Honest Stitch Fix Review- Fourth Times the Charm?

I have to be honest- my relationship with Stitch Fix has been an emotional roller coaster...

My first box was so fabulous I almost kept all of the items, but restrained myself since I wasn’t sure what the next fix would bring…which was a shame because it only brought one item I would like.

They say the third times the charm, -no, really, Stich Fix says that by the third box your “buyer” will know more of your taste and style. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for me. The third box was so bad that my boyfriend even commented on how terrible the choices were. This is coming from a man who owns four shirts, one belt and could care less that his socks have holes in them, and even HE thought the choices were ridiculous. They did not fit my personal style or my size for that matter.

Not hitting the nail on the head in the style department is one thing, but if my buyer just looked at my provided height description- I doubt she would have sent a dress for 6-foot women to a 4-foot-9 one ( yes, I’m tiny). However, I remained so impressed by the first box from the choices of clothing to the convenience that I continue to come back for more. I want to get back to that first win!

I am now on my fourth stitch fix and the company is on their last chance at keeping me as a customer. I wrote an honest review, much like the one above, after my third box and hope that they will take the notes into consideration when sending over the box this week! That’s right- only a few days away and you will have the final verdict and some tips on how to get the most out of your stitch fix box!

Stay Tuned....

Subscription Boxes- Are They Worth the Money?

As a PR professional I can promise you time management is going to be your best friend, but one whichyou will have to learn and earn through plenty of trial and error.

I won’t pretend that I completely have this down. I’m still handing over gifts without cards because I didn’t have time to sign or grab one.  My recent favorite time management fail is taking the time out to detail all my appointments and events in a planner and then losing said planner two days later.

My point is- it seems that when my work is at its best, my personal life is at its worst. This often results in me giving 100% to deadlines and clients and having nothing left for myself.  No, this isn't a rant but more of a preface to why subscriptions like the ones I have tried below ,are beneficial-  if done right-,for people who don’t have the time to stop, shop and roll with the punches.

The first subscription I tired was Stitch Fix. 

 Read my personal review here

After this I tried Pop Sugar’s Must- Have Box

Read my review here

Check out other subscription opportunities below that attempt to make life as a busy fashionista, wino, snacker, or whatever you are, a little easier:

Click me!

Now if there was just a way to get my hair done...  

Wait- I Only Have To Pack ONE Pair of Shoes My Next Trip?! Fashion Forward Jet Setters- You'll Want To See This!

As a business professional we pick up skills along the way. Signing up for air miles, hotel points- that are 101 stuff.

The one thing I personally have yet to master is packing lightly.  My nemesis: footwear.  As a business woman I need at least three pairs of shoes no matter what. Humor me- a pair comfortable and easy to remove pair for travel, a pair for casual outings with my associates or even clients and then another pair for events/business meetings.  That’s assuming all three pairs match every outfit packed. 

So, what’s a fashion forward PR pro to do? Enter- Cambiami Sandals! “Cambiamento” means- change in Italian and “cambinar” is to change in Spanish ( there’s a fun lesson to wake you up). If you haven’t guessed by now, the whole concept of these comfortable and fashionable shoes is their ability to change!

Simply purchase the “bottom” or soul of the shoe, and then select two “uppers” or tops to go with them!  If you’re meetings or events are business casual you could easily get away with wearing these with the right dress…which means- you can literally only pack ONE pair of shoes for your next trip! Worst case two pairs. Did you think we’d ever see the day? Well it is 2014.

Stay tuned for my personal review…because I ordered three….yes I’m serious #sorrynotsorry.

Ps. I used the coupon "StyleBistro15" from one of my favorite blogs: Style Bistro! 

Transformers 4 the age of advertisements….. Seriously? Did anyone else see this?

Seriously? Did anyone else notice this or is it just the PR/Marketing major in me?

No-this post is not on my personal review of the movie Transformers 4, however if you are looking for one- I would say it is worth spending the cash to head to the theater (especially in 3D), but warn you to brace yourself for the corny one-liners. Getting to the PR point though, did anyone else notice the not-to-subtitle advertisements/ product shamelessly placed throughout the movie? I literally started laughing in the middle of the theater after the fourth one...

The first placement for Budweiser works nicely. The bottle is positioned on Mark Wahlberg’s dinner tray his daughter brings over thoughtfully.  Interestingly enough,she had just commented on his poor eating habits - #contradiction.

The first real in your face product placement appears when the Steve Jobs lookalike holds up Beats “Pill” speakers- literally calling the product by its name. It worked, but did not go unnoticed- which I’m sure was the idea all along….

The next scene of the crime, is where Mark Wahlberg emerges from a crash, looking around to see scattered bud light platinum bottles…and  then proceeds to drink one.

Finally, I literally started laughing when an epic fight demolishes buildings, cars etc. and all that’s remaining is a wobbling black phone booth stand with huge white letters reading Victoria's Secret.

Since I didn't start the movie counting these, I’m sure there are well over the four that one could not ignore…

Let me know what you find and don't forget the popcorn!

Favorite Executed Events From Fashion Week

One of my favorite characteristics that I’ve found to be true in the PR industry is the genuine appreciation for a well-executed PR campaign, whether it is your firm executing it or another. There is a respect for fresh and creative ideas from all areas of the industry.

I recently had the opportunity to meet an influential; blogger in the Fashion and Beauty industry. As we were taught in PR 101 having the right face of a brand is important, hence “love you, love your product”. I have to admit that I was left with such an astounding impression from this young professional (who is almost my height as I’m 4’9) that I continue to keep up with her postings and internally cheer her on.Being a member of the media in her own right, she was invited to attend some very envy worthy press events during NYC Fashion Week, that caused the fashionista in me drool a little.  

Taking a step back to view these events with a PR eye, I found myself reveling in appreciation on the execution of a couple companies’ events to activate their brands.

My favorite event showcase was created by Jack Wills to display their new summer collection. The company was on a whole new playing field, literally, as the press was invited to preview the summer collection on the water. What say’s summer more than a day out on the boat. With sea food appetizers and drinks, guests were invited to tour each room as it was styled with unique apparel items in the closet or open drawers while rooms showcased décor and bedding selections.

For more information visit: http://www.kdhamptons.com/jack-wills-sets-sail-with-new-hamptons-summer-collection/

Another well executed campaign on land was demonstrated by Birch Box .The company returned for this season of New York Fashion Week, opening the event to media/influencers from September 7th-10th and then opened to the public as a pop-up Consumer Retail Shop from September 12th-16^th.  The company also provided makeovers, hair styling, brow shaping and manicures between shows. Lining the showcase was samples walls of products and guests were invited to create their own Birch box from selected beauty products.

For more details and photos please visit the source: http://www.fashionablypetite.com/2013/09/birchbox-local-during-new-york-fashion.html

What events, showcases or campaigns do you admire? Older or newer, I would like to hear some of the tips and tricks, or inspirational campaigns that you’ve come across. 

 Tweet me at vee_fusco and let me know!

A Public Relations Must Have- Don't leave home without it!

All the communication exercises, excel and PowerPoint lessons, internships, natural or acquired skills are useless in PR without one key ingredient….work ethic.

I may not be the best ( yet ;) ) and I know I’m not perfect by far…and perhaps there is nothing I can do about these things...so instead I focus on something I can have a say in. I determined a long time ago that I will not let anyone 'out-work' me. I believe there is something to be said for someone who is naturally good at something and makes it to the top, but even more to be said about someone who isn’t and is still there. I’d want that person on my team.
 

I think this is where a college degree comes into play. Sure college courses train us in the details of  press release writing, pitching and etc. but the real 4 year lesson ( sometimes longer it seems for our generation ) is endurance.

Just as college athletes come to train to have what it takes to make it into NFL, we come to learn what it takes to make it into corporate. Sure natural ability will take you far…but it can only take you SO FAR…and then the work ethic has to kick in, the hunger for more knowledge, the ability to adapt and conquer the new.

 

I will screw up, you will screw up- it’s inevitable. The extent of the screw up is dependable…(depending on  if I wisely choose to evaluate sooner than later or ask for guidance before things get too far)…but I will only make the mistake ONCE. After that time- it is filed, evaluated and noted. If I trip over a rock, I now know it’s there. It becomes a stepping stone the second time around. I think this is the difference between a person who shows up "TO" work and a person who shows up "AT" work. (Think about it :) )

I can’t help but appreciate how often the lessons in PR apply to everyday lives. Ie: Don’t lie, don’t put too much information on the internet, stay positive and foster/ value relationships- but the lesson today is a little different. You will mess up along the way but don’t let it intimate you from giving it your all…and then some. Nothing in life worth having is without putting in work…no career worth having can be attained without the same concept.

10 Must-Pack Items When Traveling for Business

It’s your first time traveling with for a company trip! I ran into this my second week at my new job and boy did I pack wrong! I was so excited/ nervous at the concept I made a couple rookie mistakes ie: not brining a coat or a comfortable pair of shoes. 7 trips later including one from coast to coast, I feel that I have learned a thing or two on how to pack light and appropriately when traveling for business. Here are a couple tips to reduce some turbulence on your trip J

1.       Always pack a sweater: I was proactive in checking the weather but failed to consider how cold the meeting rooms would be. Since I was spending most of my time inside it didn’t matter that I packed for 90 degree weather…I was cold!

2.       Dry shampoo: I hate to confess this but I don’t always have the luxury of washing my hair on a business trip. My co-worker was blessed with natural wavy hair so she can emerge from the room with a wet head of hair and arrive at the meeting less than an hour later looking like it took her hours to dry and curl…since I-like many women- have to wash, dry, straighten and spray…I found dry shampoo to be a great travel companion.

  3.       Facial towelettes: They’re a quick and easy way to freshen up after a long day of travel or going from meeting. Even better- they fit in your clutch so you can bring them and run into the bathroom, use in the cab or even on the plane. They even help wake me up a little.

   4.       Speaking of a wake up call- Starbucks is my favorite vice…and with via on the go I can dump the little powder mix into any cup of water for a pick me up. You can find any flavor at your local Starbucks or Starbucks.com

5.       Bottled water….but don’t keep running up the company card. Get a water bottle filter for easy re-fills. Hint- the water bottles in the hotel room are not free…haha I’m sure you knew that though.

6.       Protein bar. You may never wind up eating it- but there are times in between meetings and trade shows where I have 20 minutes in my room and it comes between food and freshening up. This is where I am chewing my protein bar and putting on mascara- not as easy as it sounds try it!

7.       Your favorite travel sized perfume- because not everyone smells like roses when they use public transportation all day.

8.       A little black dress: Your sanity savoir for unavailable access to your room and flight delays. I will travel in an LBD with flip flops or flats for easy airport security checks and comfortable walking. Then throw on heels for the events and dinners without a hitch.

9.       Tinted Moisturizer-  You won’t have time to put on a full face of make up when running around from the airport, to a cab to an event to a company dinner or getting up at 4 am to keep up with the media’s work hours….this gives you a healthy glow. Opt for the ones with sunscreen!

10.   Finally, my co-worker ( the same one with the great hair) suggested brining and taking Emergen-C Vitamin -Easy little powder packets that can be added to any bottle of water. They boost your immune system that really takes a hit when traveling and being run down with lack of sleep and hectic schedules.

Safe Travels!