Author: Kristin

Say Something: August 13

Posted on by Kristin

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At NKPR we always strive to be on the cusp of what’s happening and what’s new. After all – our motto is “Don’t just talk. Say something.”  Check out our weekly summary of the latest news, PR updates, social media trends and highlights that are on our radar.

On our fashion radar…VFiles, a fashion-focused site that combines content from professional editors as well as user-generated content, plans to stage a “User Generated” fashion show for New York Fashion Week. This first-ever initiative will feature 3 up-and-coming designers from the VFiles online community, offering them a unique opportunity to gain exposure in the industry. A great initiative that engages and rewards followers while leveraging the growing influence of online communities. [Business of Fashion]

We’ve got VSCO on our radar. The ‘anti-Instagram’ app functions as a visual journal, a platform to showcase images in a grid format that can be filtered and shared on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook using the hashtag #viscocam. The app offers both professional and amateur photographers a unique, efficient way of presenting their portfolios. This is a great example of innovation; the designers of VSCO are building on an existing idea (photo sharing) yet putting their own spin on it that differentiates it from other photo-sharing apps. Kudos! [Fast Company]

Speaking of Instagram…it’s amazing how much change we’ve witnessed in the social media landscape within the past 6 months. The newest Instagram update allows users to import pre-existing videos with basic editing. This translates into editorial-quality video sharing, something that brands like The Gap and Lulu Lemon are leveraging. This new addition offers even more opportunities for brands to reach out to consumers. [Tech Crunch]

Now you can book your next dinner reservation with the help of Facebook mobile and OpenTable. Such a collaboration signals Facebook’s efforts to innovate and compete with search engines like Google, as well as leverage the growing trend in consumer mobile use. The feature also encourages companies to invest in Facebook by paying for promoted posts and buying likes; the app increases the investment’s ROI. It’s great to see Facebook coming up with offerings that differentiate it from other social media outlets, namely Twitter. [Entrepreneur]

 

Office Chatter: 5 Minutes With Sam

Posted on by Kristin

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The latest office chatter? We sat down with Account Coordinator Sam to chat about her experience working at NKPR, as well as some of our favourite topics of conversation (fashion, music and food anyone?)

How did you get into PR?

After taking Communications at Laurentian University, I had a few options for my post grad. PR seemed to fit the most with my personality and what I enjoyed most about Communications. After graduating I was an intern at NKPR and the rest is history!

What’s your favourite lunch spot in the area?

I’m currently obsessed with Fresh – I love their soups. I go so often that they have stopped asking for my name when I place my order.

Describe your typical outfit at the office.

I usually wear a dress, anything by Free People.

What beauty product could you not live without?

I really like Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 in the coconut flavor.

You’re alone on an island and can only bring 3 items. What would you bring?

Definitely sunscreen, candy because I can’t live without it and my running shoes.

If you could shop any celebrity wardrobe, whose closet would you raid?

Kate Bosworth.

Your favourite trend for the summer?

A flowy dress and boots. 

 What is your favourite book?

The Witches or Fantastic Mr. Fox – I have a soft spot for Roald Dahl.

Favourite quote?

“Imperfection is in some way essential to all that we know in life”.

 The best thing about working at NKPR.

The amazing team that I get to work with and learn from everyday.

Pinterest or Instagram?

Instagram.

 Favourite comfort food?

I love candy, popcorn and nachos.

 Song you have on repeat.

Beach House – Wild and The National – Secret Meeting.

 The best accessory a girl can wear is…

Her smile!

Sam’s Essentials

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Career Dressing With Jones New York

Posted on by Kristin

Fall is one of our favourite seasons when it comes to dressing for the office;  we trade in our florals and linens for wool, heavier silks and tweeds, and blazers and soft sweaters filter into our wardrobe in rich, deeper tones. Last week we had the pleasure of attending Jones New York’s Fall/Winter 2013 Preview at the Templar Hotel, curated by the talented and uber stylish Susie Sheffman (one of Canada’s top Fashion Directors!) Guests were given an intimate style seminar with Susie, as she highlighted her favourite Jones New York looks for fall and holiday, and shared styling tips on casual and career dressing. The collection features a mix of classically chic and modern pieces; geometric prints, plaids and vibrant jewel tones (think deep reds and plums!) are sprinkled throughout the collection, creating looks that are functional and stylish, moving effortlessly from desk to dinner!

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…Stay tuned, Montreal!

What was your favourite Jones New York look? Tweet us at @natashankpr!

Say Something: August 7

Posted on by Kristin

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At NKPR we always strive to be on the cusp of what’s happening and what’s new. After all – our motto is “Don’t just talk. Say something.”  Check out our weekly summary of the latest news, PR updates, social media trends and highlights that are on our radar.

boohoo, the UK-based online fashion retailer, has come up with a first-ever marketing initiative: a shoppable music video starring Little Nikki to be aired on live TV. It’s great to see companies like boohoo coming up with creative ways to leverage social media outlets. The videos capture the boohoo look and present the pieces in a more organic way than a traditional ad campaign.  [Pressat]

When it comes to making a successful pro-social scheme, the cause needs to be leveraged with something that consumers seek out. With this in mind, 3 marketing interns developed a The Cronut Project that does just that; the team sought out Dominique Ansel, the inventor of the ‘cronut’, to create a limited-edition passion fruit flavour. For one week, the highest donor plus a random donor got a taste of the exclusive flavour with profits going to the Food Bank of New York. Great to see product popularity leveraged for a good cause. [Fast Company]

Speaking of donuts…Tim Horton‘s has increased its social media presence with the aid of How I Met Your Mother. Jason Priestley takes a timbit, a Tim Horton’s classic, and places it within a donut, dubbing it his own invention. The episode functioned as the largest non-product placement ad for Tim Horton’s, who responded with a customized ‘Priestley’ flavour and launched a  ‘create your own donut’ contest, playing off the show’s popularity and buzz. The contest allowed Tim Horton’s to target a larger audience; one that is active on social media outlets like Twitter and Instagram. This has to be one of the most innovative marketing campaigns we’ve seen in a while. [Globe and Mail]

It was a music-festival filled weekend, including the much-anticipated Osheaga Festival in Montreal! Osheaga is one of the best sources for festival fashion and trend-spotting. RACHEL Rachel Roy sent out Canadian bloggers from Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto to live tweet and give an on-the-ground glimpse at the fashions, music and happenings during the 3-day event. By utilizing the hashtag #RRRGirlCAN, fashionable festival-goers were able to share their looks with the RRR community. Such a fun, creative initiative! [NKPR]

 

 

Osheaga 2013

Posted on by Kristin

This past weekend, Montreal’s Osheaga Festival had music fans across the country gathered to watch 120 bands perform under the sun for one of the most anticipated Canadian music festivals of the year! Performances aside, we love music festivals for all of the style inspiration and amazing display of summer trends. RACHEL Rachel Roy correspondents Anik Lacasse-Richard (Montreal In Style, Montreal), Erin Richardson (The Kit, Toronto) and Alicia Quan (Alicia fashionista, Vancouver) were on site live tweeting and blogging about the festival fashions and performances from the ground,  giving us a first-hand look at the unique array of festival-goer looks and a taste of the Osheaga experience. Anik, Erin and Alicia rocked their RACHEL Rachel Roy gear and spread the RRR love with #RRRGirlCAN tattoos, encouraging others to Instagram their looks to share with the RRR community. Be sure to follow our #RRRGirlCAN correspondants for daily fashion inspo at @aniklacasse, @604fashionista and @TheKit and check out their blogs!

Here are some of our favourite highlights from the weekend

Anik Lacasse, Montreal In Style, rocking RACHEL Rachel Roy [Photos from Montreal In Style]

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Anik’s Festival Fashion Shots

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RACHEL Rachel Roy looks styled by Erin Richardson, The Kit [Photos from The Kit]

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Alicia Quan, Alicia fashionista, showing her festival pride in RACHEL Rachel Roy [Photos from Alicia fashionista]

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 Alicia’s Festival Fashion Shots

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a2 What was your favourite Osheaga look? Tweet us at @natashankpr!

NKPR Presents: LAXmas

Posted on by Kristin

Each year NKPR celebrates the holiday season…twice! When the rest of the world is soaking up the sun and enjoying summer fashions, we’re looking at what’s in store for the next holiday collections. What better way to celebrate the holidays than with a poolside party? Media and bloggers joined us last Thursday to preview gifts and gadgets for the holiday season, LA-style! Our guests were given Essie manicures and Tweezerman brow how-tos, all while sipping on bottlegreen cocktails and indulging in PS by Pretty Sweet cupcakes and cookies by the pool. Natasha’s backyard was transformed into a runway show, with models previewing the upcoming holiday collections from RACHEL Rachel Roy, Anne Klein and RW & CO. One thing is for sure: it’s going to be a holiday of glamour! We even got to play DJ with House of Marley; everyone had a great time learning how to scratch, with their own DJ name no less!  The music was fun and festive with lots of holiday cheer in the air.

We realize that holidays aren’t always a happy time for everyone, which is why we partnered with Partners for Mental Health to raise awareness by giving our guests ‘mood badges’ to wear as they celebrated holiday in July. We matched each LAXmas guest with a donation to the cause. Whether people felt wired, happy or grumpy, everyone enjoyed the fun approach at supporting such an important cause.

Here are some of our favourite highlights!

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1O6A0478Refreshing bevvies from bottlegreen to sip on by the pool

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1O6A0508Guests getting pampered with their Essie manicures

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1O6A0512The Tweezerman brow station where guests received complimentary brow-sessions and pro tips!

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1O6A0501Sneak peek at the RACHEL Rachel Roy holiday collection!

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Lots of cozy sweaters and sparkle at Anne Klein!

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1O6A0617Our LAXmas models rocking RACHEL Rachel Roy and RW&CO!

1O6A0489Our House of Marley DJ booth was a huge hit!

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How would you spend a holiday in LA? Tweet us at @natashankpr!

Say Something: July 30

Posted on by Kristin

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At NKPR we always strive to be on the cusp of what’s happening and what’s new. After all – our motto is “Don’t just talk. Say something.”  Check out our weekly summary of the latest news, PR updates, social media trends and highlights that are on our radar.

It’s been a busy week in fashion, starting with The Hudson Bay Co’s $2.9 billion acquisition of Saks Fifth Avenue. With the upcoming introduction of Nordstrom Canada, the purchase is part of The Bay’s efforts to maintain its status as a top high-end Canadian retailer amidst competition. [CBC]

What do ice cream and Marc Jacobs have in common? Keep your eye out for the Marc Jacobs Honey ice cream truck, the latest MJ campaign promoting the newest Honey fragrance. It’s even got its own hashtag #MJHONEYSPOTS!  A fun, engaging campaign that plays on the popularity of the ‘Food Truck’, all while promoting a product that can be leveraged through social media- genius! [Urban Expressions]

A fake Twitter hack that increased Chipotle’s Twitter following by 4,000 proves that creative ideas are more important than ever in today’s social media culture. A PR stunt such as this proves that thinking outside of the box is a tactic all brands should consider in order to create content that is buzz-worthy. [Mashable]

H&M’s U.S. website accounted for about 20 percent of the company’s total online traffic, yet it offered no goods for sale…until now! That’s right, H&M has made the move to sell their merchandise online in the U.S in a much-needed effort to catch up with its competitors. We’re excited to see the impact on sales of the already hugely-popular brand. [Bloomberg]

Say Something: July 26

Posted on by Kristin

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At NKPR we always strive to be on the cusp of what’s happening and what’s new. After all – our motto is “Don’t just talk. Say something.”  Check out our weekly summary of the latest news, PR updates, social media trends and highlights that are on our radar.

As if you didn’t already know, Kate & Will welcomed Prince George Alexander Louis on July 23. We’re interested in how this effects commerce, specifically the fashion industry; Kate sported a maternity dress by Jenny Packham whose website crashed within an hour of the royal couple’s appearance with baby George. It didn’t stop there; frantic shoppers turned to ‘Copy-Kates’ of the dress, with Google witnessing a massive surge in searches for ‘polka dot’ and ‘blue dress’. The power of celebrity influence! [Ottawa Citizen]

The state of the U.S economy has been a hot topic in social media with both the new McDonald’s budget fiasco and Detroit bankruptcy announcement. Two examples on different scales that highlight the same thing: from part-time employees to major cities, the repercussions are being felt by all. [Forbes & Toronto Star]

Good news for the publishing world: Vogue has experienced it’s second largest September issue ever, which leads us to question…is print really dead? With tablet use also on the rise, we’re interested to see whether print will indeed make a comeback.  [Mashable]

Toronto Hydro’s latest PR campaign has all the right ingredients for success: It’s informative, useful and creative. It’s great to see companies thinking outside the box when it comes to promoting a campaign or idea; Toronto Hydro has successfully made the task of conserving energy fun, engaging and appealing. [Marketing Mag]

Say Something: July 15

Posted on by Kristin

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At NKPR we always strive to be on the cusp of what’s happening and what’s new. After all – our motto is “Don’t just talk. Say something.”  Check out our weekly summary of the latest news, PR updates, social media trends and highlights that are on our radar.

With a price tag of $12.4 billion, Loblaw has purchased Shoppers Drug Mart; this is huge news in Canadian business! What does this mean for the two brands? We’re excited to see what direction this collaboration takes. [CBC]

So…what makes for a successful YouTube ad? Learn from the best with this compilation of the most popular ads in Canada. Ask yourself questions like what do these successes have in common…successfully engaging impatient YouTube viewers is a huge feat for brands. [Marketing Mag]

How does a B-lister TV-movie like Sharknado gain overnight Hollywood status? Twitter. This is an unknown-feat for a TV movie and showcases the power of celebrity influence. [Mashable]

Cameron Russell speaks of her career as a model as a result of ‘winning the genetic lottery’; her tell-all approach to the industry has lead to her newest project, Interrupt Mag, created to give women a voice that challenges the media’s beauty standards. A very inspiring story with a unique perspective.  [Huffington Post]

Office Chatter: 5 Minutes With Rebecca

Posted on by Kristin

The latest office chatter? We sat down with Rebecca, one of our Account Executives  to chat about her experience working at NKPR, as well as some of our favourite topics of conversation (fashion and perfume, anyone?)

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How did you get into PR?

I was studying communications at McGill and a professor did a presentation on jobs in the field. I saw a description of PR and immediately knew it was for me. I got involved with as many events as I could on campus, and following graduation, started the post-grad PR program at Humber. After an internship at Harry Rosen, I applied to NKPR and the rest is history!

 What’s your favourite lunch spot in the area?

Every single day at 11:50 a.m. I call our local deli, Zupa’s, to inquire about their soup of the day. They’ll tell me on the phone if I’ll like it or not, knowing that I’m always elated when it’s chicken noodle or chicken rice. I like to think that I might be a local celebrity there. I always get extra crackers and am confident that one day they’ll give me a Zupa’s hat.

Describe your typical outfit at the office.

Black jeans, a white t-shirt or black top and a blazer. Sometimes a hat, sometimes bright lipstick, but always high heels.

 What beauty product could you not live without?

I swear by Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer and Crème de Corps and Malin and Goetz Peppermint Shampoo. I don’t know if this counts as beauty, but I’m a chronic tooth brusher (probably because I find gum chewing so offensive), so I keep toothpaste on me at all times.

 Favourite scent?

For personal fragrance, I’m a Jo Malone girl. For daytime, I wear Nectarine Blossom & Honey. And for evening, I wear Pomegranate Noir. I always have candles lit in my apartment, and some favourites are Jo Malone’s English Pear and Freesia, Dayna Decker’s White Tuberose and Baxter of California’s Tubereuse Noir.

 What’s your favourite memory of working at NKPR?

A definite highlight would be working the APJ Red Carpet in 2010 – I spent the day with AnnaLynne McCord and for the evening, my job was being James Franco’s handler slash umbrella holder. It was fun(ny).

 If you could shop any celebrity wardrobe, whose closet would you raid?

Ashley Olsen’s. And maybe Harper Beckham’s.

Favourite comfort food.

I love hot dogs, donuts, poutine and fried chicken. My palate is quite similar to that of an eight-year-old’s.

Song you have on repeat.

We Can’t Stop by Miley Cyrus.

The best accessory a girl can wear is:

I know the answer should be confidence, but I’m inclined to say a hat.

Favourite reality TV star of the moment?

I am not ashamed to confess my infatuation with the Kardashians. But of the bunch, I only really like Khloe. And Scott and Lamar, if they count.

Are you an introvert or extrovert?

While being in this job and constantly being surrounded by people has made me cherish my alone time, I think ultimately I am an extrovert. I’m not very…reserved.

Rebecca’s Desk Essentials

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