Favorite Things: Over-the-Knee Socks

I've always really loved this look, but only recently noticed how popular it has become.  It's a cheap way to really make a statement; I'm just going to have to figure out a way to pull this off in rainy, Oregon weather.

images via lookbook.nu

STRATEGY: Marie Claire's Twitter Approach

Twitter has been a recent concentration in my Strategic Communications class, so when I came across an article about Marie Claire's Twitter Strategy, I thought it was completely appropriate to discuss.

As a magazine that actually posts regular updates and engages with its followers, Marie Claire has created and maintained a strong presence through social media, which many magazines have yet to do.  Web Associate, Diana Vilbert, who manages the account on a daily basis, emphasizes the importance in tweeting interesting stories, tips or information that will appeal to the largest range of readers possible.  She says Twitter is not a place to talk at your readers, but rather somewhere to start conversation.

Since Marie Claire began tweeting in January, referrals have increased from 5.7K to 21.8K.  In addition to referrals, they actively search for mentions of Marie Claire (as opposed to replies to @marieclaire) and reach out to those tweeters to let them know they're there.

Check here for "5 TwitTips for a Successful Twitpitch".

images here

Fall Favorites

Fall Favorites. Click here for details on all the items.

PRCouture.com

A career in the fashion industry has literally fueled my way through college and remains a daily inspiration in my life.   It took me awhile to figure out where I could actually fit into the industry and how my skills as a PR major would be applicable, but I've started to create a vision for my future.

I was so excited to stumble across PRCouture.com awhile ago because it provides a hub for my two loves: PR and Fashion.  Through interviews with CEO's of Fashion PR firms, strategies on how to break into the industry, and postings for internships, part-time and full-time jobs, PR Couture has become my online career bible.

One interview I wanted to share with you is with Malorie Kaye, CEO from New York City's Cameo PR.  As I was reading through her responses, I immediately connected with how she envisioned her future when she was younger. This quote describes exactly why  I am so passionate about Fashion PR:

"With PR you have the ability to be a part of every detail, from forecasting trends and working on designer collections to introducing the world to exciting new projects and watching your clients flourish into household names."

-L.
Image 1- PR Couture Logo, PRCouture.com
Image 2- Malorie Kaye, PRCouture.com

Fashion Meets PR

Yes, I admit, I have neglected my blog for the past three months.  Typically, during the summer, it's even easier to find some extra free time, but these past couple months were unexpectedly busy.  First of all, moving mass quantities of personal belongings three times in one summer (with no air conditioning) is both exhausting and time consuming.  The last move was a happy transition into my first actual house with four great roommates, but, of course, this included a demand for furnishings...for the entire house.  Kitchenware, furniture, electronics, along with the set-up of utilities and services (including a long, and painful situation with Comcast) were among many on the list.  All this combined with an internship, job at Banana Republic and craving to live every second to its fullest during my last year as a college student = no blogging.  

My point within all of these excuses and ramblings is that I'M BACK! Ok, so it took a class within the public relations sequence in the Journalism school to actually realistically promise you that I will start posting two times per week (at least), but who cares, right? Now that I'm a senior with the "real world" inching closer every day, I am beginning to explore career options within the industry that I'm most passionate about.  These posts will still focus on fashionable opinions and random inspirations, but will now also include a PR perspective somewhere in the mix.   

Can't wait to see where the next ten weeks go!

-L.

Paper or Plastic?

I love to people watch. Besides the entertainment factor in catching someone slightly trip over his/her own feet right in front of you (and actually believing that nobody saw), there's an entire lookbook of streetstyle at your fingertips. I've tried to build a habit of grabbing my camera every time I leave the house, and although I tell myself I will document each ingenious fashion creation I come accross, somehow I always fail to live up to my expectations. However, today I vowed that I would remember every minute detail of this woman's outfit, and for the past hour have tried to reconstruct it through the use of my personal Holy Grail: The Internet.



I've recently grown to adore skirts (especially now that the weather actually allows me to wear them). My favorite? Tight, cotton, pencil skirts. They're versatile, cheap, and sexy, but today actually changed my life. The Paperbag waistline has moved on up to #1 on my list, and let me just tell you why.

A. Sinching at the waistline allows anyone to wear a tight fitting tee or tank because it successfully hides any problem areas around the belly.

B. Detailing in the waistline adds character to the outfit, minimizing the need for too many accessories and making it easy to look "simply chic".

C. It's an extremely flattering fit, giving an hour glass appearance.

Thank you, random woman at the mall, for allowing me to fall in love.

Sincerely,

-L.

#1-Satin/Taffeta Paperbag Skirt-Baboosskaboutique.com
#2-AFRICA Printed Paperbag Skirt- Asos.com
#3-Rag & Bone Leather Paperbag Skirt- Barneys.com

Constantina

Finals week. The epitome of stress and procrastination. I have a mere two paragraphs left until freedom and instead I'm obsessing over the iPhone app "Sneezies' (don't play it, it will consume your life) and refreshing my Twitterfeed every five seconds as an excuse.

One discovery I do want to share, however, is Australian fashion designer, Constantina. Her pieces emulate a combination of my absolute favorite style elements in a refreshing and modern collection. The prices are extremely reasonable and you'll be wearing garments all the way from Aussie-land.

-L.