Escape to the Beach

It’s scorching hot here in Los Angeles, and I can’t help but think of escaping to the beach and ocean.  If you’re not near one, I have the perfect fragrance that will transport you there without having to move a muscle: Estee Lauder’s Bronze Goddess. A perfect blend of coconut and florals, it is so divine that I promise you’ll be tempted to use it all year long.

Sneak Peek: Emily Elizabeth Jewelry Hair Accessories

Emily Elizabeth Jewelry is best known for her gorgeous line of gold-plated jewelry, but this fall/holiday season, she’s unveiling a collection of hair accessories. A couple of the pieces such as the stunning Venus Headband (as seen in InStyle) are online now; the rest will be unveiled sometime in early August. Check the site often because you won’t want to miss them!

Holiday Gift Guide Season

It may be summer, but it’s holiday season over here! Many editors are already working on their gift guides; are you ready? Here are some of our top tips:

  • Different media outlets work at different speeds. For instance, print magazines work up to six months ahead, while online outlets may not think about holiday until later in the year.
  • Prior to reaching out to any media outlets, have your pitch ready to go. Know your holiday offerings and have photos, retail info, linesheets, etc. on hand.
  • Have at least 1-2 samples ready to go. Editors may need items within 24 hours or less, and you will want to be able to meet their request promptly.
  • Price is a concern for everyone in this economy. If your brand has a variety of price points, know what products fit for different budgets. Editors may be working within certain price points (ex. under $50), and you will want to be able to quickly respond with a product that works.
  • Make sure the subject line of your pitch includes “holiday gift guide.” Within the pitch, keep it short and sweet, but include highlights of what you’re featuring.  Examples: eco-friendly, celebrity fans, or by price.

If you’re looking for more guidance and advice, check out our services or email us at info@modernepr.com.

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Behind the Design

I have a minor obsession with J.Crew and am always keeping my eye out for interviews, etc. that will let me get a behind the scenes look at their company. Well, J.Crew must’ve read my mind because they recently launched a feature called Behind the Design on their site, giving customers a look at the creative process in various departments. I really admire their inspiration and creativity – especially their use of bright colors and fabrics.

P.S. If you love J.Crew as much as I do, check out blogs like J.CrewAholics and J.Crew Afficionada for the latest scoop on the brand.

Prismera Prints

Did you know that Laura Su from Prismera Design is an ultra talented artist, in addition to a jewelry designer? She does these amazing fashion illustrations and is now offering them as prints on her site. Each of the elegant-looking girls seem to have an organic sense of style – which seems very reflective of Laura herself. I am coveting them all, but my faves are the Winsor Yellow and French Ultramarine Blue. A set would look so lovely on the wall!

Perfect Tier of (Cup)cakes

I saw these beautifully stacked cupcakes in the most recent issue of Martha Stewart Weddings and instantly, fell in love with the petal-inspired frosting. (I absolutely adore cupcakes! Somehow, they are the perfectly acceptable form for eating cake any day of the week.)  This story features all sorts of cupcakes – from berry meringue to a triple chocolate version. I highly recommend picking up the issue, if only for this story. (And while you’re at it, check out Linda & Harriett on pg. 31.) Next step…trying out the recipe!

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Zig Zag!

Don’t you just love zig zags? Linda & Harriett does some great zig zag prints – from note cards to wedding invitation suites – and they recently unveiled their new letterpressed zig zag tags in blue, green and gray. You can use them for all sorts of things, but I think they could be cleverly used as place cards or as the perfect accessory for bottle of wine!