned statement.

“We are committed to positioning our business for long-term success by delivering on our strategy of offering unique products and experiences, deepening customer engagement and accelerating e-commerce growth across the portfolio,” she said.

Mmmmmm….no glowing words specifically about HSN, the home-shopping network piece of the business.

We’ll try to catch a replay of the conference call later.

Our American West Handbag From ShopNBC Is Going Back, Handcrafted Or Not

It’s rather ironic that we just got a press release from ShopNBC saying that its debut of American West Leather Handbags was its most successful purse launch in the network’s history. That’s because we bought one of those purses, and it is sitting in our trunk right now, ready to be repackaged so we can take it to the PO later today and return it.

The Today’s Top Value was a Santa Fe Spirit Cow Hide and Leather Hobo last Thursday, April 28. Since we love the western look, we ordered it as a birthday gift to ourselves.

We received it this week, and it is beautiful. But the furnishings on the purse, a silver-toned ring and hook, don’t sit flat. That may not bother some people, but it would drive anal-retentive folks like us nuts.

So we will soon be calling ShopNBC to see if they will foot the bill for the shopping costs for us to send it back and exchange it. If they won’t pay that cost, we will just return it — not exchange it.

Nonetheless, the handcrafted American West line had 12 sellouts last week, including the Today’s Top Value. We wonder how many are going back to ShopNBC, like ours.

“Each American West handbag embodies the story and spirit of the artisan who created it, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind,” ShopNBC said in its press release Thursday. “The distinctive style and eye-catching details of the collection resonated strongly with ShopNBC viewers.”

Too bad those artisans couldn’t get the hardware on our purse right.

The American West Handbag shows racked up 12 sellouts including the Prairie Rose Cow Hide and Leather Tote, the Roses are Red Stud Detail Leather Tote, and the Peek-a-Boo Tooled Leather Shoulder Bag, to mention a few. Additional top sellers included the Santa Fe Spirit Cow Hide Wallet and the Boot Scoot Boogie Stud Detail Leather Tote.

“We are thrilled with the customer response to our debut on ShopNBC,” said Louise de Kok, Designer & Owner of American West Handbags, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. “It has been very inspiring to work with such great talent at ShopNBC and the team of professionals who put on a great show, as we witnessed an overwhelming reception to our brand. We look forward to the next airing and showcasing more premium Western handbags and accessories.”

This was ShopNBC president Bob Ayd’s canned comment:

We are delighted about the successful launch of American West Handbags on our network. The American West brand is truly a unique find in the national landscape of designer handbags. Through a joint effort and great attention to detail, we were able to successfully showcase their story and unique heritage across our multi-channel platform. This is the beginning of a great partnership with more exciting offers from American West to
come.”

NBCU ‘Symphony’? ShopNBC Now Has Ads For The Movie ‘Bridesmaids’ On Its Site

So is this corporate synergy? All of a sudden a banner ad for the movie “Bridesmaids” has popped on the home page for ShopNBC’s website.

The movie is from Universal Studios, which we understand is now part of Comcast’s fiefdom with its purchase of NBC Universal.

And as part of that deal, Comcast inherited NBCU’s stake in ShopNBC.

ShopNBC had a licensing deal with NBCU to use the old Peacock Network’s name as part of the home shopping network’s handle.

There have been stories this week about NBCU CEO Steve Burke demanding that all the NBCU units work in harmony like a symphony, rather than synergy, so maybe Comcast has demanded that it get to promote Universal’s films on ShopNBC’s site.

QVC Posts 3 Percent Revenue Gain In First Quarter, Takes $24 Million Hit In Japan From Quake

QVC posted good first-quarter results, with its revenue rising 3 percent to $1.2 billion, the home shopping network’s parent Liberty Media reported Friday. But the company took a hit in its Japanese network because of the earthquake and tsunami.

In the United States, sales of electronics, beauty and accessories increased while jewelry sales declined.

The average selling price for QVC items in the first quarter increased 7 percent from $51.16 to $54.83, while total units sold decreased 3 percent to 24 million. Returns as a percent of gross product revenue decreased from 18.6 percent to 18.2 percent for the quarter.

QVC.com sales as a percentage of U.S. sales grew from 32 percent in the the year-ago period to 36 percent in the first quarter.

Adjusted OIBDA was relatively flat, negatively impacted by $10 million for the quarter due to the change in terms of QVC’s arrangement with GE Money Bank for its QCard that was effective in August 2010 as previously disclosed.

Excluding the negative impact of this arrangement, U.S. adjusted OIBDA increased 3 percent for the first quarter. The U.S. adjusted OIBDA margin decreased 77 basis points to 21.8 percent for the quarter primarily due to the previously disclosed change in our QCard arrangement and a decrease in initial margins due to growth in electronics.

QVC’s consolidated revenue, which includes its international channels, increased 4 percent in the first quarter to $1.8 billion and adjusted OIBDA decreased less than 1 percent to $363 million.

Here is QVC president and CEO Mike George’s canned statement:

QVC drove solid revenue growth of 4 percent against a challenging prior year comparison. While our consolidated adjusted OIBDA declined slightly from the prior year, this was driven by three extraordinary events: our Italy start-up, the change in our QCard program with GE Money Bank and the impact of the tragedies in Japan.

In the U.S., our 3 percent revenue growth in the first quarter contributed to a 14 percent two-year growth rate, placing us among the faster-growing large retailers in the U.S.

Exceptional revenue growth from new customers and eCommerce, inclusive of mobile, in the U.S., Germany and the UK, are the leading factors in this quarter’s performance. We are committed to creating highly immersive shopping experiences with differentiated products, engaging personalities, high levels of community involvement and simultaneous engagement over multiple platforms – an experience that cannot be replicated by either store based or Internet retailers.

A perfect example of this was March’s Red Carpet event celebrating the Oscars, where we engaged our customer over multiple platforms through the creation of behind the scenes video blogs, contests on Facebook and QVC.com and live streaming tweets.”

The March 11 earthquake and related disasters in Japan put QVC Japan off-the-air for 12 days. The distribution center suffered moderate damage. QVC maintains insurance coverage for property damage and certain business interruption circumstances, subject to roughly $12 million deductible.

QVC has not yet determined the complete financial impact of the property damage, the impact to its future operations or the value, if any, of a related insurance claim. Due to the nature of the events that caused QVC Japan to suspend its operations for a time in March, QVC estimates that about $24 million in revenue was lost based on prior-year revenue during the same period.

Since QVC Japan has resumed its broadcast, sales have been running about 10 percent below prior year sales, due to the disruption in the country.

“We cannot determine at this time when QVC Japan will return to sales levels we were experiencing before the earthquake and related disasters in Japan,” QVC said. “Additionally, management enacted a temporary employee pay policy to continue to pay employees during the off-air period, effectively causing QVC Japan’s variable labor costs to be fixed for a period of time. These events described above negatively impacted QVC Japan’s and QVC’s consolidated adjusted OIBDA margin.”

Despite the Japan tragedy, QVC’s international revenue increased 7 percent in the first quarter to $643 million including the impact of unfavorable exchange rates in Germany and Italy and favorable exchange rates in the UK and Japan. International adjusted OIBDA decreased 2% to $103 million for the quarter.

QVC Japan’s revenue and adjusted OIBDA decreased 9 percent and 19 percent, respectively, in local currency for the quarter due to the suspension of operations related to the earthquake and related disasters. In addition, the results were impacted by QVC’s decision to pay all employees during the off-air period and the negative leverage impact of QVC’s fixed fee broadcasting distribution arrangements. QVC Japan also contributed close to $2 million to local charitable restoration efforts.

Quitter ‘Apprentice’ Alum Michelle Sorro Is Now Part Of The HSN Family, As a Host

HSN has a spanking new host, Michelle Sorro, who is an alum of Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice.”

Since we haven’t watched “The Apprentice” in years, we never saw her on The Donald’s series.

But the blurb about her on HSN’s website cites a quote from great wit Oscar Wilde, which says, “Be yourself: Everybody is already taken.”

The burb says:

While the Oscar Wilde quote above is a favorite of Michelle Sorro, the Los Angeles native is well-known for a short quote of her own. “I quit.” That’s what she told Donald Trump on The Apprentice. “Best decision I ever made.” It’s a decision that eventually brought her to HSN, where she thinks she has the best job in the world.

Wilde is the author of one of our favorite quotes: “I can resist anything but temptation.”

The HSN web site also describes Sorro as a published author and vegan.

Tween Soprano Jackie Evancho To Appear On QVC Today and Wednesday With Debut Album

OK, we know we’re getting old. We don’t know who “soprano prodigy” Jackie Evancho is.

But she is coming to QVC with her first full-length album, and will be performing.

Top-selling debut artist of 2010 Evancho is scheduled to appear on QVC Tuesday at noon and 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 a.m. to debut “Dream With Me.”

During the QVC broadcasts, the 11-year-old sensation is scheduled to perform a selection of songs from her new classical crossover album,which has been listed as one of the most highly anticipated new releases of 2011, according to QVC’s press release.

“Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase ‘Dream With Me,’ which has been specially packaged with a bonus DVD featuring rare footage from recording sessions and testimonials from Producer David Foster, more than a month before the street date,” QVC said.

“Jackie visited QVC last November to perform songs from her popular seasonal album ‘O Holy Night,’ which went on to sell more than 59,000 copies,” John Kelly, QVC’s vice president of merchandising, said in a canned statement. “We are thrilled to welcome her back and I am confident she will capture the hearts of our customers once again.”

Less than a year after the release of ‘O Holy Night,’ Evancho is popping with “Dream With Me.”

She and Foster collaborated on a range of songs from classical arias and pop classics to Oscar-winning show tunes, creating an extraordinary compilation. The CD contains 14 tracks including two duets featuring music legend Barbra Streisand and international phenomenon Susan Boyle.

We Don’t Know Nuthin’ From Country Music, But Randy Travis Will Perform And Launch His New CD On HSN May 27

Country artist (is that a contradiction in terms?) Randy Travis will celebrate 25 years of “chart-topping hits,” HSN told us Wednesday, with the exclusive world launch of his latest CD May 27.

The country music icon will perform live on HSN a special one-hour primetime show at 9 p.m. as part of HSN’s first-ever 24-hour Americana Event featuring unique American-themed experiences, brands and products.

“Offering our customers a shopping experience that is both entertaining and relevant is at the core of what we do,” Sandy Conrad, HSN’s senior vice president of merchandising, said in a canned statement. “We’re excited to have Randy Travis kick off Memorial Day weekend and be a part of HSN’s first-ever Americana event.”

HSN junkies can be the first to order a special 2-disc bundle ($14.95) that includes Randy’s new “Anniversary Celebration” release and his best-selling Top 10 greatest-hits CD.

“Anniversary Celebration” includes new songs and remakes such as “Forever and Ever Amen,” featuring the Zac Brown Band; “He Walked On Water,” in partnership with Kenny Chesney; “Can’t Hurt A Man,” featuring Tim McGraw; and “Is it Still Over?,” accompanied by Carrie Underwood.

Canned bio:

Randy Travis is one the most recognizable voices in music with more than 20 million records sold and eighteen No. 1 singles. Other acclaimed artists joining Travis on his first-ever duets CD include Brad Paisley, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, George Jones, Jamey Johnson, Alan Jackson, Don Henley and Kristin Chenoweth.

The special CD bundle will be available at HSN, hsn.com and via HSN Mobile for $14.95. Travis fans can go to www.hsn.com, keyword: Randy Travis, beginning Friday to purchase the CD set, and even send well wishes to Randy for his May 27 HSN debut.

In addition to this special anniversary CD bundle, HSN will also offer an exclusive, limited-edition, Gibson Epiphone guitar with a commemorative 25th anniversary, hand-signed Randy Travis plaque…”a perfect gift for Father’s Day,” according to HSN.

Not for our dad. He got thrown out of the Grand Ol’ Opry when he was down South in the service. We think he was heckling a “country artist” after one too many cocktails.

Anyway, Travis fans can get a taste for what life is like on tour with Randy and his band with “Cooking Memories On the Road,” a cookbook written by Randy and Elizabeth Travis. The book will be available on hsn.com and feature tidbits and personal photos from Travis’ numerous tours, as well as more than 100 recipes the country star gathered during his travels.

Call Us Crazy, But If ShopNBC’s Sales Jumped 15 Percent, How Come Losses More Than Doubled?

ValueVision Media, aka ShopNBC, posted a whopping 15 percent increases in its first-quarter net sales, to $143.5 million from $125 million, the home shopping network reported Wednesday.

That’s the good news. The bad news was that unless our eyes are deceiving us, ShopNBC’s net loss in the quarter was $28.9 million, more than double the loss in the year-ago period. But the operating loss was only $630,000, versus $9.1 million a year ago.

ShopNBC also reported that: Adjusted EBITDA increased by $7.4 million to $3.1 million; gross margin rose to 37.2 percent versus 36.6 percent in the year-ago quarter; and Internet-sales penetration increased to 44.9 percent.

“ValueVision started fiscal 2011 with another quarter of solid progress across our multichannel business, led by strong sales and margin growth and our third consecutive quarter of positive adjusted EBITDA,” ShopNBC CEO Keith Stewart said in a canned statement. “In addition to strong merchandising and operational execution, we also strengthened our capital structure and enhanced our financial flexibility through the early redemption of our 12 percent preferred stock with proceeds from the sale of 9.5 million common shares.”

Apparently not knowing when to stop when he’s ahead, Stewart added, “We also continued to build our talent pool across key areas of the company, adding four proven interactive retail veterans to our team. Annette Repasch, a multichannel retailing executive of 25 years, joined us to oversee merchandising strategy and product development for Jewelry & Watches, Health & Beauty, and Fashion & Accessories. We also added three industry veteran
strategic advisors to focus on major IT, process engineering, merchandising and customer service initiatives. The ShopNBC team is key to our future, and we are executing on an exciting road map to drive improved performance.

“Plans for the remainder of this year are centered around an impressive line-up of new product, top brands, and compelling
promotions to drive new and active customer growth. We will also be focused on further increasing our Internet sales penetration toward 50 percent as well as refinancing our long-term debt with lower interest rates.”

The first-quarter net sales reflected strong performances across the Jewelry & Watches and Home & Electronics categories, in addition to solid momentum in the Health & Beauty segment. Fashion &

Accessories is still early in its repositioning, though it achieved some well-received first-quarter brand launches, according to ShopNBC.

Strong customer response to higher-priced items, including big-screen TVs, mattresses and certain jewelry offerings contributed to a slight uptick in average selling price in the quarter, as well as a more modest increase in units shipped and an expected increase in return rates.

ShopNBC president Bob Ayd chimed in.

“Q1 saw a continuation of the trends that drove strong Q4 results and provide our business with a more balanced and resilient platform,” he said. “In addition, we had more merchandise variety across key product categories and saw benefits from several national brand introductions, including Simmons mattresses, Sur La Table kitchenware, and Anne Klein fashion accessories. This ever-expanding array of quality products and unique offers helped drive customer activity and sales gains in Q1.”

Yada, yada…

“Looking ahead in 2011, we can’t help but be optimistic. We have a more established and robust business, strong senior leadership, a growing base of popular products and brands, a healthy balance sheet, and a growing track record of success. All of these factors are proving beneficial in our efforts to both delight our customers as well as to attract exciting new vendors and product exclusives.”

Is That Really HSN Jean Queen Diane Gilman?

We got a flyer from HSN about jean queen Diane Gilman’s upcoming 17th anniversary on the home shopping network, and we had to study it to figure out it was really her on the cover.

The photo of Gilman, an ex-hippy chick, is so airbrushed and touched up that she is almost unrecognizable. Why all the fixing? She’s a good-looking woman. Do you have to knock out every little wrinkle on her face?

HSN is using the same photo of Gilman, where she is wearing a paisley top and a costume turquoise necklace (undoubtedly from her line) on its website, if you want to see it for yourself.

Shame on you HSN — especialy when Gilman is always celebrating the cause of women of a certain age!

QVC Host Rick Domeier Collects A Big Residual Check For 1980′s ‘St. Elsewhere’ Gig

Hunky QVC host Rick Domeier had a good one on Facebook this week.

He posted a photo of a check for 51 cents, which kind of reminds us of our current paycheck.

“Did an episode of ‘St. Elsewhere’ back in the eighties, and just received this ‘massive’ residual check,” Domeier posted. “Friday night Happy Hour, I’m buyin’, who wants to Party?”

The comments were just as priceless:

“Rick, You should invest Most of it in college for your children and keep enough to take the family out for a nice dinner.”

“Thank goodness you are buying!! hahahahaha don’t spend it all in one place..”

“Move back to LA! There’s a bar called ‘Residuals’ where they buy you a drink for any r-check under $1. SCORE! “

“LMAO the check costs more to make cheers”

“I loved that show!”

“Awesome, Rick — you can barely buy a first-class postage stamp with it, but you can party anyhow!”

“Would love to see that footage, Rick!”

“Can you spare a dime WOW!”

“Hey, I’m afraid I can beat it..how depressing!”

“A check for .25 came from an old Magnum PI I did in the early 80′s.”

Celebrity Chef And HSN Pot Peddler Todd English Skewered By New York Post Again

The New York Post will not let celebrity chef/HSN pot peddler Todd English alone. And we’re more than happy to share the dish, so to speak.

The Post’s gossip column, Page Six, lead off one day last week with an item that said that some of English’s “Boston brethren think the celebrity chef is full of stale air.”

The headline was “Chefs say Todd’s out to lunch.”

Beleaguered chef Todd English

As it turns out, Boston magazine has done some very unflattering stories about English, with jabs such as he has turned into a “tourist-feeding hack” and is just “half the chef he used to be.”

Needless to say thems’ fightin’ words. So English apparently circulated a letter in his own defense, and tried to get his colleagues in the cooking world to sign it. He didn’t have much luck.

According to Page Six, Boston magazine has been brutal to English, who is best known in New York circles for leaving his bride-to-be at the altar. He later took her to court for hitting him in the head with his own watch.

The magazine skewered English for appearing in Michelob ads, hosting the Miss Universe Pageant in Las Vegas and being caught chasing skirts in the Big Apple.

“You claim you got clocked in the eye by a wristwatch-wielding fiancée,” the magazine wrote, charging that English was making a “laughingstock” of himself, according to Page Six.

Elegant Designer Victor Costa Coasts From QVC To ShopNBC

There’s been a big defection from QVC to ShopNBC: Designer Victor Costa has jumped ship.

We found this in our e-mail today from the No. 3 home shopping network.

Victor Costa jumps from QVC to ShopNBC

“We are excited to announce the premiere of VICTOR by Victor Costa on ShopNBC! Victor will be debuting an entirely new line of fashion separates for women on May 24 beginning at 10am ET,” it said.

And here is the boilerplate on Costa:

Victor is known for his remarkable interpretations of runway couture. As one of the world’s most iconic fashion designers, he has won acclaim for the exquisite detailing and feminine silhouettes he creates.

We always loved Costa’s clothes on QVC. They were very dressy, very classy and very inexpensive. And from ShopNBC sent us, it looks like he will be doing that same kind of fine work for ShopNBC.

Good luck to you Victor.

HSN Terminates $1.3 Million Merchandising Chief Lynne Ronon, But It’s ‘Mutual’

Those sly pusses at HSN. They waited until after 5 p.m. today to announce that they have parted ways with Lynne Ronon, the network’s executive vice president of merchandising.

HSN filed an 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission Wednesday that disclosed the news.

“Efective May 18, 2011, Barbara Lynne Ronon and HSN, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the ‘Company’), mutually agreed to end Ms. Ronon’s employment with the Company,” it said. “The Company and Ms. Ronon have agreed to treat this as a termination without ‘Cause’ under the Company’s Named Executive Officer and Executive Vice President Severance Plan which was previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.”

Last year Ronon received $1.3 million in compensation from HSN. We assume she banked at least someo of that for a rainy day.

It looks like another big move by HSN CEO Mindy Grossman, the Terminator.

We’ll Skip The Brazilian Bikini Wax, And Watch ‘Destination Brazil’ On HSN Instead

HSN is trying another interesting programming ploy Friday, by dedicating the day to Brazil and its products.

We don’t know much from Brazil, other than it’s the origin of a particularly painful bikini wax.

“Bring home the spirit, culture & colors of Brazil with sizzling savings and hot, hot, hot new arrivals,” HSN said on its website.

“Destination Brazil” will include shows featuring Carlos Falchi, Jay King, Victoria Wieck and Rarities, among other vendors. Since Brazil is a rich source of gemstones, we’re looking forward to the jeweley HNS will be offering during the event. Brazil in known for its deep purple amethyst, for example.

In the cases of Rarities, we have designer Graziela Kaufman doing pieces for Carole Brodie’s jewelry line.

Here’s what Brodie wrote on her HSN blog:

I am beyond excited to showcase a magnificent fine jewelry collaboration for Rarities – it is a spectacular celebration of the natural gems and sophisticated styles of Brazil. As part of the Destination Brazil event, this colorful collection features 18 unique styles curated by me and designed by my very dear friend and colleague, Graziela Saade Kaufman. Graziela was born and raised in Brazil – a country where gems and jewelry are an iconic symbol of the culture. Brazilian women love their jewelry and wear it every day, everywhere… with remarkable ease, elegance and panache.

We have a similar design aesthetic (we both love big important jewelry)! Via trips back and forth to New York, Brazil and Chicago (where Graziela lives with her beautiful family) we finally decided on 18 designs that truly sum up the colors of Brazil. Once completed, we realized that our love of for each of these jewels represents more than jewelry… each magnificent piece is symbolic of our friendship.

QVC Parent Liberty Media Bids $1 Billion for Barnes & Noble

We are still having problems posting, so sorry we are late on this.

Cable cowboy John Malone often surprises Wall Street, and us, and yesterday’s news that his Liberty Media was making an offer to buy beleaguered Barnes & Noble was no exception. Liberty Media, of course, is the parent of QVC.

With the advent of e-readers, brick-and-mortar book retailers such as Barnes & Noble are in trouble. And the head of the book seller, Len Riggio, put the company on the block.

Is there synergy with QVC?

The home shopping network has the infrastrucure in place to distribute print books all over the county, like Amazon.com.

And this deal would guarantee QVC host Rick Domeier continued distribution of his inspiractional book, “Can I Have a Do-Over?”

Cable dude John Malone

Here’s last night’s press release.

Liberty Media Announces Proposal to Acquire Barnes & Noble
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., May 19, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) –

Liberty Media Corporation (Nasdaq: LCAPA, LCAPB, LINTA, LINTB, LSTZA, LSTZB) announced today that it has made a proposal to acquire Barnes & Noble Inc. for $17 per share in cash. Barnes & Noble is the established leader in bookselling and is at the forefront of the transition to digital, with a management team that has demonstrated expertise in operations and positioned the company for growth in a dynamic marketplace.

Liberty’s proposal, which contemplates that the acquisition will be structured as a merger, is subject to various conditions, including satisfactory financing and the participation of founding chairman Leonard Riggio, both in terms of his continuing equity ownership and his continuing role in management. Liberty’s equity ownership, which would be attributed to the Liberty Capital group, is expected to be approximately 70% of Barnes & Noble. Liberty expects that its cash contribution toward the purchase price, depending on the amount of financing that can be obtained, will be in the range of $500 million.

As previously announced, Liberty plans to split-off the businesses, assets and liabilities currently attributed to the Liberty Capital and Liberty Starz tracking stock groups.

Jersey Girl Queen Latifah Will Launch Her Own Line On HSN In August

HSN host Colleen Lopez tipped us off again: Jersey Girl Queen Latifah is coming to HSN!

Here is Colleen’s post on Facebook, but the news was in an HSN press release today.

We have exciting news: The Queen is coming to HSN (and we’re not talking about William and Harry’s grandmother!). The fabulous Queen Latifah will launch her new ‘Queen’ collection in August featuring apparel, accessories and more….All Hail the Queen!”

Here’s what Latifah told Women’s Wear Daily about her line including “plus” sizes.

“It is a word we need to bury at this point … I wanted to make something size two and up,” she told WWD. “The truth is, we all would like to wear the same clothes. We all want to wear beautiful, fly clothes no matter what size you are, and so for me it was important to match with a company that understood and respected that ideal.”

We weren’t invited to the preview event that was apparently held today.

Queen Latifah reigns on HSN

Here’s the press release:
Award-Winning Musical Artist & Actress Queen Latifah Launches Exclusive New Lifestyle Brand on HSN
– Queen Collection To Debut on HSN August 27 –

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Queen Latifah, winner of Grammy, Golden Globe and SAG awards, has partnered with leading multichannel retailer HSN for the exclusive launch of the Queen Collection, her first-ever lifestyle brand. On August 27, Latifah will debut a unique collection of apparel, handbags and outerwear, and will introduce a hair extension line in September. The premiere will feature designs inspired by her personal style and design aesthetic.

Queen Latifah is an inspiration to women everywhere based on her unbridled success in music, television and film. Conscientious of her stature as a role model and fashion icon, Latifah created her new collection to inspire women to find their own personal style. The Queen Collection offers women fashionable wardrobe-building pieces of apparel and accessories at accessible prices.

“I wanted my collection to reflect my personal style while giving women the tools to build a wardrobe they can feel good in,” said Queen Latifah. “I partnered with HSN because it’s the ideal platform to share my story and the stories of women who inspired me. I hope to instill confidence in hundreds of thousands of women across the country.”

“To truly capture the diverse aspects of this remarkable artist, we focused on creating a comprehensive lifestyle brand that encompasses apparel, accessories and beauty,” said Mindy Grossman, CEO of HSN, Inc. “Queen Latifah’s appeal is universal, and her ability to entertain, enlighten and empower women is sure to resonate with our customers.”

A shot from the HSN preview for the Queen that we weren't invited to.

HSN and Queen Latifah have collaborated to create designs that compliment a variety of body types. Inspired by silhouettes that have been adapted from Latifah’s personal wardrobe and fused with her background in the equestrian world, the Queen Collection features sleek riding pants, slouchy blazers, ruffled blouses, fringe ombre scarves and a suede moto jacket.

The Queen Collection apparel and outerwear lines are grounded with easy-to-wear basics, casual sweaters, great fitting jeans, leggings and tees. Priced under $100, the apparel line focuses on layering pieces such as jackets and coats. The line’s handbags and outerwear styles are all constructed in genuine leathers and suede and are priced between $170 and $300. These designs feature studded details, zippers and moto silhouettes.

Following her first on-air appearance on August 27, Latifah will return to HSN in September to debut a custom line of Natural Wavy Clip-On hair extensions. Women everywhere will have access to high quality, 100% Remy Indian hair extensions at accessible prices. Available in a range of colors, including black, shades of brown, auburn and shades of blonde, the Queen hair extension collection starts at just over $100.

“HSN and I have worked closely together to create a high quality hair product for women who are interested in reinventing their look,” continued Latifah. “Since my brand philosophy is about instilling confidence in women everywhere, I want to help them transform their look from head to toe.”

Queen Latifah is currently scheduled to appear on HSN starting on Saturday, August 27 at 12:01 a.m. (EDT). More information on the upcoming launch of the Queen collection can be found at hsn.com.

HSN Has Queen Latifah, QVC Has Barry Manilow For His ’15 Minutes’ Of Fame

Barry is back, and QVC has him.

Crooner Barry Manilow will appear on QVC Thursday at 8 p.m. to unveil “15 Minutes” – his first original album in 10 years.

For this “QVC Presents QSessions Live” broadcast, the Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Award-winning artist, as QVC describes him, will perform a selection of songs from his new album while giving viewers insight into the inspiration behind the collection.

Manilow’s aficionados will be able to purchase “15 Minues”more than two weeks before it drops. Just for QVC, “15 Minutes has been packaged with a bonus CD of four previously unreleased tracks.

Barry Manilow will premiere his new CD on QVC Thursday

“I am thrilled to share my music with QVC shoppers once again,” Manilow said in a canned statenment. “’15 Minutes’ is the result of a project that took more than two years to create and one that is very close to my heart.”

After recording six albums of songs written by other songwriters, “15 Minutes”I is a collection of 16 original tracks written by Manilow and lyricist Enoch Anderson.

QVC says:

The new album explores the perils and pinnacles of fame’s double-edged sword and was inspired by Andy Warhol’s quote: “In the future, everybody will be world famous for 15 minutes.” Making a guest appearance on ’15 Minutes’ is young Nataly Dawn, lead singer of the white-hot group “Pomplamoose.” Her rendition of “Letter From A Fan” is both innocent and eerie.

Manilow is no stranger to QVC. His 2006 QVC appearance marked the highest single-day sales by a musical artist in QVC history, and he also continues to hold the record as the highest single-hour music sales event in QVC’s 24 years.

’15 Minutes,’ with bonus CD, will be available starting Thursday at QVC.

QVC Designer George Simonton Gets A Makeover

We got home from a very long day Wednesday, turned on QVC and saw a designer we didn’t recognize.

It was George Simonton, with a total makeover. He is a sweetheart, but we’ve criticized his hair and attire in the past. He looked about 20 years younger today. He dyed his hair dark, grew a beard and got a hip hairdo.

The only thing we don’t like about his new look are his glasses, which have very heavy, dark frames.

Otherwise, looking good, George!

Ex-QVC Host Patti Reilly Is Ready To Hit The Road To ‘Califreakinfornia’

It sounds like ex-QVC host Patti Reilly a ready to hit the road and head out to the Left Coast.

“The movers got here at 9:30 this morning & they’re almost done,” Reilly posted on Facebook. “Omgosh, this was A LOT of work! I’m exhausted, but so relieved. Looking like a good night’s sleep tonight. Bye-bye Pennsylvania house!!!”

For her Facebook photo, Reilly is wearing a hot pink T-shirt that says “Califreakinfornia.” We likey.

On May 8 Reilly wrote on habout coming back from LA and finding a place to rent.

“So the house is quiet,” she blogged, “It’s 1:44am and I’m not even close to being tired. I think I’m still wired from the quick trip and loooong flight that I may have to do pilates for a while to wear me out. I’m relieved to say that I did end up finding a house to rent!!! It’s located in the San Fernando Valley area (colloquially known as “The Valley”) which is roughly 20 minutes northeast of the city yet close enough that I won’t have to worry myself sick about sitting on the 405 for hours… hopefully. I’m just happy that I found a nice house with a yard in a quiet area- I can now check that off the list:)”

Reilly, like Oprah Winfrey, is also a big believer in “The Secret,” according to her blog. And we actually believe this crap, too, despite the fact that one of its authors is the crackpot responsible for several people dying in a sweat lodge in our beloved Arizona..

“And like the Law of Attraction says: if you focus on lack, you’ll be in a place of lack,” Reilly blogged. “If you focus on abundance, you will draw it to you. I found it easier to envision success than I did the family/relationship stuff. Posting affirmations on the mirror or in a notebook to remind myself that life is what I make it just seemed like the best way of thinking.

Even today I have to remind myself to shift my thoughts- especially now when I’m making all of these changes. Each day I pack another box, or make another list, I have to battle fleeting thoughts of doubt. But when I come across thoughtful notes and beautiful pictures and remember that this one life is just stretching itself out in front of me, I know that I’m doing the right thing.

There are no smooth mountains. The transition from this life to my new life waiting for me across the country won’t be all rainbows & sunshine, but it will be something that forever changes me. A friend told me once: ‘Where we have been is who we are now.’ Isn’t that the truth!!!”

Duh, yeah.

Singer Mary J. Blige Walks Off With FiFi For Her HSN Perfume

Singer Mary J. Blige walked off with the equivalent of the Oscar for fragrances, a FiFi Award, this week for the fragrance she launched on HSN.

Blige’s My Life perfume, which came from the Carol’s Daughter company, was honored with Breakthrough Fragrance Sales of the Year and Fragrance of the Year awards. The awards recognized the unique, pioneering approach Carol’s Daughter and HSN adopted for the launch of the scent.

HSN sold 100,000 bottles of singer Mary J. Blige's My Life fragrance, which won a FiFi Award this week

“My Life debuted exclusively on HSN across multiple platforms, inspiring consumers to buy the fragrance based on their connection to Mary’s story without ever smelling the scent,” HSN said in a press release Thursday. “The strategy was an unprecedented success: Mary’s first-ever fragrance proved as resonant—and popular—as her music, selling over 100,000 bottles on HSN last year during two appearances (a combined 13 hours).”

More than 100,000 bottles — that’s not so shabby.

“Launching the fragrance on the platform of HSN gave Mary the opportunity to tell her story to millions of people at once,” Steve Stoute, chairman & Lead Investor of Carol’s Daughter, said in a canned statement. “She’s an artist that connects with her fans on a visceral level – it was imperative for her to connect directly with them. She doesn’t sell goods, she sells her understanding and love for women.”

A celebration of a journey that began with a dream, My Life is a harmonious translation of the musical notes in Mary’s life into fragrance notes—a scent as strong, passionate and confident as Mary’s lyrics. “In everything I do, I strive to be the best I can be and create something meaningful that connects me to my fans,” reveals Mary J. Blige. “It is such an honor to be recognized for this movement called My Life. It is more than a scent – it is a journey, a celebration … it is my life.”

“When Mary, Steve (Stoute) and I first decided to create this fragrance, we knew it had to be a scent that evoked all that Mary stands for—the struggle, the faith, and ultimately, the triumph,” Carol’s Daughter founder Lisa Price said in her canned statement. “It took us two years to finalize the fragrance — we all wanted it perfect. Receiving this award is an incredible affirmation that we delivered it and it resonated with discerning experts, too.”

Of of course, HSN CEO MIndy Grossman put her two cents in, too.

“We congratulate Mary, Lisa and Steve for receiving the fragrance industry’s recognition of the groundbreaking success of My Life — its distinct scent, Mary’s inspiring story, and the innovative business model for distribution,” Grossman said. “We will will continue to reinforce our role as a disruptive force in the retail industry and bring products to our customers via unique marketing strategies.”

Rock God Jay King Is Bringing A Sleeping Beauty, And Two Turquoise Mine Owners, To HSN

Rock god Jay King will be on HSN this weekend with the Today’s Special, in Sleeping Beauty turquoise, accompanied by two of his turquoise cronies.

Jay King rocks HSN this weekend with a Today's Special

Word is that King will be on HSN with Monte Nichols, the owner of the Sleeping Beauty Mine, and Marty Colbaugh. the owner of the Kingman Turquoise Mine.

All in all, King will on on the air 18 hours this weekend..

BTW, King is looking for more his his fans to like his company’s Facebook page, Desert Rose Trading. We “like” it, and often are made aware of big sales via Facebook.

Songwriter Diane Warren Heads To HSN Next Week

Songwriter Diane Warren is coming to HSN next week.

She will be on the home shopping network with to present “Due Voci: The Music of Diane Warren” on HSN during a live one-hour primetime special of her greatest hits on HSN on next Thursday at 11 p.m.

Throughout the evening, Warren, a songwriting machine who has written some of the most recognizable lyrics over the past 25 years, will share with viewers the inspiration behind her iconic songs.

Due Voci, the duo she developed with Grammy-winning producer Humberto Gatica will be performing her songs, with Kelly Levesque and Tyler Hamilton doing the vocals.

Warren has composed nearly 100 Top 10 hits, resulting in nominations for nine Grammy Awards, six Academy Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards. In addition to her recent 2011 Golden Globe winning song, “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me,” her remarkable career includes numerous hits, such as “Unbreak My Heart,” “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing,” “Because You Loved Me,” “If I Could Turn Back Time,” and “How Do I Live.”

“I have found the perfect voices in the pairing of Kelly and Tyler after searching for two years and I am delighted to share with HSN viewers the inspiration behind these deeply emotional songs,” Warren said in a canned statement..

Right now you can pre-order a special CD with three exclusive tracks available for HSN customers only at hsn.com and via HSN mobile for $11.95.

Jennifer Lopez, Fresh Off ‘American Idol,’ Is Coming to HSN July 2

Jennifer Lopez, who we enjoyed on “American Idol,” will be on HSN July 2 to debut her new perfume. That’s quite a catch for the No. 2 home shopping network.

HSN host Colleen Lopez — no relation to the diva — posted this on Facebook today.

“Can’t even tell you how excited we are about this!” Colleen wrote. “Jennifer Lopez is coming to HSN on July 2nd!! One of my all time favorite’s – Can’t wait to meet her and introduce her to all of you! PS – Be sure to enter HSN’s sweepstakes to win a trip for two to FL to meet Jennifer in person!”

HSN is running a Love and Light Sweepstakes that gives you a chance to meet Jennifer while she’s on HSN.

“Share with your friends, and get additional entries to increase your chance of winning! ENTER NOW: http://on.fb.me/meet-jennifer-lopez-hsn,” HSN said.

HSN Rock God Jay King’s ‘Unique’ Turquoise Ring Looks Like Paul Deasy’s ShopNBC Piece

We love HSN rock god Jay King, but we have a bone to pick about his Today’s Special. Exactly how unique is his turquoise ring?

Last King night kept stressing, as did host Lynn Murphy, that the $70 Sleeping Beauty turquoise ring was “an exclusive” and “a once in a lifetime opportunity.” The ring is turquoise with a gold-looking matrix, and the website description says that it is “stabilized, compressed Sleeping Beauty turquoise infused with bronze matrix.”

Jay King's HSN TS reminds us of Paul Deasy's ShopNBC turquoise ring'

King said a new process has been used to make this turquoise, and again stressed. “This is truly an exclusive.”

Murphy added, “You will never see anything remotely like this.”

Well, we have.

We recently ordered a turquoise ring from Paul Deasy, who is a QVC and HSN alum, on ShopNBC. It has a goldish matrix that looks very much like HSN’s TS. The ShopNBC ring, J400174, was more expensive, at $150, and it is described as “rectangular blue block turquoise.”

We sent it back, because we don’t like “block” turquoise, which is bits of turquoise compressed together.

Now Deasy’s ShopNBC ring may not have been Sleeping Beauty turquoise, it’s true, But it looks very much like King’s ring, with that bronze-gold matrix. And the ShopNBC ring was prettier than King’s.

So exactly how “absolutely one of a kind” is the TS? We don’t know if the Deasy ring was done by the exact same process that King used, but they sure look alike.

Technically, any turquoise ring is one of a kind, because no two pieces of turquoise are the same, we suppose.

Check out the ShopNBC ring for yourself, and you decide how similar the turquoise is to King’s TS.

Ta-Da: HSN Rolls Out HSN Arcade, A Gaming Portal

HSN is playing games with us.

Wednesday it launched what it called a “new platform (that) will allow people to play their favorite games online while simultaneously watching HSN streaming live in HD, viewing the item currently on-air and quickly shopping the last 15 items aired…all on one screen. In addition, HSN Arcade will integrate with Facebook to allow players to easily share their scores and achievements with their Facebook friends.”

Got that?

HSN Arcade is an e-commerce channel that uses “gamification” — a new word on us– by connecting unique products with gameplay, including the Today’s Special.

Players can apparently win prizes, including the Today’s Special product or a gift card, by being the fastest to complete the daily “Today’s Special Jigsaw Puzzle” and receiving the best score. People will also be able to participate in tournaments with HSN’s celebrity guests, hosts and other players for the opportunity to win other prizes, such as gift cards and products. Winners can be revealed in real time on TV, online and mobile.

“The launch of HSN Arcade is a strategic move to further differentiate the HSN shopping experience…by combining what people currently do online more than any other activities: shopping, gaming and sharing,” Jill Braff, HSN’s executive vice president of digital commerce, said in a canned statement. “We are also excited to be using Facebook integration to allow players to post their achievements and their favorite HSN products seamlessly to their Facebook wall. Other sites have game arenas, but only HSN marries content and commerce in such an innovative way.”

The combination of shopping, social and gaming taps into customer behavior, HSN said in a press release Tuesday.

According to a Newzoo (say what?) survey, currently more than 140 million people play casual games online, which represents 66 percent of the U.S. online population.

“The addition of this platform to HSN’s highly trafficked site and loyal customer base will extend HSN.com as an online destination ” — or so the No. 2 home shopping network hopes. .

HSN Arcade will host 25 games, including the Today’s Special Jigsaw Puzzle and Lights! Camera! Subtraction! (featuring HSN’s celebrities), as well as Crossword Puzzles, Word Search, Mahjongg, Sudoku, Treasure Hunt, Blackjack and more. The games are free to play. The experience will be further enhanced with the ability to share games, leaderboard rankings, badges and scores with friends using Facebook integration.

HSN partnered with entertainment agency WME to help frame the gaming opportunity with external vendors and serve in a strategic role in evaluating proposals. Arkadium, a leading provider of game solutions, was selected to develop HSN Arcade. Additional games will be created and launched based on feedback and demand from people.

HSN Vendor And Chef Todd English Is Like Homemade Bread, Tasty And Hot, In Times’ Photo

We’re behind on our blogging, as usual, so we just around to doing this item for all you fans of celebrity chef Todd English, the womanizing seller of poltically correct pots on HSN.

The New York Times a week ago ran a profile of English, which included some hunky photos of him lifting weights. The story, headlined “The Chef in Motion,” also cited the many times that The New York Post has skewered English, ever since he allegedly left his bride at the alter and, most recently, when Boston magazine attacked the restaurateur.

The Times said that English is the owner or consultant for 23 restaurants and two cruise ships. He has opened many successful eateries, and had a lot of flops, as well.

The profile’s jump has a timeline of English’s many ventures, and some choice quotes regarding, and from, English.

Chef Jasper White said, “There’s something about Todd that people take as arrogant, for some reason. Is it his look? But he’s not arrogant. He’s a down-to-earth sweet man.”

And The Times quoted English as saying, “Unfortunately, when things go wrong I’m the guy who takes the brunt of it…Look, it’s uncalled for. If I were molesting babies, I get it. But I’m not. I’m a guy with a dream trying to make it all happen.”

Since our WordPress is apparently screwed up forever, here is a link to the story.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/01/dining/todd-english-the-chef-in-motion.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

ShopNBC Appoints QVC Veteran Nathan Martin Vice President Of Fulfillment

ShopNBC Monday named Nathan Martin, a logistics veteran of 17 years, vice president of fulfillment.

Martin joins ShopNBC with nearly two decades of manufacturing and distribution experience. Most recently, he served as assistant general manager at United Stationers Supply Co. Previously, he held management positions at Cost Plus, QVC and Verbatim Memory Corp.

“Nathan is a logistics and direct-to-consumer fulfillment veteranwith a proven track record of increasing profitability, improving service levels, and decreasing costs,” Mike Murray, ShopNBC’s senior vice president of operations, said in a canned statement. “Nathan will lead ShopNBC’s fulfillment team in expanding the company’s capacity and effectiveness while optimizing the overall distribution processes. We look forward to his contributions as he oversees all aspects of our state-of-the-art Bowling Green distribution center.”

In accordance with the NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5635, Martin is being granted inducement stock options as of his first day of employment with ShopNBC, covering the right to purchase 50,000 shares of the company’s common stock. The options will have an exercise price equal to the closing price of the company’s common stock on the date of the grant.

Here’s Another Turquoise Piece, With Bronze Matrix, That’s Like HSN Rock God Jay King’s

Not to beat a dead horse, but we will.

HSN rock god Jay King had a turquoise ring with bronze matrix that he claimed was “unique” and one of a kind.

Jay King's take on bronzed turquoise

We pointed out that Paul Deasy on ShopNBC had a smilar ring, and now even HSN’s Himalayan Gems line has similar earrings.

Himalayan Gems' take on bronzed turquoise

We’re just sayin.

HSN Releases Details Of Jennifer Lopez’s July 2 Appearance To Hawk Her New Perfume

We’ve reported this already, but HSN put out the official press release Thursday about Jennifer Lopez debuting her new perfume on the home shopping network.

The festivities will be July 2, with the exclusive launch of Love & Light Fragrance.

Throughout the day, “Lopez will share with viewers personal stories about her inspiration behind building a global beauty brand, the development of her latest fragrance, her momentous career and her life,” the release said.

There is also a sweepstakes where HSN customers can get to meet her.

“HSN’s Love & Light sweepstakes offers fans the opportunity to win a private meet-and-greet with Jennifer Lopez at the HSN set on July 2,” the home shopping network said. “Sweepstakes entries will be accepted via HSN’s Facebook page and at hsn.com now through June 14.”

The prize package will also include:

Airfare for a winner and guest

Two nights at the historic Vinoy Renaissance Resort and Golf Club in St. Petersburg, FL

$500 spending cash

An assortment of Love & Light products from HSN, valued at $300

Five Second Prizes of a Coty fragrance valued at $50 each will also be awarded.

Hottie Mario Lopez To Debut His New Cookbook As QVC Broadcasts Live From Aspen’s Food & Wine Classic

QVC, and its kitchen meister David Venerable, will be doing a show from the Food & Festival in Aspen for the first time. But we’re much more interested in Mario Lopez, who left quite an impression on us with his stint on FX’s “Nip/Tuck.” He donned a bustier and heels in one episode.

Kicking off at noon on June 19, the special three-hour “In The Kitchen with David” broadcast is scheduled to feature a variety of culinary “must-haves” as well as special guests, including author and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich and “Extra!” host Lopez, who will be debuting his new cookbook “Extra Lean Family.”

FOOD & WINE Editor-in-Chief Dana Cowin is also scheduled to join the broadcast to offer the much-anticipated FOOD & WINE “Best of the Best” cookbook and bonus Cocktail Guide 2011, more than three months before it hits stores.

“I am so excited to be attending the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen,” Venable said in a canned statement. “I will be surrounded by all the culinary greats and I cannot wait to translate the tips, tricks, and techniques I learn back to the QVC customer.”

In addition to the “In The Kitchen with David” broadcast, QVC will have a significant presence at the Food & Wine Classic with an interactive “QVC Experience” tent.

Located at the entrance to the Grand Tasting Tents, the “QVC Experience” will feature a display of cooking and dining products that are available at the home shopping network; an Internet café for online shopping; a blind wine tasting challenge that will allow visitors to post photos and results of the tasting onto their favorite social media site with DELL tablets; an interactive kiosk showcasing QVC’s iPad app and “In the Kitchen with David” app for iPhones and much more.

“We are thrilled to launch the first ever In the Kitchen with David remote from one of the culinary industry’s most premier events,” John Kelly, QVC vice president of merchandising, said in his canned statement. “Not only does the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen give us the opportunity to introduce our brand to potential new shoppers, but it also allows us to bring our viewers inside this phenomenal festival.”

Jeanne Bice, The QVC Quacker Factory Queen, Lived A Plus-Sized Life And Made Us Believe

We were at a baby shower Sunday afternoon in South Jersey when BFF Ann called to tell us the news that QVC Quacker Factory queen Jeanne Bice had died of uterine cancer.

Ann had read Joanie-B’s post on our blog tipping us off to the sad news. Thanks for the info Joanie.

Bice, who would have celebrated her 72nd birthday July 20, passed away Friday. We had not been aware of it, but last month Bice announced she had cancer during one of her QVC appearances. She had been scheduled to appear on QVC today, Sunday, our kid sister Karen’s birthday.

Jeanne, we do believe

Bice was a jumbo-sized woman, and proud of it. She always wore a headband around her forehead, like Jane Fonda in the 70s, as if she was about to take an aerobics class.

Bice was the target of jabs by the media — this blog included — and show’s like E!’s “Talk Soup” because of her QVC clothes line and her army of rabid fans.

Her garments were typically strewn with sequins, or arrayed with scenes from Christmas or Halloween or Easter. We thought them often gaudy, but we often heard her fans — her “quackers” — like teachers call in and thank her for the clothes, which the kids they taught loved.

Bice was also resfreshingly frank about life. We remember her saying that on-air that she didn’t have a pot to piss in when her husband died. She built a clothing business Quacker Factory, and was always upbeat and inspirational.

She often told QVC viewers to “believe in miracles.” That struck a cord with us. We have little signs and rocks in our house that have the word written “believe” on them. Our ex, a college professor, mocked us about the “believe” affirmations. Cynics like him will always feel superior to the rest of the world — and be miserable themselves. He thought having faith was folly.

We’d rather stand with people like Jeanne, who also often said that she believed people have guardian angels. Again, so do we.

Jeanne was from Wisconsin, and we have a number of good friends in that freezing state. That was another strike in her favor.

QVC had a brief eulogy about Jeanne on its website.

“We are saddened by the news of Jeanne Bice’s passing,” wrote Doug Howe, QVC executive vice president merchandising, planning and sales. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. Since first appearing on QVC in 1995 Jeanne has been one of our most beloved personalities. Her passion and spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew her.”

Posters on Facebook and QVC.com have been speculating about the future of Quacker Factory without Jeanne. We are sure she has management in place that run the company, and the plus-sized model Angel Smedley often appeared on the air in her place. Angel, appropriately enough, could be the company’s news spokeswoman.

The QVC hosts voiced their sorrow about her passing.

“She was candid, she was hilarious, and she was always, always, Always kind and respectful to everyone at the Q,” host Rick Domeier wrote on Facebook. “With love to you and your family Jeanne…”

Host Lisa Robertson posted on Facebook, “I was just informed that Jeanne Bice has passed away.I am without words. I had no idea her condition was that serious. I can not express the loss that I feel. She was a ray of light in the world. I was her biggest fan and she made me want to be a better person. If someone were to compare me to her,I could not think of higher praise. She was a treasure.”

Even ex-QVC host Patti Reilly, now transplanted to LA, posted this heartfelt message.

“Weeping & aching I longed to honor your passing. i longed to honor your life. searching everywhere, I found only one answer: honor myself. become all that I am. and carry you inside that beauty.” bonesigharts.com,” she wrote. “I love and adore you Jeanne. You have been a blessing in my life. I hope they have rhinestones in Heaven. Sparkle away, my beautiful friend!”

And the Quacker Factory website had this tribute:

Jeanne Bice loved life. From her childhood in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin-taking care of her baby brother Dick, all through her married years to her adoring Butch in Ripon, Wisconsin, raising her beloved Tim and Lee, Jeanne was surrounded by love. Everyone loved to be at Jeanne’s house. That’s where the party was-everyday.

Life was perfect, until that day when Butch suddenly died and left her with her two children, and decisions to make.

As she later wrote about it, she pulled herself up by her bra straps and started over. Again and again. She discovered that Happy wasn’t a destination in life. ‘Happy comes from the choices we make and the way we think on life’s journey.’

Jeanne chose to love. She loved what she did-creating Quacker Factory clothes, with ‘sparkle and shine’. Clothes that made people Happy.

From QVC, with love

She loved QVC. Everything about it. She loved the people: the executives who ran it, and the production people who worked so hard to make every show perfect. She loved the famous stars who appeared there, and had to pinch herself when others considered her one.

She loved the hosts of her shows, her buyers and all the people who worked with her and for her to make Quacker Factory clothes a reality.

But most of all-above everything else – Jeanne loved the Quackers. ‘They come as customers, they stay as friends,’ she said over and over. Because that was how she felt. ‘I owe everything I have to these women who believe in me.’

Jeanne loved the stories they told her. On the cruises, at live-audience shows, or on phone calls during the shows. She would sit and listen. She could relate to them. She knew the power of friends to help each other, support each other.

It never mattered who you were. Rich, famous, powerful or not-it didn’t matter. Successful or struggling, size 4 or 44 – it never mattered. She loved who you were inside. She had time for everyone.

In college Jeanne studied to become a teacher. She’d laugh when she’d tell the story of practice-teaching and discovered that kids had their own ideas about how to do things. She said she gave up teaching, but that’s really not true.

Her most important lesson was that Jeanne Bice taught the world how to laugh and smile. She taught us how to look at the good side of things. She taught us to Dream. She taught us to Believe. She taught us to love ourselves; who we are, just as we are.

In the Rubber Duck Principle, Jeanne wrote this about Angels:

‘Sometimes we feel that we are all alone, as life brings us challenges to overcome and hardships to bear. But when we least expect it, help can appear. It may be a kind word from a stranger or a phone call at just the right time, and suddenly we are surrounded by the loving grace of God. Miracles happen everyday because angels are everywhere.’

Today, June 10, 2011, Jeanne joined the Angels who will make miracles happen forever.

God Bless Jeanne Bice. May she rest in Peace.

If you would like to make a memorial in Jeanne’s name, we suggest: ‘Feed the Children’, www.feedthechildren.org. This was Jeanne’s favorite charity.

Jeanne, please be one of our angels now.

Mineral Makeup Pioneer On QVC Leslie Blodgett Is Profiled By The Times

Leslie Blodgett, one of QVC host Lisa Robertson’s BFFs and the head of the Bare Escentual’s makeup line, had a huge write-up in The Sunday New York Times today.

The story, headlined “Move Over, Estee Lauder,” ran in the Sunday Styles section of the paper.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/12/fashion/leslie-blodgett-of-bare-escentuals-the-queen-of-beauty.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=leslie%20blodgett&st=cse

The story credits Blodgett with creating a revolution in cosmetics with her mineral-powder makeup. A lot of the story is about Blodgett’s partnership with QVC. We are also told tidbits like the fact that Blodgett’s stay-at-home husband bought her an early 20th anniversary ring — a huge diamond surrounded by sapphires and emeralds — from Tiffany.

“On QVC, Ms. Blodgett’s appearances have the trance-inducing sensuality of a Dionysian ritual,” The Times wrote.

We are also told that Blodgett, who last year sold her company to Shiseido for $1 billion, last summer “rolled across the East Coast,” in Lady Gaga’s tour bus no less, as part of a 10-city tour to preach the gospel of Bare Escentuals, or Bare Minerals, whichever name you prefer, according to The Times.

There is also a quote from Robertson, who the Times inexplicably described as a “Loretta Young lookalike,” in the story.

“I would never have tried the stuff [Bare Minerals} if it weren’t part of my job,” Robertson sold The Times. “I wore full-on hard-core liquid foundation, like everybody else, my whole life. I thought: ‘Minerals? What? Don’t even go there.’ The first tine I tried it, I didn’t think it was working. I wondered, Emperor’s New Clothes?”

Eventually, Robinson swallowed the Kool Aid.

There are other tasty QVC info, like the fact that Blodgett sometimes sells $1.4 million of product an hour on QVC.

All in all, the profile is worth a read.

HSN Jean Queen Diane Gilman Tells ‘Mature’ Women Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Don’t miss HSN jean queen Diane Gilman’s musings on women over 50.

Gilman blogged for The Huffington Post Monday, “How I Transformed My Life After 50,” and we learned a ton about her we never knew.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/diane-gilman/diane-gilman-baby-boomers_b_875254.html

Gilman talks about the women who buy her forgiving jeans, the “Boomer Consumers,” who shop on HSN. We knew that Gilman had designed clothes for rockers like Jimi Hendrix when she was younger. We did not know that she had been her husband’s caregiver for seven years until he passed away from cancer.

Faced with the prospect of having into the dating game again, Gilman decided she was not going to go gentle into that good night.

In her blog she lists “Five Easy Ways to Shift Your Thinking from Aging to Ageless.” We won’t go thruogh them all, Gilman’s blog tells it best, but the first one is to makes a list. That involved making a list of what she didn’t like about herself and another list of “all things feminine” she wanted to achieve.

HGTV Designer Vern Yip Debuts Home Collection On HSN

Interior designer and HGTV host Vern Yip is partnering with HSN to launch Vern Yip Home.

“This exclusive collection of home decor reflects the distinctive style that has made Vern a household name in home design,” the HSN hype machine says. “Considered one of the most respected home make-over authorities in the country, Vern currently serves as a designer on HGTV.

Here’s the canned quote from Yip.

“Balancing work and family life has inspired me to continue my quest to create easy solutions for everyday problems,” he said. “Together with HSN, my goal is to simplify the challenges of the home space while bringing to life its personality and embracing functionality.”

The HSN exclusive Vern Yip Home collection will feature his signature, unique design Lotus and Medallion (a symbol of his family’s history and design aesthetic) available on a bedding line. The collection will also include furniture, window treatments, rugs, lighting and decor items.

“Vern is amazing to work with,” HSN senior vice president of merchandising Nancy Caplan said. “The combination of his sensibility, style, and exceptional designs are qualities that HSN customers will fall in love with. At HSN, we are excited to provide the viewer a unique opportunity to connect with Vern on an intimate level and learn home design tips from a recognized expert.”

Also, as part of HSN’s 34th birthday festivities, HSN is launching a sweepstakes contest today that includes two round-trip airline tickets to St. Petersburg, a two-night stay at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, a personal home-design consultation from Vern Yip and a $5,000 room makeover.

Yip will debut his new home collection and announce the sweepstakes winner on HSN on July 26.

Yip is an award-winning architectural and interior designer who gained national acclaim for his expertise in transforming homes and restaurants in his private design practice and on prime-time television which began with TLC’s iconic, ground breaking design series “Trading Spaces.”

He runs his own design company in Atlanta – Vern Yip Designs/vernyip.com – and offers design tips while keeping consumer value in mind.

Vern awards included the 2003 Distinguished Southerner Award from Southern Living magazine; 2000 Southeast Designer of the Year; 1999 Best New Restaurant for Fusebox restaurant in Atlanta; and 1999 Best New Night Club for DeuxPlex Bistro and Night Club in Atlanta.

HSN CEO Mindy Grossman Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of 2011 For Florida

HSN CEO Mindy Grossman has won the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011 Florida Award in the Corporate Innovator category for the West Central Florida region, the network said Friday.

According to Ernst & Young LLP, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Grossman was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a gala event at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate Thursday.

“Our company was founded at the intersection of innovation and entrepreneurial ingenuity, but never in our history have these business drivers been more relevant than they are today,” Grossman said in a canned statement. “The retail and e-commerce industry is in the midst of a technological revolution, and over the past year we are proud to say that we’ve launched best-in-class initiatives and partnerships that are transforming every aspect of the digital space. All of us at HSNi are honored by this recognition and look forward to continuing to foster a spirit of innovation.”

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards Program celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. Past award recipients have included Howard Schultz of Starbucks Coffee Company, Arthur M. Blank of AMB Group (Home Depot, Atlanta Falcons), Pierre Omidyar of eBay, Inc., Ruth Fertel of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Maxine Clark of Build-a-Bear Workshop, Tom Adams of Rosetta Stone Inc., Matt Szulik of Red Hat Inc., and last year’s national winner, Howard Lutnick, chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC Capital Partners Inc.

As a Florida award recipient, Grossman is now eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011 National Award.

Award recipients in several national categories, as well as the overall Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year National Award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, Calif., on Nov. 12. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies, which will be held November 9 to 13.

Alas, Jewelry TV Hooked Us This Weekend

We’re in trouble.

Our boss tipped us off that Jewelry TV is Channel 184 on our Comcast lineup. We’ve been watching it a lot this weekend.

So far we ordered a large silver garnet and silver cross, an agate and tiger’s eye multi-strand bead necklace, and smokey quartz hoops.

We’re supposed to be getting some shuteye so we’ll be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for a local TV appearance tomorrow (we should say today), but we’re watching the JTV diamond show.

We’re going to need a lot of makeup tomorrow to cover our undereye circles.

‘Young And Restless’ Tracey E. Bregman To Hawk Cosmetic Line On HSN

Daytime soap operas may be a dying breed, but they’ve given birth to a new makeup line on HSN.

HSN is selling a line called Jabot Cosmetics, which is actually the same name as a company on “The Young and The Restless.” Tha July issue of Allure magazine has an article, with the headline “The Young and the Made-Up,” on Page 54 about the makeup.

According to that story, the Jabot makeup “will include sweatproof ingredients that stand up to hot lights and pigments developed to look natural on HDTV.”

It appears that actress Tracey E. Bregman, who plays Lauren Fenmore on the soap, will be the designated pitcher for the Jabot makeup.

“Jabot Cosmetics: Every woman wants to be the star of her own story,” HSN says on its website. “Inspired by the award-winning daytime drama ‘The Young and the Restless,’ Jabot Cosmetics is a line of skin care and makeup used on-set by the actresses on the show.”

Young and Restless actress Tracey E. Bregman will be pitching Jabot Cosmetics on HSN.

Here is Bregman’s bio from the soap’s site:

Tracey E. Bregman, who portrayed department store heiress Lauren Fenmore on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS from 1983-1995, returned to the role in 2001. She also crossed over to play the same character on the daytime drama “The Bold and the Beautiful” from 1995-1998 and again in 2004. Lauren is married to Michael Baldwin (Christian LeBlanc) and they have a son, Fen. Lauren was shocked to learn that Jill Abbott is her long-lost half sister.

Bregman received a Daytime Emmy in the category of Outstanding Younger Leading Actress for her role on “Y&R” in 1985. She was the first recipient to be awarded in this category, and was again nominated in 1987. In 2006 and 2008 she was nominated for a Daytime Emmy as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

Born in Munich, Germany, Bregman lived in London, England until the age of 10 before settling in Southern California. She studied acting with Francis Lederer at American National Academy of Theater Arts and at the Lee Strasberg Institute, and currently studies with Gene Bua and Ivana Chubbuck.

Bregman began her acting career with the role of Donna Temple Craig on the daytime drama “Days of Our Lives.” Other television credits include the after-school special “The Girl with E.S.P.,” and the telefilms “Three on a Date” and “Sex and Mrs. X.” She was a series regular on “Second Family Tree” with Ann Archer and James Spader, and guest-starred in the series “The Fall Guy,” “Gavilan,” “Fame” and “The Love Boat,” as well as the Canadian series “The Littlest Hobo.” She has also appeared in four feature films.

Bregman has co-written a children’s book called “When I Dream…” with dear friend and award-winning writer and lyricist, Toni Bull Bua. The book is now a musical for Broadway. This year she was honored with a Spirit Award by the Young Musicians Foundation. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Ronald Recht, and they have two sons, Austin and Landon.

QVC jewelry vendor Mark Zunino, who is also a fashion designer, dressed Bregman for the recent Daytime Emmy Awards in Las Vegas.

He posted on Facebook that Bregman was “wearing my nude Italian beaded gown with ostrich feathers.”

QVC Will Air Tributes To Quacker Factory Queen Jeanne Bice Friday At 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.

QVC has scheduled two memorial shows for Quacker Factory Queen Jeanne Bice Friday, one at 9 a.m and another at 8 p.m. The network has also posted several videos related to Bice, including testimonials from designer Isaac Mizrahi, and hosts Shawn Killinger and Jane Tracey.

Angel Smedley, who represented Quacker Factory when Bice couldn’t make it to West Chester, also posted a message on QVC’s website. Here is part of it.

Last Thursday, Susan, her son Jack, Siobain-our buyer, Michelle-our Director, Lisa-our Vice President, Doug-our Executive VP and I flew down to Florida for Jeanne’s memorial. We landed in Ft. Lauderdale & met with Leslie-who also works with us at Quacker Factory.

The QVC team left together to go to their hotel & then Tiago picked us up at the airport & took us to Jeanne’s house. It was so weird to be there without her there. I mean—she WAS there, all of her memories, her QVC awards on the wall, her Hall of Fame-which is a hallway where the walls are covered with framed newspaper & magazine articles about her.

Jeanne Bice

I put a short video of this wall on my QVC Facebook page. Barbara met us at the house and we all stayed up till after 1 am talking about Jeanne.

After we FINALLY went to sleep, but I can assure you, not one of us slept well that night. We got up and talked some more, then got ready for the Memorial Service.

The QVC team came to Jeanne’s before the service so they could see her house. None of them had been there before—they were just blown away at the gorgeous details of her home. What a testament to Jeanne to have four major executives from QVC fly down to Florida to attend her Memorial Service.

So we piled into our cars and headed to the service. Now the QVC group was following us—please remember this—the only one of us that lives in Florida is Barbara, and she lives two hours away!!!! So it was a bit of a fun adventure getting to the church.

We followed the directions Page, Jeanne’s assistant, left for us. But little did Page know, the main road we were to take to the church was CLOSED & UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!

Luckily I had just purchased an I-phone, so I pulled up a map & got us there in plenty of time. But we were all panicking in the car, we did not want to be late, or make the QVC team late!!

We arrived at the church and greeted Tim & Lee, and many other members of Jeanne’s “family”. We walked in and saw a number of Quackers sitting in the pews. It was so nice that they came. We were all there for the same reason–to remember Jeanne.

The Pastor performed a beautiful service, and then Tim got up and gave a wonderful testament to his mother. He made us all laugh. It was a nice break in the sadness. He just talked about what she might say if she were there & how she touched so many people.

Jeanne was just a person who stayed with you, even after she whizzed away on her scooter. She just had that gift. Many of you have told me on Facebook, that you felt like you knew her personally, even though you had never met her. Well Jeanne will be with us all, we will remember her funny stories, her advice and her kind words for a very long time.

Angel

Boring ShopNBC, i.e. ValueVision, Financial News

ValueVision Media,the corporate name for ShopNBC, Monday said that its stock was added to the Russell 2000 Index, a subset of the Russell Global and Russell 3000 Indexes, last Friday

“ValueVision’s inclusion in the Russell 2000 Index reflects our continued positive business momentum and our tangible progress over the past year in creating shareholder value,” ShopNBC CEO Keith Stewart said in a canned statement. ”We expect our addition will help increase our visibility with investors and institutions, particularly those that utilize Russell indexes in their investment strategy. We
welcome our new Russell Index investors and remain focused on executing on our long-term strategic growth initiatives.”

The Russell 2000 index is a subset of the Russell 3000(R) index, which measures the performance of the largest 3000 U.S. companies in the U.S. equity market. The Russell 2000 index represents the small cap
component of the Russell 3000 index. Members of the Russell 2000 and 3000 are also included in the Russell Global Index(R).

These indexes are widely used by investment managers and investors for various investment strategies and provide a comprehensive benchmark for evaluating small-cap stocks performance in the U.S. equity markets.

 

The Homeshoppingsta Breaks Our Old Record, With 11,013 Hits Saturday

We were busy at a fun high school reunion Saturday and never checked the stats for this blog.

As it turned out, Saturday marked a record for The Homeshoppingista. We had 11,013 hits, our most ever. 

Most of this was fueled by fans of Quacker Factory Queen Jeanne Bice looking at our blog about her sudden and sad demise. 

We will be blogging about some of the moving comments we have gotten about Jeanne.

By the way, that 11,013 may not sound like much to some people, but it means a lot to us. We remember the first time we called QVC as The Homeshoppingista. When the PR department asked how much traffic our blog got, we had to say about 50 hits a day!!! 

So we are making progress, slowly but surely.

HSN Hypes Exclusive Debut Of Jennifer Lopez Fragrance July 2

“Love & Light” is launching live with Jennifer Lopez on HSN Saturday, and the hype has begun.

“Jennifer Lopez is just five days away from her first appearance with multi-channel retailer HSN, where she will debut her new fragrance Love & Light,” the home shopping network crowed Tuesday.

Lopez will launch her newest fragrance on the network this Saturday, July 2 at midnight.

“Love & Light is a sparkling floral woody fragrance that reflects the softer, more sensual side of Lopez,” the release said. “Iridescent notes of pure Italian mandarin and luscious pomegranate, intertwined with rose crystal absolute and radiant jasmine petals, all wrapped with a luminous aura of seductive musk, and a hint of praline.”

“Love & Light is an extension of Love & Glamour,” Lopez supposedly said, as if she would really supply a quote. “It’s the next incarnation. With Love& Light, I wanted to create a fragrance that was less about the world around you and more about your inner light and your spirit. It’s about how you feel inside; it’s not about your outside world.”

Betsy Olum, HSN’s general manager of beauty and merchandising strategy, had her canned two cents.

“Jennifer’s fragrance will simply come alive through her appearance on HSN. It’s a true reflection of who she is, and we know our audience is going to love hearing from her on what influenced the creation of this fragrance.”

So did Coty.

“In 2002, Jennifer launched the celebrity category for the entire fragrance industry with Glow by JLo,” says Emily Bond, Group Vice President of Global Marketing, Coty Prestige. “Almost 10 years later, we’re looking forward to a record number of sales with her debut on HSN. With Jennifer, it’s sure to be another ground breaking moment.”

Love & Light features a bottle of sculptural beauty, inspired by the curves of a radiant woman. A pearlescent finish, with pale mint and gold accents, showcases its luminosity. The dazzling jewel-like cap adds a touch of luxury. The carton is illuminated with sparkling stardust in a complementary palette.

The perfume has top notes of mandarin, pomegranate and red currant; mid notes of rose crystal absolute, velvety apricot and jasmine petals; and base notes of patchouli, sensual musk and praline

Kelly Ripa, Kim Kardashian Team With QVC To Fight Ovarian Cancer

Kelly Ripa and Kim Kardashian are joining forces for QVC to lend their support in finding a cure for one of the world’s least recognizable cancers – ovarian cancer.

For the second consecutive year, Ripa and Kardashian will appear together in both print and television public service announcements promoting “QVC Presents Super Saturday Live” on QVC July 30 at 2 p.m. The net proceeds will benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF).

The exclusive sale, which was previously only available to Hamptons’ tastemakers and celebrities, will reach QVC’s more than 98 million U.S. households, allowing shoppers throughout the country to get designer styles at HALF the manufacturer’s suggested retail price*.

Ripa, a longtime supporter of OCRF, has hosted Super Saturday for the past seven years, and will once again host the event in the Hamptons. Currently in its 14th year, Super Saturday will be broadcast live for the fifth consecutive year on QVC.

“I am thrilled to be teaming up with Kim again to support such a wonderful cause,” Ripa said in a canned statement “We always have a blast when we’re together and it’s great to be able to help spread the word about such an amazing event.”

Kardashian, who is also a strong advocate for OCRF, said, “With so many women affected by Ovarian Cancer each year, the importance for awareness is now more important than ever. It’s truly a pleasure to work with Kelly to make sure that every woman knows the facts about this unrecognizable disease.”

QVC CEO Claire Watts gave props to the two “K” girls.

“Kelly and Kim’s enthusiasm and boundless energy for supporting QVC Presents Super Saturday Live is remarkable,” Watts said. “It’s a pleasure to have them represent QVC and OCRF in our mission to bring national attention to such an important women’s issue.”

High-End (And Hot) Fashion Designer Adam Lippes To Launch HSN Line

HSN calls Adam Lippes one of today’s leading fashion designers. Once again, we have never heard of him. But he will be launching a line for the home shopping network called Love ADAM this fall.

We did some research, and his currents lines are very upscale and pricey, which is probably why we haven’t heard of them. We saw a photo of him, and he’s pretty easy on the eyes, as well.

On Sept. 21 and 22, Lippes will debut “a collection of classic yet modern apparel for women who want beautifully tailored clothing that exudes sophisticated glamour,” HSN said Wednesday.

Straight from the press release:

Known for his fresh, polished and effortless appeal, Mr. Lippes brings accessibility to his new line for HSN. Love ADAM fuses refined casual and chic elements into versatile and wearable essentials. The assortment is inspired by the fresh and contemporary designs found in his ready to wear collection.

“I wanted my HSN line to reflect the style of an elegant, approachable and smart woman,” said Lippes. “HSN is the ideal platform to engage with the consumer and share the story behind my new collection.”

“We continue to reinforce HSN as a fashion destination by collaborating with engaging designers who have a unique point of view,” said John Bosco, HSN’s SVP of Apparel, Accessories and Jewelry. “Adam Lippes brings a fresh new perspective and will show our customers how to bridge the gap between what is fashionable and wearable.”

Love ADAM features sleek button down blouses, modern wide-leg pants, printed dresses, fur-trimmed outerwear, embellished skirts and cropped jackets. The collection features easy-to-wear basics, sweaters, great fitting pants and classic dresses. While the apparel line focuses on chic essentials, the line’s outerwear styles are refined and versatile with a feminine twist.

Love ADAM will appear on HSN.com beginning Sept. 13.

Did You Know King Henry VIII Wore Heidi Daus Jewelry?

This is a new one on us.

We were watching fashion jewelry designer Heidi Daus, who lives in our town of Montclair, N.J., at midnight on HSN.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers wears Heidi Daus jewelry in "The Tudors"

A viewer from Arizona called in and said that she was a fan of Showtime’s “The Tudors,” and in one episode she saw Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who plays King Henry VIII, wearing a piece of Daus’s jewelry! The woman said that she recognized the item.

Daus’s pieces are encrusted with crystals, and look like they could come out of historical England.

Little did we know that Showtime’s costume department sometimes turns to HSN.

Jennifer Lopez And HSN Host Colleen Lopez: Any Relation?

It was Lopez night on HSN at midnight.

Diva Jennifer Lopez and HSN host Colleen Lopez teamed up midnight Saturday as the singer-dancer-actress-”American Idol” host did the exclusive launch of her new perfume, “Love and Light.” The perfume won’t be available at retail until September.

Jennifer was warm and genuine, and we were surprised to learn that she has done 17 perfumes, starting off with her still popular “Glow.”

“None of my perfumes are really overpowering,” Jennifer said. She then quite expertly described the various “notes,” as she said they called them in the fragrance business, in Love and Light. The new fragrance, in a pretty bottle that mimics her figure, “is fresh, clean, sexy,” according to Lopez.

Jennifer said she plays a very active role in designing her perfumes, and that she first learned about fragrances when she was a teen working in a perfume store.

Even Jennifer’s mom Guadalupe did a walk-on at the HSN studio is St. Petersburg.

Jennifer looked gorgeous. Her makeup was low-key, very natural and she wore a short-sleeved steel gray mini-dress that was sparkly, loaded with beautiful beads and sequins. She had silver pumps.

Jennifer's Love and Light

Singer Mary J. Blige did one of the most successful perfume launches ever on HSN, and Jennifer probably took that information to heart.

“I felt it (HSN) was the perfect place” to debut her fragrance, she said.

We had to laugh when Colleen said that her husband Carlos was from Ponce, Puerto Rico, and Jennifer said that is where her family is from.

“We might be related,” Jennifer said.

Our grandfather was from Ponce, so maybe we’re related to Jennifer, too.

Jennifer looked embarrassed when Colleen brought out not-so-flattering photos of the superstar when she was a kid. We know the feeling, Jennifer.

We enjoyed many of Jennifer’s frank comments.

“I’ve had amazing moments, and I’ve had some tough moments,” Jennifer said.

There’s no question that her twins have been a blessing in her life. Jennifer called them “my two little coconuts,” adding “they brought something new into my life.”

Jennifer will be on throughout the day Saturday.

HSN Kicks Off 34th Birthday Festivities

Jennifer Lopez’s appearance just marks the start of HSN’s “34 More Reasons to Celebrate” month-long birthday event.

In celebration of its 34th birthday in July, HSN is offering its biggest-ever giveaway, which includes more than $100,000 in giveaways and instant-win prizes plus an opportunity to win eight exclusive, grand prize experiences, such as:

A private meet-and-greet for two with Mariah Carey in St. Petersburg, Fla.

A design consultation and $5,000 room makeover by Vern Yip, who launches his exclusive new line on HSN July 26.

A trip for two to New Orleans, including dining at three Emeril Lagasse restaurants.

A trip for two to the exclusive movie premiere of “The Help” in theaters this August

A trip for two to New York City, including accommodations at The Plaza Hotel and dinner at Todd English’s Food Hall restaurant.

Information on how to enter the “$150,000 More to Celebrate Giveaway” can be found at www.hsn.com,

Throughout the month, HSN will feature some of the biggest names, best surprises and most famous personalities, including:

Serena Williams will introduce exciting new additions to her exclusive Signature Statement collection on July 18.

Martha Stewart premieres her craft paint collection on HSN on July 21.

Tori Spelling returns with fashionably chic jewelry offerings on July 21.

Mariah Carey will debut stylish new apparel exclusively on HSN on July 25.

Jenny McCarthy makes her HSN debut with the Rescue Bullet blender to benefit Generation Rescue, her charitable organization that supports children with autism.

Vern Yip will make his HSN debut on July 26 with the launch of an exclusive home collection.

ImanN will appear on HSN July 28 and 30 with new pieces for her Global Chic collection.

All month, there will be something new every day of the week to ensure customers are continually surprised and delighted, including:

“More Mystery” Mondays will keep customers wondering what will happen next with surprise celebrity walk-ons, “mystery” products and exclusive surprise giveaways on Facebook.

Customers that play instant-win games on hsn.com on Tuesdays will earn triple entries in the $150,000 “More to Celebrate Giveaway,” and winners will be revealed every hour on HSN.

Wednesdays will feature a new 24-hour event each week, including special one-day-only values on customer favorites, including Beauty, Silver, Technibond and Christmas in July.

Customers will enjoy extra spending power on every item that airs on HSN all day on “More Flex” Thursdays.

Designer Nolan Miller Retires Gracefully From QVC

Famed fashion designer Nolan Miller, who battled cancer, is retiring, and so is his glamour collection on QVC.

Miller, who designed gorgeous gowns for Hollywood celebrities, has been doing fashion jewelry for QVC for 19 years. His usual sidekick on the air was host Mary Beth Roe.

“It’s as long as some marriages,” Miller said of his relationship with Mary Beth.

Today, Monday, was slated to be Miller’s final appearance on QVC.

During one of his appearances Sunday actress Ann-Margret, a Miller client, called in. She’s a favortie of ours, since we have the same birthday, April 28, and both attended Northwestern.

After wishing Miller much luck, Ann-Margret said, “We love him, and he loves his strawberry margaritas.”

A man after our own heart: He apparently dines with the actress and her husband Saturday nights.

Miller’s protege, Mark Zunino, who also appears on QVC, posted this on Facebook yesterday

“THANK YOU, everyone, for a very memorable and moving day. We’re back at our hotel, as we get ready for dinner with Mary Beth Roe. Nolan is tired, but extremely happy to feel the love and support from his QVC family over the past 20 years. We are looking forward to Nolan’s final ‘farewell’ show tomorrow.”

Miller looked relatively well, and we hope he has truly beaten his lung cancer.

Ghurka Luxury Leather Line Marks Best ShopNBC Handbag Launch

The worldwide debut of the all-new Ghurka Luxury Leather Goods’ fine leather handbag collection, The Heritage Collection, was the most successful handbag collection launch in ShopNBC’s history.

The Ghurka’s Heritage collection debuted June 25 with a pair of one-hour shows that generated tremendous customer excitement.

The Ghurka Luxury Leather Goods Heritage Collection is the first new women’s collection from the brand in five years and was inspired by bestsellers and classic styles in the Ghurka archives. Steeped in Ghurka history, the bags feature natural, full-grained, pebbled textured leather, brass hardware with smooth, chestnut leather trim and Ghurka’s signature checkered patterned lining.

The collection exemplifies the brand’s heritage of luxurious leather, sophisticated artistry, and world-class workmanship, or so ShopNBC says.

The Ghurka Heritage Collection was extremely well-received by ShopNBC customers and achieved sensational response across the multi-channel network.

As part of the collection launch, ShopNBC partnered with Ghurka on an exclusive handbag design for the network, The “Cavalier” Pebbled Leather Satchel. The Ghurka Heritage collection achieved five sell-outs including: The “Cavalier” Pebbled Leather Satchel, The “Grace” Satchel, The “Collette” Leather Satchel, The “Jessica” Drawstring Leather Satchel, and The “Barbara” Leather Cross Body.

Ghurka also achieved near sell-outs with other must-haves, including: The “Cavalier II” Leather Travel Bag, The “Express” Leather Carryon Bag, and The “Charlie III” Framed Leather & Twill Shoulder Handbag.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with ShopNBC for the worldwide launch of Ghurka’s new women’s Heritage Collection,” Ghurka chief Charles Chehebar said in a canned statement. “ShopNBC does an outstanding job of highlighting the luxurious detail of the brand and its products. We look forward to partnering on future Ghurka collection launches and fostering a long and rewarding partnership.”

ShopNBC got its two cents in,of course.

“The successful launch of the all-new Ghurka Heritage Collection on the network exceeded our expectations,” ShopNBC president Bob Ayd said in a canned statement. “Ghurka is known world-wide for its prestigious handbags and luggage, which appeal to the refined taste and desire for high quality our customer craves. We look forward to surprising and delighting viewers in the future as we partner on additional ShopNBC-exclusive items and new collections from Ghurka as well as returning customer favorites.”

Nolan Miller Protege Mark Zunino To Bring Line To QVC

It looks like Mark Zunino, Nolan Miller’s protege, will be bringing a clothing line forr QVC.

We have none of the details, but on Facebook Mark Zunino Couture posted, “Thanks for watching this weekend! Mark is very excited to bring you some amazing new fashion designs on QVC in the near future! Stay tuned!”

Miller, the designer of luxury gowns female celebs, fought back lung cancer. He did a custume jewelry line for QVC for almost 20 years, but retired this weekend.

When Miller was too ill to appear on QVC, Zunino would fill in.

Host Lisa Robertson often wears Zunino gowns on the air, and they are stunning.

We look forward to seeing what Zunino has in mind for QVC!

Second Tragedy: QVC Quacker Factory Queen Jeanne Bice’s Daughter Dies Just Weeks After Her Mom

This news is so shocking we literally can’t believe it. And thanks to our posters for bringing it to our attention.

Jeanne Bice’s daughter, Lee Bice, 47, died July 1, almost a month after the death of her beloved mother. Jeanne died of cancer June 10.

It of course makes us think that the tragedy of losing her mom, the queen of Quacker Factory. killed her, broke her heart.

Lee Bice

And that is exactly what Lee’s brother said, according to Angel Smedley, who often represented Quacker factory on QVC.

“Tim & his wife said it was from a broken heart,” Smedley posted. “That is all I know.”

The Quacker Factory website has a photo of Lee, which simply says, “Terry Lee Bice, February 17, 1964 – July 1, 2011.”

Apparently, QVC has not acknowledged that Lee, who often appeared on-air with her mom, has passed away.

Here is what one woman posted on QVC’s community boards:

I ask that you please acknowledge the passing of Jeanne’s daughter Lee in the same professional manner you did when Jeanne passed only a few short weeks ago.

She was an integral part of the Quacker Factory and a special on air “guest” personality during shows in the past few years…

This is a shocking, double loss for the Bice family and friends in such a short time.

Prayers are sent to their families and friends during this difficult time…
Together, Jeanne and Lee will sparkle the heavens for all to see, as the night sky has two new stars above us all…

Bless you both… thank you for years of Quacker happiness!

J-Lo, i.e. Jennifer Lopez, Scored Her Most Successful Fragrance Launch On HSN

Jennifer Lopez finally had a hit.

The debut last week of her Love & Light fragrance, with the diva herself hawking her perfume live, was one of the most successful launches of her branded fragrances, selling more than 51,000 units.

During the premiere hour of the launch of Love and Light, Jennifer said, “I am passionate about fragrance. HSN is the perfect place for me to tell my story and share what I love with my fans.”

Throughout the day, she shared the inspiration behind her newest fragrance and chatted with fans and friends who called in, including Khloe Kardashian, who purchased the scent as a wedding gift for her sister Kim.

Jennifer’s mom, Lupe, also surprised viewers with a special appearance, sharing personal stories and anecdotes from Jennifer’s childhood.

HSN’s 34th Birthday celebration continues through July 31 with special appearances by some of HSN’s most famous personalities including: Serena Williams on July 18; Martha Stewart and Tori Spelling on July 21; Mariah Carey on July 25; Vern Yip on July 26; and IMAN on July 28 and 30.

Jeanne Bice’s Quacker Cruise To Go On Without Tears, As A Joyful Tribute

The Quacker Cruise is still on for October, despite the tragic deaths of Jeanne Bice and her daughter Lee Bice.

The website for Jeanne’s company, The Quacker Factory, has posted a message that the decision was made to go ahead with the usually festive event, in memory of Jeanne, a favorite QVC vendor.

The site said the Oct. 8 to 15 cruise will be a “tribute and celebration of Bice,” who died of cancer. A month later, her 47-year-old daughter Lee died of undisclosed causes.

“Just as Jeanne had planned it, we will have cocktail parties, private events, special gifts and amenities on this final cruise personally designed by Jeanne.” the site says.

Angel Smedley, who is apparently now Quacker factory’s on-air rep on QVC, will also be on the cruise.

This letter, written before Lee’s passing on July 1, was also posted on the site by David Fritz, president of cruises:

Dear Quackers, Friends and Family,

This has been a very difficult time for all of us with the passing of Jeanne Bice. I was in Europe when I received the news and I can’t tell you how great of a shock it was for me. Before I left on the trip on June 2, I was sure that Jeanne was on the mend and making progress to recovery. After learning of her death, Scott, my staff and I mourned the loss of a woman that we all truly loved and made such a difference in our lives.

I appreciate the outpouring of condolences, love and understanding from all of you during this difficult time. Jeanne truly loved her Quacker friends, and judging by the many emails and calls we have received it is easy to see why.

Our prayers go out to Jeanne’s children, Lee and Tim who loved their mother so much. I’m sure you can understand how devastating this has been to them. Therefore, out of respect for Jeanne’s family, we needed to give them their privacy to grieve and handle this great loss with respect and dignity over the past two weeks.

The cruise was something that had to wait.

To be honest, I also could not get myself to move forward on the cruise. All of the past Quacker Factory trips have been a labor of love that Jeanne,Lee, Tim and I have worked on together so closely for almost 10 years. Facing the prospect of cruising without Jeanne was something I could not dream of. After returning to the US, I stayed away from my office and mourned just as you have.

My first meeting with Jeanne for the first Quacker Cruise took place at her home in Boca Raton. I was introduced to Jeanne by Jenniefer Kirk of Kirks Folly, whom I had done several cruises for in the past. I was told that I had better come to this meeting with an open mind and the belief that anything is possible.

Jeanne would never allow me to say no to any of her dreams or designs that she had with the Quacker Factory trips. If there was something she wanted to add to a cruise program and I thought there was no way it could be done, Jeanne would say to me, “David, I don’t want to hear it can’t be done.”

She would add, “Dream big and make it work.” And you know, she was right, the higher the goal, the harder she worked to achieve it.

Over the years I have come to know Jeanne, Lee and Tim as family.

In fact Lee and I have become such close friends that when my father passed away in late 2009, it was Lee who first came to my side to console me. I now want to be there for her and Tim as they grieve their mother.

Jeanne planned this cruise to be her biggest and grandest voyage ever. She truly wanted to spend time with her Quacker friends on the most spectacular ship ever built. In her eyes, Jeanne always felt the cruises were about all of you and not about her. This was not an ego trip for her, but a way to have Quackers meet other Quackers and form friendships that would last a lifetime. She was proud that her trips were like no other cruises, just as her Quackers were like no others.

Jeanne loved the fact that single ladies could come alone and return home with dozens of new friends, all the while feeling the unconditional love that only her Quackers could understand and provide. No judgments and no
sadness on her voyages!

I made it back into my office this week and while sitting at my desk, heard on the radio the song “Smile,” which has the lyrics, “Smile though your heart is aching” and at that moment, I knew it was Jeanne telling me that we had to carry on her dream of the cruise, even if it hurts at this moment to do so.

I immediately realized it was my responsibility to continue Jeanne’s dream and make this cruise the vacation she intended to share with all of you.

Jeanne was never a “Debbie Downer” and thus this cruise needs to be filled with laughter, fun, fellowship and the seven words she lived by…Believe, Touch, Grow, Share, Feel, Soar and Love!

She would have wanted the show to go on, so in her spirit, we will keep the majority of the events and amenities she planned in this program. We will of course celebrate her life and legacy with a tribute that we will want all of you to participate in. Please don’t bring with you on this trip any tears or sadness, only smiles and happiness, just as Jeanne would want us to carry on
together in making one of her final dreams a reality.

I am pleased to say that our cruise is almost sold out which is a wonderful tribute to Jeanne. Jeanne touched so many people in such a special way, that we now have several new guests wanting to join our group and celebrate her life. Now more than ever we all need something to look forward to.

Along with the Quacker Factory and QVC, it will make me very happy to see each and every one of you aboard the Oasis of the Seas for Jeanne Bice’s Quacker Cruise.

Love to all,

David Fritz

Is Jay King Two-Timing HSN? He’s Debuted A Jewelry Line On Rival Jewelry TV

Many months ago Stacie Chavez, a member of HSN rock god Jay King’s design team, would sometimes email us. She reads this blog, and we enjoyed chatting back and forth with her about Jay’s Mine Finds line for HSN.

A while back Stacie said that she would be appearing on a second home shopping channel with items from Jay’s company, Desert Rose, which is based in Albuquerque.

We’re such dummies that it wasn’t until a few weeks ago that we realized we had Jewelry TV, after our editor Lillian tipped us off.

We were watching JTV early Tuesday morning as we checked our emails, and we thought the jewelry looked a lot like Jay’s. Then JTV flashed the name of the vendor who was presenting the jewelry, and guess who it was: Stacie Chavez.

She looked very natural on camera and did a great job presenting the jewelry line, which is called “Gemstine Elegance, Mine Style.” Jay King’s name was not mentioned. But Stacie, you are a star, a natural.

Here’s what JTV has to say about the line:

Exclusive to JTV, Gemstone Elegance, Mine Style features new and unique gemstones, all set in silver mountings that are unsurpassed in quality. Every Gemstone Elegance, Mine Style jewelry item will remind you that you are receiving a piece of artwork from Mother Nature’s palette. No two pieces are exactly alike and each one is as individual as the gemstones they contain, which have been millions of years in the making. We are pleased to take you on a journey around the world while we share our stories, which are years in the making…come on, what are you waiting for?

Stacie will be back on JTV Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Nice job, girlfriend. Give us a holler when you get back home New Mexico.

HSN To Report Second Quarter Results Aug. 3

HSN will release its second quarter 2011 results Aug. 3 at 8 a.m., the compnay said Wednesday.

HSN CEO Mindy Grossman and Judy Schmeling, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will hold a conference call at 9 a.m. to review these results.

There will also be a simultaneous audio webcast available via the company’s website at http://www.hsni.com. A replay of the conference call can be accessed until Aug. 17 by dialing 800-642-1687 or 706-645-9291, plus the pass code 81664724 and will also be hosted on the company’s website for a limited time.

Model Heidi Klum Returns To QVC With Jewelry Line

“Project Runway” host and model Heidi Klum used to have a very pretty jewelry line on QVC that incorporated a clover design.

Then Van Cleef & Arpels sued Klum over the design, and that was the end of her QVC stints, appearances that would leave host Rick Domeier jabbering, as nervous as a school boy.

Heidi's back at QVC

Well, it looks like Klum will be back on QVC this fall with a fashion jewelry line called HK Wildlife, according to the No. 1 home shopping network’s website.

Sincre Klum has pretty impeccable taste, we can’t wait to see it.

Diva and HSN Vendor Jennifer Lopez Is Splitting With Husband

Here’s a shocker: Just two weeks after her live appearance on HSN to hawk her new perfurm, Jennifer Lopez announced she and Marc Anthony are divorcing!

To us, she showed no sign of being under strain or being unhappy. She happily talked about the twin she and her husband had. But now that we think about it, we can’t remember her talking about Anthony.

BTW, this is our 1,000th Homeshoppingista blog.

Jane Fonda Makes Headlines Blasting QVC For Cancelling Her Appearance

We were out all Saturday and didn’t get home until 10 p.m., to find out that one of the biggest stories this year about QVC had already broken, making headlines across the country.

Actress and former anti-Vietnam war crusader Jane Fonda was scheduled to appear on the home shopping network to promote her new book.

But QVC apparently bowed to right-wing pressure and cancelled her appearance, according to the actress and fitness maven. Fonda did not take the matter lying down. She posted an angry blog about what happened, which was picked up by the press.

I was to have been on QVC today to introduce my book, “Prime Time,” about aging and the life cycle. The network said they got a lot of calls yesterday criticizing me for my opposition to the Vietnam War and threatening to boycott the show if I was allowed to appear.

I am, to say the least, deeply disappointed that QVC caved to this kind of insane pressure by some well funded and organized political extremist groups. And that they did it without talking to me first. I have never shied away from talking about this as I have nothing to hide.

I could have pointed out that threats of boycotts are nothing new for me and have never prevented me from having best selling books and exercise DVDs, films, and a Broadway play. Most people don’t buy into the far right lies. Many people have reached out to express how excited they were about my going onto QVC and hearing about my book.

Bottom line, this has gone on far too long, this spreading of lies about me! None of it is true. NONE OF IT! I love my country. I have never done anything to hurt my country or the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for us. I do not understand what the far right stands to gain by continuing with these myths.

In this case, they denied a lot of people the chance to hear about a book that can help make life better, easier and more fulfilling.

I am deeply grateful for all of the support I have been getting since this happened, including from my Vietnam Veterans friends.

Frankly, we think Fonda has apologized for her disgraceful action during the war, and people should let it rest: Unless, as the Bible says, they are without sin. Then they can feel free to cast the first stone.

Happy Birthday With The Angels, Jeanne Bice!

Today is QVC Quacker Factory queen Jeanne Bice’s birthday.

It was heart-warming to look at her Facebook page and see everyone wishing her happy birthday in heaven.

From what we understand, it would have been her 72nd birthday.

With your warm and caring personality, we should have known you were a Cancer, Jeanne.

It also happens to be the birthday of QVC designer Chloe Dao.

It’s 100 Degrees, But ShopNBC Has A Fall Beauty Preview Next Week

ShopNBC’s Beauty Day: Fall Preview Event is next Wednesday.

The idea, according to ShopNBC, is “about keeping up with the changing seasons and prepping your beauty routine for cooler weather with the latest in skincare, bath and body, haircare and more.”

That may be hard to think about if it’s still 103 degrees out next week.

Anyway, the home shopping network will be premiering EnPointe Skincare, a line of ballet-inspired anti-aging skincare and Thann, a collection of bath and body products that blend traditional Asian beauty remedies with modern Western science

“Discover your next beauty secret with over 45 new items and returning customer favorites,” ShopNBC says.

Here’s what it’s got:

Keratin Earth: Keratin Earth employs a unique combination of ingredients to safely deliver straight hair while minimizing damage. All straightening products for the hair make use of a similar 3 step regimen – hair is softened and stretched, structurally rearranged, and then set into place.

Glam Glow Exfoliating Mud Musk: Designed as a ‘facial in a jar’ for backstage use in Hollywood’s Entertainment, Music, Fashion & Award industries, for behind-the-scenes ‘immediate’ camera-ready glowing skin. GLAMGLOW’s mud base is from Southern France, home to glamorous Cannes, St. Tropez and Monaco. Use a couple of times a week or simply when you need GLAM-tastic skin in 10 minutes or less.

Ramona Cline Intensive Eye Treatment: A must have! This Intensive Eye Serum contains Spin Trap liquid crystal which effectively absorbs onto the skin to moisturize, strengthen and helps protect the sensitive eye tissue. Spin trap has been touted as the next generation of anti-aging skincare systems.

Did Marc Anthony Move Out When Jennifer Lopez Was In Florida On HSN?

Needless to say, we’ve been reading everything we can about Jennifer Lopez’s split with Marc Anthony.

We can’t remember where we read it, but one magazine said that Anthony moved all his stuff out of the couple’s Long Island home on July Fourth weekend.

Where was Lopez? As any HSN fan knows, Lopez was in Florida appearing on the home shopping network to hawk her new perfume. She was there the late night of July 1 to July 2.

Her mom was with her, and Lopez never mentioned Anthony, although she gushed about their twins.

We hope she didn’t get back from her HSN appearance to find that her hubby had flown the coop.

Shiseido Debuts On HSN, Rival To Leslie Blodgett’s Mineral Makeup

Ground-breaking Bare Escentuals is one of QVC’s most successful beauty lines, with Leslie Blodgett often on the air to tout its natural-looking makeup.

We find it amusing that the Japanese makeup giant that bought Blodgett’s company, Shiseido, debuted its makeup line on HSN today. But then, we’re easily amused.

Fashion Designer and HSN Vendor Arnold Scaasi Set To Wed Boyfriend, According To The New York Post

We’ve previously noted that Arnold Scaasi’s HSN fashion jewelry line is lovely and inexpensive. But Scaasi has the personality of crab on-air.

Maybe he will be in a better mood now that New York has legalized gay marriages.

Last week the New York Post’s Page Six reported that “fashion legend” Scaasi planned to wed his lover of 50 years, “publishing insider Parker Ladd.”

The wedding was set for this week, according to Page Six, with 75 supposed to attend the soiree at Le Cirque.

Scaasi, who is 81, is legally settling down with Ladd, who is a former Scribners editor and VP of Literacy Partners, according to Page Six.

Here is the link to the Page Six item: http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/scaasi_to_wed_L8m93wTKNIaOF0jCWgVxUO

Diva Mariah Carey Returns To HSN With Apparel, To Talk To ‘The People’

Singer Mariah Carey was back for a second stint on HSN, debuting her apparel line during her visit Monday.

The last time Carey was on, in the spring, she was not that far from the delivery date of her twins, who were born April 30 (her wedding anniversary and just two days after our April 28 birthday).

She looked really uncomfortable (“I couldn’t stand by myself”) because of her pregnancy, and she was selling her fragrance, costume jewelry and shoes.

Mariah Carey's HSN Today's Special

On air this go-around, Carey was down to earth and funny, although flashes of the diva came through. For example, when she was trying to figure out what camera was on her, she would say, “Where are the people?”

It just struck us as a little odd, and she used the term repeatedly.

She had HSN’s Today’s Special, which are pave hoops with butterfly and circle charms, for $40.

“I love hoops,” Carey said. “I love a pave hoop.”

Mariah's tiered crinkle chiffon skirt

We thought she was at her best when her husband, Nick Cannon, showed up on the set briefly.

“She’s my dream girl,” Cannon said. Now there’s a good husband for you.

Some of Carey’s HSN clothing included a smocked top, in either a big rose floral print or a black bandana print, with a matching chiffon skirt.

We were a bit surprised to see Carey paired with HSN host Adam Freeman. He usually does the morning shows, not midnight.

We tried to “friend” Freeman months ago, and never got a response — until yesterday. It made us a bit suspicious, but we guess he was hoping we’d say something nice about him since he was now one of our “Friends.”

Nice try Adam. You’re a day late and a dollar short.

Carey also did an updated version of a sweat suit with a hoodie, which seemed a little ho-hum and too Juicy Couture for us.

Gawker Skewers Mariah Carey Over Her HSN Appearance

Nasty Gawker made good fun of Mariah Carey’s HSN appearance last night.

Carey certainly had her moments, which we referenced in our blog, but we didn’t think it was that bad. Gawker edited Carey’s two-hour appearance into four minutes, and made her look ridiculous. You edit anyone’s two-hours down to four minutes, and you can make them look silly.

Here’s part of the Gawker item by Matt Cherette:

The Best Four Minutes of Mariah Carey’s Insane HSN Appearance

Mariah Carey hasn’t been seen much since giving birth to twins in April, so people were especially curious on Sunday night ahead of her appearance on HSN to hawk everything from her fragrances to her jewelry. And by God, she delivered.

Carey’s live sales pitch began at midnight and lasted two inexplicably mind-blowing hours. In tangent after tangent, she complained about how horrible her pregnancy was, barked out orders to the camera crew, made up new words—basically…

Here is the link to the story and video clip:

http://gawker.com/5824338/the-best-four-minutes-of-mariah-careys-insane-hsn-appearance

QVC, Ovarian Cancer Research Team For Super Saturday In The Hamptons

QVC is once again teaming up with Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) to broadcast QVC Presents Super Saturday Live from the Hamptons.

The special two-hour designer charity sale, which is scheduled to air starting at 2 p.m. will feature fashion, beauty, jewelry, accessories and home pieces at HALF the manufacturer’s suggested retail price* with net proceeds benefiting OCRF.

Select brands scheduled to be featured include Laura Geller, Peter Thomas Roth, L’Oréal Paris, Philosophy, Judith Ripka, Amrita Singh, Honora and B. Makowsky. Additionally, contemporary sportswear line. Tart Collections is scheduled to unveil its Infinity Dress in a brand-new teal color, especially designed to support ovarian cancer research and education.

“We are thrilled to give our viewers front-row access to this prestigious event,” QVC president Claire Watts said in a canned statement. “We are incredibly proud to raise awareness and funds on behalf of OCRF through such a unique platform.”

Currently in its 14th year, Super Saturday will broadcast live for the fifth consecutive year on QVC.

Melania Trump, QVC Costume Jewelry Purveyor, Likes Donald’s Hair

The New York Daily News ran a feature Thursday, headlined “Glitter Gal,” on Melania Trump and her QVC fashion jewelry line. Donald Trump’s missus was on the home shopping network with her baubles yesterday.

According to the story, Trump’s collection is a top-selling line for QVC.

Melania, who is a gorgeous ex-model, is known for being rather quiet. In the interview, she denies being shy. “I just know when it’s time to talk and when it’s not time to talk,” she told The News.

That makes her a very teeny minority within the human race.

She also defends Donald’s famous comb-over hairdo, which also makes her a very teeny minority within the human race. But we digress.

Melania’s said her “fans” often admired her jewelry, and she wanted to take it and make it available to all women, “because not everybody can buy pieces that cost thousands and thousands of dollars,” she told The News. Right you are, Melania.

The pieces she’s had replicated for QVC include her engagement ring and a Harry Winston diamond cuff that Donald gave her after she gave birth to their son Barron.

The items in Melania Timepieces and Jewelry cost $200 and less.

Here is the kink to th

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/fashion/2011/07/28/2011-07-28_melania_trump_debuts_pricesavvy_qvc_jewelry_line_discusses_husband_donalds_hair_.html

HSN’s Hot In Hollywood Laurie Feltheimer’s Hubby Jon of Lions Gate Gets A Nice Payday

Gorgeous Laurie Feltheimer does a clothing/accessory line for HSN called Hot In Hollywood. The idea is to mimic high-end, Beverly Hills’ looks at prices that poor slobs like us can afford.

Her husband, who we interviewed in a prior life, is Jon Feltheimer, the CEO of Lions Gate, the movie-TV studio. Feltheimer is very proud of his wife’s successful business.

Take our word for it: Laurie can afford the real Beverly Hills labels.

The Los Angeles Times reported this weekend that corporate raider Carl Icahn’s attempt to take over Lions Gates has led to a nice bonus for “Felt,” as Jon is nicknamed.

Feltheimer’s stock-based compensation soared in the company’s fiscal year ended March 31.

Icahn, known as a “dissident shareholder” (and a lot worse), increased his share of Lions Gate to more than 33 percent last June.

“It triggered a change-in-control provision in Feltheimer’s contract that granted the CEO stock worth nearly $4.8 million that immediately vested,” The Times said.

So while Feltheimer’s $1.2 million salary and $1.9 million bonus were the same as the prior fiscal year, his total comp jumped to $7.9 million from $3.6 million.

Here’s the link to the Times story: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/07/lions-gate-ceos-compensation-booms-thanks-to-icahn.html

HSN To Promote New Movie ‘The Help’ With Collection Inspired By The Film

This week HSN will launch a multi-platform event that celebrates the style, fashion and decor inspired by the summer film “The Help,” the home shopping network said Monday.

Let’s hope “The Help” does better the other movie that HSN has promoted with its programming and products: The bomb “EAt, Pray, Love.”

“The Help” event will kick off starting Friday across all of HSN’s platforms, including television, HSN.com and HSN mobile.

“The Help,” presented by DreamWorks Pictures and Reliance Entertainment, in association with Participant Media and Imagenation Abu Dhabi, is distributed by Touchstone Pictures and will be released nationwide Aug. 10.

“HSN is proud to collaborate with DreamWorks Pictures to celebrate this powerful film as part of our ongoing entertainment strategy.” Bill Brand, HSN executive vice president of programming, marketing and business development said in a canned statement. We are excited to bring to life one of the biggest movies of the year on all of our platforms with exclusive content and unique products.”

Here is the boilerplate on the movie:

Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a No. 1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon, “The Help” stars Emma Stone (“Easy A”) as Skeeter, Academy Award—nominated Viola Davis (“Doubt”) as Aibileen and Octavia Spencer as Minny — three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s, who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk.

From their improbable alliance a remarkable sisterhood emerges, instilling all of them with the courage to transcend the lines that define them, and the realization that sometimes those lines are made to be crossed — even if it means bringing everyone in town face-to-face with the changing times. Deeply moving, filled with poignancy, humor and hope, “The Help” is a timeless and universal story about the ability to create change.

HSN programming during “The Help” event will focus on the themes of fashion, American home decor, Southern-style cooking and beauty products. It will feature the launch of new personalities, designers and brands, including:

CR by Cynthia Rowley — exclusive fashion and accessories.

Lela Rose for HSN — 60′s style apparel with bold flowery prints and whimsical silhouettes.

Chef Martha Hall Foose — chef and food stylist for “The Help” will debut her cookbook “A Southerly Course: Menus and Recipes from Close to Home” and present a variety of classic Southern foods ranging from boneless stuffed chicken breasts to red velvet cakes and brewed ice teas.

Viking — known for their top-of-the-line major kitchen appliances, Viking will be showcasing their line of state-of-the-art hand-held appliances as part of the event.

In addition, the event will showcase products from Carol’s Daughter and Stila; culinary and home offerings from Emeril Lagasse, Jeffery Banks, and The Lee Bros; and jewelry from R.J. Graziano.

Mary J. Blige, a spokeswoman and investor in the Carol’s Daughter brand, will be expanding her fragrance collection with the launch of My Life Blossom, exclusively on HSN Aug. 13. The Grammy award-winning singer composed “The Living Proof, the theme song for “The Help” and will share personal anecdotes on working on the film when she appears on HSN.

Blige’s song is written from the point of view of the lead character Aibileen, the African-American maid who bravely shares her story. According to what we suspect is some hype in HSN’s press release, “Blige was in awe of the character’s fearlessness and deeply moved by the support of the women surrounding Aibileen in the film.”

Her canned quote:

I cried the most when I saw all of the women gathered together. They chose to walk in love and forgiveness. My personal connection to the themes in the film is the fact that my Aunt Lara belle was a maid who worked for a very wealthy white family and they loved her to death and she ultimately raised their children. To be able to speak to so many women with this song means a lot to me.

The events special features will include behind-the-scenes footage, videos, community boards and cast biographies, as well as an opportunity to buy an autographed copy of the book, can be found at www.hsn.com, keyword: the help.

We May Be Ignorant, A Lowlife And Disgusting, But Keep Our Mom Out Of It

We guess Steff didn’t like our posts about Martha Stewart and Melania Trump. Her comments are below.

Comment:
Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot

what is wrong with you?

Jailbird Martha Stewart

you are disgusting

is this how your readership grows? by these types of headlines?

have you no shame? arent bygones, bygones?

at first it was the chef and some disparaging remark about him, Gordon Ramsey

then,

it was Jane Fonda

then, now

its Martha Stewart

geezus woman, you are a lowlife….

your coverage belongs in the Slam magazine…..the one that never lets people
forget

now, i will say Martha Stewart didnt start out to be one my favs, but i liked
the way she conducted herself. She, ALONG, with Jane Fonda (although in a
different way) are exemplary women who have shown leadership, compassion,
ambition and energy

i daresay, with the way you throw around labels, you lack all of the above

you’re ignorant and it shows

Here is the Melania comment:

here you go again

talking about Melania

and you digress to some disparaging remark about Donald Trump

again, stick to the facts, stick to enlightening your audience and if you can, stick to honorable comments……

remember what your mama told you…..or maybe she didnt or maybe she did and you forgot

“if you cant say something nice, then say nothing at all”

your comment about Donald Trump had nothing to do with your headlines

surely, your journalism instructor told you about writing headlines and sticking to the story

but i suspect you have no training

you are ignorant and it shows

HSN’s Sales Rise 3 Percent In The Second Quarter

Sorry we’re late on this, but we have a real job now that takes priority.

HSN reported Wednesday that its net sales increased 3 percent to $482.0 million, driven by an 11 percent increase in e-commerce sales.

For the first six months, HSN’s revenue is only up 2 percent, to $1 billion from $985.3 million.

All these figures are for HSN, the home shopping network alone, not HSN Inc., which includes the Cornerstone unit.

HSN’s overall sales increase was led by growth in the electronics and culinary categories. E-commerce sales penetration increased 220 basis points to 32.6 percent, up from 30.4 percent in the prior year.

“Our strong performance in the quarter demonstrates the success of our strategies around customer engagement, unique experiences, compelling products and digital expansion,” HSN CEO Mindy Grossman said in a canned statement.”The continued increase in the penetration of our e-commerce sales, the expansion of our mobile business, and the success of our new online gaming site, HSN Arcade, reflect our commitment to digital growth and leveraging our content across all of our platforms.”

Gross profit increased 7 percent to $173.7 million. Gross profit margin improved 120 basis points to 36 percent from 34.8 percent. The margin increase was primarily attributable to lower outbound shipping costs, the timing of shipments of quarter-end clearance orders and improvements in supply chain management.

Adjusted EBITDA rose 15 percent to $51.6 million compared to $45.1 million in the prior year. The increase was due to the 7 percent increase in gross profit, partially offset by a 4 percent increase in operating expenses (excluding non-cash charges).

Operating income was $40.8 million compared to $34.5 million in the prior year.

We’ll try to catch the replay of the earnings’ conference call tonight.

ShopNBC To Report Second-Quarter Results Aug. 16

ValueVision Media Inc., better known as ShopNBC, will release its second-quarter earnings before the market opens Aug. 16.

Management will host a conference call and webcast that morning at 11 a.m. to review the results. Both the call and webcast are open to the general public.

WEBCAST/REPLAY LINK: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/playerlink.zhtml?c=76332&s=wm&e=4170596

TELEPHONE: 866-543-6403;

Passcode: 88603177

HSN Goes To London, Queen Latifah And Tony Bennett In The House

We finally found time to listen to HSN’s second-quarter earnings call from last week, and CEO Mindy Grossman offered a few tasty tidbits.

First of all, HSN will have its second destination event, this time going across the pond, as they say. The No. 2 home shopping network will be traveling to London to televise its shows, with vendors such as Twiggy, who does a clothing and accessory line, as part of the picture.

We believe the first destination event was last year’s birthday celebration in Vegas.

HSN will also continue its live concert series, this time with singing legend Tony Bennett. HSN will celebrate Bennett’s 85th birthday with a live performance by the songmeister, and the sale of his new CD.

And one of our favorites, Queen Latifah, will be debuting her new apparel line, for larger gals, this month.

Grossman also noted that the No. 2 home shopping channel had kicked off the third quarter with a bang, with Jennifer Lopez on the air to hawk her new perfume. This was immediately before Lopez announced her shocking split with Marc Anthony.

Diva Mariah Carey’s apparel line also premiered, and Grossman didn’t mention how Carey’s appearance was considered so wacky that it went viral.

Wall Street analysts asked Grossman about its jewelry business, since jewelry is a category whose sales have taken a huge hit during the recession.

“We feel good about our jewelry business,” Grossman said, adding that the product mix had been adjusted.

HSN’s has expanded its array of bronze-based metals, as we just saw this weekend with Studio Barse, because of the high cost of precious metals such as sterling and gold.

“We don’t have a very heavily entrenched gold business,” Grossman said. “If you look at our jewelry portfolio, it is incredibly diverse.”

HSN’s fashion jewelry business has increased, and Carol Brodie’s Rarities line of fine jewelry has performed well, according to Grossman.

“We’re feeling positive on the jewelry side,” she said.

Whippersnappers, We Remember When You Could Actually Buy ‘Real’ Gold Jewelry From HSN

Are we the only ones that find it depressing that Michael Anthony, one of HSN’s primary gold vendors, is selling vermeil earrings on the home shopping network today?

The Today’s Special are diamond-cut hoop earrings, at $49.95, in rhodium-plated sterling silver, yellow vermeil or rose vermeil. Vermeil, of course, is layers of 14 carat gold over silver.

Vermeil, not gold

Obviously, the record-high price of gold, more than $1,700 an ounce, has put the kibosh on gold jewelry, making it virtually unaffordable.

Sounding like our mother, who used to talk about going to a movie for a quarter, we can remember when gold was $400 an ounce. We bought gorgeous gold from QVC and HSN then.

Now vermeil, stainless steel and bronze are the metals of choice these days.

That’s sad.

‘More to Like’ On HSN? That’s What The Home Shopping Network Claims It’s Bringing Us

With much fanfare, HSN this month is launching a multi-platform campaign called “More to Like.”

Customers now have the opportunity to determine what products are featured in the new specialty “More to Like” online store, found at HSN.com/like, when they “like” their favorite HSN products through the HSN.com, HSN Mobile or HSN’s Facebook page.

“Our HSN community has been active and vocal for more than 30 years,” Jill Braff, HSN’s executive vice president of digital commerce, said in a canned statement. “We are committed to expanding the two-way conversation that we have always had with our customers and this ‘More to Like’ campaign gives them the unique opportunity to directly influence the products that we offer them.”

HSN fans can “like” their favorite products and share with friends and other HSN fans. Additionally, throughout August, HSN customers can enter the “More to Like” sweepstakes via HSN.com or HSN’s Facebook page.

HSN is giving away $50 gift cards daily and customers will be automatically entered to win one of four $1,000 gift card grand prizes to be announced on-air each day during the “More to Like” finale, Aug. 28 to 31. At the end of the month, HSN will also announce special one-time-only promotional deals for products featured in the “More to Like” store.

Bronze Is Not A Noble Metal To Us, HSN!

Et tu, Brute?

Yes, we’re talking to you, Marianna and Richard Jacobs.

This married couple, formerly of ShopNBC, does a jewelry line called “Sajen Silver” for HSN, made by hand in Bali.

Now we have Sajen Bronze on HSN, on host Colleen Lopez’s Designer Gallery show on HSN Sunday night.

Sajen's bronze peacock pendant

With the cost of sterling silver and gold skyrocketing, HSN’s silver vendors are now using cheaper metals such as bronze, copper or doing vermeil.

First it was Studio Barse doing bronze. Then it was Michael Anthony, formerly USA Gold, doing vermeil pieces. Then it was Chaco Canyon doing copper. Now it’s Sajen Silver doing bronze.

Colleen may be praising it to high heaven.

“It’s a noble metal,” she said.

Richard chimed in to say that it was so exciting to introduce a new metal.

but it stinks. We want silver!

“Genuine bronze” indeed, HSN.

ShopNBC Posts 5 Percent Rise In Net Sales In Second Quarter

It’s nasty chilly and damp out. We will be up until dawn covering a Montclair Council meeting.

Therefore, this is the best we can do right now on the second-quarter results released Tuesday for ValueVision Media, which we all know does business as ShopNBC. We’ll have to listen to the replay of the analyst conference call.

Most of this is taken directly from the press release.

ShopNBC posted a net sales gain of 4.7 percent in the second quarter, with revenue increasing to $132.1 million from $126.2 million a year ago.

Gross profit rose 8.7 percent from to $51.3 million from $47.2 million, while adjusted EBITDA increased by $3 million, moving from red to black ink.

However, ShopNBC still showed a net loss for the quarter, although it has reduced the red ink. The second-quarter net loss was $4.5 million, versus $7.7 million for the prior year period.

ShopNBC CEO Keith Stewart

“For the fourth consecutive quarter, we posted net sales, gross margin and adjusted EBITDA improvements, including positive adjusted EBITDA,” ShopNBC CEO Keith Stewart said in a canned statement. “I am pleased with the gross margin progress our team continues to make and our ability to be nimble in response to changing consumer preferences. Additionally in Q2, we continued to lead the televised electronic retailing industry in driving sales via the Internet and mobile devices, which were up 23 percent vs. last year.”

CFO William McGrath’s eloquent canned quote was as follows:

“First half 2011 adjusted EBITDA of $4.2 million is the best we have achieved in over five years, and represents a $10.4 million improvement vs. last year. Also during the first six months, gross profit dollars are up double digits and our gross margin rate of 38 percent is a 10-year company record.

Additionally, our national cable and satellite footprint increased by 4 percent vs. last year to approximately 79 million. This powerful mass distribution channel, which is heavily integrated into our Internet and mobile platforms, is a key differentiator of our business and driver of our long-term growth plan.”

Brevity is not McGrath’s strong suit. He also said this:

“We recognize that some variability in quarterly sales performance is to be expected, particularly as we build out our merchandise categories and strengthen our team. During the month of June in Q2, sales and gross profit performance was flat while the months of May and July resulted in 10 percent top line growth and 15% increase in gross profit dollars. Looking ahead, we remain committed to our long-term sales and adjusted EBITDA growth goals.”

ValueVision’s second quarter sales growth was impacted by a temporary mid-quarter shift in consumer demand away from high-ticket, low-margin consumer electronics toward higher margin jewelry and health and beauty products. The shift toward jewelry led to a slight increase in second quarter product returns and lower new customer activity, which are trends normally associated within the jewelry category.

The watch category benefitted from a more diverse product mix and achieved improved productivity per minute with attractive margins, as part of a strategically planned reduction in air-time. Health and beauty sales and margins remained strong in the second quarter, driven by a number of new product launches along with a core base of skincare and beauty tools.

Fashion and accessories achieved growth in sales, margin rate and productivity on the strength of well-received fashion introductions in apparel, handbags and shapewear. Performance in the home category
built on the successes of first quarter product launches, achieving stron second quarter sales in cookware, table top and bedding.

The final canned quote is from ShopNBC President Bob Ayd:

“Overall, we continued to make progress across our product categories in both top line and gross margin rates despite the temporary shift in consumer demand. During the first six months of 2011, our merchandise teams laid a strong foundation with a number of innovative product initiatives that will position us well for the back half of this year. These plans, along with a compelling line-up of high-profile brands, entertaining guests and exciting programming, add to our confidence in growing the business and further driving key operating metrics.”

ShopNBC ended the second quarter with cash and cash equivalents totaling $42.5 million, including $5.0 million in restricted cash and $25 million in long-term debt. As planned, inventory levels rose to $52.7 million as compared to $42.2 million in the first quarter, as the merchandise mix shifted more toward product categories held in the company’s inventory.

Is QVC’s SVP Of Customer Services Dan McDermott Gone?

We got a tip yesterday that Dan McDermott, QVC’s senior vice president of customer services, is no longer employed at the home shopping network. We heard that he exited Tuesday.

We emailed QVC’s media relations department today and asked what was up, and never heard back.

In any event, McDermott used to write a blog on QVC.com. We checked the site and we could no longer find McDermott’s blog, so we take that as a pretty good indication that he’s not part of the QVC team anymore.

But maybe QVC PR will tell us differently, if and when they ever get back to us.

Kathy Levine’s QVC La Vintage Jewelry Line Looks Dead In The Water

It’s looks like former QVC host Kathy Levine’s costume jewelry line for the home shopping network has met it’s end.

Levine, who left QVC years ago and married a well-to-do older gentleman, for a brief time did a clothing line for QVC’s rival, HSN. It wasn’t a very good collection.

Then she started doing a jewelry line, La Vintage, that reminded us a lot of Heidi Daus’s pieces for HSN. But they were not up to snuff when compared to Heidi’s work.

Now Levine posted this on Facebook:

For all of you who asked what I’m up to,… the answer is, not much. I don’t have any commitments from Q so it appears I will be finding other things to do. I keep busy w volunteering, cooking for Steve, traveling on bike trips, & seeing my Mom frequently. She just celebrated her 90th & we were all there. It’s a different life, but as I round the corner to my 60th, it’s fine. Onward. Give me a subject to write about & I’ll think about it.

“No commitments from Q.” Sounds like La Vintage has come to an end.

HSN Host Colleen Lopez Explains The Chemistry Of Bronze

After we wrote a blog headlined “Bronze Is Not A Noble Metal To Us, HSN!,” we got a nice response from HSN host Colleen Lopez.

We were complaining, what a surprise, about Marianna and Richard Jacobs being the latest HSN vendors to be doing jewelry in bronze, rather than silver and gold, whose prices have skyrocketed. Colleen had described bronze as a noble metal, and that sparked a debate about whether bronze was in fact “noble.”

Here is what Colleen told us today:

Hi Homeshoppingista!

I wanted you to have our thoughts on Bronze…. First – we love the warm patina, the wearability and affordability of bronze. As you have noticed, many of our designers are working with silver, bronze and copper.

The bronze we sell on HSN is 92% Copper (with zinc and/or tin as used in the alloy). Copper is often referred to as a noble metal. Although it’s not technically categorized as a noble metal, like gold or platinum, it does have some properties that allow it to behave similarly to the noble metals.

Copper or Bronze is very resistant to corrosion and will never rust. Copper is used in the alloy of other noble metals (gold and silver) – in fact 10K could technically have as much copper as gold in the formula.

Just wanted you to know where we were coming from when talking about Bronze. Hopefully metal prices will come back down to earth so we can afford the true noble metals – in the mean time, we love being able to offer a beautiful, long lasting alternative.

Thanks for keeping us on our toes.

Thanks for taking the time to write us, Colleen.

‘Blow Out’ Reality Show Star Jonathan Antin Lands On ShopNBC

Jonathan Antin, one of the few straight hair stylists in Beverly Hills, is now hawking hair gear on ShopNBC.

Antin, who was the often weepy star of the Bravo reality show “Blow Out,” at one point had a hair product line on QVC. His abrasive dealings with QVC, in fact, were part of the show.

We just noticed that Antin has the Today’s Top Value on ShopNBC, a “spinning brush and blow dryer all in one.” It’s from Conair.

HSN’s Sonoma Studios Jewelry Line Gives Cali A Bad Name

Good luck to anyone who orders the Today’s Special from Sonoma Studios on HSN.

The prices on this jewelry line seemed too good to be true, and in fact they were. We ordered a turquoise heart pendant and a chunky labradorite necklace, and almost broke our neck rushing to the Post Office to send them back. The quality was terrible.

The turquoise was ugly, and the labradorite was dull and gray, without the gorgeous blue glow-from-within that the stone normally flashes.

The Today’s Special is three-piece set of stretch bracelets in several different kinds of stones. The price is $25.

Our advice is save your money.

Tony Bennett, After Duets With Lady Gaga And Amy Winehouse, Is Coming To HSN Sept. 10

Tony Bennett doing a duet with Lady Gaga, as well as with the late Amy Winehouse? We’ll explain.

HSN CEO Mindy Grossman had mentioned during the home shopping channel’s second-quarter earning call that Bennett was coming to St. Petersburg, Fla. But we were so busy last week we missed the official press release.

Bennett will perform live on HSN Sept. 10 to celebrate his 85th birthday and hawk an “exclusive” collection of his greatest hits “with Music’s Biggest Stars including: Michael Buble, Sheryl Crow, Aretha Franklin, Lady Gaga, Josh Groban, Queen Latifah, John Mayer, Carrie Underwood and many more,” the HSN press release said.

Crooner Bennett, will appear on HSN for a one-hour multi-platform concert at 7 p.m. to launch his latest CD, DUETS II.

“Bennett fans can also go to www.hsn.com, keyword: Tony Bennett to send birthday well wishes to Tony and view special content and videos leading up to his HSN debut,” according to the home shopping network.

Bennett’s new 17-song compilation includes hit songs featuring today’s hot artists. with the duets including, “The Way You Look Tonight” with Faith Hill; “The Lady is a Tramp” with Lady Gaga; “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” with Michael Buble; “It Had To Be You” with Carrie Underwood and “Stranger in Paradise” with Andrea Bocelli.

The other musicians joining Bennett on the CD include Mariah Carey, Natalie Cole, Sheryl Crow, Aretha Franklin, Josh Groban, Norah Jones, Lady Gaga, k.d.lang, Willie Nelson, Queen Latifah, Alejandro Sanz and Winehouse.

“HSN is continuing to keep HSN current and relevant while entertaining our customers is a core component of our entertainment strategy,” HSN senior vice president of merchandising Sandy Conrad said in a canned statement. “Welcoming Tony Bennett for the launch of his new Duets II CD collection gives us the chance to provide our customers an exclusive opportunity to connect with one of the world’s greatest talents.”

There’s no doubt that Bennett is a legend. He has won 15 Grammy Awards including the Grammy Lifetime Award.

HSN customers will have the opportunity to order a special exclusive 2-disk bundle that will include Duets II and a bonus disk which will be available on-air at HSN, through hsn.com and via HSN Mobile for $14.95.

Here’s the boilerplate on Bennett:

Entering his seventh decade as a recording artist with over 100 albums and 15 Grammy Awards including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Bennett has earned his legendary status many times over. He remains the Columbia recording artist with the greatest longevity at the label.

In 2006 his DUETS CD was released in honor of his 80th birthday and became the singer’s best selling CD to date garnering three Grammy Awards and platinum sales. His 2007 prime-time special, “Tony Bennett: An American Classic,” won seven Emmy Awards. A visual artist as well, three of his original paintings are part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian. He has published three books – his autobiography, “The Good Life” and two books of his paintings, “Tony Bennett: What My Heart Has Seen,” and “Tony Bennett In the Studio; A Life of Art and Music.”

His humanitarian efforts are renowned and the United Nations honored him with their Humanitarian Award in 2007Bennett founded, in association with the Department of Education in New York City, the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts – a public arts high school in his hometown of Astoria, Queens. With his wife Susan, he established Exploring the Arts, a charitable organization that supports arts education in NYC public high schools.

Iman, Bowie’s Better Half, Debuts An Upscale Clothing Collection On HSN

Mrs. David Bowie, better known as model-entrepreneur Iman, Wednesday launched a second line of apparel and accessories on HSN.

The new line is called the Iman Platinum Collection, and is much more upscale that her first HSN effort, Iman Global Chic.

While Global Chic has purses and jewelry made of manmade materials, Platinum has items made of real lamb leather and suede.

In fact, Iman has the Today’s Special, a perforated suede jacket for $160. Taking a quick look online, the stuff looks pretty classy.

Our Mea Culpa, Plus HSN CEO Mindy Grossman Holding A ‘Fireside Chat’

HSN, Inc. to Participate in the Goldman Sachs Global Retailing Conference

First of all, we offer a mea culpa to those who have pointed out a number of typos and errors in our recent blogs. We are writing after we get home from a long day at work, and that sometimes means we’re at the computer blogging at 1 a.m. or later.

Since we are morning folks, not night owls, we are making mistakes. But we want to keep the blog up to date, so we guess we’re trading perfection for staying current. It’s not the best situation. But we’ll make of a better effort to catch any typos, bleary-eyed or not.

Now that we have that out of the way, HSN CEO Mindy Grossman will participate in the Goldman Sachs 18th Annual Global Retailing Conference in New York City on Sept. 7 at 4:05 pm, the home shopping network said Wednesday. The format will be “a Fireside Chat,” which is a new one on us.

To listen to a live broadcast of the presentation, visit the investor relations section of the netwrok’s website at www.hsni.com. For those unable to participate, an archived broadcast will be available shortly following the presentation.

About

Queen Latifah Reigns On HSN As The Network Targets African-American Women Shoppers

Sorry we didn’t post all weekend, but we got derailed by a lady by the name of Irene. Flooding. No power. All on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in NOLA.

But we had to comment on the debut of Queen Latifah’s fashion line on HSN, with the Today’s Special, a suede hobo purse, on Saturday. Latifah, i.e. Dana Owens of East Orange, N.J., was a natural hawking her wares. As host Colleen Lopez pointed out, she really didn’t even have to be there, because Latifah was doing such a great job explaining her Queen Collection so well.

Latifah started out as a rapper and then moved on to acting and films with huge success (an Oscar nominee for “Chicago,” we believe). She’s a warm, down-to-earth, smart, beautiful woman, and she’s a big woman. And as she stated, she’s a sensitive Pisces. And she makes no excuses for her size.

Latifah said that she had been offered loads of money to do fashion lines before signing on with HSN, which she said “got” women. Latifah’s HSN line ranges in size from XS to 3X, and there is no label on it being for “plus-sized” women.

InStyle magazine this month mentions Latifah’s line, with a photo of a gorgeous draped dress that we were coveting.

What was especially uplifting were the many, many calls that Latifah got from African-American women, who said they admired her, her accomplishments and her style. Latifah’s fessed up to owning $3,000 purses, so even though her TS was $160, not cheap, it was considerably less expensive than what she is used to carrying.

HSN never markets this fact, but it has become a real promoter of African-American vendors. Artists, athletes and entrepreneurs including Iman, Serena Williams, Carol’s Daughter, Mary J. Blige, Natalie Cole, Antthony Design Originals, Sean Combs and Professor Amos are all on HSN’s roster.

And HSN used to have even more African-American vendors. Terry Lewis is a former HSN host who had a great line of classic designs, with great leather pants and skirts. Lewis’s fans still skewer HSN for not having her on the air anymore.

And Beyonce’s mother, Tina Knowles, once had a clothing line on HSN.

HSN also recently did a day that featured products tied to the premiere of the movie “The Help.”

We don’t see by effort by any of the other home shopping networks to target women of color, and we think it’s a great strategy on HSN’s part.

No Intellectual Theft, As HSN Scores Win In Patent Infringement Case

In our career we’ve written hundreds of stories about lawsuits, and here’s one where HSN emerged the victor.

According to a press release Thursday, the No. 2 home shopping network won a summary judgment of non-infringement in a patent lawsuit.

In the case a company called Parallel Networks had sued HSN, along with dozens of co-defendants, alleging that the defendants’ websites infringed a patent directed to client-server communication technology, whatever that means.

We don’t have details here, folks.

“Unique to this case is that obtaining a favorable summary judgment of non-infringement in the Eastern District of Texas in the early stages of patent litigation is extremely rare,” the law firm that handled the case for HSN, Seyforth Shaw, said in a rather immodest press release.

“When compared to most other districts, the Eastern District of Texas is famous for being a plaintiff-friendly venue, following a strict litigation schedule and having more cases go to trial,” the press release said.

The Seyfarth team coordinated with the co-defendants in preparing claim construction positions, a technology tutorial, summary judgment briefing, and coordinating for the June 21 argument before the court.

The defendants — i.e. HSN — contended that, based on the proper construction of certain key claim elements, none of the defendants’ websites could be found to infringe.

The court granted the motion in-part, finding that most of the defendants’ websites — including the HSN website, HSN.com — could not infringe as a matter of law.

Anyway, here is just part of the press release that a former colleague forwarded to us.

Seyfarth IP Team Scores an Unprecedented Victory for Home Shopping Network in Patent Infringement Suit

CHICAGO (August 31, 2011) — Lawyers in Seyfarth Shaw LLP’s Intellectual Property practice, Mike Levinson, Joe Lanser and Matt Werber, successfully obtained a summary judgment of non-infringement on behalf of our client, Home Shopping Network (HSN).

Seyfarth Shaw has over 750 attorneys located in 10 offices throughout the United States, including: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Sacramento, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., as well as internationally in London. Seyfarth Shaw provides a broad range of legal services in the areas of corporate, labor and employment, employee benefits, litigation and real estate. The firm’s clients include over 300 of the Fortune 500 companies, and our practice reflects virtually every industry and segment of the economy.

QVC Promotes QVC Japan Executive John Thomas To CEO

QVC has promoted John Thomas to the position of chairman and CEO of QVC Japan, whose operation’s were impacted by the earthquake that wreaked havoc on that nation. His promotion is effective immediately, the home shopping network said Thursday.

Thomas has served as interim CEO since May and chairman of QVC Japan since 2009, building strong relationships with QVC’s Japan team. Thomas will continue in his chairman role in addition to his CEO responsibilities, and reports to QVC president and CEO Mike George.

“John is a seasoned executive who will lead our team to provide outstanding customer experiences and deliver strong business results,” George said in a canned statement. “John embodies our values and is a great culture fit with our Japan team. His pioneering spirit, commitment to excellence, and ability to collaborate effectively with our global team members will guide him as he takes on this new leadership role.”

Thomas joined QVC in January 2011 as senior vice president of Global Business Development. In this role, Thomas was responsible for developing QVC’s market expansion strategy, which included leading efforts to investigate markets, prioritize expansion plans, prepare detailed entry plans, and negotiate agreements with potential partners.

He also shared best practices and provided general project management support across all of QVC’s business markets for major facilities projects and headquarters expansions.

Thomas previously served as project manager for the launch of QVC Italy and oversaw the design and construction of the Milan headquarters.

As a consultant, he established close working relationships with QVC leaders as they established global growth plans, and helped guide the company’s developing network of global support systems.

Prior to joining QVC, Thomas served as the president and CEO of Global Marketing and Consulting Enterprises Inc. since 2000.

From 1997 to 2000, he was executive vice president of Samkoo Corporation of America, Samkoo System Integration L.C., where he managed the U.S. buying office for Samkoo Shopping Korea. He also served as president and partner of Specialty Products Global L.C. since 1994, where he researched, funded, and implemented the national rollout of retail store operations.

“Thomas has more than 25 years of experience in CEO and executive assignments within fast-paced, high-growth industries, with a focus on technology and marketing companies,” George stated. “His varied roles across global, retail operations will greatly benefit QVC Japan and build upon the strong leadership team already in place.”

QVC is the majority shareholder of QVC Japan. Mitsui & Co. also holds an interest in QVC Japan. Headquartered in Tokyo, Mitsui & Co. is a diversified comprehensive trading, investment and service company.

Home Shopping Vendors Randolph Duke, Bradley Bayou and Rachel Zoe All Did Stints At Troubled Halston

What happens when you design for the Halston company, and leave? Apparently, you become a vendor on a home shopping network.

The Sunday Styles section of The New York Times today did a story headlined “The Men (And Women) Who Would Be Halston.” It is about the parade of fashion designers and executives who have tried to replace Halston since his death 21 years ago.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/fashion/the-men-and-women-who-would-be-halston.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

If you’re a home shopper, you’ll recognize several names in the story, namely Randolph Duke, Bradley Bayou and Rachel Zoe. Little did we know that Duke, who does a line for HSN, was hired by the Halston company in 1996. Duke was a former design director for Henri Bendel, which we also didn’t know.

Halston alum Bradley Bayou now has a line on QVC, in addition to his couture collection in LA

BTW, the story says that Duke “now sells dresses on the Home Shopping Network Web site,” which raises several questions. For example, any designer who has an active line on HSN (it’s correct name, New York Times) appears on the network to hawk their wares. If a line is on its way out, HSN usually just sells the stuff, often on clearance, on its website. So what’s up with Duke and HSN?

We’re told that Duke’s Halston line in 1997 was critically acclaimed, and that he dressed actress Minnie Driver for the 1998 Oscars.

But things went sour soon. “Fabric bills were not being paid on time,” Duke told The Times, and he quit.

In 2002 LA designer Bayou, who has a collection on QVC, was brought in. Said to have a celebrity clientele, he did a line called Bradley Bayou for Halston. Apparently Queen Latifah, now an HSN vendor, and Oprah Winfrey wore his garments.

But things went sour soon. When Bayou asked the Halston company for more cash for advertising, it said no. Bayou bounced in 2005.

The Times quoted Bayou as saying, “I feel like I let him (Halston) down, and he’s rolling over in his grave.”

Movie maven Harvey Weinstein bought Halston in 2007 for $25 million, and Zoe, who now has a line on QVC, was named creative director.

But things went sour soon, and Zoe exited by 2008.

Got that all, folks?

Sorry We’re Late, But QVC’s Revenue Grew 3 Percent In The Second Quarter To $1.2 Billion

OK, we realize we’re a month late, but better late than never.

It appears that we simply missed or never get the press notice that announced that Liberty Media, QVC’s parent, was doing its second-quarter earnings call Aug. 9. We dunno which.

But here’s the story.

“QVC had a solid quarter, with revenue growth in all markets,” Liberty uber honcho Greg Maffei said in a canned statement. “We were impressed that Japan was back to growth so quickly after the tragedies of the spring.

QVC’s domestic revenue increased 3 percent in the second quarter to $1.2 billion and adjusted OIBDA increased 1 percent to $305 million compared to the second quarter 2010.

“We are excited about our strong product and programming line-up for the third quarter as we expand our presence in New York’s Fashion Night Out this September with the exciting premieres of John Hardy jewelry and Heidi Klum accessories,” QVC president and CEO Mike George said in canned statement.

“In addition, QVC will broadcast live, select programs from the LA Live complex, featuring a range of QVC personalities and brands, enabling us to provide a localized look and feel for our West Coast audience during their prime television viewing hours,” he said.

The product mix continued to show a steady growth in accessories, apparel and home and a decline in jewelry sales. The average selling price increased 8 percent from $48.10 to $52.02 while total units sold decreased 4 percent to 25.7 million.

Returns as a percent of gross product revenue remained relatively consistent to the prior year period at 18.5 percent.

QVC.com sales as a percentage of U.S. sales grew from 32 percent in the second quarter of 2010 to 35 percent in the second quarter of 2011. Overall, the U.S. adjusted OIBDA margin decreased 64 basis points to 24.8 percent for the quarter due to the previous disclosed change in our QCard arrangement which negatively impacted adjusted OIBDA by about $9 million.

Excluding the negative impact of this arrangement, U.S. adjusted OIBDA increased 4 percent for the second quarter with a slight increase in adjusted OIBDA margin primarily driven by favorable product margins.

QVC’s consolidated net revenue, which includes its international networks, increased 8 percent in the second quarter to $1.9 billion, adjusted OIBDA increased 4 percent to $418 million and operating income increased 4 percent to $281 million.

“We continue to build momentum even in these uncertain economic times with consolidated second quarter net revenue growth of 8 percent,” George said. “Each market experienced net revenue growth in local currency including Japan, which has rebounded nicely after the tragic events experienced in late March.”

He sent on, “Excluding our QVC Italy start up operations and the previously discussed change in our QCard program with GE Money Bank, our adjusted OIBDA growth would have been 8 percent and operating income would have been 11 percent. We continue to see strong global new customer net revenue growth and our global eCommerce revenue now represents 30 percent of our worldwide revenue.

QVC’s international revenue increased 18 percent in the second quarter to $666 million from $565 million including the impact of favorable exchange rates in each of our markets. International adjusted OIBDA increased 13 percent to $113 million and adjusted OIBDA margins decreased 73 basis points for the quarter.

QVC’s international second quarter results include $13 million of adjusted OIBDA loss compared to $5 million in the prior year related to QVC Italy operations that launched in October 2010. Excluding the effects of QVC Italy, international adjusted OIBDA and adjusted OIBDA margins would have increased 20 percent and 51 basis points, respectively, for the quarter.

QVC UK’s revenue grew 4 percent in local currency in the second quarter due primarily to increased sales in apparel and most home categories. These increases were partially offset by declines in fine jewelry.

QVC UK’s average selling price in local currency decreased 1 percent and units sold increased 5 percent for the second quarter. QVC UK’s adjusted OIBDA increased 4 percent and the adjusted OIBDA margin increased 59 basis points due primarily to a favorable inventory obsolescence provision and freight costs offset somewhat by higher distribution costs associated with the QVC Beauty Channel, QVC UK’s second channel, being launched part time on the Freeview DTT platform.

QVC Germany’s revenue grew 7 percent in local currency in the quarter driven by increased sales of apparel, jewelry, and nutrition products. QVC Germany’s average selling price in local currency increased 1 percent for the second quarter and units sold increased 11 percent.

QVC Germany’s returns as a percent of gross product revenue increased 251 basis points from the prior period due in part to a product mix shift to higher return categories including apparel and jewelry. QVC Germany’s adjusted OIBDA increased 21 percent in local currency and the adjusted OIBDA margin increased 199 basis points due to favorable product margins and inventory obsolescence.

QVC Japan’s revenue grew 1 percent in local currency in the second quarter due to increased sales primarily in apparel. QVC Japan’s market has rebounded after the tragic events experienced in March with positive year over year growth achieved in May and June.

QVC Japan achieved growth of 13 percent in units sold for the quarter with the average selling price in local currency declining 10 percent. QVC Japan’s adjusted OIBDA in local currency declined 2 percent and the adjusted OIBDA margin declined 72 basis points due to lower product margins and higher commission expense.

QVC Italy continues the trend from the first quarter – sequential sales growth following a softer than anticipated launch. These sales are primarily in the home and beauty product areas. In the quarter, QVC Italy began to invest in a strong marketing campaign to build awareness and accelerate new customer acquisition, and it plans to monitor these and other fixed costs as they grow into their cost structure.

We Told You So: Upscale John Hardy Is Doing A Jewelry Line For QVC

High-end jewelry designer John Hardy is coming to QVC after all, with a line that’s supposed to debut at Fashion Night Out this Thursday.

He’s just the latest in a series of upscale jewelry vendors, such as Robert Lee Morris, Stephen Dweck and Judith Ripka, to hop on the home-shopping bandwagon.

We broke this story more than a year ago, and then were told that the item was not true. Even though we’ve worked as a writer for decades, we still hate when people lie to us.

So we’d like to work one of our deceased nana’s Puerto Rican espiritismo spells on the execs over at John Hardy and QVC.

In February 2010 we posted an item saying that John Hardy, whose wares are sold in places like Neiman Marcus, was creating a collection for QVC. Someone on the QVC’s forums had written that QVC host Lisa Robertson had said that during a meeting.

We had contacted QVC and John Hardy before we wrote the blog, but they didn’t immediately get back to us.

After our blog appeared, QVC’s Erin Mulholland and John Hardy’s Edith Bagda denied that any such line for QVC was planned.

http://homeshoppingista.wordpress.com/category/jewelry-designers/john-hardy/

Well, we just read the 2Q press release for QVC’s parent, Liberty Media.

“We are excited about our strong product and programming line-up for the third quarter as we expand our presence in New York’s Fashion Night Out this September with the exciting premieres of John Hardy jewelry and Heidi Klum accessories,” QVC president and CEO Mike George said in canned statement.

Liar liar, pants on fire.

Seriously, we do hope, with the help of nana Isolina, that your pants do go on fire.

QVC To Debut New Lines From Kris Jenner, Heidi Klum At Fashion’s Night Out

QVC is once again making a big fuss for Fashion’s Night Out, which is Thursday. We plan to be there.

QVC is scheduled to broadcast live from SoHo, with “a star-studded lineup of celebrities, stylists and designers unveiling some of this season’s hottest ready-to-wear looks.” They must be referring to The Homeshoppingista.

QVC will open its doors to the public on Thursday at 6 p.m. in celebration of FNO. The crowd will include Heidi Klum, Isaac Mizrahi, Melania Trump and Kris Jenner, receive expert style tips from the likes of Lori Goldstein, Marc Bouwer, Dennis Basso and Cristina Ehrlich, and enjoy giveaways and exclusive offers.

An entire area will be dedicated to QVC beauty, offering makeup and skincare consultations as well as showcasing high-tech beauty devices from brands including Laura Geller, MAKE UP FOR EVER, T3, Dr. Gross, Tria, OleHenriksen, tarte, TEMPTU, Bare Escentuals and Clarisonic.

During the event, QVC will showcase special FNO programming with a live broadcast – “Fashion Night’s Out – Live from New York” at 9 p.m., featuring the debuts of WILDLIFE by Heidi Klum, Kris Jenner Kollection and CE by Cristina Ehrlich.
Established QVC designers including Lori Goldstein, Marc Bouwer, Amrita Singh and Melania Trump are also scheduled to present new pieces during the show.

QVC’s NY Fashion Week event continues Friday at 11 p.m. with a live broadcast from the SoHo location unveiling new designs from Dennis Basso, Camila Alves, as well as the latest collection from iconic Hollywood stylist Rachel Zoe, who has additional programming throughout the day on Saturday.

It all concludes with the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week – Live from New York broadcast on Saturday at 10 p.m.. A live runway show will feature new collections from Mizrahi, the Kardashians, Bradley Bayou and an encore appearance by Klum.

“We are thrilled to, once again, bring the excitement of Fashion’s Night Out and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to our viewers,” QVC U.S. CEO Claire Watts said in a canned statement. “With a star-studded list of celebrities and designers as well as access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, this is one programming event that shoppers won’t want to miss.”

MAKE UP FOR EVER, the go-to brand for beauty professionals and makeup enthusiasts around the world, will be creating the looks for both QVC’s FNO and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week broadcasts, and will offer a two-piece smoky metallic eye kit for viewers to purchase.

During all three broadcasts, QVC will once again lend its support to the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in its fight against breast cancer by offering Vogue-designed FNO merchandise created especially for QVC. Net proceeds from the sale of these items, sold exclusively through QVC, will benefit “Fashion Targets Breast Cancer,” the charitable initiative of the CFDA Foundation Inc.

It’s all part of QVC’s 25th anniversary celebration, 25 to Watch, highlighting the most engaging moments of the 2011 programming calendar. For more information, visit www.qvc.com/fashionsnightout.

QVC Host Lisa Robertson Looks Pretty Damn Good In Person

We’re standing in the Suspenders Building in Soho at QVC’s Fashion’s Night Out Event. Our dogs are starting to bark, our Spanx have cut off our circulation and our hair is frizzy. But who cares?

We’re blogging on one of the laptops that QVC has set up. Sweet.

It’s a typical Manhattan event, with loud music and a lot of people dressed in black, us included. It’s crowded and noisy. The party started at 5 p.m., and QVC doesn’t start broadcasting live from here until 9 p.m. And we haven’t had one drop of liquor! Yet.

Lisa and The Homeshoppingista

The highlight so far has been seeing QVC host Lisa Robertson in the flesh. She’s wearing a simple cobalt blue dress with a black belt, and we love her hair tonight. She is slender and pretty. She was posing for photos upstairs, and of course we had to horn our way in.

Robertson got on our good side immediately when she complimented us on our diamond stick cross.

We quickly introduced ourselves as The Homeshoppingista, but we really have no idea if she knew who are. Then QVC took a shot of us with Robertson, and we will downdoad and post it later. That is, we’ll post it unless we look like a big whale next to her, despite our Spanx.

Being here is certainly a great incentive for us to lay off the Pizza Hut bread sticks. We guess it’s a good thing that we can’t find any food here.

There was a blonde female reporter here from the entertainment magazine show “Extra,” and we’ve been following her around. That’s because we can’t believe how thin she is.

When we came in, we caught a quick glimpse of QVC host Jane Treacy, and then we headed upstairs. QVC has a red carpet area outside, but we didn’t see anyone of note on it. Upstairs, we met QVC top honcho Mike George and briefly chatted with him. We hope our tape recorder was working.

QVC upstairs set up stations with the various makeup lines that it sells, such as Laura Geller, who has tomorrow’s TSV, and Bare Escentuals. In fact, we saw Leslie Blodgett posing for photos with party attendees. We had Bare Escentuals touch up our shiny face, and the Laura Geller rep used one of the blushes from the TSV on us.

We were dying to have the reps from T3 flatiron our hair straight, but it’s so humid that we now it would go curly as soon as we walked out the door. So why bother?

For a QVC shopper like us, this is a dream. Downstairs there are stations with samples of new products from vendors such as Joan Rivers, Heidi Klum, Michael Dawkins, Judith Ripka, Melania Trump, Rachel Zoe, Robert Lee Morris and Marc Bouwer.

There are samples of two huge, gorgeous bib necklaces on display from Joan Rivers. One has huge faux diamonds, and the other has bling and orange and black enamel flowers. Stunning.

We got a gander at Klum’s new jewelry line, but we have to say that we’re not feeling it. Sorry Heidi.

Faux Fur Is Big At QVC’s Fashion’s Night Out Event In Soho

We’re still here standing and blogging on a QVC laptop at its Fashion’s Night Out shindig in Soho.

In addition to getting our photo taken with QVC host Lisa Robertson, we also had one done with us wearing a fat, long-haired black faux fur vest from Marc Bouwer. It looked great on the rack, but there is no mirror to check out how you look. We guess it will be a nice surprise when we download the photo.

Us and our fat cheeks in a fat faux fur

QVC has a whole rack of faux fur jackets and vests from vendors such as Bouwer, Rachel Zoe and Dennis Basso.

You’re free to try them on and have a very cute blond photographer take a photo of you wearing one.

Even QVC’s Lisa Robertson Would Say It’s Getting Hot In Here; Heidi Klum Is In The House

We’re roasting, and so is QVC host Lisa Robertson.

QVC is about to start broadcasting live from Soho, and Robertson is fanning herself. It must be a zillion degrees in here. We pity the gorgeous models who are clad in winter clothes. Well, we don’t pity them that much. They’re gorgeous.

We were so busy blogging, working hard to keep you guys informed folks, that we missed Heidi Klum. She was literally around the corner from us, taking photos with everyone. Except us.

On the way upstairs again we saw designer Bradley Bayou chatting with someone. Upstairs jewelry stylist and diamond expert Michael O’Connor was walking around, carrying a briefcase.

When we were walkng down the stairs to see the live broadcast kick off, designer Marc Bouwer was walking up the stairs.

Robertson is up on stage with Klum right now.

Gotta run. We want to check out Heidi.

The Homeshoppingista Is On The Air On QVC, Diva Isaac Mizrahi Bounces

Kris Jenner is onstage with Lisa Robertson, but we can’t get near them or hear them.

We just tried to interview Isaac Mizrahi upstairs, but he was apparently so worn out by taking photos with fans that he said he had to get away and took off. A publicist said he was done talking to us peons.

Well, she didn’t use those words, but that was the gist. We told her we were a reporter and needed to speak to him, and she still let him go off.

Thanks for nothing, girlfiend. Or should we say girlfriends, the PR person and Isaac. We’re crabby, as you can tell.

QVC was just shooting right here, showing off its digital lounge here where we are blogging, so we may have just been on the air.

But we were so busy writing, and nervous, that we didn’t look at the screen above us to see if we were in the shot.

Let us know if your saw us.

Truth be told, we’re ready to bounce. We have a busy schedule at our day job tomorrow.

Judy Crowell Heading To Her Fourth Gig At A Home Shopping Network, Now It’s JTV

It looks like Judy Crowell has landed at her fourth shopping network, as one of our much-appreciated readers clued us in.

Apparently Jewelry Television has been running spots saying that Crowell is a-comin.

Crowell, who most recently had a clothing line on ShopNBC, previously has been a host on QVC and HSN. That lady gets around!

On Facebook, Crowell was asked about the move by someone who saw the JTV commercial. The ad apparently said that Crowell is going to rep the Stratify line on JTV.

Crowell posted this on Facebook:

This just in….. The big debut is Thursday, Sept 29th from 8 – 11am!!! And again on Friday evening, the 30th, from 6 – 8pm. I hope you’ll be there!

Her husband, QVC alum Paul Deasy, still sells a jewelry line on ShopNBC.

But on the ShopNBC website, there are only 10 items from The Judy Crowell Collection, and they are all on clearance.

The other tidbit we heard was that JTV host “Scott,” who was supposedly out and under the weather last week, is no longer listed as a host on JTV’s website.

HSN, ShopNBC To Present At TAG Consumer Conference Later This Month

Both HSN and ShopNBC will be participating in the Telsey Advisory Group’s 2nd Annual Fall Consumer Conference later this month.

ValueVision Media, ShopNBC’s parent, will do its presentation Sept. 26 at 1:10 p.m. President Bob Ayd and CFO Bill McGrath will be doing the dog-and-pony show at The Intercontinental Hotel Times Square in New York City.

ShopNBC’s presentation will be broadcast live via audio webcast at 1:10 p.m. and at the same time the presentation will be
available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.ShopNBC.com/IR.

HSN CEO Mindy Grossman and CFO Judy Schmeling will do their thing at the conference Sept. 28.

ShopNBC Vets Charla Rines And Jim Skelton Land On Dish Network, DirecTV With Watch Show

Sassy former ShopNBC host Charla Rines, who was unceremoniously dumped by the home shopping network, is now working with another refugee from the Minnesota, Jim Skelton.

Rines, who is now in Florida, advised fans of her new gig on Facebook. She’s doing a show, “World of Watches,” with Skelton that airs on Dish Network, Charlie Ergen’s fiefdom, and DirecTV.

Watch Charla on World of Watches

Here is her post:

hi folks, again & again i ask forgiveness for not being on facebook regularly. i’m having a ball on worldofwatches.tv. lior is amazing. now on air with skelton. kick me! he’s funny & knows his stuff too! love miami. it’s cooled down a bit (thank goodness). met some incredible people here. my daughter is working & going to school. love that kid. mr. cheeks is enjoying having madison’s two cats @ the house (kidding). what else to say? join us on direct & dish sat/sun 6-9pm. the deals are fab!

Much luck Charla.

Rocker-Reality TV Star Bret Michaels Comes To HSN Live Oct. 2

Rock icon and reality TV star and philanthropist Bret Michaels is the latest musical artist to come to HSN to sell his wares.

Michaels, in partnership with Dean Guitars, will launch his “Signature Acoustic Guitar Collection” and the exclusive HSN guitar bundle on Oct. 2 at 8 p.m.

“I’m thrilled to bring my Signature line of Guitars, my vocal warm-up CD and my solo album, ‘Custom Built’ to HSN,” blondie Michaels said in a canned statement. “HSN has a track-record of bringing innovative, high-quality products to their customers, so this is a natural partnership for me.”

The exclusive acoustic guitar package includes a choice of either a black Player guitar or a pink Jorja Raine guitar and an 8 x 10 lithograph signed photo of Michaels, a ichaels guitar strap, a set of three ret Michaels guitar picks and a ‘Learn to Play’ DVD with over 400 minutes of practice sessions from TrueFire for $299.95.

A two-disk vocalizer CD including a collection of vocal warm-up exercises for aspiring singers as well as Bret’s CD, “Custom Built” will also be available for sale.

During the primetime special event, Michaels will also play a six-song set in front of a live studio audience at HSN headquarters in St. Petersburg, Fla.

The set list will feature some of Bret’s greatest hits as the front man for Poison and his solo career, including “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Something To Believe In” and “All I Ever Needed.”

Let’s Hear It For HSN: It’s Dedicating Oct. 12 To The ‘Footloose’ Remake

Finally, a first graf on a press release that we like: “HSN is ready to cut loose with an exclusive shopping experience that celebrates the highly anticipated new movie adaptation of the beloved 80′s film, Footloose.”

The 24-hour HSN event will take place Oct. 12 across all of HSN’s platforms, including on TV, HSN.com and HSN mobile.

The Paramount Pictures release, directed by Craig Brewer and starring Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, Andie MacDowell and Dennis Quaid, will open nationwide Oct. 14.

“Footloose provides HSN an opportunity to integrate products across all our platforms in a new and exciting way,” Bill Brand, HSN’s executive vice president of programming, marketing and business development, said in a canned statement. “HSN’s entertainment integration strategy continues to build momentum and we are proud to collaborate with Paramount Pictures to bring this new interpretation of the classic film to our customers with a fun and entertaining shopping experience.”

Inspired by the movie, HSN is going to be featuring fall collections of high-end contemporary footwear, fashions, accessories and beauty including the HSN debut of Zodiac USA and Keds.

The event will also feature exclusive denim from Levi’s Curve ID and footwear from DKNYC, Libby Edelman and La Victorie.

Designers Matt Bernson Special Project, Vince Camuto, Steven by Steve Madden and Twiggy LONDON will also have exclusive styles including their own version of the film’s iconic red cowboy boots.

We don’t remember red cowboy boots in the original film. Was Kevin Bacon wearing them?

Here’s Twiggy’s canned quote: “I’m very excited to be a part of the Footloose special on HSN. My design team and I have put together some great boots and shows and I love them all.”

In addition, the event will showcase beauty products such as an exclusive “Powder Pop Set” by Benefit Cosmetics, special designs by Foot Petals and exclusive nail colors from Deborah Lippmann inspired by the iconic music from the film including “Almost Paradise,” “Dancing in the Sheets,” “Footloose” and “Let’s Hear it for the Boy.”

HSN will also offer Footloose movie branded merchandise including apparel seen in the film, exclusive posters, and the film soundtrack featuring artists Blake Shelton, Big & Rich, Cee Lo Green, David Banner, Whitney Duncan, Lissie and Zac Brown of Zac Brown Band.

As additional support to the Oct. 12 event on HSN platforms, the multichannel retailer has also developed a custom Footloose movie themed magazine with the editors of Footwear News, cross channel cable spots, and print advertising in Lucky magazine. HSN will also sponsor the movie premiere in Los Angeles Oct. 3.

“The broad scope of this HSN Footloose movie partnership combining pre-promotion on air and online with the daylong broadcast event, custom publishing, and a print campaign definitely will build the excitement for the film with the vast HSN audience,” was the canned comment from LeeAnne Stables, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Partnerships for Paramount Pictures.”We are thrilled to be working with the HSN team on such a valuable and integrated program.”

Tune in for the HSN event “Footloose” Oct. 12. Special features, videos, community boards and cast biographies, can be found at HSN.com/footloose.

Carson Kressley, Brooks Brothers Coming To ShopNBC

This just in: The odd couple of Brooks Brothers and Carson Kressley are on their way to ShopNBC.

The No. 3 home shopping network will debut merchandise from the the retailer of upscale preppy clothes in November.

Carson Kressley

ShopNBC will be hawking Brooks Brothers women’s accessories, handbags and scarves. And that’s not the only high-end company in the shoot. In the fourth quarter, the home shopping network will premiere another upscale line, Hartmann luggage.

Kressley, of Bravo “Queer Eye For The Straight Guy” fame, had a brief stint as a QVC vendor, with a women’s apparel line.

Now he will launching a women’s clothing collection on ShopNBC in March. Kressley recently had a show, “Carson Nation,” on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN, and is a contestant on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars.”

‘Jerseylicious’ Olivia Will Be Offering Makeup Tips On ShopNBC

Here’s a heads-up for you “Jerseylicious” fans: Olivia Blois Sharpe will be appearing on ShopNBC next month.

Shape will be on ShopNBC during its “Day of Beauty” on Saturday, Oct. 8. She will talk about the new NYX Cosmetics “Jerseylicious” palette (Haute Jersey Leopard Couture) and demonstrate her makeup tips.

Jerseylicious Olivia will be offering her makeup tips on ShopNBC

Sharpe will also be dishing about the “Jerseylicious” season finale (Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. on Style Network) and two-part reunion special (Part One airs Oct. 23 at 7 p.m., Part Two airs Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.

“Jerseylicious” airs Sundays at 8 p.m. on Style.

We Broke This, But Here’s The Official Judy Crowell-JTV Announcement

Veteran Home Shopping Celebrity Judy Crowell Joins JTV

Crowell to Headline Stratify and Blooming Jewels Collections

KNOXVILLE, TENN, Sept. 26, 2011- Jewelry Television (JTV) announced that veteran home shopping celebrity Judy Crowell has joined JTV as a guest host. Crowell, who worked as on-air host at QVC for 15 years and also enjoyed stints at HSN and ShopNBC, will begin appearing on JTV on Sept. 29 to represent JTV’s proprietary Stratify and Blooming Jewels Collections.

Exclusively produced for JTV, Stratify is a collection of stylish jewelry offering the same look, feel and allure of yellow, white or rose gold without the associated high prices. The name Stratify signifies that each piece is layered in precious 18 karat gold over .925 sterling silver. 18 karat gold, which is 75% pure gold, is one of the most desirable gold karatages to own.

Crowell will also represent Blooming Jewels, a dazzling collection of flower design jewelry featuring an array of colored gemstones. The same 18 karat gold over .925 sterling silver applies to this collection with showcases colored gemstones including rhodolite garnet, peridot, pink tourmaline, sky blue topaz, African amethyst, and citrine.

“As gold prices continue to soar, we pledge to bring jewelry enthusiasts the jewelry they love at affordable prices,” said Pat Bryant, Chief Marketing Officer at JTV. “We’re thrilled to have Judy Crowell on board to represent Stratify and Blooming Jewels. She understands jewelry trends and the home shopping industry as well as anyone in the country,” he said.

“When I saw the beauty and affordability of Stratify and Blooming Jewels I knew I wanted to be involved,” said Crowell. “JTV is the most exciting place to shop for the latest designs in jewelry and gems and both collections are top of the line,” she said.

About Jewelry Television

Jewelry Television (JTV) is the only broadcast shopping network that focuses exclusively on the sale of fine jewelry and gemstones. The privately-held company was founded in 1993 and broadcasts high definition programming 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to over 80 million unique households in the U.S. Jewelry Television was recently ranked the 14th largest retailer of fine jewelry in the U.S. by National Jeweler. JTV.com is the fourth largest jewelry destination on the internet according to Internet Retailer’s Top 500 Guide for 2009. For more information, visit JTV.com.

About Judy Crowell

Judy Crowell, former host of QVC and HSN, is an expert in gemstones, silver, gold, fashion, beauty and fitness with more than 25 years experience in the television shopping industry. A Fashion Trend Forecaster, Crowell has traveled extensively to worldwide trade shows and witnessed first-hand the gemstone mining operations in Brazil, Bolivia, Australia, China, Nevada and Arizona. For more information, visit www.judycrowell.com.

HSN Announces Capital Return Plan For Shareholders

HSN has approved a plan to return capital to the company’s shareholders, including a share repurchase program for 10 million shares and a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.125 per share.

These are the first share repurchase and cash dividend programs initiated by the company, it said in a press release Wednesday.

“HSN’s Board of Directors took this action based on our continued confidence in the company’s long-term growth potential, financial outlook and cash flow generation,” HSN CEO Mindy Grossman said in a canned statement. “This program represents a balanced and disciplined approach to return value to shareholders and preserves HSN’s liquidity and flexibility to reinvest in our business and react opportunistically to value creating alternatives for the company.”

Under the terms of the share repurchase program, HSN will repurchase its common stock from time to time through privately negotiated or open market transactions, including pursuant to a trading plan in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or by any combination of such methods.

The timing of any repurchases and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including the stock price, corporate and regulatory requirements, restrictions under the company’s debt obligations and other market and economic conditions. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued by HSN at any time.

The cash dividend will be funded from current cash and from present and expected future cash flows. The dividend will be paid quarterly with the first payment to occur on November 16, 2011 to HSN’s record holders as of Nov. 2.

Jewelry Designer Loree Rodkin Brings Her Rock ‘N Roll Edge To HSN

We have long coveted Loree Rodkin’s edgy, and expensive, silver jewelry.

She often incorporates crosses in her rock-style pieces, which a number of celebs wear. We once saw a great pair of eyeglass frames in Montclair, and when we went into the shop to ask about them, we found out they were from Loree. And they were $700!

Loree Rodkin's cross cuff for HSN

So imagine our delight when we got HSN’s October Jewelry Guide, which had a rocking cross cuff and an unusual pendant and matching earring. Turns out it’s a new jewelry line, Love & Rock, by Rodkin.

The Maltese Cross Crystal-Accented Cuff Bracelet has black stingray-design simulated leather or a turquoise-colored simulated leather. It is $70, and already has two rave reviews on HSN.com.

We look forward to seeing Rodkin when she debuts on HSN Oct. 18.

QVC Customers Up In Arms Over B. Makowsky’s ‘Haircalf’ TSV, Accuse Network Of Censoring Their Comments

One of our Facebook friends tipped us off that there was a brouhaha over Bruce Makowsky’s QVC Today’s Special Value last weekend, which was an animal print haircalf and leather hobo purse at more than $200.

On one of QVC’s forums, posters were disgusted and angry that Bruce was hawking a bag made of animal fur.

“Bruce, I love the look of this TSV,” one woman posted on QC.com. “I love the animal prints, the color combinations, I just can’t deal with the real fur. While I know this is a fashion trend, could you please consider something similar to the TSV but in a faux fur?”

Some women agreed with her: They were turned off and disgusted by the cow skin. Apparently, some shoppers were threatening to boycott QVC and were making rather accusations. Some posters claimed that QVC had taken down or censored their angry remarks.

The hubbub over thie haircalf was “hilarious,” wrote one woman. After all, do the women who were protesting wear leather shoes and handbags? Hello, that leather came from a cow, girlfriends.

We agree with the QVC watcher her posted this.

“I watched all the hoopla yesterday on the boards and read many of the posts. I didn’t notice the ‘censorship’ because I started reading them later in the day and supposedly many had been reinstated.

What I don’t understand is that this type of leather is just the reverse of regular leather, or at least leather that hasn’t had the hair removed. I don’t get where the belief that baby animals – or in one post aborted baby animals – had been used to make these bags. Calfhair is the term used to describe the leather, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the leather came from baby cows.

Leather is leather is leather. If you don’t like the look and feel of the hair, that’s fine, but all this protesting and theatening to call PETA seems way over the top to me.””

But there were many indignant folks who disagreed. Here is one of them.

“I just can’t wear fur, of any kind, it just creeps me out. So that is why I didn’t get this one. And what lit my torch yesterday was QVC’s censorship of posts. I was up at around 2:30 am and there were several posts about how many of us just didn’t like the idea of real fur. They were not fanatical.. just.. ewww… I don’t like this one. Comments about ick factors.

Later that morning those posts had all been poofed. That really got me angry. If they were going to pull those, then why not pull every negative comment on every product.. why just this one. I am also from a management world raised with the philosophy that you listen to your customers comments, and you make adjustments. The fact that QVC was censoring us and not ‘adjusting’ really got me going. Then the PETA folks came out full force later in the morning/day.

Obviously there was such a backlash that QVC ended up pulling the TSV or making it look like it had sold out.

I am not going to get into debates about the fact that I eat meat and wear leather. Wearing fur for me is as disgusting as wearing Susan Graver polyester. Both have equal ICK factors.”

Well folks, we have to side with QVC, at least in terms of the bag, not any censorship of its forums.

As several posters noted, TJ Maxx is selling a ton of calfhair handbags, and we bought one there. We also purchased one fronm ShopNBC from its America West Collection. Haircalf is not a fad. It has been used to make purses in the Southwest and West for years.

We don’t wear real fur coats, but we are not grossed out by cow hair purses. We actually think they are gorgeous, and love the texture and richness of them.

We were tempted to buy Bruce’s TSV in leopard, but have heard so many negative things about the quality of his purses that we passed. It had nothing to do with the haircalf.

So shoot us. But don’t be wearing leather shoes when you do it, hypocrites.

Is Designer Bradley Bayou Doing A Home Line For QVC?

Beverly Hills couture designer Bradley Bayou already does an apparel line for QVC. But he is working on a housewares line, and we’re wondering if that is for the homes shopping network, as well.

Bradley, don't remove our questions on Facebook

Big bad Bayou recently posted this on Facebook:

Happy Monday everyone! With lots to do this week I am very excited to get started – I’ve got meetings with contractors for my interior design projects, working on QVC Fall 2012 (possible TSV???) and couch shopping with my daughter for her new house!

So is the TSV clothing or interior design?

We asked Bayou on Facebook what he was up to, and he “removed” our question. Would it have killed him to answer us?

Moron. We should have stepped on his foot when we passed him at QVC’s Fashion’s Night Out party in SoHo.

Damn, FX’s ‘American Horror Story’ Shows No Respect For ‘Home Shopping S–t’

We don’t mind the nudity, violence, dirty language, deviant sex and masturbation that’s depicted in the premiere episode of FX’s “American Horror Story.”

The show was co-created by Ryan Murphy, the architect of FX’s sleazefest “Nip/Tuck”, after all (OK, Fox’s wholesome “Glee” is his, too).

But did Murphy have to diss home shopping, that cad, in the first episode of “American Horror Story,” which debuts tomorrow?

These folks are not wearing cubic zirconia

Murphy, looking to toy with the conventions of the horror genre, brings us the story of the troubled couple Ben and Vivien Harmon, played by Dylan McDermott, of “The Practice” fame, and Connie Britton, from “Friday Night Lights.”

They have moved from the East Coast to the Left Coast to try to mend their marriage after Vivien caught her husband in flagrante with a student in the marital bed. That kind of put a damper on the couple’s wedded bliss.

Needless, to say, the gothic house they moved into has an evil, murderous past. So that’s the set-up.

The Harmon’s new nextdoor neighbor is Constance, an evil Southern belle way past her prime, who is played by Jessica Lange.

At one point Constance just lets herself into the Harmons’ house, much to the shock and chagrin of Vivien.

When Constance gets a gander at the earrings Vivien is wearing, she asks, “Are those real diamonds, not that home shopping shit?”

Murphy, get a clue!

QVC, HSN and ShopNBC stopped becoming mere purveyors of cubic zirconia years and years ago, dude. Just ask vendors such as Robert Lee Morris, Judith Ripka, Stephen Dweck and soon, John Hardy.

By the way, “American Horror Story” lets us see McDermott’s bare butt lots of times. If that is him, not a body double.

And if you have a rubber fetish, you’re in for a treat with the guy in the black suit.

HSN Costume Jewelry Diva Heidi Daus Is A Player In Montclair YMCA Gala

HSN costume jewelry queen Heidi Daus is one of our fellow Montclair, N.J., residents. But we’ve never run into her or saw anything about her in town.

Until now. It turns out that Daus is part of the committee that is putting together a Dec. 3 gala for the YMCA of Montclair, its first ever.

If will take place at the lovely Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange.

Daus is decorating co-chair for the gala. Where are sure the decor will be lovely.

HSN’s Innovation Weekend Features First Ever On-Air Retail Quick Response

This weekend HSN introduced a new way for consumers to shop with their television when it debuted Quick Response (QR) codes live on HSN HD during its bi-annual Innovation Weekend.

The New York Times devoted quite a bit of space in its business section on this Saturday.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/08/technology/hsn-tests-onscreen-qr-codes-to-encourage-sales.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=hsn&st=Search

In its press release Friday, HSN claimed it is the first-ever retailer to use QR codes on-air. These QR codes will be featured on HSN’s HD channel, which reaches about 43 million households.

The event will include hundreds of products, each with its own QR code. When scanned from the television screen, the customer will be able to access the product information page on their mobile device, learn more about the product and purchase with ease.

“Innovation is an integral part of our company, whether it’s the innovative products we present or the groundbreaking ways we use on-air QR codes to engage and interact with our customers,” Jill Braff, HSN executive vice president of digital commerce, said in a prepared statement. “Women turn to HSN’s trusted experts to educate and empower them to make informed purchases. Top electronics brands like Sony, Microsoft and Samsung recognize the power of HSN to introduce new technologies and we look forward to the products they will be debuting during our Innovation Weekend event.”

The four-day event, which ends Monday, features dozens of name brands and several premiers from some of the most trusted names in electronics including the world launch of the Honeywell 24″ 1080p LCD TV with built-in DVD player, the debut of the Samsung Dart Android smartphone and the launch of the 8″ Nextbook with Android 2.3 and Flash 10.

An exclusive Sony Skype TV bundle is also debuting during the event, which includes a Sony Bravia 46″ Ultra-thin 3D Ready LED TV with built-in Wi-Fi and a Sony Skype camera, enabling customers to Skype from their TV to any Skype-enabled device.

Additional brand launches over the Innovation Weekend include exclusive bundles for the Lexmark P715 all-in-one wireless printer and the D-link night vision wireless IP camera that allows you to remotely monitor your home or business.

QVC Parent Liberty Media To Announce Third-Quarter Earnings Nov. 8

QVC’s parent, Liberty Media Corp., will release its third-quarter earnings Nov. 8 at 11:15 a.m.

Why not 11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m., for Pete’s sake?

Liberty Media President and CEO Greg Maffei will host the call. During the call, he ill discuss the company’s financial performance.

Replays of the conference call can be accessed through 1:15 p.m. Nov. 15 by dialing (888) 203-1112 or (719) 457-0820 plus the passcode 4205514#.

In addition, the third-quarter earnings conference call will be broadcast live via the Internet.

All interested participants should visit the Liberty Media website at http://www.libertymedia.com/events to register for the webcast. Links to the press release and replays of the call will also be available on the Liberty Media website. The conference call and related materials will be archived on the website for one year.

About Liberty Media Corporation

QVC, You Had Us At Red Velvet: ‘DC Cupcakes’ Will Be Rolling Onto Our Thighs

Stop the presses on this one.

According to a QVC press release Tuesday, the queens of Georgetown Cupcake and stars of the TLC series “DC Cupcakes,” Katherine Kallinis and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne, will are coming to QVC. They will appear Oct. 23 at noon.

Here’s how out of it we’ve been: We’ve never heard of this TV program. We’ve been watching soft porn and violence, like “American Horror Story” on FX, instead.

Anyway, this pair will be bringing their cupcakes with them, so to speak, to West Chester and will launch their first book “The Cupcake Diaries: Recipes and Memories from the Sisters of Georgetown Cupcake.”

During the QVC program “In the Kitchen with David,” the sisters will give viewers an inside look at the inspiration behind “The Cupcake Diaries,” which “chronicles their sweet success after choosing cupcakes over the corporate world,” according to QVC.

Maybe we should pursue that career route. It sounds like it beats journalism.

This is straight from QVC’s press release:

The new book not only reveals their secrets of building a nationally recognized business but also offers readers 42 recipes,including the bestselling red velvet cupcake and their grandmother’s Greek Easter bread. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase The Cupcake Diaries more than two weeks in advance of its release date.

As the sisters share stories and recipes, they will also offer the cupcakes that started a craze by the dozen to QVC shoppers nationwide. The Georgetown Cupcake Gourmet Cupcake Assortment consists of six of the most popular flavors, including lava fudge and salted caramel, plus six flavors exclusive to QVC. The new flavors are chocolate toffee crunch, apple crumble, chocolate marshmallow, maple walnut crunch, chocolate peanut butter caramel fudge, and citrus blossom.

“Katherine and Sophie are truly an entrepreneurial inspiration and we are thrilled to bring their story and one-of-a-kind cupcakes to QVC,” vice president of merchandising John Kelly said in a canned statement.

The Cupcake Diaries: Recipes and Memories from the Sisters of Georgetown Cupcake (QVC Item #F09562) and the Georgetown Cupcake Gourmet Cupcake Assortment (QVC Item #M26167) will be available starting Oct. 23.

ShopNBC Promotes Repasch To Chief Merchandising Officer, Which We Assume Is Better Than ‘Softlines’s

ShopNBC Wednesday appointed Annette Repasch, a home shopping vet of 25 years, as the company’s Chief Merchandising Officer. Repasch joined the company in May as Vice President of Softlines.

In her new role, Repasch will oversee the company’s merchandising strategy and product development for all categories, including jewelry and watches, home and consumer electronics, beauty, health and fitness, and fashion and accessories.

Repasch has more than two decades of industry experience in product development, new business development and brand building. Prior to joining ShopNBC, she served as Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager (GMM) of Stage Stores Inc., where she oversaw $800 million in ladies apparel sales.

Previously, Repasch spent more than seven years at QVC as Vice President and General Merchandise Manager of Apparel & Accessories where she oversaw this $1.3 billion business segment, achieving double-digit improvements in sales and profitability each year.

She has also held senior merchandising roles in both specialty and department stores, including Saks Inc., Lane Bryant and Bon-Ton.

“We are delighted about Annette becoming our CMO,” ShopNBC President Bob Ayd said in a canned statement. “She has a proven track record of success and the ideal background to make the most of this new leadership role at the company. We look forward to her continued contributions by overseeing our merchandising strategy that is focused on broadening the product mix, optimizing our merchandise margins, recruiting high-profile national brands and further developing our proprietary brands.”

Here is Repasch’s canned two cents:

“I’m excited about this new role and opportunity,” Repasch said. “In everything we do, it’s all about the customer. As a multichannel electronic retailer, we are well-positioned to connect with today’s consumer by offering them an entertaining and engaging shopping experience however they choose to interact with us. I look forward to further leveraging my experience and new insights to continue driving our business.”

HSN To Report Third-Quarter Results Nov. 2

HSN will announce its third-quarter results Nov. 2 at 8 a.m. before the market opens, the home shopping channel said Wednesday.

HSN CEO Mindy Grossman and Judy Schmeling, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will hold a conference call at 9 a.m. to review the earnings.

Those interested in participating in the conference call should dial 877-307-0246 or 224-357-2394 at least five minutes prior to the call.

There will also be a simultaneous audio webcast available via the company’s website at http://www.hsni.com. A replay of the conference call can be accessed until Nov. 16 by dialing 855-859-2056 or 404-537-3406, plus the pass code 15918480 and will also be hosted on the company’s website for a limited time.

ShopNBC To Host First 24-Hour Holiday Cooking Event Saturday, With Bob Bowersox In The House

ShopNBC is planning a big day-long Holiday Cooking Event this Saturday, which will include vendors such as with expert chefs and kitchen favorites from top brands Sur La Table and Cuisinart.

ShopNBC’s 24-hour Holiday Cooking Event will kick-off at midnight on Saturday with the world television shopping premiere of the CBTL Americano Single Serve Beverage System as one of two Today’s Top Value offers. It was inspired by the specialty beverages found at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf stores.

Viewers can take advantage of a second ShopNBC Today’s Top Value from premium kitchenware brand Sur La Table; an 8-quart French oven that is available in ShopNBC-exclusive colors just in time for holiday cooking, entertaining and gifting.

As part of the all-day holiday cooking event, Bob Bowersox, Tom Woodbury, Gwen Goodman, Rick Tarantino, Tom Little, Joseph Sempravivo, Jacob Maurer and Amy Shipshock will also be in the kitchen, serving up entertaining tips and holiday cheer. ShopNBC viewers will also have a chance to outfit their entire kitchen with more than 20 new items and three new brand launches, including Westinghouse small kitchen appliances, Storebound kitchen storage and Kapoosh kitchen accessories.

The event will feature ShopNBC customer favorites, including specialty kitchenware from Sur La Table and fine crystal from Waterford. ShopNBC will also celebrate the 8th anniversary of colorful Cuisinart kitchen tools.

ShopNBC Facebook fans are invited to get into the holiday spirit by entering to win a $1,000 gift card to Sur La Table or one of three CBTL Americano Single Serve Beverage Systems. The winners will be announced live on ShopNBC at 12 a.m. Saturday.

Fans can enter at www.Facebook.com/shopnbc.

“Entertaining this holiday season has never been easier on ShopNBC,” Annette Repasch, ShopNBC’s chief merchandising officer, said in a canned statement. “We are excited to offer viewers a full day of cooking must-haves and entertaining tips from expert chefs. Customers will be delighted to find everything needed to step confidently into the kitchen and entertain friends and family.”

Top Holiday Cooking Must-Haves:

– Cuisinart 10-Piece French Cookware Set — Beautifully designed
stainless steel triple-ply constructed pans with elegant handles
reflect the quality of the world’s best kitchens. Cuisinart’s heat
surround technology allows heat to be distributed evenly along the
bottom and side walls of the cookware.

– Sur La Table Set of Two Skillets — Available in three new colors,
this set features two of Sur La Table’s best nonstick skillets in
versatile sizes perfect for any kitchen. The hard-anodization process
makes the aluminum twice as hard as stainless steel for maximum
strength and durability.

– Cuisinart Immersion Blender — This handheld blender features a
powerful 200-watt motor to blend and chop in bowls, pots, pitchers and
more. The ergonomically designed grip offers comfortable hold and more
control while blending.

– Trinity Pressure Cooker — This low pressure cooker has a handle on
top to help remove the lid from the pot and place it upright on a
counter. Its non-stick interior helps to eliminate mess and the lid
can be opened anytime during the cooking process to keep an eye on
things.

Jewelry Designer Dallas Prince Returns To ShopNBC From HSN — With Her Hubby

One of our favorite jewelry designers, as beautiful and gracious as her jewelry, is Dallas Prince.

This classy blonde did a line for ShopNBC for a number of years, and then left and joined HSN. She did a lot of marcasite for the No. 2 home shopping network, and her collection just didn’t seem to get traction.

Dallas Prince and her handsome husband

Well, we were just checking Facebook and Prince is returning to ShopNBC with several shows today, Sunday — and she’s bringing her husband, fellow jewelry designer Vincent Ciurluini. His ShopNBC collection is called Eugenio Jewelry Designs and her’s is Marcasite by Dallas Prince.

Here us what Prince posted on Facebook Saturday:

OK….I don’t mean to brag, but my husband’s new jewelry line at Shop NBC is to die for! If ever there was a time for me to envy someone else’s designs, this is that time…..we both launch tomorrow. Very exciting! Hugs…. Dallas

Best of luck to you both, Dallas. We watched the video of your husband’s pieces, and they are gorgeous.

Upscale Jewelry Designer John Hardy, And Model Angela Lindvall, Have QVC’s Coming TSV

We first reported it more than a year ago, upscale silver jewelry designer John Hardy is coming to QVC. And it is finally happening: He has an upcoming Today’s Special Value.

We got an email early Sunday morning about the collection, which is called Angela by John Hardy. Angela is a blonde model, Angela Lindvall. We hope that Rick Domeier doesn’t get as giddy as a school boy with her, the way he did with Heidi Klum.

The email included intell on the TSV, a silver bracelet for $186.

QVC says:

A fresh collection; a new classic. With its beautiful Balinese-inspired design, this sterling silver cuff bracelet from the Angela by John Hardy jewelry collection is an exotic treasure–a triumph for your accessory wardrobe with both signature style and timeless appeal.

Women know–it’s all in the details. And this special piece takes care to be eye-catching from every angle. The sterling silver gleam of the highly polished scroll motif is white-hot–a slight graduation in width adds to the aesthetic appeal, and perfectly showcases the 14K yellow gold pear-shaped accents at the center. The fully finished and artfully rendered gallery is a striking surprise–there’s luxurious details you’ll love when you’re wearing it, and even more to admire when you’re not.

Adding to the beauty, the piece is made from 100% recycled sterling silver and 14K gold. What’s old is new again–and what’s tried-and-true is reinvented into a fresh, fabulous new classic. Slip this cuff on your wrist and love it’s individualistic beauty for longer than a lifetime.

There are also a number of other items from the collection, including a cross that we like.

And here is Lindvall’s bio:

Known for her versatility as a model, Angela Lindvall has appeared on the cover of many major publications. She’s also one of the few models to have worked with nearly every major fashion house, thanks to her chameleon-like qualities.

In 2002, Angela transitioned from the runway to the silver screen, starring in Roman Coppola’s cult classic, CQ. Soon after her film debut, she gave birth to her first son, Dakota, which put a pause on both her acting and modeling careers.

While reestablishing her fashion career after maternity leave, she completely and sustainably restored a 95′ tugboat that she brought from the Caribbean, docking it in the Hudson River outside Manhattan where she lived with her family.

In 2005, Angela moved to Los Angeles and appeared in the hit film, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Shortly after the birth of her second son, Sebastian, she put her career on pause again to become an advocate for raising children “naturally,” with an emphasis on family values. After her second maternity leave, the fashion world welcomed Angela back with open arms, once again making her one of the most photographed models in the world.

Angela is an active environmentalist and health advocate. In 2001, she founded The Collage Foundation Inc. 501c3, a non-profit organization that stimulates environmental awareness and provides resources for positive change. Collage supports various not-for-profit projects including The Rockland Farm Alliance, a global model created for local, sustainably grown food. In 2009, Angela became one of the founding board members of the NRDC’s “Clean by Design,” a major initiative to sustainably revolutionize the textile industry in China.

Angela lives in Los Angeles with her two sons on a small farm, which she’s currently developing for sustainable agriculture.

How she got associated with John Hardy on this venture, we have no idea.

The Jury Is In: High-end Jewelry Designer John Hardy’s QVC Line Stunk, To Put It Bluntly

Upscale jewelry designer John Hardy’s line for QVC debuted this week, and home shopping fans had the same reaction that we did: We were underwhelmed.

QVC’s TSV was a cuff bracelet from the line, which is called Angela by John Hardy. We caught Angela Lindvall, a blonde ex-model, when she was on with host Rick Domeier.

Lindvall couldn’t stop talking about how she was a free spirit who is as comfortable at red carpet events as she is visiting folks in her hometown of Kansas City. Free spirit, free smirit.

It’s like sex: If you have to keep boasting about how good you are at it, you’re probably really not that great. If you have to keep bragging about how much a free spirit you are, are you really one?

As posters on QVC’s forums wrote, the Hardy pieces were nondistinct, looking like the Balinese jewelry you can buy from Samuel B on ShopNBC or Lois Hill at places like Nordstrom. Others said that the QVC Hardy jewelry reminded them of Brighton.

And the collection was not only pricey but in some cases it incorporated Diamonique, better known as cubic zirconia. That really cheapened the collection. And one necklace was priced at $900.

As QVC poster CamilleP wrote, “Oh my stars and garters! They slap a designer name on a 36″ cubic zirconia and sterling silver necklace and they want OVER NINE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR IT!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

The Q has totally jumped the shark with this designer, I don’t care if he is immortal and built the Pyramids, the Parthenon, the Colisseum, the Taj Mahal, Stonehenge, Macchu Piccu, the Empire State Building, the Sears Tower, and the Sydney Opera House, NOBODY’S name is enough to make me pay nearly a thousand dollars for a 36″ silver and diamonique station chain!!!”

You go girl!

One thread was called “I’m Sorry But I Can Buy ‘Real’ John Hardy For Some Of The Prices.” So true.

VisaQueen also chimed in.

“You can get the real Hardy jewelry at Last Call and get much better quality at similar price points,” she wrote. “It isn’t always online, but it IS available at their stores and they feature online major discounts (like 30-40% off of THEIR discounted price) a few times a year. Real stones. Real diamonds. Just sayin’.”

Yesterday at TJ Maxx we saw a “real” John Hardy pendant, a rectangle of black onyx surrounded by diamond chips, for $500. The manufacturer’s suggested price was $1,200.

The workmanship was impeccable. The back of the piece had a dragon inscribed on it.

That pendant outdid anything QVC had, including that $900 silver station necklace with CZ.

Goth Rocker Jewelry Designer Loree Rodkin A Bit Too Cool For HSN, So She Seems To Think

Did anyone have the same reaction to gothic, rock ‘n roll jewelry designer Loree Rodkin that we did?

We thought she was acting like it was a bit beneath her — a woman who has designed for First Lady Michelle Obama and Steve Tyler, among many other celebs — to be hawking her wares on HSN.

The Loree Rodkin ring that Steven Tyler wears on his pinky

We only caught some of her show at the end of the day, so maybe she had just fading and tire.

Apparently, Cher had called in earlier to cheer Rodkin on.

Tyler wears one of the rings that Rodkin was selling, which incorporates peace signs, on his pinky. It came in three colors, gunmetal, gold and silver. Tyler, most recently of “American Idol” fame, has the ring in gunmetal.

It was $25, but we have a feeling Tyler’s version is in real previous metals with diamonds.

HSN Debuts Holiday Promotion With Scavenger Hunt

In this brutal retail environment, HSN is trying to get some traction by kicking off the holiday shopping season with a big promotion, called “More Amazing Gifts, One Amazing Destination.” HSN will give away $150,000 in goodies.

The will include “an interactive scavenger hunt helping customers discover the season’s most unique, exciting gifts — all presented by today’s hottest designers, celebrities and trusted experts,” HSN said in a press release.

The network’s holiday line-up includes new fall fashions from Mariah Carey, IMAN, Naeem Khan, Queen Latifah and Twiggy; home solutions and decor from Nate Berkus, Joy Mangano, Jenny McCarthy, and Vern Yip; and beauty from Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Flavin-Stallone and Kate Walsh.

Mary J. Blige and the fragrance she launched on HSN

Customers can play HSN’s “Amazing Gift Giveaway $150,000 Instant Win Game and Sweepstakes,” sponsored by Kraft Foods. Residing in the HSN Arcade, this weekly game will cross all of HSN’s platforms — TV, online, mobile and social. That game runs until Dec. 20.

Players can receive promotional offers ranging from 10 percent to 15 percent off; $20 gift cards, free shipping/handling and special Kraft Foods holiday offers.

Starting Oct. 28, winners will be announced live on-air each week during HSN’s Gift Friday shows and will have a chance to win all the amazing gifts featured during the 4 p.m. show.

Additionally, weekly online video “super challenges” will guide players as they hunt for clues to earn their chance to earn additional entries into the grand prize sweepstakes.

To help shoppers find the perfect gift for everyone on their list The Holiday Gift Store, found on HSN.com, provides customers with gift options that fit any budget — gifts under $25, gifts under $50, gifts under $100 and gifts of luxury.

Part of the company’s overall “HSN Cares” philanthropic campaign, HSN has once again kicked off its 2011 holiday shopping season with the return of its heART HSN 2011 Designer Ornament Collection, a compilation of beautiful, limited-edition designer ornaments, personally designed by 40 HSN partners.

Available exclusively on HSN and HSN.com, 100 percent of the profits – no less than 30 percent of the purchase price of each ornament – will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Additionally, launching Nov. 1, HSN will partner with St. Jude this holiday season for its annual Thanks and Giving campaign to support their lifesaving work of finding cures for children battling cancer and other deadly diseases.

Jewelry Designer Dallas Prince Returns To ShopNBC With Today’s Top Value

Jewelry Designer Dallas Prince has returned to ShopNBC from HSN with a bang, having the No. 3 home shopping network’s Sunday Today’s Top Value. It is a 3.30cw multi-gemstone Etruscan ring, Prince’s first Top Value in three years.

The ring comes in two versions, one in aquamarine and silver and the other in garnet and gold. It sells for $200.

Dallas Prince is back, and ShopNBC has got her

Here’s the hype from ShopNBC’s website:

Electrify your look with this extravagant Etruscan ring. Back for the first time in three years, Dallas Prince brings you this must-have bauble as Today’s Top Value. Enjoy the radiance of an aquamarine or rhodolite center stone glowing atop a wide, textured band. The ring also boasts a low profile, making it suitable for everyday wear and evening events alike!

Crafted from polished rhodium plated sterling silver, the first option features an oval cushion cut 9 x 7mm aquamarine, two trillion cut 5.5mm peridots, and six round cut 2mm white topaz stones in bezel settings. You may also choose a design crafted from gold plated sterling silver that features an oval cut 9 x 7mm rhodolite surrounded by two trillion cut aquamarines and six round cut 2mm white topaz stones, all in channel settings.

Welcome back Dallas!

HSN, Conde Nast Cook Up ‘Bon Appetit’ Branded Kitchen Collection

HSN and magazine publisher Conde Nast are creating a new collection of culinary products under the label of Bon Appetit, the gourmet rag, that will be available exclusively on the home shopping network in January, they announced Monday.

The agreement is part of a successful ongoing relationship that began between Conde Nast and HSN in 2008 and represents the type of licensing venture Conde Nast is most interested in pursuing for its iconic portfolio.

At the Jan. 31 debut the collection will include stainless steel cookware; small appliances including pressure cookers and immersion blenders; as well as cutlery and prep tools. Each item will be produced in partnership with Bon Appetit experts and rigorously vetted in the magazine’s test kitchen. New additions to the collection will be added every other month.

We’re told that Bon Appetit’s resources will be utilized to bring the brand to life on HSN. Experts from the Bon Appetit Test Kitchen will appear on-air to offer tips, recipes and cooking demonstrations to HSN customers.

“We’re delighted to be able to work so closely with HSN to develop a collection of high quality products for our readers,” Bon Appetite editor in chief Adam Rapoport said in a canned statement. “In the magazine, we often talk about the tools needed to bring a menu to life, and therefore we felt it was extremely important to create a line that would allow home cooks to get the most from their favorite recipes and strengthen the trust readers already have in Bon Appetit.”

Bill Brand, HSN’s executive vice president of programming, marketing and business development, also chimed in.

“HSN is excited to deepen our partnership with Bon Appetit and extend our strategic marketing relationship with Conde Nast,” Brand said. “This brand partnership leverages Bon Appetit’s rich editorial content with HSN’s ability to develop great products and one-of-a-kind consumer experiences.”

And here’s another exec.

“We are very excited about the Bon Appetit collection because it represents the licensing model we wish to pursue in the future,” said Julie Michalowski, senior vice president consumer business development. “With HSN, we’re working closely with an exceptional organization that understands our brands and sells directly to the consumer. We are integrally involved in all facets of the products’ development and marketing strategies, and we know that the end product will accurately reflect the spirit and quality of the Bon Appetit brand.”

Back To The Future: Shabby Chic Arrives At QVC Two Decades Too Late

Here’s a blast from the past: Shabby Chic.

Back in the day, in the late 1980s, Rachel Ashwell made rounding up all furniture and accessories quite fashionable. Now Ashwell is coming to QVC with her Treasures by Shabby Chic collection.

Here’s the boilerplate from the home shopping network:

Vintage-inspired Style

Created in 1989 by Rachel Ashwell, Shabby Chic’s practical & timeless style marries great design with casual ease. This vintage-inspired collection embraces the beauty of imperfection & the comforts of home. Shop an inviting array of relaxed accents & fill each room with flair & elegance.

Treasures by Shabby Chic will air Wednesday from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. and 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The pickin’s include rugs, furniture and votive candles.

ShopNBC Makes Brooks Brothers’ Debut Official, Premiere Is Nov. 18

We’ve reported on this already, but Tuesday ShopNBC officially announced that Brooks Brothers is launching a clothing line on the network. The debut is Nov. 18.

The collection will premiere during ShopNBC’s All Star Event, and the one-hour show will be the brand’s first foray into TV home shopping. The Brooks Brothers collection at ShopNBC will feature women’s accessories in their well-known classic American style.

Brooks Brothers has an over 190-year legacy of crafting high-quality fashion and is known as the first ready-to-wear clothing retailer in America. Of course, it’s far too conservative for us. But here’s ShopNBC’s spin on it.

“As both makers and merchants of fine apparel and accessories, the brand’s timeless appeal has shaped American fashion
though innovation, exceptional quality and personal service,” ShopNBC said in its press release. “The classic wardrobe styles of Brooks Brothers have transcended generations from the office to weddings, to special occasions and holidays.

The Brooks Brothers’ premiere will feature leather handbags, cashmere wraps and silk scarves.

“Brooks Brothers is excited to work with ShopNBC,” Lou Amendola, chief merchandising officer at Brooks Brothers, said in a canned statement. “This is the first time we have offered our products in this format and we believe that this is a unique and modern way to reach women who are already drawn to our products or may be discovering them for the first time.”

And of course, ShopNBC had its say.

“We are thrilled to bring the Brooks Brothers legacy of classically styled, fine-quality merchandise to our viewers,” said Annette Repasch, ShopNBC’s chief merchandising officer. “The addition of Brooks Brothers to our fashion assortment provides our lady with classic wardrobe staples that fit her stylish lifestyle. We look forward to delighting the viewer this holiday season with must-have accessories that are sure to be on every wish list.”

‘Jersey Shore’ Meatball Snooki Bringing Her ‘Fragrance,’ and Her ‘Kooka,’ To HSN

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: Truth is stranger than fiction. Or maybe it should be Snooki is stranger than fiction.

On Tuesday HSN put out a press release saying that it was bringing “the Jersey Shore to Your Door,” with Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi set to deliver her “Must Have” holiday gifts.

Does that include panties, because she sure needs a couple of pairs of those.And pray tell, what will her “fragrance” smell like?

HSN will have the world launch of Snooki’s signature fragrance during a one-time-only, two-hour primetime event on Nov. 10 at 8 p.m.

This “fun-filled Holiday Event also Includes Snooki Handbags, Slippers, Sunglasses and ‘Crocodilly.’” Are those the sunglasses with the chains hanging down? We like them!

Here is the press release:

Known for her larger than life personality and her time on MTV’s #1 series “The Jersey Shore,” Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi joins HSN to launch her signature perfume called “Snooki” by Nicole Polizzi” and debut her new line that includes slippers, handbags, sunglasses and even a version of her beloved stuffed “Crocodilly,” just in time for the holidays.

“I can’t wait to appear on HSN and Snookifiy it! You will be able to buy my signature fragrance, slippers, sunglasses and you can even get your own Crocodilly!” said Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi. “They will make great gifts and I know the two hour event will be so much fun… be sure you tune in!”

The fragrance, “Snooki” by Nicole Polizzi, is a 3.3 Fl bottle and comes with an animal print black and pink tote. The line showcases various styles of sunglasses ranging from $20.00 to $30.00; Handbags from $34.99 to $69.00; Crocodilly from $19.90 to $34.90 and finally “Sneaker” slippers at $29.00.

First of all, do you really think that Snooki said that she can’t wait to appear on HSN?

Second of all, will she actually wear underwear so she doesn’t do the Sharon Stone-move from “Basic Instinct” to HSN’s viewers, flashing her “kooka.”

Third of all, how do you spell “kooka”?

And get a load of this bio that HSN did on her:

About Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is the #1 reality star in the world who’s known for her trademark indoor tan and stars in America’s #1 cable series and MTV’s #1 series of all time Jersey Shore (and in 2012 also in her own MTV spinoff series).

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi has extraordinary star power and is a most-talked-about cultural phenomenon with a huge media platform: 3 million Twitter Followers (projected to exceed 5-6 million in 2012), 625,000 Facebook Fans (projected to exceed 1 million in 2012), averaging dozens of talk show appearances per year (as talk show hosts can’t get enough of Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi) and unparalleled online traffic (with a Google Search of “Snooki” giving an astounding 18,000,000 Results!).

Major manufacturers are eagerly signing licenses for the new “Snooki” brand, including for fragrance, beverages, indoor tanning salon products, social media and mobile Apps, live video online-sharing and celebrity voice messaging, with more licenses to be announced soon.

Snooki is what passes as a “cultural phenomenon” today. Lordy, lordy.

Has Veteran HSN Host Chris Scanlon Skied Off Into The Sunset?

HSN PR is checking it out for us, but the buzz is that longtime host Chris Scanlon is leaving the home shopping network.

There have been a number of posts on forums and Scanlon’s Facebook page regarding her departure. She is no longer listed on HSN’s website as a host.

Here is what person wrote on Facebook.

“Her hubby was already a ski instructor there,an recently got hired full time,so they are moving from Florida to Colorado, if i understood Chris correctly…they were traveling back an forth, and the 2-boys are also into skiing, and Chris was in Florida and her hubby and one of the boys would be in Colorado for the winter, so i’m so happy, but yet sad also, but they will all be together now,as that is how it should be…will miss her on HSN !! but truly understand…family comes first..they all ski,by the way…”

Another HSN host, whose names escapes us, is also off HSN’s website. Can anyone help us out on who that was?

UPDATE: My Facebook friends said the other host gone is Alicia Perez.

HSN PR says it will get back to us by tomorrow.

Wall Street Journal Calls QVC John Malone’s ‘Bargain’

QVC got a valentine from The wall Street Journal Thursday.

A story in the “Heard on the Street” section, headlined “Chasing Liberty’s QVC Bargain,” lauded the home shopping network’s financials.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203554104577000053090148234.html

“It’s hard to age gracefully on television,” the lede of the story said. “But home-shopping networks are poised to become classics.”

The article noted that while brick-and-mortar retailers such as Wal-Mart are seeing sales declines, QVC has rebounded. Although its revenue dropped 6 percent in 2008, QVC is now posting single single-digit increases, according to The Journal.

The story also said that QVC’s core shoppers are women 35-to-64, not the demo that typically cuts its cable service.

The No. 1 home shopping network, part of cable cowboy John Malone’s Liberty Interactive, also boasts high margins.

It’s True: HSN Hosts Chris Scanlon And Alicia Perez Are Gone

HSN’s PR Department answered our question about whether hosts Chris Scanlon and Alicia Perez are gone from the home shopping network.

“Following up on your question regarding Chris Scanlon and Alicia Perez, the answer is yes,” the HSN spokesman said in an email. “After being a valued and contributing employee for more than 21 years, Chris Scanlon is no longer with HSN. Alicia Perez is no longer with the company as well. We thank Chris and Alicia for their many contributions to HSN and wish them well in their future endeavors.”

Not much of a send-off for Scanlon, after more than two decades with HSN.

HSN’s Revenue Rose 4 Percent In The Third Quarter To $513 Million

Sorry we are posting HSN’s third-quarter earnings so late, but we have a day job and today was deadline.

HSN’s net sales increased 4 percent to $513 million driven by strength in the electronics, beauty and wellness categories, HSN Inc. reported Wednesday.

Digital sales grew 10 percent with penetration increasing 190 basis points to 32.8 percent. Average price point and units shipped increased 3 percent and 4 percent, respectively. The return rate increased to 20.3 percent from 19.2 percent primarily due to changes in product mix.

Gross profit increased 5 percent to $178.5 million. Gross profit margin improved 40 basis points to 34.8 percent from 34.4 percent. The margin increase was primarily attributable to lower outbound shipping costs and improvements in supply chain management, partially offset by an increase in clearance activity and a change in product mix.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 20 percent to $51.8 million compared to $43.1 million in the prior year. The increase was due to growth in net sales and gross profit margin.

Operating income was $41.4 million compared to $30.7 million in the prior year. Excluding the impact of the prior year’s $1.6 million legal settlement, Adjusted EBITDA growth was 16 percent.

Hey, what legal settlement?

At HSN Inc., which includes both the home shopping network and the Cornerstone unit, net sales increased 6 percent versus the prior year to $751.2 million. While the network HSN’s net sales increased 4 percent to $513 million, Cornerstone’s net sales increased 11 percent to $238.2 million.

HSNi’s Adjusted EBITDA increased 29 percent to $63.1 million. These results were driven by a 6 percent increase in net sales and a 100 basis point increase in gross profit margin, partially offset by a 4 percent increase in operating expenses (excluding non-cash charges).

Operating income increased 44 percent to $47.2 million. Included in the prior year’s Adjusted EBITDA and operating income was a $2.5 million sales provision for a voluntary product recall at one of the Cornerstone brands and costs related to a $2.5 million legal settlement.

Excluding these charges last year, HSNi’s Adjusted EBITDA increased 17 percent and its operating income increased 25 percent.

Adjusted EPS increased 52 percent 47 cents compared to 31 cents in the prior year. GAAP diluted EPS increased 60 percent to 40 cents compared to 25 cents in the prior year. The combined impact in the prior year of the product recall and legal settlement of $3 million, net of taxes, on Adjusted EPS and GAAP diluted EPS was five cents per diluted share. Excluding these charges last year, Adjusted EPS increased 31 percent and GAAP diluted EPS increased 33 percent.

“HSNi delivered another quarter of strong sales, EBITDA and EPS growth year-over-year. We achieved these results while executing on a number of significant initiatives, including new launches, events and expansion of our digital efforts,” HSN CEO Mindy Grossman said in canned statement. “The performance of both HSN and Cornerstone in the quarter, as well as our recently announced capital return plan, reflect our focus on driving shareholder value and our confidence in HSNi’s long-term growth potential.”

Giving Wall Street A Chance To Cool Off? Is Jim Skelton’s Absence Hurting Its Watch Sales? ShopNBC ‘Previews’ Disappointing Third-Quarter Results

What the hell?

We haven’t seen this before. ValueVision Media Inc., i.e. ShopNBC, Wednesday “previewed anticipated results of operations for its third quarter ended Oct. 29.”

Looks like it was a bad quarter in Minnesota.

The home shopping network “anticipates” net sales of $135 million, a gain of 2 percent over the prior-year quarter’s $132.3 million.

Third-quarter net sales reflect lower than expected sales in consumer electronics and watches, which offset sales gains in the jewelry, home, health and beauty, and fashion and accessories merchandise categories. Gross profit rose about 6 percent in the third quarter versus last year, reflecting continued improvements achieved in overall gross margin.

We bet Steve Burke, head of ShopMNBC shareholder NBC Universal, will love reading the next statement.

“The Q3 expected revenue growth and its impact on adjusted EBITDA is clearly disappointing,” ShopNBC CEO Keith Stewart said in a canned statement. “Although we achieved solid sales gains across four of six business segments, these gains were largely offset by an unexpected sales decrease of approximately 23 percent in consumer electronics and lower than anticipated sales in watches.”

Is that because ShopNBC shit-canned its watch guru, Jim Skelton?

“Our goal is to build a strong multi-channel electronic retailer that provides sustainable and predictable performance while giving priority to the customer experience,” Keith said. “Over the past two years we have been rebalancing our product assortment and broadening the mix, but unfortunately sales setbacks and quarterly volatility will occur.”

They may occur, but Wall Street doesn’t like them.

“Looking forward, we are focused on nurturing, expanding and diversifying each category segment with exciting new products, programming concepts and cross-platform interactivity that will attract and delight the customer,” Keith said, quite a mouthful. “This focused effort is across all our product categories, with particular emphasis on consumer electronics, where we still have more work to do in broadening our vendor base and product mix.”

But wait, there’s much more from Stewart.

“Our Q3 revenue was also affected by an approximate 12 percent sales decline in our watches category,” he said. “We are disappointed with these results and recognize there is more progress to be made in diversifying the watch vendor base and product assortment. However, we are encouraged by the addition of a dozen new watch brands to this business segment over the past year. Lastly, we expect our four remaining product categories delivered healthy sales gains and good margins during Q3, based on solid product assortments that provide a good base for future growth.”

And more…

“Despite the specific challenges we are actively addressing, we are encouraged by our overall progress across the business and the healthy gross margins we are achieving,” he said. “We have come a long way, with work still to be done. We remain confident in and committed to our business platform and talented team, the execution of our growth strategies and the long-term potential of the business.”

William McGrath, ShopNBC’s chief financial officer, also had his say.

“Our anticipated Q3 adjusted EBITDA results will reflect lower than expected revenue growth as well as higher distribution costs associated with approximately 2 million households added in the quarter,” McGrath’s canned statement said. “Additionally, we improved our channel positioning in existing households in approximately 2.5 million homes. These incremental investments, which we anticipate amounted to approximately $0.8M in Q3 ‘11, are expected to deliver sales benefits to the company over the long term.”

And yet more from McGrath, following in his boss’s footsteps.

“Cash and cash equivalents including restricted cash at end of Q3 totaled $32.7 million versus $42.5 million at the end of Q2 2011, reflecting planned investments in inventories, working capital and capital expenditures in advance of the peak fourth-quarter selling season,” he said.

ShopNBC expects negative adjusted EBITDA in the range of ($0.5 million) to ($0.7 million), compared to adjusted EBITDA of $0.6 million in the year-ago period.

For the trailing 12 months, ShopNBC expects net sales growth of about 9 percent to $590 million and adjusted EBITDA of $11.6 million to $11.8 million, an increase of $18.6 million to $18.8 million.

The No. 3 home shopping network will actually report third quarter results Nov. 16 and will hold a conference call and webcast at 11 a.m.

App This, App That: HSN To Offer Emeril On iPhone, iPod Cooking Dash App

Those social-media junkies at HSN have teamed up with PlayFirst on an update to the Cooking Dash App for iPhone and iPod touch that adds what we are told is “a unique new restaurant venue” called “HSN Cooks with Emeril.”

Say what?

This app will feature Big Easy chef Emeril Lagasse cooking and serving some of his favorite dishes.

The new venue showcases an Emeril avatar and allows players to interact with virtual representations from Emeril’s top-selling Emerilware cookware and kitchen electrics line. Players can also instantly choose to purchase those very same Emerilware products directly from HSN’s e-commerce site, without leaving the app.

“Cooking is so popular today because it’s the perfect mix of food and fun,” Emeril said in a canned statement. “I’m excited to partner with HSN to set up shop on Cooking Dash so viewers can cook along with me in the studio and try their hand at running their own restaurant. If you love cooking then you’ll absolutely love this new feature.”

And from PlayFirst …

“This integration of game play, celebrity and shopping is a great new concept that we are excited to bring to our Cooking Dash users,” PlayFirst president and CEO Mari Baker said. “Players will enjoy interacting with Emeril in the game and joining him chopping, slicing and dicing with the same piece of cookware that they can later buy for themselves.”

When players enter Cooking Dash they immediately see the new “HSN Cooks with Emeril” venue. They can then enter the restaurant and begin to play.

During gameplay, they will have access to a variety of Emeril products including a blender, mixer, deep fryer and chef’s knife. As players progress through the game, traditional Cooking Dash characters such as Flo are joined by virtual Emeril and together they cook and serve various recipes for the restaurant’s diners.

Emeril’s products are then available in the DashMart, PlayFirst’s virtual store, as either virtual items or as an actual online order for delivery directly to your home.

“HSN recognizes that gaming, shopping and sharing are three of the most popular activities across mobile and digital platforms,” HSN executive vice president of digital commerce Jill said. “Mobile continues to be HSN’s fastest growing channel and this partnership with PlayFirst and Emeril helps us bring together content and commerce in a fun and innovative way.”

The Cooking Dash App, with the new “HSN Cooks with Emeril” restaurant venue, is available for $2.99 from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/AppStore.

Fancy Luggage From ‘Amazing Race’ Host Phil Keoghan For HSN, And From Upscale Hartmann For ShopNBC frm GanG

Luggage must be the next hot category for home shopping networks.

This week we got press releases saying that both HSN and ShopNBC were launching new luggage lines, one from “world renowned adventurer” and “Amazing Race” host Phil Keoghan for HSN and high-end Hartmann for ShopNBC.

World traveler, producer and author Keoghan has joined HSN to launch his exclusive new Phil Keoghan NOW collection, debuting Nov. 11 and 12.

“HSN has a track-record of bringing innovative, high-quality products to their customers, so this is a natural partnership for me,” Keoghan said in a canned statment. “NOW stands for ‘No Opportunity Wasted’ which is my personal philosophy for living each day as it was your last. I took my first overseas trip when I was two and I have been traveling around the world ever since. After millions of miles on the road and visiting more than 100 countries, I have designed and tested a packing system that will ensure you are ready to take on your next big adventure.”

According to HSN, and why would it lie to us, each piece of the Now Collection has been designed and tested by Keoghan himself during his travels.

The luggage supposedly provides solutions to many challenges, such as ensuring that your carry-on luggage fits in overhead compartments; long-lasting, durable fabrics so your pieces withstand the rigorous travel; piece of mind that zippers won’t rip and break; the ability for 360 degree mobility to help navigate crazy airport terminals; 20 percent expanded packing room for your treasures you bought on vacation; and finally, wet/dirty storage compartments, otherwise known as the “Luggage Hamper”, for “your wet bathing suits and stinky socks.”

How appealing.

Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan is doing a luggage line for HSN

The launch of the Phil Keoghan NOW collection includes a 19-inch deluxe backpack with removable laptop case, and both 20- inch and 28-inch spinner upright roller bags.

Not to be outdone, on Nov. 3 ShopNBC will premiere Hartmann luggage, a leader in the travel goods industry for over 130 years, Nov. 3.

Debuting during ShopNBC’s Holiday Countdown Event, the one-hour show will feature Hartmann high-quality carrying bags “for the discerning traveler.”

As part of the Hartmann luggage premiere on ShopNBC, the collection will feature briefcases, totes, duffels and suitcases from their J. Hartmann Reserve Collection and the Hartmann Stratum Collection.

The J. Hartmann Reserve Belting Leather Collection yields superior quality, updated styling and enhanced features for today’s sophisticated traveler, or so the pitch in ShopNBC’s press release says.

Here’s more from that missive.

Crafted from premium North American steer hides, this hard-to-find collection features extreme durability, a beautiful patina and enhanced luster. The Hartmann Stratum Collection is crafted using extraordinarily durable nylon fabric treated to be water and stain repellent.

Trimmed with handsome top-grain leather and finished with high-gloss nickel hardware, the Stratum Collection
is as functional as it is stylish. All of Hartmann’s versatile pieces feature solid construction, ultimate mobility and organization, elegant yet durable details and dynamic shapes for adaptable travel.

“We are excited about the opportunity to showcase some of our signature products on ShopNBC,” said Dick Kunkle, vice president of Sales, Marketing and New Product Development for Hartmann.

“Hartmann takes pride in offering the finest materials and quality workmanship that makes us known the world over as a leader in the travel goods industry. ShopNBC’s commitment to quality programming coupled with their dedication to featuring higher-end products make Hartmann a great match. The winners are the viewers who will have a choice of our Stratum Ballistic Nylon Collection and our iconic J. Hartmann Reserve Belting Leather line.”

And here is ShopNBC chiming in.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the addition of Hartmann’s 130-year premium brand legacy to our product line-up,” said ShopNBC Chief Merchandising Officer Annette Repasch. “We have a unique ability to showcase to our viewers Hartmann’s strong heritage of providing discerning travelers with high-quality, practical functionality and stylish design. We look forward to delighting viewers with must-have luggage and accessories, just in time for the busy holiday gifting and travel season.”

Does New HSN Host Brett Chukerman Have A Checkered Past?

Chris Scanlon may be gone, but HSN has a replacement.

The newest addition to HSN’s host roster is Brett Chukerman.

One of our Facebook friends charged that Chukerman is an ex-gay porn star. We guess it is all in the eye of the beholder. The former actor was in a few racy movies, that’s true. According to his IMDB profile, he had roles in “Boys To Men,” “Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds,” “Evil Bong II: King Bong” and “The Curiosity of Chance.”

Here’s a description of “Eating Out 2″ from IMDB: “After Marc dumps him, Kyle unites with Gwen and Tiffani to land sexually confused art model Troy by pretending to be straight. However, Marc wants Troy, too, and members from a notorious ‘ex-gay’ group are slipping for the both of them.”

Chukerman played Marc in that film classic.

Brett Chukerman

Here’s what HSN says about him:

With a love of live television, Brett jumped off the red carpets of Hollywood to join HSN in 2011. His appetite for pop culture is matched by his love of technology. His intellectual curiosity spans from the latest electronics to the newest ideas in health, fitness, and house wares. He has a secret love for country music, historical fiction novels and cats – a strange mixture for sure, but one that keeps viewers guessing what he’ll say next. Brett loves guiding customers in their quest to upgrade and innovate their lives.

Here is his website, with more details: http://www.brettchukerman.com/about/

It says that Chukerman acted “in a slew of independent films before finding his true passion as an on-air host and presenter.” We guess that is referring to titles such as “Eating Out 2.”

He worked for the Auction Network and did red-carpet coverage of the Oscar’s for Oscar.com.

The bio also says that Chukerman has experience on home shopping networks, on Beverly Hills TV and My V Channel in Great Britain.

ShopNBC’s Suzanne Somers Has A Daytime TV Show Coming

Here’s news to us: ShopNBC vendor and controversial author-actress-entrepreneur Suzanne Somers has got a TV show in the works.

Here’s what Somers, who spent years as an HSN vendor before joining ShopMNBC, she said on Facebook:

New TV Show coming Spring 2011!!! Woo-hoo!!! Now who wants to help me name this show?? I will be launching a new weekly daytime show that will focus on all the things I love to explore – health, wellness, beauty, cooking, fashion and more!!! We’ll have interviews with cutting edge experts and lots of at home viewer interaction to answer your questions. Now who has a name for this show?

Suzanne Somers

Somers doesn’t day who is producing the show, or if it has distribution commitments, or if it is for broadcast TV or cable.

We’re all ears.

Home Shopping Vet Charles Winston Lands At Jewelry Television

Has jewelry designer Charles Winston become the new Judy Crowell?

He is apparently following in her career path, now joining her at Jewelry Television, and moved on from CZ to Moissante.

Winston used to sell blingy fashion jewelry on ShopNBC, and then went on, and off, HSN.

We were checking Facebook tonight and learned he is now on JTV.

Here is what he posted:

Thank you all for making this last 2-hour show a huge success! I look forward to seeing you all at the NEW 2am that would be 2am EDT….for 1-hour and then again tomorrow evening at 8pm – 10pm EDT. Thank you one and all for making JTV my new home away from home.

Crowell has bounced around like Winston. She was a host on QVC and HSN, and then became a vendor on ShopNBC. Now she is selling jewelry on JTV.

We did a bit more checking, and apparently Winston first appeared on JTV in September. Thanks for letting us know, Chuck.

Another Facebook post:

Be certain to mark your calendar for Charles Winston’s appearance on JTV. During Charles’ last appearance this past September, almost every item shown, sold out in minutes. It happened so quickly, Mr. Winston barely was able to explain the benefits of each item and what his inspiration was.

Here is JTV’s spiel on him:

At the age of 17, Charles was brought into the jewelry industry via the family business. He developed a keen eye for quality and style and thought about how nice it would be if all women could afford to wear elegant creations of fine jewelry.

Charles Winston then formed his own jewelry manufacturing company creating fabulous jewelry utilizing sterling silver or gold. He incorporated cubic zirconia in lieu of diamonds and used lab-created (synthetic) gemstones rather than their natural counterparts.

After the success of his CZ jewelry collection, Charles recognized the need for a line of jewelry that was a step up from CZ yet still affordable. He solved that problem by partnering with Charles & Colvard, the sole source for the most beautifully created gemstone in the world, Moissanite.

Charles Winston is internationally recognized as a leading jewelry designer of diamond jewelry, Moissanite® jewelry and CZ jewelry. His focus on cutting edge design, high quality and value has been the key to his success. He can be seen on television shopping networks worldwide.

Furrier Dennis Basso, Set To Marry His Partner, Joins The Home Collection Bandwagon For QVC

Must every fashion designer expand their “brand,” one our our most hated words, to create home collections?

Apparently, the ones one home shopping networks do.

We peeked at QVC afte midnight to check out the Today’s Special Value, and saw it was a $50 faux fur throw from Dennis Basso (a New Jersey boy). Basso has a new home line for QVC, which includes faux fur rugs, bedding, pillows and candles.

Isaac Mizrahi, of course, is doing not only apparel and accessories for QVC but also a home line.

And jewelry wizard Robert Lee Morris did a home line for QVC, mostly dishes, that didn’t seem to get much traction.

Basso has a lot going on. The New York Post’s Page Six reported on Halloween that Basso was going to be marrying his partner of 20 years, Michale Cominotto, at the swank Pierre in Manhattan next month.

http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/tiara_time_at_shower_xgScaROOvtQq5TwkTKfaWI

There was a bridal wedding shower for the couple recently at Le Cirque.

According to the Post, Basso’s nuptials will be the first same-sex marriage in the 81-year history of the Pierre.

Congrats Dennis.

Scorpios Infest Home Shopping, Like HSN’s Colleen Lopez and QVC’s Lisa Robertson

Why are a whole bunch of home shopping hosts Scorpios?

Not for nuthin,’ as we say in Jersey, but QVC host-with-the-mostest Lisa Robertson just celebrated her birthday Monday. She worked, and said it was a great way to spend a birthday. She must have been drinking before she went on the air.

Tuesday was veteran X-ray thin HSN host Bobbi Ray Carter’s birthday.

And HSN jewelry diva and host Colleen Lopez celebrated her birthday last Thursday, Nov. 9.

We have Scorpio rising in our horoscope and an old ex- who had that sign.

Don’t mess with us. You never know when our stinger will strike.

QVC Posted Meager 2 Percent Revenue Growth In Third Quarter

QVC’s domestic revenue rose 2 percent in the third quarter to $1.2 billion, the home shopping network’s parent, Liberty Interactive, reported Wednesday.

Adjusted OIBDA decreased 1 percent to $259 million compared to the third quarter 2010.

Gross product revenue increased 5 percent compared to prior-year third quarter, however, a 13 percent increase in average selling price from $48.30 to $54.49 and a 7 percent decline in units sold resulted in a decline in shipping and handling revenue bringing the overall revenue growth down to 2 percent.

QVC’s eCommerce revenue increased 16 percent to $422 million from $364 million in the third quarter and rose to 35 percent from 31 percent as a percentage of U.S. sales. The product mix continued to show a steady growth in electronics, accessories, beauty and kitchen whereas jewelry sales declined.

Overall, the domestic adjusted OIBDA margin decreased 71 basis points to 21.7 percent for the quarter. Excluding the previously disclosed August 2010 change in our QCard program with GE Capital Retail Bank which negatively impacted adjusted OIBDA by about $3 million for the quarter, the US adjusted OIBDA increased slightly and the adjusted OIBDA margin decreased 46 basis points in the third quarter.

While the U.S. achieved savings in freight and warehouse costs due to the decreased volume, those savings were more than offset by the decline in shipping and handling revenue previously mentioned.

QVC parent Liberty Interactive’s revenue increased 8 percent to $2.1 billion and adjusted OIBDA increased 1 percent to $377 million, while operating income increased 2 percent to $224 million. The increase in revenue, adjusted OIBDA, and operating income for the quarter were primarily due to favorable results at QVC.

QVC’s consolidated net revenue, which includes its international channels, increased 6 percent in the third quarter to $1.9 billion, adjusted OIBDA increased 1 percent to $373 million and operating income declined slightly to $234 million.

“QVC achieved 6 percent consolidated net revenue growth including 2 percent growth in the U.S. and 14 percent growth in our international markets,” QVC President and CEO Mike George said in a canned statement.

“We saw continued strong growth in Germany, encouraging gains in Japan, and growing momentum in Italy,” he said. “Excluding the previously discussed change in our QCard program with GE Capital Retail Bank, our adjusted OIBDA growth would have been up 2 percent, this on top of 8 percent in growth last year. Our eCommerce worldwide revenue grew 19 percent and now represents 30 percent of QVC’s consolidated net revenue. Revenue from new customers grew 29 percent in the U.S., representing our highest growth rate since 2009. QVC remains focused on growing sales and gaining share in the current retail environment by offering differentiated and compelling products, engaging our customers on all the screens and devices they interact with daily, and expanding globally.”

QVC’s international revenue increased 14 percent in the third quarter to $690 million from $604 million including the impact of favorable exchange rates in each of our markets. International adjusted OIBDA increased 6 percent to $114 million and adjusted OIBDA margins decreased 136 basis points for the quarter.

QVC’s international third-quarter results include $11 million of adjusted OIBDA loss compared to a $9 million loss in the prior year related to QVC Italy operations that launched in October 2010. Excluding the effects of QVC Italy, international adjusted OIBDA would have increased 7 percent and adjusted OIBDA margins would have decreased 99 basis points for the quarter.

QVC Japan’s revenue grew 4 percent in local currency in the third quarter due to increased sales primarily in apparel. QVC Japan’s market has rebounded after the tragic events experienced in March with positive sequential year over year growth achieved each month in the quarter.

QVC Japan achieved growth of 16 percent in units sold for the quarter with the average selling price in local currency declining 10 percent. QVC Japan’s adjusted OIBDA in local currency increased 3 percent and the adjusted OIBDA margin declined 51 basis points due to increased marketing expense primarily related to the naming rights to QVC Marine Field baseball stadium.

HSN Jewelry Vendor, And Saint Laurent Cohort, Loulou De La Falaise Dies At Age 63

We were sad to read that Loulou de la Falaise, an HSN vendor and noted jewelry designer, passed away.

The New York Times ran an obit of her on Saturday with the headline “Loulou de la Falaise, a muse to Yves Saint Laurent, Dies At 63.” She died Saturday at her home in northwest France.

http://runway.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/05/loulou-de-la-falaise-a-muse-to-yves-saint-laurent-dies/?scp=1&sq=loulou%20de%20la%20falaise&st=cse

“Ms. de la Falaise was synonymous with the bohemian Left Bank world of Saint Laurent and with his 1970s-era entourage, whether it touched down for a weekend in Marrakesh or New York,” the obit said. “She was lean and radiantly beautiful, with a wedge of curly blond hair and a crackling laugh.”

She worked for Saint Laurent for years, designing jewelry for him.

“In 2007, Ms. de la Falaise began to make costume jewelry for Oscar de la Renta,” The Times obit said. “She also created pieces for the Home Shopping Network.”

We enjoyed the offbeat jewelry that she brought to HSN, and enjoyed listening to her whenever she did an appearance on ths home shopping network.

HSN, which still has some of her items on its website, said this about her:

Loulou’s influence on couture and ready-to-wear fashion profoundly changed the industry. For more than 30 years, she was the muse for legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent. Yves revolutionized fashion as the first couture designer to create a ready-to-wear line, making designer style accessible and affordable for working women. Loulou was the source of inspiration and the brain behind his accessories.

“I met Yves through mutual friends. We had lots of fun together, and he must have liked what I did with clothes because one day he asked me to work with him [designing jewelry and accessories]. Then every day I would invent a new way of wearing the same clothes or use things gathered from the flea market … trying to be an inspiration to him, the studio, and myself,” Loulou says.

Yves was one of the first couturiers to put a strong emphasis on accessories, famously saying, “All one needs is a black turtleneck sweater, black trousers or skirt, and lots of chic and fun accessories!”

While at Yves Saint Laurent, Loulou and her work thrived in the limelight. She designed two couture, four ready-to-wear, and four license collections, as well as knits and hats.

Her reputation as a great luxury designer followed her when she opened a two-floor boutique across from the Ritz Paris. Now, her creations are coming to America from the worldwide fashion hub and will be sold exclusively at HSN.

The Loulou de la Falaise collection is for the “American woman seen through the Paris eye.” Loulou’s sophisticated and chunky designs were created for women who have what she calls “dash and dare” and those who like to entertain friends and family at home. Loulou has a lifetime of “dash and dare” memories, beginning in her childhood.

“My mother was born into a world of art and fashion,” Loulou says. “She made it her own world and shared it with me.”

Loulou’s mother introduced her to the New York fashion and arts scene, and Loulou later modeled for Vogue, designed prints for the iconic designer label Halston, and became friends with the most famous artists of the era, spending late nights at Studio 54 with the “Pope of Pop” Andy Warhol.

While Warhol is best known for his Campbell’s soup cans, Loulou is recognized for her signature wolf chomping on one of her favorite gemstones, either a pearl or a diamond. Loulou said she was drawn to the wolf because it is “untamable but faithful to his pack.” She also has a literal connection to her icon.

“Wolf in French is ‘loup,’ pronounced ‘lou,’ “she says. “So my name is wolf-wolf!”

Loulou believes that a woman’s favorite jewelry pieces become her lucky charms. Find your next talisman in the new Loulou de la Falaise jewelry collection.

Nicole Richie Boards Home Shopping Bandwagon With Line For QVC

Nicole Richie is the latest celeb to be doing a clothing collection for QVC, according to Us Magazine.

http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-style/news/nicole-richie-designing-qvc-clothing-line-2011911

Richie will be debuting her QVC line in February, timed to coincide with the debut of her new TV show. “Fashion Star,” the weekly reported.

This isn’t Richie’s first foray into the fashion business. She already does two lines, House of Harlow and Winter Kate.

Skanky Snooki’s Perfume, Slippers, Sunglasses and Crocodily Are Sellouts On HSN

We had a busy Thursday night, but we caught part of “Jersey Shore” Snooki’s two-hour show on HSN, getting to see the perfume, slippers, sunglasses, purses and big and small “Crocodily” stuffed animals she was hawking.

She had a ton of sellouts and a load of fans calling in, from Joisey to Denver.

Her appearance on “A Very Snooki Holiday Gift Special” was pleasingly surprising.

Snooki

Unlike her slutty persona on the hit MTV reality show, Snooki — i.e. Nicole Polizzi — looked good. Her hair was sleek and pretty, with no poof on the top. Her eye makeup was not caked on like a Midwesterner’s stereotype of a Jersey Girl. It was natural, and she looked pretty.

She even seemed to exhibit some self-awareness and irony at times.

Our favorite item was Crocodily, a stuffed crocodile that Snooki explained she won at a arcade, which we presume was on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights. Snooki has hopped into bed, totally drunk, holding Crocodily tight on “Jersey Shore” many a night.

“This is like my best friend, and it had a child,” Snooki said of the stuffed toy, which came in small for $20 and large for $35. Both sold out.

Snooki and Crocodily

She was also selling “Pinky-Up Animal” sunglasses. Asked by HSN host Amy Morrison what “pinky-up” meant, Snooki said if you are holding a cup “with your pinky up, we still look classy.”

Indeed.

We also liked it when Snooki seemed to be yanking Morrison’s chain, telling her “you look like a guidette with those” when the host tried on a pair of sunglasses.

The brunette “meatball” was also offering slippers, which she said could be unisex.

“My boyfriend Jionni wears my slippers,” Snooki said.

We’re sure he’ll be thrilled that she let that cat out of the bag.

At one point, Snooki said, “I know when I go to the club, I love to laugh and go crazy.”

That’s the understatement of the year: Jionni broke up with with her the last season of “Jersey Shore” after she lifted up her skirt while dancing at a club in Italy and exposed her VJJ to everyone.

Panties are not a piece of apparel that Snooki seems to wear very often.

For some reason that Snooki couldn’t fathom, her antics at the club upset Jionni.

Her perfume, which came with an animal-patterned bag, sold 8,000 units, which sounds pretty good.

Avid fans of “Jersey Shore” may have wanted to pick up Snooki’s three-piece Christmas tree ornament set, which included one of Snooki, The Situation and DJ Pauly D. But that was another gift that sold out.

They’re Whooping It Up In Knoxville: Jewelry Television Hit 100,000 Facebook Fans

Jewelry Television probably broke out the moonshine this week, because it has racked up more than 100,000 fans on its official Facebook page.

“We are thrilled to reach this milestone as one of our social media initiatives,” Dana Sebby, JTV’s community manager, said in a canned statement. “By using popular social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and JTV’s mobile application, we have been able to personally interact with our customers to gain a better understanding of what they want. We are using this real-time dialogue and feedback to improve our broadcasts, service and product offerings.”

In addition to JTV’s official company fan page, each on-air host as a Facebook page dedicated to interacting with viewers about upcoming shows and promotions.

“It’s really important to develop a two-way conversation with our customers,” host Heidi Kouns said in a canned statement. “Social media tools are providing valuable interaction that helps us improve our presentations and drive tune-in for our shows.”

Which blonde host is she? They all look alike to us.

JTV needs a little flava in its host roster, if you know what we mean. Aren’t there any Hispanics or African-Americans in Tennessee?

“As social media technology continues to evolve, we are committed to growing and advancing with it,” Brian Wilhelm, JTV’s director of online marketing, said in his canned statement. “We look forward to integrating Facebook content into our live broadcasts.”

JTV Alum Host Katie Rooke Winds Up at Tiffany & Co.

Katie Rooke, once part of the all-blonde host roster on Jewelry Television, has apparently landed a new gig.

Katie Rooke

“Hey friends, after months of waiting I can now proudly tell you that I am the newest member to the Tiffany and Co. family,” she wrote on Facebook. “This is a very exciting time for me now and I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for each and everyone of you for your continuing support. I will be posting more on my blog. Thanks everyone!!”

Congrats! Our brother in-law works for Tiffany.

Jersey Girl Lesley Ann Machado Joins HSN Host Roster

Well, we’re starting to see who HSN has hired to replace Chris Scanlon and Alicia Perez. They’ve brought on a Jersey Girl, among others.

We fell asleep on the couch after an exhausting week with HSN on, and woke up at 5 a.m. Saturday to see new host Lesley Ann Machado on with designer Antthony Mark Hankins.

They were both chattering away, and Hankins said they had just met and found out each one was from Jersey. Hankins is from Elizabeth, N.J.

He mentioned they had done some “Jersey talk,” as we all do, and that Machado was from a place “one town over” from where he grew up. Machado is Cuban American, and Union City, N.J., has a large Cuban population.

Here is her HSN.com bio:

Born into a loving and very Cuban home, Lesley hails from New Jersey but has spent most of her adult life in Los Angeles, CA. She recently moved to Florida to be part of the HSN family! As a busy first time mom, feeling prepared and looking the part is always important to Lesley Ann. She even wore false eyelashes during the delivery of her baby. “I wanted to look fabulous throughout!”

We all know that Brett Chukerman, of the racy movies, is also an addition to HSN’s host roster. But we also saw another two names that looked new.

Those were Carrie Smith and Anji Corley.

On Smith:

Although she can claim roots in Phoenix, Nashville and Los Angeles, there’s a good chance Carrie Smith has been to your town. Carrie began her career working as an emcee on various country music tours before transitioning her talents to in front of the camera. In 2011 she set her sites on her favorite network, HSN. Combining her love for shopping and passion for the latest products with her positive presence on screen, Carrie now feels she is right at home.

On Corley:

A New York native, Anji, debuted on HSN in 2011 and is thrilled to help viewers with their shopping experience with flash and flavor! She brings an expertise ranging from interviewing A-list celebrities on TV & radio to transforming the lives of young people through mentoring. This “foodie” savors unique eateries, laughing, traveling and spending time with loved ones.

‘Disappointing Setback’ For ShopNBC, As Sales Only Rise 2 Percent To $135 Million In Third Quarter

ValueVision Media, ShopNBC’s parent, reported disappointing third-quarter results Wednesday, with net sales increasing 2 percent to $135 million.

Gross profit at the No. 3 home shopping network rose 6.8 percent to $50 million; gross margin rose to 37.2 percent; and Internet-sales penetration increased to 44.1 percent.

ShopNBC had previewed these results earlier this month.

“As previously reported, lower than expected Q3 net sales and adjusted EBITDA is a disappointing setback in our progress toward rebuilding the business,” ShopNBC CEO Keith Stewart said in a canned statement.

“Third-quarter sales were principally impacted by a sales shortfall of 20 percent in consumer electronics along with a greater than anticipated decline of 13 percent in sales of watches, which off-set double-digit sales gains and strong margins in our jewelry, home, health and beauty and fashion and accessories categories.”

Here is the rest of Stewart’s excuses.

“We are focused on improving the consumer electronics business with specific action plans under way,” he said. “This includes recruiting new talent and expanding its merchandising team as well as improving product and brand assortment. The number of new vendors across our other categories continues to grow, as our multichannel retail business presents an attractive sales platform to expand their business and brand visibility. We expect to further reinforce that trend with additional prominent brands, such as Brooks Brothers and Hartmann luggage, that will delight the customer and further differentiate ShopNBC.”

ShopNBC reported an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $0.5 million on lower than anticipated sales. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA was impacted by additional TV distribution costs related to a 5 percent increase in average homes and improved channel position in certain markets. It is important to note that investments in distribution help drive increased customer penetration and can take several quarters before they become fully productive.

ShopNBC CFO William McGrath chimed in.

“Our balance sheet remains solid with cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, of $32.7 million in Q3 ’11 versus $42.5 million in Q2 ’11,” McGrath said. “The decrease in cash reflects planned increases in inventories in advance of the holiday season, continued use of ValuePay as a cost-effective promotional tool, and normal IT-related investments in capital expenditures.”

Get Your $900 Fake Fur Coat At HSN, Sucker

We’re sure they are gorgeous, but what’s up with HSN selling faux fur coats for $900?

The home shopping network Thursday had a show featuring faux fur coats by top designer Naeem Khan. They were done in Tissavel fake fur, which is something ShopNBC used to sell.

The price tags were eye-popping. A long fake chinchilla coat was a whopping $700. Other coats in the collection ranged from $450 to $800.

Are you kidding us?

Jewelry Television Joins In The Home Shopping Concert Craze: Christian Singer Michael W. Smith To Appear Sunday

Grammy Award-winning artist Michael W. Smith will perform live on Jewelry Television this Sunday to promote his new instrumental CD release, “Glory,” the home shopping network said Friday.

The Christian singer will appear at 11:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. EST to “share holiday cheer with JTV viewers,” according to the folks in Knoxville. “Glory” is currently available pre-release at JTV.com and will be available in stores next Tuesday.

JTV's Holiday CD

Of course, we have never heard of Smith, but what do we know. We’re from Jersey.

The JTV-Smith partnership, facilitated by AMG-Media, Inc., is the culmination of Smith’s participation in JTV’s Comfort & Joy Collector’s Edition Holiday CD.

Designed as a gift with purchase for JTV customers, Smith included the bonus track, ‘Forever’ from ‘Glory.’ Comfort and Joy is an interactive CD with holiday music performed by JTV hosts and employees and includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and special offers.

“Michael W. Smith exemplifies the character, moral values and spirit of Jewelry Television,” JTV CEO Tim Matthews said in a canned statement. “So this partnership is a way of expressing those values to our customers. We are honored Michael is lending his talent to the Comfort & Joy Collector’s Edition Holiday CD. He is making our holiday gift to customers even more special.”

“Glory” is Smith’s 23rd career album.

“I grew up watching blockbuster movies with scores by John Williams,” we’re sure Smith said, cause that’s what the press release says. “I find myself writing cinematic pieces. ‘Glory’ feels like a soundtrack and all the movies are in my head. It’s exciting to share this work with JTV’s loyal customers.”

JTV is doing what HSN, QVC and even ShopNBC have done: brought live talent on to hawk their new releases.

HSN, Self Magazine and ProForm Will Whip You Into Shape In 60 Days

HSN has forged yet another partnership with a magazine, this time with Self Magazine.

The home shopping network, Self Magazine, and exercise equipment experts ProForm Friday announced a new healthy lifestyle program, “60 Days to Healthier Ways.”

You — yes you — can enter now through Dec. 9 to be one of 10 people selected to follow the “60 Days to Healthier Ways” program. As part of the program, winners will be given the proper tools and guidance they need to succeed, including: ProForm exercise equipment with iFit technology; a personalized fitness routine; a balanced diet plan; and a weekly “touch-base” training session with a Self expert for the entire duration of the contest.

Each participant’s progress will be tracked and evaluated and the transformations will be revealed during a special primetime ProForm fitness event live on HSN next May, when all HSN customers will be able to take part in the program themselves at home.

Self Magazine will also feature the results in its June issue next year.

“Millions of women have improved their health, and been happier overall using Self’s unique fitness and diet programs,” Lucy Danziger, editor-in-chief of Self, said in a canned statement. “We can’t wait to see how these ‘Self-inspired’ women achieve their personal and physical goals with this exciting new plan. Their accomplishments will motivate us all to live healthier and, as we like to say, tap into our best selves!”

And from our favorite HSN suit, Bill Brand, executive vice president of programming, marketing and business development:

“HSN’s strategy is focused on delivering entertaining and engaging content through trusted names and authorities. Self Magazine and ProForm exemplify this approach. New Year’s resolutions often revolve around becoming a healthier, stronger version of ourselves and the ’60 Days to Healthier Ways’ program is a great way to kick off 2012.”

Focusing on health, fitness and nutrition, the program conveys the message that small changes make a difference in your quality of life and will not only make you look better but feel better into the New Year. This program is part of a successful ongoing relationship with Self Magazine, its parent company Conde Nast and HSN that began in 2008.

“ProForm is excited to partner with HSN and SELF to improve these women’s lives,” Colleen Logan, ProForm ice president of marketing, said in a canned statement. “One of the quickest ways to a healthier daily routine is the convenience of having quality fitness equipment in the home. The combination of ProForm’s innovative fitness products with guidance and motivation from SELF and HSN will inspire these women to achieve their goals.”

Singer Mary J. Blige Returns To Peform Live On HSN Nov. 30

Grammy-winning singer Mary J. Blige will be back in the house at HSN Nov. 30 to perform a live concert and hawk her perfume.

Blige has been on HSN before, when she launched her fragrance. But now she will be singing at 12:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. EST, promoting her new album “My Life II … The Journey Continues (Act 1).”

She will also be selling her My Life Blossom Fragrance Holiday Gift Sets as a part of HSN’s 24 Hour Beauty Gift Event.

Debuting on HSN in 2010, the record-breaking, award-winning fragrance My Life was inspired by Mary J. Blige’s life experiences.

“The fragrance is a lyrical composition of heady florals with undertones of woodsy warmth,” or so says HSN’s flowery press release. “My Life Blossom, Blige’s second fragrance, is a continuation of the My Life spirit in a softer, white floral accord with a warm vanilla heart. This line is the first celebrity fragrance collection from Mary J. Blige and the first celebrity fragrance to be developed by Carol’s Daughter.”

Here is Blige’s canned quote.

“I’m excited to bring you ‘My Life II … The Journey Continues (Act I)’ with my beautiful fragrance My Life Blossom,” the press release quotes Blige as saying. “They both are two very personal projects of mine and pure gifts from my heart.”

Fans will have a chance to purchase two limited-edition holiday gift sets from Blige.

The My Life Holiday Gift Set includes the My Life Eau de Parfum, Body Lotion and Shower Cream.

The My Life Blossom Holiday Gift Set includes the My Life Blossom Eau de Parfum and Body Cream plus the HSN-Exclusive My Life II…The Journey Continues (Act 1) CD, along with an exclusive download card including: “You Gotta Believe”, “You Are Everything”, “You Bring Me Joy”, “I’m The Only Woman” and “No More Drama.”

HSN’s 24 Hour Beauty Event will feature the best beauty gifts of the season from favorite brands including, Benefit, Phillip B, Wei East, Korres, Deborah Lippmann, Lancome and more.

Jewelry Television Launches Black Friday Week, Thanks For the Press Release A Day Late, Dudes

Jewelry Television isn’t fooling around, kicking off the holiday season with Black Friday Week, or so the home shopping network said Tuesday.

The deals continue through this Sunday. The whole shebang started Monday, but we just got the press release today.

“We decided to give holiday shoppers a Black Friday Week to remember,” Randy Sadler, JTV vice president of marketing, said in a canned statement. “The network is introducing three-tiered pricing for the event — our everyday low prices, Black Friday countdown week prices, Cyber Monday specials and door-buster deals. JTV will feature jewelry in price ranges to fit everyone’s budget.”

How about getting your press release out on time, dude?

Black Friday Week specials include a sterling silver pink sapphire heart pendant for $23.99, a sterling silver London Blue Topaz ring for $39.99, and a 0.5 carot white diamond ring for $119.99. Colored diamonds, pearls, tanzanite, and watches are on the roster this week.

“We’ve used our international buying power to negotiate and bring our customers the absolute best prices,” Sadler said. “Customers can shop from the comfort of their living rooms and save up to 50 percent on fine jewelry and gemstones for everyone on their holiday list.”

Black Friday Week promotions will be available in limited quantities for a limited time.

Home Shopping Drinking Game: Have A Shot Every Time ShopNBC Has An Invicta Watch Show

The holidays are upon us, so we’ve come up with a home-shopping drinking game to celebrate the festive season.

So take a swig of liquor any time that:

* QVC has a show hawking B. Makowsky handbags. Get them at half the price at TJ Maxx instead.

* HSN offers a Signature A or Serious Skincare segment. We’re sick of hearing Adrienne Arpel’s story about her vitamin C capsules.

* ShopNBC has an Invicta show, five shots when it has an Invicta Day. As one skeptic asked, does ShopNBC own a stake in Invicta? Is that why its watches are always on the air?

* Jewelry Television features chrome diopside. You can tell us it comes from Siberia and is more beautiful than priceless emeralds, but we don’t like it.

Happy Thanksgiving all!

Diva Mariah Carey Gets Skewered Again For Her HSN Appearance

Sorry that we haven’t posted in the past few days, but frankly we’ve been bored to tears with what’s been on HSN, QVC and ShopNBC.

We no doubt will be getting press releases shortly about how well everyone did gangbusters selling consumer electronics during Black Friday, Black Friday weekend and Cyber Monday. But a new TV or laptop does not float our boat like a pretty diamond pendant would.

OK, we did order Diane Gilman’s $35 Today’s Special skinny jeans, in indigo and winter white.

The best home shopping gossip we can dish is about diva Mariah Carey referencing the video — edited by snarky Gawker.com from clips of her last HSN appearance — that went viral. Carey joked about taking brief pauses so people could edit her most recent HSN appearance and “mock” her.

And she complained about not being able to hear with her earpiece, and joked about not knowing what camera to look at.

In fact, The Hollywood Reporter wrote a story about her appearance. But you can never get the last word in on the Internet, Mariah.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150370320537750&set=a.363331617749.163741.14425952749&type=3

It turns out Gawker went back and did a video of her second HSN appearance to mock that. Here’s the link:

http://m.gawker.com/5861745/the-best-four-minutes-of-mariah-careys-return-to-hsn

Got A Foot Fetish? Footwear News Names HSN Retailer Of The Year

HSN CEO Mindy Grossman should go out and treat herself to a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes: HSN was just named retailer of the year by Footwear News.

http://www.wwd.com/footwear-news/people/retailer-of-the-year-hsn-5390767

The trade paper wrote that Grossman turned HSN “upside down” when she arrived five years ago and that the home shopping network “has the fashion world buzzing.”

Footwear News talked to a number of high-end shoe designers who have come to HSN, such as Sam Edelman and Vince Camuto, all because of Grossman, who used to work for Nike.

The paper even quoted one of the celebs that Grossman has lured, Mariah Carey.

“HSN’s reach is massive,” Carey told Footwear News. “I love being part of it all…People love feeling close to designers and celebrities and hearing them talk about their products firsthand. It’s been a real learning experience [for me].”

Congrats Mindy.

HSN Debuts ‘$1′ Facebook Promotion To Benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

This sounds like a good thing.

Today through Christmas Day, fans of the HSN Facebook page will have a chance to “share” an ornament from the “HSN Cares” heART HSN 2011 Designer Ornament Collection and support the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

HSN will donate $1 to St. Jude for each person who shares an ornament, up to $100,000.

“HSN Cares”, supports women and families by raising awareness and funds for trusted organizations. As a part of its annual campaign for St. Jude, HSN kicked off the 2011 holiday shopping season with the annual heART HSN 2011 Designer Ornament Collection, limited-edition designer ornaments, personally designed by HSN celebrities.

All, as in 100 percent, of the profits – no less than 30 percent of the purchase price of each ornament — is donated to St. Jude.

Fans can raise money for St. Jude three ways – by sharing an HSN ornament from Mariah Carey, Emeril Lagasse, Heidi Daus, Martha Stewart, Nate Berkus, Joy Mangano, Marlo Thomas, Jennifer and Sly Stallone, Rhonda Shear, Colin Cowie, Diane Gilman or Twiggy; buying an ornament from the collection; or making a customer donation through HSN.

ShopNBC’s Program Schedule: All Invicta, All The Time

We know this will really shock you home-shopping geeks, but ShopNBC has an Invicta watch as its Today’s Top Value Monday — AGAIN!

This time, it is a Sea Spider Chronograph Lume Dial stainless steel watch for $100.

So it is time to play the Homeshoppingista holiday drinking game. Take a swig of alcohol on us.

In fact, from 8 p.m. Sunday to 11 p.m. Monday ShopNBC has 19 hours of Invicta Holiday Gift Celebration programming scheduled.

How many watches can you collect?

HSN’s Michael DiCesare Has Headed Over To ShopNBC

Well, it looks like longtime HSN vendor Michael DiCesare, who sells hair products, has joined the the long list of people who have moved over to ShopNBC.

http://www.shopnbc.com/OnAir/Default.aspx?view=showlisting&showid=13475775

We noticed DiCesare’a name on ShopNBC’s program lineup today. He will have ShopNBC’s Today’s Top Value tonight at midnight.

We always liked DiCesare because he has curly hair like ours, and for years wore it long and flowing.

No doubt HSN CEO Mindy Grossman played no small part in his exit.

ShopNBC Debuts Calvin Klein Handbags Tomorrow

Things are dead on the home shopping front, but here’s a tidbit of news: ShopNBC will premiere Calvin Klein Handbags tomorrow at 9 p.m.

“The debut show will be the brand’s first full-hour foray into television retailing,” according to ShopNBC’s press release Wednesday.

The hour-long premiere will feature clutches, satchels, totes and feminine duffels – each styled in napa leather, some printed with exotic textures and others in classic updated jacquard.

“We are excited to introduce Calvin Klein’s timeless handbag offering to our consumer,” Annette Repasch, ShopNBC Chief Merchandising Officer, said in a canned statement. “The classic styling and minimalist designs of Calvin Klein will further expand our fashion assortment, and we anticipate that this launch will keep our viewers excited this holiday season with must-have wish list items.”

The line will be presented on-air by Ulrich Grimm, Calvin Klein’s creative director for shoes and accessories.

Calvin Klein Inc., a subsidiary of PVH Corp., is one of the leading fashion design and marketing studios in the world. It designs and markets women’s and men’s designer collection apparel and a range of other products that are manufactured and marketed through an extensive network of licensing agreements and other arrangements worldwide.

Brands/lifestyles include Calvin Klein Collection, ck Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Jeans and Calvin Klein Underwear. Product lines under the various Calvin Klein brands include women’s dresses and suits, men’s dress furnishings and tailored clothing, men’s and women’s sportswear and bridge and collection apparel, golf apparel, jeans, underwear, fragrances, eye wear, women’s performance apparel, hosiery, socks, footwear, swimwear, jewelry, watches, outerwear, handbags, small leather goods, and home furnishings (including furniture).

PVH, one of the world’s largest apparel companies, owns and markets the iconic Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger brands worldwide. It is the world’s largest shirt and neck wear company and markets a variety of goods under its own brands, Van Heusen, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, IZOD, ARROW, Bass and G.H. Bass & Co., and its licensed brands, including Geoffrey Beene, Kenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction, MICHAEL Michael Kors, Sean John, Chaps, Donald J. Trump Signature Collection, JOE Joseph Abboud, DKNY, Ike Behar and John Varvatos.

Want To Buy A $1,750 Saxophone? Go To ShopNBC

If you can explain this strategy to us, please do so: ShopNBC is selling musical instruments.

Now, it’s not a totally novel idea. HSN has for a long time been selling guitars. Most recently, Poison frontman/reality TV star Bret Michaels was hawking one on the No. 2 home shopping channel.

But ShopNBC has a whole batch of musical instruments on its website, and many are big-ticket items. How about $1,275 for a saxophone? There are also flutes, violins, clarinets, trombones, trumpets, bongo drums and music stands.

http://www.shopnbc.com/SearchM/Default.aspx?&prop=New%20Items|1643&prop=Web%20Exclusive|840&prop=Home%20%26%20Collectibles|243&prop=Musical%20Instruments|2699&ICID=TMH-_-2.NewMusicalInstruments-_-120911

Maybe ShopNBC has been selling them for awhile, but it’s the first time we noticed it, because the musical instruments were spotlighted on the homepage of ShopNBC.com.

“Great gifts for aspiring players,” the site says.

OK.

Never Tell A Man He Has A Small Penis: Man Killed By Silicon Injection In Private Parts

Essex County Veterans Courthouse CAROLYN A. MURRAY
Newark, New Jersey 07102 ACTING ESSEX COUNTY PROSECUTOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 9, 2011
Woman Arrested for Silicon Injection Death

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and East Orange Police Chief William Robinson announced today that Kasia N. Rivera, 34, of East Orange was arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of Justin Street, 22, of East Orange.

On May 5, 2011 Mr. Street went to Rivera’s home in the 300 block of Glenwood Avenue in East Orange where he received a silicon injection in his penis. The next day he died as a result of the injection.

The Medical Examiner determined the cause of death was silicone embolism. The death was ruled a homicide.

Following an investigation led by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, with assistance from the East Orange Police, Rivera was arrested today and charged with manslaughter and the unauthorized practice of medicine.

Bail was set at $75,000.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Other potential victims are urged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force at 1-877-TIPS-7432 or 1-877-847-7432.

These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they plead guilty or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Homeshoppingista Pet Peeve: Non-Reusable Jewelry Television Packaging

Are those folks in Knoxville nuts?

We’ve ordered several items from Jewelry Television now, and they don’t come in boxes or normal UPS-type envelopes like goodies from QVC, HSN or ShopNBC.

Instead, they come in this sticky packaging that you basically have to rip apart in order to get out your merchandise.

Yet JTV’s return instructions tell you to send the item back in its original packaging. What?

The packaging is lying at your feet ripped to pieces. How the heck are you supposed to return your stuff in that?

Does this frost anyone else but us?

Jewelry Designer Loren Ridinger Brings Her Honkers To HSN, Eva and Khloe Call In

There was a nice breath of fresh air on HSN last night: gorgeous jewelry.

We’ve barely been watching HSN or QVC, since with our DNA a new iPod or Nook doesn’t really float our boats.

But yesterday a new jewelry line called “Yours by Loren” debuted on HSN, featuring a collection by Loren Ridinger. Her pricey couture pricey line has a celebrity following, and last night her clients actress Eva Longoria and reality TV star Khloe Kardashian called in to wish her well.

Loren, a gorgeous cat-eyed brunette, had some striking gemstone and sterling pieces, which host Colleen Lopez showed off nicely.

Our favorites were two go-big-or-go-home rings, “honkers,” as former QVC host Kathy Levine would call them. First, there was a 24 carat smokey quartz ring, which was enormous. And then there was a 12.6-carat crystal quartz ring that Loren said was exactly modeled after a real diamond — yes, I said diamond — ring that her husband gave her to replace her original CZ wedding ring.

Now that’s a good husband. Those big rings were $200, on special.

We also loved a white topaz heart pendant, for $160.

There were other pieces we loved, as well. Check out the link:

http://jewelry.hsn.com/yours-by-loren_c-j_a-8580_xc.aspx?rid=2253

Got Money To P**s Away: Upscale Brookstone Comes To HSN With Its $50 Wireless Key Finder

If ever there was a retailer that sells a lot of expensive needless stuff, it would have to be Brookstone. Every time we pass it in a mall, we just shake our heads. Well, now HSN is selling its needless stuff.

Here are some of the Brookstone items for sale: a $50 wireless key finder; a $50 automatic wine opener; and a $70 wireless grill thermometer.

Here it is:

http://www.hsn.com/brookstone/brookstone_c-br_a-5958_xc.aspx?cm_re=belowbb-_-RIGHT-_-BROOKSTONE_shopnow

Thanks, Big Spenders, For ‘Gifting’ Us With A $24,000 Tanzanite Stone From Jewelry Television

For those who have been wondering what to get The Homeshoppingista for Christmas, here it is: A $23,767 tanzanite stone.

We saw this 32-carat beauty last night at some ungodly hour on Jewelry Television. At first we thought we were seeing things when we got a gander at the price onscreen for this loose gemstone.

http://www.jtv.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-jtv-Site/default/Search-Show?q=tanzanite&srule=default&start=384&sz=96&showProducts=1

We guess it is part of the Hidden Tanzanite Reserve that JTV has been touting. But why would anyone buy a gem like this, for the price of a car, without seeing it in person? Better yet, who has $24,000 to buy a gem?

It is a rectangular cushion cut, and has the gorgeous deep blue-purplish color of high quality tanzanite, for sure. But $24,000?

This is one of the highest-priced items we have ever seen on a home shopping network. The only thing that may have rivaled it in the past were some of Sonia Bitton’s one-of-a-kind diamond rings on ShopNBC, when she was doing diamonds, not CZ, and Charla Rines was still a host.

There’s a lot going on down in Knoxville. The network will be “introducing a new garnet with a beautiful color shift–Masasi Bordeaux Garnet,” according to its Facebook page.

Apparently, it “color changes from a honeyish salmon color to a sparkling Bordeaux. And it’s called Masasi because it comes from the same region as our now legendary Masasi Blue Color Change Garnet.”

JTV recently posted that it was also shooting a new branding campaign, and the photo of the shoot had an African-American model in it. That’s the first person of color we’ve seen even vaguely associated with this almost-all-blonde network.

Ex-QVC Host Lisa Mason Gets Apparent Threat, FBI Brought In

What the heck is going on with former QVC host Lisa Mason?

On Facebook Tuesday she posted this cryptic, and disturbing, message:

Dear Friends, last evening I was made aware of a security issue that potentially threatens my safety. Thank you for all of you who rsvp-ed for the seminar. For now, we must postpone. God Bless you. Merry Christmas!

Ex-QVC host Lisa Mason was apparently threatened

Mason had a seminar that she was holding, “The Journey to Inner Peac,e” in New York City set for Jan. 12. We guess that is what she cancelled.

She then followed up with this Facebook post:

The situation is now in the capable hands of state officials and the FBI. Thank you for your well wishes. As soon as possible, the seminars will be rescheduled. God Bless.

If anyone gets a clue about what all that was about, please let us know.

Other than that mess, it looks like Mason is keeping busy since her departure from QVC.

Dearest Friends, last week I emceed the “World Vision Global Aids Day Conference” in New York City. Held at the Metropolitan Club on 5th Avenue, we had standing room only!! What a day!

I was surrounded by the people who are working constantly to bring to an end this horrible disease. I was humbled to spend time with Dr. Trent, who Oprah has touted as “her favorite guest of all time”. I presented her with an award, honoring her incredible work.

I also spent time with supermodel Kim Alexis and heard of all her hard work and efforts in this fight. I mingled and spoke with the people who… with no recognition at all… raise money, travel to Africa, tirelessly give of themselves, all with the singular objective of helping others.

I believe this event has allowed me to see what Christmas is REALLY about. Amidst the opulence and glitz of Manhattan, our thoughts were solely on helping others. I have never been happier…or more fulfilled. God Bless You!

Former QVC Host Kathy Levine’s Much-Mentioned Mom Passed Away

Anyone who remembers former QVC host Kathy Levine will recall that the chatty host often mentioned her mother. Levine would talk about how her mom was a great beauty, and sometimes show photos of her. She was a gorgeous woman.

So we were sad to read on Facebook today that Levine’s mother, Pat Seinfeld, passed away Wednesday. Mom was born on Aug. 27, 1921, so she had a long life.

Levine wrote a wonderful tribute to her mother on Facebook. Here is part of it.

My Mom worked for a popular department store, H. Leh and Co. She was a fashion coordinator and went out with her models to every organization you can name for 20 years and did fashion shows while the ladies lunched. She was the first woman to use a plus size model and a senior model. She had her finger on the real pulse of America long before America had a pulse.

She also taught a charm school to adolescent teen girls. To this day I am approached by women telling me my Mom gave them the only sense of self esteem they ever had. She touched so many with her light.

As an added perk to her job, I received clothes galore. As I never could hold my weight, and my size fluctuated like the stock market, she kept me looking my best no matter what. She never berated me for my problem. She loved me fat, thin, through the ugly stages and the pretty ones. She was in my corner every day of my life and thought the sun rose and set on all of her children.

Don’t misunderstand. If I was bad in school, misbehaved, sassed a teacher, got caught throwing spitballs or started a food fight, I caught hell. She never expected the school to do her job of manners and discipline, and she allowed that I was guilty instead of making the teachers wrong. Her common saying to me was “I love you, but today I do not like you”! It wasn’t damaging but it was a simple truth we could both live with.

If I have one message to mothers, it’s that your imprint on your children is indelible, and kindness reaches deeper and longer into your kid’s self esteem than you’ll ever live to know.

Here is the link to the full post:

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2579241758956&id=1191753254

And here is another excerpt:

On the first day of Winter, my Mom closed her eyes peacefully for the last time. We were all with her and we thanked her for being her. She will be sorely missed and my heart aches, but she had a fabulous life, a huge far reaching impact, and I will continue to strive to make her proud. There is no filling her sparkly gifted shoes, but I am so happy to have walked along side her for my 60 years. In her own words, “the show must go on”.

QVC Jewelry Designer Angela Lindvall Lands Gig On Lifetime’s New Show ‘Project Runway All Stars,’ With Mizrahi

Model Angela Lindvall, who hawks the “Angela by John Hardy” jewelry line on QVC, has a brand new gig. And it is with a fellow QVC vendor, Isaac Mizrahi.

Lindvall and Mizrahi will be hosts on a Lifetime show that debuts Jan. 5, “Project Runway All Stars.”

Angela Lindvall, Isaac Mizrahi and the rest of the Project Runway All Stars judges

She is doing PR for the show, and every time we open up a newspaper there’s an interview with her, with rarely a mention of her QVC enterprise.

The latest article we saw was a wire story in The Star-Ledger of Newark, which has a photo of pin-thin Lindvall in a black miniskirt the size of a knapkin. That was one of the few stories that mentioned that “Lindvall has a line of jewelry on QVC.”

She is also separated from her husband, so there’s a bit of dish.

Here is what Lifetime’s website says about Lindvall:

Angela Lindvall grew up in a small rural community outside of Kansas City, Missouri, and fell into modeling by accident when her older sister convinced Angela to sign up for a local fashion show with her for fun. Angela has since appeared on the cover of many major publications, including all the international editions of Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, ID, Dazed and Confused and many more.

Lindvall’s “chameleon”-like qualities have made her one of the most enduringly sought-after models in an otherwise fickle industry and one of the few to work with nearly every major fashion house, including Prada, Chanel, Valentino, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, DKNY, Calvin Klein, Jil Sander, Chloe, Stella McCartney and Versace. Lindvall has also appeared on the big screen in the films “CQ” and “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang.” On television, she co-hosted “Alter Eco” with Adrian Grenier on Discovery’s Planet Green Channel.

Quacker Factory Queen Jeanne Bice’s Son Tim Thanks All Her Fans For Their Condolences

One of our great readers, Cindy, told us that deceased Quacker Factory Queen Jeanne Bice’s son Tim had written a nice note on the company website.

In a tragedy that shocked all her fans, and us, larger-than-life Jeanne, 71, died of cancer June 10. And then in an incomprehensible second tragedy, on July 1 her daughter Lee, 47, died.

The message from Jeanne's son Tim

Quacker Factory is still continuing, with the plus-sized model Angel becoming the public face of the sparkly clothing line on QVC. But is a principal in the company, and in his recent post he thanked Jeanne’s fans and said he was putting her Boca Raton home on the market.

“Thought you might be interested in seeing a note from Tim Bice on the Quaker Factory website,” Cindy wrote. “I miss Jeanne and Lee so much, we all know it won’t quite be the same without them, but I know they would like us to continue quacking along and supporting their goals, ideals and clothing. Tim posted a beautiful link to Jeanne’s home. It is so stunning, I can just picture her at home, it is so warm and welcoming…just like Jeanne. Here is the link, it certainly helped me with closure. Thank you, Tim, for thinking of her many fans. We all send our love.”

Here is the link to Tim’s letter:

http://www.quackerfactory.com/pages/note_from_tim/258.php

In it, Tim writes, “I am very greatful to every one for the outpouring of support these past several months. Needless to say, it has been a very difficult time for me.”

The late, and great, Jeanne Bice

But he added that he is busy pulling himself up by the “brastraps,” and looks forward to “getting back to the Q” and doing Quacker Factory shows.

It must be devastating to go through the holidays without your mom and sister. We wish Tim all the best, and look forward to seeing him on QVC.

Rock And HSN Jewelry Designer Loree Rodkin Did Steven Tyler’s Engagement Ring

Gorgeous goth jewelry designer Loree Rodkin, who now does a line for HSN, has a new claim to fame: “American Idol” judge Steven Tyler gave his girlfriend one of Rodkin’s pieces as her engagement ring.

http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/steven-tyler-is-engaged–20112812

Rockin' Loree Rodkin

Rodkin posted a link to the US Magazine story about Tyler’s engagement to his girlfriend Erin Brady on Facebook.

Read more: http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/steven-tyler-is-engaged–20112812#ixzz1iNqGKj34

Rodkin has designed jewelry for lots of celebs, Tyler included. The engagement ring she did for him has 5-carat diamond set on a micro pave diamond and platinum band.

We want a copy of that for our engagement ring.

QVC’s Today Special Value Gemstone Bracelet Sold Out In 7 Minutes!

Holy cow!

QVC’s Today’s Special Value, a gorgeous Brazilian gemstone bracelet, sold out in seven minutes, after midnight! And it was over $400.

There were only 900, so QVC folks knew it wouldn’t last and were taking bets as to how quick it would be gone.

We can’t even find it on QVC’s website.

The bracelet kicked off “Destination Gemstones,” a full day of jewelry on QVC. Jewelry geeks, follow your bliss.

Mario Lopez Is Heading To HSN With A ‘Solution’: Will It Make Us Look Like ‘The Situation’?

We admired Mario Lopez, and his six-pack and naked butt, when we watched him in FX’s kinky “Nip/Tuck.” In fact, we seem to remember him donning women’s lingerie in one episode. What an appropriate transition to HSN.

Yes, Lopez is the latest celeb to wind his way over to the Southern home shopping network.

Mario, Mario

We were checking out HSN’s January Program Guide and saw that Lopez, the host of the syndicated entertainment show “Extra,” is scheduled to appear Jan. 28 and 29.

His shows are titled “Mario Lopez Fitness: The Solution.” We checked out Lopez’s website and couldn’t find any mention or explanation of “The Solution.” Maybe the solution is wearing women’s underwear, like he did on “Nip/Tuck.”

We wonder what his longtime girlfriend, who he just got engaged to, thought of his turn on that show.

Anyway, unbeknownst to us, Lopez has written several books on fitness.

Here is what his website says:

Lopez is a New York Times bestselling author for his healthy eating guide Extra Lean. In May 2011, he released the follow up to Extra Lean entitled Extra Lean Family. This new book featured recipes and tips that are beneficial to the entire family. Additionally, Lopez penned Mario Lopez’s Knockout Fitness a bestselling fitness book that offers readers a look into his impressive workout regime.

Anyway, we look forward to seeing Lopez again. But we can’t say that we’ll be seeing more of him, because we’ve already seen just about all anyone could see of him.