Escaping the City

Now that the weather has begun to get warmer, or at least it was this past weekend, I have found myself wanting to spend more and more time outside. That being said, on Friday I was looking for something new to do in New York City. When a friend of a friend offered free NY Mets vs. Phillies baseball tickets, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my Friday night.

I highly recommend anyone visiting or living in NYC to attend a Mets baseball game. While it is not a Yankees game, it is still a great baseball park and lots of fun. I spent the night chatting with friends, watching the game and eating as many hotdogs as possible. Things in NYC can get crazy and overwhelming so this was a great way to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy time with friends.    

Since Saturday turned out to be such a beautiful day, a friend and I decided to buy a Frisbee and make our way to Central Park. We took the 2 train out there (with the help of HopStop) and made a day of it. We played Frisbee, relaxed and did a bit of people watching.  I had visited Central Park before but I had never taken the time to walk around and really enjoy the park. While the park is crowded on the weekends, it is still a great way to escape city life. 

I plan on spending my weekends sunning in Central Park and attending more NY baseball games.

Marketing Matters

I had quite the experience watching consumer interaction with the Pop Shop retail model at Knit Wit this past week. I was very curious to see the pop-up shop in action. The results were a little surprising. I found that many people were instantly attracted to the clothing rack full of MM Lafleaur dresses, and the glass case holding Adornia Fine Jewelry, yet no one seemed to gravitate towards using the iPad to make purchases. Maybe it was not clear or easy to use, or maybe customers didn’t see the correlation between the pop-up shop and the retail store space.  It was important for me to watch how the customers shopped the exclusive and limited-availability brands because it will help me visually merchandise future pop-up shops with Pop Shop. I am working with the creators of Pop Shop and Drexel’s Visual Merchandising class to come up with a creative and engaging solution for many pop-up shops in the future. I’m excited to meet with the class next week, and hope to inspire their creativity.

             

            For the next trunk show and pop-up shops around Philly, I hope to create really interesting displays…but what I’m really interested in, is how to successfully market for the limited-time pop-up shops. I’m realizing it is very difficult to generate buzz for a 2-week event. I have a network of classmates and friends that I can update through social media. The brands and stores have a list of customers that they can send e-mail blasts to, and we can even get press to cover the event as well. It is more difficult to understand what drives the customer in, and purchase products. I hope to learn, or better understand this concept in the upcoming weeks.

First Week

Hello all!

My name is Sam Laverty and I’m a junior in the D&M program, here at Drexel. I was on coop Fall/Winter and I’m now back in classes. Why am I posting on here you ask? Well, a few days before the term began I decided to apply for an internship at Free People. The application process took about a week and a half but I am happy to say I am now the new Free People Public Relations Intern!

This past week (week 3) was my first week. I work three days a week and have class the other two days, along with a night class on one of the workdays. Needless to say, I’m pretty busy. However, my first week went really smoothly. I was initially a little worried if I could handle everything and make the timing work, but it all went well.

So my first day was Tuesday, April 16^th and of course my biggest worry, as any D&M would say, was what to wear. Free People is hands down my favorite brand and I’ve always dreamed of working for them so this opportunity is unbelievable and very exciting.

When I first arrived at the Naval yard I was in love with all of the buildings. The décor is amazing and so true to brand. There are so many beautiful things to look at I was trying to soak them all in. I met my team, all of which are so nice and welcoming, and right away was asked to sit in on a little team meeting. Listening to them discuss things to do with the week was very interesting and I know I have a lot to learn from each of them. After that, the week consisted of learning operational things, like online programs and office layout.

I’m so excited to see what else is in store and how this opportunity will blossom into a sure to be amazing experience. 

Day in & Day out

So since I spent last week telling you all about this beautiful city (NYC), I figured I would take this post to tell you about my job. I chose to complete my co-op at Linda Gaunt Communications (LGC); it is a strategic marketing and communications agency with a specialty in fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Hunter boots, Clover Canyon and Trina Turk are just a few of our clients. LGC is a small boutique agency; there are only 12 people in my office which makes for a more intimate and open working environment.

I found this co-op outside of the Drexel system and could not be happier with my choice. I initially thought an independent search would be difficult and time consuming, researching and calling all of the companies but I was so wrong. Since I already knew what I was interested in, I simply went on google and searched “Top fashion PR firms in NYC”. I wrote down all of the phone numbers that came up in my search and proceeded to call all of them, asking if they were looking for Spring/Summer interns. After getting contact information, I sent my resume and then the rest was history. I ended up accepting the first offer I got, knowing that it was the best choice for me. Word of advice- go with your gut even when people tell you to explore your other options.

I now spend my days doing press clips, keeping track of the sample closet, sending out samples, developing pitches and so much more. I really could not be happier to spend the next six months here, learning from the staff and edging my way into the fashion industry. 

Illusions

This week at Alex and Ani has been all about social media. Getting the Colour of London name out there on people's minds and tongues is our main goal. And social media is our gateway. I have become an administrative manager of their Facebook and Twitter accounts and have been posting on their behalf. The content has been all informational so far, however, it is silly to think how many people read the content thinking it was coming straight from the source, when in reality, it was coming from me. And yes, this is all part of my job title, however, it is quite obvious that I in no way, shape, or form resemble a band member of Colour of London. Once the selfish human characteristics kicked in it got me thinking... I wonder how many posts I have read of people that I follow thinking they were from that person when in reality there is a team behind the screen posting for them through their alias. And if in reality an actual person is posting it, not a scheduled computer mechanism queue set to post at a certain time that was also written by the team; an even further extension from that actual person... I wonder how many words I have read blindly believing they were from that person, how could I be so dumb. How many times I have fallen victim to the deceit? How many small bits of information have I used to build an image of that person in my mind through small pixels of information intending to seem "intimate" or "exclusive" coming straight from their personal account, just to find out that in reality, it is only that; an image- and it stops there. 

Knowing this, it is quite absurd to think how we form such strong opinions about people in the public eye when we do not know them at all! We only know what we have been told, and we cannot even trust that it is coming straight from them when we are told it is. Social media was created for personal expression. We use these sites to validate our personal interests and opinions and long for acceptance and commentary from our following. In actuality, there is a very strong personal reasoning behind why we as human beings use social media sites that stems from our longing for acceptance and acknowledgement from our peers. It gets me so mad to know that the rise of social media is only further developing people's careers that are a part of the fame game, it is all an act. However, when real people post real content and real opinions, it gets criticized, ostracized, and blown up. There is a difference between voicing an opinion and being hurtful, and I cannot stand how mindful we have to be nowadays about our words when it is hindering the thought process as creative individuals. You have to watch every small single thing that you say on the internet because everyone and their grandmother is online able to view it and there is no room for mistakes or flaws, two characteristics that humans are full of. 

I hate what social media has become. I don't even want to be a part of it on my own personal time because the line between business and personal is becoming so blurred. Can I just say that I am sick of being monitored? I cannot be myself on my own Facebook because I literally have to be mindful of the whole world's reaction to it. Any site that I use for my own personal, leisurely use is the farthest distance from being traced back to my physical self but is the closest reflection of my identity, what an oxymoron. Society has once again found it's way to filter and mold me.  

On a lighter note... I love my job and the people I work with. Surprisingly (as the content above displays), I cannot complain.

Week 3 Already?!

I cannot believe that it’s already the third week of co-op! I have learned and experienced so much in this short period of time. I have been doing my typical job (logging samples in and out) and other tasks the team needs, but this week in particular has been about helping out at certain events.

This week I have been able to attend and help with the Saks (Saks Fifth Avenue) Conclave event at a New York City hotel and tomorrow I will be helping out at and Elie Tahari public appearance event at the Bloomingdales in Bergen County New Jersey. The Saks Conclave event was to show Saks managers from around the country some looks from Trans 2013 and Fall Winter 2013 collections. My job was to dress models (something I’ve done plenty for Drexel events) and take pictures for the social media sites. Tomorrow I am going with some of the sales team to help facilitate an Elie Tahari public appearance, where people can meet and take pictures with Elie Tahari himself! I’ve have seen Mr. Tahari twice in the office, but maybe I’ll be able to snag a picture with him too.

Besides all the awesome events I get to work, the Elie Tahari Sample Sale! is going on! Seventy percent off of Elie Tahari Collection (women and men), T Tahari (younger target market, lower price point), shoes, handbags, and other accessories from Spring 2013! I myself got two blouses (one that I have been eying in the sample closet). So if you are in NYC come check it out!

Day to Day

This week is no different than the previous weeks a R.T.  Here as intern working in Public relations you have the daily task of checking merchandise in and out to a list of Fashion Publications and Fashion icons.  Usually I run errands most of the day which may sound daunting initially but really it is the most awesome task that I have been given here because I get a chance to discover New York and meet all different walks of life.  Initially I was a little upset about the repetitive task given however I reread the job description and it was everything that was listed in the position details sector.  I think going in I was really excited because I was interning for a household name in PR but there is more to the job than just the glitz and glam that lie behind the title.
Although I don't mind running errands and checking merchandise in I would love to get a better understanding of what PR directors and coordinators really do therefore I can know wether or not this is the direction I want to take in the long run.

Analyzing the PopShop Retail Model

After focusing the first two weeks of my internship with PopShop on the first trunk show event, there is finally time to reflect. I had a great time at Knit Wit last Wednesday night. I was able to network with many start-up companies, who all gave me great advice. Each company had unique stories and different pathways to success.

The four online brands featured at the trunk show will be on display at Knit Wit for two weeks. It is a great opportunity to try products that normally you wouldn’t have the chance to physically touch or

see before purchasing. I myself bought a beauty product from Peach & Lily, an online and exclusive distributor of Korean and Japanese cosmetics that you can only buy through them. I was sold on the product after trying it at the trunk show event.

I will be traveling back to Knit Wit this week to see how the PopShop model is working in the store. There is an iPad located on the 1^st floor retail space, where customers have the opportunity to purchase the online products right then and there. I will be analyzing how consumers shop and interact with the visual display and the exclusive product. This will give me great insight in order to improve this pop-up shop retail model at our next event.

Until next time,

Heather

Lessons Learned

Well it has officially been two weeks since I moved to New York City and it still seems so unreal. I still wake up everyday asking myself “Am I really living in the city that never sleeps?” and once I get out of bed, get on the crowded subway (using Hop Stop of course) and shove my way to work, my question is answered: Yes, I am.

Although I am already familiar with the city, I still continue to discover new things about it everyday. For the next six months I will be living in Midtown West or Hell’s Kitchen as some people call it.

In between going to work, lounging on the weekends and running errands all around the city, I have learned a few things. So far I have discovered that Times Square is just a few blocks over, right in the middle of my subway stop to work. This is not ideal to say the least. Without fail, day or night, Times Square is a zoo, full of tourists and those who hate tourist’s, aka New Yorkers. I have also discovered that Duane Reade is the Holy Grail. If you ever move to New York, you will discover that large chain grocery stores are a dime a dozen and if you do luck out and find one you will be spending the next two to three hours in line, waiting to buy that pasta you so desperately need for dinner tonight. Truthfully you’re better off buying the $1 pizza slices on practically every New York corner. Who cares if it’s 1000 calories? You’re in New York. So, in place of grocery stores, we New Yorkers (yes, I do consider myself a New Yorker now) choose to purchase all the necessities at Duane Reade. Trust me, I never thought that I would be buying all of my kitchen essentials at a drugstore but ya do what you gotta do.

But finally, the most important thing that I have learned in the past two weeks is that it is essential, and I mean absolutely essential, that you have some comforts of home in your apartment. While New York City is big and full of thousands of people, it can still feel like the loneliest place on earth. Make sure that you spend time with friends, call your parents or just bring along some memories of home.

New York City really is the city that never sleeps, so here’s to not sleeping for the next six months because I don’t plan on missing out on anything that this city has to offer.

PopShop Trunk Show at Knit Wit!

Less than 2 weeks working at PopShop, and I have accomplished so much! This past week, I created and fine-tuned all signage for the Knit Wit Trunk Show event tonight from 5-8pm, and tomorrow night from 5-7pm. I have created signs for the Knit Wit window, PopShop information guide, and PopShop postcards just to name a few. This morning, I collaborated with PopShop to create a Window Display with the product featured at the Trunk Show event.

MM LaFleaur has brought over 200 dresses to the event! Stop buy tonight or tomorrow to see exclusive online companies in store for a limited time only! KYU Melange is taking pre-sale orders for their fun leather handbags and accessories, while Adornia Fine Jewelry has multiple pieces to try on! Peach and Lily has brought many skin care samples as well. I’m excited for this event, it is going to be fun.

I’ve never really considered myself a graphic designer, but this internship has given me the opportunity to apply my knowledge and develop this skill. I really enjoy using Photoshop and Illustrator to create posters and postcards that are engaging and vibrant. In the coming weeks, I will show you more of my work.

Adjusting

As soon as I step of the train each morning I have no choice but to turn into one of the animals in the zoo.  New York city is known to be fast pace and exciting when really it is a Jungle full of late people always in a rush because they never have enough time.  Not enough time to smile and say hello or to say excuse me.  They are sharks on the street and are even more intense in the work place.  My first day of co-op was super awkward because I got off the elevator and with my luck they were having an intense meeting and of course I came in like the clumsy new intern and dropped my earring on the floor.  My first impression of RT office was that it was a work environment that was similar to my morning commute from Newark to New York you never really get used to it you “get thrown in”.  And sometimes it is better to get use to the temperature of the pool when you do.  I just hope I learn how to swim.

Rachel Jackson

New City...New Adventures

I have lived in the Philadelphia suburbs all my life, minus the year before I transferred to Drexel in 2010, and was going to college in Boston. Even though I lived outside of the city, Philly has been apart of my whole twenty-two years; may it be going to Phillies games, shopping with friends, or going to Reading Terminal Market with my family. Moving to a whole new city and embarking on this journey is so exciting, yet extremely nerve-racking; but I am not going to waste anytime getting to know New York and all it has to offer.

This past weekend brought on the beautiful spring weather! Everyone was outside enjoying their time off from work, school, or the typical daily rush of life during the week. I decided to take a run and explore the neighborhood by running to central park and explore this mass of green that truly makes New York. It seemed like everyone and anyone was spending the day at the park. Food carts, bicycle taxi rides, music, you name it there was something to do or see for all ages. As I ventured through and around the park, I ended up walking twenty blocks out of my way just watching New Yorkers slow down their hectic lives and enjoy the peace of the weekend. But in New York, as I've learned, peace and relaxation of a typical New Yorker can only go so far, even on the weekends.

My ultimate goal when living in New York is to not only get the most out of my co-op at Elie Tahari, but to experience all parts of New York. I want to go to each of the five boroughs, experience the different cultures, and definitely stay away from all the touristy things, because for these six months New York City is my oyster.
Tune in next week for more of my New York City and Elie Tahari adventures!

Hannah

A reporting from A&A

For the next 6 months I am working for the Entertainment Division at Alex and Ani in my home state of Rhode Island. Alex and Ani is a jewelry brand rooted in the message of positive energy. Their products adorn the body while enlightening the mind. If those of you reading this have never heard of Alex and Ani, I HIGHLY suggest you check out their website, as they have gorgeous pieces that have deep spiritual meaning. To boot, Alex and Ani is the perfect gift for a special someone, as the product assortment is extensive, and as they emphasize individuality, there truly is something for everyone! Sidenote: No, the latter statements are not promotion for my company, however, they serve as a prelude to what could be a wondrous promotion to your fashion accessories! See for yourself at www.alexandani.com. Go on, I dare you!

Currently, in the Entertainment Division, we are working on the promotion of the Path of Life Tour featuring Colour of London aimed at visiting various colleges and universities in the New England area.  Today was my first full day working at the office headquarters. So far, every work day has been a long one and when I come home I get ready for the next. Today I reviewed our emails and created a spreadsheet of our employee's collegiate history as a base to which we can use for the locations of the Path of Life tour. I also edited a poster advertisement promoting a photoshoot, live concert, and music video production of our featured band Colour of London that will all take place this Wednesday at an old historic theatre in Rhode Island. Along with my team, we then shared the advertisement and created messages to go along with each social media outlet we advertised them on, i.e. Facebook and Twitter, and a more old school outlet, our company email. Today was a long day, however, I am starting to get the hang of things being in an office around many professional employees. I do miss the feel of being around fellow classmates my age, however I gladly hand that over with the return of a paycheck! Plus, they have brewed coffee ready for us each morning... Yes, I am very excited for that. Life is about savoring the little things, one cup at a time, and I plan to enjoy every free refill I get!


Until next time...
A

Welcome To New York City!

Welcome to New York City!

            The time had finally come! Co-op has now arrived and at full force. I am interning at Elie Tahari in New York City and also getting the amazing experience to live there.

            At Elie Tahari I am working with the Domestic Sales team as one of their two interns. My first day I thought would be nothing but introductory things, but the team put me right to work. My main responsibility is to organize and check-in and out samples that come from the sample closet or the showroom. This requires me to check and update client’s requests on a program called “Sample Closet”. This program allows me to see which customer requests what garment(s) and what garments are already in use from other clients. Once I make sure that the garment is either in the sample closet or showroom, I approve the garment and then send it to shipping where the garment will be delivered. These clients include employees of Elie Tahari, who need the garments for public relation purposes, photo shoots, etc. Another responsibility of mine is checking in and out garments from the department stores (Saks, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, and Bon Ton.

            When I am not working on Sample Closet, I am helping the Domestic Sales team with a variety of in house tasks. This maybe going over detailed spreadsheets of the current season to see if the order for each department store matches up correctly, pulling reports to see how the most recent sales buys went, or helping run small fashion shows for clients. There is not a dull moment at work, I am consistently busy, but feel very welcomed from the whole team, not just an intern that gets coffee. I cannot wait to share more of my exciting new experiences, may it be at the office or just my living experience in a new city!

First Week at PopShop

After taking the D&M Visual Merchandising course Winter Quarter, I found a new interest in creating window displays. With the help of 3 other students, we created a Woodland-themed Spring window display for Art Star Boutique and Gallery in Northern Liberties. This project led me to an unexpected and exciting new venture! Two wonderful entrepreneurs from The Wharton School of Business contacted me to be their Visual Merchandising intern. They created their own company, PopShop. The idea of PopShop is to create a short-term physical retail space and window display for online-only companies. The idea of creating displays for pop-up shops intrigued me, and I am happy that I was able to join the PopShop team.

The retail industry is rapidly changing, and brands are changing with it. The pop-up shop model is great for existing stores because it creates press for the retailer with little risk, and gives consumers trust in an online brand by being able to physically touch and feel the product before purchasing. I am excited to be gaining hands-on experience with this developing retail shopping model.

My first major project is already underway! There is a trunk show at Knit Wit in Center City next Wednesday, April 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. The trunk show will exclusively feature online brands MM LaFleaur, Adornia, and Peach and Lily. I am in charge of creating signage outside and in the store, creating interest and intrigue for customers outside and in the store. I am currently creating a Save-the-Date advertisement, posters, and an interesting visual merchandising strategy for the different brands so they can create one cohesive store in the window of Knit Wit.

Anyone is welcome to shop at the Trunk Show next Wednesday night. I look forward to seeing you there!

-Heather