Do I look good in this ?

Filed Under (Designer, Fashion) by Anne on 01-09-2010

Well I know that we cannot all look good in everything, this is true, but I draw the line at even trying some dresses on. I mean when I say that a dress made of shells is kind of cool I was not prepared for this!

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside

I was thinking about the new season coming up and it seems according to the Emmy’s and who are we to argue with the top designers that the ‘Grecian Look’ is going to be all the rage and that brought me to my next find of the bandage dress or could it be more suited to being called the ‘Band Aid’ look, I guess we could say it’s for a Yummy Mummy!.

Band Aid or is it a Mummie?

Band Aid or is it a Mummie?

The next dress I saw has to take the biscuit, as you know I live 34 floors up and I thought this could come in handy if the rent man comes along and it’s a day when I have just bought  another pair of Jimmy Choo’s. It is in fact a parachute although I think when I hit the ground it might leave me naked could get me in to more trouble!

Fly me to the Moon

Fly me to the Moon

I think the next dress has to be my kind of dress, although really this is a head dress, I mean I spend most of my day with my head in the clouds so it’s a perfect fit I guess.

It's all a bit Fuzzy

It's all a bit Fuzzy

Yesterday I wore what I consider a bit of a wacky outfit, A bright yellow dress with a pair of leopard leggings and I felt that I kinda fitted in to the New York Fashion pack (I did say kinda!) and then I saw this outfit. I am not to sure about covering the face, but I am sure some would agree it’s a good thing!

Snow Leopard or Sugar Plum Fairy ?

Snow Leopard or Sugar Plum Fairy ?

I have to finish my daily fashion finds with the great American flag. I love Red, White & Blue but I think this could have been fitted better. I am not sure Scarlet O’Hara would have ever been the same again in ‘Gone with the Wind’ in this outfit. I think her classic line would have been fitting ‘My, I think I am having a vapour’!

Tomorrow is another Day !

Tomorrow is another Day !

Enjoy….

Only in New York

Filed Under (Designer, Fashion, Fashion Shows, New York Fashion Week, Press, Trends) by Anne on 11-08-2010

So this week starts like any other! what does that mean? every week in my life starts like any other but only because it starts with a Monday. I have now applied for my Mercedez Benz Press Pass for Fashion Week and no doubt it will be the usual fight to make them understand that I really deserve one and I really do write about what I go and see. Unlike a lot of other tweeters and bloggers that I could mention. Will I use the ‘Do you know who I am’? line no I don’t think so because there are so many Divas in fashion and you all know that isn’t really me, well not on a Monday.

So after the trauma of trying to understand an application form I ventured out to the office. Big mistake Huge! 93degrees and humidity like no other, I mean how do you describe that you are walking to work wearing cling film or food wrap I have no idea what the Americans call it. Fortunately I had just washed my hair and covered it in a bottle of Hydrating Creme thanks to Hair Rules and my good friend Dickey. I stress this point because otherwise I would have looked like a poodle on Crack! oh and 3 people tweeted me the answer cling film Brits in the US is called Saran Wrap, yep me, too no wiser.

Well anyway I have digressed but I am on Broadway crossing over 37th to 36th when I see parked in the street (Sorry Americans Sidewalk) this window dressers dummy dressed in a glass dress. I thought maybe she was Super Man’s girlfriend and really it was a case of Krypton.

SuperMan's girlfriend in Kryptonite

SuperMan's girlfriend in Kryptonite

I really thought I was having sun stroke when I then noticed there was yet another dummy on the street (Sidewalk) and she had a Concrete Brick Dress… that literally takes the biscuit! I mean who can walk in a Brick Dress ?

IS this taking the Biscuit, wearing a House Brick

IS this taking the Biscuit, wearing a House Brick

I am really needing to lay down in a dark room and I really believe that maybe I will be walking myself into the Betty Ford Clinic and saying ‘I give up, help me’ when I walk into Tiger Woods, I mean tell me who walks around New York with his gold clubs? Only Tiger Woods on a mission to find a hole in one! or a man hired by the mafia to take someone out right?

Mom's lock up your daughters Tiger is on the loose

Mom's lock up your daughters Tiger is on the loose

You see I am definitely going to have to call a friend or go 50 - 50 on this one (Americans this is a TV show who wants to be a Millionaire!) me Me ME oh sorry the heat has really finished me off. Is it only 9am, umm therefore no way I can ask the intern to get me a glass of Chardonnay then!

I actually went home at lunchtime and thought it best to work from home in the afternoon because the office really did not believe the morning I had had. For those of you who really do not believe all I say (Actually does anyone anymore?) here is proof that I do work on the balcony.

Working Girl

Working Girl

As the day cooled down I went to meet two New York tweeters that I met of course on Twitter, @tishacakes and @bridalease and we had a couple of cocktails and I told them about my day. I haven’t heard from them since so not sure if they are still trying to call Betty Ford on the bar telephone but Tisha left me with two very lovely birthday cakes, one of which I devoured on the way home, so say no more. Check her out!

The Best tasting birthday cake ever

The Best tasting birthday cake ever

Before I go I have to tell you about today I met with Celebrity Make Up artist Gregg Hubbard and we went for lunch at the Market Cafe in Hells Kitchen. We talked all lunch and I think my salad even turned warm, he is such a doll and re told me so many secret stories that had me laughing out loud in the restaurant. Especially the one about the celebrity who chased a burglar whilst butt naked over two 10foot walls… Who was that? well that is my secret.

Just because I am worth it he left me with this little goodie bag from Bobbi Brown. Gregg I love you but what do I do with the Bonfire Palette?.

I just love Bobbi Brown

I just love Bobbi Brown

Princess for a day

Filed Under (Designer, Fashion, Press) by Anne on 09-08-2010

It seems everyday now I am reinventing something about myself. I am not sure is this the effect New York has on people or is it just me? well I have been on holiday since I last posted a blog story, I think perhaps I should keep that episode for another day. So this week I met with my good friend Dickey from Hair Rules, his salon is on 54th & 9th and if you live in New York you must visit them. Someone needs to have a word with him about the goatie he has hanging from his chin!

I feel really privileged  to know Dickey he has styled Michelle Obama’s hair, Estelle, SJP and now me!

First Style With Dickey

First Style With Dickey

Well this week we were going to a really big Fashion event in Bryant Park called ‘Picnic in the Park’ with the Accessories Council. They had sent out to various designers a picnic basket and asked them to fill it with goodies. I was so impressed with some of the baskets, by Kate Spade, Nine West, Hair Rules and my good friends at JW Maximal Art who had only put one thing in the basket, but of course it was a Tiara fit for a Princess…. well that would be me then!

John Wind from JW Maximal Art with a Princess

John Wind from JW Maximal Art with a Princess

Slightly suntanned looking I felt that my new Body Con dress did not look too bad especially as it was cream, what do you think?

Anyway I bid on lots of the baskets as all the designers had nominated a charity for the monies raised to go to. I thought that was great as they were all different and therefore lots of charities would get something. Unfortunately I did not bid enough on any of the baskets but it was a great evening and a great cause.

Here is a lovely picture with izzi and I think it is the first time I have looked at a piccie and felt we look totally healthy and relaxed in a while. (Shame I did not move my arm so you could see my Ostrich Skin Tigi Bag)

Anne Agoren & izzi

Anne Agoren & izzi

The week just became busier and I got a little sad as our intern Casey left us on Friday I am truly not sure what we will do without her sense of humour and willingness to do anything we needed. She told the whole office every single day where the sample sales were going to be and believe me the office was normally deserted about ten minutes after her shout outs! I can’t count the times that she ran errands in the rain and the sweltering heat and I will sadly miss her but she is going back to Penn State to finish her schooling and I wish her every success in all she does. Clearly this picture was taken outside of the office - noted by the glasses on the table, water it was only water honestly! I know that because here in New York it is really not on to order a glass of wine at lunch time and a bottle is unheard of. I am sure the Americans think we Brits are total lushes. Well I am here to tell you that it is not true, well not on a day with a Y in it, the other days they do not count. I have no idea who the other person in the picture is! of course I do that is Debs everyone’s girl Friday, she is a total Gem.

Casey's last day at the office

Casey's last day at the office

Then of course it was off to the event of the weekend at Dickey’s, my hair stylist, sounds great to say that, he is a great friend actually and always tells me when my hair looks dreadful and how to put it right.  In fact on Saturday I did not have time to get to him before his BLOG HER event as I was busy working. I jumped into the shower using Hair Rules daily cleansing cream, followed by quench ultra rich conditioner and the curly whip. As I ran out of the door after trying to fight izzi to get in front of the bathroom mirror I ran some hydrating cream into my almost dry hair and this below is the result. Dickey said I look so much younger with curly hair ummmm.

Anne & Dickey

Anne & Dickey

Sunday came and went far to quickly for me but that was taken up with all those horrid chores I hate doing as well as spending time on some much needed catching up of paper work. Have a great week and remember that some days are so worth the make up…

Travel Journal with Robert Verdi

Filed Under (Fashion, Press) by Anne on 03-08-2010

Robert Verdi Tweet This Travel Journal

Robert Verdi Tweet This Travel Journal

How fortunate was I that the Tweet This party with Robert Verdi was all about Travel items? The day before I left for St Maarten, Robert invited me to his twitter party and the tips were all about things you need for a great holiday. The Dapper Traveller  should never go away without a non iron Supima Shirt, eco chic and dies not need to be dry cleaned - Brooks Brothers has to be a stop before jetting away. The shirts are less than $90 so a bargain.

Robert & the Brooks Brothers Shirt

Robert & the Brooks Brothers Shirt

The Savvy Traveller cannot go away without a Spacepak by Flight 001, I was totally amazed at just how much you can get into one of these if you pack them correctly. Now here is a woman who takes everything on holiday, including 20 pairs of shoes for a week,  but using these awesome Spacepaks allows all garments to undergo double compression and organisation with one side for clean laundry and one side for dirty. (Hopefully you will not get the two mixed up!) Prices range around $46 but I know that with the careful packing I can take so much more!

Flight 001

Flight 001

The Trend Setting  traveller has to have a Bright Lites carry on from Samsonite, I am the biggest fan of hard side suitcases. Since you all know just how much I travel they are a must, they can be thrown around at airports and nothing ever gets damaged. They come in lots of vibrant colors but I had to have the Hot Pink of course, what is great is that they are on 4 wheels and just glide along. They are not cheap so bit your lip at $280, but believe me they are worth it.

samsonite

Now I am not sure how I can tell you about the next item and keep a straight face, it is a bikini made by Le Tarte. It really tickled me to think I am wearing swimwear that is called Le Tarte. I am of course joking because these chic Maui - based styles are perfect for a Caribbean Holiday and come in all shapes to suit any body shape. They are priced between $170 - $180.

The Gourmet Traveller has to have a Red Envelope all - in - one tailgating cooler and grill set. For someone that lives in an Apartment This is a great idea it comes complete with a water resistant cooler that comes out of the main bag.A charcoal grill with all the tools you need to cook a fine BBQ on the beach and even a lid to keep the food hot. I think at a $149 this is a steal.

Picnic Time

Picnic Time

Well until next time I am now off on my vacation fully loaded with all my fine goodies…..

Robert Verdi & Anne Agoren

Robert Verdi & Anne Agoren

The Stars Come out to Play

Filed Under (Designer, Fashion, Press) by Anne on 21-07-2010

I was so excited to be invited to the opening of the WellNEST Store in Sag Harbor (Aka The Hamptons ooo La La) izzi and I were suffering jet lag but I would not miss this party. Rachel Paletsky and Richard Ash MD had invited us and we wanted to be there. You probably remember that Richard Ash is my DOC and has really got me on the road to a healthier lifestyle. I have been eating just as much food but have managed to loose weight by eating a proper balanced diet, together with actually taking vitamins. Anyway I am digressing but just wanted to point out how I knew these lovely people.

Anne & izzi from izzi bag

Anne & izzi from izzi bag

We met some great people at the party, Jason Binn from Niche Media, Fred Devito from Core FusionDonna D’Cruz (DJ) John Melfi the Producer of SATC, who spent ages swapping stories with me. I told him about the time I went to Buckingham Palace and met the Duke of Edinburgh and what he said to me Shush it’s a secret, you are not supposed to tell the world what the Royals say to you, it is seen as very undignified!

Anne with Richard Ash & Donna D'Cruz,

Anne with Richard Ash & Donna D'Cruz,

The Rain came and went and everyone still turned out to wish the WellNEST Store well, I drank far to much of the Organic Avenue Coconut Milk (I was driving) and izzi drank far too much Champagne (Say no More) but we had a lovely time and I want to live in Sag Harbor now.

Donna D'Cruz & Anne

Donna D'Cruz & Anne

I wish my good friends every success with their new business venture and I look forward to seeing just how much weight I loose on my diet plan. Did I mention that Doc has developed a new wholesome meal replacement ? 5 hours of satisfaction and sustained energy. Each serving provides potent protein, whole nutrients and beneficial fiber, it is called Nutritious & Delicious. I can honestly say I wish I had this when I was travelling on that dreadful airline last week. So needless to say I shall be taking the powder with me wherever I travel.

So before I post this blog I am actually about to shout from my balcony that yes finally I am having a vacation (Holiday) I am going to be very old next week and izzi is taking me to St Maarten. Our first holiday in 2 years and I am staying in a hotel on the beach. I really cannot wait and I promise to post pictures of the trip. So no mentions of my birthday in the comments please, it’s one to be forgotten as quickly as possible!

Leaving on a Jet Plane !!

Filed Under (Fashion, Press) by Anne on 14-07-2010

Tagged Under : , ,

So izzi and I left New York and headed for London, I had to pack up the house in Greenwich and decide on what stayed in the house, what went into storage and what I was giving away. I hate the last bit, giving away your belongings is really hard for me as a hoarder. Anyway to cut a long story short if I ever could do that it would be a miracle. I decided to be ruthless, but clearly not enough as the day the removal truck came they brought one that was not big enough I am not sure what I considered to be big enough but I had to repack boxes time and time again.
In the end I decided to abandon all hope of ever finding anything again and went to Marks and Spencer and bought myself a Pork Pie, sorry DOC,but yes I did give in and ate a Pork Pie. Things I guess went down hill from there as I then not only gave in to eating pasta I also helped izzi drain the Malbec.

So the next day was a big day for us since deciding to uproute our life and move to the USA as we were summoned to the US Embassy for our visa interview. We trawled into central London on the tube, I have to say I had forgotten what the experience of commuter tubes was like. No Air Con, no seats, no polite people and finally the dreadful smell of yesterdays gym kit oozing from most of the bodies, take me back to civilisation I thought. I was minus my handbag, cell phone (See how Americanised I am) in fact everything except the bare essentials as izzi had read the instructions ! this should have been a warning sign that I should have checked myself. So we get to Grosvenor Square and everyone in the Queue is carrying ruck sacks, huge handbags, well everyone except me! The process was fairly painless and the agent tells me all is good to go I am now officially allowed to stay in the USA. Hallelujah !

When we got home I called KLM (Name and Shame here) to reconfirm our flights and to advise them that I had 6 pieces of baggage and to check the cost of the excess I was going to have to pay. The agent on the line tells me one bag each is free and the others will be charged at 50euros per bag. So the next day izzi and I turn up at London City Airport with the said 6 pieces of luggage to be told ’sorry it is 50 euros the first bag each and then 200 euros there after’ I was on the point of  hitting the floor with either a fainting fit or a hissy fit, I am not sure at this point which. I of course exclaimed that I was refusing to pay that much but was told ‘Well you have a choice’ oh I do thank heavens for that I thought, ‘Yes madam you have a choice it’s called take it or leave it!’.

I have to say the Service agent was obviously sucking on a lemon as she informed me of my choice, I reluctantly paid up and boarded the aircraft, to be told that the choice of food was garbage or garbage which did I want to eat? I have to say that you guys all know that I travel a lot and the airlines are just getting worse.  The Hostess or Host, it was difficult to tell, I am sure the said person who was wearing a skirt had more than a 5 o’clock shadow was the most offensive waitress ever. When I asked if it was OK for me to have another Coke I was just ignored. The service on KLM was the lowest of the lowest and the food was not fit for human or canine consumption. I guess the moral of my little escapade is buy your own airline or stay at home!

Robert Verdi ‘Tweet This’ with Anne Agoren

Filed Under (Fashion, Press, Trends) by Anne on 17-06-2010

On Tuesday Night Robert Verdi invited me to his very special Luxe Laboratory to tweet with him about suggestions for Father’s Day gifts. I was really impressed with the quality of gifts he had chosen to talk about so here they are let me know what you would choose.

Robert Verdi & Anne Agoren

Robert Verdi & Anne Agoren

John Bartlett Tees which are really cute, they all come with a picture of John’s muse Tiny Tim who he rescued from the NSAL. The 3 legged dog he rescued became his design inspiration and company logo. A percentage of the cost of each shirt goes to the NSAL so what better gift to give your dad and to know that a man’s best friend will benefit.

John Bartlett Tees

John Bartlett Tees

Jonathan Adler Hot Pop candles were the next gift idea, now I love candles but this one has got to beat all others as they come in the most bizarre smalls ever, Grapefruit, Cilantro and Tomato Vines. I am not sure that my mom would really like my dad burning a candle that smells of the greenhouse in the lounge, but the grapefruit I can see would be a different matter. The candles are $38 each so go by the website and check out a retailer near you.

Jonathan Adler Pop Candle

Jonathan Adler Pop Candle

Now the next gift is awesome Kenneth Cole Vintage Black Fragrance, anyone who knows me knows that I have a rather unhealthy addiction to fragrances. This is one apart, fresh citrus woody that blends effervescent citrus with masculine woods and soft skin musks. I would recommend you check this out and at only $70 I think it is a must.

Kenneth Cole Vintage Black Fragrance

Kenneth Cole Vintage Black Fragrance

John Allan’s Grooming Services was one of those items I was really not sure was going to be any different from any other hair salon, how wrong was I ? The full service experience is in the atmosphere of a private club with a full grooming service outpost for men. The busy dad only needs to take 30 minutes out of his busy schedule to take advantage of a scalp massage, shampoo and conditioning with a hair cut, full manicure and shoeshine, it even includes a beverage. You can get a gift certificate with a travel kit of goodies for only $65

John Allan's The Full Service

John Allan's The Full Service

Rowenta just launched a new First Class Travel Iron and I have to say that at 1.65lbs in weight and folding to 7.8″ it is a must for the travelling, jet setting dad. So even when Dad is away he has his own personal mom in his suitcase to keep him looking pristine.

Rowenta First Class Travelling Iron

Rowenta First Class Travelling Iron

I loved the next gift Hugo Boss Aviator sunglasses and I can actually see my brother stealing these before my dad gets chance to wear them. I loved the fact that dad can even change the lenses to his own prescription lenses.

Hugo Boss Aviator Sun Glasses

Hugo Boss Aviator Sun Glasses

Joseph Abboud for JCPenney came up with a really super idea and that is to give your dad a voucher to get a new suit, think about it every time he wears it he will think of you and at $180 this is a bargain. I took a look at their website and these suits are really chic and modern styled.

Joseph Abboud Suit for JCPenney

Joseph Abboud Suit for JCPenney

At $145 I thought this Skagen Watch is for the dad that deserves more of life’s little luxuries and it is really stylish and tastefully designed. Affordable luxury which looks like a million dollars and is made from high quality materials.

Skagen Watch

Skagen Watch

The next gift Stoner Solutions invisible glass cleaner is a must for every car enthusiast dad at only $30 this is sure to keep him amused for hours. He will have the best shiny car on the street. Tell mom that when he is done shining his car he can come into the house and clean her tables and mirrors. Just spray on wait until it evaporates and then wipe off without leaving streaks.

Finally my last and favorite gift has to be the Leatherman Skeletool, this is multi functional combining style and function into one design, it has won numerous awards. It weighs only 5 ounces and can easily fit in dad’s pocket, complete with a blade, pliers, bit driver, removable pocket clip and bottle opener.

Leatherman Skeletool

Leatherman Skeletool

Sunday Night, Channel 7, Australia. Call me a Cougar if you Dare!

Filed Under (Designer, Fashion, Handbags, Press, Trends) by Anne on 06-06-2010

I thought you might like to see my Video which was shown on Australian TV ‘Sunday Night’ program the Equivalent of ‘60 minutes’ . I had such fun making this TV documentary and felt like a real film star as they followed me for 3 days but hey back to the real world, my final word on this is:
Call me a cougar if you dare!

New York Accessories Magazine Feature izzi bag

Filed Under (Catwalks, Fashion, Fashion Shows, Handbags, Press, Trends, Uncategorized) by Anne on 05-06-2010

How I Did It

Anne Agoren, owner of UK / NYC based izzi Bag, shows how to build a brand over Twitter. Lauren Parker finds that life is indeed tweet.

Tweeting her way to success here’s a story a little bird told us:

izzi bag on Twitter

izzi bag on Twitter

Out of the 17 million users on Twitter, 250,000 were nominated for the Shorty Awards—an international “Oscars” for those who live their life out loud on Twitter in 140- character blurbs. Of those 250,000 nominated, a year-old,  little-known English handbag company named izzi Bag made it to the top six in the “Brands” category—the only fashion brand nominated. izzi was up against brands like Whole Foods and ultimately lost to Sesame Street. Heard of them? Here, izzi Bag owner/designer Anne Agoren—who wisely moonlights as a social media strategist—tells Accessories her David and Goliath tale.

‘Are you listening? Because your competitors are. You need to join the conversation— because it’s going on with or without you.”

@accessoriesmag: So how did you get into the top six? Do you have 86,000 followers like Sesame Street? Or 4.7  million followers like Ashton Kutcher?

@izzibag: I have 2,000 followers and was nominated by one of them. You aren’t allowed to nominate yourself.  Actually, I did lose some points after showing someone via Twitter how to nominate me since he was having trouble and asked for help.

AM: You only have 2,000 followers?

AA: That’s one of the biggest misnomers for brand promotion. More is not better. It’s  about quality, not quantity. I have 2,000 of the right followers. They spread my word to their followers. There are lots of sites where you can buy 50,000 followers but they’re not relevant to your brand. Don’t do it. You’ll start getting spam and your important—and legitimate—followers will stop following you. Protect your brand reputation.

AM: How do you get started using Twitter?

AA: My techie husband pushed me into it to help build my budding brand. I was so resistant to Twitter—saying I didn’t understand it, that I didn’t have enough time, and so on. Now I’m a Twitter addict. I use it to promote my blog (blog.izzibag.com), to talk about things that are happening to me, and to strategically promote the brand. I realized the power of Twitter early on—I ran a Twitter competition where the first 10 people who went to one of my retailers on Bond Street got a $40 keychain. Suddenly, a rush of people went to that store. It was apparent it was working.

AM: Did you launch your brand and tweet about it simultaneously?

AA: I launched izzi Bag with no customers, no retailers, no e-tailers. So I used Twitter and the blog to find those small stores that I wouldn’t even know about. The goal was to get retailers talking about us. To build that buzz.

AM: Do you think that too many brands don’t take Twitter seriously enough?

AA: You need to join the conversation—because it’s going on without you. The most important thing I say to companies is  ‘Are you listening?’ Because if you’re not, your competitors are. On Twitter, you can read every tweet that mentions your brand—good and bad—and respond if you want. It’s important to join the conversation.

Bag Lady -Anne of izzi bag

Bag Lady -Anne of izzi bag

AM: What do you tweet about?

AA: I come here a lot so I write about my life as an English person in New York. I write about the journey of building izzi  Bag. Yes I’m a brand but I’m also human. People want to relate to you. It makes them want to buy your product.

AM: Do you use Twitter to show your bags?
AA: I use Twitpic to upload images, but often I link a Twitter entry to my blog so people can see more there. There are so many tools that are all free, from Twitpic to Tweetdeck, which helps you manage Twitter better.

AM: Do you tweet all day?

AA: No, but my followers are passionate! When I slow down, they start with the ‘Where’s izzi Bag?’ ‘Did something happen to izzi Bag?’ They miss me! I’d say 60% of my tweets are relevant to my brand. The rest are relevant to other people — recommendations of things to check out, or I pass along information I read on Twitter.

AM: Ah, so you’re a re-tweeter?
AA: In many cases, yes. You can retweet (i.e. RT) something that one of your followers post. It’s good will and keeps the conversation going.


AM: Did building buzz on Twitter in the U.S. and UK give you immediate international cred?

AA: I was able to simultaneously connect with retailers worldwide—all for free, and all with the power of social media.

AM: Has Twitter gotten you free publicity?

AA: The Australian news show equivalent of “60 Minutes” found me on Twitter. They sent a crew to New York and filmed me for a day-long documentary. Later, they flew the reporters back to New York to get additional footage because they wanted to extend the segment! That publicity didn’t cost me one cent. And although it aired in Australia, I was able to post it on my blog and tweet about it, and still get local (and worldwide) exposure. Again, for free. Take a look at the video SundayNight Live.

AM: How does a brand prevent a tweeter from posing as them and saying something bad?
AA: It’s important to control the conversation. You can be verified by Twitter (celebrities do it), and you’ll get a blue check next to your brand’s name/avatar. That way the Twitter community knows it’s authentically you.

AM: But it must be a little bit tempting to bash your competition on Twitter…

AA: Never do that! If you report another company for spam, for example, the Twitter police will shut them down while they investigate, so you really must follow business ethics. I will unfollow people if they don’t “keep it clean.” That’s my one rule.


AM: What about companies who say they don’t have time to tweet? Or skimp on the resources to hire someone who can?

AA: Social media should not replace your existing business structure, but it must be integrated with what you have in place. Just as a brand has a PR, branding and advertising budget, it must have a social media budget.

AM: What if the company owner, or designer doesn’t want to tweet personally?
AA: The person doing the tweeting or blogging must have a passion and understanding of the brand and its objective. They should write in the “voice” of the brand.

AM: What are some great Twitter branding anectodes?
AA: There were some people in the Empire State building tweeting that it was so hot and they wished they had ice cream, but they were too busy to run out and get some. An ice cream truck picked up the conversation on Twitter and sent over a truck to give them free ice cream! The story got picked up on the international news. You can’t buy that sort of publicity!


AM: So what were the Shorty Awards like?

Shorty Awards Diva Fit - No Sesame Street Here !

Shorty Awards Diva Fit - No Sesame Street Here !

AA: First of all, I pulled a Diva moment and while walking the Red Carpet I refused to be photographed with some of the puppets from Sesame Street. Then they beat me!

June 2010 - Accessories Magazine

New York’s Best Kept Shopping Secret

Filed Under (Designer, Fashion, New York Fashion Week, Press) by Anne on 02-06-2010

Well I am not a happy bunny today I really am not, Why? well I am going to tell you even if you don’t want to know. Since I came to New York I have bargain hunted constantly for those Michael Kors dresses, shoes and trousers, I have angled my way through so many aisles looking for my shoes that I just have to have. I have even come to blows almost with izzi when he accuses me of buying something new every other day, it’s not true the shopping fairy delivered them when I was asleep and what is more important they were left there for free right girls?

Only  you and I both know that when it comes to shopping a girl has to have what a girl has to have. Well my secret is out the New York Post advertised her allover the place yesterday. Victoria Nielsen personal shopper at Loehmanns, there I have said it. Vick is my right hand lady when it comes to shopping, if there is a bargain to be had she is the one with the key. Vick calls me at stupid o’clock in the morning to tell me there is a Jean Paul Gautier Cashmere coat, my size (Not that this point is important mind) to be had and it will be gone if I get there after an hour! I have purchased Jimmy Choos at a fraction of the retail cost in Loehmanns all because of Victoria. So now you all know about her I thought to add insult to injury I would show you who she is.

personal shopper Victoria Nielsen at Loehmann's

personal shopper Victoria Nielsen at Loehmann's

Victoria is located on the 3rd Floor in her own office and you do need to make an appointment prior to visiting her. I seriously hope you all go and visit because she is the Queen of the show and really one of the great friends I met through Twitter.