Women (who are killing it) In Business: Stella & Dot

Stella & Dot Founder and CEO Jessica Herrin and Chief Creative Officer Blythe Harris

Stella & Dot Founder and CEO Jessica Herrin and Chief Creative Officer Blythe Harris

The ladies of Stella & Dot gained a much sought after spotlight in The San Francisco Chronicle’sStyle‘ section last Sunday, being highlighted for their ‘Jewelry Issue‘. We at Pro Media have been huge fans of Stella & Dot for years – attending their events, buying their beautiful pieces and wearing them every day and getting to know some of their stylists along the way. We are so happy to see them gain some much deserved accolades!

The scene at a Stella & Dot trunk show

The scene at a Stella & Dot trunk show

Part of a new breed of entrepreneurial women in the Bay Area, they bring great pieces to women at their fingertips, both online with their e-commerce site or physically with on-site trunk shows. Women of all ages and backgrounds are a part of this growing company, that now reaches to Europe, proving that Stella & Dot’s style and business truly connects women worldwide.  They have also made their products and people further accessible with the addition of mobile shopping and social media sites.

So what is it about Stella & Dot that makes their business a success? That women can not only meet and connect over their jewelry, but that their jewelry is also created to be flattering on everyone. Their designs stay on top of the trends, as well as ahead of them, but are still wearable for everyone from a trendy high school girl to her classically-dressed Grandmother.

A few of Pro Media's favorites from Stella & Dot: Serenity Stone Drops, Tempest Necklace, and Stackable Gem Ring

A few of Pro Media’s current favorites from Stella & Dot: Serenity Stone Drops, Tempest Necklace, and Stackable Gem Ring

We admire a company ran by smart and creative women who continue to push the boundaries of what it means to be a business that is of-age. CEO Jessica Herrin and Chief Creative Officer Blythe Harris inspire us to keep progressing, to seek out the next big thing and continue to move our business, services and clients ahead with the always changing ways of things around us.

Check out the article HERE. (photo credits from SF Chronicle HERE and Stella & Dot HERE.)

Zara Takes The Fashion World By a Storm

For all of you fashionistas out there, we came across an article that definitely peaked our interest.  The New York Times shared some interesting background information about Zara and its global domination as a fashion retailer.

With trends and styles changing by the minute, some would say it is almost impossible to keep up with the latest “look.” And lets not mention the financial toll it takes to look chic (for some.) It is for this very reason that Zara has grown into one of the worlds leading fashion retailers.

Coining the phrase “fast fashion,” Zara has become a front-runner for producing trendy European styles at a low price.  With 5,900 stores in over 85 countries, Zara has become a key competitor within the fashion industry.  The concept of making high-end fashion affordable has not only enabled people to stay current with the latest trends, but has become a global trend in and of itself.

Inditex Headquarters and Zara Factories located in Arteixo, Spain

Although growing in popularity, Zara along with other fast fashion companies, have been faced with quite a bit of scrutiny. Being labeled as “copy cats” and “knock offs” by higher-end retailers, in addition to being affiliated with unfair labor conditions. Zara faces a difficult question, will fast fashion be a successful business in the long run?

What we can tell you now is that it looks like Zara is showing no signs of slowing down.  If this bit of information caught your attention, check out the full article at www.nytimes.com/zara

3-Day Parisian Flea Market ‘Brocante’ in Healdsburg

Healdsburg will soon be home to a 3-day Parisian event that we are proud to be working with, get ready for BROCANTE! (French word for ‘flea market’). This beautiful event will be taking place September 21-23 from 11am-6pm at the famed “The Ivy House,” whose owner + design legend Myra Hoefer, along with Tallulah Boutique owner Denise Trefry (client) will play hosts for the event.

Myra Hoefer will be shipping in furnishings and decor straight from her ateliers in Paris (and her own Myra Hoefer Designs in Healdsburg) for the event and Denise will be showcasing her own decor items and jewelry from Tallulah, such as Andy Warhol’s Chanel lithographs and silk pillows. Attendees will be able to shop these rare pieces ‘en plein air’ in the backyard of the historic Ivy House. (Refreshments will be available Friday after 3pm.)

LOCATION:

The Ivy House, 243 Center Street, Healdsbuerg, CA

(If you are a member of the media and would like to come to BROCANTE, please rsvp to: rsvp@provocateur-media.com for special media tours, etc.)

Tallulah Bankhead

SNEEK PEEK: Coming to the online space this fall, Tallulah boutique will launch a new, 2.0 version of their online shop MyTallulah.com, allowing vintage-chic shoppers worldwide to purchase their curated picks. Until then, BROCANTE will serve as a lovely sneak peek.

We’re  big fans of unique, vintage home decor at Pro Media and excited to see all of the curated picks come together- hope to see you there!

The Business of Blogging

If you live in San Francisco, odds are you know all about the blogger scene here. With everyone from tech to fashion bloggers, each niche has a strong online force. Bloggers are even making their own money , and big money at that. Companies have started using bloggers to talk about their products, giving the company another level of consumer awareness and ‘cool factor’ outside of advertising, public relations, etc. Using bloggers also goes beyond normal social networking, like Facebook and Twitter, because bloggers are more independent and act as an outside voice. You know what they say - People take their friend’s opinion or word of mouth advertising over actual advertising. However at the same time, if bloggers are being paid and given free loot, how independent are they really? We found THIS awesome article on WWD last week that hits the topic right on the nose. Read To Pay or Not to Pay: A Closer Look at the Business of Blogging and let us know your thoughts on the bloggers and helping to promote brands.

(image courtesy SomeECards)

Laline’s “Beauty & The Beach” Summer Kick-Off Event

Pro Media was happy once again to work with international bath & body care company Laline for their summer kick-off event on Wed. evening, ‘Beauty & The Beach’. {We previously helped to launch one of their first U.S. stores, right here in San Francisco – check it out HERE}. San Francisco’s beauty bloggers, loyal Laline customers, and local media tested and tried Laline’s new scrubs, lotions and scents for the summer (Ocean, Cherry Blossom & Coconut Verbena)– getting ready for summer in style!

   

  

Aside from luxurious products, event-goers also enjoyed our summer-themed photo booth (decked out with beautifully crafted “beach cruiser” bikes provided by SF’s very own PUBLIC located in South Park.) We were in great company with Chandamheer Stacker of Pancake Stacker, Punam Patel of Nothing Broker, Britt & Whit, Kim Mitchell Stokes of Kimair, Annie Wilson of Poetic and Chic, and San Francisco Chronicle’s Nerissa Pacio, among others. Check out the pics below!

                            

        
Bloggers Chandamheer Stacker {of Pancake Stacker} and Punam Patel {of Nothing Broker}
Brittany and Whitney {of Britt + Whit}

  

Amazing bites were supplied by local Marina-based caterer, Chef Ronnie Woo of The Delicious Cook.

Bites provided by The Delicious Cook
Bites provided by The Delicious Cook

  Our lovely bartender Melina, from SOMA’s new bar Sofa served us a ‘Los Osuna Margarita’ and a ‘Blackberry Bliss’ cocktail using locally based Los Osuna tequila - such a treat!

       

Drinks Provided by Los Osuna Tequila

Our amazing bartender Melina from SOMA’s Sofa

Also on hand were exotic ice cream flavors from Abel 1950, serving tequila and mexican hot chocolate flavored ice cream {the tequila one is what originally caught our eye when we were first introduced and is more vanilla-flavored and delicious.} They are carried in Whole Foods & Draegers…in case you want to pick some up to try it yourself.

Special shout out to Alex Akamine for all of the pictures!

For more information on Laline check out their website HERE or stop by one of their SF stores in the Marina at 2106 Chestnut Street or down at Pier 39!

Pro Media Hosts “Girls Rock at Laline!”

We had such a lovely time last night, mingling with our beauty and fashion friends for the official U.S. launch of bath & beauty retail store Laline. Champagne and light bites were served as guests enjoyed the sounds from the amazing Bay Area Girls Rock Camp for an evening called “Girls Rock at Laline!” charity event. Here are some of our favorite photos from the evening.

Laline President, Shai Zemach, poses with staff and U.S/Regional Marketing Director, Hila Shaham.

Laline Bath Bomb goodies!

Another satisfied customer- and all for a great cause supporting young aspiring women in music and art.

Fashion Blogger Natalie Goel from Like Fresh Laundry, Fashion Editor Katie Hintz-Zambrano from  NBC’s “The Feast,” and Fashion Blogger Dino Ray from “The Finer Dandy.”

Beauty Blogger Sara from “The Make Up Snob” with Kathleen Neves, SF Skincare Examiner.

A performance by “They Bayonettes” from the Bay Area Girls Rock Camp, a charity based in the East Bay helping to support women in music and performance. These girls were honestly amazing and quite talented. A great charity to support.

Fashion Editor Kristen Philipkoski from Stylenik.

On the right, Fashion Blogger Michelle Ruiz from her own ModelinaMichelle and her assistant, Tabitha, trying out Laline products for the first time.

On the left, Head Provocateur (that’s me :) and Fashion/Marketing Consultant, Lorraine Sanders (also with her own SFIndieFashion.com)

Laline President, Shai Zemach, San Francisco Chronicle’s Contributing Style Editor, Cindy Ha, and U.S/Regional Marketing Director, Hila Shaham.

Co-Founder, Sinead Norenius of the International Fashion & Beauty Bloggers Organization (iFABBO) poses with Kathleen Neves.

Beauty Blogger Cassandra Bustamante from “Beauty 4 Thought” with Hila.

U.S/Regional Marketing Director, Hila Shaham, myself, Laline President, Shai Zemach, and Pro Media intern, Stacy Kent.

Will You Spend More on Wine this Year?

Since we also represent many wine clients here at Pro Media, I came across this interesting article and thought I should share it. It is a feature from sfgate.com via Bloomberg News called “Wine drinkers trending back toward pricier bottles.” This article talks about how since the economy is turning around (is it? so quickly??) people are starting to spend more money on wine and how there will be an upward trend in sales this year. What do you think? Will you spend more money on wine in 2011? Read the full article here: http://bit.ly/g6e0ic

Behind the Shop: Circle & Square’s Bunny Fayne

We just love the fact that we have SF-based fashion editor, Lorraine Sanders, working with us to help consult on the media/online side for our retail and fashion clients. Circle & Square, www.circleandsquaresf.com, is one of our newest clients, offering a unique array of high-end accessories from around the globe, and with a new online shop. Lorraine recently caught up with Circle & Square’s owner, Bunny Touby Fayne. Check out the post on www.sfindiefashion.com!