MANGO now fills the need for both XX & XY

It’s nice to see that MANGO finally entered the men’s fashion market back in March, it’s obviously going very well as they have now opened an all men’s store in Barcelona. I am a massive fan of MANGO, I always feel like I am wearing a really expensive item, as the cuts of their products are always perfect, you never get the ‘wearing a bag’ feeling. It’s great that men will now too get the opportunity to wear quirky, well made clothing off the high street. I yet to set my eyes on the men’s range, I just hope that their standards are as high for men as they are for women.

“PR’s a Doss” – I Think Not!

Yes it’s a fact; dissertations have the same affects as taking a bullet.

The last two weeks have been an emotional, stressful, VERY unpleasant journey to fitting back into university lifestyle. It’s ironic how this time last year I was in the same position when I started my work placement.

Waking up every day at 6.00am was a shocker after the norm, of lazily lying in till lunch time; now I would give my back teeth to be in that position again. You hear it all, “you should cherish your last year, it’s the best of them all!”, “it’s so much fun especially if you’ve been on placement, you get to be a student again”.

I’m doing longer hours now than I ever was working. OK hands up I am waking up later but I blame this on simply not being able to get to sleep straight away. I lye awake stressing about an endless list, work load, not having time to take on a job let alone find one, lack of 'fundage' in my bank account, I don’t have a dissertation title, it goes on.

So to all those millions of people with a degree under their belts, my hat goes off to you, and I hope I too make it through this treacherous journey, what they call uni.

PR campaign to smile at :-)

I love TK Maxx’s PR campaign which was located at their New Kensington store this morning. Shoppers were greeted by people chained to railings shouting “Set Big Brands Free” what a great idea! As this is the first central London store there was a lot of hoo-ha to whether a shop like this should be in central London, I mean come on the biggest Primark I have ever seen is metres away from Selfridges, give them some slack.

Dissertation distress.....Alcohol in need

I’m still in two minds (more like 20) with what dissertation title to choose. Throughout life we are put in various situations where we need to make a choice, what university, what house are you going to buy, what career, what job, the list is endless. Like so many I’m not the best when it comes to decision making. It’s not that im indecisive, it’s usually because I like more than one of the choices and would prefer two of the outcomes rather than one– a little greedy some may say.

So I have spent the last couple of days on my dining room table with books, photocopies, old essays, uni folders and a blank notebook in front of me (the only thing which has remained untouched). With the clock ticking and days disappearing into thin air, I’m starting to get a bit panicky as what to write about, with many ideas zooming through my mind I think its just time to put the research down and crack open a bottle of wine. After all, people always “sleep on it!”

Safe, legal adventures with the Venturi Mini

This looks like a very clever piece of technology, it's called the Venturi Mini. It enables users to stream music and phone calls, to be played through the car stereo. All you need to do is plug it into the cigarette lighter and let it send signals to the FM radio. Some mobiles will download their phonebook to the Venturi, so you can scroll through your contacts on the display, allowing calls to be made directly from the set. When you receive a call the music will cut out for the call. It is so easy to install, and for £79.99 i think it is so much easier than any Bluetooth set i have bought in the past.

I'm back...

Hi all, sorry for my slight abandoning to Walk::Proud. I am currently wrapping up my years placement in London. With lots to pass over and to record it has been a bit manic!

Red iPhone fights aids...

There have been extensive talks about the 3G iPhone, so thought I would include this story (my little contribution to the world’s iPhone discussion). This saucy, red handset may be making an appearance at the RED charity. The RED charity receives from companies, red versions of their products, and a chunk of their sales goes towards fighting Aids in Africa. Apple has made various red products, so there is great suspense to see whether a red iPhone is released into the mobile world.

Pixie Geldof teams up with high street store

Yet again we have another celebrity teaming up with a high street store, making their fashion taste available for everyone to buy, at an affordable price.

Pixie Geldof is apparently signing a deal with New Look to help them design a new range. Let’s wait and see if it is a bigger success than Lillie Allen’s efforts.

An EYE for décor...

Something very strange that caught my eye! I’m not sure that wearing a contact lense with added decoration would be the most comfortable thing to wear all day. I’m indecisive to whether I like it, or if I find it a bit disturbing? Wonder how the fashion industry will take this?

Check out a video by clicking on the pic below!

Re-Vamp

Thought it would be nice to give Walk :: PRoud a face lift.

Women look for Text Appeal

Came across an interesting post about texting, and the effects it has on relationships.

http://wirelessdisciples.blogspot.com/2008/07/women-look-for-text-appeal.html

Receiving a text is much less exciting then receiving a phone call; the delay, while you psych yourself up before you answer, with a million thoughts about what your going to say and how…...nothing beats that excitement (maybe horror to some).

A text can be interpreted in so many ways, what are the chances that what you’re thinking is the same as the sender? Let’s look at an example a simple text like:

“I’ll be there in a minute!”

To the sender this could simply be a statement; however to the receiver this could be interpreted in many ways. Why was it was so short? Why was there no kiss at the end? Why did they use an explanation mark? Are they angry at me for some reason?

So men, save us literately driving ourselves mad and splash out a bit and call. Thanks to blogger Helen Gough for bringing this topic up :)

Quotes, quotes, quotes

I love quotes and think they can be really inspiring, so thought I would post one once a week.

If you have any particular favourites please share with us!

Here is a favourite of mine for starters.

"There is no such thing as bad publicity except your own obituary."
Brendan Behan

Babies first steps… in heels! (Even this takes my evident love for heels a step too far)

Is the fashion industry pushing fashion on people at too young an age? This is a controversial topic and people have all different views on this. Personally I think fashion is harmless, and it’s just another way for people to express themselves. Heelarious, have no trouble expressing their feelings towards targeting the young. For $35 you can buy a pair of safe, soft, comfortable heels for babies. (I think this is one for the mums – as I don’t think a 1 year old is bothered about what shoes they are wearing as much!)

Computer mouse, on its way out

One of my colleagues Helen bought this story to my attention. The days of the computer mouse are apparently numbered, as analyst house Gartner predicts that the usage of the mouse will terminate in the next 3-5 years. Thanks to technologies such as the iPhone and the Nintendo Wii, users are easily able to interact with machines. Let’s see what happens over the next 5 years.

Topshop click away - London style!

I have to admit that I am not always the biggest fan of Topshop, however I am loving their Autumn/Winter campaign. I was shocked to already be seeing these photos as it still feels like the beginning of summer! I am loving the fact the photo shoot was done on London buses.

Ronne Cooke-Newhouse (creative director at Topshop) stated “we wanted the campaign to have a very London vibe, sticking to Topshop’s roots” – good choice.

Here are a few sneak peaks of the shoot:

Peace is over...

Hi all, please excuse my absence over the last of weeks, I have been away in Turkey. I definitely recommend a visit there if you haven’t already been its fantastic! Looks like I have missed loads of stuff going on that I need to snappishly catch up on!

Shoes Shoes Shoes!!!

I think my love for shoes is as blatant as the Maldives is beautiful. How can one not love an eloquently, graceful, perfect object which can transform a mundane outfit into an ingenious compilation of items?

In all shapes and sizes colours and heights there is one to fit everyone, and everyone needs one or the other, from flip flops to boots, or Barratts to Manolo’s, they are part of our culture and can symbolise a lot.

Mulberry has recognized the need for shoes and is now planning to expand its production line into shoes. If they are at a similar quality as there handbags, we have lots to look forward to!

Swim and surf….on your laptop

A while ago I wrote about the waterproof mobile, today I have found a story about a waterproof computer. The computer is attached to a swimming ring and allows swimmers the chance to enjoy movies, music videos, emails, games and surfing the net whilst floating around a pool/sea. The PC can also be used out of the water as a desktop.



The only downfall is that this is a concept and cannot be bought on the market. Maybe by summer ’09 you’ll see people floating around the pools aboard watching a DVD?

Got the chocolate fiend on board?

So apparently it is summer (though no signs of it yet in the UK), and I’m trying to cut back on my slight addiction to chocolate, ready to look half decent on the beach.

Came across AD&F studio which I thought may be able to help. They have created a chocolate slab with various sized marked pieces, with each piece being numbered with their calorific value.

Digital tattoo interface

Her mobile is ringing, but the display is turned off. She lightly pushes a small dot on the skin on her left forearm to suddenly reveal a two by four inch tattoo with the image of the mobile digital display, directly in the skin of her arm. She answers the call by pushing a tattooed button on her arm. While she's talking, the tattoo comes to life as a digital video of the caller. When she finishes, the tattoo disappears.

A bit strange!

Every PR person's dream come true...

Freelance Journalist Nick Booth, is voluntarily taking a beating to raise money for charity fund group, Help for Heroes – a charity set up last year to provide assistance to servicemen and women injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Good on you Nick definitely a hero. You wouldn’t catch me in a boxing ring with a 16st heavyweight boxer!

Monday Blues = Office Maniac

Be careful you don't set off your colleagues next time you are typing too loud.

Want to have a laugh??

It's the end of the week and energy levels are low. Have a watch of this video and have a chuckle on us! This video is of myself and two of my collegues first reactions on the new HTC Touch Dual - have a glance at our amusing, rather blank reactions!

http://qik.com/video/94588

.

A Shoe Haven!

If anyone is close to Tottenham court road in London’s West End, I would get down to the Office Sale next to Sainsbury’s, it’s brilliant. They have converted an internet café into a world of shoe boxes all in size order and at amazing prices! I bought two pairs of shoes for £30 when they would have originally cost me £125.

What girl doesn’t suffer from heels at 2:00am???

No longer do you need to walk home clutching your heels, barefoot on the freezing concrete (though the cold, glass ridden streets do always feel a bit healing on your sore feet).

Adapt a classier look and get a pair of Redfoot shoes, they look great. There is a large range available at www.redfootrevolution.co.uk.

They simply fold in half, slip into their little pouch, and there ready to be popped into your handbag and your away. A great solution to avoid tottering around barefoot on the more than likely rained on streets in England.

A PINK, WATERPROOF mobile – what more does a girl need?

Not sure about anyone else, but I have lost many a mobile to a bath full of water or the depths of a toilet.

Fujitsu has created the waterproof F703i, which features a 27 inch screen, HSDPA and underwater TV – if you really feel the need to watch TV underwater.

Fashion Falls

This is a brilliant collection of mishaps on the catwalk. It is bad enough when you trip in public and you casually look around to see if anyone saw you, but stacking it on a catwalk is a little harder to hide!

Poser… hot/not?

I have been pondering over these two images for last couple of weeks now, trying to figure out what my true thoughts are on this. Girls swooned over the image of Beckham when it was first released, as i’m sure they did when James Corden released his interpretation of the Beckham’s ‘sexy’ pose.





Looking at the two images together, I think Corden is a genius. Is there a better strategy to grab media attention, than by taking one the worlds most fancied models, in one his most high rated campaigns and putting a spin on it?

Sex and the City London Premiere

Last night London played host to the world premier of Sex and the City The Movie.

Hordes of people waited patiently all day for the 4 Sex and the City stars to arrive. Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte made their way down the red carpet to greet their fans, who waited in anticipation to see what they were wearing.

SJP wore British designer Alexander McQueen topped off with a spectacular Philip Treacy hat.

Kim Cattrall wore a gorgeous red Vivienne Westwood number, particularly elegant.

Cynthia Nixon chose a Calvin Klein dress and Bulgari jewels.

Kristin Davis chose a pink vintage dress.

The girls looked stunning and overwhelmed the crowds.

Sex comes to London City

So it is here... ... ...Sex and the City comes to London, as the movie is premiered tonight.

I was incredibly shocked when I heard the SATC movie premiere would be held in London and not in New York. Sarah Jessica Parker often referred to New York as the fifth lady in the show, so can it work without all 5 girls being together?

NY don’t worry, Londoners are a great support and will be on tiptoes to catch a glimpse of what the striking ladies will be wearing.

What does one wear to a SATC event? I wonder how many Jimmy Choo’s and Manolo’s will be clicking on Leicester Square's pavements tonight?

I will closely follow this, and look forward to seeing the ladies on the carpet.

It’s not a rant, it’s constructive criticism

I came across this article as I was researching for my Uni assignment today. Mark Hodson provides those in PR with a few ‘useful’ tips on how to deal with journalists.

Here are a few of his suggestions:

1. If your email opens with the words “Hi there”, it’s junk.
Call me picky, but I prefer to receive ideas that aren’t being simultaneously touted to 200 other journalists. If you can’t be bothered to write me an individual email, then I can’t be bothered to read it.

3. Don’t resend an email, just to make sure.
And don’t phone to check if I got your email.

9. Learn to spell.
Most journalists are quite old-fashioned. We still value correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. Spell check only works up to a point. It won't tell you when to use "there", "their", or "they're".

Journalists aren’t picky they’re just pedantic!

To read all of Mark’s tips - http://www.markhodson.net/#/10tipsforprs/4523939581

Clean Heels

So we have all been in a situation with stilettos meeting grass! Well no longer to we have to stand on tip toes throughout a garden wedding reception, just because we were too stubborn to buy appropriate footwear! Just use Heel Stoppers. They slip onto the end of your heel, and you will be safe from sinking, or ruining your favorite pair of shoes!

For when you return back into the marquee, you can buy this little bag to put them back in your handbag without getting the inside all muddy!

Impact of STILETTOS on POSTURE!!

I’m a massive fan of high heels, but they do kill after wearing them all day. Whilst browsing through videos on YouTube, I came across this clip by fitness expert Emily Splichal. Emily explains the impact of wearing heels on various parts of our body (Some are suprising). She offers some great handy hints on exercises that release the pressure built up from wearing heels for a long period of time.

Ongoing Sterotypes...

I came across this cartoon in the Metro. Yes, the stereotype continues!

Party Party Party - That's PR (Or is it?)

When starting my PR degree I knew that eventually I would be unleashed into the PR world during my sandwich year. Aspirations of working in New York crossed my mind frequently.

Would I be living the ‘Ab Fab’ PR life of Edina Monsoon, with a bottomless bank account, strolling into work at 13:00 after a spot of lunch at Harvey Nicks? Or would I be more of the sexy girl in the city like Samantha, with an endless supply of hot models to pick and choose from? Both lived lavish lifestyles so surely this stereotype must be based on some truth? (Well, this was my theory).

The day came after a tiring ongoing search to finding a placement; my dreamy bubble about NY had been popped! I was bought down to reality by the parents (as one is at various occasions through life). “London is a much more logical place to spend your year”. My dad had a point, having to take a 6-7 hour flight; just to visit home did not seem alluring.

So here I am, 7 months into my placement, sitting on the train, performing my daily ritual of commuting to Soho from Surrey to my first ever full-time job in the big PR world. Yes, we may not party EVERY day like Samantha, and not start work after lunch like Edina, but let’s face it, it’s only the beginning.

The beginning….

Starting a blog has been on my to-do list for about three years now, and here we are, I finally got round to starting one! I want this blog to give other students a better understanding of PR, with a main focus to Telecoms and Fashion (though we all enjoy a bit of general chit-chat). A blog is such a highly engaging medium of communication and should be used a lot more by students.