Tag: fashion pr

Copy Cat: Breaking the (Grammar) Rules

Dana PhelpsBlog, Copy Cat, , , ,

I’ll admit that it was the package design that caught my attention. It was the copy that moved me to purchase.

Doctor Lip Bang’s Lip Freak. Just the name raises my curiosity. Then, the front of the package breaks what I consider two copy rules. And I still love it. “The strongest buzzing lip balm in the whole world” — really? The whole world? That’s quite a claim, and one that, as a user of the product, I might be inclined to say is true. Still, in PR, we are careful with making such strong claims. For the packaging of a lip balm, it helps establish the personality of the brand.

Never end a sentence in a preposition. We all know that rule. I spend countless hours fussing over how to reword sentences to honor this one, and yet “Freak your lips out” works so much better than “Freak out your lips” on the front of the package. What other traditional grammar no-nos do you spy with your little eye on the back of the package? Warning to my fellow grammar geeks: it just might give you an eye twitch.

Lip Bangs backDespite the bending and at times total breaking of these beloved rules, I could just smooch the folks at Dr. Lip Bang’s for writing copy that puts a smile on my face in addition to the buzz on my lips! The product is just as fun as the packaging and never fails to be an entertaining conversation starter.

As PR pros, we love some good copy. Occasionally, we can’t stop ourselves from talking about bad copy. From pizza boxes to pet clinic signage, get in on our copy conversations here.

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Fall Fashion: Palazzo-Palooza

Cherith AndesBlog, Fashion, Trends, , , , , , , ,

Big, blousy and bold. We’re in love with 2015 fall fashion trends—especially the next iteration of palazzo pants. Returning from the 1970s, palazzos range from light-weight, monochromatic culottes to vibrant floor-length dusters. And to our utter delight, these summer staples are staking a claim in our fall wardrobes! Solid, crisp white palazzos pair well with stilettos for an evening soiree, while their floral counterparts can be offset by chunky heels for a workday splash.

Best of all, this trend resurgence allows us to put a fresh twist on one of our favorite spring pieces. Dare to flare or flow with our top three tips to pizzazz up your palazzos this fall.

Image courtesy of Elle Magazine
Image courtesy of Elle Magazine

1. Opt for Tailored Tops: Pair your palazzos with a contrasting fitted top, such as a body suit or a tailored jacket. The loose pants-and-shirt combo of the summer is giving way to a more polished look that offsets flaring pants with snug tops. Bonus: This new combo boosts the dressy factor, making palazzos a staple of both work and evening wardrobes. At Clairemont, we’ve experimented with tailored jackets and fitted sleeveless blouses to accent our own palazzo favorites.

2. Pattern Yourself Perfectly: For holiday parties or upscale soirees, take a hint from CoCo Chanel’s hip-to-waist pants that often replaced a skirt in her resort-wear wardrobe. Opt for soft, winter-white palazzos with sophisticated stilettos for upscale functions. Otherwise? Don’t be afraid to sport patterns this fall! Large floral, mosaic or geometric prints pair well with solid tops and chunky statement jewelry. Bridgette Raes, style expert, lays out a few ground rules for wearing patterned palazzos, including choosing cropped tops and accentuating your waist against the flow of the pants. Take it from local fashion blogger, Whitney Blake: patterns—including palm prints—are big hits.

3. K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Silly): If all else fails, aim for classic, clean and straightforward. While this may seem counterintuitive with unstructured palazzos, the accessories make the outfit. Let the palazzos—whether plain or patterned—form the ensemble’s cornerstone. Simple blouses provide a mellow partner to the statement of the pant, while the “pop” of style should come from the accessory, such as a bright red pump or a sparkling ring.

What top trend are you sporting this fall?

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The Beauty of Raleigh PR: Day 15 – Dear Jasmin

Jasmin SessomsBlog, Entry-Level PR Job, Wonderfully Random, , , ,

A Letter to my 18-Year-Old Self

Dear Younger Self,

Right now, I know you are focused on who likes you and maybe even how you will fit in at school. The summer is ending and college awaits you. I know that college seems intimidating and you fear rejection. Don’t fret, my dear, you will do just fine.

You fear disappointing your parents. I want to tell you that it will be okay. Your parents couldn’t be more proud of you. Everything you’ve ever wanted is over there on the other side.

There’s independence. Acceptance. There’s college and a career — one with dignity and a livable wage. There are friends ones that you will cherish; the best you’ll ever have. There is love, so much love from the ones that matter most. There are tests and trials. There is some failure. Oh, my darling, there are some rainy days. Some days you will feel so blue, know that trouble doesn’t last always and you will pull through.

Here’s what you need to know or what you already know but may not fully believe just yet:

What if I told you that next year you would step out of your circle of friends and run for Miss Sophomore, representing the entire class of 2015? What if I told you that you would win? What if I told you that this accomplishment would open so many doors for you in the university?

How about if I told you that in three and a half years you would graduate early with honors? Jasmin, you are the first in your family to finish in less than four years.

What if I told you that on your graduation day, your future boss would send you an email requesting to meet you? What if I told you that in two short weeks you would enter the working world with a full-time job? That one email would be the start of a brand new career.

So walk on campus with your head high and shoulders back. It will all come together soon.

With all of my love,

Your older self

 

Editor’s Note: Clairemont enthusiastically welcomes Jasmin Sessoms to our team! Follow this former beauty queen’s journey as she documents her first 30 days in a Raleigh PR agency.

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The Houzz Rules

Cherith AndesBlog, Furniture PR, Raleigh PR Agency, Social Media + Influencer Engagement, , , ,

The recent revitalization in the design industry has proven to be both a blessing and a curse to the average consumer. Gone are the days when kitchen cabinets came in just white, espresso or cherry. From remodeling kitchens to reupholstering pillows, home design projects now involve a maze of style and color that can confound even the most determined homeowner.

For the consumer, Houzz offers a lifeline—and a free one at that. The online platform provides a searchable database of interior design and home remodeling images, professional portfolios, reviews, surveys and expert advice. This Pinterest/Angie’s List/Facebook mashup is a lifesaver for anyone searching for design-spiration on a budget.

But what about the contractor, architect or designer on the other end? Targeted toward those looking to renovate, Houzz is brimming with 16 million eager consumers—90 percent of which are homeowners who are actively seeking design products and services. In fact, Houzz’s “Find a Pro” feature allows users to search for a local specialist, and businesses simply can’t afford to ignore this burgeoning customer base.

Implement these “house rules,” best practices and business tips to put Houzz to work for your company.

1. Learn the Lingo

Ideabooks: A scrapbook for design ideas. Users create folders on their own Houzz accounts to collect inspiring photos arranged by theme (“kitchen cabinets,” “backyard patios,” “yellow baby rooms,” “beach house,” etc.). Ideabooks are the online version of clipping pictures from a magazine. You can “pin” these images from other ideabooks, upload photos directly from your computer or “pin” images from another website—a la Pinterest.
Projects: Similar to an ideabook but a “folder” of pictures that allows you to showcase stages of a particular project. A home builder, for example, might highlight the construction phases of a Santa Cruz-style bungalow, or an interior designer might post before and after snapshots of a kitchen remodeling project.

2. Explore the Landscape
Familiarize yourself with standard features on Houzz.

Likes and Comments: Much like Facebook, Houzz users can “like” and comment on favorite photos, discussion feeds, ideabooks and projects.
Search Capabilities: The Houzz platform provides a sophisticated index that allows users to search for products, local vendors, curated ideabooks and even discussion threads by keyword.

3. Create Your Space

Just like any viable marketing medium, your Houzz presence should capture your brand’s voice, highlight your expertise and advance your business goals. Now is the time to define your creative strategy. Decide how you’ll curate and arrange your ideabooks (i.e. by product, space, location, style, etc.) to best spotlight your specialties or distinctive skills. Create “project” folders that showcase your portfolio and build credibility. Develop a list of search terms, topics and partner designers for collaboration, commentary and conversation, and cross-promote your Houzz on other social media platforms.

Note that official professional profiles require additional business verification, such as a license number. So be prepared when creating your account.

4. Establish Your Expertise

Strengthen your brand visibility by building a portfolio of client recommendations and business partner referrals (don’t be afraid to ask!). Establish your expertise by providing tips and advice on discussion threads related to your brand. Offer suggestions, solve problems, answer questions promptly. By doing so, you’ll rise to the forefront as a Houzz go-to expert for home design needs.

What other “Houzz Rules” or tips would you add to the list?

 

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