Kristin Davis, Kristen Bell and Malin Akerman: Their Funny, Insightful Inner Beauty Tips

No matter what you call it, inner beauty, self-confidence or inner peace.....it makes you feel beautiful inside and out. The stars of the upcoming movies Couples Retreat, Kristin Davis, Kristen Bell and Malin Akerman, share some of their inner beauty tips (including enjoying nature to having a good laugh) in the October issue of SELF magazine.


Kristin Davis

"I try to remember that there's this whole world out there. When I was in Mozambique as an Oxfam ambassador, I helped women expand a chicken business. They were living on less than a dollar a month. They had nothing. But their joy in accomplishing this and their pride in who they were was unbelievable."


Kristen Bell

"Being well-rounded is beautiful. You can't base beauty on one [characteristic], although having humility would be on the top of my list. And being kind. Kindness is so underrated! If I start to wallow in self-pity, I take someone to lunch or make someone laugh. Kindness is like no drug ever."


Malin Akerman

"Taking care of yourself is important, even if you just give yourself an hour on the weekend to find quiet, to find serenity. Whether it's psychological or physical, it feels great, and you look more beautiful."


To read more, pick up the latest issue of SELF magazine on newsstand now.

Beauty Pick: Josie Maran Multi-use Make-up

Josie Maran Finger Paint in Sweet ($36.00, josiemarancosmetics.com)

I love the soft shades in this set (designed to flatter all skin tones) and instead of toting around a bag full of make-up all you need is this chic little compact. This money saver can be used on your eyes, lips or cheeks. I also love that the entire Josie Maran make-up collection is organic (free of fragrances and paraban) and the packaging is made from recycled material.

Event: Celebrity Stylist Robert Verdi to Host LUXE 2009 at Prime Outlets - Orlando

Celebrity Stylist Robert Verdi Hosts the Region's Premiere Shopping Event at Prime Outlets - Orlando to Benefit the Orlando Ballet

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 24 -- Prime Outlets - Orlando, the largest outlet shopping center in the southern U.S. and second largest in the nation, announced today the outlet shopping destination and Celebrity Stylist Robert Verdi will host LUXE 2009: The Fashion Benefit, the region's premiere shopping event to benefit the Orlando Ballet and other charitable organizations in the Orlando area, Thursday, October 8 from 6:30- 11:00 p.m.

The exclusive evening of designer shopping, fashion and charity will be sponsored by Orlando Style Magazine and will feature Prime Outlets - Orlando's grand collection of more than 175 designer and brand-name stores and include one-night-only savings on top designer brands.

Verdi, a celebrity stylist, noted fashion critic and television personality most recently seen on TV Land's "She's Got The Look," The Style Network's "Fashion Police" and the Discovery Home Channel's "Surprise By Design," will host a runway fashion show during the event featuring some of the world's most renowned brands including Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Neiman Marcus Last Call, kate spade, St. John, Betsy Johnson, Judith Ripka, Brooks Brothers and many more. LUXE 2009: The Fashion Benefit will also feature cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, modeling and musical entertainment throughout the center.

"LUXE 2009 will bring style, culture and charity together in a single fashion-forward event," said Prime Retail's Senior Vice President of Marketing Karen E. Fluharty. "Prime Outlets - Orlando is globally recognized as a top shopping destination for frugal fashionistas and this event is a celebration of their love of culture and luxury brands."

"We are excited to be a part of the LUXE 2009 event and look forward to building a great relationship with Prime Outlets - Orlando," said Orlando Ballet's Artistic Director Robert Hill.

In addition to offering up to 65 percent off regular retail prices every day, Prime Outlets - Orlando's luxury brands will also offer incredible sales and exclusive discounts during the event and one lucky guest will win a $500 Prime Outlets shopping spree.

LUXE 2009: The Fashion Benefit will be held in a tented area between Neiman Marcus Last Call and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH and is open to the public. Admission is $10 per person and tickets will be sold at the door or may be pre-purchased at Guest Services, located near Neiman Marcus Last Call.


About Prime Outlets - Orlando:

Prime Outlets - Orlando is located at I-4, exit 75-A in Orlando, Florida. The outlet center offers everyday savings up to 65 percent off full retail prices and features an exciting collection of brand name retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nike Factory Store, COACH Factory, Tumi, Sean John and Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store. Prime Outlets - Orlando is open Monday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, please visit primeoutlets.com.


About Prime Retail:

Headquartered in Baltimore, Md., Prime Retail owns and operates 21 outlet shopping centers in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Spanning more than 8.2 million square feet throughout major United States markets and Puerto Rico, Prime Retail is home to more than 400 leading designer and name-brands such as Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Burberry, kate spade, Michael Kors, St. John, Juicy Couture, Stuart Weitzman, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH and Neiman Marcus Last Call. The company's retail outlets serve major markets including Orlando, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Austin/San Antonio, Texas and Williamsburg, Va., among many more. In addition Prime Retail currently has nearly one million square feet in its development pipeline in markets including the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area and San Francisco Bay region. For more information, please visit primeretail.com.

Fashion Pick: Ruffle V-neck Sweater

Soft and sophisticated, two words to describe this non-cutesy Merino Ethereal Ruffle V-neck Sweater ($78.00, J.Crew). It's simple yet playful and flirty. It gives you that put together look without even trying.

Wear it with black or a soft grey skirt or pants, for work. For a night out, pair it with jeans and a few accessories for that casual elegant look.

Reduce Your Risk of Cancer by Taking a Break from Happy Hour

Taking a break from alcohol can reduce your cancer risk according to a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology. The theory according to researchers is that daily exposure to acetaldehyde, a chemical byproduct of alcohol, promotes cancer. They found that taking a break from alcohol a few days a week may neutralize the negative effects of heavy drinking.

To lower your risk, don't hit up happy hour everyday or go out drinking every night. Just go maybe a couple times a week and limit yourself to no more than one drink per day, the recommended number by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.


Source: Women's Health Magazine

Style and Focus News Bites

** Must Read Article: Chinese Babies Stolen By Officials For Foreign Adoption (click link to read in full)(from the Los Angeles Times)

Since the early 1990s, more than 80,000 Chinese children have been adopted abroad, the majority to the United States. The conventional wisdom is that the babies, mostly girls, were abandoned by their parents because of the traditional preference for boys and China's restrictions on family size. No doubt, that was the case for tens of thousands of the girls.

But some parents are beginning to come forward to tell harrowing stories of babies who were taken away by coercion, fraud or kidnapping -- sometimes by government officials who covered their tracks by pretending that the babies had been abandoned. Parents who say their children were taken complain that officials were motivated by the $3,000 per child that adoptive parents pay orphanages.

"Our children were exported abroad like they were factory products," said Yang Libing, a migrant worker from Hunan province whose daughter was seized in 2005. He has since learned that she is in the United States.


** According to TV blog insiders, numerous fans of CW's Supernatural (which stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles) are upset and may boycott the upcoming 5th episode that will feature Paris Hilton. Upset that the show will include her instead of an actress who is actually know for her acting abilities is the general consensus of many of the complaints. While others (including non fans of the series) are planning to watch just to see her killed off (many hope in a gruesome way).


** Disney Faces Rights Issues Over Marvel. According to the New York Times, Walt Disney’s proposed $4 billion acquisition of Marvel Entertainment may come with a headache: newly filed claims challenging Marvel’s long-term rights to some of its superhero characters. Heirs to the comic book artist Jack Kirby, a creator of characters and stories behind Marvel mainstays like “X-Men” and “Fantastic Four,” last week sent 45 notices of copyright termination to Marvel and Disney, as well as Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Universal Pictures, and other companies that have been using the characters.

The notices expressed an intent to regain copyrights to some of Mr. Kirby’s creations as early as 2014, according to a statement disclosed on Sunday by Toberoff & Associates, a law firm in Los Angeles that helped win a court ruling last year returning a share of the copyright in Superman to heirs of one of the character’s creators, Jerome Siegel.


** Singer and actress Jill Scott (HBO's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency) has just signed on to star in Lifetime's "Sin of the Mother". Based on the Carleen Rice novel "Orange Mint and Honey". The movie is described by Variety as focusing on a grad student who returns home to face her abusive, alcoholic mother only to discover that her mom is sober and has a 3-year-old daughter and new life. "Sins of the Mother" is due to premiere on the Lifetime Movie Network in 2010. Jill Scott is also appearing in Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married Too?" in 2010. (Black Talent News)


** London Mayor Wants Museum Visitors to Pay. Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London said he had been impressed, during his visit to New York last week, with its semi-voluntary admission system. Although New York’s museums are officially free, each one has a range of entry fees and visitors are usually made to feel compelled to pay. Mr Johnson said he had no interest in coercing people, but felt that a similar system could work in London.

Free museums are considered one of the Britain’s biggest cultural attractions, particularly in London. Mr Johnson said that "cynical young people” had approached him and questioned the value of offering free museums. He said that if adults paid a voluntary fee, it would show youth the importance of the cultural institutions.

Mr. Johnson made his comments at the Victoria and Albert museum, in Kensington, West London, during a discussion with Kevin Spacey, the actor, and other cultural figures about the impact of the recession on the arts world. Mr. Spacey, artistic director of the Old Vic, warned that many arts institutions were suffering from reduced corporate donations and sponsorship deals during the economic downturn. He said: “I believe that, far from being a luxury in our lives, the arts and culture are a necessity. The creative industries lead the UK economy and are the envy of the world". (London Times)


** According to Us Weekly, Zooey Deschanel married Death Cab for Cutie front man Ben Gibbard on Saturday in Seattle. Congratulations!

What Were They Thinking? Jimmy Johns' Bank Robbery Commercial

I saw this commercial the other night and I found it to be in poor taste. I know it originally aired during last year's Super Bowl, which I didn't catch, so it's been floating around but that was my first time ever seeing it and I found it be horrible.

Who came up with the ad campaign of stressful situations = ordering Jimmy Johns. I can't imagine someone siting around the conference table coming up with ideas for this. I also can't believe this was even allowed to air. It's not funny at all and it certainly doesn't make me want to buy anything from them.

Style and Focus News Bites: Emma Watson Teams with People Tree to Create Clothing Line

Late condolences to the families of Patrick Swayze and Sen. Edward Kennedy.


Emma Watson is teaming up with People Tree, a fair trade fashion company, to create a clothing line called "Love From Emma". All proceeds made from the collection will be donated to the People Tree Foundation. "I wanted to help People Tree produce a younger range because I was excited by the idea of using fashion as a tool to alleviate poverty and I knew it was something I could help make a difference with", she says.

"I think young people like me are becoming increasingly aware of the humanitarian and environmental issues surrounding fast fashion and want to make good choices but there aren't many options out there".

Emma acting as creative advisor for People Tree will launch her collection in late February 2010. The collection is a spring summer line featuring 26 women's and 15 men's styles also including a small selection of accessories. The collection will not only use 100% organic and Fair Trade Certified cotton, but will be hand made by Fair Trade groups.

Source: People Tree

Handbag Pick: Fall Travel Bag

With the upcoming travel season approaching these chic Wool Duffle Bags ($49.50, Gap) are roomy enough for a holiday visit home to see mom and dad or a fall romantic weekend getaway. No need to over pack, these bags are perfect for all your essential items and then some.

What I'm Reading Now: Tears Of The Giraffe

I'm ten pages into the second book Tears Of The Giraffe in The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith that has Precious Ramotswe and Mr J.L.B. Matekoni basking in their engagement. This book series is a must for any reading list.

About the book:

Precious Ramotswe is the eminently sensible and cunning proprietor of the only ladies' detective agency in Botswana. In Tears of the Giraffe she tracks a wayward wife, uncovers an unscrupulous maid, and searches for an American man who disappeared into the plains many years ago. In the midst of resolving uncertainties, pondering her impending marriage to a good, kind man, Mr J.L.B. Matekoni, and promoting her talented secretary (a graduate of the Botswana Secretarial College, with a mark of 97 per cent), she also finds her family suddenly and unexpectedly increased by two.

Nesting: Cozy & Stylish Seating

Blanca Settee shown in Espresso Chain Link Jacquard
($749.00 - $1,099.00, Pottery Barn)

I'm totally in love with this settee, it has such a retro feel to it. One the great things about it, is it can go in so many different rooms, and it adds a little touch of glam. I know all the experts and insiders talk about investing in a good handbag or shoes, which is true but what about good furniture. You want to invest in good quality furniture that's going to stick around.

What's New in the Pet Aisle for 2010

An insider's sneak peek of what items are the cat's meow

CHICAGO, Sept. 14 -- Thousands of pet industry insiders are gathering this week at the SuperZoo Pet Expo in Las Vegas, one of the largest trade shows in the industry. It's where the fur flies to see what innovative new products from around the world will be sold at your favorite pet boutique or national retailer.

"The pet industry continues to thrive," said Don Tomala, managing partner of Matrix Partners. "Despite a troubled economy, the pet industry still continues to invest in research and innovation to bring the very best to our pet store shelves." Tomala has spent a significant portion of his marketing career in the pet industry, an area where he has gained considerable expertise in the practice of package design, brand identity and sales distribution.

Matrix Partners recommends the following "Must-See" products for retailers attending SuperZoo Pet Expo 2010.


Antlers as Chew Toys!

Every little buckaroo is sure to fall for Buckarooz!(TM) These long-lasting deer antler chews from Free Range Dog Chews Inc. are as natural as natural can get. Buckarooz deer antlers are naturally shed by U.S. free-range wild (not farm raised) white tail deer, mule deer and elk. No deer were harmed in any way to obtain these treats. Once the antlers fulfill their purpose for the animal, they fall off naturally. Then new antlers grow in their place. Deer antlers have a velvety covering rich in oxygen and calcium the deer have stored in their bones throughout the year. These marrow-filled antlers are also high in calcium and phosphorous and have smaller amounts of other natural minerals. Website: freerangedogchews.com


A Solution for Canine Hissy Fits

The Company of Animals, founded by internationally acclaimed animal psychologist Dr. Roger Mugford, introduces The Pet Corrector. The product emits a loud hiss -- a blast of compressed air -- to safely and humanely interrupt undesirable behaviors. In the wild, snakes, insects and geese use a hiss sound to drive off predators, and pets have an instinctive sensitivity to the sound.

The Pet Corrector, which comes in a 50ml can, effectively corrects unwanted behaviors, such as barking, chasing, jumping up, stealing food, and aggression. A detailed training guide with helpful training tips accompanies the product. A Pet Corrector Holster, which clips to a belt, is also available to keep The Pet Corrector within easy reach. Dr. Mugford, who established the Animal Behaviour Centre in 1979, has devised a number of innovative products for the treatment of difficult behavioral problems in pets. Website: companyofanimals.us


Pet Fashion Meets Safety

A 24/7 pet recovery service, IDTAG.com is the fastest, easiest way to reunite anxious owners with lost pets. If that precious pet ever goes missing, the owner simply calls the IDTAG hot line or logs onto IDTAG.com. Within seconds, an instant alert will be automatically broadcast to local shelters and vet clinics within 50 miles of the pet's last known location. Available in a wide range of sizes, colors and styles, this state-of-the-art tag makes quite a fashion statement, too. Website: idtag.com


Natural Pet Bandages - Anti-Lick Strip Prevent(TM)

Say goodbye to excessive licking! Introducing Anti-Lick Strip Prevent from Nurtured Pets. These unique bandages deter pets from engaging in obsessive licking, biting and chewing and are constructed with all-natural, active outfacing ingredients -- including cayenne pepper, lemon powder, clove oil and oregano. Deterring unwanted behavior can help promote the healing process, or if applied at the first sign of irritation, can stop the problem before it starts. A peel-and-stick, medical-grade adhesive backing allows for easy application. The Anti-Lick Strip Prevent provides a safe and comfortable alternative to the E Collar. Available in S, M and L.
Website: nurturedpets.com


GoodBye Odor for Cats((R))

Marshall introduces an innovative new product for cats that virtually eliminates pet odor -- GoodBye Odor for Cats. GoodBye Odor is completely different than other odor removers. Instead of masking existing odors, GoodBye Odor gets at the root of the cause, neutralizing odors from the inside out so smells stop before they even occur. This means litterpan waste, urine and other offensive body odors are a thing of the past! The patented formula is made with safe, natural amino acids that attack odor-causing urea. It's completely safe and easy to use. Just 3 pumps a day in your cat's food or water and you can say "Good Bye to Odor!" Cat owners have noticed a positive change in as little as three days of continuous use. Website: marshallpet.com


Healthy, Natural Dog Dinners and Treats

Stella & Chewy's Dinners and Treats start with only wholesome ingredients like raw, USDA-inspected meat, raised naturally with no added hormones or antibiotics. And just like all Stella & Chewy's products, they're made without grain, fillers, artificial preservatives or colorings--they don't even add sugar or salt. Plus, every ingredient is sourced from reputable U.S. suppliers.

Stella & Chewy's is the first line of raw food and treats that's Certified Pathogen Safe. The company employs an exclusive process that safely eliminates the threat of harmful bacteria without sacrificing nutrition or taste. Plus, every batch they make is tested by an independent laboratory before packaging. Stella & Chewy's is so confident in the quality and safety of their products, the test results are posted on their website. Dinners, including Chewy's Chicken and Duck Duck Goose Dinner, are available both frozen and freeze-dried along with Carnivore Kisses and Carnivore Crunch Treats. Website: stellaandchewys.com


Cat Litter from Soybeans?

It isn't a dream, but a uniquely effective product from The Organic Farm Store. Close to Naturenow is an innovative clumping litter that's produced from consumer-grade soybeans from U.S. soybean-processing facilities. The soybean meal is carefully sorted and screened to achieve a consistent, cat-pleasing texture. The meal is then mixed with naturally granulated potato starch to enhance clumping. Close to Naturenow Cat Litter is produced with no added chemicals, making it biodegradable and completely flushable. In fact, the used litter after it's sifted can be used as compost in ornamental flower gardens. It is safe for both cats and kittens, and extraordinarily effective for owners of multiple cats. Website: theorganicfarmstore.com


Don't Let Winter Weather Ruin Outdoor Playtime

EzyDog, the company that combines safety, comfort, and durability for dogs that love to play hard and worship the outdoors, has launched the EzyDog Element Coat. The coat provides a barrier between the weather and your dog. This windproof, waterproof and fleece lined coat creates an experience of warmth and comfort. The neck area of the coat contains Neoprene stretch panels that produce a secure and custom fit. The two quick release side buckles with cam-locks makes fitting this coat a cinch while reflective properties allow night time visibility. There are even two top zippered pouches for all travel essentials. The EzyDog Element Coat is available in six eye-catching designs and seven sizes for the perfect fit. The company also makes leashes, collars and backpacks for dogs that love adventure! Website: ezydog.com


Wild Alaska Salmon Dog Treats

Yummy Chummies are a naturally nutritious, delicious line of Wild Alaska Salmon dog treats. These incredibly tasty treats are rich in Omega-3s and 6s, the same essential fatty acids that humans are adding to their own diets to boost heart health. In addition to supporting a remarkably shiny coat, these nutrients also help boost immunity, mobility, joint and skin health, Website: yummychummies.com


About Matrix Partners:

Headquartered in Chicago, Matrix Partners is an award-winning brand strategy and communications firm specializing in pet product advertising, publicity and promotions. Since 1987, Matrix has created compelling marketing campaigns for hundreds of consumer and pet product brands. Matrix's pet product client experience includes dozens of national brands ranging from pet foods, treats and supplements to cat litter, accessories and grooming aids. For more information, visit matrix1.com.


SOURCE Matrix Partners

Rachel Roy Unveils Pop-Up Store

Opens For a Limited Time in New York City's SoHo Neighborhood

NEW YORK, Sept. 9 -- Rachel Roy, a division of Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (NYSE: JNY), announced today the opening of a pop-up store to celebrate the launch of the new Rachel Rachel Roy diffusion line.

The 1,900 square foot store will house select product from the Rachel Rachel Roy collection including sportswear, footwear, handbags and jewelry. The store design will include vintage dress forms throughout the space and an area dedicated to graffiti panels designed by renowned tag artist SenOne

Founder and artistic director Rachel Roy said, "I love creating a story through an environment. A pop-up store not only allows me to do just that for my secondary collection, Rachel Rachel Roy, but it gives me the opportunity to showcase the collection while getting first hand feedback about the collection from my girls. I have always loved working directly with my customer."

The store will be open to the public for a limited time at 111 Spring Street (between Mercer and Greene) in New York City's SoHo neighborhood beginning September 9th through September 16th from 11am - 8pm, Monday to Saturday and 10am-8pm on Sunday. A series of special events are scheduled during the week that the store is open.

As part of the special event schedule, the store will be participating in Fashion's Night Out, the VOGUE Magazine initiative being held on September 10th encouraging stores to stay open until 11PM to promote stimulation to the economy. The evening will be hosted by Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Estelle, music by DJ Lady Bunny, custom graffiti creations by SenOne and treats from a vintage Good Humor truck. Part of the evening's proceeds will benefit New Yorkers For Children and attendees will be able to sign a custom graffiti panel to show their support for the charity. Rachel is a dedicated member of the organization's Friends Committee, which supports NYFC's efforts to help youth in foster care in New York City.


Other special events include:

- Friday, September 11th: Product sampling by Baked by Melissa

- Saturday, September 12th: Airbrush tattoo artistry and product sampling by Pinkberry

- Sunday, September 13th: Illy Issimo product sampling


The new Rachel Rachel Roy collection features affordable contemporary sportswear, footwear, handbags and jewelry. The collection is available exclusively at select Macy's stores and online at macys.com/rachelroy and rachelroy.com. You can become a fan of Rachel Roy on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.


About Jones Apparel Group, Inc.

Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (www.jonesapparel.com) is a leading designer, marketer and wholesaler of branded apparel, footwear and accessories. The Company also markets directly to consumers through its chain of specialty retail and value-based stores and through its e-commerce web sites. The Company's nationally recognized brands include Jones New York, Nine West, Anne Klein, Gloria Vanderbilt, Kasper, Bandolino, Easy Spirit, Evan-Picone, l.e.i., Energie, Enzo Angiolini, Joan & David, Mootsies Tootsies, Sam & Libby, Napier, Judith Jack, Albert Nipon and Le Suit. The Company also markets costume jewelry under the Givenchy brand licensed from Givenchy Corporation, footwear under the Dockers Women brand licensed from Levi Strauss & Co., and apparel under the Rachel Roy brand licensed from Rachel Roy IP Company, LLC.

Each brand is differentiated by its own distinctive styling, pricing strategy, distribution channel and target consumer. The Company contracts for the manufacture of its products through a worldwide network of quality manufacturers. The Company has capitalized on its nationally known brand names by entering into various licenses for several of its trademarks, including Jones New York, Anne Klein New York, Nine West, Gloria Vanderbilt, l.e.i. and Evan-Picone, with select manufacturers of women's and men's products which the Company does not manufacture. For more than 30 years, the Company has built a reputation for excellence in product quality and value, and in operational execution.


About Rachel Roy's Collections

Launched in spring 2005, the Rachel Roy New York collection embodies effortless glamour, and is sophisticated with a modern edge. In 2007, Rachel Roy was inducted as a new member to the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The Rachel Roy New York collection is available at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, rachelroy.com and select specialty stores worldwide. The affordable contemporary Rachel Rachel Roy collection debuted in August 2009 and includes sportswear, footwear, handbags and jewelry. The collection is available exclusively at select Macy's stores, macys.com and rachelroy.com. For more information, please visit www.rachelroy.com.


Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements regarding the Company's expected financial position, business and financing plans are forward-looking statements. The words "believes," "expect," "plans," "intends," "anticipates" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements also include representations of the Company's expectations or beliefs concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties.

A further description of these risks and uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, including, but not limited to, the Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosure and Item 1A-Risk Factors therein, and in the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such expectations may prove to be incorrect. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


Source: Jones Apparel Group

What I'm Reading Now: The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency

I liked the TV show so much and plus I love to read mysteries that I decided to read The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. This is the first book in the series and it's every bit as engaging as the TV series.

About the book:

This first novel in Alexander McCall Smith's widely acclaimed The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series tells the story of the delightfully cunning ad enormously engaging Precious Ramotswe, who is drawn to her profession to "help people with the problems in their lives." Immediately upon setting up shop in a small storefront in Gaborone, she is hired to track down a missing husband, uncover a con man, and follow a wayward daughter. But the case that tugs at her heart, and lands her in danger, is that of a missing eleven-year-old boy, who may have been snatched by with doctors.

Are We Too Focused on Youth?

by C. A. Brooks
Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

We live in a youth obsessed culture where everything and everyone has to be young and fresh. Look at some of the new and returning fall shows, that are aimed at teens and early twenty-somethings including the revamped 90's shows like 90210 and Melrose Place. The main cast of both shows are at least 10 years younger than the actors were when the original 90's series aired.

Flip through any glossy fashion and beauty magazine and you will notice there are numerous ads for anti-aging products and not just for your face but for your hair, nails and body. There's big business in anti-aging products and treatments all to make you look younger. Even teenagers are starting to purchase these products. Which is the last thing they should be worrying about is their skin starting to age. I wrote another post on this "Are Anti-Aging Products being over Marketed?"

Take a look at Hollywood, the current hottest celebrities are Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers. Yes, they are talented but I feel as though they are be over marketed and are being promoted to the wrong target audience (more so with Miley Cyrus than with the Jonas Brothers). Hollywood has always had an obsession with youth but it seems that must be the current pre-requisite now because you don't really need to have any talent just youth. This is included with the number of complaints that I hear from teens about the lack of quality shows for them to watch. Some feel that there's nothing to watch if you're too old for Hannah Montana and not into the Gossip Girl type shows. So, what's left for them to watch?

As a marketer and publicist, I think overly promoting youth is not a good thing because constantly pushing youth places a negative connotation towards aging and suggest that you're only of some worth or value if you're in your teens and early twenties. It gives off a fear of once you step out of that age bracket you're useless and your life will no longer be any fun. Which is certainly not true. Now there are a group of people out there trying to chase youth and that's kind of like running on a treadmill trying to reach the finish line.

By only concentrating on youth, you decrease the value and experiences that we gain as we age. I think more attention should be focused on one's talent and experiences and instead of on looks and aging. Yes, it's pipe dream but maybe it'll happen one day.