She started Tibi to be a midprice alternative and says she understands what it takes to "pass muster" in the boardroom.

WSJ: Tracy Reese, Rebecca Minkoff, Tibi, Milly, Nanette Lepore Hit Sweet Spot

Zelizer noted that after McConnell negotiated a deal with Vice President Joe Biden, Boehner allowed House Republicans to entertain an alternative that would have included more spending cuts, an alternative which never made it to a vote because fiscal conservatives couldn't muster a majority in the House GOP to support its passage.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS