Working out barefoot is apparently all the rage lately. From Barefoot athletic shoes to literally jogging barefoot, the fitness industry is pushing for what they feel is a safer alternative to sneakers-- your bare foot. Personally, I'm not sure why it is abuzz lately, as I took dance and modern dance since I was young, in which you practice barefoot. I do, however, cringe when I see anyone going for their morning 5K run barefoot as I can only imagine my foot hitting the pavement along with any sharp item that may be in my path. Ouch.

However, barefoot fitness enthusiasts tout its benefits, stating that you can build a stronger core going barefoot because it allows you to connect with the ground. It's often been said that sneakers give a false sense of a platform when wearing them to work out (if you've ever rolled your ankle, you know this to be true.) 

Are you working out barefoot? Have you noticed a difference in your core strength since doing so? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

The Company Store today announced the launch of their Buy One, Give One Comforter Program, an important project benefitting thousands of homeless children throughout the United States.

Now through the end of March 2012, The Company Store will donate a comforter to a child with every comforter purchased from their web site or catalog.  By placing their order, the customer is automatically donating a comforter to a child in need. 

"The Company Store's loyal customers can participate with us in an act of kindness and generosity every time they purchase a comforter," says Karen Feldman, Director at The Company Store.  "There are a significant number of homeless children in this country who are living without a warm bed, and The Company Store is committed to bringing some comfort and warmth to children in need throughout the year, not just during the holiday season.  We are pleased to deliver these comforters through Family Promise and their affiliates in the United States.  Last year, The Company Store donated tens of thousands of comforters, and this year the hope is to fulfill an even greater amount."

"The Buy One, Give One initiative was so beneficial for our Affiliates last year, and we're thrilled The Company Store is expanding it even further this winter," says Karen Olson, President of Family Promise.  "A comforter is something many of us may take for granted, but it makes a big impact on the lives of the children we work with daily—not only by keeping them warm at night, but by providing them in some small way with the comfort of home at a very difficult time.  The Company Store's generosity will help us truly make a difference to thousands of families in need."

For more information on this worthy undertaking, please contact the lifestyle team at Pierce Mattie Public Relations via phone at (212) 243-1431.

Derek Lam has accused Ivanka Trump of copying the design one of his sandals.  Lam claims that Trumps Cadie wedge sandal looks exactly like the design of his Ayami wedge sandal. Trump received a cease-and-desist letter from Lam, which gives her 7 business days to stop selling the shoe before he takes legal action.

Derek Lam representatives told WWD they have “never seen a shoe so perfectly copied … it’s such an investment to make a shoe, we had to protest this.” When first looking at the shoes next to each other there is no doubt that they look eerily similar.  However, Mark Fisher Footwear denied the claims telling WWD, “The Lam wedge sandals are of a popular design type that has been used by numerous manufacturers for many decades.”

The conversation and argument has become whether or not Trump blatantly stole a design or if she merely used a popular shoe design (what's the difference?) With so many shoes and designs in the market today where is the line to be drawn? There is no doubt this type of shoe has been around for decades and offered by a multitude of companies including Valentino, Tory Burch and Matt Bernson. While reading the conversation there were mixed opinions on both sides of the issue. Some said they have been buying shoes like this for decades dating as far back as the sixties. Others have sided with Lam saying that although it is a popular shoe design a line had been crossed because it appears most if not all details of the shoe were an exact copy.

Did Ivanka Trump copy Derek Lam's footwear? Tell us what you think @PierceMattiePR

*Photo source: thegloss.com

Pierce Mattie PR Client The Company Store was featured in InStyle 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.

It’s not just admired among handbags, boots and belts anymore.  Leather skirts, pants, dresses, and of course jackets are a re-appearing trend as well…and not just among the Harley crowd (but you can still be a little bad ass if you wear it!) 

Luxury brand, Elie Tahari, has quite an array of leather this season.  My personal favorite is the black butterfly-style leather Emma Jacket, currently marked at half its original ticket at $499.  Its ruched, bold shoulders tie in nicely with the similar pattern draping its front zippers.  With this decadent leather detailing, you won’t need many accessories, if any, to make a statement with this jacket.  

If you want something really daring this season to make a bold declaration, check out this extraordinary catalogue leather favorite, the Everette Skirt, designed by Elie Tahari as well. Also marked at half it’s original ticket price, now just shy of $500, pair this piece with a fashionable blouse and perhaps more leather.  My personal preference would be leather knee-high boots or perhaps the leather jacket referenced prior.   

Is black leather too audacious for you?  Want to try something a little more elegant and delicate to keep up with the winter trend this year?  Try designer Tahari’s leather Georgia Skirt.  With an affordable price point of $399, this classy piece emanates a vintage feel.  If you consider yourself a classic beauty, this may be the piece for you!

Keep it distinctive and daring this season… Are you a fan of leather? How are you wearing the trend this season? Let us know @PierceMattiePR.   

Pierce Mattie PR's apparel client Company Kids was featured in Discovery Girls Magazine. If you’re working on a children's fashion 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.

In the wild world of Beverly Hills, high-priced glam squads, flashy cars, and off-the-charts drama are the norm. Enter Kyle Richards: born and raised in the nation’s most dazzling neighborhood, she’s practically royalty in the 90210 zip code. And yet her loving family life, lack of pretension (no nannies, stylists, or personal chefs for this diva), and “girls’ girl” attitude make her a breath of fresh air on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

In Life is Not a Reality Show, Kyle spills all her secrets about how to look good and live large while keeping it real, revealing how she achieves that perfect mix of celebrity and normality. She’s a real housewife whose first priority is her family, and she’s sharing her advice here on everything – from beauty to fashion to relationships.

How about tips on style direct from the woman who was named one of the best dressed TV housewives of all time? Kyle shares tips on how to dress with panache without spending a fortune. But for Kyle, it’s what inside that counts the most. If you’ve ever wondered how she found a great husband or how she keeps their marriage solid yet exciting, Kyle offers guidance that can change your love life.

There are dozens of smart beauty and fashion tips, including advice on how she maintains that amazing mane of hair – and some advice that is bound to be provocative, as she counsels a friend on a marital indiscretion. She writes about her childhood, her family, the mom who was her great influence as well as her relationships with her famous sisters.

“Not moving to Dior was probably best for everyone,” stated Louis Vuitton’s creative director Marc Jacobs. Does he mean in regards to stepping into the footsteps of John Galliano we wonder?

With an upcoming exhibition in Paris scheduled for March 9, Jacobs expresses his feeling of honor as being a part of this grandeur exposition to be held at the Musée des Arts Decoratifs.The sumptuous display has been crafted and refined to cover two floors at this superb setting and has be referred to as 'Louis Vuitton - Marc Jacobs.’

Jacobs recently cleared the air regarding the rumors of his reposition over to Dior.  He again speaks of his humbled emotion to be considered for such a position and also expresses how ecstatic he is to be where he is, among his current cohorts, and his touch and contribution toward the current 'Louis Vuitton - Marc Jacobs’ exhibition. 

“There is so much more left to do and building Louis Vuitton into a fashion company is something nobody else can say they really started,” said Jacobs. The presentation is expected to display a portion of luxury designer Louis Vuitton’s precious jewels, from one of his first trunks crafted in 1869.

It is such a treat to have such opulent designers, Marc Jacobs coincided with the original Monsieur Louis Vuitton united in a sole venture, as a chance to display the talents of both and many more who have assisted to build this brand into what it is today. 

Should Jacobs have gone to Dior?  Or is remaining with Louis Vuitton something of a lost art: LOYALTY?  Let us know @PierceMattiePR.

Finally! We are kicking skinny jeans to the curb!

Over the past several decades we have watched the fashion trends for men’s pants evolve through extremes. The 1970’s brought us the bell-bottom style. While they were tight near the hips they compensated with flaring bottoms at the feet. The nineties brought us to the JNCO/Levi Pipes (yes they still exist) urban grunge baggy era. Somehow from there we entered the dark ages of the thigh-squishing skinny jeans. Pants so tight you can only wonder how they peeled those things on. It seemed as though we were doomed to live in this world forever. We can all breathe a sigh of relief because there is a new hero to save us from the dreaded skinny jeans: loosely tailored pants.

The relaxed cut of yesterday is not to be confused with the relaxed tailoring on the rise. Baggy loose-cut pants are nothing new (you can find them at any department store you frequent) so do not err. The key to catching this rising fashion trend is to make sure they are tailored. Although loose fitting clothing can often be seen as informal, they are not so loose that they are seen as street wear. To be sure you are in with this years loose fit trends remember these tell tale signs: Think tailored (through the thighs and hips). Pants should hang from just below the belt. Loose, not baggy. Pants piled up around the ankle looks sloppy and if the excess material gets walked on for too long it becomes frayed and looks even worse. Loosely tailored pants provide for comfort and produce a low-key attitude.

The Protégé Jean from AG Adriano is a good place to start if you want to be “dressed up or dressed down”. If you want to be even more casual but still look good J. Crew offers the Vintage slim-cut jean. For a night out, try Banana Republic's Heritage slim straight-fit jeans with a tailored blazer.

Are you looking forward to tossing those skinny jeans? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

HEX, stylish tech accessories brand and CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree, announces the Fleet Collection—a 12-piece accessory line of messenger bags, backpacks, laptop sleeves and totes to style up gadgets and gizmos, all while providing superior protection.  Making its debut at the 2012 International CES, each Fleet bag features chic charcoal and white pinstripe canvas fabrication, custom-printed lining and contrasting tan genuine leather zipper pulls and leatherette trim detailing.

The Fleet Collection marks the third line of bag "techcessories" from HEX and features several new designs—the Tote for 15" MacBook Pro ($79.95) and the Cross-Body for iPad and 11" MacBook Air ($59.95). Each bag pairs today's most fashionable styles with thoughtful tech-related features such as compartment padding to protect devices from bumps and bangs and pockets sized to snugly fit the most commonly carried devices.  The Cross-Body also incorporates HEX's PadPort (patent pending) to allow easy iPad 1 and 2 access while on the go.  MacBook Air 11" and 13" sleeves ($39.95) round out the new silhouettes.

Pierce Mattie PR Client Alfaparf Milano Hair Care was credited in the cover of Vogue Magazine. If you’re working on a hair care story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie beauty PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.

With resort season in full swing and as we urgently count down the days until we can lounge by the pool on a daily basis, bathing suit shopping is beginning (Isn't it only January?!)  What better way to waste some time during the cold days than to shop for bathing suits while daydreaming about warm sun, the smell of sunscreen, and tan skin? One of the hottest new swimsuit collections I have seen for this summer is by SAHA Swimwear.

I don’t know about you, but this summer I am definitely looking for something different – something new and something I’ve never worm before. I tend to stick to safe bathing suits with neutrals and blacks, but I can tell I am going to be feeling good about myself this summer so why not flaunt it with a hot, stand out suit?

SAHA Swimwear boasts many different collections including “Simply Enjoy,” “Sight Seeing,” and “Golden Sunset,” but some of my favorite pieces are from the “Happy Tears” collection. The deep orange is a beautiful color that repeats throughout the collection and the high-waisted bottoms are to die for. Most of SAHA Swimwear’s collections also have matching dresses, tunics, blouses, and accessories to complete your summer look.

However, my favorite part about SAHA Swimwear is that the suits are seamless! This is great for those of us who love to lounge by the pool or on the beach all day, as the swimsuit is so much more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

SAHA Swimwear is based in Colombia and has been caught the attention of Vogue, Fitness, and Sports Illustrated. Make a statement this summer with your favorite suit! SAHA Swimwear is sold in many retail stores and online. What is your favorite style of swimwear? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

We all have the “all season jacket” that has been lying to us for years hanging in our closet. It is not a bad jacket, in the wintertime (in fact it’s perfect for a cold day). As the spring comes and starts to turn into summer, though, your relationship with the blazer begins to take a turn for the worse. It gets hot, you start to perspire and it gets soaked. You end up taking it off and throwing it over your shoulder or draped over your arm. The relationship is over. It is a catch 22 though. You want to look nice, but you don’t want to be sweating to death in the summer heat.

The unstructured blazer might be something you want to look for this spring. The unstructured blazer is exactly what it says it is and probably just how you are imagining it, unstructured. The traditional blazer has extra lining in the shoulders and neck, a more solidified collar and is meant to keep very clean lines and form. An unstructured blazer does not have the extra lining and formed collar. It creates more relaxed lines built for the office or relaxing on a night out. Every brand has their version of this jacket so you want to be careful and focus on jackets that have a more tailored element.

For any occasion ASOS makes a variety of blazers. If you are unsure or want a universal blazer try the Slim Fit Charcoal Tipped Blazer. If you are looking for something even more casual AllSaints makes the Corduane Milliner Blazer. Tell us about your favorite blazer @PierceMattiePR

Looking for a change but not quite sure what kind of change? You could change your hair, your car, your clothes…or your furniture. I don’t know about you but I get a great feeling when I rearrange a room or put new furniture in a room. It forces me to go through anything and everything that has been piling up, giving me a sense of accomplishment at the end. Simple changes like rearranging the setup of a room or adding a few new pieces could suddenly turn that boring room that no one ever uses into the room you never want to leave.

Amana Furniture has been crafting beautiful pieces since 1855 that are sure to give you the kind of change you are looking for, and will definitely be that conversation piece you have been looking too add to that boring room. Amana Furniture offers original designs and unique craftsmanship in every piece, specializing in furniture, clocks, and accessories. Their designs are unique in the sense that they combine their handcrafted furniture with pieces from top names in the furniture and clock world to create one of a kind pieces.

A few of my favorite pieces to transform a room include:

1. The Double Wine Glass Holder: This is a great accessory to add to your kitchen and will definitely start a conversation. It can be used on a daily basis to display your favorite bottle of wine or could be more sentimental and hold wine and wine glasses from a wedding or event.

2. Wellington Clock: What a beautiful clock! Just hearing this beauty chime at the hour would give me chills. What I love about these clocks is they have a classic look and remind me of my childhood when I would spend long afternoons with my grandparents.

3. Mantel Bed with Raised Panels: This bed frame comes in different colors and will sure add some character to your bedroom or a guest room. Lighten it up with some white linens and soft colors!

4. Mission Curio: Display antiques, china, or even books and picture frames in this beautifully designed curio with glass doors and interior lights. Add some life to a room without having to hang shelves.

How have you transformed a room in your house? Let us know @PierceMattiePR

The "World's Top 100 Most Valuable Luxury Brands Official Release ", organized by World Luxury Association, was successfully held in January 2012 in Beijing. This event, commonly referred to as the "Luxury Oscar Awards", bring together the Top 100 luxury brands in such diverse fields as aircraft, yachts, cars, jewelry, watches, fashion, liquor, cosmetics, resorts and Innovation brands. The rapid development of China's luxury consumer market is garnering global attention. World Luxury Association's official report on 2012 shows that China has become the world's largest consumer of luxury goods. The report predicts: With the phenomenon of RMB appreciation and depreciation of the Euro and the number of Chinese traveling to Europe in 2012, total consumption of luxury goods is expected to reach 59 billion Euros – a record high. The spending power of Chinese overseas will urge China to become the world's most powerful luxury consumer purchasing country.

World Luxury Association Top 100 List:

WLA-World's TOP10 Fashion:

Hermes
Chanel
Louis Vuitton
Christian Dior
Ferragamo
Versace
Prada
Fendi
Giorgio Armani
Ermenegildo Zegna

WLA-World's TOP10 Aircraft:

Gulfstream
Bombardier
Dassault
Embraer
Hawker Beech
Cessna
Cirrus
Eurocopter
Bellhelicopter
Sikorsky

WLA-World's TOP10 Yachts:

Azimut
Sunseeker
Ferretti
Lurssen
Riva
Wally
Princess
Pershing
Beneteau
Itama

Job Description

• Plan and execute client activities in a timely, efficient and high quality manner under the direction of an Account Director
• Keep client programs on track and ensure all deadlines are met
• Develop and edit written materials including press releases, online materials and general client correspondence
• Execute media relations efforts including media list development, pitching and developing strong ongoing relationships with the media

• Minimum four years of professional experience required, agency experience preferred.
• Strong written and verbal skills, confident style in communicating with clients, and a proven ability to effectively organize and manage multiple tasks
• Solid client relationship and critical thinking skills
• Strong understanding of public relations concepts, tactics and media relations.
• Independence and autonomy with respect to their responsibilities and exhibit a deep understanding of the clients, accounts and industry
• Strong editorial relationships in the beauty arena
• Ability to work well with others in both team and independent environments, as well as motivate junior staff
• Positive, professional, and flexible attitude that lends itself to quality client service

In a recent interview, Zachary Prell, founder and chief executive, said:  “We are extremely pleased to announce that ZACHARY PRELL is launching at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City and can be found on the 7th Floor.  We're thrilled to introduce Saks' customers to ZACHARY PRELL with a carefully curated selection from our Fall 2011 collection, including sport shirts, outerwear and leather jackets.  We look forward to building a strong partnership with Saks’ management and sales teams by providing the company with an unrivaled level of support and service.” 
  

There’s nothing more attractive than a feminine, laid-back woman in sexy laid-back clothing.  Designer Christina Minasian creates this sort of sensual lady of leisure look with her up and coming clothing line, Pencey. 

As a former stylist and buyer, Minasian’s fashion forward senses have arrived. And effortlessly, at that.  Typically a designer’s inspiration is noted to root from something, deep, drastic, somber etc.  Minasion on the other hand, draws her inspiration from the simplicities of life: her moods, travels, friends and family.  And this is where Pencey blossomed, a light-hearted, free-spirited fashion line. 

The critics of the fashion industry note that “Christina loves her tomboy look as well as her girly pretty style as well. She creates a line that is interesting and whimsical.”

Pencey’s ready-to-wear collection, although a personal style of the designer's collected, eclectic travel keepsakes, emanates my personal wardrobe as well.  As Pencey expresses through its outfitting, some days a woman wants to be girly, and some days she wants to be a casual tomboy…and some days she wants to be both.  Why can’t we have it all?  We can with Pencey.

Have you checked out Pencey clothing yet?  What are your thoughts?  Is this a style of clothing you can wear on a daily basis?  Let us know @PierceMattiePR.

The Yankee Candle Company, Inc., the world's largest manufacturer of premium scented candles, today announced the launch of its new contemporary candle line, Pure Radiance™. Made of a custom soy wax blend, Pure Radiance features patent-pending LumiWick technology. When lit this flat, all cotton Lumiwick provides a consistent burn and a wide, radiant flame. With a clean design, the line is offered in 12 new distinctive, but approachable fragrances and three sizes. Pure Radiance is available for purchase immediately in all 12 scents via www.yankeecandle.com and select specialty retailers and gift shops across the U.S.  A limited selection of Pure Radiance fragrances and sizes are also available via the company's catalog and in its Yankee Candle retail stores.

"We consistently strive to meet the needs of all of our consumers, and at times they are looking for something that fits a more contemporary decor style. We are excited to introduce Pure Radiance, a brand that provides a more contemporary option without compromising on the superior fragrance and quality that Yankee Candle is known for," said Hope Margala Klein, senior vice president, brand, design and innovation for The Yankee Candle Company, Inc.