BBC Blog

DAILY CANDY JOINS THE E-COMMERCE BANDWAGON

Valerie Donati — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:10:23 -0400

I remember when the concept of e-commerce first launched, at least in my world. 1999, Boo.com. And wow, it was a disaster. The site crashed immediately, etc, etc. BUT, it was exciting, it was new and at the time it was still a BIG question mark, would e-commerce become the way of the future? It has, by the way. But nobody was really sure back then.

At the time I was representing Tracey Ullman’s online e-tailer, Purpleskirt.com. It had a niche because it was one of the first specialty fashion platforms online. Her partner owned Fred Segal Flair, one of the most well-connected resources for unusual, hard to find and terminally hip women’s apparel. PLUS, it had Tracey! She was hilarious, able to garner loads of great awareness and press just by showing up. AND, perhaps a lesser known fact, she was and is INCREDIBLY stylish. The woman totally gets it. Remember her performance in Robert Altman’s fashion flick Prêt-à-Porter?

So, what has this got to do with DailyCandy.com? Of all the forerunners of this online “stylized” world DailyCandy.com continues to be a leader. You have got to give them TONS of credit for that. They made it! As they prepare to enter the world of commerce you have to assume they are going to do something worthwhile here too. I know I do. Go, Dany!

Source: dailycandy.com

THE YANKEES: The Ultimate Brand

Valerie Donati — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:51:09 -0400

Everybody knows, or at least should know, that a brand is only a brand when it replaces a thing. For instance, we generally say Xerox instead of copy. Or, we refer to tissue as Kleenex. So, when we think baseball I wonder if we all think Yankees? I tend to think that way, even though I am not necessarily a Yankee fan. After all, it’s a strange year when the Yankees don’t make it to the World Series (it gets boring always pulling for the obvious winner). Baseball used to be synonymous with America’s favorite pastime. I think football has usurped that role (if you ever read this blog you’ll know that my favorite pastime is golf).

As we get geared up for another World Series, with that ubiquitous team that managed to lose last night, I wonder if we really feel like it is worth bothering to root for one of America’s favorite brands. Well, I guess so, why not? I live in New York, so it probably makes sense for me to go with the home team. A brand works that way sometimes. And after all, I think it’s safe to say the Yankees are the ultimate power brand. Go Yanks!

Source: yankeesblog.org

“The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life” Ivanka Continues to Break Out...

Valerie Donati — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:50:05 -0400

When I was coming of age in the 80s and had stars in my eyes (Back then money seemed to be everywhere, and everyone wanted to live the high life in NYC. High being both relative and specific.), Donald Trump was someone to watch. He seemed to epitomize all that was happening in that era—smart and swaggering, a real money maker. And his wife, that blonde with the Eastern European accent and her BIG puffy dresses, was continually featured in every society and gossip column. They were something.

Ah, then there was the tumble, and he lost his fidelity and maybe his way (but probably not, it may have looked like he was tanking but we now know this man always had a plan). Well, he's BACK and on top and these days America loves him. But for my money the true star of the family is his beautiful daughter, Ivanka.

This young woman has inherited the best of both parents. She has a softer, more refined beauty than her mother ever did, and she has the savvy of her father without any of his obnoxious behavior (don't get me wrong, I like him—and in real life he's a true gentleman). She’s smart. She's gorgeous. And she has true style.

I suggest you take a look at her book. It's a new chapter in an evolving legacy of success—whether you like it or not. I'd say she’s Trump ascending. She's really on her way!

Source: newshopper.sulekha.com

NEW YORK: There's Really Nothing Like It

Valerie Donati — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:13:42 -0400

Now there's a new Web site that brings all the color (though done in film noir black and white, NY style) and verve that this crazy city offers to life: One in 8 Million.

This new online destination offers up snippets of people's lives, from the corner bodega to a taxidermist to a bridge cyclist. It's a pretty amazing place to spend time. Some of the people chronicled can be located in real life if you want, such as the musician that sets up shop in the subway. Mostly, it's an homage to what makes this city so special - it's special characters.

New York really is a melting pot, and though it can make you feel a little insane some days (after all, it's a grind, no matter how much money you have, although I imagine that makes it a bit easier to digest) there's no other city like it. This incredible site, so simple and yet really quite profound, is an excellent way to experience the city, whether you live here or not.

NYC: The ultimate brand experience. Come live it for yourself, just bring a healthy bit of nerve. And if you want to watch from afar, check out this site. LOL.

Source: tworque.blogspot.com

On Hiatus

Valerie Donati — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:00:45 -0400

I am on hiatus this week due to the death of a friend.

See you next week.

REALITY TV: Is It A Set-Up?

Valerie Donati — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:28:08 -0400

Burger King's cartoon commercial is making fun of Jessica Simpson's weight. Really? That purveyor of tasty food, that is oh so good for you, couldn't possibly have anything to do with the "fattening of America," chain food experience feels free of their own sins to start pummeling someone that has already been beat to death. BK, who do you think you are?

Well, thanks to the "all bets are off" reality of reality TV I think they are in a fine position to lampoon anyone they want to (if you've been a star on "true TV" you're sunk.)

I feel bad for Jessica Simpson. By all accounts she was just a nice young lady, with a good voice and a gorgeous image who allowed herself to be put through the scary Hollywood spin cycle - made all the scarier because the foundation of her celebrity was "reality."

I'm not sure how she feels about this new iteration of her famous self. Not sure if she had anything to do with it. What I do know is that advertising people know how to shake it up when they want to, and they obviously have done it here. So, if you think being famous is what you want, and today it's possible for EVERYONE to be famous, just remember, everything you do will be up for grabs and that just might not be quite as fun as you think.

Source: examiner.com

TWITTER LOSING CELEBS: Really?

Valerie Donati — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:58:49 -0400

Everyone talks about the next Twitter. Not sure what that is going to look like, but of course things do change. For now, though, Twitter is the go-to medium for sending out mini missives about you, your life and what you think. I have to be honest, I'd tweet more if I wasn't in so many meetings. Well, maybe that's not exactly true, and it's not as if I don't have things to say, but tweeting isn't always top of mind.

One of the fun things about Twitter is following celebs, you feel like you're getting the inside scoop, silly ideas, misspelled words and all. Celebs, they're human! But, apparently, some celebs are calling it quits. Let's consider why...

Tweeting, too difficult in between make-up artist sessions and fittings (plus lunch with high roller agents).

Tweeting, gosh what the heck to say?

Tweeting, yikes, now they know what I'm REALLY thinking, will this be bad for my image?

Tweeting, I'm not really doing it myself anyway, so who cares?

Tweeting? Hey, I forgot, why am I doing this again?

And that brings up the point. Why do we tweet? Because we CAN! Rock on Twitter. Give us that place to talk it out. Celebs, do what you do, be famous. Twitter will live, with or without you. Ah, the world is right again.

Source: alloy.com

ELIZABETH TAYLOR: Hollywood Legend, Beauty Icon

Valerie Donati — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:04:35 -0400

One thing Elizabeth Taylor is known for are those lavender hued eyes. At least that's what everyone says. I can't tell if they're purple or deep blue. Whatever they are, they are beautiful. Today, we talk about old Hollywood glamour and how it is currently influencing the red carpet. We also take note of the beauty looks, whether it's the up do or the matte red lips. But mostly, the clothes get talked about and then the jewelry.

Someone recently said (in the news) that ET was Hollywood's first "It Girl." Well, she wasn't. Clara Bow was. But ET was definitely a force of nature. Men swooned in her presence and made crazy decisions, like umm, I think I'll leave my wife for her. This was the 50s when that type of behavior was not the norm (and shouldn't be now, in my humble opinion).

I think that if ET wasn't the first "It Girl” she was definitely a style icon. And though we think of her mostly in terms of her jewels (that Richard Burton, he thought diamonds would do the trick!), I think when it comes to style it's her beauty that remains in our minds. Her luscious use of lipstick, her pronounced mole, those striking (heavily lined) eyes. And we're not simply referring to her role in “Cleopatra.”

Liz, you have always been stunning, your sweet voice, your adherence to your own inner truth and your ability to move us on and off the screen, will always be an inspiration. I am NOT a fan of making movie stars more than they are. They aren't going to change the world, but they do have a voice and when they use it they can be powerful. ET spoke up for things she believed in long before others were willing to go there (whether you agree with her or not). And she always looked good doing it. Go Liz!

Source: israelidiamond.com

FASHION RIFF: I Am Not Laura Thomas, So Don't Expect Too Much...

Valerie Donati — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:03:23 -0400

So, apparently, Lindsay Lohan's fashion collection was panned, pretty hard core. Not sure why she went down this path. Just because you're a muse and can afford Rachel Zoe doesn't necessarily mean you can pull off what is ultimately a darned hard thing to do—design fashion apparel. People do go to school for this stuff after all. Other celebs have met similar fates, Jennifer Lopez comes to mind. And for all their fashion legacy I'm not so sure Tina and Beyonce Knowles should be designing (what works on the stage may not translate, even in a diffused way).

I'll tell you who I think is an amazing designer, Rachel Roy. We had the pleasure of working with her a few years back and she is just TALENTED. She was an intern at Rocawear and started moving up the ranks. She married Damon Dash, started designing for herself and has accomplished the near impossible: success! People love her clothes, the stores love her clothes - I LOVE her clothes! Plus, she's a classy lady. Now, she's not famous like the other girls mentioned above, but she was married to the infamous, and that has to count for something. She could have gone the cheesy, obvious route, but she didn't. She did it her way, with her vision and her way of managing her image and it WORKED, She has garnered respect in the industry, and given her humble beginnings (in fashion) that is no easy thing to do.

My recco Lindsay, call Rachel for advice. She's a winner.

Source: stylenews.com

MEN GET READY...

Valerie Donati — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:49:35 -0400

So, there's a new Zappos-inspired start-up that's all about men's pants - it's called Bonobos. Hey, is this about men's pants, or about getting into men's pants? Now, don't get me wrong, I'm a good girl, but aren't Bonobos the apes that solve conflict through sex?

Anyway, BONOBOS! Men, pants and sex. I guess they go together. Men solving conflict through sex? Yeah, I suppose that works. Apes in pants? Getting into trouble here.

All this is to say CHECK IT OUT www.bonobos.com, because we love men, we love pants and we love cute apes that solve conflict any which way they like. LOL!