Direct Sales: You Can Try & Buy Apparel in A Larchmont Home

ABC's BusinessWeek Highlights Larchmont Women

by Rosita Fichtel

(September 14, 2006) Four Larchmonters experienced their 15 minutes of fame when they were featured on ABC-TV's BusinessWeek Weekend on Sunday, August 20. The program highlighted direct selling of Doncaster women's apparel in the Larchmont home of Kathryn Parter. You can see Ms. Parter with Betsy Cherkasky, Karen Isaac, and Amy Rothman reviewing the Doncaster Collection ranging from designer-inspired suits to casual sportswear. (View the video online.)

As reviewed in the video, the direct selling business used to conjured up visions of the Avon lady or Tupperware parties. That image has gone the way of the Fuller Brush man; direct selling is now a $30 billion a year business that is still growing. Ms. Parter, one of 2000 consultants who sell for Doncaster across the country, leads the Northeast region in sales. She started working for Doncaster 15 years ago after having four children in three years. As of this fall, the children are all in college, and she is focused on growing her business. The collection she sells includes 500 pieces in sizes 2 through 24 as well as accessories.

Ms. Parter holds seasonal trunk shows at her Larchmont home and also by appointment at the West 57th Street showroom in Manhattan. “This is a hassle-free way of shopping for couture-like fashions and has the added benefit of personal attention - which is nearly impossible to find these days," said Ms. Cherkasky in the vdeo.

According to Ms. Parter, “Making sure the garment fits properly and is the right style for your body proportion is essential in looking good. You can be dressed in head-to-toe couture but if it doesn’t fit properly or is not the right proportion for your body, it won’t be flattering on you.” Ms Isaac said, "Kathryn is a pro at this."

Shopping in the suburbs can take considerable time traveling from store to store, and Ms. Rothman finds shopping with Ms. Parter to be an efficient alternative. “Four times a year and 1.5 hours each time is all you need to build a wardrobe that works."

Ms. Parter's next show in Larchmont will be from Sunday, September 24 through Saturday September 30 and will feature the Fall and Holiday Collections. Ms. Parter can be reached at 914-630-1570 or at kparter4@optonline.net.

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