PR Blonde | slanted musings of a 20-something professional

PR POV: Let’s get married –

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Lauren

Often bloggers are at odds with two things – work and well work/play. The life of a blogger is truly a two-faced coin. During the day a PR Pro, after 5PM a content curating blogger diving into the new world of social business and learning from my fellow cohorts what it means to find an authentic voice in a field spreading new “blog seed” like wildfire.

The social world is budding with content and each post is filled with “read pleasing” pictures, oozing with style and entertainment news. However, bloggers know a few things beyond writing an “external” journal no longer meant to be hid in a drawer or under a pillow. But how do you harness what you know as a blogger and use it in the PR world – well consider these three lessons: Continue reading →

1 Comment | Posted in Uncategorized

Happy May Day –

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Lauren

So I have been a little quiet this week but trust me its always for a good reason. I took last weekend away, headed to South Texas and relaxed in the elements. This week – I have been prepping for what is going to be a BIG month on the blog and ultimately set the tone for a very busy summer. Starting with some big life changing announcements! But alas, I can’t share anything yet. Think about it like the 25 Days of Christmas with Christmas morning coming in a digital space.

In any case – WELCOME MAY! This is probably one of my favorite months. We’re heading into summer – obviously my favorite season, and dresses are EVERYWHERE! About 5 years ago I spotted the perfect white eyelet dress on my college campus and still to this day can’t forget about it. I literally think that I will be in constant search for this dress or something similar. So in ode to me longing for the “perfect” -image in my head, white eyelet dress I have found a few that will work for now. (p.s. something to consider – the way I dressed five years ago, may not work in the office… shorter skirts noted!) Continue reading →

2 Comments | Posted in Fashion & Trends

PRBrunette: Blast From The Past –

Posted on April 25, 2013 by BaileyNeal

There are few things in life I enjoy more than a good theme, especially when it is accompanying a costume party. My best friend and I recently had a quick brainstorming session after she and her boyfriend were invited to a 90s party and had no idea what to wear. We concluded that there are roughly three routes one can take when styling a look reminiscent of our formative years. Inspired, I decided to publish my findings here, complete with visual aids to help you prep for your next soirée, est. 1994.

You are everyone’s favorite big sister. Your family thinks you sure are a peach. You try your hardest to stay on-trend to keep up with the popular girls at school, but at the end of the day, you’ll always be Daddy’s little angel, and when he says no wearing makeup, he means it. You have a pair of ruffled socks for every day of the week. Where’s my scrunchie? Continue reading →

Hey There Four Eyes –

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Lauren

Anyone that knows me best knows that I have three item obsessions – White Tanks, Shoes and Sunglasses! Recently I have found myself on Warby Parker’s site lately coveting both frames an sunglasses and trying with all of my might to not feed my already full blown eyewear addiction. (Guess there could be worse things right?) To be honest – my WP Sunglasses are the best I have ever had – no more squinting behind high-end designer frames. My Evelyn Sunglasses (pictured below) are not only perfect lenses but a great throwback to my favorite style – the cat eye shape!

I think what makes me more excited about this brand is two things – its affordability – yep around $100-$150 for a quality product and it’s business model. Their mantra to “Do Good” and inspire better conditions for those that need “optical assistance” can to everything from assist children to see the blackboard or help derail growing poverty trends by increasing workforce productivity by 20%. (i)

Crosby / Preston / Thatcher

Liv / Evelyn / Tenley

If there is one thing a young PR Pro looks for it’s a way to maximize time and efforts, so if one pair of glasses is going to make us look chic, smart and globally conscious then I am all for it! (Also who can say no to some hot names for glasses, I mean wouldn’t you want to flirt with a Thatcher or a Tenley???)

If you live in New York City make sure to visit their first ever store in Manhattan’s SoHo district at 121 Greene. You will be that the next time I head to NYC I will be paying this flagship eyewear mecca location a little visit!

To read more about their flagship store & opening click here (via. TechCrunch)

This is an organic post by PRBlonde. Photos via. WarbyParker.com

2 Comments | Posted in Fashion & Trends, Uncategorized

PR POV: Manage Your Sick Day Anxiety –

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Lauren

What Drew Barrymore said was true. “Sometimes sh*t just falls off the table.” Well she may have not used the curse word in her description of what it means to “have it all” but hey guess what, I am. This week my busy life has caught up to me and so has the pollen that has been plaguing the state of Texas and my nose since about 2006. Yep, I’ve turned into “that girl in the office” the one plagued with foggy sick, sniffle brain.

Normally I am ready and rearing to go at the start of the week but yesterday and today I am lost in a shade of grey with my brain firing on less than a few cylinders. In our PR Girl world we know that even with our mighty minds, operating on nothing short of peak condition is one way ticket to having materials fall through the cracks. So to avoid work slowing down too much check out a few tips to keep you together when you feel like you’re falling apart:

Believe in the desk drawer pharmacy –

Whether you are totally okay with OTC’s or more of a wholistic, shamen healing type, stock your drawer with whatever you need to get you through the day. Believe in the power of modern medicine. We are not sitting in cabins with pelts over us keeping us warm so why suffer if a little pill can help take the edge off. Plus it will save you from feeling like total s&*t around your co-workers who most likely already think of you as an infested walking amoeba.

Come prepared to work –

Nothing is worse than forgetting the few items that can help cut your cold in half. I am a big fan of Airborne and Emergen-C. The stuff may have your energy level buzzing but if it gets you through a 8/10/12 hour work day it’s like miracle in a glass. Of course it also says what it will do on the label – boosts your immune system!

Take a Sick Day – it’s okay –

Bed just a tad more comfortable than your office chair? The sweet sounds of Matt Lauer’s Today Show voice accompanying you as you read your e-mail with your mint tea in hand as you’re surrounded by tissues? Though that is my less than ideal picture of a good day, it’s not a bad sick day option. Take the day – rest, drink and medicate with all of the above. Frankly, if one day can cut the sick time in half and save your office from hating your hacking cough, take the day!

No Really – Take a Sick Day –

I know – we’re wonder women. So to take a sick day in PR land just drives the anxiety a little further up the flag pole. But that’s why we have co-workers and interns, to be able to help us out when our plate gets a little too full for our foggy brain. Set yourself up. Reach out to your most trusted team-member and send a note with the few items that have to keep moving for that day. A virtual check-list will keep both you and your co-worker honest and on task. If a few things can be pushed a day or two – take advantage of that timeline. (Just remember – if someone picks up your slack, maybe treat them to lunch… then again this business is built on relationships!)

What other tips do you have when you need to take a “me/feel better” day?

1 Comment | Posted in The Industry

Smooth as Silk –

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Lauren

I’ve been on a silk kick lately. The effortless style just seems like the perfect way to kick-off spring even though we are seeing some funky weather bring some cool temperatures down south. I recently invested in two new pair of printed fabric silk trousers all with pops of color perfect for spring. With a client conference this week they came in handy trying to crossover from business casual to nighttime cocktail wear and kept me cool and comfortable the whole time. No stuffy suits to worry about.

Also I recently added to my already “very healthy” collection of white tops. One of my best friends knows that it’s a borderline disease how many white tanks I have. But I figure – they go with everything! Jeans, summer skirts, leggings and even SILK PANTS! She can scold me for buying a few more later…

Fullscreen capture 4182013 13136 PM

From L to R: | Vince Camuto Zig Zag Peplum Top | Ann Taylor Crepe Perfect Tank | Orvis Women’s Ruffled-Neck Tank (who knew Orvis had cute non-outdoor clothes! |

Also Congratulations to Sarah Smith! Winner of the “Happy Birthday Blogaversary Giveaway” from yesterday’s post! You’ll be getting an e-mail from me shortly. Thanks to all who helped me celebrate!

Leave a comment | Posted in Fashion & Trends

Blogaversary meets LuckyFABB Giveaway –

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Lauren

If you haven’t already seen my LuckyFABB recap – you know that we got some pretty amazing loot after our two days of blogger fun and lots of learning! But part of what got me to LuckyFABB was because of my readers. I can’t thank everyone enough for wishing my “PRBlonde baby” a Happy First B-Day so in order to be a part of the celebration, whats a birthday without a killer present!

I have put together a “Happy Birthday Blogaversary” Giveaway today that is drool worthy! With beauty products from Bliss, Lift Regeneration, Aloxxi a killer shoulder bag and a few “bling” items trust me – you are not going to want to miss out on this giveaway with items hand-picked from my friends at Lucky Magazine!

Some of my favorite giveaway items include:

Here’s how it works – leave a “birthday” message in the comments section and you will be automatically entered to WIN this Happy Birthday Blogaversary swag bag in honor of year 1 at PRBlonde!

I’m looking foward to sharing all of this amazing “loot” with you and sharing what was an amazing time at LuckyFABB. Don’t worry I’ll make sure this makes it to your house/apartment/work with a personal note and some very special packaging.

Scroll down and submit to win!

*Winner is chosen at random from an automated application via comments section. E-mails associated with comment submissions will not be used for any additional purposes outside of this giveaway contest. I was gifted these items by Lucky Magazine’s LuckyFABB sponsors and didn’t purchase them nor solicit the brands for commercial use.

28 Comments | Posted in LuckyFABB13, Uncategorized

Happy 1 Year PRBlonde –

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Lauren

Fullscreen capture 4152013 104005 PM

One year ago today I started this blog and my first post and welcomed you to somewhat of an online journal where I could explore different interests and the life led outside of my busy PR world. A hub of pictures and prose soon became an interface of fashion trends and style, PR “Points of View,” guilty pleasure entertainment and so much more. (check out the past year’s roadmap) I am so thankful for the world this has opened me up to – the people I have met and those that have guided me along the way – 2013/2014 is going to hold some big changes and I can’t wait to share them all with you!

If there is one thing that I could celebrate in 2013/2014 is more of the things, the daily routines, worries, ambitions that make us – well us! After all this blog is about balancing it “all” right? Whatever all is…

So tell me – what makes you tick? What do you want to talk about – I love new ideas and love hearing from you – even more! Leave a comment, a little lip service – I’ll give you a penny for your thoughts!

Best, Lauren/PRBlonde

Leave a comment | Posted in The Industry

PRBlogaversary Week –

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Lauren

This week was a long time coming – like a really long time! If there is one thing that stuck with me at LuckyFABB it was – blogs are measured in dog years. 1 year can equal 7 off your life with the time dedication and how much you can learn in a year you can turn a space like this into something GREAT! So this week I am dedicating all my posts to celebrating the year past, the year ahead and of course you! The READERS! It’s like an Oscar speech – I can thank my mom, my developer and all the blogs/bloggers/brands that I have worked with, but when it comes down to it, its the readers and “fans” that keep the traffic comin’ in and the wit flying out the door.

So to celebrate my one year – I went out, (yes, PRBMom, came to town and took me to a happy 1 year dinner) but of course I had to dress the part. What are you going to do when you celebrate your own milestone? Well, I re-examined my style in the past year and found the staples that I couldn’t say no to – one way or another a piece was a part of every outfit. It’s a “PRBlogaversary” – perfect for celebrating my “1-year-old” baby’s special day.

Fullscreen capture 4142013 111303 PM

| 1. Alexander Wang Color-block silk dress (a steal!) | 2. Nila Anthony Colorblock Clutch Yellow/White | 3. Argent Vivo Drop Earrings | 4. Urban Outfitter Black Ice Stone Ring | 5. Vince Camuto Collar Gold Tone Necklace | 6. Valentino Rockstud Pumps (splurge!) |

But just in case you missed it – I had to take a look back at the last year – a map of the journey… take a look…

1 Comment | Posted in The Blogaversary

LuckyFABB: The Round Up -

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Lauren

You know those days where you are literally incoherent at work after a long and amazing weekend? Well, welcome to my post-L.A. LuckyFABB life! It was literally comical when I sat down at my desk to start the week. Monday brought me a sh*tstorm of e-mails and more conference calls than bargained for… but it’s the price PRGirls pay for for a little R&R or in this case – F&E – (Fashion & Entertainment!) Well in any case I’m home with wine in hand and writing my LuckyFABB recap for you half delirious. FABB-thought leaders were telling me to be “authentic” all weekend well here is my story in all of its “authenticity…” from one slanted and arguably brilliantly tipsy soul!

First let me say riding on a plane with a semi-TV star literally can start your L.A. getaway on the right foot. It just brings a whole new “authenticity” to Tinseltown then rolling up to the SLS Beverly Hills for my weekend accommodations catapulted my inner voice to somewhere around T-List celebrity status as I headed into Lucky Magazines LuckyFABB. A conference where the best of the best and the most creative minds of the Fashion and Beauty Blogger world come together to live, learn and network.

DAY 1 – Bright and early with coffee in hand we cozied into our seats at the SLS Beverly Hills and were greeted right away by Brandon Holley, EIC of Lucky Magazine – what a way to start the day! It was filled with panels and great advice – but so as not to give a ton away I pulled my favorite quotes from each speaker – if their one liners are this good just imaging what hours and wealth of knowledge we got to experience – MIND = BLOWN!

Best Advice:

“People wake up and dress for the wrong reasons – wake up and do it for yourself.” – Kelly Osbourne

Best Advice:

“Self Promotion is important to grow your network but find the balance and stay humble.” – John Januzzi

“Blogging is a love intensive, but laborious process…sometimes you just want to share a song you like.” – Hillary Kerr

Best Advice:

“We’re all journalists at our core.” – Kristen Spaulding, Assoc. Social Editor, Nieman Marcus

Best Advice:

“You’re not a movie star – you’re running a business, act like it!” – Tina Craig, Bag Snob

“Live and blog deliberately.” – James Nord, Founder, FohrCard

Best Advice:

“Check your ego at the door.” – Mandana Dayani, VP and General Counsel, Rachel Zoe

“Your Voice is earned, authentic and open. It’s a craft. Have patience.” – Gillian Gorman Round, SVP & GM, Lucky Magazine

Fullscreen capture 4112013 110326 PM

Best Advice:

The beauty product she can’t live without – “Concealer or kill me now!” – Drew Barrymore

“I don’t think women can have it all. Sometimes things just fall off the table.” – Drew Barrymore

“What are the tools in your beauty arsenal?” – Drew Barrymore

To see a video from Drew Barrymore’s keynote at LuckyFabb – Check out the PRBlonde FBPage! (Click Here)

Best Advice:

“I’m just a white WASP girl from Connecticut.” – Betsey Johnson

“I’m only as ood as my last sale and in your case, bloggers, you are only as good as your last tweet!” – Betsey Johnson

To see a video from Betsey Johnson’s time at LuckyFabb – Check out the PRBlonde FBPage! (Click Here)

But the best part is meeting up with all of the lovely ladies from across the blogosphere – no joke it’s a little bit like a Sorority!

Fullscreen capture 4112013 110344 PM

Day 2 – Brought the best tools and activations from brands to our fingertips. With social activities from Just Fab, Tacori, P&G Beauty & Grooming, AG Jeans, Covet Fashion, Le Sport Sac, L’Occitane, Style Network, UnCovet and The Find!

But what would be a successful LuckyFABB with some killer SWAG!

Fullscreen capture 4112013 110354 PM