My Interview with Crosby Noricks;

Hello Lovelies!

As a budding Public Relations student hoping to score my dream job in the fashion industry, my work aspiration was no question. Crosby Noricks, founder of ‘Fashion PR’s #1 haute spot’ prcouture.com, is an innovative fashion strategist whose website is a bible to the hopeful fashion PR students of the world, including me! Not to mention that she has her own book Ready to Launch: The PR Couture Guide for breaking into Fashion PR.

I recently caught up with the woman who can do it all and between my girlish screams of ‘Crosby Noricks spoke to me!’ and running around my flat, I got to ask her some burning questions I’d been wanting answered.

What made you want to work in Fashion PR?

 I didn't truly discover public relations until graduate school, but was instantly excited about the opportunity to work in a field that combined business strategy with writing and creative campaign ideas. I'd always been interested in fashion and was especially interested in how I could use PR skills to help designers experience more success.

Why did you start PRcouture.com?

 While completing my Master's Thesis in fashion PR, I found that there wasn't very much about it online (or offline in my PR textbooks or academic/trade journals, but that's another issue entirely!) and I found that frustrating as someone who was exploring this avenue as a potential career. I started the site mainly as a way to share what I knew from my research, what I was experiencing working in-house for a jewellery company, and to connect with other publicists and like-minded people with similar interests.

Where in the world do you think the most jobs are in fashion PR? Considering the fashion capitals of the world (Paris, Milan etc.,) are in Europe?

 Hmm - that's a bit of a hard one as I haven't spent nearly enough time connecting with fashion publicists in Europe. In the United States it is definitely New York and Los Angeles, with London, Paris and Milan definitely up there in Europe.

Do you think there's many differences in Fashion PR in the USA and Fashion PR in the UK?

Fashion PR is much better known in the UK (my first introduction to it was actually as a study abroad student at the London College of Fashion during my undergrad). Here we never refer to someone as "a Fashion PR." I think that the history and legacy of luxury fashion in Europe has created more of a defined role within Fashion Communications - it's a bit more ‘Wild West’ over here.

5.) Any advice for students who want to work in Fashion PR?

 I'm encouraged by all the ways that digital communication tools - from social media to blogs - allow us to communicate and connect. My biggest piece of advice is to begin to define the direction you want your career to take by intentionally building a personal brand online and connecting with the right people through authentic, shared interests and curiosity. And of course, follow PR Couture!

Well there you have it, some great advice and knowledge from one of the best brains in fashion PR! Her book is a complete bible as well on how to achieve your goals in the fashion industry! I’ve got mine, have you got yours?

By Joanna Xiourouppa

Edge Hill University, 1^st Year

I hope you all enjoyed that little interview! I'm attempting to get some more as this year continues.

Thanks for reading!

Jx

Follow Crosby @ www.prcouture.com

Follow me @ www.diaryofa-prgirl.blogspot.co.uk

Awards season: PCA and Golden Globes;

Hello Lovelies!

I'm back at university now so I'm back for a fashion filled 2015!

Now there's nothing better to me than January sales and... Awards Season! The only time I can sit in front of the TV and scream about Leo DiCaprio and not get judged...much.

Along with the beautiful celebrities, there are many beautiful dresses and I've already seen quite a few that will be making my list. However, there were also some red carpet train wrecks out there this year, which I will be reviewing as well.

People's Choice Awards:

As soon as I turned to the E! red carpet channel, I had already chosen my favourite dress of the night, worn by one of the interviewers, E!'s very own Giuliana Rancic. Her choice of a spearmint coloured Tony Ward dress paired with Gianvito Rossi heels had me fall in love with this perfectly feminine outfit, deeming her to be best dressed at the Awards. I also loved Monica Potter's choice of simple and flattering black jumpsuit with gold chain in a halter neck, a perfect contribution to this year's go to style.

This award show for me was definitely more misses than hits this year. Especially with Kat Dennings channelling Morticia Addams (which is only okay on Halloween), and Sara Hyland looking like a 20's chandelier. I honestly did not enjoy her dress and was quite sad as I usually look forward to her outfit choices.

Golden Globes:

Now is it just me, or did everyone at the Golden globes wear white? It's definitely going to be this year's red carpet colour I feel, with celebrities such as Kate Hudson and Emily Blunt, wowing all the magazines with their gorgeous choice of dresses. With her pale skin and glowing make up, Emily definitely looked stunning in Michael Kors and Lorraine Schwartz Jewellery.

I also fell in love with Emma Stone's Lanvin jumpsuit, the navy blue colour is definitely gonna be entering my wardrobe soon! The encrusted silver bodice gave the whole outfit a glamorous flair.

So there's the best and worst dressed of the People's choice awards and Golden globes. Hope you all had as much fun watching them as I did!

Thanks for reading,

Jx

Instagram: diaryofa_prgirl
Twitter: diaryofa_prgirl
Polyvore: diaryofa-prgirl

I got published!

Hello Lovelies!

Got some absolutely wonderful news that's been under wraps for a while!

After being published as a #bestPRblogs on 'Behind the spin' PR magazine, the editor was kind enough to ask me to write an article about fashion PR and try and get some interviews!

I knew straightaway who I wanted to interview; PR Goddess Crosby Noricks.

But of course, I am just one little woman who had zero contacts and no idea how to even get on the radar of such a busy woman. Luckily I was fortunate enough to find her e-mail (hallelujah) and I sent her all my hope and a slightly begging email asking if she'd do an interview with me for Behind the spin...

Days went by and I assumed she was far too busy to interview with me...but then at 3am on morning, while I was finishing up an assignment (aah,student life), I got an email...FROM CROSBY!

I may or may not have screamed and woke my flatmates up, thinking I was being murdered.

After a few e-mails and my constant splutters of "you are the best" from me, Crosby agreed and I had the task of interviewing the most awesome woman in fashion PR!

You can read my interview by the end of the weekend at http://ow.ly/EJ1ql 

And don't forget to follow Crosby at prcouture.com ! 

Thanks for reading!

Jx

Instagram: lilfashion_blogger
Twitter: lilfashion_blog

PR Stereotypes; Fact or Fiction?

Hello Lovelies!

First, I have some wonderful news, student PR magazine 'Behind the spin' have chosen my blog as one of the #bestPRblogs of this week! I'm the only one from Edge Hill on the list and I honestly could not contain my excitement and I am very grateful to my tutor Paula and the editor of BTS Richard Bailey for putting me in, hopefully it won't be the last time you see me in there either!

Today I thought I'd address the stereotypes that this world have deemed acceptable to be used when referring to the occupation of a PR.

People in my university are studying subjects that they deem are 'harder' than my course. I disagree that my course is not challenging because it is! Multiple deadlines, terminology and vocational skills are present, and I think people think I do nothing at all towards my degree. I work hard at my course in order to get the best possible grade I can and I am sure the people studying subjects like Criminology and Psychology also study like I do in order to achieve. Regardless of what course we do, we all got into university and deserve our places.

Okay, rant over. Over to the stereotypes of PR.

PR people just throw parties...
False. PR is about creating a positive public image for a client or company. You need to have many more skills than just being able to throw together a party such as damage control, reporting and liaising with journalists.

PR people drink copious amounts of coffee...
False..ish. I myself have a beautiful relationship with a Starbucks soy mocha latte that no one, not even me, understands. But not all the PR pros are addicted to caffeine.

PR is a female profession...
Nope. This is based on the fact that most of the PR practitioners are female. It's definitely not a girl's profession just as being a soldier or a firefighter is not just a male profession. Men are welcomed into this profession with open arms!

PR people are liars...
False or True...you'll never know. Some people believe that PR people are definite liars and use their 'spin doctor' ways to promote mass corporations. Personally, this has never really occurred to me that they are liars, just there to do a job.

Working in PR is just like Samantha Jones in 'Sex and the city'...
False. I absolutely adored Samantha in SATC and if I'm completely honest, her influence is what made me research public relations in more depth. It wasn't because of the parties, it was more about the control she possessed over any situations during an event and social skills wonderfully portrayed by Kim Catrall that really made me wonder about the wonderful, wonderful career choice. So no, it's not just like Samantha, it's 100% better.

There's a few stereotypes I think really made me raise my eyebrow. I hope this helped any students who are still unsure about this career. My advice is to do lots of research on the career and be 100% sure on what you want to do. This career is hard work but also has some amazing perks!

Thank you for reading, I'll see you soon!

Jx

Instagram: lilfashion_blogger
Twitter: lilfashion_blog

Beauty Review/ My Recommendations;

Hiya Lovelies!

I'm sorry I haven't posted but I've got three deadlines due for university and it's piling up!

But since I'm currently having a huge writers block with a report, I thought I'd write a beauty review and give you guys some recommendations!

I'm one of those girls usually who will get up in the morning and spend about an hour putting make up on and it gives me such bad skin because of this, especially since Halloween happened and I was covered for three nights in a row, so my skin is taking a turn for the worse.

So I bought the Garnier Pure Active facial cleanser because it was half price at Superdrug (student remember?) and to see if it would work and MY GOD it did!
I have quite dry skin, but the cleanser left my skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth, just what I needed for these winter months. It is a deep pore wash also to get rid of blemishes and blackheads - something I think most teenage girls suffer with - so that's another plus!

It also smells incredible and the little micro-beads aren't too harsh like some cleansers.

It was only £1.95 from Superdrug when I bought it but I think the original price is £3.99 which is good considering the next product I'm reviewing is a little more high -end.

The flash rinse 1 minute facial cleanser by REN was given to me as my free gift from my Vogue subscription and usually prices around £30. It's got sleek white and silver packaging and smells a bit like citrus, since it's packed with vitamin C.

It's a water activated substance leaving skin looking firm, toned and smooth within a minute. It's incredible and /I would definitely buy it again, although I'd use it sparingly as it's expensive!

So there you go, those are my two high street and high end cleansers, both have great qualities and will hopefully leave your skin feeling as wonderful as mine does.

Now, I'd better get back to my 1,500 word report - oh the joys of PR!

Thanks for reading,

Jx

Instagram: lilfashion_blogger
Twitter: lilfashion_blog

Autumn favourites;

Hello Lovelies!

Joanna here and I know I said I'd be posting on Mondays and Thursdays but I was so excited to do my first fashion PR post that I couldn't wait!

Autumn is my favourite time of year because of the beautiful colours, Halloween, Bonfire Night and of course the Fall/Winter lines coming out!

Now first, let's talk about the colours which are in season...

Neutral tones Everyone is wearing soft tones such as white, camel, beige, and cream to name a few, adding a splash of light break in this season's usual dark wardrobe.

Burgundy My personal favourite. Nothing says Autumn days like a chunky knit burgundy pullover and a pair of black skinnies. The colour, even worn as a lipstick, gives a warm feeling to any outfit you wear this season.

Green Not the lime greens of spring and summer. I'm thinking moss, sage and olive. Dark colours that highlight skin tone and freckles and everything cute and wonderful about this time.

And now lets talk about the clothing...

Ripped Skinnies These little guys seem to be worming their way into every high street store's autumn line. Topshop, I don't think, are even selling jeans without the distressed knees!
I'm not complaining though, these jeans are exactly was is needed for this season to go with the grungy colours and style of this year. My favourites are at Topshop for £42 or at boohoo.com for £25 today!

Poloneck A timeless classic has finally appeared back in our stores. Wear this with jeans, skirts, dungarees and even as a dress! I'll definitely be getting my hands on these soon! H&M are doing a fabulous line this Autumn and I urge you to check it out!

Capes The only way to keep fashion forward and cosy this season! Add a touch of high fashion flair to your wardrobe with these beautiful capes at River Island you will be the most sophisticated girl out there!

Now I know there's a lot more amazing things to discuss about the new season but I promise I'll get round to it!

I also have some news; on Friday the 5th of December I will be visiting Birmingham for the Clothes Show Live and I have Platinum tickets and brilliant seats for the show! So don't worry my fellow fashion lovers I will be documenting (and shopping) furiously to ensure I have some juicy fashion and beauty insights to give you all!

Anyway, Thanks for reading and I'll see you soon!




J x