The Tibi Creative Pragmatist Scale + Staff Picks

If you’re a regular reader, you know I have written a lot about Tibi. I have been in retail for more than 21 years and this is the first brand that completely feels like me. Rarely is there anything in the line that I won't wear. At age 51, I am happy to finally have found something that makes my life and getting dressed easier. 

Last year Tibi put out a book called The Creative Pragmatist. The term really helps explain the brand and why like-minded people are drawn to it, regardless of their style. The book's CP Scale also helps explain how so many people can wear the brand and have different personal styles. 

One of my favorite questions at market is, “What age is your customer?” I love this question because of our range: we have customers in their teens all the way up to their 80s. It is my favorite part of the retail community we have built around The Shoe Hive and The Hive for 21 years. Tibi is a brand that all of these ages can wear. I know this because my daughter (age 17) steals my Tibi and my mother, age 79, purchases Tibi. It’s because of the brand's balance of modernity and functionality.

Tibi is also the one brand everyone who works at the store wears, despite us all having very different lives and very different styles. I thought it would be interesting to ask Madeline, Shannon and Annette where they fall on The Tibi CP Scale, and then to each put together an outfit with our newest arrivals. 

As I write this, Shannon hasn't given me her "rank" but I am going to guess she leans more to the pragmatic side, along with myself. Where Annettte and Madeline are more on the creative side. Of course we all have days and pieces that lean to the other side of the scale. I have a section of my closet that is rarely worn but I would never part with: it is packed with crinkled metallic leather, sequins and some really spectacular shoes. I mean really good ones, they just don't work for most of my life. I tend to think when I have less on my plate, I might have time to be more creative. I don't think I need to wear my six-year-old Tibi sequined joggers to a high school football game, but I know I will find a place for them soon. That’s a hint, by the way: if you are having a holiday party, add me to the list and I’ll show up sparkling!

If you love Tibi or if you have even wanted to shop Tibi but haven't had a chance, this is a great time to stop by the store. We are hosting a trunk show starting this Friday through Sunday. Keturah and Christine from Tibi will be in store on Friday, and you can book an appointment or just stop by the store. They will be here from 10am to 4pm on Friday, and we’ll be open until 6pm. We hope to see you, the trunk will be in store through Monday, December 9.

SEE ALSO: Browse the Tibi Lookbook Before The Hive’s Trunk Show

Elizabeth Todd

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Owner | The Hive and The Shoe Hive

I spent the first part of my career as a copywriter who helped elected officials brag about their support for entrepreneurs. Then I decided to get off the printed page and do it myself. The Shoe Hive made a splash on the fashion scene in Washington, and was named the region’s best shoe store in its first year. Fourteen years later, I have tripled the store’s size and also opened a sister store, The Hive.  At The Hive, we offer clothing lines that are sophisticated and approachable like Rag & Bone, Tibi, Raquel Allegra, Ulla Johnson and Veronica Beard. We have tried to fill our racks with clothing you will want to wear all the time, elevated basics that are worth the investment.

www.theshoehive.com

The Hive and The Shoe Hive I 315 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I 703.548.7110

P.S. The Hive I 301 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I 703.548.7001

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