Style and Focus Lifestyle PR: September 2008

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Hot Cocktail: Cran-Apple Cobbler

The last thing I like to do is get stuck in a rut even it's with cocktails. I have my favorites but I like to expand my favorites by ordering or making different ones. Sometimes they're not so great but others are.

One that I find absolutely delicious is the Cran-Apple Cobbler (from cocktailtimes.com). So delicious that I'm going to serve it at my upcoming party this Saturday.

Cran-Apple Cobbler

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 oz Smirnoff cranberry twist
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 4 oz apple cider
- 1 oz cranberry juice
Garnish: apple slice
Rim: crushed graham cracker

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with crushed graham cracker.
3. Garnish with apple slice.

Remember: Don't Drink & Drive and Drink Responsibly

Event: Slane & Slane Jewelry Sample Sale

What:
Slane & Slane Jewelry Sample Sale

Slane & Slane’s design inspiration is rooted in classic architecture, mythology a love of animals and spiritual influences. Eighteen karat yellow gold and sterling silver jewelry with a special finish that is unique to Slane & Slane.

Prices 50% to 60% Off

Their famous Bee rings from originally $220 retail now $110. Column Pave Diamond Bangles $1300 retail now $650. 18K Yellow gold cuff bracelets and bangles from $2,175 now $1,000.

All sales final, no returns or exchanges.

Mary Kate Olsen wearing mixed and matched Slane & Slane sterling silver bangles.

When:
September 30 - October 2

Date & Time:
Tuesday, September 30 from 2pm to 6pm
Wednesday, October 1st from 11am to 6pm
Thursday, October 2nd from 11am to 6pm

Where:
The Warwick Hotel
65 West 54th Street – The Oxford Suite, 2nd Floor
(Entrance on 54th Street at the NE Corner of 6th Avenue)
New York, NY 10019
212-691-5820

Payment:
Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Cash

Contact:
Roberta Seiler
212-691-5820 extension 114
roberta@slaneandslane.com

Ann Taylor LOFT Launches Program to Support Teachers

'LOFT Loves Teachers' Initiative Provides Retail Discount and Educational Funding

NEW YORK, Ann Taylor LOFT, a division of Ann Taylor Stores Corporation (NYSE: ANN), announced the re-launch of the "LOFT Loves Teachers" program.

Just in time for the fall season, LOFT Loves Teachers is a membership program exclusively for educators. Beginning September 30, 2008, educators who visit AnnTaylorLOFT.com/teachers can receive an introductory 20% discount for LOFT's hip, stylish fashions. Members also receive a 15% coupon for future purchases all year long, valid in-store with school ID. In addition, the AnnTaylorLOFT.com/teachers website features style tips and a community blog where educators can connect.

"We felt that this program was an excellent opportunity to support the valuable contributions that educators make to our children and our society," said Diane Holtz, Executive Vice President and General Merchandising Manager for Ann Taylor LOFT. "Teachers deserve high-quality, stylish fashions that are both affordable and comfortable for the classroom," she added.

More relevant than ever in a difficult economy, LOFT provides high-quality, fashionable-yet-casual style at surprising value, fitting the needs of teachers nationwide. LOFT began a one-time shopping discount for teachers in 2007, and the concept developed into a more robust membership program with content, community, and charitable funding in fall 2008.

Through the company's ANN Cares charitable arm, LOFT has partnered with DonorsChoose.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the scarcity and inequitable distribution of learning materials and experiences in public schools. LOFT Loves Teachers will link to DonorsChoose.org, a website where educators can request materials needed for classroom projects. LOFT has pledged $20,000 to fund 50% of all LOFT Loves Teachers members' classroom projects posted on DonorsChoose.org. In addition, LOFT Loves Teachers will distribute $8,000 in DonorsChoose.org GivingCards, which allow recipients to help fund other educators in need.

The LOFT Loves Teachers membership program begins September 30, and is only valid at Ann Taylor LOFT stores.

ABOUT LOFT

Ann Taylor LOFT is the relaxed, casual, fun, fashion destination for women. LOFT offers the current trends and the newest items, with great quality at surprising prices. LOFT operates 519 stores across the United States, as well as online at AnnTaylorLOFT.com. LOFT is a division of Ann Taylor Stores Corporation (NYSE: ANN).

ABOUT ANN CARES

ANN Cares is the philanthropic and social responsibility program of Ann Taylor Stores Corporation (NYSE: ANN) that supports causes to which the Company is firmly committed--women, children, the environment, and Ann Taylor associates. For more information, visit ANNCares.com.

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Ann Taylor LOFT

For the Beauty Who's on a Budget: Avon's Glimmersticks Eye Liner

I'm always on the lookout for great products and what I like right now are the Avon Glimmersticks Eye Liners. They are easy to use, goes on smooth, doesn't irritate my eyes (contact wearer) and affordable. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Available in five rich shades (Starry Night Blue, Emerald, Cosmic Brown, Blackest Black and Saturn Grey) for $6.00 each or current promotion 2 for $6.99. This version is not waterproof but there is one available. Purchase from Avon.com or from your Avon representative.

Get Ready for Fall by Fall Cleaning Your Closet

This is just the time to get started on your fall home projects. Why not get your closet ready for fall and winter by fall cleaning your closet yeah it's not as catchy as spring cleaning but it's still quite necessary.

So here are few quick ways to get your closet ready for Fall:

1. Organize into piles. Take each item and place into one of three piles: Keep (things you love), Donate or Trash. Make it easier on yourself and give away anything you haven't worn in a year or don't ever see yourself wearing again unless it's a special occasion item. Seriously are you really going to wear that hot pink bride's maid dress again. But if you're really on the fence about keeping certain items, then place the items you love but haven't worn in the front of your closet. So that you will see it everytime you get ready to find something to wear and if another year rolls around and you still haven't worn it then give it away.

Next, sort the keep pile into Fall/Winter or Spring/Summer. You want to take stock and look over all your cool weather items to make sure there are no holes, staines, etc.

2. Don't hold on to your past or future (weight that is). Toss anything that has the mental label "My skinny" or "When I reach a certain weight". Odds are when you reach your desired weight you will want to purchase new items to celebrate the accomplishments.

3. Box and Storage out of season items. But keep some Spring/Summer pieces such as cami's, t-shirts, etc to layer under sweaters and jackets.

It doesn't have to be perfect just easier for you to get to what you want to wear.

Fred Jordan Missions' and Foot Locker to hold Annual Back-to-School Giveaway for Underprivileged Kids

5,000 Underprivileged Kids Receive Brand New Athletic Shoes, Clothing & School Supplies at the Fred Jordan Missions' 20th Annual Back-To-School Giveaway

105,000 Children Have Been Helped Over the Last 20 Years Because of a Unique Partnership Between Foot Locker and the Fred Jordan Missions

WHAT:

Several thousand of Southern California's underprivileged children receiving brand new athletic shoes at the Fred Jordan Missions' 20th Annual Back-to-School Giveaway

Thousands of brand new articles of clothing donated by K.I.D.S., Lucky Brand Jeans and distributed by hundreds of caring volunteers.

5,000 children and their families enjoying Los Angeles' largest birthday cake donated by VONS celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Back-to-School Giveaway

Skid Row's second-ever Red Carpet Fashion Show featuring Mayor Antonio Villagarosa walking children down the runway modeling their new athletic shoes, clothes and backpacks.

The Streets of Skid Row transformed into a giant hair salon, providing free hair cuts for the children, donated by Paul Mitchell The School

WHEN:

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, beginning at 10:00am

WHERE:

FRED JORDAN MISSIONS, 445 Towne Avenue, Skid Row Los Angeles (corner of Towne and East 5th Street)

WHO:

The Fred Jordan Missions, open 365 days a year since 1944, provides nutritious meals for hungry families and after-school education for at-risk children; builds schools and hospitals and distributes food and clothing to people living on the street. The Mission is a non-profit, faith-based, educational and relief organization emphasizing education, job training, and self-reliance.

Foot Locker, Inc., operates approximately 4,000 athletic specialty retail stores in 20 countries in North America, Europe and Australia. Through its Foot Locker, Footaction, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker and Champs Sports retail stores, as well as its direct-to-customer channel Footlocker.com/Eastbay, the Company is the leading provider of athletic footwear and apparel.

Other sponsors include: In-N-Out Burger; KIDS; Avery Dennison; Wal-Mart; Lucky Brand; Edgewood Press; Children's Network; Barbara Walden; Shelter Partnership; Vision LA; Children's Hunger Fund; Colgate/Palmolive; Los Angeles Info Line; Phillips, Lerner, Lazon & Jamara, LLP; Xpress Supplies; Early, Maslash, & Van Dueck; Allen Schwartz; Fargo Logistics and Kids Kapp With Love.

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Fred Jordan Missions

Monday, September 29, 2008

Style and Focus News Bites 9-29 Websites and Fragrances

** Web site helps young women with 'high tastes and low budgets' make the most of both. PoorLittleRichGirls.com was created by a group of friends who love the high fashion however their budget couldn't quite give them the high fashion perks. The Web site helps hip young women find places to score $3 cocktails, $20 blowouts and other moderately priced must-haves. It's the newest Chicago-based beauty/ party Web site targeting women who want the latest in products and places for the fabulous. PoorLittleRichGirls.com aims for a different demographic: trendy, thrifty, fabulous and frugal 18- to 30-year-olds "with high tastes and low budgets." (Chicago Sun-Times)

** BagBunch Creates Handbag Search Engine. BagBunch.com, recently launched an online fashion magazine, announced its recently launched bag search engine which was created to simplify the online experience for purse shoppers by providing a search engine that is focused solely on handbags. The bag search engine is available now at http://bagbunch.com/search/ and is powered by Google technology which allows it to search through a private list of bag websites before looking at the rest of the internet. (Press Release)

** Boots celebrates the style of the ‘Golden Twenties’ with the revival of British fragrance house Girard. The UK-based retailer of health and beauty products will be the exclusive stockist of Girard fragrances that first graced the shelves of beauty emporiums approximately a century ago. Two of the original recipes have been revived for the launch, which are complemented by three new scents evoking exotics destinations.

1) Bouquet d’Orient is one of the houses original 1920s creations, challenging the French giant of the time Chanel No 5. According to the company this rich, spicy fragrance with top notes of Bergamot, Neroli and Lemon, perfectly depicts its oriental subject. 2) Lysval, the second and more floral of the original recipes to be revived, includes notes of Ylang Ylang, Indian Jasmine, Rose petals and Orange Blossom. “The challenge was to update the fragrance, keeping as close to the original signature as possible whilst still appealing to the modern nose. These fragrances are like fine French wine – the charm of them is that they are meant to be savoured and have great depth,” said lead perfumer on the project Beverley Bayne at CPL Aromas. (cosmeticsdesign.com)

Friday, September 26, 2008

Victoria's Secret Sexual Secret Perfume, Better Than Being Bare

A seriously sexy fragrance worth adding to your arsenal of seduction is Victoria's Secret Sexual Secret ($48.00 for 2.5 oz). This sultry yet fruity scent includes accents of lotus flower, pink mango, white musk and more.

For seduction on the go, a mini purse spray is included.

Friday's Fashion Pick: Romantic Dinner Date

It's Saturday night and you have the perfect evening planned with the perfect date. But what are you going to wear? Set your date's heart a flutter with a sweet and sexy lace dress. Accessorize this romantic fabric with gold hoops, a clutch and black pumps or strappy sandals.

Vampy Lace Halter Dress $159.00 bebe

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

How to Contact Style & Focus PR for Freelance Services

Contact Style & Focus Lifestyle PR for Marketing, Public Relations, Promotion and Editorial projects.

Style & Focus Lifestyle PR is a strategic and creative freelance based company catering to small businesses in the Lifestyle, Fashion and Beauty market. We provide clients with original ideas, services and personal attention through promotion and increased public awareness.

Areas of Interest:

- Fashion & Beauty

- Food & Beverages

- Books

- Non-profit organization and more

Many businesses in the lifestyle segment can benefit from the potential media coverage generated from a Publicist and through promotion. We are precise and detail oriented when writing press or news releases, blog/web content or editing articles. We provide our clients with clear, accurate and lively articles on various lifestyle areas.

As independent Marketers, Publicists and Writers, we can create words that work for your product, service or company.

Services:

- Press Releases

- Media Alerts

- Editorial

- Pitches

- Promotion and more

Style & Focus Lifestyle PR
Blog: styleandfocuspr.blogspot.com
E-Mail: styleandfocusfreelance@yahoo.com

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Are we Overloaded with Celebrity Product Promotion?

by Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

This might sound strange coming from someone in Marketing & PR but there are too many ads featuring celebrities as well as there are too many celebrity products being aimed at the same target market.

A few questions that come to mind are: Do we really need to see so many celebrities in ads to purchase a product? Are companies relying too much on the celebrity endorsement to sell their products or are they just cashing in on our celebrity obsessed culture? Some might say that they are spending to much time and money on the celebrities instead of the focusing on promoting their product.

For instance, if you flip through any of the latest issue of a fashion magazine and you will see a large quantity of ads featuring some of the top as well as the latest IT celebrities promoting perfume, shampoo, skin care, clothing and more. With the fickleness of fans and not just in Hollywood, companies as well as celebrities entrepreneurs take a real risk of over exposure.

But do companies as well as their products risk losing their identity with being associated with the celebrity? What happens if the celebrity's image takes a hit? Will that reflect upon the product or the company?

It's almost to the point where it's considered a "no-brainer" to put a celebrity in an ad or endorse a beauty or fashion item. Because they know that some women are "star gazers" and want to be like them, which results in a good source of sales and revenue.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Tone & Burn While Watching your Favorite TV Shows

Did anyone catch Smallville, Supernatural or Burn Notice last night? Since I'm on the road I wasn't able to watch them but I did tape them. This season Clark suppose to fly, we'll see.

The Fall TV season is here and with all the hours you're going to be logging infront of the TV you might as well squeeze in a little exercise. A quick and effective calorie burning workout from SELF magazine will have you toned and looking great. It's also fits into your schedule if you're short on time. I like this workout because it gives you no excuses for not working out.

S&F

Turn on, Tune in, Tone up Workout

Model: Erica Durance (From one of my favorite shows, Smallville)

How to do this workout

Watch and weight: Grab a set of 5- to 8-pound dumbbells and a pillow, then flip on any 30-minute show (in this case, SpongeBob SquarePants). While screen-gazing, complete 10 to 15 slow and controlled reps of each of the following toners—you should be able to squeeze in all seven before the first advertisement.

Commercial break(out): During ads, kick up the cardio! Run in place, fake jump rope or do the Body Bonus. Repeat this weight circuit when the program's on and cardio during commercials until the credits roll, up to three times.

Why it works: "Alternating between strength and cardio moves burns serious fat and sculpts, head to toe, all in one workout," says plan creator Harley Pasternak, who has trained A-list lookers such as Halle Berry. If you do this routine three times a week on nonconsecutive days, you'll see showstopping results in three to four weeks.

Weighted Lunge

Stand a few feet in front of couch, facing away from it, a dumbbell in each hand. Extend left leg behind you and rest top of foot on seat. Keeping torso tall, right knee over ankle, lower body until right thigh is parallel to floor (as shown). Return to start; complete reps and switch sides. Works: legs and butt

Victory Press

Kneel on a pillow, holding a dumbbell in each hand. Bring arms out to sides, with elbows bent to 90 degrees and hands level with ears, palms forward. Contract abs as you press arms overhead (as shown). Return to start; repeat. Works: abs, arms, and shoulders

Torso Twist

Sit on floor with legs extended and knees bent. Hold a pillow with both hands at chest level and lean back at a 45-degree angle. Maintain this position as you contract your abs and twist torso right (as shown) and then left to complete one rep. Repeat. Works: abs and obliques

One Arm Row

With couch on right, a dumbbell in left hand, place right knee on couch. Lower torso parallel to couch; place right hand on couch for support. Extend left arm to floor, palm facing in. Bend arm and lift elbow back to shoulder level so upper arm is parallel to floor. Extend arm straight back (as shown). Return to start and repeat reps; switch sides. Works: back and arms

Incline Push-up

Start in push-up position with hands on chair or couch. Lower chest toward chair, keeping head aligned with spine (as shown). Push up until arms are straight but not locked. Repeat. Works: chest, abs, arms and shoulders

Abdominal Curl

Lie faceup on floor, an arm's length from couch or sturdy chair. Lift feet off floor, knees together, and place a pillow between hamstrings and calves. Reach arms overhead and grip couch or chair leg with both hands (as shown). Contract abs as you curl knees toward chest. Release and repeat. Works: abs

One-legged Squat

Stand facing chair or couch about 2 feet away. Place right foot on seat, arms raised at chest level, palms in. Keeping arms lifted throughout, lower into a squat as if sitting in a chair (as shown), being careful not to let left knee creep past toes. Return to start; do all reps; switch sides. Works: legs and butt

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Message: Away on a Business Trip

Sorry for the lack of posts this week, I'm on a business trip. Will have new posts on Monday. As soon as I come back I'm helping a friend with a press release workshop. It's basically showing people the best ways to write a press release and how and who you should contact and a few more things.

Until Monday

S&F

P.S.

Send all questions, news or press releases, lookbooks, etc to: styleandfocuspr@yahoo.com

Monday, September 15, 2008

Domino Magazine's Time Saving Closet Clutter Solutions

Have a hard time getting out the door on time? Your closet may be the reason. With Domino Magazine's Closet Clutter Solutions you will no longer be the last one to the office or late for a party because you can't find what you're looking for.

But, before you begin organizing, assess your morning routine and see how you can free up for time.

Lacking a closet or in need of a great way to organize a studio or a small apartment? Look into having a custom storage unit built around the bed.

To keep the little one's organized and on the go, place bins and boxes on a stainless steel shelving unit to keep toys, papers and more at hands reach. To hid or conceal the unit from guests, add curtains.

To make use of extra space, transform odd nooks and corners into closets by adding curtains and shelves.

Can't remember where you left that proposal or bill? Organize small items, bills and other papers in a storage desk or an armoire to cut down on the clutter.

To maximize all your space, customize closet doors with bulletin boards.

Keep it simple by adding easy to read labels.

Organize with same color boxes for a more uniform look. They're also a great way to store out of season clothing.

Can't find that black cardigan that makes you look smart? Then take time to color-code your clothes it will make getting dress so much easier.

No floor space for shoes, try a unique storage option by placing shoes on a bookcase. No room in the closet, place the bookcase on an unused corner or wall in the room.

To free up additional closet space, fold items like sweaters and t-shirts and place on shelves.

Organize by separating and placing like items together such as pants, skirts, or by office vs party attire.

An easy solution for storing clutches, lie them flat in a drawer to optimize space.

Reduce frustration by organizing jewelry by color then place in jewelry trays.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Update your Make-Up Bag with a Spark of Shimmer

Looking for an eyeshadow kit that will take you from day to night. One to try is the Encore Eye Palette by Smashbox ($32.00, Ulta stores or ulta.com). It features 5 shimmery eye shadows (that you can blend for a different effect) and 1 creamy black eye liner that will take you from the office to the glitz and glam of the evening.

It'll give you that little bit of a wow factor be it subtle for day or superdrama for evening.

Friday's Fashion Pick: Cocktails with the Girls

You have plans to meet the girls for cocktails and you want to look dazzling and fresh. But, what to wear? Something flirty, sophisticated and comfortable; you want to be able to enjoy every laugh, update and gossip without feeling hassled by what your wearing.

You'll turn heads by pairing a blazer (just incase it's chilly) with a sexy yet sophisticated top and jeans. Accessorize with a slim clutch and open toe pumps.

Women's Cotton Twill One-Button Blazer $39.50 Old Navy

Elie Tahari Sequin Silk Chiffon 'Bonnie' Blouse $178.00 Bluefly.com

High-Heel Flare Jeans $98.00 J.Crew

Carlo Fellini Rhinestone Bracelet Clutch $65.00 Nordstrom

Anne Klein New York 'Beata' Pump $235.00 Nordstrom