Retail Sales Rise Much More Than Expected
Total sales at U.S. retailers rose a full percentage point in May as many consumers had more spending cash in their wallets from government rebate checks.

The Commerce Department reported an increase last month that was twice as much as expected by Wall Street economists polled before the report. Taking out the higher prices consumers paid for gasoline, sales still rose by a strong 0.8 percent, the biggest increase in a year.

Excluding autos, sales rose 1.2 percent, the biggest rise in six months and well beyond the 0.7 percent rise economists were expecting.

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Tribal Trend hits the Runways
Spring runways are awash with ikat, batik and African wax prints.

“It’s a dialogue between what’s traditional and new, and between East and West,” said Madeline Weinrib, who works with artisans to update hand-woven ikats clutches.

“What’s modern in fashion is mixing modern prints with traditional cultural prints within the same outfit,” said designer Humberto Leon.

Brian Crumley, whose new South American-inspired collection of necklaces combines clashing print scarves and ribbons has this to say about ethnic fashion ethics.

“The enticement of ethnic dress in modern culture is like going on a guided safari,” he said. “We can enjoy the element we are familiar with and attracted to, while not giving up our daily comforts. We can wave to the lion from the safety of our S.U.V.”