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"Thoughts"
Recently I sat down for an interview with journalist Meagan Gill of the Kwantlen Chronicle. Here it is!
Thank you to Meagan for interviewing me and writing such a lovely article. Much appreciated!
Xo StyleStruck
To all the lovely people who read my blog for posts on style: let’s keep fresh in the world of social media, shall we? I just came across this video posted to Twitter and had to share. Check out how Facebook plans to revolutionize the way we interact with each other, and keep track of our conversations.
Incredible what Facebook is doing.
A few more Formspring questions that need answering! Thank you for your questions! Please note that if you don’t get an immediate response it’s because I’m planning on using your question for an upcoming Formspring-dedicated post!
1. What’s your favourite part to running your blog?
Every single part of it. I love the creative side of developing post ideas, whether it be a photo shoot, a story idea from a far off PR person, a video or just pictures of my cat. I adore reading feedback from readers, meeting readers (shout out to the lovely girl at Giovane Cafe who recognized me last week!), and of course attending events. I love it all.
2. How long does it take you to create a blog post? When do you know if its “blog-worthy” of an outfit or of anything?
Each post is different. Some posts take 15 minutes, others take a day or so of deliberation on wording, photos, etc. I don’t know if there is a “blog-worthy” standard at all. When I want to publish a post I always stop before making it public and think, “Is this something that my readers will enjoy? Does it fit within the brand I’m trying to create?” At times I feel a little challenged with this because I aim to reach a readership that enjoys both frivolous posts like new shoes as well as a biz related topic, such as Prezi as a new presentation tool. So there is worry there that a post may be too girly, but then I have to remember that my blog is also an extension of myself, so if I find it interesting, generally it gets published.
3. What’s your current job?
I get asked this a lot, generally I don’t answer because I think it’s a bit weird to post where you work on the internet. As much as I love you readers, I don’t want one of you showing up at my work places. That said, I feel comfortable saying that I work at Best Buy Canada headquarters and spend a little time there each week, with the rest of my hours done from home. I also dabble in a little freelance social media and fashion work, ex. fit modeling for Fidelity Denim. In addition, I spend a few nights a week serving tables at a local casual-fine dining restaurant – I like to shop, if you haven’t noticed. ; )
4. So are leggings totally out? I thought they were okay with tunic style tops? Are skinny jeans still cool?
MY MESSAGE HERE IS THAT LEGGINGS ARE NOT PANTS. THEY NEVER HAVE BEEN, NEVER WILL BE. I don’t want to see every crook and cranny of your, um, area. Wear a LONG sweater, or tunic. Or, better yet, throw away your leggings. If you read my NYC posts, you will remember that I was a giant hypocrite and wore leggings for the flight to NYC (traveling is a whole other story, and I wore a long shirt with them.) I really hate the way they look, thing is, I know they don’t add any bulk, but ladies, they are the most unflattering things. I swear they make thighs look double the size that they look in good denim. And most tunics only emphasize this. Skinny jeans will never be out, I think we are passed having only one style of denim per season being “in.” However, let’s keep in mind that tapered pants are probably not the most flattering for all sizes of women. We must wear what compliments and flatters our own bodies, regardless of what the magazines say. What do they know anyways? They show us the trends on stick-thin 16 year olds. *eye-roll*
5. If you could add anything to your wardrobe right this moment, what would it be?
A YSL bag-any kind, flat tan leather boots and a great big cashmere plaid scarf.
6. I have a red tommy hilfiger designer purse and I have never used it what should I wear it with?
Considering that I have no idea what this purse looks like or what it’s meant to be used for – evening, day or work, I’ll give a recommendation based on the colour. I ADORE red. Let’s assume this is some kind of day bag and you want to wear it during the fall/winter seasons. I would pair it with dark denim and a navy pea coat (I don’t love black and red together, although if it was a black leather bomber I think I would feel differently). If you’re looking for a practical look, how about a cream sweater under a white puffy vest for the festive season? Accessorize with a plaid scarf that has a little red stripe in it, or perhaps a tan/caramel scarf. On that note, own any tan/caramel coloured sweaters or jackets/coats? What’s more chic than tan and red? Oooh and add red lipstick. I know this is a little different, but my Kate Spade purse is a violent shade of hot pink and sometimes it’s challenging to pair it with a casual outfit during the colder seasons. Last night I wore it with all sorts of black textures (leather, denim, wool and cotton) and hot pink lipstick. I was rather pleased with the effect; the lipstick tied it together.
7. What three things do you think a PR/marketing person must have to make themselves successful in the business world?
If I had the answer I’d be out there running some crazy big PR operation! *One day!* But I think gumption, a unique view and unique ideas and a big personality are all key to becoming majorly successful. (Why isn’t majorly a word? Perhaps the Oxford dictionary ought to be introduced to Victoria Beckham, who is majorly major. Oh wait, I just looked it up, it’s counted as slang on dictionary.com. Just FYI.)
8. What do you describe your style as?
Oh good heavens, you may have noticed that my style changes daily. One day I’m nautical, the next preppy, the next more rock and roll. The continuous theme may be that I feel more comfortable in conservative clothes – as in clothes that don’t expose a lot of skin as opposed to boring, plain clothes. I adore pattern and texture.
9. I bought a black skinny tie from H&M’s men’s section. i bought it for my son, but I’d like to wear it at my business-casual job. Any thoughts on possible outfits?
Ooh! I love this question! I think a good tie on a woman is hot! I think you could really pull off the tie with a good quality v-neck style cardigan. I say good quality, because if the cardi is a cheapie (while those are great), the look could come off a bit teen punk. I say do a chunky grey wool cardigan with dark jeans, or dress pants if you have to wear those to the office. Heels are a must to keep the look feminine. It’s also important to remember that the silhouettes of your clothing will really lend themselves to either making this outfit a smash or an “attempt.” Go for a fitted white shirt, a cardi that shows your shape and fitted jeans. Hope that helps!
The question and answer period is now over. (Until you ask me more questions).
Xo StyleStruck
For all the skeptics out there, please tell me you’ve become a Twitter-using, LinkedIn-posting, Facebook-liking social media know-it-all, (Vancouver needs more “social media experts”). Social media is as legit as any form of traditional PR, just look at where Electronics retailer giant Future Shop is looking for their next group of employees, Twitter and Facebook. I came across this article in the Vancouver Sun just this morning and think it’s a must share:
Job-hunting 2.0: It’s who you know and how you know them
This past week I joined dozens of fashion loving social people at Opus for an Obakki showcase. I do have a small post coming, but in the meantime, here’s a photo that Anthony Sedlak, entrepreneur and chef extraordinaire, took on his iPhone and sent to me. (Wearing: Vintage sequin jacket, H&M oversized tee, and Fidelity jeans, but you can’t see them.)
Xo StyleStruck
Lately I’ve been deeply immersed in all things communications. I’ve spent the last four weeks working with a well-known and respected Canadian company at their head quarters in corporate communications. Today I found this video highlighting the benefits of creating a public blog for your company, whether it be corporate or a small operation. BLOGGING IS AN AMAZING TOOL FOR DELIVERING A MESSAGE THAT YOU CONTROL AND SHAPE. Check out the video here and see why blogging can benefit you:
By the way, if you don’t already blog and seek help on how to go about it, contact me! I’m blog-obsessed.
- SS
Wearing: Zara leather jacket that I attached a piece of vintage fur to, Alternative Apparel hoodie, (this season), Dynamite tank, Fidelity jeans, Browns boots, (this season), Gianni Chiarini leather carry-all.
Today the weather felt just right. In fact, it quite suited my mood. I spent the morning trying to be as productive as possible, then ran out for a lunch meeting, and now find myself again at home with Marie. She’s actually sitting right beside me on the desk, edging on the computer. I keep having to push her off because she tends to mess with my typing. She’s the best little companion a girl could ask for! I must go now, press releases and research call my name.
What I get most excited about for fall is playing in the leaves at Stanley Park, big giant lattes, mittens, fur and cozy layers. What do you love about fall?
Traveling with my nerd-box, (computer), as always! Mmmm fall : )
Xo StyleStruck
I am lying belly-down on my incredibly comfortable yellow sofa, staring out into the grey sky and rain soaked street. I can’t help but love the rain, when I’m inside of course. And even better, I have no obligations today, thus making the rain welcomed as I curl up with old movies, (Arabesque ft. Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren) and my current flavor of chick lit, Chasing Harry Winston. Marie is also curled up beside me, having spent most of the morning chasing ribbons from my ballet shoes around, last night I pulled out my beloved pointe shoes for the first time in years, and managed to squeeze my feet into them again! Here is a blog post of a random collection of images and thoughts from the past week. Hope you’re enjoying the rain, or sun, wherever you are!
FYI I’m wearing a bodysuit under the shirt, which is from H&M. Pointe shoes by Bloch.
Last week I spent a quiet night at home alone with the lights off and tons of candles lit around my apartment, turned on some Norah Jones and cuddled up with a giant mug of tea. *sigh* Delightful!
Also last week Katie K., (she works at Fidelity Denim), and I went to an event hosted by Alexandra Isenberg of Searching for Style at Opus for Imran Ahmed of the Business of Fashion. Imran spoke about luxury houses’ use of social media, and how some are really embracing it, like Burberry. The talk was informative and interesting, very glad to have been a part of it! A big thank you to Alexandra for putting on such a wonderful event! (And Skyy Vodka for those yummy cocktails!) Apologies in advance for my not-so-great photos this post, my little Canon just fits so much better into my purse than the giant Nikon.
That’s all for now, much more to catch up on and to come! …. I do believe I mentioned I met Lance Bass…
LOVE NYC.
Back soon!
Xo StyleStruck
1. Other than blogging, what it is that you do for a living? Well, my current career goal is to work for a corporate company as a PR/Communications specialist so I am working as an intern. I also attend fabulous parties, photo shoots, fashion shows and social media events which is basically a full time job in itself-who will pay me for this?? However, I pay the bills by serving tables a few nights a week. I’m not telling you where, though it is a very nice place.
2. How did you find your apartment? Is it reasonable for the area? I live in Vancouver’s quiet and quaint West End. I have a junior one bedroom with a view of English Bay and pay a very reasonable amount, lower than what most places seem to be going for. I lucked out with my place! I found it by walking around the area looking for signs indicating availability, but I’m sure you could also find a lot on craigslist!
3. What are you biggest pet peeves? Hmm… I think probably inconsistency with people. For example, acting one way then acting polar opposite. I like consistency. That and when you’re out for dinner with someone and they’re rude to the server, not good.
4. Will you take pictures of your flat soon? And your closet? Sure, I can do that very soon for you! Keep checking back!
5. What are your favourite tv shows that you don’t like to miss? Well, I don’t watch much tv since I don’t own one, but I love Gossip Girl, 60 Minutes and 20/20. I can also get pretty wrapped up in any of TLC’s baking shows. OOOH and I love all the “Real Housewives” shows, can’t wait for the DC version to air!
6. What radio station do you listen to? If it’s on, it’s probably tuned into the beat 94.5. I like dance music.
7. Have you met any other bloggers? Who? Are you talkin Vancouver bloggers? If so, then I would say just about all.
8. What’s your favourite restaurant in Vancity? Oh, this is hard. I like so many for many different reasons. If I have to choose just one, then probably Joe Fortes, sitting on the patio with a cosmo and a steak. Mmmm.
9. Do you like twitter or facebook better for communicating? Twitter is great for connecting with the community, but Facebook is better for friends. Phone is best though.
10. What makes you nervous? Not knowing what I am going to wear to an important event, or not have a hand bag to match with my shoes for an important event. Trivial, I know, but that’s me.
11. What’s your favourite ice cream flavor? Chocolate!!
12. What is your target audience for your brand, StyleStruck or blog? Will it grow to be older as time goes on, or stay the same? Interesting question. I think my target audience is a woman between 18 and 30 who appreciate fashion as well as business. I hope to keep my current readers, so that as I get older and continue to blog, my readers will continue to follow me and read StyleStruck.ca.
13. Do you ever do online shopping? No, never have and am not likely to start. Shopping is my cardio and I really do prefer to try things on and see them in person.
14. Would you consider yourself a tidy or an unorganized person? Is your closet organized? I would say I can be a very organized person and that most of the time I am tidy. At the moment my closet is a bit of a mess since I am re-organizing everything as I ready my wardrobe for fall. (Though the time to pull on any sort of a sweater is still months away it seems.) I like to always be clean, but I can’t say that I am always tidy.
15. How would you describe yourself in 3 words? Oh heavens, I don’t know. I would hope others would say I am outgoing, friendly and stylish. I hope. And possibly a bit smart as well.
Well, that’s it for now! I will answer more soon, thanks for asking!
Xo StyleStruck
Since I’ve added Formspring to my blog, the questions have come rushing in! Rather than answer each question individually, I thought I’d do a post on them, so the questions and answers are shared! Here we go!
1. What are my favourite flowers? Definitely peonies! Sadly, they’re poisonous to kitties so I no longer bring them into my home. I also love hydrangeas!
2. Who’s my favourite model? Hands down Abbey Lee Kershaw! Adorable. (It used to be Agyness Deyn, was who the inspiration behind cutting my hair short a couple years ago).
3. How do I keep my skin so nice? Well, I battle with keeping good skin just as everyone does. Recently I’ve gotten more serious about a skin care routine and now use Skoah products religiously every morning and night. Other than that, I try to drink lots of water, eat well and of course avoid smoking. (Never have, never will).
4. Do you ever go thrifting? What are your favourite stores to get vintage clothes? Yes, I adore vintage clothing, though lately I haven’t had much time to shop. I would say that I don’t have a favourite vintage shop, as each may hold one treasure amongst a sea of not-so-great pieces. But generally Deluxe Junk in Gastown is good, as is Front & Company on Main St.
5. Who do you relate the most with out of the SATC girls? All of them, for different reasons. Just like with the Spice Girls back in the day, one day I’m feeling sassy, the next I’m feeling a bit more conservative. There’s a piece of each girl in all of us, which I think is a large part of the reason Sex and the City has done so well.
6. Do you ever feel insecure about yourself? I used to more than I do now. Of course I have my moments, but as I get older, I find that I face less insecurities. Confidence is key!
7. What personality were you in high school? I was fairly outgoing and friends with an eclectic mix of people. I was very academically inclined and was therefor gung-ho for committees like the student council and grad committee. I was also a tad obsessed with acquiring as many academic awards as I could. I guess that means I’ve always been a bit of a geek!
8. Do I get many hurtful comments on my blog? Occasionally I get a random comment telling me an outfit is horrible. Here’s what I think about negative comments: if that person is reading my blog everyday and continually checking up on what I’m up to, then I will give them the satisfaction of having their comment posted. After all, they’re adding to my number of visitors each day! I knew that when I started a blog I was making myself susceptible to criticism, heck, I was asking for it by putting my life on the web! (To those of you who do make the few negative comments, thanks for reading!)
9. What makes a true and great friend? My very closest friends are the girls in my life who I can tell everything and anything to. They’re the girls who laugh at me, laugh with me and leave the unsolicited advice at home.
10. In social parties, do you go up to strangers and start a conversation or are you more reserved and prefer to be approached by people? Both! I love to chat with everyone! I’m certainly not shy!
Okay, that’s it for now. If you didn’t see the question you asked listed here, that’s because in the past few days since I have installed Formspring, I’ve received a lot of questions. I’ll answer more in the coming days! : ) Thanks for your interest!!
Xo StyleStruck
Lately, I am going blog-crazy! In a good way, of course. Recently I began writing articles for Bratface Marketing’s blog on various topics related to internet marketing. The two articles that are posted thus far are:
Do You Know Your Target Market?
Search Engine Optimization 101
I’d love for you to take a look and let me know what you think! my hope is that if you’re involved in the business of internet marketing, or business in general, you find these articles helpful! My posts for Bratface Marketing will be coming weekly now, so keep checking back!
- SS
Bernadette Chirac
Recently I came across an article in Canadian Business Magazine explaining about the quotas set in European countries for a certain number of women to be on company boards. The legislation for the quotas was set as a way to increase diversity in corporate management. However, it seems that those who held the power pre-legislation have found a way to maintain their power hold; bring on elderly women who haven’t held a job in 40 or so years who can act as female representation. For instance, the LVMH company brought on 76-year-old Bernadette Chirac, the former first lady of France. I found this article quite interesting, if you’d like to read more, click here!
Xo StyleStruck
Blogger’s Disclaimer: These are my thoughts. I may be ridiculous, I may be brilliant, (it has yet to be determined), but I’m on the road to figuring it all out, and this post is part of that. So I ask that you read this post as though you and I were having a conversation, a casual discussion of a current topic. Thank you in advance. And please do leave your thoughts below in the comments section!
Sitting on a Yaletown patio, (Starbucks), thinking about biz. Notice, I’m wearing a collared shirt, which is obviously very professional and pretty much makes me a bonafide business woman, (insert touch of sarcasm). (A Tommy Hilfiger collared shirt. From Winners. Love Winners.)
Today I’m thinking about perceived value, and how you can create that in the way you establish your own personal brand. Recently BC Business published a blog post on their site about perceived value, from blogger Tommy Humphreys, author of The Shift Key, and it made me re-think my strategy in terms of how I position myself as I build my career. Being a blogger, or a “fashion blogger,” as I’m often introduced as, (I prefer: “fashion, lifestyle and PR blogger,” but no biggie ; )), it can be tricky deciding who and what I should and should not align myself with. This is true with every single brand, and I think every organization really has to think and do their homework to make sure that when they do choose to partner with another brand, that their ideals, goals and values line up. If they don’t, the brand value can be damaged. What I’m aiming for, in terms of brand perception, and this is a lofty goal here, so get ready, is to be perceived as a luxury brand, like a Chanel, or YSL blogger. I don’t say this because I literally have hopes to work with such luxury brands, (though, wouldn’t that be a fierce job!), but I mean it in the sense that I hope for my brand to hold serious cred in the minds of those in my industry. Take Chanel for instance, we all want a piece of it. We love Chanel for the craftsmanship, the quality, the sense that it is special and limited in quantity and of course the fact that it is indeed, very top shelf. (I’ve got Chanel on the brain as I am currently wearing the CC sandals.) The ideal situation for a blogger is to be taken seriously, to be understood and of course, to be wanted. What I’m trying to get at, is when you are building a brand, and trying to create a strong, positive perception around that brand, how do you know when an opportunity to work with a company is a good or bad choice for you? I’ve asked around and put together a short list of check points that should align when such a relationship is considered:
1. Values: Is there a shared set of values? Think community involvement, philanthropy, treatment of employees, quality of life and quality of work.
2. Goals: Are you working towards common goals? When thinking about a brand partnership, consider what kind of relationship you’d like to create with the potential partner, is it short-term or long-term? And does the potential partner want to create short or long-term relationships with their clients? (The obvious answer is of course long-term, but many companies do not operate this way. As I’m sure you’ve noticed when you didn’t receive good customer service at that restaurant you visited recently when they forgot your food and then it was cold. Just an example.) Do their financial goals match with yours in terms of budgets and what kind of money each part of the budget is worth. Example: Is having an influential host at your event worth paying for? (Answer: Probably. It pays, literally, to have a job well done.)
3. Mission: What are you working towards? Does this potential partnership aid in growing your biz/brand? Do both brands hope to make a difference in society through their work?
4. Target Market: So important! Are you and your potential partner selling to the same market? This is an easy one to figure out, and it’s a deal breaker. If your markets align, then fabulous, if not, what is the point of such a relationship? If you want to be the Chanel of your industry, align with companies who also strive to be at the very top of their game, with brands of value.
I shall now take my own advice and (try to) apply it to my own decisions. Tell me what you think.
- SS
And what I wore while I wrote this business-themed post: Tommy Hilfiger striped collared short, white denim Trina Turk shorts, Chanel platform sandals, rose gold fossil watch, vintage bling, H&M sunnies and a tan leather Makowsky bag. Laptop by Apple. Just another day at the office!
Well, it seems as though the brilliant women’s clothing designer Christian Lacroix will now be designing shrapnel. I mean coins. I’m happy for Christian and his new position, that’s assuming he’s happy about it, but I can’t help but feel as though his skill will be lost on the hard, non-chiffon-type-swooshing surfaces that are silver, copper and other various metals and alloys. Read it for yourself.
With further tears over the end of a Lacroix era that I was never able to take part in,
StyleStruck
This past weekend I spent my entire Saturday and Sunday devoted to re-arranging and fixing up my apartment. Sunday night was spent picking out black and white photos from a stack of old Vogues, then framing them in matching black frames, (see above). A few of the frames feature one picture with a dash of hot pink in it for a little needed color. The three pictures at the bottom are images I took out of a vintage Versace book I found in Brooklyn! All of my furniture has found a new home in my living room, which made room for the new table and soon-to-arrive new, and much anticipated, chairs! It also allows for space for a coffee table and perhaps another comfy chair. Or not, apparently there isn’t a money tree growing outside my balcony. But one day I will have all my dream furnishings!
Nothing like fresh flowers in the summer time!
If you live in the downtown area of Vancouver, I highly recommend visiting the flower vendor at the corner of Burrard and Dunsmuir. Unlike other flower vendors, their prices are quite reasonable and they provide an excellent selection of flowers! Today I chose a bouquet of a dozen yellow roses, then carried them all about town as I did my errands. I felt a bit like a pageant queen.
A table teaser!
This is the year I decided to grow up; I’ve finished school, taken on an internship, (with Andrea Baxter of Bratface Marketing), gotten my apartment in order and I’ve stopped the late nights out, (save for a few dancing nights out with the ladies!). I buy real groceries, like fruit and vegetables and other various ingredients with which I actually cook and bake and I do house work – almost every day, there’s 3 loads of laundry in right now. Oh, and sweatpants are now strictly for at-home only, which of course is very adult of me. And then there’s Marie, my little sweetheart. I’m having a bit of a proud moment that life is starting to straighten out into a more predictable path, rather than the hap-hazard path it used to seem like. Now I’m rambling, anyhow, you get the point. : )
Now I must go take out my laundry, sort it and put it all away. (Oh the joy.)
Xo StyleStruck
Hello!
Only a few days away and it feels like it really has been too long! First, I received some questions as to where to purchase Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics, they sell their products over their website, which is HERE! And be sure to check out their “Drink Pairings” for the nail polish! Amazing! Love that.
So I mentioned I purchased a set of fabulous chairs, which were supposed to arrive today. But apparently there was some mix up over at Urban Barn and now the chairs will be coming on Thursday. (They better come Thursday because I neeeeed them for Friday!! Urban Barn, you listening??) Anyways, I FOUND A TABLE! So very excited about this, it’s only been 6 months without a table to eat at. I found the most beautiful mirrored table-for-two at The Cross. It sits under a sunny window and is just divine, last night I sat and stared at it for nearly an hour, thinking of how beautiful baked goods and peonies would look sitting on it. May I just take a moment to say how much I adore The Cross? It is like a little bit of heaven in that store, and to be able to take a piece of that home with me, well, *swooon*. A picture of the table and chair set will come Thursday, so that you can see the set together!
For today I wanted to post about an article I just read in July’s edition of American Vogue. A brilliant article FINALLY declaring the end of the gothic-waif-thrifty-hipster! Hurrah!! WE ARE WOMEN. LET US WEAR BEAUTIFUL SKIRTS WITH PRETTY HEELS AND FEMININE MAKE UP. PLEASE.
“All Dressed Up” by Sally Singer
“… right now, the look that has been doing the rounds for what feels like, oh, forever is suddenly tired, tired, tired. The biker jacket with one too many zippers. The slouchy distressed tees that now only cause frayed nerves. The heavy buckled platform ankle boots that are a dead weight. And the leggings! The leggings, in leather or nylon or gleaming PVC; time for them to walk to the back of the closet. Girls who once dressed for their inner rocker don’t want to hum that tune anymore. “It started as an easy, careless, thrown-on way of dressing that was fun to wear,” says Vanessa Traina. “And then it became trendy and too self-conscious.” (Read the rest of the article in the July Vogue, pg. 61.)
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! I do admit though, during the fall I did try to have a “grungy” moment, and am a self-declared failure. I now know that preppy chic is really what makes me most happy and what suits me best. Speaking of which, last night I wore a blue and white striped polo to class with cuffed dark denim and white leather flats. A classmate told me I looked preppy, my heart swelled as I said “Thank youu!”
More post with lots of pictures coming soon, soon, soon!
Thanks for reading,
Xo StyleStruck
(Above: Ms. Anna dello Russo) Remember, fashionistas and fashionistos, these rules are very important if one wants to become the most fabulous fashion-show attendee. Thank you Anna d R for these bits of brilliance taken right from her blog, (literally taken exactly as is, spelling errors and all!):
” During the fashion week I havemy rules to follow and I’m goingto tell my top ten list for theFRONT-ROW “
1. YOU MUST WEAR OUTFIT ONCE.
2. WEAR GOOD SHOES. DON’TBOTHER WITH A BAG CAUSE WHENYOU PUT IT ON THE FLOOR IT COULDBE ANYONE.
3. WEAR COAT AS A DRESS.ONE-SHOT IS BETTER.
4 . DON’T WEAR SUNGLASSES,IF YOU NOT ARE VIP (VERY VERYIMPORTANT PERSON).
IT’S IMPOLITE.
5 . SOMEBODY WEARINGYOUR SAME OUTFIT?
WONDERFUL, YOU DID THERIGHT CHOISE!
6. FLASHY JEWELS PERSONALIZEYOUR STYLE.
7. NOTHING SUCCEEDS LIKE EXCESS!
8. DON’T PEEK INTO THE CLIPBOARDOF WHO IS SITTING NEXT.
9. DON’T SAY HELLO SHOWILY ANDWARMLY AT WHO IS IN FRONT OF YOU.
10. SHARE YOUR LOVE FOR THE SHOWON TWITTER AS MUCH YOU CAN.
Serious fashion advice from Japan’s “it” editor!
Xo StyleStruck
Sad, but true. Mat, we are all looking forward to seeing what your next moves will be! You’ve been a tremendous source of inspiration!
Here is the story, written by Fiona Anderson for Canada.com.
: ( – SS
So you’ve started a business and brought on a team of capable people who are going to lead your company into the next phase of ENORMOUS business growth and development and even BIGGER profit margins. Right? Do those people you’ve hired understand your brand to the full extent? Do they know that they work for a company that believes in treating its employees like family and that’s why you bring them chocolate cupcakes from time to time? Or maybe they just think you’re trying to fatten them up so they won’t be able to waddle away from their positions. If your employees don’t understand the value behind the company beliefs and vision, how are they supposed to help your business reach its potential?
This post is dedicated to the smart ideas I recently found in an article explaining “how to create communications materials that employees will actually use” by the Harvard Business Review. Communicating with your employees is an equally important aspect of marketing as communicating with your customers. I am very interested in marketing, hence, this post.
A bit I liked from the article: “Internal communications materials are vital to energizing employees and helping them understand and embrace the brand vision, but they are usually so dull and generic that they have the opposite effect: at best they gather dust, at worst they’re widely ridiculed.” Make sure your style of communication hits all the right notes:
1. “Don’t Preach.” – Avoid developing internal communications tools from a top-management perspective, most likely it won’t be read or understood. Instead, have your employees tell you what they’re thinking about in terms of the company’s values, then develop materials that speak directly to your employees. And don’t forget to use their lingo when communicating. Nothing worse than trying to understand something that’s full of pretentious jargon. Dumb it down, (I mean that in the most PC way possible), and make the writing interesting. PLEASE.
2. “Emphasize Beliefs Rather than Intentions” - “Beliefs come directly from the brand essence, they reveal much about what the company is at its core. Intentions describe how you’ll achieve your business objectives.” Beliefs don’t change, intentions do.
3. “Make the Medium Part of the Message” - Present your communications materials in a new way that will inspire your employees to read it. For example, you could create an internal company blog with daily posts featuring stories you gathered from your employees and messages about how your employees can accurately represent your company both in their work and in their lives. If you already have an internal blog, be real, is it interesting? Would you want to spend your time reading it?
4. “Design Materials to Fit the Purpose” - The likelihood of your employees reading a gargantuan book of company messages is slim to none. I feel like we all know that, with “we” including those who are managers. So why are intense and intimidating documents still being created and shipped out? Perhaps because companies don’t want to change, the whole text book thing is pretty old school. Personally, I think that that method of communication won’t effectively reach employees 35 and under. Create a piece of company literature that your employees can easily carry with them or easily access, like a blog, to constantly be reminded of the brand they’re representing. Having something that’s easy to access makes it much more possible for each employee to remember what you’re trying to tell them.
5. “Have Fun” - Communicate in a memorable, effective way by speaking to your employees’ senses of humor. If you can make them laugh, I believe you can have your employees understand and appreciate your message.
- SS
I am an avid reader of magazines. I buy approximately 3 or 4 a month. Beyond my standard magazines that I consider must-reads, (Vogue, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar), I will often purchase UK editions, like Harper’s Bazaar UK, or Elle UK. Well today I went through the magazine aisle at my local London Drugs to pick up the latest Vogue featuring Blake Lively on the cover, (which London Drugs STILL hasn’t stocked, why are they always the last to get the next month’s mags in??), when the latest North American-received issue of Harper’s Bazzar UK caught me eye!
JENNIFER ANNISTON ON THE COVER?!?! AGAIN?!?! Does she seriously move magazines? Because I know that when I see J.A. on a cover, I am instantly repelled. She is just not of interest to me, nor to many of my friends. How about featuring someone fresh and interesting??? Just sayin’.
That’s all.
