How we do it

Bring Your Summer Wardrobe from Drab to Fab

2011-07-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

Everyone has felt the terrible realization, after flipping through dress after dress in your closet, that you have absolutely nothing to wear. Too old, worn too many times, too short, too tight, there are various reasons for each subsequent rejection, but the bottom line is, you need a new outfit. Luckily, Miller/Hamilton Companies are here to help you find this summer’s must-haves.

Instyle’s 2011 Top Ten Summer Essentials can all be found on Shopthefarout.com. Below are a few to get your summer wardrobe back on track.

1. Floral Sundress- Light, airy, and adorable, this summer trend never goes out of style.

https://www.shopthefarout.com/clothes/dresses/wild-blossom-dress

2. Maxi Dress- Comfortable and classy, any maxi dress can be dressed up for dinner with friends or dressed down for an afternoon shopping trip.

https://www.shopthefarout.com/clothes/dresses/leilei-print-dress

3. Neon Miniskirt- Funky and fun, a neon miniskirt can be matched with a variety of tops providing you with a different outfit every time.

https://www.shopthefarout.com/clothes/skirts/twist-front-mini-skirt

4. Worn-In Tee- You can never have enough of these. Perfect for errand-running on those sultry summer days.

https://www.shopthefarout.com/clothes/tops/blackout-t-shirt

5. Tunic Dress- Don’t know what to wear? With the ability to be casual or classy, you can’t go wrong with this go-to dress.

https://www.shopthefarout.com/clothes/dresses/waisted-tank-dress

Summer in Style

2011-07-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

The dog days of summer are here at last, and there’s nothing we love more here at Miller/Hamilton Companies than laying out in the sun! Whether its the beach, the pool or the Great Lawn here in New York, nothing says summer like tan lines. However, we’ve noticed that most beach towels are either really comfortable and a complete fashion faux pas or they’re tres chic and completely uncomfortable. Uncomfortable towels make sunbathing less than enjoyable, and ugly towels just make you look bad, so what’s a girl to do? Never fear, ladies: we think we’ve found the perfect marriage of both chicness and comfort in Christy USA beach towels!

Christy USA’s beach towels are an institution in England, with even Queen Victoria requesting Christy towels in the 19th century. Made of 100% Cotton, with one side looped for absorbency and velour on the other side to ensure maximum comfort, Christy USA’s beach towels come in eight bold and beautiful prints that will go with your entire summer wardrobe. Summer may be half over, but its not too late to show off your beach bod with Christy USA’s towels!

Totally Tribal Trend

2011-07-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

Two words: jungle fever. There is something about summer that allows even the most hesitant fashionistas to dare to walk on the wild side of their wardrobes. This summer, it’s all about the tribal trend. This animal and ethnic-inspired fad features bold patterns, wild Native American-esk prints, chunky bangles and a pop of color. Our very own Shop The Far Out is embracing this tribal chic trend with this “Aztec” Skirt (Torn by Ronny Kobo), “Tribal” Maxi Dress (Funktional) and “Waisted” Tank Dress (Twellth Street by Cynthia Vincet).

But this funky fad is not just about the clothing. What says animal-inspired better than real rooster feathers…in your hair? I know you’ve seen them; from Ke$ha, to Selena Gomez, to Steven Tyler (?!), to sorority girls alike, hair feathers are just about everywhere. While news reporters may point out environmental concerns and your dad may complain that it’s depleting his fishing lure supply, the hair feather trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

So if you’re looking to channel your inner warrior princess this summer, throw on a fringed, tribal Tee and a flowy maxi skirt, clasp in some colorful hair feathers, grab a fedora and some gold bangles, and TA-DA tribal hipster perfection.

All My...Amy?

2011-06-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

After 40+ years of entertaining daytime audiences, ABC announced this spring that famous soap opera "All My Children" will go off the air in September of this year. While fans everywhere are sad to see the end of Erica Kane, we are happy to report that our client Amy Butler for Welspun has made an appearance before the finale.

In a recent episode, the set designers let us into Colby Chandler's bedroom. Positioned front and center on her bed is Amy's vibrant Sari Bloom bedding collection. We think the refreshing blues and pinks bring a blast of sophisticated whimsy into the design. To see the whole scene, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LheydmFeSq0

2011-04-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

This weekend Charles P. Rogers, New York City based bed manufacturer, opened their showroom full of beautiful beds to Writopia Lab, a non-profit organization based in NYC that focuses on developing creative writing skills for youth ages 8-18. Charles P. Rogers, took an active role in National Poetry month hosting their second workshop in conjunction with Writopia Ready.Set.Write: The Poetry Edition. The event was an opportunity for young writers to work closely under the guidance of trained poetry authors and Writopia mentors to explore poetry as a form of self-expression and share their work with an audience.

Here is an amazing piece of poetry we would like to share. Enjoy:

The Ways of Bed

Eleanor Harrison

As soft as a lamb’s gentle fur,

As lovely as the grass sprinkled with dew from

Last night’s rain,

Warm with sunshine

And strong from the rays

Of the rainbow

Created from

The rain’s dreary sleepiness

And the sunlight’s hopeful awakening,

As thrilling as a ride on the wings of a bird,

The hopeful mourning-dove,

As relaxing as an evening

In the moonlight while the sounds of the birds

Calling swiftly

Above your head

A delightful sound

That one cannot see, only can hear the pretty sounds

Far above,

Is a bed,

Its soft canopy of sheets and layers

Spread out across it;

Awaiting a weary being

To come and lay on it

Tempted by its everlasting gentleness

Its loveliness hidden underneath the covers,

Its thrillingness that lies within its pillows,

Its sense of relaxation

That it adds onto the

Layers of blankets and quilts,

And tucks the being into,

And with a final glance

At all the world around it,

The being falls into a

Silent stillness of a

Dream-filled sleep,

Until finally

The folds of the bed sheets

Heat with sunshine

A lamb runs by with its gentle fur,

The grass is strong

From a rainbow,

A mourning-dove glides

Softly across the sky,

The calls of the night birds

Come back in memory,

And the refreshed being

Awakens once more

Into the daylight.

Amy Butler in Seventeen Magazine!

2011-03-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

Amy Butler's Sari Bloom Euro Sham is in Seventeen magazine this April! This sham is the perfect way to lighten up any room for the spring season. To view the collection and to see what other fun, trendy goods Amy has to offer, please visit here.

New York Spaces Magazine: JAB!

2011-03-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

We are happy to share that JAB Antoetz is featured in the April 2011 issue of New York Spaces! For more information on JAB products, please click here.

Pot of Blush: Arte Italica in Connecticut Cottages & Gardens

2011-02-16T13:59:00.000-08:00

Arte Italica was featured in Connecticut Cottages and Gardens this month! To view Arte Italica's complete collection, visit their website.

Curtain Call: Amy Butler!

2011-02-16T13:32:00.000-08:00

Amy Butler was featured in Canada's Style at Home last month! The "Princess of Pattern", as Style at Home refers to her as, has recently launched her new collection of shower curtains. To view the entire collection, visit her website.

Show us some love (and win a bed!) - Charles P. Rogers

2011-01-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

Visit this website to enter for a chance to win a Charles P. Rogers bed!

Traditional Home February 2011: JAB Anstoetz!

2011-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

JAB is featured in the February 2011 issue of Traditional Home! You can see the entire line of JAB Anstoetz here.

Rachel Ray loves Amy Butler, too!

2011-01-20T07:41:00.000-08:00

Amy Butler for Welspun has recently been featured in the February 2011 of Everyday with Rachel Ray!

The section is called “Everyday FavesHome”, so I guess Rachel Ray loves Amy Butler as much as we do? I think that’s safe to say

To see the full Amy Butler for Welspun collection, visit her online store here.

Samuel & Sons in House Beautiful!

2011-01-20T07:36:00.000-08:00

House Beautiful Magazine recently highlighted an assortment of fabric tiebacks for curtains and one of the lucky brands selected in the feature happens to be our client, Samuel & Sons!

Samuel & Sons is a leading designer, importer, and distributor of fine trims for interior design. Check out the rest of the Samuel & Sons line here.

Fun in Hotlanta!

2010-07-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

If the summer wasn't hot enough, we decided a trip to Hotlanta in July for the Gift Show was necessary. Thank God the buildings are air conditioned because the three block walk from the hotel was enough heat to last us the rest of the summer. The other upside? The overabundance of eye candy. From luxe home furnishings to arrayed jewelry offerings to the gourmet foods section with samplings of homemade salsas and peppermint hot chocolate, we didn't know where to look first.

Our first stop took us to the Christian Mosso and Associates showroom to see our clients Arte Italica, maker of fine dinnerware and home decor, and Christy, the venerable home linens brand from England. Arte Italica had so many of their new collections on display and while it's hard to pick a favorite, we took special notice of the Murano chandeliers that lit so many of their tablescapes. We also loved Christy's selections of fresh bedding designs, lush towels, cozy robes and bold beach towel offerings.

From Christy, we were intrigued by the design stylings of Artmax, a home furnishings store with showrooms in Chicago and High Point.

We loved this contemporary metallic wall hanging which worked well with the comparable sconces to the left.

Next, we popped into Zentique. They exhibited an interesting cross section of classic styles with a slight contemporary twist. We really loved the unique chandeliers and lighting fixtures.

These "burlap" fixtures had a truly natural feel, but didn't feel completely casual. It reminded us of a well-appointed beach house; we could almost hear the waves crashing on the shore and smell the salty sea air.

All together, it was a great trip. From Foxy's Gourmet to Heart Gems to 3 Sisters, we left exposed to many new brands, and a great deal of inspiration. Next stop the New York International Gift Show!

2010-06-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

Get inspired by fall’s color trends! Pantone, the global authority on color, produced a palette seen splashed across New York fashion week.

Take a cue from the runways for your personal and home style. Endive, golden glow, living coral, lipstick red, purple orchid, chocolate truffle, lagoon, woodbine, oyster gray, and rose dust give a great contrast and freshen up a room.

Summer Must-have

2010-06-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

The Christy Soho beach towel made the pages of Star magazine's style section! The July 5 edition of Star features fashionable finds for the beach including straw hats, cover-ups and, of course, printed beach towels. Check out the rest of the Christy beach towel collection available online.

Check out next month's issue of Veranda

2010-06-21T08:17:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Samuel & Sons for being featured in the July/August 2010 issue of Veranda magazine! Veranda's beautiful spread of decor in Southampton displays Samuel & Sons' unique trim.

Ooo-la-la, ombre

2010-06-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

From fashion to hair to home decor, ombre is one of the summer's hot trends. Often referred to as "dip-dye", ombre is a French term meaning "shaded" and usually graduates from a lighter shade of color to a darker one. The trend had its debut on the runway in 2007 at the shows of top designers like Prada and Alberta Ferretti. In 2010, ombre is still going strong. Clothing brands like Lucky have fun and flirty styles in their summer lines, celebrities like Lauren Conrad and Rachel Bilson are rocking subtle dark-on-top, light-on-bottom reverse ombre hair styles, and Samuel and Sons - industry leaders in trimming and more - brings the trend home with their Aquarelle line of tassels.

At your service

2010-06-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

Create an elegant aesthetic for the summer! A decorative piece great for parties, this Coccodrillo serving tray by Arte Italica, as featured in the July/August issue of Veranda magazine, is the season's must-have!

Tribute To Alicia Keys

2010-06-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

Still getting settled in our new office. Check out the awesome wall art in the conference room, we love it!

Brutally Honest Gifts

2010-06-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

We are excited to welcome our newest client Naughty Betty! Naughty Betty’s mission is to combine cool design and insightful, funny truths to bring women what creators Christine Montaquila and Courtney Weinberg call “the brutal truth all prettied up.” Montaquila and Weinberg both worked in advertising before launching Naughty Betty greeting cards in 2006. The two have worked on many women’s brands including Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty.

Naughty Betty products, which range from wine glasses and cocktail napkins to memo pads and cuffs, all don sayings like “Thank God there’s a pill for everything” and “If forty is the new twenty cellulite must be the new tattoo.” To see more, check out the Inviting Company.

The summer's hottest color!

2010-06-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

Check out our client, Arte Italica’s Merletto Aqualine in the Shade of Summer section in this month’s issue of Traditional Home. Inspired by handmade Italian lace, add a touch of the summer’s hottest color to your dinnerware.

Stylish Enough for Sex and the City

2010-06-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our client Charles P. Rogers, who’s sleek and stylish Campaign Canopy bed was chosen for the Sex and the City movie again! The hand crafted wrought iron Campaign Canopy bed made it’s first appearance in the first Sex and the City movie in Charlotte’s bedroom (recall the slumber party scene the night before Carrie and Big’s wedding). The same bed was chosen again for Charlotte Sex and the City 2. Be sure to look for it in the movie, in theaters now.

Welcome Aboard!

2010-05-27T06:46:00.001-07:00

This week, we are pleased to welcome our new Account Executive, Michelle Caganap. Hailing from the world of Entertainment PR at IPR+MKTG, Michelle supported publicity efforts for Nick Cannon, Kelis, Estelle, PUMA, Sliminizer and VIBE Magazine. Working hand in hand with Nick Cannon's multi-media company at Viacom, she also has solid relationships in and strong knowledge of the TV and Movie Production industry. Having worked with some of the most recognizable names in the entertainment, lifestyle and consumer brand industries, Michelle brings a fresh and bold perspective to our team.

As an Account Executive, Michelle will utilize her relationships and experience in the entertainment industry to secure solid placements, create news and develop ongoing mutually beneficial relationships between our clients, and possible partners and celebrities.

Growing up in sunny Long Beach, Ca, moved to New York to earn a BS in Business Marketing and Mathematics from Marymount College of Fordham University. Williams' Billionaire Boys Club & Ice Cream Flagship store as Assistant Manager and Press Officer, sparking her interest in PR and the Entertainment Industry. She currently resides in Brooklyn, which she proudly claims is the best Borough in all of New York.

Need A Quick Summer Makeover?

2010-05-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

Samuel & Sons Massai Fringe is featured in Mary McDonald's Instant Room section of the June Issue of House Beautiful - and Mary's right! It's a simple addition that will bring a sophisticated summer twist to any room.

Arte Italica at DIFFA Dining by Design

2010-03-19T12:13:00.001-07:00

We went to check out the safari-themed Carini Lang table at DIFFA today and we were enamored with the presentation! Of course, we were most impressed with the use of Arte Italica's Coccodrillo chagers which fit in seamlessly with their overall design. Thank you, Carini Lang for including us!

Michele Keith's Book - Map of the Stars

2010-02-17T14:15:00.000-08:00

We're excited about the upcoming book tour for Michele Keith's new book featuring the homes of America's great designers.

Charles P. Rogers

2010-02-02T11:04:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to be working with Charles P. Rogers! So excited in fact, that we thought we would make a video to show the world just how awesome they are. Charles P. Rogers has been making beds right here in New York City since 1855 and now ships world-wide so it's easy to see why those who know, buy.

Check out their website at www.charlesprogers.com

A Busy Day

2009-10-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are, staring at November already. Where has the time gone? It's been a busy fall, but no day was more jam-packed than yesterday. The day began with a wonderful breakfast hosted by our client, Samuel & Sons at their showroom. The passementerie company welcomed their latest design client, White House interior designer Michael Smith as he introduced the new collection he designed for them. For an inside view, take a peak at Habitually Chic's write-up.

Michael Smith at Samuel & Sons

The day ended with not one, but two fabulous events. As such, our team divided and conquered. One group joined our new friend, author Michele Keith at the Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz lighting seminar. BNO is one of the kind designers opening the doors of his homes to Michele in her new book hitting shelves this spring.

Our other group got all dressed up and headed to the NYDC for the 4th Annual AlphaWorkshops Masquerade Ball. The crowd was festooned in outrageous costumes and creativity was exhibited everywhere.

What We Didn't Learn in Kindgarten?

2009-10-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen that poster "All I need to know in life, I learned in Kindergarten"? Well, we've been reminded of that concept lately. I remember back to the first years of school when we used to get graded on listens well, plays well with others and follows directions. Now, there's a chance we're wrong about this, but those key life skills were made relevant by educators for a reason. Those three things carry you through life.

Unfortunately, we've noticed lately that perhaps, as adults, we've all lost sight of that. Just take a peak at the news. Ever hear the ladies and gents of congress go 12 rounds over "republicans said this, democrats said that"? Who hasn't? I'm pretty sure would my first grade teacher Ms. Nardone be grading them, these bastions of leadership would get a "Needs Improvement" mark in both listens well and plays well with others. There is certainly no listening going on and the one-up-manship that passes as debate doesn't indicate anything other than playing dirty.

This transcends complaints with government officials or a simple school system example. Think about how you deal with clients or vendors, colleagues, associates, bosses or employees. Do you really listen? Are you hearing what your client is requesting? Is your vendor giving you a realistic opinion but you don't want to hear it? Has a boss provided you with instructions, you didn't read the email and then got upset when you are asked to revisit the task? Communication is obviously key to every relationship. Anyone reading this can certainly think of an example where this is true. I can think of three right now, one which happened yesterday.

As we move forward, navigating this tough time, we challenge everyone, including ourselves to think about what we learned in kindergarten. It wasn't pointless block building. It was a simple structure that taught us keys to functioning as an adult. We ought to employ those skills a little more often. Just a thought.

Public Relations at Its Finest

2009-08-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

We love a good sense of humor and we think it goes without saying that Jon Stewart and his "Daily Show" team have one. But one of the recent clips from Stewart's "news" program made a very good PR point. In the highly entertaining rant regarding Obama's healthcare plan and his communication thereof, Stewart points out that Obama's team hasn't remained consistent in the message. Regardless of your stance on Obama, the healthcare plans and proposals or what's gone on at these town hall meetings, the point is a good one that can be carried into the private sector.

Any good PR campaign must be consistent. Sure you'd think this was obvious; we did. Yet we're sitting here watching some of the top campaigners in the country botch this. As a brand (public, private, product or person), you cannot be all things to all people. You can't focus on everyone "liking" you. Messages must focus on their target, be crafted in a way that speaks directly and compellingly to that audience and do not verge from that path. Once there is a pull back, the message gets lost in the inconsistency.

Check out the segment.

The Cult of Personality

2009-08-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

Last week Hearst magazine and Seventeen announced that they are thinking like an evolving magazine company. Joining the "app" bandwagon, they are providing an iPhone app for readers to find products profiled on their pages in stores near readers. What a terrific way to grab more advertising dollars that had lately been alluding the publication! We applaud the innovative thinking of magazines to figure out how to build their audiences, assist their advertisers and adapt to the fluctuating business and social environment while remaining true to the magazine's mission and vision. Kudos!

While we are happy to see innovation busy at work, we offer a word of caution. As we become this ever-growing, contraption-efficient society, we may be losing sight of the beauty of personal communication. Every semester and during the summer, we take on an intern or two. Of course this involves an interview process, scanning myriad resumes and sifting through credentials to find just the right fit. But it always causes us to reflect on the current generation of students. This is hilarious to type as our office is all under the age of 35 and looking at candidates who are maybe 10 years younger than us with that "when I was your age" eye seems a bit, well, weird. But we do it. And we remain baffled. It is though the electronics with which we have surrounded ourselves has slowly sucked the personality right out of a generation.

After phone interviews, we find ourselves shocked at the lack of emotion, personality, passion pouring forth from the other side of the phone. With AIM, BBM, Twitter, Facebook Status Updates, chat rooms, blog postings and emails, you can have an almost complete relationship without ever actually speaking to the other person. And now you can shop through your phone via magazine recommendations and never have to really talk to a person. For all of these conveniences, we have isolated ourselves into society of people who can't speak. We are all for innovation, but please let's keep some humananity in the workplace.

When Sponsors Get it Right

2009-07-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

I happened to attend a Jonas Brothers concert last night and once I was able to see beyond the seas of screaming girls and flocks of parents gripping their children, I took close notice of the incredible branding and sponsorship. Let me set the scene; THOUSANDS of kids ranging from the age of 4 to 20 who hang on the Jonas Brothers' every word, live by their likes and dislikes and value their opinions as if they were the Bible. Then you have hundreds of parents who come to these concerts to make their kids happy as well as some who just love these boys as much as their kids do. Basically what you have is a huge mass of people screaming, crying, desperate for a piece of anything Jonas.

Enter sponsors... the most prevalent sponsor was definitely Verizon. By
giving these fans the opportunity to text their feelings directly to an enormous screen situated above the entire audience, Verizon is able to engage not only their existing customers who already get free texting, but also have the opportunity to target non-Verizon customers who just want a piece of everything Jonas. Wouldn't it be easier if, just like the Jonas Brothers, they were Verizon customers too?

Sponsor #2 was Burger King. Before the concert began, the Emcee came out to do a contest. Since the Jonas Brothers LOVE Burger King and have made the actual "burger King" a main feature of their tour, it's only natural that they would give away 4 free dinners courtesy of the Jonas Brothers to 4 lucky winners. You should have seen these people go nuts! FOR BURGER KING!!!!!! It's not like they were giving away a lifetime supply of fries here...we're talking one meal. You would have thought it was cash they were throwing into the stands. But, because just prior to the contest they aired a commercial featuring the King on tour with the Jonas Brothers that showed him on their tour bus, in their home, on their plane (MarquiJet...I'll get to that one soon) and basically a key part of their lives, these fans have now fully incorporated and accepted Burger King as another aspect of life that is all things Jonas. It is now a part of their lives.

The final and MUCH smaller sponsor was MarquiJet/ Netjets. This was more of a private sponsor, but they got their point across loud and clear. There was a meet & greet scheduled for 6:30pm with the Jonas Brothers, exclusively for MarquiJet and Netjets clients and their kids. These people get to meet the boys, have a picture taken and get autographs. They walk around with 5"x 7" passes around their necks with a 1" thick branded necklace along with a bright green branded bracelet. ANYONE who sees these people knows they have something special, you can't miss it. Inside the meet & greet is a step and repeat featuring the sponsor that is intermixed with the Jonas Brother logo. Basically anything Jonas is as good as MarquiJet and Netjets. It raises the Jonas Brothers brand in addition to solidifying approval from the MJ/Netjets client. Both parties win; the kids are happy, the clients feel they have received something very special and the Jonas Brothers are thrilled to be linked to such an elevated brand. This is an example of sponsorship on a smaller scale, but never the less, very important to the big picture that is the Jonas Brothers brand.

In the end, it was amazing to see how three boys can cause such a stir. Almost every night they influence thousands of people and sponsors who are lucky enough to get their endorsement can't thank them enough!

Summer Rain in the City

2009-07-21T07:21:00.000-07:00

It's another summer rainy day in the Big Apple. For those who live here, or in any area of the country that has had more rainy days this summer than you can count, you know it can be highly depressing. The dreary sense of yuck that hangs in the air and dances across flip-flopped feet makes one want to just curl up at home and watch a movie.

But of course, that isn't an option for us poor working stiffs. So how to get rid of the rainy day blahs? We suggest an office dance party. I know, you're thinking, "Oh how 'The Office' can you get?" but seriously, it works. Now, you need to choose your locale wisely if you are in a large office space, but it is doable. Reserve the conference room for 15 minutes, grab your favorite co-workers, your iPod and some speakers, and your ready to go. This goes without saying, but what happens in the conference room stays in the conference room so that everyone feels comfortable letting go. You can't be worried about what "YouTube" sight you might find yourself via some camera phone video. Save that for the office holiday party. You must feel free to harness your running man, lawn mower, sprinkler, grapevining capabilities and really get your groove back. Fifteen minutes is all you need for the day to take on a whole different outlook.

Some recommended tuneage:

Dancing with Myself by David Bowie
Single Ladies by Beyonce
That's Not My Name by the Ting Tings
I Wear My Sunglasses at Night by Corey Hart
Mercy by Duffy

So grab your dancing shoes and make some room...the rainy day party is just getting started.

Some Hiring Insight

2009-07-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

With the current economic climate, many publications are offering interview advice from HR experts and employers to their job-hunting readers. Definitely helpful, much more productive than the constant "we're up a creek and there is no sign of a paddle" pessimism that is oozing from the pores of many a news agency (watch Mark Haines from CNBC if you don't believe us - he's a nice guy, appears to be funny, but a little hope might be nice).

First, thanks reporters for providing some assistance to our fellow man. There are a lot of great candidates out there who just need a foot in the door. Second, we happened to participate in a couple of interviews on the topic and thought, for any individuals interested, it might be useful. Granted, not all employers operate with the same philosophy, look for the same interviewing skills or hope for the same type of cover letter; our opinion is just that, an opinion. So take it for what it's worth. And Good Luck!

Reuters: "Help Wanted: Recruiting on Craigslist" by Deborah Cohen

CNN (via Careerbuilder.com): "How to answer: Why Should I Hire You?" by Anthony Balderrama

Get Over Yourself.

2009-07-08T07:26:00.001-07:00

Okay, we operate in the fashion world. Our business is all about lifestyle...what's new, what's now, what's done and how to make our clients fit into the relevancy of it all. So we recognize that sometimes fashion designers take risks on the runway in order to create a buzz, push the envelope, make the fashion world think even further outside the box, blah, blah, blah. So there we were flipping through a recent issue of WWD, taking in the normal eccentricities and our chins nearly fell to the floor. The issue reviewed the Fall Fashions for men introduced at Milan's Fashion Week. Upon seeing the latest from a designer who shall remain nameless, "WTF" was shouted from every voice in our office.

Now, we're all for displaying inspirations from various cultures in the world; designs should not stick solely to the mores of the Western World. Having said that, the model, replete with thick "Arabian Nights" make-up, donned a turban. Okay. Non-issue. But the turban was in fact a white button down wrapped sloppily on the model's head and secured with a belt. Pardon me, but that's not fashion, that's called laundry. What? Did the designer's team forget the actual turban piece and send the intern home to raid a hamper? "I couldn't find a towel, but I did manage to find my shirt from last night...I think it has some dried vomit on it as a result from the after-party, but no one will see it if we wrap this belt around it."

Come on. Just because you're fabulous, a fashion icon, doesn't mean everything you touch can be considered flawless and inspired. It's slightly reminiscent of the fable "The Emperor's New Clothes". No matter how much the king and his minions told people he was dressed in the finest frock available, the reality was he was still naked. No matter how much someone tells us this "turban" is inspired, I'm sorry...it's still just laundry piled on top of a man's head. Come on, get over yourself.

The Fall is Coming! The Fall is Coming!

2009-04-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

We all know that Fall trends are quickly becoming the hot topic of water cooler conversations. "What?" you're shrieking in denial. "But I'm just starting to see some Springtime sunshine." We too are looking forward to bar-be-ques and sundresses, but let's get real. It's time...Autumn trends are upon us. And thanks to Pantone's bi-annual color report, we've prepared some quick highlights in the home furnishings and accessories category. So take a peek...

WWD: Consumers' 10 Favorite Trade Ups

2009-04-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

As we all have been hearing ad nausem, consumer spending is down, no one has any money, the apocalypse is coming and life as we know it is over. Okay, that may be a bit dramatic, but let's face it, news of late has been dismal for the most part. Well, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel according to a recent WWD article. Consumers are still trading up on certain goods...ah, we feel better already.

Premium Spending: Consumers' 10 Favorite Trade Ups
By Valerie Seckler
From WWD Issue 04/08/2009

With kitchen table conversations about what kinds of purchases can be put off, “people are [getting] tired of denying themselves,” said Michael Silverstein, a senior partner at The Boston Consulting Group. Food accounts for three of 10 favorite trade ups to premium goods as consumers with tight finances eat more meals at home.

Apparel failed to make the top 10 because so many people “acquired lots of it between 2002 and 2007,” Silverstein said. But he anticipates change ahead. “The big inventory of unworn clothes at home is running down,” he said. “Innovation technically and functionally — like wrinkle-free material, improved fit and comfort — could spur purchases.”

Top 10 Consumer Trade Ups In The U.S.:
1. Personal computers
2. Fresh fruits and vegetables
3. Bedding
4. Meat
5. Home entertainment
6. Cars
7. Sit-down restaurants
8. Kitchen appliances
9. Washers and dryers
10. Fish and seafood