I know I haven’t posted on any of my social media forever…sorry about that…but today I’m feeling nostalgic. You see it was 70 years ago that a very young Nena (who was a couple of weeks away from graduating high school!) put on her hat and gloves and took the Outer Drive bus from Evanston to Michigan Avenue in Chicago to start applying for a summer job in the retail field! First stop, on this new adventure, Saks Fifth Avenue at 669 North Michigan Avenue. By the way, my next stop was to be Marshall Fields!
I had an interview with the Personnel Manager (yes, that it was called then, now Human Resources!) and was asked if I could start the next day, a Saturday. Needless to say I was gobsmacked and explained I couldn’t start that quickly…we comprised on the next Saturday. I was assigned to the Young Elite Sportswear department….and so my time with Saks Fifth Avenue began. What was to be a summer job turned into 53 year life of amazing events. Most certainly a hell of a long summer job!
I sold for a year learning every detail of how to work with clients…ran a very good “book” (how many sales you had!), FYI I was the youngest, at the time, SFA associate and when I retired the longest tenured employee in the company….I’m sure both have now be overridden!
After that first year I had planned on going to a fashion merchandising school in New York City…circumstances changed when I was offered the position of Assistant Fashion and Publicity Director….a position I couldn’t turn down…so there you have it in a condensed version.
Two decisions that made my passion for the world of fashion realities. Decisions I never regretted. I’m not going rant about how I feel about Saks Global..!it would be pointless!
I loved this memory, and the pictures! It is hard to believe how much has changed. I also get nostalgic for the days when retail could be exciting and lovely ! Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you.!
Thank you….
Nena This post is great ! Saks was great in the day . I remember going with my mother, white gloves , white socks and party shoes to shop at Saks .
i missyou
Thanks Lisa!
Wonderful memories!!How we would pour through those fashion magazines!!I was so disappointed with the Met Gala this years!Really sad and not a good example for the young girls watching!Fashion and designers were fabulous back in the day!What a JOYFUL place to work!
It was a wonderful place to spend my life doing what I loved!
I must agree the Met Gala was not great at least what we were “ fed”.
Hope all is good with you Elizabeth! Sending hugs….
What an amazing life in fashion, Nena!
Saks is so lucky to have had you for your entire career. What a legacy !!!
You are much too kind Maureen….i enjoyed every minute.
Thank you for sharing these amazing memories Nena, how fun it would have been to discover YOU! Lots of great stories, glad they saw your extraordinary gifts and you had a home at Saks for 53 yrs!! It is soul crushing to see Saks close for me so I cannot imagine for a moment how it must feel for you. Keep the memories alive – and what were you wearing in that photo??!! Love all of this and love YOU!!!
Thank you so much Sally…my #1 cheerleader!