First this, now New York’s beloved Carmel Car Lady.
Via NY Times: “The Carmel ‘Thumbs Up’ Lady is, of course, the model on the bright yellow coupons for Carmel Car and Limousine Service, a Valpak staple across the city for over a decade. No bland pitchwoman she, the Carmel Lady was memorable for the frenzied energy with which she plied her trade. The untamed blond coiffure, the slightly manic expression, that exuberant thumbs up – all conveyed a surpassing enthusiasm underscored by the slogan ‘We’ll be there for you!’ emblazoned over her image. Between the headset (crucial for a busy dispatcher like herself) and the multiple computer monitors behind her (off, but presumably ready to hum into service), you knew she meant business, and that jaunty thumbs up told you that she loved every second of it. When you needed a trip to the airport, she’d be there for you. In January, a new ‘Thumbs Up” Lady arrived, a raven-haired interloper with manicured eyebrows, confident gaze and blouse opened to reveal the faintest curve of breast. For coupon aficionados across the city, the change was not unnoticed.”
Shall we start a petition to bring back the original Carmel lady? Also, I think we should give them both names.
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I really think we should. her hairdo was always the highlight of my Val-Pak.
Old Carmel lady: Tawny
New Carmel lady: Natasha
Carmel? Fuck that shit! Tel-Aviv!
NOOOOO!!!
Something just went very cold inside of me. Point me to the petition.
(This, of course, is all despite the fact that the one time I desperately needed a car service and kept calling Carmel, their number was busy for thirty-five minutes. I still love the Carmel Lady.)
I will miss her in the ads they show you in nyc before a movie.
Old Carmel Girl: Annette
New Carmel Girl: Jade
old: barb
new: julia
Old Lady: Miranda
New Lady: Jeanne
I can’t believe it! One of the best parts of going to the movies in NYC is the Carmel Lady. As a friend and I once remarked:
“God, sometimes you look at pictures and you can just date them instantly. I say this one is probably January, 1983. Or, if it was taken in Florida, last year.”
the feathered suburb hair will be missed. Now, they have got to change the number of the beast.
I could never tell if the old Carmel lady was giving us the thumbs-up or simply clicking her pen in a serendipitously timed photo. I still don’t know.
i only stumbled across your site – but was astounded to see that an old friend has been replaced by a stranger. viva la carmel lady.
I think they still use Thumbs-Up Mall Hair on those banal slide show advertisements at Lowes Theatres.
Old Carmel Lady: Brenda
New Carmel Lady: Suzy
I’ll be lighting a candle for Brenda. The end of an era. . .
old lady: jill
new lady: penny
You know, in all the times I’ve called Carmel, I don’t think a woman answered once.
Huh.
old: Gert
new: Dalca
old: antonette
new: barbara
bwahaha: “coupon aficionados”
HOLY SHIT! i’m a casting commercial models today and I just met the new Carmel lady!!!!! She had it in her book. He rname is Mira.. mystery solved!
I know both the carmel ladies personally… and i can tell you that the new one is very cool and much more fun than the second one ever was. who ever thinks this change is bad, is wrong; this change is long overdue…
I can really solve all the mysteries, because the vibrant blonde, Joni, is my wife! And…….I know all the juice as to why she is no longer the Carmel lady.
Anyway – she is alive and well selling real estate in Aventura (North Miami)Florida. her website is realtorinaventura.com
Take care!
Robert, Don’t leave us taxi&limousine coupon hoarders hanging, if you know the dirt please shed some light on one of lifes great mysteries. Where is Joni and why has she been replaced with a wannabe CathyZetaJonesing?