What to Watch: Mary Queen of Shops

Mary Queen of Shops
Wednesdays 9:00pm EST BBCA
(check your local listings for re-broadcasting)

This show features Mary Portas, who's well known for her work in the Retail industry, working with small boutiques owners to help them revitalize their poorly performing shops in the UK. Unlike, all the other fashionista shows, I like this one because it's business based but also has plenty of high-end fashion to show. Mary has a no nonsense approach, she goes into the shops and tell them how it is which doesn't always mesh well with those she's trying to help, but she is there to help them turn their businesses around.

Kellogg Company and Katalyst Media Join Forces to Confront Hunger in the United States

Kellogg Company and Katalyst Media Join Forces to Confront Hunger in the United States

Katalyst, in Partnership with Kellogg Company, Release a "People-Powered" Web Video to Raise Awareness About the Issue of Hunger

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., June 22 -- Kellogg Company (NYSE: K) today announced a transformational partnership with Katalyst, a studio for social media co-founded by Ashton Kutcher (www.twitter.com/aplusk) and Jason Goldberg. The partnership will raise awareness of the growing hunger epidemic in the United States and encourage consumers to donate to Feeding America, the nation's leading hunger relief organization, at the KelloggCares Facebook(R) Page at www.facebook.com/kelloggcares. Recent reports show that one in eight Americans is struggling with hunger, and food banks across the country are challenged to keep up with rising demand.

As part of its ongoing commitment to fight hunger, Kellogg teamed up with Katalyst to spotlight the issue through a new online video, directed by Demi Moore (www.twitter.com/mrskutcher). The video can be found on the KelloggCares Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/kelloggcares. It features user-generated content submitted by consumers moved to end hunger following requests that @aplusk (Ashton Kutcher) and @mrskutcher (Demi Moore) posted on their respective Twitter feeds and Facebook Pages.

"We are grateful to be working with Kellogg on such a meaningful project and excited to be creating people-powered content for social media networks as a powerful tool for change," said Kutcher, co-founder of Katalyst. "Innovative partnerships like this one demonstrate the good that companies can do when resources are pooled. The Katalyst team has been inspired by the thousands of voices that have emerged on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and other social media platforms dedicated to ending hunger in America."

The goal of the video is to reach Americans through social media channels and encourage them to work together to help replenish food banks and feed the hungry by making donations to Feeding America. On the KelloggCares Facebook Page, consumers can become a fan, make a monetary donation to Feeding America and find out about other ways they can help fight hunger in their local communities.

"Hunger is an issue that often gets overlooked, especially here in the United States. Having food readily available is something that we too easily can take for granted. And yet we know, especially in these times, that many people in the United States go to bed hungry. That's why it's critical that we come together to shed light on the issue," said Moore. "The collective spirit of the American people can do extraordinary things. It is our hope that this video and partnership with Kellogg Company will draw attention to this important issue and help make a difference for the 36 million Americans struggling with hunger."

Kellogg hopes that by reaching consumers where they get much of their information - via the social web - it will engage even more people in the fight against hunger.

"Facebook gives people the power to share and connect around issues that are important to them," said Tom Arrix, Vice President of U.S. Sales at Facebook. "We are proud to be working with Kellogg and Katalyst to raise awareness for hunger, an issue that affects millions of people everyday, and giving Facebook users an interactive and unique way to engage on this important issue."

In addition to being available on the KelloggCares Facebook Page, the video will be distributed through a number of other social media channels to increase awareness of hunger and encourage donations. Katalyst will help distribute the video through the company's online social networks, and Kellogg will include information about this initiative on tens of millions of Kellogg's cereal boxes later this year.

"We are excited to partner with Kellogg Company, a longstanding supporter of Feeding America, in this important campaign to grow awareness and engagement in the fight against domestic hunger," said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. "Tremendous strides have been made, but as the support in the fight against hunger grows, so does the demand for food. No American should go hungry and there is always more that can be done. We are grateful to Kellogg for their leadership and dedication to our cause."

This initiative is part of an ongoing commitment from Kellogg Company to help fight hunger. In April, the Company announced that it is donating an entire day's worth of cereal production - more than 55 million cereal servings - to Feeding America. The donation of 3.5 million pounds of cereal is worth approximately $10 million.

"Kellogg Company is deeply committed to fighting hunger," said David Mackay, president and CEO, Kellogg Company. "Through this innovative, new initiative, we hope that we will engage even more consumers who will join us by giving what they can to Feeding America."

Kellogg Company has been a committed donor to Feeding America since they were founded. Over the past 10 years, Kellogg has donated more than 224 million pounds of food to Feeding America. Over the last five years, Kellogg has contributed more than $40 million in cash and $120 million in product to various charitable organizations around the world. For more information on Kellogg Company's Corporate Responsibility efforts, please visit www.kelloggcompany.com/CR.

About Kellogg Company

With 2008 sales of nearly $13 billion, Kellogg Company is the world's leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of convenience foods, including cookies, crackers, toaster pastries, cereal bars, fruit-flavored snacks, frozen waffles and veggie foods. The Company's Trademarked brands include Kellogg's, Keebler, Pop-Tarts, Eggo, Cheez-It, All-Bran, Mini-Wheats Nutri-Grain, Rice Krispies, Special K, Chips Deluxe, Famous Amos, Sandies, Bear Naked, Kashi, MorningStar Farms, Gardenburger and Stretch Island. Kellogg products are manufactured in 19 countries and marketed in more than 180 countries. For more information, visit www.kelloggcompany.com. Kellogg Company's Corporate Responsibility report including its approach, progress and future direction in the marketplace, workplace, environment and community can be found at www.kelloggcompany.com/CR.

About Katalyst Media

Katalyst, based in Los Angeles and New York, is a studio for social media creating digital, television and film properties. The Katalyst mission is to create thought-provoking and compelling content for multiple platforms. Founded by partners, Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg, Katalyst film credits include "The Butterfly Effect" and "Guess Who," as well as the upcoming feature films "Spread" and "5 Killers." Television property credits include the hit series "Punk'd" and "Beauty and the Geek," in addition to network series "True Beauty" for ABC, "The Beautiful Life" for the CW, and "Excellent Adventure" for OWN. Digital properties include the "Blah Girls" (www.blahgirls.com), 24 Hours at Sundance (www.24hoursatsundance.com) and the Web reality series KatalystHQ (www.funspace.com/katalysthq).

About Feeding America

Feeding America is the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, providing individuals and families with the means to survive and even thrive. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 63,000 agencies (soup kitchens and food pantries) that address hunger in all of its forms. The Feeding America network supplies food to more than 25 million Americans each year - including 9 million children and 3 million seniors. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit www.feedingamerica.org.

Is It Too Late to Reposition Your Company or Product?

by A. Brooks
Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

No, it's never too late to re-evaluate and figure out how to reposition yourself to your current customers (clients) or potential new customers (clients). It could be something as simple as changing your company's logo or as complex as overhauling your company's or product's whole image.

For example, Victoria's Secret has reposition it's image with their PINK line which is aimed at college girls. Victoria's Secret has always had an image of sexy sophistication which is aimed at women 21 and over while it's PINK line is more youthful, colorful and playful with a laid-back casual feel. The PINK line started out with loungwear, undergarments and flip flops but has evolved into it's must have PINK Collegiate Collection which includes everything from handbags to bedding. Even though the line is only five years old (it launched in 2004), it's grown into a powerful contender and will keep Victoria's Secret image current and up-to-date as not only a must for sexy sophisticated lingerie and sleepwear but also for college girls to have the hottest collegiate essentials.

You may not have the huge budget to update your business or expand a product but you can re-evaluate your company's image and see if it needs to be updated or if there is a new target market your can aim your product at. With the slow economy you have a real opportunity to take a honest look at your company or a certain product and weigh the strengths and weakness and go from there.

After the evaluation you may not see a need to make any changes but for a business to stay competitive a few changes along the way is beneficial and valuable.


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. For more information contact Style and Focus Lifestyle PR: styleandfocusfreelance@yahoo.com

News Bites: Spider-Man, Charities, and more

** Coming to a Comic Bookstore Near You. Spider-Man Saves the Day!!!. In the upcoming Spider-Man comic, Peter Parker goes up against one of his rogue gallery who is attempting to thwart the swearing in ceremony of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. According to Marvel, the comic will be written by Zeb Wells with artwork by Todd Nauck and Frank D'Armata.

Marvel's Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada said, "when we heard that President-Elect Obama is a collector of Spider-Man comics, we knew that these two historic figures had to meet in our comics' Marvel Universe," says . "Historic moments such as this one can be reflected in our comics because the Marvel Universe is set in the real world. A Spider-Man fan moving into the Oval Office is an event that must be commemorated in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man." The much anticipated AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #583 will be hitting comic book shelves nationwide January 14th. (Marvel News)

** Macy's to Close 11 Stores. The Cincinnati company said it will close 11 underperforming stores in nine states, which will affect 960 employees. "The decision to close stores is difficult, and often occurs when the market changes, new competing shopping centers are opened nearby to existing older ones, or when customers change shopping habits. In the store closing process, we are committed to treating affected associates with respect and openness," Chief Executive Officer Terry Lundgren said in a press release. For the list of closing stores click here. (MSN)

** According to Fashion Week Daily, New York magazine's biannual spin-off New York Look will not be publishing a Spring 2009 issue, and a Fall edition doesn't appear likely. The content featured in the publication, is devoted to coverage of runway shows in New York, Paris and Milan. Instead the issue will be folded into New York magazine's Fall Fashion issue.

** Actress Alyssa Milano is engaged to Hollywood agent David Bugliari. Bugliari proposed just before Christmas, according to Us magazine. The pair has been dating for more than a year.

** Financial Crisis Snuffs Out Perfume Retailer. Perfume retailer Passion for Perfume went into administration this week after the company directors failed to find a buyer for the struggling business. Administrators at Deloitte said the company made 185 redundancies across its 45 stores on New Year’s Eve and let go of 9 employees at its head office in Manchester.

Passion for Perfume was established in 2004 and sold perfume online and through its network of shops in the UK. In recent times, the company fell into financial difficulties that it blamed on ‘challenging trading conditions and reduced consumer demand’. The fragrance market has been stagnant for a while, growing barely above zero in Europe since 2002, according to figures from market researchers Euromonitor. The failure of Passion for Perfume follows the demise of a number of other leading retailers in the UK. Woolworths, Adams and Zavvi are among those to be placed in administration in recent weeks. (Cosmetics Design)

** TNT has picked up Jada Pinkett Smith's new medical drama "Time Heals," with a 10-episode order. The series is produced by and stars Pinkett Smith. The show also features David Julian Hirsh (TBS' "Lovebites"), Laura Kenly, Christina Moore ("90210") and Suleka Mathew ("Men in Trees"). (Black Entertainment News)

** Princes William and Harry are working together to raise charitable funds for schools in Uganda for the Henry Van Straubenzee Memorial Fund. It was named after a young man who died in a car crash in 2002 and whose family is very close to the House of Windsor. Henry was a classmate at the Ludgrove prep school with Prince Harry while William is friends with Henry's older brother Tom.

The charity helps the school where Henry van Straubenzee was planning to work during a year off before university. Thanks to efforts by the princes and other friends, the organization has expanded to assist 11 schools in the African nation. On Jan. 8, the princes will attend a reception to officially launch the charity and mark their patronage. The occasion marks another milestone in the princes' working lives, coming just days after they announced the formal start of their new office, complete with "cyphers," or logos. (People magazine)

The Importance of Staying Visible in Tough Times

by Annice Brooks
Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

Yes, it's common sense to stay visible doing tough economic times but many seem to forget that. As the old saying goes "Out of Sight, Out of Mind". Instead of using all their resources many are choosing to scale back or eliminate their Marketing and Public Relations altogether. Why? By doing that all it will do is put you at a disadvantage once the economy starts to take off again. This may not be the best time to promote curtain products such as luxury items but companies no matter if their selling birds seeds to Bottega Veneta need to stay in the public eye.

It's doesn't require companies using stunts to get attention. Promote the company's positive points such as charitable endeavors or how the company is striving to succeed during this lack luster economy. This is the real value of using PR to tackle issues such as this. Just come up with creative ideas to promote your company and/or products. Human interest pieces such as helping a local soup kitchen in need to Recession-proof workshops for small businesses can help increase visibility as well as provide you with positive feedback with your target audience. To move products many tried and true way work such as grocery stores, book stores and clothing boutiques have noticed increase in sales with in store signings (book stores and boutiques) and free samples with coupons (grocery stores).

However, despite the tough times many companies are doing the reverse and are increasing their budget. For instance, in a November Wall Street Journal article "Marketers Take a Softer Tack to Reach Uneasy Customers" several companies including Pillsbury are increasing their marketing budget with successful campaigns that focus on family, warmth and safety of home. It shows stability in an unstable time.

But don't over flood the social media networks, newspapers, etc. with "news" because doing that will easily result in no media coverage at all. Make it standout but remember no over the top gimmicks or stunts.


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. For more information contact Style and Focus Lifestyle PR: styleandfocusfreelance@yahoo.com

New Career Coaching Service Targets Marketing and Advertising Executives

Unique and personalized job search strategies, designed to help executives land next professional position.

New York -- GetWorking, a specialized job coaching service based in New York City, recently launched with the goal of coaching laid-off executives, those stuck in their job searches, and professionals returning to the workforce. It's a unique coaching service for the marketing and advertising community. GetWorking's streamlined and personalized coaching service is led by GetWorking Advisors, experienced marketers as well as job search mentors.

Heather Frayne, founder of Direct Marketers On Call, Inc., developed GetWorking to fill a much-needed niche in the job coaching industry. With more than 20 years of successfully placing marketing and advertising professionals, Frayne and her team know precisely what hiring managers are looking for, their hot buttons and turn-offs, as well as the market trends, challenges and issues. It is this specific insider's perspective, knowledge and insight that GetWorking Advisors provide to those confronting the workplace head-on.

"In today's ever-changing, complex marketplace and business climate, executives are recognizing the need to be more realistic, focused and prepared," said Frayne. GetWorking is based on the premise that working professionals have the foundation for their own successful career path. "We're experts at helping executives take a closer look at their strengths and accomplishments, and then develop targeted job search strategies, which will guide them towards landing their next job," Frayne adds.

About GetWorking:

GetWorking LLC was established by Heather Frayne, founder of Direct Marketers On Call, Inc., to offer personalized job coaching for the marketing and advertising professionals who are stuck in their job searches. Under the Direct Marketers On Call umbrella, Frayne had set up DMOCoaching in 2002 to focus on the career guidance and executive coaching that so many job seekers requested. But by 2008, the time was right to establish GetWorking as a stand-alone business with its own self-assessment tools, evaluation tactics and coaching philosophy.

For more information on GetWorking, contact 212.741.5101 or visit http://www.getworking.com

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A+ Office Supplies

I guess it's this time of the year that make me want to update my office supplies. From pens to office furniture I like to change it up a bit but still keep them smart. Who says office supplies have to be basic and boring. Show off your personality and still keep it professional by adding lots of colors and patterns or go the sophisticated route with stainless steel or silver supplies.



Audrey Expanding Five-File Tote
$58.00
Kate's Paperie (katespaperie.com)



Locker Basket Letter Trays
$60.00
*See Jane Work (seejanework.com) *One of my favorite stores



Thomas Paul Desk Tray
$8.00
See Jane Work



Thomas Paul Magazine Holder
$17.50
See Jane Work



MUJI Aluminum Pencil Case
$10.00
MoMA Store (momastore.org)



Magnetic Memo Board
$36.00
MoMA Store



Elum Stationery Desk Set
$150.00
See Jane Work



Cropper Hopper Paper Holder Trolley
$49.99
Barnes & Noble

Style & Focus News Bites

Style and Focus PR would like to send our condolences to the families of Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes.

** Advertising: Calvin Klein and Condé Nast Strike Online Ad Deal. Condé Nast has signed an exclusive deal with fashion brand Calvin Klein to run an ad campaign for its fragrance Secret Obsession on the vogue.com website. The deal, which will run for four weeks and will kick off before the campaign breaks nationally, will see Calvin Klein sponsor VogueTV and run banner advertising across the site. Calvin Klein will also offer exclusive sampling to Vogue.com readers. (Brand Republic - Media Week Magazine)

** Entertainment: Keke Palmer to Star in New Nickelodeon Series "True Jackson, VP". Keke Palmer of the hit film "Akeelah and the Bee" will star in Nickelodeon's newest live-action series "True Jackson, VP." The network has ordered 20 episodes of the series centered around 15-year old True Jackson (Palmer) who is tapped to head the youth division of a major fashion label. True soon learns that corporate life has the same highs and lows as high school, complete with cliques, mean girls and crushes -- but with cool perks like designing for up-and-coming rock stars and casting super cute models. (Black Entertainment News)

** Beauty/Business Law: L'Oreal Loses to eBay in Counterfeit Case. L’Oreal has lost to eBay in a Belgian court after it tried to sue the online auction site for selling counterfeit goods. The Tribunal de Commerce ruled in favour of eBay, dismissing claims from the cosmetics giant that the online auction site was not doing enough to prevent the sale of counterfeit Lancôme products. L’Oreal awaits the decision of courts in the four other European nations where the case was filed. (Cosmetics Design)

** Health/Business: Thousands in California whose health policies were canceled to be offered new coverage. About 3,400 Californians whose health insurance was canceled by Kaiser, Health Net and PacifiCare after they got sick will soon receive notification that they may be eligible for new coverage and for compensation for medical bills they paid while they were uninsured. In a deal with state regulators, the insurers agreed to offer former members new coverage regardless of preexisting medical conditions and to reimburse them for medical expenses. In exchange, the state Department of Managed Health Care will close investigations into the companies' rescission practices. Regulators began mailing out notices to individuals Tuesday. (Los Angeles Times)

** Advertising: Google Shuts Down Popular U.K. Advertising Blog. The UK's most popular advertising industry blog, Scamp, has been shut down by Google for breaching the conditions of its blogging platform, Blogger. Scamp, written by Bartle Bogle Hegarty creative director Simon Veksner, is hugely popular in the UK ad industry, often drawing hundreds of comments per post from disgruntled advertising executives. (Guardian)

** Art: Economic Realities Press on Artists’ Outdoor Eden. The 25 year-old open air studios of Laddie John Dill and Ed Ruscha are being encroched upon by the rapidly reviving city of Venice, CA. The city of Los Angeles wants to tear down the fence, pave the space for a parking lot. The project has quickly emerged as a fight between the artistic values that led to the renewal of Venice and the commercial interests that are reshaping the community’s character.

“After the railroad line stopped back there, and Venice began its slow deterioration, this was a really rough part of town,” Mr. Dill said. Now, however, as the boulevard on the other side of the alley has become populated with restaurants, clothing boutiques and a Pinkberry cafe, “this whole thing is symbolic of the gentrification of Venice.”

City bulldozers are expected to begin work on the 100-space parking project soon after a ground-breaking ceremony on Thursday. That has led the owner of the warehouse leased by the two artists to begin preparing a lawsuit seeking to stop the project. (New York Times)

Style and Focus News Bites

** Economy: Jobless Claims Surge Above 400,000. The number of newly laid off people filing claims for unemployment benefits bolted past 400,000 last week as companies trimmed their workforces to cope with a slowing economy. The Labor Department reported Thursday that the number of new applications filed for these benefits rose by a seasonally adjusted 34,000 to 406,000 for the week ending July 19. The snapshot of layoffs was worse than economists were forecasting. They were expecting claims to rise to 375,000 according to economists surveyed by Thomson/IFR. (USA Today) - Economy

** Beauty: Aveda Reformulates Make-up Line With Natural Pigments. Leading natural cosmetics provider Aveda has updated and expanded its Uruku make-up collection, opting for natural annatto pigment instead of synthetics. The range now includes a new bronzer, an updated and reformulated lip pigment line, together with a new eye accent and cheek/lip crème, all benefitting from the use of the annatto, which is a powdered pigment derived from urukum and mica, and is a light reflecting mineral. Aveda says that this pigment delivers lasting color for all skin types, with the added benefit of being naturally derived, reducing the risk of toxicity and other drawbacks associated with synthetic pigments. (Cosmetic Design) - Beauty

** Publishing: NYT to Raise Newsstand Price to $1.50. The New York Times Co. will increase the Monday-Saturday newsstand cost of its flagship paper by 25 cents to $1.50. Times CEO Janet Robinson said the price increase for The New York Times will take effect Aug. 18. The last increase came a year ago. The company recently announced a 4.5 percent increase in home delivery prices for the paper that takes effect this month, the second bump in a year. (The Associated Press) - Publishing

** Business: Amazon Sales Brisk Despite U.S. Economy. Amazon.com Inc. reporting Wednesday that its second-quarter profit more than doubled and surpassed analyst expectations. The Internet retailer also raised full-year revenue projections. Sales were strong in several sections of Amazon's massive marketplace. (Los Angeles Times)

** Fashion: Gucci Loses Out to Vuitton as Brand Starts to Fade. "Gucci may be squandering its high-end credentials for more mainstream growth", says Rita Clifton, chairman of London-based Interbrand consulting company. "There's a real danger zone at Gucci at this moment," Clifton said. "It's easy in these high-pressure times to drive growth by keeping your foot on the accelerator, but they've got to make sure they keep reinvesting in top-end luxury." "With the slowdown in US consumption, Gucci's flaws are beginning to show", says Washington Post fashion critic Robin Givhan, adding that the label has "lost its personality". Gucci's first-quarter sales growth slowed to 2.5 percent from 11 percent in the fourth quarter.

"Gucci has disappointed the market and LVMH has surprised," said Scilla Huang Sun, who runs a luxury fund for Julius Baer Holding AG in Zurich. Julius Baer cut its stake in PPR by 25 percent this year, while buying LVMH, the world's biggest luxury-goods maker.

Gucci accounts for 36 percent of PPR's operating profit and 11 percent of sales. A recent effort by Gucci to design a lower-priced handbag to compete with Vuitton's Neverfull tote also gave a down-market image to the brand, critics said. Canvas GG Joy purses and bags, introduced last year, are emblazoned with printed GG logos and cost about 350 euros for a small doctor-bag model. (China Daily) - Fashion

Is Creativity the Way to Boost Sales during Recession?

by A. Brooks
Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

During hard times companies are looking towards their marketing, PR and advertising - in-house or outside agency - to provide creative ways to make an impact and attract sales more often than not with a minimized budget. Creativity will be key because it will set a business apart from all it's competitors.

This is when marketers, advertisers and publicist really start earning their paychecks and surprisingly are given more free range to be more creative and use their imaginations to promote the products, services, the company's image, etc. However, there is no magical formula but it will take creative energy, innovative ideas and follow through to implement the new marketing plan. Publicist will continue to work the "free press" to get their clients name out there including continued contact with bloggers and social networks sites. They are also sending out more human interest pieces to show that the company cares as well as the traditional news releases and media alerts. It's a great cost effective way to reach the target market.

No doubt you have probably noticed the free gas cards being offered at certain businesses, new packaging, company logo's being updated, promotional tie-ends and free GWP (gift with purchase), magazines offering low priced subscriptions, etc. all to encourage current and potential new customers to try their products or services. The goal is to stay visible to their customers.

Visibility is important to fashion boutiques, because several popular ones continue to set up celebrities in-store promotions to promote the celebrity's clothing line which would result in additional sales and "free press" with perhaps the daily newspapers, entertainment TV shows and blogs. However, visibility can work in reverse with many boutiques dropping some celebrity lines if they can not get the celebrities for an in-store promotion, case in point, with the recent removal of Lauren Conrad's line from Kitson and Victoria Beckham's clothing also from Kitson back in April.

Will injecting more creativity boost sales during recession?



Style and Focus Lifestyle PR is a publicity and marketing freelance company as well as an informative and entertaining blog, Style and Focus Lifestyle PR, that helps small businesses build brand awareness in Fashion, Beauty, Philanthropic, Lifestyle, Entertainment and more. For more information contact Style and Focus Lifestyle PR: styleandfocusfreelance@yahoo.com

Style and Focus News Bites

** Entertainment: Rupert Grint has signed on to do the independent film "Cherry Bomb". The movie centers on best friends Malachy (Grint) and Luke (Robert Sheehan), embarking on a wild weekend and come across a beautiful but troubled stranger (Kimberley Nixon). Production on the film, penned by playwright and screenwriter Daragh Caville has already begun and is tentatively scheduled for a 2009 release. (Digital Spy) - Entertainment

** Fashion: Christian Louboutin To Open Paris Store. The 100-square-meter Paris store located in Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, will feature a county-fair theme. Mr. Louboutin has also decorated the new space with vintage chairs and a large crayfish sculpture. In addition to shoes, the shop will sell Mr. Louboutin's line of handbags. (Wall Street Journal) - Fashion

** Business: Lil Wayne Launches Champagne Brand. Lil Wayne (whose's real name is Dwayne Carter) has teamed up with French vineyard and wine manufacturers Voirin-Jumel to produce a range of champagne - entitled Halo champagne. There will be four varieties available: Halo Brut, Halo Brut Vintage, Halo Rose and Halo Pinnacle. (Contact Music) - Business

** Fashion/Business: Steve & Barry's Seeks Financial Help. The sportswear company Steve & Barry's LLC is expected to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The privately held New York-based company said it is being represented by a bankruptcy frim and is in negotiations with lenders. Published reports said that the chain could liquidate about 100 of its stores bud did not specify which ones. (Detroit Free Press) - Fashion/Business

** Entertainment/Art: Jackie Chan Museum Planned in Shanghai. Construction has begun on a museum for Chan in the Chinese financial capital Shanghai. Earlier this week, Chan attended a ceremony marking the start of work. The museum will display props and costumes from Chan's movies, photos and other memorabilia. Construction is scheduled to finish in October 2009. (The Associated Press) - Entertainment/Art

** Advertising: McDonald's Hatches New Billboard. A Chicago McDonald has unveiled it newest billboard a 21 feet egg. The billboard is adjacent to the McDonald's restaurant at Clark and Addison which is in the shadow of Wrigley Field. It's been ingeniously designed by ad agency Leo Burnett - Chicago, to crack open to promote McDonald's fresh eggs for breakfast. It includes a timer that starts opening around 6 a.m. each day then the egg closes up around 10:30 a.m. The egg-travangza in Wrigleyville also will open for each Chicago Cubs home game through at least mid-August. (Chicago Sun-Times) - Advertising


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** Accessories/Cause: Russell Simmons Launches The Green Initiative Bracelet. The bracelet will be exclusivly sold at selected H.Samuel stores in the UK and from hsamuel.co.uk. The Simmons Jewelry Co. are proud to introduce an exquisite collection of premium quality malachite and raw diamond unisex bracelets in aid of the Diamond Empowerment Fund. The design of the bracelet is symbolic of the African continent with the green malachite a symbol for the care of the planet, natural and human resources. The Green Initiative bracelet is available in two unisex sizes and is priced at £125. There will be a donation of $20 ($US) to the Diamond Empowerment Fund from the sale of each piece.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund(DEF) which was founded in 2007, is a non-profit international organization that was established to work towards the empowerment of Africa. The fund’s mission is to raise money and support education initiatives that develop and empower people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource. (Press Release) - Accessories/Cause

** Entertainment: DJ AM (real name Adam Goldstein) has sued the New York Daily News for libel and false-light invasion of privacy, alleging that a June 22 article published online and in print about his lack of earning prowess since he and former fiance Nicole Richie split is false. His lawsuit states that his career is not in financial trouble. (E!) - Entertainment

Style and Focus News Bites

** Beauty: Leading Cosmetic Firms Fined for Exchanging Information. The German units of nine international cosmetics and fragrance firms have been fined a total of almost €10 million for exchanging information about sales, planned product launches and price rises which violates anti-trust laws. According to the German Federal Cartel Office, the following companies were implicated: Chanel, Clarins, Cosmopolitan Cosmetics (now P&G prestige products), Coty Prestige Lancaster, Estée Lauder, L'Oréal, LVMH Parfums and Cosmetics, Shiseido and YSL Beauté. In addition thirteen former managers of these companies are to be fined by the office.

The Cartel Office said the companies have been meeting four times a year to discuss figures, recent advertising costs and planned price increases since 1995. The companies are being fined between €250,000 and €2.1m, however they can appeal at the higher regional court in Dusseldorf. (Cosmetic Design) - Beauty

** Entertainment: Courteney Cox to Join 'Scrubs'. According to Entertainment Weekly, Cox will become the new Chief of Medicine and her character will "ruffle feathers". Cox signed up to appear in three episodes. - Entertainment

** Business/Health: Salmonella Scare Hurts Calif. Tomato Growers. The Food and Drug Administration announced that the salmonella outbreak has sickened more than 1,000 people — making it the worst food outbreak in years. Even thought the FDA never suspected California tomatoes, the salmonella scare has clearly hurt California growers, who are just starting to harvest their tomatoes.

Tom Nassif, president and CEO of Western Growers, a cooperative association of farms in California and Arizona, says that when the FDA issues consumer warnings before it has a good handle on the possible culprit, the economic devastation goes beyond farmers. Whose affected are "the people who pick in the field, the workers who grow it, the people who harvest it, the packing shed workers, which affects the truckers." (NPR) - Business/Health

** Fashion: My Vintage Baby Premieres Maternity Wear for Spring 2009. The new line of maternity tops will complement the My Vintage Baby’s children’s collection. This will be the Company’s first venture beyond the unique and nostalgic children’s apparel and accessories it's known for. For more information regarding My Vintage Baby please visit: www.myvintagebaby.com. (Press Release) - Fashion

** Fashion: Leonardo DiCaprio Partners with Jaeger-LeCoultre. The luxury company has collaborated with the charitable actor to create the Time to Care program, as well as develop two watches that will benefit the Leonardo DiCaprio Fund at the California Community Foundation. The timepieces will debut this fall, and all proceeds from the sales will directly benefit the cause. (Fashion Week Daily) - Fashion

** Business: Jennifer Lopez Closes Her Restaurant. According to Us magazine, Lopez has closed her buzzed about restaurant Madre's which is located in Pasadena, CA. The Latin inspired restaurant opened a little over six years ago. The restaurant's name was selected by then Gigli co-star Ben Affleck. No additional information given. - Business

Fantasy versus Finance: Can Luxury Goods Hold-up During Hard Times?

It's no big secret that in the U.S. we are experiencing some financial hardship. Will luxury goods (LG) be affected as well?

Some consumers see luxury goods as a status symbol and a way to trade up to a different lifestyle market. They want to purchase what the affluent consumer is purchasing for several reason 1) to keep up with the Joneses, 2) as a reward for achieving something and 3) as a perceived value of prestige and high quality goods. Items that were once only purchased a few times a year had started to turn into instant gratification items that are purchased weekly. With America heading into a slower economy will the LG soon be taking a hit? Will manufactures/retailers have to cut back on creating, stocking and selling certain items?

With the average consumer making cuts, will the demand slow? The demand for LG will not completely slow down not as long as there are consumers who still want to purchase them whether they can afford it or not. The credit card fills that financial void for those who can not. But for how long?

Most magazines continue to promote luxury goods despite the average consumer feeling the economic crunch. But don't blame them, it's there job of selling a fantasy lifestyle to consumers. However, consumers are not buying it, they are strategically making cuts to their budgets and limiting some luxury items. They are figuring out what to continue to buy and what to leave on the shelves.

Areas that are starting to see a slight decline are:

* $100+ jeans: consumers still want the top styles but are looking to more affordable brands to get those looks.

* High-end jewelry: excluding the engagement ring, consumers are making for conscious decisions about which items to purchase and are looking for one or two key stand out pieces instead of following the latest trend.

* Expensive designer watches

* Large homes

* Luxury cars

* Expensive beauty products that don't live up to their claims

* Expensive bottled water


However, there are areas that are still in demand:

* High-end Wine and Liquor

* Designer handbags and shoes

* Designer clothing: although there is a slight decline for some items such as the basic, many consumers want that special piece such as dress or coat.

* Spas and beauty treatments

Playboy Offers Women More Fashion, Beauty and Glam

The Playboy lifestyle has expanded from it's original target market of men to focus on women. Women are buying into the revamped image of a more fun, trendy, and glam Playboy. With the huge success of the the "Girls Next Door" on E! (with women being the top viewers), it's evident that the Playboy lavish lifestyle is appealing to women. With more glam, Playboy's new image is changing the face of their consumer.

On Playboy's shopthebunny.com, they offer items from the provocative to the more conservative and classic be it fashion, beauty or home decor.


Velvet Body Balm
$24.00


Yoga Pants
$34.30 (sale, $49.00 original price)


Oversized Satchel
$99.00


Playmate of the Year Loose Body Shimmer Powder
$28.00


Varsity Coed Tee $39.00
Varsity Coed Shorts $39.00


Glam Embossed Handbag
$54.00


Classic Waste Basket
$29.00


Set of 2 Rabbit Head High Ball Glass
$14.70 (sale, $21.00 original price)


Bunny Heart Overnight Bag
$49.00


Beaded Rabbit Head Bracelet
$19.20 (sale, $24.00 original price)


Signature Large Carry All
$49.00


Classic Rabbit Head Tee
$29.00

Are Fashion Magazines Still Key?

by Courtney Brooks, M.S.

Are fashion magazines still key? Are they still a top player for advertisers? With newsstand sales not at their best, will we start seeing fewer top advertisers in the next 3-5 years? Will we also see fewer fashion magazines in the upcoming future?

It has been written about numerous times about the onset of fashion and beauty blogs and how more companies are looking for more personal ways to reach out to their target market and acquire potential new customers. And blogs give them that additional option. Also, some top fashion and beauty blogs are more than just adequate competition to magazines they have garnered a large percentage of readers and have been established as a creditable free resource. But with blogs, there is a risk of abandonment not just from readers but from the blog owners themselves. There is a huge turnover rate with people starting and abandoning their blogs.

Magazines are still a key component for reaching customers but since most fashion magazines are published monthly the publishers have created more interactive websites with some being updated on a daily or weekly basis. And found on some of the sites are advertisements that are aimed at the target audience. Magazines are also still key with some readers because they satisfy a convenience, visual and tangible factors. Some readers even stock pile or collect their magazines instead of getting rid or recycling them at the end of the month.

Though most top fashion magazines are in no danger of disappearing, publishers still need to start promoting and advertising their products (i.e. their magazines) or risk losing readers to other forms of competition. Recently, a few magazines have even started offering coupons, for instance Real Simple and Woman's Day placed them in the Sunday coupon booklets. Teen magazine offered a printable coupon on their website for their Winter issue. Offering coupons may work for some magazines but may not fit the image of others but they still need to figure out a way to improve their sales.

Event: Seminar on Email Marketing

What: The Association of Strategic Marketing seminar: Email Marketing in 2008: What Every Company Should Know.

When: March 27, 2008

Do you understand the critical components it takes to develop your email campaign? This examination of email marketing will give you a new perspective on how to position your website as your marketing program's centerpiece - on a 'shoestring budget'! This workshop will show you that email marketing is the most cost-effective tactic to reach your clients and prospects. We will take the mystery out of email marketing and give you the ingredients needed for a great campaign.

Once an email strategy is developed, you must make sure you are in compliance with the regulatory laws governing the use of Internet marketing. This program explores the various laws governing Internet marketing, recent lawsuits involving alleged improper marketing over the Internet and practical ways to comply with the law while still implementing an effective marketing strategy.

5 Reasons to attend:

* Tackle practical guidelines of CAN-SPAM
* Learn to avoid common email marketing mistakes
* Discover email techniques you can implement today
* Convert email campaigns to sales
* Master your multichannel marketing process

BONUS! Free manual with registration

Where:
Hotel Information:
Hilton Garden Inn
Philadelphia 1100 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 923-0100

Price:
Member: $249
Non-Member: $399

Three Easy Ways to Register:
Online: Register Now!
Mail: Printable Registration Form (PDF)
Phone: 866.226.0828

4 Tips for Text Messaging by Lizzie Post

(Photo Credit: teamsugar.com)

Yes, text messaging is convenient especially in our very busy society but it can sometimes be see as rude and impersonal. Etiquette expert, Lizzie Post has created "4 Tips for Texting" on her blog.

One of the tips that she gives is "not to use texting to send private material". Which is very good advice because you never truly know where it's going to end up (identity theft) and if it will pop up later on. To read the rest of her informative advice click here. Also, check the comment section, she has posted an additional "10 Rules for Texting".

My Life: Just on my mind 2

* I think a lot of people who are thinking about entering into the Fashion or Lifestyle PR field don't realize how much work you really have to do everyday. My day starts early and most times it's long. It's not as glamorous as it appears on TV or in the movies. I considering myself very energetic and ambitious with a passion for this. On some level, I think you have to be because there is so much more than attending events, meeting celebrities, etc.

* A friend of mine who's new to PR has been feeling really frustrated with pitching and wondering why she's not getting her clients a lot media attention. I asked her to send me pitch letters for a couple of her clients. I read it and realize that nothing stood out or seemed interesting. Also, there is nothing in it for the media as in what do they really get out it (for instance is it something that their readers or viewers would really be interested in). The letters just seem a little generic. I ask her to really think about her clients products and really get interested in them because if you're not interested in them then why should anyone else be.

* I received quite a few e-mails throughout the year letting me know that they like my blog because it's not completely focused on celebrities. I really don't like to focus on the tabloid kind of information but I hope that you find it interesting. Thank you for all the e-mails of praise and I hope to continue to bring you great information.

Slate Magazine article on Coffee Shop Discrimination

I was reading an article from Slate Magazine earlier today about coffee shops and discrimination and thought it was interesting. Since, I'm not a coffee drinker I wanted to know what you think. Here is some of the article with the link to read it in full.

Waiting for Good Joe
Do coffee shops discriminate against women?
By Tim Harford

I'm a real cappuccino lover myself, but many of my female colleagues don't seem to go for the stuff. I'd never thought too much about it until recently. I suppose I carelessly assumed that men and women have different tastes, probably as a result of different social influences. Now I know better: My female colleagues don't go to coffee shops because they're shabbily treated when they get there.

That's the conclusion of American economist Caitlin Knowles Myers. She, with her students as research assistants, staked out eight coffee shops (PDF) in the Boston area and watched how long it took men and women to be served. Her conclusion: Men get their coffee 20 seconds earlier than do women. (There is also evidence that blacks wait longer than whites, the young wait longer than the old, and the ugly wait longer than the beautiful. But these effects are statistically not as persuasive.)

Perhaps, says the skeptic, this is because women order froufrou drinks? Up to a point. The researchers found that men are more likely to order simpler drinks. Yet comparing fancy-drink-ordering men with fancy-drink-ordering women, the longer wait for women remained.

It is not clear whether women were held up by male staff because the men viewed them with contempt or because the male staff members were flirting furiously. The "contempt" explanation seems more likely, as the extra time that women have to wait seems to increase when the coffee shop is busy. Who would take extra time out to flirt just when the lines are longer?

To read the article in full click here
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My opinion:

I'm not a coffee drinker, but I do have friends that are and they spend an awful lot of time waiting in long lines for coffee in the morning and sometimes they complain about the service or extremely long lines. In response, I would sometime suggest (half jokingly) that they just buy a coffee maker and make their own coffee at home then they don't have to waste time waiting in line.

I understand the whole thing about coffee, it's more than just used as a way to wake you up in the morning but it's a way that people can get together and socialize. In a way it helps you feel like you are part of the group. If you watched friends you noticed that the group would all meet up at Central Perk to sit around drinking coffee and talking.

However, I could not see myself accepting poor service no matter what the product is. My take on poor service (something that I would view as deliberate and intentional) is if I feel like I'm getting consistently poor service I would either go somewhere else or figure out another option. For instance, I would buy a coffee maker and brew my own coffee. It would save me countless hours of waiting in line and in the future save money and possible save the environment (no cups to throw away). But then someone could also argue the convenience factor in going to coffee shops, which I totally get because everyone's so busy these days that to nip into the nearby coffee shop would in theory save you time and send you back on to your busy schedule. But is convenience really worth it if you're receiving poor service.

Well this is all my opinion and I noticed that most people don't mind having to wait in line because they have gotten so used to their daily routine and don't feel like changing it for good or bad reasons.

Myth #1: PR is So Easy.

Last night, I was talking with a friend about different careers, working and finding time for a social life she says "I am so tired after working all day to even think about going out. You have it easy. It's not like you really have to work too hard your in PR."

That's like the biggest misconception around that PR is so easy and that the only thing you have to do is schmooze and gush about people, products and companies. Which is so not true. I'm in Marketing, Public Relations and Special Events and each area requires so many different skills besides talking about the latest things. For one thing you have to know how to write and to be able to write in different styles then couple that with time management such as a speedy deadline and paying very close to all the details. I'm very relaxed with this blog because I write this for fun and here I'm a little less anal about details as compared to actually working on a project. I try not to make any mistakes but I also don't stress about it if I do.

So many reality shows such as MTV's "PRgirls" and "The Hills" (Heidi), and The Soap Network's "The Fashionista Diaries" (Bridget) make it seems like there is nothing to this profession. That everything is so easy. All you have to do is call up an editor and let them know about your client and then they're featured in the next issue. Yeah right.

If you can love a career, I love Marketing, Public Relations and Special Event. It can be stressful and demanding but I can't think of doing anything else. I was reading about business since I was a little girl and I guess I'm one of those weird people who always knew what they wanted to do when they grew up.