Pierce Mattie Public Relations New York

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins are those kind of books that you do not want to put down. You find yourself halfway through the book and you have completely lost all track of time. You are completely mesmerized by the story and as you keep reading you begin to build the arena, District 12, and the training center in your mind and create all of the characters with their flaws and personalities in your mind. This is exactly what happened to me when I read all three Hunger Games book in a week and a half. School came second, I barely watched television, and I lived and breathed Hunger Games.

When I heard they were making a movie I lost my breath. I couldn’t decide whether I was excited or nervous – I guess I was a little bit of both. I have to see the movie of course – that is not even an option – but I am also anxious to see the movie because after all, the world I have created in my own mind will be lost and replaced by the Hollywood version.

So far the released trailers look really well done and I have high hopes that it will be an accurate portrayal of the first book. I built District 12 in my mind to look like a concentration camp in a totalitarian society, which the trailers seem to portray. Also, I am very pleased with how the movies make the arena look as it is very close to the image I had created in my mind.

I am more than pleased with the Liam Hemsworth playing Gale; he definitely looks the part and is ruggedly handsome. The character choice for Katniss on the other hand is not my favorite. I appreciate Jennifer Lawrence as an actress, but Katniss is supposed to have kind of a boyish figure, be on the scrawny side, and not be girly. Jennifer Lawrence oozes sexuality, is very pretty, and has a few more curves than I had pictured Katniss with.

Regardless, I am beyond excited to see the movie and counting down the days until March 23, 2012. In my opinion, the books are always better than the movies and as long as I keep my Hunger Games world alive in my own imagination the movies will be fun to watch. Will you be watching too? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

AHAlife.com; the online discovery shopping destination for luxury lifestyle products is expanding by providing access to its innovative shopping experience to consumers around the world. Beginning today, AHAlife.com will be shipping internationally to 106 countries and accepting 42 major currencies. The  New York City based e-commerce company has achieved niche positioning with discerning individuals in the US market by delivering the best the world has to offer directly to their doorstep. The increasing international demand for hard to find luxury items made the decision for AHAlife.com to go global inevitable.  

AHAlife.com launched in September 2010 by MIT engineer-turned commerce and media industry expert, Shauna Mei. The dynamic site has been embraced by the industry with its distinctive positioning and core value to redefine the consumer experience in the digital space as the only true luxury marketplace. The unparalleled offering of hand-selected products ranges from beauty to fashion, technology, food and home décor and are all united by their superior quality, unique provenance and innovation. The diverse product selection offers consumers a discovery shopping experience each time they visit the site.

Pierce Mattie PR Client Giorgio Brutini footwear featured on Daniel Radcliffe in Bullett Magazine. If you’re working on a footwear story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie fashion PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.

Pierce Mattie PR client The Company Store was featured in Cottages and Bungalows magazine. If you’re working on a home furnishings story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie lifestyle PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.

Ever since I downloaded Instagram, an exclusive iPhone application, I have been obsessed with taking pictures even more than before--and it turns out, I'm not the only one obsessed. Instagram is a social photo-sharing app that lets users take pictures and add photo filters to enhance those images. Users can then publish those photos and share them will all of their followers. The app also effortlessly syncs to user’s Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, Tumblr, and Flickr accounts if desired.

Brands are using Instagram as a social media platform to create a forum where consumers can comment and provide feedback about the brand, in a word, another outlet for publicity. Brands such as Michael Kors, DKNY, Kate Spade, Redbull, and Starbucks all have a presence on Instagram where they share pictures of products, upcoming campaigns, or sponsorships. It has become another way in which brands can visually share news about upcoming products or information. Instagram is actually the first place where I saw Michael Kor’s new natural jewelry for spring which led me directly to their website.

While it may seem that Instagram only creates a one-way communication avenue with its users, it is extremely easy for brands to communicate back to its fans in more ways than just sharing its own content. Much like Facebook, Pinterest and Tumblr, Instagram allows for comments, likes, and hashtags, so a brand can comment on its users photos that may be consistent with a current contest or campaign of the brand.

Instagram is not only limited to brands to gain publicity, but celebrities as well. Jason Mraz strategically mixed the mission of Instagram, which is to spread a passion of beautiful photography, with art and public relations. Throughout February, Jason Mraz implemented a contest to promote his new song “I Won’t Give Up.” Users were asked to share photos that illustrate their own personal interpretations of the song. Participants just had to upload their photos and tag them with #IWONTGIVEUP. After the deadline on Feb. 20, 2012, he chose 25 winners to meet him at a show in New York City on March 8, 2012.

How do you follow and engage with your favorite brands or celebrities on Instagram? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

What’s one of the top ten greenest places in all of the U.S.A.? The surprise answer? New York, NY. Yes, that asphalt jungle, dense with steel and glass high-rises, tenements, and crowded streets. The reason? Not only has New York City become a recycling city. Not only do we have world-class community gardens and parks—among them Central Park, the High Line, Washington Square Park, Gramercy Park, and Bryant Park (each of them the inspiration for a Bond No. 9 eau de parfum).

But it turns out that all those vertical buildings on Manhattan Island are extremely energy-efficient, and, thanks to public transport and the growing number of bike paths, the city’s gas consumption is startlingly low. In fact, destinations all across New York State are demonstrating their commitment to preserving the environment, from the new, green, Conference Center at Lake Placid, to the recently ‘greenified’ Niagara Falls State Park!

So New York-centric, environmentally-conscious Bond No. 9 (all our production is local and we’ve been recycling since 2007), in its fifth collaboration with the I LOVE NEW YORK brand—a state agency—has decided to celebrate our city’s high green IQ with the April 1st launch of I LOVE NEW YORK for Earth Day.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), an independent panel of scientific and medical experts, reaffirmed this week at their public meeting that parabens, a family of preservatives used in cosmetics and personal care products, are safe. 

"The cosmetic industry formally requested that CIR re-examine the safety of parabens as they are used in cosmetics, and we are gratified that the panel has done so and confirmed the safety of these ingredients," said Halyna Breslawec, chief scientist for the Personal Care Products Council (the Council).  "The Council also appreciates that the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) supported the CIR decision," she said.

In December 2011, the Council requested that CIR reexamine its review of parabens in light of two recent opinions by the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).  SCCS concluded, among other things, that some parabens are safe at current use levels but recommended that levels of others used be reduced. 

At its March 5-6, 2012 meeting, CIR carefully reviewed the SCCS opinions and concluded that there were little additional new data concerning parabens.  The panel voted to reaffirm its earlier conclusions that parabens are safe for use as cosmetic ingredients.  CIR initially reviewed the safety of parabens in 1984, and since then has continually examined newly available data related to the safety of these ingredients. Its last comprehensive report was published in 2008.

Sometimes it may seem impossible to try and find time to get ready with all of the other activities you are juggling. And like most of us who try to make our morning routine something that is 1 hour or less...it seems like newer beauty products these days, seem to tack on more "get-ready" time with all of their eccentricities. 

Christine, of the beauty blog 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic, feels your pain. To some women, Christine may even seem like a modern day Superwoman; she is a mother, doctor, and is completely addicted to beauty. Christine understands that finding time to get ready in the morning can sometimes be a chore but she has become an expert at sharing all things beauty in 15 minutes.

Whether she is talking about her favorite lipsticks and mascaras or the best lip conditioners and hand creams, all of the products she shares are sure to help you get ready and allow you to focus on yourself in just 15 minutes. Christina ranges her posts from mascara on Mondays, skin care on Tuesdays, fragrance on Wednesdays, makeup on Thursdays, hair inspiration on Friday, and Shower Shakeup on Saturday, all categories and topics that you can use to boost your beauty routine in 15 minutes.

Boasting blog awards such as a Top 50 Beauty Blog, Top 25 Beauty Blogs for Moms, and recently up for the Circle of Moms Top 25, Christine understands and sympathizes with women who really only have 15 minutes to spare for their beauty routine.

Take 15 minutes of your day and allow yourself to become obsessed with 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic. We certainly do and Christine is one of our favorite beauty bloggers!

What is your 15-minute beauty routine? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR. 

Harbor Footwear Group, Ltd. is proud to announce that Marty Staff has joined the company in a consulting capacity.  Staff's role will be to raise the profile of the Harbor brands in the marketplace, both at the retail and consumer level.  Harbor's brands include GBX, G.H. Bass, Giorgio Brutini, IZOD and Zengara in footwear and, along with the Giorgio Brutini marque for apparel, belts and wallets that are set to launch in late spring 2012.

Staff has had an impressive 30-plus-year career in the menswear business, serving in several senior management positions at high-profile fashion companies.  Prior to joining Harbor Footwear Group, Ltd., he served as Chief Business Development Officer for American Apparel in Los Angeles, CA from January 2011 to December 2011.  From 2003 to 2011 he served as President and CEO of the men's apparel label Joseph Abboud.  He also served as the President and CEO of Hugo Boss Fashions, Inc. from 1998 to 2002, as well as President and COO of Calvin Klein from 1992 to 1998. He is also recognized for jump-starting Ralph Lauren's retail business as their VP of Sales from 1987 to 1992.

Staff's retention as a consultant is on a non-exclusive basis, and both he and Harbor are looking forward to an exciting, long-lasting partnership.  

"I'm delighted to be working with Harbor, one of the first wholesalers to bring fashion footwear to an affordable price level," says Staff.  "The company has a terrific reputation in the industry, an outstanding roster of iconic footwear brands and great leadership.  It is truly one of the leading design, distribution and sourcing companies operating in the men's fashion footwear industry today.  I will be working with Harbor to help focus and optimize assortments while helping to further improve the company's management of its distribution channels as we look to maximize returns in profitable business lines."  

Staff has a reputation for being one of the best executives in the business, building leading industry brands with solid methodology and strong vision. 

"Marty has had a long and distinguished career in fashion and we felt that he would be a tremendous asset in helping us gain entre to retailers that might have been more challenging to approach on our own," says Barry Specht, Vice President of Marketing for Harbor Footwear Group, LTD.  "In adding his proven abilities in sourcing, distribution and marketing, Marty will help refocus our retail distribution strategy, refine our overall product mix as well as leverage the strengths of each of our existing brands." 

By now most of us are probably familiar with the Pinterest craze that has been circulating over the past several months. Pinterest has gained and keeps gaining popularity and has even been in conversations of rivaling Facebook and Twitter.  Nothing is a fairytale however and Pinterest is not perfect. So what is the problem? Pinterest has been tagged as a “women only” social media network.  Guys have interest too, and some of us might want to share those things with our friends. How do we get on board without breaking this social morè? Gentlemint is offering a mint of manly things.

If you are unfamiliar with Pinterest or Gentlemint here is a quick rundown of what you can expect. The form is a tiled layout of user-shared pictures. The pictures are categorized based on content. After being separated into categories users can browse the content-based pictures and see what others are interested in and share those interests. Basically, it s sharing based website with pictures. So what is the difference? The only thing that really differs is subject matter. Pinterest has a lot of categories suited for women while at Gentlemint you will see things like guns, gadgets, submarines and trap doors to secret hideouts … the kind of things guys enjoy.

Gentlemint was never meant to be in competition with Pinterest, but a compliment. They have never planned on having as big of a user base as Pinterest, but more focused on having a specific set of content. If manly things interest you or you just want to learn more, request an invite at gentlemint.com. 

Pierce Mattie PR client The Company Store was featured in HGTV Magazine. If you’re working on a home furnishings story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie lifestyle PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.

 Vanessa Fox, former Google employee, CEO of Nine by Blue and author of 'Marketing in the Age of Google,' will be presenting strategies for integrating content with search engine optimization marketing as keynote speaker at the upcoming conference, "Creating Credible Content."  

"Creating Credible Content," a new conference and workshop series from The Poynter Institute and PR Newswire, will focus on teaching marketing communications and corporate communications professionals how journalism skills and values can help build trust relationships with their online audiences.  It will be held April 11th through 13th at Poynter's campus in St. Petersburg, FL, and will feature other notable speakers and presentations from top experts in marketing, journalism, corporate communications and social media. 

Pierce Mattie PR client The Company Store was voted 'best bed sheets' by Good Housekeeping Magazine. If you’re working on a home furnishings story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie lifestyle PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.

About two years ago I posed the question: Has Social Media Changed Our View on Privacy? It was around this time that the lines began to blur on what could be kept private while maintaining the balancing act of transparency. In the last few weeks a new invasion of privacy has begun to emerge that may be controversial. That is, employers have begun asking that either 1. the potential employee hand over their Facebook login information so that the HR director can log in and see the type of person they are about to hire or 2. Asking that the potential employee friend someone in the HR department so that their profile can be viewed. I don't know about you, but my private Facebook profile (and any private social media profiles for that matter) are where I draw the line when it comes to my privacy. 

After posting a recent article from the NY Daily News about this issue on my own profile, many of my friends voiced that they've had to do this because they are either in law enforcement or the corporate world. One of my friends chose not to have a personal profile for this very reason and simply uses her husband's to keep in contact with friends. 

The issue of gaining access to a potential employee's personal and private Facebook profile, also opens up a new issue--gaining access to private information of that of the friends you are connected to. Once someone has access to your profile, they now can see information posted by your friends, whether it is on your profile, or on their own. Speaking for myself, if my personal privacy was violated because one of my friends had to hand over their password for employment, I would not be happy at all.

According to Baseline Magazine, Facebook is now fighting back and even a congressional bill to stop this practice is in the works. How do you feel about a potential employer asking for this information? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR. 

Pierce Mattie PR Client Giorgio Brutini footwear featured on Daniel Sunjata in Uptown Magazine. If you’re working on a footwear story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie fashion PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.

Lagos is a beautifully crafted jewelry brand, whose signature caviar beading differentiates it from many jewelry brands. The brand relies on four key inspirations, sure to attract a wide variety of personal styles. Whether you possess a refined, real, rock and roll or romantic style, Lagos eloquently adds subtle flairs to embody that specific style. 

Lagos jewelry encompasses necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. There are also about 20 classic collections that range from emerald accents, to neutral intertwined designs, to their signature caviar design adorned with diamonds. From casual dinner dates to wedding gown adornments, Lagos jewelry has been known to enhance any look with its unique style.

For the spring, Lagos is introducing two new collections called Silver Rocks and Love Me, Love Me Not. Love Me Love Me Not, its truly for the hopeless romantic who loves the state of nature associated with spring. This collection features the detailed caviar beading inset on flower-shaped pendants that accent various necklaces, bracelets, and rings. This collection is primarily available in the colors, turquoise, white mother of pearl, and black onyx.  A piece of this collection costs about $595 for a bracelet, $1395 for drop earrings and $750 for an accented ring. The edgier Silver Rocks collection features sterling silver jewelry with black onyx accents in geometric shapes. Similarly, this collection is available in bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings. This collection runs about $395 for a ring, $795 for a necklace and $495 for a bracelet.

Due to Steven Lagos’ reinvented collections and retail space, many media outlets as speaking on behalf of the Greek-inspired jewelry line. Lagos is a perfect way to add flair to your otherwise ordinary outfit, as illustrated in Where Philadelphia, Where New York and Lucky Magazines. While Lagos is jewelry for day-to-day outfits, it has still received attention for being elegant accents to wedding gowns. It has recently been featured in editorials for Philadelphia Wedding and Brides Magazine. 

Eager to get your hands on some of these precious beads? Lagos Jewelry is available in retail department stores such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus. On the east coast, Lagos Jewelry also has a flagship store in Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, where the retail space is covered wall to wall with Lagos Jewelry.

What is your favorite piece of Lagos jewelry? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR. 

We're feeling Spring a bit early here in NYC and we think it's about time to scan your wardrobe and add some of those wearable trends from fashion week into your daily wardrobe. Check out some of these Spring fashion trends to add to your wardrobe!

Lace always adds a romantic flair to a simple dress or outfit. Regardless of the color or style, you can rock the sidewalk in a vintage romantic ensemble. Although the lace trend has been around for a while, you can revamp this classic trend by pairing the lace with hints of leather. This subtle mix of leather and lace was seen in Kaelen Farcombe’s 2012 show.

What is a better way to illustrate your excitement for spring than adding vibrant color block pieces to your collection? Whether it is a plum, guava, or royal blue pant or a bright color block dress, you will definitely be dressing for this season. One designer that implemented this color blocking trend throughout the show is BCBG Max Azria. While you can absolutely incorporate this trend for Spring, you can also look ahead and have some pieces to add to your fall and winter wardrobes.

What are your favorite trends for Spring? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

Although avocados are most likely famous for their annual appearance in Super Bowl party guacamole, most people are not aware of the amazing health and beauty benefits this fruit beholds. While avocados used to have a poor reputation due to its 85% fat content, researchers have recently dispelled myths about this fruit. Currently, avocados are known as a super fruit that excels in nutrition, heart health, skin, hair, and being a tasty complement to ordinary dishes.

Avocados are perfect for anyone who is engaging in an active lifestyle. With the spring and summer months, you now have more opportunities to enjoy the fresh air and exercise outside. To complement your fitness routine, a simple avocado snack can provide you with key nutrients to fuel your body. Avocados have over 13 vitamins including vitamins A, C, D, E and B vitamins. Additionally, it has good fats, which are essential in providing energy to the body for the ultimate workout.

If that isn’t enough of a reason to fully add avocados into your diet, they are also known to provide tremendous natural beauty remedies. It can enhance and remedy anything from puffy eyes, dry skin, and hair. This fruit also can create a low maintenance mask to rejuvenate your skin. The only ingredient is the avocado, which you mash and spread evenly on your face, then let sit for 15 minutes. This is perfect if you have dry or sensitive skin that may react negatively to harsh chemicals.

Of course, they are a tasty, nutritious addition to some of your simple salads, soups, and entrée’s. For new recipes to incorporate this nutritious super fruit into your diet, visitAvocado.org  to experiment with some delicious treats.

How do you use this super fruit as a health benefit? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

The Trésor Jewelry collection is one like no other. It has accents of Middle-Eastern flavor as per the jewelry designer herself. The designer, Puja Bordia has had a passion for jewelry making since a tender young age. Throughout her life, she took the initiative to learn more about jewelry design, which lead her to eventually create her own jewelry line.

Trésor has six distinct collections that hold different variations of 18k gold jewelry with the colorful gemstones. For instance the Fin collection features a mesh design with different colored gemstones implanted at each intersection. The Dazzle is for the woman who loves large but elegant bracelets and cuffs. This line has watermelon and multicolor stones with diamond accents. A unique line that is signature of Trésor is the interchangeable line, with interchangeable gemstones that are available in a wide variety of colors and shapes. If you are looking for a dazzling night out where you will be dripping in multi-color and gold jewels, the Soie collection is perfect. These pieces possess a regal energy, sure to be the focal point of any ensemble. Finally, for the daily jewelry, Trésor offers the Logo collection, which is a collection of simple 18k gold, white gold, and rose gold metals with an accent of the intricate, but elegant Trésor logo.

In the years of its existence, Trésor has gained attention from high profile celebrities who choose to adorn their outfits with these jewels. Most recently, Carmen Electra, Rachel McAdams, Miranda Kerr, Maggie Grace, and Paula Patton have all strutted the red carpets flaunting these precious metals. If you too want to flaunt these jewels, you can catch the Trésor collection at various eventsthrough the rest of 2012.