Hello Everyone!
Thank you all very much for your messages. I have to say I was more than a little worried about the shows…..were the two shows too close together?…..were there too many scattered appearances?…..was it too early to show real Fall clothes?….would anyone really want to think of buying tweed jackets in early Aug? I guess my worries were put to rest by your response! The shows went off beautifully and the results were very good. Thank you all for getting on the Fall train!! It was a grueling week and Jac and I made the trip back and forth from our home to West Chester PA…..THREE TIMES! We just did not and could not stay in a hotel room for a week. I had to get home anyway because I had to prepare for each show……bringing back the clothes and accessories I used for one show and then bring new clothes and accessories for the next. It would have been impossible for me to prepare for all of the shows and bring them down all at once. I didn’t know what the order of each show was early enough to prepare for them all at once……….anyway it’s….. O-V-E-R!!!!…..and our girls were so happy to see us!
Next stop….Vienna for a few days and then on to London for QVC London. The actual show is August 24th. They will have the “INDIAN SUMMER Transition Group”. We have tickets for shows while we are there. We love to go to the theater in London’s west end…….of course it’s similar to Broadway, but different in many subtle ways. Our dinner reservations are made in London so all we have to do is show up. The Olympics will be over so I’m sure everything will have calmed down. You can bet the Londoners want things to get back to normal. I have heard that restaurant business and theater business and business in general has suffered…..I’m sure pub business is good!
My next show at QVC, USA will be September 10th at 4:00pm and I believe I will have Jill as my host. I have to say, I really like working with Jill, she truly loves and understands the clothes…..she’s very intelligent and always has intelligent things to add to the conversation……and it is a conversation, but enough about Sept. when you haven’t even begun to receive what you have just purchased!!! I anxiously await to hear what you think about the clothes. I really think they are beautiful…….and look like a million bucks……………..but I am biased!
…………………………………………Enjoy your new goodies, much Love………Louis
I was frustrated that the drawstring pants were not even available by showtime in my size/color (had the— through the size to me means they never had any for airtime) because I know your loyal customers snap things up immediately and some even buy multiple sizes so they can get the proper fit and return the ones that don’t fit. With that being said since QVC has all these ways to order (text, mobile apps, online etc etc) I am just thinking that perhaps those devices don’t sync up to the master database inventory all at once causing the situation some customers described when they bought items and later got email stating that they were not available. Not something you can solve as a vendor but just tossing that out there for the ladies who couldn’t get their items.
My all time favorite designer had always been RL since it was classic, tailored, menswear inspired. Then my life changed and my budget so couldn’t get those clothes anymore. But then along came Louis and his clothing line and once again happy, happy days. A great designer with quality pieces and affordable. Thanks for allowing us to be part of your journey.
Welcome home Louis and Jac. Louis, I bought 11 pieces during your recent shows, and must tell you about several of them. The textured plaid blazer is gorgeous. I got both colors, even though I prefer blacks/grays, and I’m thrilled to have both. What a buy at that price! I wear an XS and S in your line and normally prefer the S in your jackets. These fit perfectly. The V neck button front cardis are AMAZING. Love the weight and the little cut out detail on the bottom and the V neck. Got the fawn and pink, and they turned out to be great neutrals. Going back for the black. The feather skirt (bought both colors) is MAGNIFICENT! And, love the weight and fit of the V neck sweater (A21729) which I was only able to grab in black. WOuld love that in MORE COLORS. That sweater skims the body and fits like a dream… very flattering. THANK YOU SO MUCH. You were sensational, as always, and I’m so happy we had you for 2 uninterrupted hours during the one show. What a treat. Looking forward to seeing you in Sept. I’m trying to make room in my closet and armoir. The new clothes are going to proudly hang next to some pieces of yours that are a decade old, but look as good as ever. They are truly timeless.
Dear nyc1,
Thanks for the note. I am so happy you are happy with everything. Aren’t those cardigans great. That cardigan in black looks great with the feather print shirt and or shirt. I’m afraid you will have to squeeze your closets a little more when the Sept 10th show at 4pm rolls along…….enjoy the rest of the summer!
Hello, Louis,
Your transitional pieces and intro into fall are nothing short of breath-taking! I love what I’ve received so far and am still awaiting a few more pieces. I’m sitting on pins and needles. You see, like Blinddogs, I, too, ordered the herringbone suits in both colors, but the Q didn’t ship my stone pants. Instead of Spanx, like Blinddogs received, I received a Motto black lace top. I was just sick. Of course, no more stone pants in my size or the possibility of waitlist.
You questioned if other lines had these same issues. I have only purchased three or four items from other lines in the past year or more, so that’s no real basis for comparison, although I had no problems with those orders. Over the years, however, I’ve filled my seasonal closets with Linea, and this is the first time I’ve ever received the wrong item in a Linea order. In the last year or so, nearly all my Linea orders have been placed at midnight, and I’ve had no problems.
In twenty years of shopping with the Q, they’ve only made a couple of shipping errors with me, but each was quickly and easily resolved because there was adequate inventory for replacement. But with this one Linea shipping error, that will not be the case. And that’s what is so disappointing and frustrating. But, yes, as Barbara stated, “We all know that none of this is your doing, Louis, and that you work your heart and soul out for all of us.” We only hope that by sharing our experiences it will result in more Linea inventory.
In the meantime, it’s off to stalk for my stone pants! And I so hope that Blinddogs will be able to complete her suit, too!
Louis, I just had to share…a pair of stone pants popped up in my size and are now making their journey to the deep south. The olive suit, and this one now in stone, are so perfect for my climate and lifestyle. Hope you and Jac are having a lovely trip!
Dear Louis,
I am a new customer, but have admired your designs for years on QVC–not sure why it took me so long to order? I just wanted to thank-you so much for your beautiful and classic designs! It really is so nice to be able to trust you and your fashion expertise to help guide us in the right direction; it is like having a personal stylist, which makes life so much easier!
Your amazing clothing line makes me look and feel confident about how I present myself to others, not only in my job (I am a middle school teacher), but in everyday life.
I am excited about what I have recently purchased, and look forward to purchasing more of your beautiful clothing in the future!!
With sincerest thanks,
CindyB
Dear CindyB,
Welcome to my site! I am happy to hear you have become a Linea customer. If there is anything you need help with in the future I will be happy to do my best….regard, Louis
Good morning Louis,
Received the navy and the heather gray drawstring pants in sizes 10 and Small respectively. I have a question about the navy pants– the rise appears to me to be a little high– almost look like ‘mom’ pants on me instead of being at my waist (where belly button is). Is this because of the regular sizing instead of the petite sizing?
I love the gray drawstring pants and will have to have them shortened. The rise on these are fine. I did not size up as suggested on these drawstring pants.
Regards to Jac and you,
Chris
Dear Chris, as far as I know the navy pant pattern is from a previous pant that got good reviews, so I can only assume it is because it is not a petite fit. What height are you? I am glad you like the fit of the jersey pant. I only suggested to size up if you wanted a more relaxed “sweat pant” look, not to say the pant needed to be sized up to fit. I think I confused some women…..sometimes I say too much….it was just for the “look”….again, not the fit.
I’m 5’2″ soaking wet! 🙂
AHHHH, I see…..are you any taller dry?
Louis and Jac, I meant to add that the Q ordering issues were the only negatives of my travels. I would recommend you two take a cruise to Alaska if you ever get some time off from your work-related travels. Breathtaking scenery– even if the weather was chilly and rainy most of the time. We cruised on the Celebrity Millenium and recommend it strongly. Not too many kids (they don’t offer rockwall climbing and similar kid-luring activities) incredible customer service from staff,wonderful food, and Celebrity organizes land tours before or after the cruise portion of the trip that are very well organized and allow some up close views of wildlife.
The Q could learn a LOT about customer service from Celebrity!
Dear Blinddogs,
So happy to hear from you. So glad to hear you enjoyed Alaska. I went on a cruise to Alaska years ago {with my best friend from high school]. It was the end of August and we were lucky to have beautiful weather. We were on a very small ship, 60 passengers, and it was great. I would love to repeat the experience with Jac. I know she would love it too.
Louis, thank you and Jac so much for your hard work and much driving to bring us the wonderful fall clothes on you two recent shows. I was traveling in very remote areas– the glaciers of Alaska– and went the extra mile myself to pay an outrageous sum to obtain unreliable internet access so I could review measurements and order at east coast midnight. I did my part, you and Jac did yours, and the Q FLUNKED the test.
I’ve been waiting for the stone herringbone pants to be available for months and bought the tank and lace jacket to co-ordinate with them several months ago. BUT QVC sent me another customer’s SPANX panties– along with her receipt with her personal information== instead of the stone pants I ordered and the pants are now gone from inventory. They briefly came up available on waitlist this morning in my size and I raced in to order, but I have little hope that at this late date they will ever fill a waitlist order on these pants.
I have received nothing but a ‘sorry, nothing we can do’ from Q customer service. I have called Claire Watts office (Q CEO and supposedly in charge of inventory and warehousing issues) but no response yet. I will NOT let this go without a whole lot of noise. (And you know I can be one noisy barking doggie when it comes to MY Linea!!)
That said, I LOVE the herringbone jacket (I received both the stone and olive) and the pants in olive fit to perfection. I’m still waiting for many other items to ship. I hope the Q doesn’t mess those orders up too. –Blinddogs
I find myself saying “sorry” a lot lately. I don’t know what to do about it. I too have voiced my complaint about the shipping and ordering issues. I don’t understand if an order is placed before the show, why that quantity is not deducted from the total amount offered at show time. and if it is….then why aren’t you all getting them. This isn’t the first time I have asked this question, but history keeps repeating itself. I can’t imagine that this is strictly a Linea problem……regards, Louis
I will be right behind blinddogs in contacting Claire Watts’ office on Monday. This has been outrageous for me as well. But instead of at least some honesty in telling her that there was nothing to be done, I have been made one false promise after another, the latest being that a Customer Service manager would contact me today. Which did not happen. But two of seven things I ordered that were aired Monday are on their way to me. I’m just hoping that what they sent is what I actually ordered. For this order, as well as for a replacement for the feather skirt they sent which was two sizes too small. All of these were ordered 16 hours prior to their even being aired. One item has been Back Ordered and I can’t get a straight answer on the other four, other than being told yesterday that they would be shipped out by midnight. Nothing has budged. I am not letting this go, either. I can’t imagine, either, that these problems have been confined to the relatively few of the MANY women who buy Linea who past on the the various posting sites. We all know that none of this is your doing, Louis, and that you work your heart and soul out for all of us. Let’s just hope that this latest round of horror stories will effect a change to proper functioning of QVC.
Waiting for my purchases from your two hour show and looking forward to the next show already. And enjoy, enjoy, enjoy London! I went many years ago to plays there as I was on what was known as a “theater excursion” (with lots of free time for personal touring). They were fabulous but, yes, different than on Broadway. One big thing is that the British humor is different than American humor. Often our little group of forty Americans would not be laughing at something every else was laughing at. Afterwards our British guide would “translate” the humor into our terms and then we’d get it! You and your lovely wife Jac have lots of good times!
Hi Louis,
This is the first time I have written you, but I have been buying your clothes for many years. I adore your clothes and only wish I had the funds to purchase more. You are an excellent designer and we are fortunate to have you. When I saw the sneak peeks of your textured blazers I knew immediately I would order both
and I did. I made sure to place my order early to get the XX-small in both sizes, many hours before the show. Early this morning I received an email from QVC stating they do not have enough inventory to send me the black and white blazer. They are working on getting more, but if they can’t they will have to cancel. I know from past experiences with your items that I will not be receiving this unless someone returns this. Maybe you can inform the QVC buyer that things like this are happening quite frequently with your clothing. The women on the Linea forum are always complaining how we don’t have enough inventory, but we can’t seem to get through to the buyer. I must tell you that some women have stopped buying and have stated so on the boards because they are tired of not being able to get their sizes in your clothing or waiting so long for the clothing to arrive after paying such high shipping costs. The black and white blazer was my favorite Louis, and I so appreciate your talents and designs.
Dear Kathy,
I appreciate all that you have said and I really do understand the frustration out there. I will say this truly isn’t the buyers fault. They are given a dollar amount for each designer and have to stay within that amount. I am quite sure my buyer would love a bigger budget, but there are many labels and products and apparel only gets a certain amount of the pie.
Well, we see page after page of clearance and “Last Clicks” of clothing from the other clothing lines at QVC. And we have to clamor for every thread of Linea we buy! Something is very wrong with this picture. I know you have no control over this but I have to wonder about QVC’s buying decisions. If it’s not working for us, we know it is not working for them as they are leaving money on the table. Rant over!
Barbara….what can I say….you know my manufacturer and I would love bigger orders…it makes the fabric companies happy, the factories happy, all of you happy and me happy……we all get a piece of the pie, some are bigger than others…..you know how that works…..not too long ago I was
…..O.U.T……….now they have added jewelry to the mix and the Whisper Knit Essential program is growing.
Inch by inch, in the right direction. Take pleasure in the things we have strived for.
Well, there’s no reason for us as the customers to not keep the pressure on QVC to give us what we want and will buy. If they like seeing SOLD OUT on everything they stock, and enjoy getting negative feedback from customers who can’t GIVE their money to them, then they’re making the right decisions. Otherwise, they might want to reconsider. We’re not going to go quietly into that good night–not without our LInea!
crdlb
All good but one wonders at too few tanks to go with lace jackets, fewer pants than jackets when clearly a suit, white button down skirts featured during the dog days of July, etc!
Louis, I just received the herringbone jackets, WOW! If I were in the market shopping, I would have guessed the net on the fabric alone was over $100 a yard. The jackets are absolutely outstanding, and would be at any price. I’m still waiting on the matching pants even though I ordered at midnight. I hope the sizing is right as I ordered the same size in the Mushroom and Navy safari outfits, and no chance to reorder. My shipments seem to be coming by ox cart.
Your show on the 6th was vibrant and full of life. Your Fall 2012 Colection is over the top. I’m tingly with anticipation over the plaid jackets. I can only imagine how exhausted you and Jac must be from all of the different appearances. It was tiring enough just trying to schedule watching you on air. Love to you both.
designista…..from what I have been reading about items being canceled, even items ordered at midnight…..I’m starting to wonder if there is any advantage ordering at midnight. It just might be better to place your entire order just as the show is starting…….just a thought
The advantage is that your size isn’t sold out before you get a chance to order it!
Hi, Louis! I am WILD about the things I have received, the herringbone suit in Stone and the feathers in Black. The size 10 pants are perfect and the suit will be a workhorse for me. And I am thrilled that you presented your Fall offerings as I will take them with me to Vienna along with herringbones and feathers. And of course some Linea from seasons past. It will be warm when we get there but cool by the time we leave and these clothes will be perfect. BTW I did decide to try the Chili Pepper shirt/jacket as it expands the use of the feather pieces. While it isn’t the best red for me, doesn’t yellow me up too much, and is certainly workable and I will keep it. And I already had the Chili Pepper earrings from the bay! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy Vienna! And hopefully you will have some restaurant recommendations for us when you return as so much has changed there other than the classic cafes. I’m betting you will want to return. During the concert and opera season, of course :-). I will be watching your September 10 show on my computer and waving to you and Jac from across the Alps and over the pond! Have a wonderful UK show, enjoy London, and have a spectacular vacation. As always, Barbara
Dear Louis,
Thank you for putting on a superb show. The herringbone pieces rock and the feather pieces too! I am looking forward to receiving more. I cannot imagine how tired you are and how relieved you must be that the shows were so successful. Enjoy every minute of your trip to Europe! I hope the show in the UK goes well and that you can really unwind in Austria! Regards to Jac-
Sincerely,
Celia
That was so exciting. I always think I’m prepared. I see the pictures, I read your blog, I make my lists… and then the show starts and I’m riveted. My list goes out the window and I’m frantically trying to decide if I want the Mushroom or the Black, and should I buy one turtleneck or two, and oh I forgot about the jewelry that’s coming and oh no was that another Sold Out banner!
I bought the Mushroom and Navy pants, the Mushroom turtleneck (I’m another one who never wore them until yours)and the tweed blazer in Black. I can’t wait to wear them all.
Thanks so much to you and Jac for bringing it all to me.
Once I figured out what size pant to be (if there was a 9P) that would be me!! I loved the stone outfit. This is what I had been waiting for since you mentioned it went with the lace cardigans. I’m now contemplating wearing the green lace cardigan with the stone pants and the flecked tank for my son’s rehearsal dinner at the end of the month. And I am requesting now– a chili pepper V neck top in the WK for next year please!
I am re-watching the 2 hour show now to see every detail. Thanks again for fantastic clothing and enjoy Vienna. Try and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral or Stephansdom as its called there. The architecture and the altar are beautiful.
Dear Louis, it’s going to be an Autumn to remember! Thank you so much for everything from sketches to road trips that make it all possible.
Judy S. in Massachusetts
Your shows were wonderful! What a shame you had to go back and forth so often.. not a fun trip but as you say, it is OVER!
Enjoy every second of your vacation.. you both deserve it.
I’m sure your time in London will be fun as well.
Meanwhile, I’ll look forward to getting my numerous goodies from the Q and enjoying every single one!
Cheers!
Dear Jac & Louis,
Have a fabulous trip! Can’t wait for all of my new Linea fashions to arrive & I will be in touch when you return.
Dariann
Dear Sheesh….save your energy…it takes weeks to process the product when it arrives at the Q. I will let you know when it is avail. At this moment, I have no idea.
Louis, the shows were fabulous. It feels like Christmas in August with all the packages showing up on my doorstep! I just knew you and Jac were going back and forth and that you would not be staying in a hotel all that time without the girls…glad you are going to get a few days of rest before your next trip.
Do you have any idea when we can expect the new jewelry to appear? I’m checking everyday, multiple times, to make sure I don’t miss them, as I am sure they will sell out in a nanosecond!
Have wonderful and safe journey to Vienna, London and back. Love to Jac…
Sheesh