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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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What’s trending at NKPR: Bold Brows

Posted on by Kristin

The latest beauty buzz at the office? Bold brows of course! Bold brows made a comeback a few seasons ago and are here to stay. A strong brow enhances the eyes and frames the face (just look at Cara Delevingne or Camilla Belle and you’ll see what we mean). Check out our bold brows at NKPR and see how you can achieve this statement, on-trend look!

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What you need:

1. Tweezerman stainless steel slant tweezers

2. Tweezerman Mini Brow Rescue Kit (includes Mini Browmousse & Mini Eyenhance Highlighter Pencil)

Tips & Tricks

– Don’t get carried away. A little plucking goes a long way! Make sure you frequently step back and see that brows are even to avoid over-plucking

– The Browmousse is your best friend. Whether you’re looking to keep brows in place or add fullness, this little product is a brow-must!

– Take a pencil or pen and hold it so it’s aligned with the outer edge of your pupil; this is where you should enhance your brow arch

Here’s a great summary of how to perfect your brows!

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Tell us: Whose celebrity brows are you coveting the most? Tweet us at @natashankpr!

What's trending at NKPR: Bold Brows

Posted on by Kristin

The latest beauty buzz at the office? Bold brows of course! Bold brows made a comeback a few seasons ago and are here to stay. A strong brow enhances the eyes and frames the face (just look at Cara Delevingne or Camilla Belle and you’ll see what we mean). Check out our bold brows at NKPR and see how you can achieve this statement, on-trend look!

photo-1

What you need:

1. Tweezerman stainless steel slant tweezers

2. Tweezerman Mini Brow Rescue Kit (includes Mini Browmousse & Mini Eyenhance Highlighter Pencil)

Tips & Tricks

– Don’t get carried away. A little plucking goes a long way! Make sure you frequently step back and see that brows are even to avoid over-plucking

– The Browmousse is your best friend. Whether you’re looking to keep brows in place or add fullness, this little product is a brow-must!

– Take a pencil or pen and hold it so it’s aligned with the outer edge of your pupil; this is where you should enhance your brow arch

Here’s a great summary of how to perfect your brows!

cara

Tell us: Whose celebrity brows are you coveting the most? Tweet us at @natashankpr!

Say Something: July 8

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.

What we’re watching at NKPR…Isaac Mizrahi shares his 6 favourite TEDTalk videos that inspire and educate. Some very interesting videos here, especially those pertaining to fashion and our beloved New York City! [Mashable]

Facebook is at it again, this time with Graph Search, a new search engine that enhances users’ searches for people, places, photos and more. Yet another update that can be utilized by brands; optimized searches result in greater exposure and targeting abilities. [Business Insider]

Society is more multicultural than ever, yet the fashion industry can be slow to respond. Keep this in mind the next time you browse a magazine or runway show…are you satisfied with the industry’s efforts at representing diversity?  [Fashionista]

More news in social media…Vine (the original video sharing app) has released 3 new features in response to Instagram’s recent video instalment.  Vine now offers the ability to ‘revine’, categorizes videos by theme and has developed an enhance camera. It’s great to see the company staying innovative, a challenge all platforms face in an industry where copy-cat features are a permanent threat. [Tech Crunch]

Just in…no cash? No problem. Coca-Cola is set to install Interac-Flash equipped vending machines, starting with machines at the Calgary Stampede. A great example of why Coca-Cola is a leader in the marketplace; positioning a new and exciting feature at a buzz worthy event results in maximum exposure. [Marketing Mag]

NKPR’s Royal Baby Countdown

Posted on by Kristin

The latest talk at the NKPR office? The Royal Baby of course! With just days away from the due date, we’re counting down with our favourite royalty-approved products!

RoyalBabyCountdown-01-01Boy or girl…what’s your guess? Tweet us at @natashankpr!

NKPR's Royal Baby Countdown

Posted on by Kristin

The latest talk at the NKPR office? The Royal Baby of course! With just days away from the due date, we’re counting down with our favourite royalty-approved products!

RoyalBabyCountdown-01-01Boy or girl…what’s your guess? Tweet us at @natashankpr!

Meant To Be: Understanding the Dynamic Fate and Free Will in Relationships

Posted on by Kristin

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At NKPR, we’ve always looking out for interesting talks and speaking events, especially those that offer inspiration and guidance! What’s on our radar? Finding love and developing relationships…virtually everyone can relate to the emotional ups and downs associated with these wonderful yet complex journeys. The unpredictable nature of love often leaves us searching for answers…what is true love? Is my relationship build on fate or free-will? On July 16-30 from 7-8:30 ET, Carmen Harra will be presenting a 3-day online course aimed at exploring love and relationships in their many forms. Guided meditations, reflexive exercises and motivational talks by Carmen are woven into the series to create a dynamic, interactive experience. Intrigued?. We certainly are! Carmen is a real role model and an inspiring woman, with a background in psychology and multiple TV appearances on shows including The View, Today Show and Good Morning America. We’re huge fans of Carmen and we can’t wait to see what this course has to offer; you can purchase the series online and mp3 versions are available for later viewing!

Tell us: Is love based on fate, free-will or both? Tweet us at @natashankpr!

Office Chatter: 5 Minutes With Andre

Posted on by Kristin

The latest office chatter? We sat down with  Andre our Digital Media Specialist (and token male!) to chat about his experience working at NKPR, as well as some of our favourite topics of conversation (sports and food, anyone?)

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What’s it like being the only man in the NKPR office?

Everyone in the office make me feel like a hero! I learned so much from the team here, I’m always excited to collaborate and come up with the new creative solutions.

What’s your favourite lunch spot in the area?

The Corn Beef House!

Describe your role at NKPR.

My official title is Digital Media Specialist; I develop interactive web solutions for our brands. I’m also responsible for NKPR’s IT infrastructure so the team can focus on crucial decision making for their clients.

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

My new book “Manage Your Day-to-Day” from the 99U, iPhone + Evernote App, and a boat

Coffee or tea?

Coffee – Single Americano

What’s your favourite memory of working at NKPR?

The day I set up award-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis on Twitter. He had more than one thousand followers within a few hours.

What new technology are you most excited about?

There are couple, but probably Google Glass. Just like with every new technology, it will take us time to adapt to it.

What is your favourite book?

Got a few:

Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough – A remarkable book rethinking the way we make things.

Making Ideas Happen – Scott Belsky

Manage Your Day-To-Day: Forwarded by Scott Belsky

Favourite quote?

Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration

The best thing about working at NKPR is…

How ideas come to fruition after a creative brainstorm by the team.

Pinterest or Instagram?

Intergram. Pinterest where I curate the shoes I want to own and a few DIY I want to try. Instagram is where I pretend to be a photographer.

Favourite comfort food?

Chicken and Waffles from Stockyards!

Favourite music artist?

Right now – Childish Gambino

Favourite sport?

Andre’s desk essentials

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