Archive for February, 2012
Monday, February 27th, 2012
We’re looking forward to spring and Seattle sunshine in part so we can begin incorporating these upcoming trends into our wardrobes. Here’s how we plan to work them into the office:
The color: orange
Contrary to what many think, this bright hue is very flattering and easy to wear. It looks great on dark skin, light skin, blondes and brunettes! We’ll be on the hunt for a super chic orange shirtdress for the office, like this option from Diane Von Furstenberg.
The print: tribal
We love the idea of tribal print on a sophisticated shape and think this pencil skirt will be the perfect addition to our spring work wardrobe.
The shape: peplum
We love peplum tops, jackets and dresses. This feminine shape is structured and polished, making it an easy trend to wear in the office. With a longer sleeve, we can easily work a peplum top or jacket into our wardrobe even before temperatures start to rise.
The era: 1920s
The “Great Gatsby” is leaving our high school English class and heading straight into our wardrobe. Art deco-inspired blouses are great for layering under blazers. Adding in a red lip and soft curls offers the perfect blend of 1920s and 21st century.
What are your favorite spring trends? Tell us on Facebook!
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012
Want to know how we put the PRO in PR? Morning reading, afternoon reading and more reading before bed. From scouring local and national newspapers at dawn, to scanning daily business headlines on the morning commute, to staying fresh on client industry newsletters at lunch, and throughout the day keeping tabs on the latest trends in social media and PR on Facebook and Twitter, our team is made up of media scavengers. Think we’re a bunch of nerdy bookworms? Thanks for the compliment!
Check out this list of our favorite news, PR, pop-culture and social media must-reads:
Vanity Fair – “Fan Fair”, celebrity cover stories, articles like “What’s wrong with NPR” and coverage of the Murdoch phone-hacking mess, and in-depth and analytical pop-culture and economy pieces keep us entertained AND on top of trends.
PR Couture – A great Facebook page for broad PR trend-spotting… and fun fashion-spotting too!
Mashable – Perhaps the most important daily newsletter we receive! A must-read for social media marketers and technophiles everywhere.
Puget Sound Morning Call – Add your local business journal’s daily rundown of local business news to your essential reading list. Not only do local industries provide a glimpse into big picture business trends, but they also keep you keen on what stories are hot for local reporters.
PR Daily – The ultimate source for social media analysis, crisis communications case studies, writing and grammar tips, and media relations and marketing trends. Work in PR? Sign up and open this email daily.
The Daily Green – Keep tabs on the top stories on organic food, healthy living, eco-friendly practices, new green products, and other sustainable topics.
The New York Times – This paper has been at the forefront of breaking news for 160 years. Subscribe to the digital issues for all-access, you won’t regret it.
All Facebook – Facebook isn’t going anywhere and its design and marketing capabilities are ever-changing. With Facebook and social media such integral components of any PR campaign, staying on top of updates are a must!
Social Media Examiner – Another fantastic resource for news on social media platforms, third party applications, product updates, and smart and savvy business tips for social media marketers.
What’s on your daily reading list? Share your top picks with us on Facebook!
Tuesday, February 7th, 2012
In our ongoing interview series with reporters to get the inside scoop on how to be a great PR resource to them, we’re interviewing Ali Brownrigg, former fashion columnist for NWSource.com, and current Seattle magazine columnist, writing the “Parental Guidance” column. We’ve been pitching Ali for five years and decided it was time to get a fresh perspective on what makes something ‘special’ enough for her to cover it in her column, the three elements that should be in every pitch, and her favorite local fashion and kid finds.
When you are receiving a pitch about a new product, event or service, what sets a good pitch apart from a not-so-good pitch?
Relevance. I really appreciate it when I’m pitched something that is relevant to my beat. It means that the PR person really did their research and cares enough about the product, etc. to send the release/pitch to the right person.
What three pieces of information should be in every pitch?
A photo! Especially for bloggers, a photo is key to getting a mention – the less work I have to do to track down an image, the better. Ditto for photo credit – I love it when that’s included in the pitch, as well. A website. You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve received a pitch that doesn’t include a website. A relevant angle. This is especially key with a product that’s been on the market for a while. Why should I care about this? What’s new about it?
When receiving information about a new product or event, do you prefer a traditional press release or pitch?
I prefer a pitch with the release attached for extra information. If it’s from a PR person I’ve worked with in the past, I’m totally fine with a more casual pitch asking if I’m interested in hearing more.
Are you open to receiving communications from PR pros via your Twitter handle?
No. I’m not that into Twitter and prefer my communications to come via email whether I know the PR person or not. I do sometimes get leads from people who follow me from Twitter, like when a new store follows me, but really, I tend to ignore Twitter.
Having written about so many great local labels, stores and products, you are pretty much an expert. What are you top local fashion finds?
There are dozens of stores that I love in Seattle, but I do tend to shop at just a few on a regular basis. I love Driftwood in Madrona for amazingly affordable designer finds; Juniper, also in Madrona, and Merge in Fremont for effortlessly chic basics; and Totokaeolo for inspiration (I can only afford to shop their sale, though). I love Momo in the ID for unusual pieces; Meadow on Queen Anne for affordable trendy items; Essenza for their jewelry; and A Mano for their incredible selection of splurge-worthy, yet practical shoe and boot selection. And I always make a point of checking out what my neighborhood shops have, especially Clementine shoes. (That’s an unsolicited plug!)
How about your favorite local finds for kids.
I tend to shop consignment stores and thrift stores like Value Village for my kids since they’re so rough on their clothes, but I love City Mouse Studio and Store, also in West Seattle for their clothing and gifts – they’ve got a great selection of Tea and Tiny Toms.
Read Ali’s column “Parental Guidance” every month in Seattle magazine.
