Inside Top Shop

For more fashion tips you can contact  Dawn Del Russo Fashion & Lifestyle Stylist at  dawn@belladawn.com

Shopping ~www.belladawn.com
Stylist ~ www.dawndelrusso.com
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Please feel free to email me at nadiamurdock@manchesterpublicrelations.com

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Seeing eye to eye with a client can sometimes be difficult. Compromise is key when dealing with a client that might not see eye to eye with you.  In some cases you just might not be a good fit for one another but in other situations you may just need to broaden your clients perspective on a particular situation.

For a smoother relationship a few key things to keep in mind when you start working with a new client.

1. What are your clients needs? By being aware of your clients needs you are off to good start.  Miscommunication can be a key to disaster so bare in mind why your client has sought out your services and what your game plan is.

2. What is the big picture? What are the goals your client hopes to achieve?  It’s important that you are both clear on this in order to obtain the best results possible.  However sometimes you can introduce new ideas and concepts that may have never occurred to your client.

3. Communication is key!: It’s ideal to keep your client abreast of all new developments as well as perspective ones too.  This will reassure them that progress is being made and nothing has slipped through the cracks.  Try holding weekly meetings or send out email updates.

For more information visit http://www.sideroad.com/

Please feel free to email me at nadiamurdock@manchesterpublicrelations.com.

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For Nichole McIver, Acanthus came from her desire to combine her love of art history and fashion. Designing and hand crafting jewelry gives her an outlet for her creativity. Continue reading to learn more about Nichole and her jewelry line.

When did you start designing jewelry?

I started playing with jewelry about two years ago.  It seemed like an interesting way to express my creativity aside from my drawing and painting background, and to I taught myself how to do certain wire wrapping and beading techniques.  I made pieces for family and friends for gifts and it really sparked something inside of me.  I was constantly sketching and playing with wire and tools.  I loved the outlet for my creativity and the endless possibilities of designing jewelry, so I decided to work towards creating my own line.  Acanthus was just launched in July 2010.

Louise Chandelier Earring, $115

The name of your company is Acanthus which is defined as “ in botany, is both a common name and a genus of flowering plant.”  Why did you select this name for your company?

I have my M.A. in art history and my emphasis was in Medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts.  I am so drawn to the detailed, colorful pages of the margins of these books, and one of the most common design motifs is the acanthus leaf pattern.  Visually I love the beautiful scrolling design of the leaves, but symbolically they hold some significance for me as well.  The acanthus leaf has been used continually in art, architecture and design for, literally, centuries-as early as the Corinthian columns of Ancient Rome and even currently in architectural elements and fabric patterns.  I think that the acanthus speaks to continuity and enduring design, which is what I wanted my jewelry designs to reflect.

What is one of your most popular selling items?

Gemma Earring Light Blue Chalcedony, $60

The Gemma pieces are sort of the signature foundation pieces for Acanthus.  I love how the tiny gold beads add a dimensional, textual frame to enhance the colored gemstones.  They come as earrings and pendants, and they are simple enough for everyday, but also can add a pretty, dainty sparkle and a pop of color to something more dressy too.

Which item do you love the most from your recent collection?

I’m a hoop earring wearer, so I really love the Alexandria earring.  It is a more elaborate version of the classic gold hoop and it has a cool twisted oval link shape.  I also really love the Jeanne necklace because I think that the combination of deep purple amethyst and red garnet gemstones has a very rich, regal feel. It also has a little bit of movement with the tiny, dangling beads, and the length allows it to be worn long, my favorite way, doubled up, or even wrapped around your wrist a few times if you want.  Also, the Acanthus Signature Trefoil Earring in Crystal Quartz is a brand new piece and I love it for  brides or just everyday wear.  I took the trefoil, or “three-leaved” design that I use as my signature end clasp on the necklaces and adapted it with the gold fill beads and a large crystal quartz heart.  It is small and simple, but still has a shape and detail that gives it a lot of interest.

With there being so many jewelry designers out there what do you think makes your brand stick out against the others?

I think that there are two aspects to my jewelry that makes Acanthus stand out: first, with the exception of chain and lobster clasps, basically everything is handmade by me personally.  I’m not using manufactured charms and different shaped findings as the main components of my pieces.  I work hard to make every piece with as much care and attention as I would if I were giving it as a gift to my friends or family.  Essentially, the pieces are custom made for my clients, because I don’t make the piece until it is ordered.  I will even work with clients who would like to slightly adapt pieces, such as make a longer chain length on a pendant, or design custom pieces together for gifts or wedding parties.

Also, I wanted to design my jewelry with a customizable quality to it.  I want anyone to be able to wear my pieces no matter their age, size, or style.  If you have more simple taste and like smaller, more delicate pieces, you can do the Gemma earrings or necklaces.  If you like to be a little more trendy and bold, you can pick any few pieces and layer them together in an interesting way.  Many of my necklaces are able to be adjusted and worn in different ways.  The lengths can vary to suit your size or neckline, or pieces like the Livia and Antonia necklaces can be clasped anywhere along the chain so that they can be worn at 16 inches or 30 inches.  I wanted my line to be something that you can collect piece by piece over time and they would all coordinate and allow lots of options for women to wear them in their own way so that they can really maximize their accessory wardrobe and feel unique.

For more information on Acanthus Jewelry please visit http://www.acanthusjewelry.com/

Please feel free to email me at nadiamurdock@manchesterpublicrelations.com

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Dawn Del Russo
Fashion & Lifestyle Stylist & Founder
dawn@belladawn.com
Shopping ~www.belladawn.com
Stylist ~ www.dawndelrusso.com

Please feel free to email me at nadiamurdock@manchesterpublicrelations.com

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Osayamen Asemota started her career in media relations at a top International Public Relations firm, & has acquired many years of marketing experience for the media, entertainment & fashion industries.

As President & Executive Consultant of The Gift Agency, LLC, an Event Marketing & Promotions company, Osa works closely with a team of “gifted consultants,” who assist clients with various promotional needs – including but not limited to Event Production, Product Placement/Gifting Services, Integrated Marketing & Strategic Partnerships.

After the success of The Gift Agency,LLC Osa wanted to tap into her other passion, fashion design.  Continue reading to learn more about about  The Gift Shop by Osa and what makes her shop unique.

What is unique about your clothing line?

TGS (The Gift Shop) by O S A is a Vintage-Mod inspired Clothing line, with a twist of Afrocentric Flair.  Although there are many lines out now that include African-inspired pieces, many of them focus on couture designs. I created a line with pieces that are a combination of classic, festive and basic – dresses, skirts, shorts, and pants. What makes it unique is that although most designs will stay the same (think Gap), the fabrics are always changing. There are way too many beautiful African fabrics to explore, and besides, we want our customers to have that one unique & gifted piece.
What inspired you to create a clothing line?

My parents (Mom from Dominican Republic and Dad from Nigeria) owned a business for over 15 years, catered to people interested in the culture, music & fashion of Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. Born in NYC, we relocated to Nigeria for a few years, where I fell in love with the various fashion styles, fabrics and designs. I started an Event Marketing & Promotions company in 2004 (The Gift Agency, LLC), representing image consultants and producing shoots & events. I always wanted to create a line of pieces that would blend my love for vintage style, with the various fabrics of the African Diaspora. Now was the right time.

Where do you get your fabrics for your garments?

We use the highest quality wax print African fabrics imported from Mali, Senegal, Nigeria and Ghana, Africa. Some pieces may be mixed with stretch fabrics from Europe or Latin America. Each fabric is dyed using a particular printing process that makes the textile unique.

Do you sketch the looks for all your creations alone or do you have a partner?

Some pieces are sketched, with a combination of images & ideas from vintage & modern looks.

What does the future hold for the TGS by Osa?

I would love to open up a retail boutique, not only carrying my line, but a collection of vintage pieces & accessories.  I also look forward to increasing the importing of fabrics & exporting my designs to buyers in the international markets.

Website: www.thegiftshopbyosa.bigcartel.com

Blog: www.thegiftshop.tumblr.com

Facebook: http://thegiftshop.tumblr.com/facebook

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TGSbyOsa

Please feel free to email me at nadiamurdock@manchesterpublicrelations.com

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The key to bad publicity is admitting what went wrong! Confront the problem head on, be ready to take the heat and wait for the smoke to clear. Whether your a fashion designer, fashion stylist or publicist no matter what your profession clients want a product or service that works.

Try these tips if you find your self in a sticky situation!

Admit the problem: Take responsibility!

Apologize: Explain the problem and why it happened, expressing remorse can help you regain your credibility.

Put your clients mind at ease: Share what measures you are taking to make sure this problem does not happen again.

Get the root of the problem: With in-depth research you can avoid similar disasters from reoccurring.

Inform the media: By keeping the media informed your on top of the problem and all information is coming directly from the source.  Send out press releases frequently and post most recent developments on your blog and/or website.

Memorable Moments In Bad Publicity: It can sometimes benefit you.

Joaquin Phoneix Quits Acting!

Was Phoneix departure from acting for real or a publicity stunt? He now has a movie coming out this September, I’m Still Here.

Ashlee Simpson Caught Lip Syncing on SNL

Simpson played Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway for a 10-week engagement in February 2010.

Britney Spears takes a the buzz cut too far!

Britney Spears album Circus debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making Spears the youngest female artist in history to have five albums debut at number one, thus earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

For more information visit www.guerrillapublicity.com.

Feel Free to email me at nadiamurdock@manchesterpublicrelations.com

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We all know how tough it is to squeeze some time in for the grooming basics.  A fashionista has to have it together from head to toe! Celebrity manicurist Jill from Spa Chicks on the Go demonstrates how to accomplish The Speedy Manicure on your own.

Please email me your questions and comments, nadiamurdock@manchesterpublicrelations.com

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–

Blake Lively

If you have questions for Dawn or would like to visit her shop Bella Dawn Boutique, check out her info contact info below.

Dawn Del Russo
Fashion & Lifestyle Stylist & Founder
Bella Dawn Boutique
dawn@belladawn.com
Shopping ~www.belladawn.com
Stylist ~ www.dawndelrusso.com

Please feel free to email questions and comments to nadiamurdock@manchesterpublicrelations.com.

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Celebrity Hair Stylist Holly Mills

When did you start your career as a hairstylist?

My career as a hair stylist officially started in 2006 at the Aveda Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida. Although, I have been enamored with and involved in styling hair since I was a little girl.

When did you join Bumble & Bumble?

I joined the House of Bumble one year ago when I moved to NYC. I knew when I came to NYC I only wanted to work for Bumble & Bumble. Amazingly the opportunity came to me at the Bumble & Bumble styling bar. My passion has always been styling and the styling bar is the perfect fit for me. It is truly a dream come true.

What are your favorite Bumble & Bumble products and why?

My favorite Bumble & Bumble styling products are Grooming Creme and Surf Spray. I’m real into styling with the natural texture of hair whenever possible and these products make that much easier.

Grooming creme gives hair that natural lived in texture, and it takes away that just washed fluffiness. Wind Surf Spray adds lift at the roots and gives hair a salty grip and texture.

Holly's first client

You have had the opportunity to work behind the scenes at Fashion Week, what was it like and what did you love most?

I’m a Newbie back stage at the fashion shows and it is a challenging and exciting environment. There is definitely a lot pressure back stage and you have to expect the unexpected at all times which only adds to the fun and excitement. My favorite thing is learning new techniques, new ways to use the products and watching the head stylists at work.

What’s the best hair tip/advice you can offer?

My biggest hair tip would be if you only want to spend a few minutes on your hair than choose a style that only takes a few minutes. If you want a style that takes longer than you should really take the time to apply the right amount of products evenly throughout the hair and take your time while styling to do it well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at nadiamurdock@manchesterpublicrelations.com.

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Try something new is my motto! visit Stylist.com to learn how to do a “Funky French” manicure yourself!

For more information visit Stylist

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