A conversation with Robin Sheldon, President and Founder

• What inspired you to create Soft Surroundings?
  • Women today never have enough time to be good to ourselves. We create "To Do" Lists, putting our needs at the bottom. I couldn’t imagine a way for women to have more time in the day, but I realized we can be good to ourselves through things we have to do everyday:
    • Get dressed . . . in soft, attractive, flattering clothing, engineered to fit comfortably and designed to maintain a woman's unique style
    • Rest better . . . with well-priced luxury bedding to help a woman create her own personal sanctuary
    • Look good. Soft Surroundings de-mystifies the world of Beauty by testing and recommending the latest state-of-the-art cosmetics and skincare.
• What is the design philosophy behind Soft Surroundings clothes?
  • Everything is rated for softness. Think about how we dress babies; their clothes are the softest things we can find. Why? It's comforting to their tender skin. Why not ours?
  • We build-in a flattering and comfortable fit as well; all waistbands have hidden elastic or stretch fabric. Our cut is on the generous side; we design for real women. We take inspiration from all over the world--including the runways. We translate trends, but we are not cutting edge. We'd like our clothes to have long lives in our customer's closets.
• Describe the Soft Surroundings woman.
  • She wants to look great and express her own personal style while being comfortable. She is learning that taking care of her own needs first helps her take better care of those around her. She struggles with this. She is your mother, your sister, your daughter, your aunt, your best friend. She loves to travel. She enjoys a glass of wine. Laughter is her best medicine. She is strong, creative, sensitive and caring.
• What special services do you offer?
  • Service is very personal to us, whether on the phone, over eChat, or in the store. We do everything possible to give our customers the best experience. We offer monogramming and beautiful gift wrap. Orders arrive tissue-wrapped with a thank-you note. We have an open return policy, so you can feel comfortable trying something out. We'll carry things to the car for you; serve you wine or water; spend time just listening.
• What are some items that are popular year-in and year-out?
  • We have a pair of silk drawstring pants we’ve carried for 10 years! When asked what she could not live without, Lauren Bacall said, “ivory silk drawstring pants.” We thought we should all have some.
• What's your favorite Soft Surroundings item?
  • I am a huge fan of our Beachy Gauze. It makes such a "together" impression, but you feel like you're wearing pajamas to work. I also love our Underwire Camis and Off-the-Shoulder Tees - you get all the look and lots of support!
• What item(s) should every woman over fifty own?
  • The perfect white shirt: A little longer with stretch and great shape. Jeans that take pounds off and balance your proportions. A mid-thigh-length sweater topper. Any of these things, dressed up with an armful of mixed bangles and colorful drop earrings will make an ageless statement. Oh, and don't forget really cute shoes and a fabulous pair of boots!

mjk1256 - post on 14:59 on 09/10/2010

Wardrobe Favorites
"Am so happy for the chance to tell you, Robin, that Soft Surroundings are wonderful. In the past few years I've actually purchased as many as four of one item in various colors.I have never been disappointed and gotten many compliments when wearing the softly feminine, yet strikingly stylish clothing from your creations."
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Susan H - post on 16:00 on 07/20/2010

Wonderful soft nighties
"I've bought several articles from Soft Surroundings. Not only are they very pretty and soft but are excellent quality and styles that you don't see yourself coming and going in. I especially love the bright floral nightgowns; they get softer with each wearing and are really beautiful and comfortable."
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Mommacat Melin - post on 22:44 on 07/06/2010

Over Fifty Softly
"I've adored Soft Surroundings since discovering it several years ago. I believe going into our fifties and beyond should be done with strenth, confidence and softness. Looking at ourselves and our lives through eyes surrounded by rosy softness. Indulging ourselves in beauty our way. Soothing our senses in beauty our way. Soft pleasures against our skin, in our scents, in what we touch and what we see. Indulging in these pleasures because at this stage of our life we've earned it. We deserve it."
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