Nordstrom Opens New Store in Santa Monica, California

SEATTLE -- Leading fashion specialty retailer Nordstrom opened the doors to its new 122,000 square foot store in Santa Monica, Calif. Friday, Aug. 27th at Santa Monica Place. The three-level store features a great mix of clothing, accessories, shoes and cosmetics for women, men and children.

Customers can shop a well-edited selection of quality, luxury and designer fashion brands from progressive designers such as Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Elizabeth and James, Halston Heritage, Current Elliot for Marni and Rag & Bone. To complement this offering, the store also offers Marc Jacobs, Jimmy Choo, and Dolce & Gabbana handbags, as well as footwear from Giuseppe Zanotti, Manolo Blahnik, Valentino and Burberry.

Nordstrom at Santa Monica Place also offers services to enhance the shopping experience. These amenities include in-store alterations and tailor shop, certified bra and prosthesis fitters, and Personal Stylist -- a complimentary wardrobe and shopping service. The store will also feature two food offerings: a Blue Stove restaurant and an espresso bar.

In advance of the store's official opening, more than 1,500 guests attended a sold out gala on Wednesday night hosted by Nordstrom. The event raised more than $150,000 for Chrysalis and Children's Institute, Inc. Actress Angie Harmon served as the event's honorary chair and customers enjoyed an intimate performance by Grammy-winning songwriter and entertainer Michael Buble.

Opening day began at 8 a.m. with the Nordstrom Beauty Bash. Shoppers learned about the newest cosmetics and fragrances for the fall season, and enjoyed complimentary skincare consultations and makeup lessons from Nordstrom beauty advisors. Customers were greeted inside the doors by lines of enthusiastically cheering employees when the store opened at 10 a.m.

"Our employees can't wait to serve customers here in Santa Monica and offer them a great shopping experience," said Marcille Hughes, Nordstrom Santa Monica Place store manager. "We are thrilled to join Santa Monica Place, which combined with Third Street Promenade is a great shopping destination."

Nordstrom, Inc. is one of the nation's leading fashion specialty retailers, with 196 stores located in 28 states. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 115 full-line stores, 78 Nordstrom Racks, two Jeffrey boutiques and one clearance store. Nordstrom also serves customers through its online presence at www.nordstrom.com and through its catalogs. Nordstrom, Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

CONTACT:
Kristen Gonzales
Nordstrom, Inc.
(714) 376-5338

My Life: Sunny Morning, TV and a little Shopping

Happy March 1st, it's a beautiful sunny day (I guess depending on where you live) and it makes me excited for spring to get here. Seeing as though it's still snow outside (albeit, melting snow) it's not quite spring yet.

Is anyone watching the PR reality shows: Kell on Earth (Bravo) or The SPINdustry (E!)? I tried to watch them but I just can't seem to get into them. I guess I'm not a reality show person. The fashion PR industry really isn't doing that great and maybe these two shows will put a little spark back into it. I have a friend who worked for a Fashion PR company lose her job once the company had to down size.

What I have been watching lately is: Psych, Burn Notice, Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Cartoon Network) and Smallville. Some of my friends have been trying to get me to watch Chuck, who knows I might check it out.

Over the weekend, I went shopping and stopped by JCPenney (which had a great sale) and bought this really cute Charlotte Ronson 'I Heart Ronson' Trench Coat (see pictures below). I love it because you can also take the sleeves off for a totally different look. I also saw a pair of really cute d'Orsay open-toe pumps which I just might go back and get. I also stopped by the bookstore and bought a few books.

Lucky Magazine and HSN Team Up With Seven Designers to Create Designer Capsule Collection

Collection to be available exclusively on HSN, HSN.com, and at Lucky Shops

NEW YORK and ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Oct. 14 -- Multichannel retailer HSN and Lucky magazine have partnered to create a one-of-a-kind capsule collection with seven of the most sought-after designers. This exclusive collection will be available during a two-hour prime-time television special on HSN October 16 at 8PM and consists of limited-edition clothing, accessories, and jewelry created by Shoshanna, Rebecca Taylor, Tracy Reese, Abbe Held of Kooba, Gerard Yosca, Rebecca Minkoff, and Helen Ficalora.

Lucky Editor-in-Chief Kim France said: "We are thrilled with the beautiful pieces that have been created for the Designer Capsule Collection. It is so exciting to be partnering with HSN and have these unique, fabulously priced items reach a wider audience and bring Lucky Shops to life in an entirely new way."

The capsule collection features pieces of the same aesthetic that the designers are famous for, yet offered at accessible prices.

"The fashion business at HSN has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years as some of today's hottest designers debut on HSN and hsn.com," stated Lynne Ronon, Executive Vice President and Head Merchant for HSN. "HSN is proud to be partnering with Lucky and such a renowned group of top designers to bring an exciting new collection of fresh designs to our customers."

Items from premiere collection include:

• Shoshanna: Two sexy cocktail dresses, offered in two-three colors each

• Rebecca Taylor: A chic, drapey cardigan, available in five colors

• Tracy Reese: One body skimming party dress and one dolman-sleeved jersey cardigan, in four colors each

• Kooba: A stylishly oversized patent leather satchel, available in three colors

• Gerard Yosca: Two colorful necklaces with handmade glass drops and two pairs of matching earrings

• Rebecca Minkoff: Four classic, go-anywhere handbags in two-four colors each

• Helen Ficalora: Two delicate sterling silver charm sets

Fashionistas can get a sneak peek at the collection now during a special preview sale on www.hsn.com and can also view the collection in Lucky's November issue before they go on sale live on HSN on October 16 and 17 (with all seven designers and hosted by Lucky editor Cristina Mueller); and at the annual Lucky Shops event in New York City on November 5-7.

For more information on the Designer Capsule Collection please log on to http://www.hsn.com/luckyshops or http://www.luckyshops.com/

About Lucky:

Lucky, the award-winning magazine about shopping and style, showcases what to wear and how to wear it, making fashion and beauty fun and accessible. Since Lucky's launch in December 2000, circulation has gone from 500,000 to over 1.1 million, proving to be one of the most successful launches in Conde Nast history. For the latest news from Lucky, log on to www.luckymag.com.

About HSN:

HSN is an interactive lifestyle network and retail destination, offering an assortment of exclusive products combined with top brand names. HSN incorporates experts, entertainment, inspiration, solutions, tips and ideas to provide an entirely unique shopping experience for its customers.

On HSN and hsn.com, customers will find exceptional selections in:

• Health & Beauty (e.g. M. Asam, Carol's Daughter, Clarins, FusionBeauty, HoMedics, Italian Beauty, Andrew Lessman's Procaps, Lancôme, Serious Skin Care, ybf Cosmetics);

• Jewelry (e.g. Paula Abdul, Heidi Daus, R.J. Graziano, IMAN Global Chic, michaeLisa, Noir, Rarities: Fine Jewelry With Carol Brodie, Amedeo Scognamiglio, Tori Spelling, Serena Williams);

• Home/Lifestyle (e.g. Nate Berkus, Bissell, Colin Cowie, Dyson, Todd English, GreenPan with Thermolon, Emeril Lagasse, Joy Mangano, MoMA Design Store, Wolfgang Puck);

• Fashion/Accessories (e.g. Curations with Stefani Greenfield, Sam Edelman, Loulou de la Falaise, Carlos Falchi, Diane Gilman, Tina Knowles, Adrienne Landau, Sharif); and Electronics (e.g. Canon, Gateway, GE, HP, JVC, Kodak, LG, Sony).

HSN is available across all media including its TV network and online shopping destination hsn.com, which ranks in the top 30 of the top 500 internet retailers. HSN, the original home shopping network, is an operating segment of HSN, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSNI).

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.

Marketers Are Not the Reason People Buy Things They Don't Want

Rant for the day by
Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

I am so tired of hearing that "Marketers are the reason people buy things they don't want". People buy things because they want to buy them and not from ads or anything else. A person can see hundreds of ads and not be inclined to make a purchase unless it's for something that they were already interested in or thinking about buying. Saying that marketers are the reason would mean that people mindlessly shop and just buy whatever is pitched regardless of whether they want it or not. There are numerous reason why someone would make a purchase for instance, some consumers buy things as a status symbol or because they are simply trying to impress others.

I'm not going to deny that there aren't some ads that can be misleading and for those, make sure you do your research so you can make the best decision for you (and read the fine print).

Marketers are not forcing customers to go into stores and purchase anything. The consumer has freewill to make decisions and figure out for themselves if this is what they really want. Yes, Marketers help in figuring out the best way for customers to see the product but they do not force anyone to buy.

Ashley Stewart Stores Celebrate the Inauguration of Our 44th President, Barack Obama with a special 'Celebrating History' Event in 218 stores

SECAUCUS, N.J., Jan. 8 -- Change has come to America and Ashley Stewart stores will share in the celebration of the historic presidential inauguration of President Barack Obama with a special "Celebrating History" event on Monday, January 19, 2009.

Ashley Stewart will mark this historic event by offering customers a 15% discount off of their entire purchase, and providing customers with "Yes We Can" t-shirts for $10.00 at all 218 locations.

At select locations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Chicago, DC/Baltimore, and Maryland, from 12PM-4PM, a local DJ will provide music and entertainment in stores and light refreshments will be served. Additionally, "Yes We Can" pins will be distributed as a free gift with purchase for customers shopping in stores on that day.

"Ashley Stewart is honored to have the opportunity to celebrate this historic event with our loyal customers and valued associates," states Marla Minns, EVP and General Manager, Ashley Stewart Stores. "As an organization that consistently contributes to improving the communities where we serve, Ashley Stewart is thrilled to announce that we will be donating 5% of proceeds from the day's sales to a scholarship fund for students at Howard University in Washington, DC."

This monumental event will attract an unprecedented number of visitors to our nation's capital, all eager to experience and participating in America's history. Ashley Stewart is proud to provide our customers with the opportunity to celebrate with us through discounts, music, and special purchases on the day of this historic celebration.

About Ashley Stewart Stores:

Since the early 1990s, Ashley Stewart Stores have been setting trends for the plus-size woman, offering just the right mix of elegant, sexy and inspirational fashion, from lingerie to sportswear to career wear. Ashley Stewart has made a commitment to provide the most fashionable merchandise to our customers at a great value. The 218 store plus-size retail chain strongly identifies with and gives back to the communities where it serves.

For further information, please contact:

Linda Roskowski
Ashley Stewart
lroskowski@urbanbrands.com

Banana Republic Offers 30% Discount To Benefit Goodwill’s Job Training Programs

Banana Republic and Goodwill Industries Sponsor Sweater and Coat Trade-In Promotion

Rockville, MD – Banana Republic and Goodwill Industries are giving customers a chance to get ready for the holiday season and make a little room in their closets and hearts at the same time. Customers who donate their gently-worn sweaters or coats at any Banana Republic in the U.S. and Canada from October 16 through October 26 will receive a 30 percent discount on all regular priced Banana Republic merchandise for the same time period - some exclusions apply, see stores for details.

Donated items will be sold in Goodwill retail stores and the revenues will help fund Goodwill job training programs and support services for people with disabilities, those who lack education or job experience and other job seekers. In 2007, more than one million people benefited from Goodwill’s programs.

“The tremendous success of last year’s campaign encouraged us to continue this collaboration with Goodwill Industries,” says Chris Nicklo, Vice President of Marketing for Banana Republic. “This year, customers can get a jump start on the giving season by donating sweaters and coats to a great cause and once again join us in giving back to the local communities where we do business.”

“By donating to Goodwill, people are making an investment in their communities,” says Jim Gibbons, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Each donated sweater or coat will help us earn the funding we need to provide vital employment and support services for those who need it most.”

Banana Republic is committed to giving back to local communities across the country. This initiative is part of the company’s broader philanthropic approach, “Give Where You Live”, which encourages customers and employees to help make stronger, more livable communities. Banana Republic plans to expand this program with other partners in the future.

This is the second year that Banana Republic and Goodwill Industries are partnering together. Last year, the partnership generated more than 110,000 sweater donations and an estimated $438,000 in revenues to support employment programs provided by local Goodwill agencies.

###

About Banana Republic:
Banana Republic is a global accessible luxury brand that delivers the best in city style. Characterized by elevated design and luxurious fabrications, the Banana Republic lifestyle collections include apparel, handbags, jewelry, fragrance and eyewear. Banana Republic, a division of San Francisco-based, Gap Inc., can be found at over 500 retail locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Japan, BananaRepublic.com, or (888) BR-STYLE.



About Goodwill Industries:
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 184 community-based, independent member organizations in the United States , Canada , and 14 other countries. Each organization provides education and career services, job placement opportunities and post-employment support for people facing economic challenges including people with disabilities, those who lack education or job experience, low-wage workers and other job seekers. To pay for its programs, Goodwill sells donated clothes and other household items in more than 2,200 retail stores, and online at www.shopgoodwill.com. In 2007, 1.1 million people benefited from Goodwill’s career services. Goodwill Industries International reported $3.2 (b) billion in revenues, and channels 84 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services. To find your local Goodwill, use the online zip code locator at www.goodwill.org, or call (800) 664-6577.



Contact
Charlene Sarmiento
Media Relations Specialist
Goodwill Industries International
E-mail: charlene.sarmiento@goodwill.org

Goodwill places someone in a good job every 53 seconds of every business day.

Style Piece: The Trench Coat Part 2

Here are more options for that classic closet staple, the Trench Coat.


MICHAEL Michael Kors Three Quarter Length Trench Coat
$73.00 sale
Nordstrom


Burberry London All Weather Poplin Trench Coat
$1,195.00
Nordstrom


Gold-rimmed Button Trenchcoat
$198.00
Banana Republic


Jessica Simpson All Weather Belted Trench Coat
$178.00
Nordstrom


London Fog Faux Silk Trench Coat
$168.00
Nordstrom


Juicy Couture Skirted Trench Coat
$378.00
Shopbop.com


Gryphon The Timeless Trench with Pendant Belt
$760.00
Shopbop.com


Martin + Osa Signature Trench Coat
$170.00
martinandosa.com


L.A.M.B. Tie Waist Painted Trench Coat
$525.00
Nordstrom


Long Plaid Trench Coat
$148.00
Gap


Juicy Couture Princess Trench Coat
$350.00
Net-A-Porter


Burberry London Belted Trench Coat
$695.00
Nordstrom


Canvas SB Trench Coat
$49.80
Forever21


7 for all Mankind Compact Twill Trench Coat
$345.00
7forallmankind.com


Ruffle Trim Trench Coat
$119.00
bebe

Related Post:
Style Piece: The Trench Coat Part 1

Style Piece: The Trench Coat Part 1

There's nothing more classic than a Trench Coat. From adding an air of mystery to creating a more polished and professional look.

With so many different styles available, you have the option of finding a trench that will fit your style from conservative to fun and flirty, short or long in traditional shades or vibrant colors, prints and patterns. As well as fit into your budget.

The Trench Coat is an ideal piece to have in any closet.


Burberry Manston Trench Coat
$1,195.00
Net-A-Porter


H81 Short Cargo Trench Coat
$29.90
Forever21


Tibi Laniard Trench Coat
$655.00
Saks Fifth Avenue


Maria Dot Trench
$79.50
Delia's


Merona Solid Trench
$39.99
Target


Trench Coat
$138.00
Boden (bodenusa.com)


Ambition Short Trench Coat
$78.00
Nordstrom


Gabriella Trench Coat
$148.00
GUESS


Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Double-breasted Trench Coat
$880.00
Net-A-Porter


A.P.C. Classic Trench Coat
$440.00
La Garconne (lagarconne.com)


Classic Trench
$149.00
Mango (mangoshop.com)


Tracy Reese Four Pocket Trench Coat
$650.00
eDressMe.com


Burberry London Poplin Trench Coat
$995.00
Nordstrom


Forzieri Sand Italian Genuine Leather Trench Coat
$748.00
forzieri.com

Related Post:
Style Piece: The Trench Coat Part 2

Beauty: Buy a New Make-up Bag

You're a girl on the go, no doubt about that and the last thing you need holding you up is your make-up bag. This is probably a good time to replace your old make-up bag with the upcoming transition from summer to fall. What's absolutely great is there are so many different styles to choose from (ultra girly to urban sophisticate) but if you're a little on the disorganized side you may want to buy a clear plastic, zippered cosmetic bag to make it easier to find items.

If you're time crunched and Über Chic then you may want to buy a cosmetic bag that can double as an evening clutch. But if you travel a lot you may want to buy a weekend bag, train or travel case to place all of your beauty products and tools in without worrying about any broken or misplaced items.

Bag above: New Coach Heritage Stripe Large Beauty Case $98.00


Victoria's Secret Signature Stripe Makeup Bag Trio
$28.00



Miquelrius
Jordi Labanda "Fanny" Cosmetic Bag
$25.99
ebags.com


Stephanie Johnson
GRETA Medium Glitter Cosmetic Bag
$32.00
stephaniejohnson.com


Kate Spade
Patchin Place Small Henrietta
$60.00



mark. Exandable Cosmetic Case
$12.00
shop.meetmark.com


Coach Legacy Stripe Large Beauty Case
$98.00


Emilio Pucci Cosmetic Bag
$245.00
madisonlosangeles.com


Victoria's Secret Mini Cosmetic Bag
$10.00


Danielle Bold and Beautiful Framed Cosmetic Case
$11.95
amazon.com



Marc Jacobs Easy Patchwork Cosmetic Bag
$350.00
saksfifthavenue.com



Sonia Kashuk Frame Purse Cosmetic Bag
$12.99
Target



Danielle Bold and Beautiful Oval Travel Cosmetic Bag
$16.88
amazon.com


Brics Life Collection
Soft Beauty Case
$245.00
luggageonline.com

















Victoria's Secret Weekender Cosmetics Bag
$28.00