17 September, 2011

that I have moved blog sites!!!

Hi everyone,

Just letting you know that I have moved to TUMBLR, just to shake things up! Check it out at: http://todayitellyou.tumblr.com/





Thanks for your support and avidly reading!! Cat

29 August, 2011

Behind the Scenes of NFW 2011

So, Newcastle Fashion Week is over for another year but not before I share all I can of my fabulous journey with you as the Fashion Coordinator.

First of all, what an amazing experience! I seem to be getting lucky in this department. I have been meeting great people, living and breathing fashion, learning how to make my own career path and having fun with the things I get to do and see on the way.

I highly recommend this as a work placement opportunity for anyone wishing to see first-hand how a runway show is organised, how many months of hard work and dedication it takes to put together three outstanding nights of entertainment and fashion.

Last year I was privy to seeing the NFW world as a volunteer but this time round, I was front row and centre - smack bang in the action, calling shots and working alongside some brilliant people, who know their stuff!!!

Here's a taste of what I got to do this year...
  

 Preview upcoming collections from local, Sydney, ACT emerging and established designers!

 
Work with Rozlyn Thomas and her amazing team from Hair on Tudor and Karen Lis and her team from Icon School of Makeup



 Stay tuned for more!

10 August, 2011

LITTLE SPARROW-NFW DESIGNER+ URBAN INSIDER

CHECK OUT TODAY'S AWESOME WRITE UP ON NFW DESIGNER LITTLE SPARROW ON URBAN INSIDER.


You can also visit the website at http://www.iamlittlesparrow.com/ and see the amazing collections for yourself!


All about The Wonderland

Part Two of 'Where my passion for PR began'

If you have been reading my posts (which at stages have been far and few in between-sorry) you may have read about how I got started on my PR journey. If you missed Part One of 'Where my passion for PR began) , please click HERE


Where I am today.....

Yesterday I finished up my 6 week internship at The Wonderland PR in Surry Hills. What an amazing experience! From the first day, the ladies made me feel welcome with Nina the Graphic Designer the first to greet me.

Every Monday and Tuesday I travelled to and from Sydney via Country Link Train (YAY!) to complete my 80 hour work placement as part of my University degree. I know I've said this already but I cannot express how important I think it is to do work experience! Trust me people, get out there and start experiencing the world first-hand because right now living as a student at home with your parents is the sweetest deal you could ever have. Once you leave that safe haven, reality steps in and whoa, watch out!

More things I have learnt on my journey:

1. I found that early morning coffees for energy and hot chocolates for happiness can give you a jump start to the day.

2. PR is not a 9-5 job! Ok, if you're lucky like me it's 8.30am to 5pm but if I could have stayed in Sydney overnight, I would have worked longer. Depending on the day you could finish on an 8 hour day or if you're super-swamped with client emails and getting ready for photo shoots etc, it can be longer.

3. Phone calls are the way to get things done. Emails are great when you aren't on deadline and you need to keep a record of everything that has been said or agreed to but when you're chasing product to send overseas-calls are the only way. Editors are always busy-in my case I spoke to the answering machines a lot but in the end it was quicker than waiting for a written reply.

4. It's exciting to get new accounts and work on them! This is a personal favourite but they recently acquired a Sydney label called ELLIATT, which has amazing dresses and soft fabrics and lots of pretty details such as lace and beads etc.

Check it out for yourself at www.elliatt.com. I got to work on their social media campaign and begin getting the word out about this great clothing line. From publications to online shopping networks to bloggers, this can be just as effective as product placements because the best publicity is word of mouth.


Image from ELLIATT Homepage

 
5. Stay focused! While interning you need to stay focused and get the tasks completed on time. I tried where I could to ask for more work and to really work on my researching skills. This is something I still need to fine tune. Also, remember who you meet, write down addresses and names because they may pop up again. Yesterday I meet Kristy and Sadaf from Girlfriend. Duly noted-both super nice, both in fashion, both working for a well-known and respected teen magazine. Could be a great contact to remember in the future.

6. Overall just enjoy every moment. Nicole (one of the Account Managers) and I were having fun overaccessorising with the Breo watches that we have in the showroom. But it looked so great and here they are on my arm!

Breo Watches (www.breo.com)
Image taken by Nicole Collins

 The Wonderland is a great environment to learn the world of PR in. They're just about to start up an official Internship program, which I highly recommend. If you want to know more about it, contact the PR Coordinator Janai at janai@thewonderland.com.au.




29 July, 2011

NEWCASTLE FASHION WEEK UPDATE

NEWCASTLE FASHION WEEK WEBSITE IS AMAZING! I AM SO EXCITED!
TICKETS ARE ALSO ONSALE NOW, SEE THE WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS



27 July, 2011

THE LAST ROMANTIC ON URBAN INSIDER


Designer Natalia De Martin takes time out of her busy preparation for Newcastle Fashion Week 2011 and her Summer 2012 collection to chat with Urban Insider. Click this link for full interview.

15 July, 2011

THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERNSHIPS

Hi everyone!

So two weeks ago I started interning at the fabulous Public Relations Agency-The Wonderland. Headed up by founder and designer Gill Lawrence, this company is jam packed with professionals with tons of industry knowledge and experience. To quote the Fashion Review,

"If the name Gill Lawrence sounds familiar you would be correct in assuming that its not a new name in the Australian fashion industry. Her new label Mad Love is about to hit stores this August 2011, while her Toi Et Moi (which debuted in 2009) is the second major label by Gill Lawrence, who is also the previous (and ex-owner) of boutique chic label Milk and Honey."

As part of my university degree it is mandatory as a third year Communications Student to complete work placement and gain some on-the-job experience. I cannot stress how this is just as important as the study you complete, because no matter how much you write and learn, nothing can prepare you more than the real deal.

From my past posts you have have read that this is not my first internship, however I have found that employers look highly upon this and having more than one behind me has made me realise what industries I want to work in, which ones do not suit me and how to become an overall better communicator and one day publicist.


Things I have learnt on the job so far:
 
Social Media- This is fast becoming the way of communication in this ever changing industry we call Fashion. From Twitter to Facebook, Linkedin to Google, there are no limits as to how a label can market themselves and promote their product. If you want to be a part of this world, then you better become savvy to the World Wide Web, because it is just as prominent and equally as effective as our traditional mediums-newspapers, magazines, billboards, radio and television.

Networking- Building a database of prospective media contacts proves to be an invaluable asset to anyone in this industry. From editors to art directors to bloggers and journalists, everyone is a potential step into the door of possibilities-whether it career related or simply to share information with to help one another out i.e. the launch of a new product.

To do: There is always something to do! Whether it be merchandising, greeting clients, calling couriers, researching online, product calls, media returns, staff meetings or writing press releases-a PR agency is never slow. I live to keep busy, my attention span tends to die quickly and so I find PR to stimulate my mind and make me want to do more and be more. You should also keep an up-to-date TO DO LIST, even if it's just in your own diary or computer calendar or notepad. I love seeing when the job is ticked off as completed-I believe small achievements can be rewarding and lead to bigger things for those who wait!

Well that's all for now, more to come in the coming weeks!!

Cat xx

07 July, 2011

Nickelodeon’s Australian Kids’ Choice Awards 2011 – Sydney Entertainment Centre

Just thought everyone should know about this fab PR/Media Relations work experience opportunity that has just popped up on Mumbrella!

Below is all the information you need-check it out on the link provided!

Nickelodeon’s Australian Kids’ Choice Awards 2011 – Sydney Entertainment Centre


VOLUNTEERS WANTED!
Come and join in all the mayhem at the…..

Nickelodeon’s Australian Kids’ Choice Awards 2011!!!

The biggest annual event for Aussie kids is back – Nickelodeon’s Australian Kids’ Choice Awards 2011! Now in its 9th year, the only TV awards show where kids choose the winners is on once again, at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on October 7th. It promises to be an amazing show filled with the stars kids love, musical performances, spectacular surprises… and don’t forget the famous Nickelodeon slime!

At this year’s awards we are looking for volunteers to assist in a variety of areas. If you are looking for some invaluable television work experience or would just like to come and join in for a few days of madness and mayhem please apply!

1. Event Guest Relations & Event Assistants

JOB DESCRIPTION

You may be assigned a position that will require you to assist with ticket distribution, meeting and greeting guests who are entering our hospitality areas that include invited guests & media. Other areas we are looking for assistants are in the areas of crowd control along the Orange Carpet, directing guests throughout the venue to the appropriate areas, handling merchandise and assisting with sampling and general event assistants where you will be required to assist in deliveries and general duties. You must be well presented, enjoy working with people, be able to communicate effectively and have a happy outgoing personality.

Date: Tuesday 4th October 2011

Time: 6.30pm to 9.00pm

Venue: Sydney Entertainment Centre

Event & Production Briefing

Meet and greet volunteers, with overview of job role and time requirements.

Date: Thursday 6th October 2011

Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Venue: Sydney Entertainment Centre

Event Assistants onsite briefing, orientation and general assistance.

Date: Friday 7th October 2011

Time Required: 10.00am to 8.00pm

Event Guest Relations & Show Day

2. Media Relations Assistants

JOB DESCRIPTION

You will be responsible for looking after the set up of the media registration area & greeting invited guests & media.

You will be also be jointly responsible for ensuring media have their correct accreditation and resources in order for them to report on the event – this will involve working in the media assembly area, the orange carpet and media room. You must be well presented, enjoy working with people, be able to communicate effectively and have a happy outgoing personality. Ideally you have an interest in and some experience with the media.

Date: Tuesday 4th October 2011

Time: 6.30pm to 9.00pm

Venue: Sydney Entertainment Centre

Event & Production Briefing

Meet and greet volunteers, with overview of job role and time requirements.

Date: Friday 7th October 2011

Time Required: 10.00am to 8.00pm

Venue: Sydney Entertainment Centre

Media Relations & Show Night



? You need to be available for the duration outlined in the job description

? You need to be at least 18 years of age

? You will need to have a good sense of humour



What you will need to wear:



o Depending upon the position you apply for either black pants or tidy black jeans/cargo pants – you will be advised in your confirmation briefing pack.

o A Nickelodeon uniform (t-shirt) will be supplied for you on the event day (which you get to keep! Score!)

o Comfortable and tidy closed toe shoes e.g. sandshoes/runners



Whatever you decide to wear please be aware that you are more than likely to be exposed to SLIME! It is non toxic however it may be worth re-thinking about wearing your Sunday best outfit.



Also, please note that these are unpaid volunteer positions; however you will gain great experience in one of Australian television’s largest-scale productions of the year, and get to have heaps of fun!



To apply, just shoot us through an email at kcavolunteers@nickaus.com.au, making sure you answer all the questions on the form below. It is not necessary to attach a CV or cover letter.



If you are accepted you will receive a confirmation email with an information pack covering all the details.



Need more information?

Please email one of our team members at kcavolunteers@nickaus.com.au



VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION!



PERSONAL INFORMATION



First Name

Surname

Address

Phone (Home)

Phone (Work)

Mobile

Email

D.O.B

Shirt Size (S,M,L,XL)


VOLUNTEER POSITION YOU ARE APPLYING FOR

(Please tick – you can tick a few boxes if you like)


• Talent Escort

• On Stage Cleaning Crew/De-Slime Wardrobe Team

• Wardrobe Team

• Production Runners

• Event Guest Relations/Event Assistants

• Ticketing Assistant

• Media Relations Assistants

• Marketing Runners

• Any of the above


Please write a brief description of any previous work experience you have relating to the above position (or if you are studying any relevant topics):


Please advise how you heard about the volunteer positions (e.g. John Brown from Foxtel sent me this, through your college, if through a friend how did they hear?)

02 June, 2011

NFW 2011

A NEW YEAR, A NEW LOOK FOR NEWCASTLE FASHION WEEK

In August 2011, Newcastle Yacht Cruising Club is playing host to the highly-anticipated NEWCASTLE FASHION WEEK 2011. Over the next couple of months leading up to, during and after NFW, I will be blogging as much as I can about:

1. WHY you should be there to support such an awesome cause and help raise much needed funds to fight Cancer.
2. WHAT pop-up events you should check out, if you're in the area.
3. WHY you should come and celebrate the amazing local talent we have here in Newcastle.
4. WHO'S WHO of designers, models, organisers and media interviews (fingers crossed I will secure some asap!)

Keep checking this space for more information in the coming weeks or head directly to the website: http://newcastlefashionweek.net.au/ for the latest updates, information of the event and how you can help us to cure cancer in style!

04 April, 2011

Where my passion for PR began

Hey everyone,

So I decided that I need to explain a little bit more about myself. That's the whole point right of my blog right? To tell you about today and what I did, my thoughts, my dreams and everything in between.

Let's start at the beginning. When I was turned 18 I was accepted into a Bachelor of  Education (Secondary Teaching) degree at the University of Newcastle. Low and behold I soon discovered high school was not the environment from me and so I deferred after my first year and decided to figure out my next steps.

This led me to working at Shoal Bay Resort and Spa for the summer. What an amazing time I had there, working part-time, shopping, the beach and great work friends I made. One of these amazing people I met was Liz who at the time was completing a Cert IV in Business Marketing via OTEN. Sounded fab, so I looked into it further and discovered there was a Diploma of Business Marketing course coming up at Newcastle TAFE.

The Promenade Restaurant staff on New Years Eve, 2009

Liz and I ring in the new year together

One of the many great days at Shoal Bay

So...I plucked up the courage and applied. I got in and I completed my Diploma. During this time, I had a substitute teacher who taught Cert IV Public Relations. This sounded similar to Marketing and even more challenging and fab - so I searched for Diploma courses in it. This led me to Hunter St TAFE, where I then completed a Diploma of Communication and Media (Public Relations).

What drew me to this course was the work placement I had to complete (through the grapevine I had heard that industry experience is a must-have!!) and the Diploma would enable myself to gain credit towards a degree - should I choose to return to Uni. So I had multiple options and opportunities.

I was given a huge foot-in-the-door/big break into the PR industry when I enquired into an internship with Fashion and Beauty PR company Sweaty Betty. Sarah B - former SB publicist wrote to me and gave me the chance to complete my work placement with them. When my 40 hours was completed, I was asked to come back and I stayed on for another five months - travelling to Sydney one day a week. Amy - SB Publicist was my rock during my time at SB, welcoming me with open arms and showing me the ropes.

During my time I was in awe of Director and Owner Roxy Jacenko. She is an amazing woman, with experience and knowledge about PR that I could only dream of having one day.

Roxy and I on my last day as an Intern

One of Sydney Designer's Rachel Gilbert's fabulous lines 

I got to work along side publicists Sara and Maz as well as Graphic Designer Ika.


From product calls to merchandising to press releases to admin duties - it was also fast-paced, fun and eye-opening.

SB helped me decide that fashion/beauty/lifestyle PR wass definitely the industry I want to be in when I graduate from Uni at the end of this year (yes I am Bachelor of Comms (PR) student).

That's Chapter One of my journey - stay tuned for part two!!!

For a look at my blog entry documenting my time at SBHQ, click here or type in: http://www.sweatybettypr.com/blog/?m=200911&paged=3

22 March, 2011

FASHION INTERNSHIP


BECAUSE I LOVE THIS JEWELLERY LABEL AND I BELIEVE IN GOOD KARMA, I AM POSTING THE LINK TO THIS FABULOUS INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY WITH AUSTRALIAN LABEL SAMANTHA WILLS.

I would love to apply myself, however travel, time and money are unfortunately not on my side. There is one lucky person out there that has not only got these three things on their side, but they're as passionate and as enthusiastic about this designer and her jewellery as I am and know that this position is TO DIE FOR!!!!

There are three steps to gaining this coveted role, but once you pass with flying colours - you will be an SW intern for 12 weeks!! Think of the opportunities you will have!

If you are looking to turn fashion and media heads with your CV, don't let me down, head to the Samantha Wills website right now and APPLY FOR THIS AMAZING INTERNSHIP!!!

I will be forever jealous, but when the time comes I hope I get the chance to make my mark in the Fashion World and a good word about me wouldn't go astray either, my budding bloggers and followers!


The gorgeous and creative designer herself - SW



Below is a snippet of her latest amazing Winter 2011 collection!



Dew Drop Necklace - Silver

Blossom Earrings Gold


Images sourced from:


stylepalace.com.au



28 February, 2011

All about Zumba!

"Zumba: Ditch the workout, join the party". Well it has certainly got my vote! Thanks to the charms of my mother who persuaded me to attend a Zumba class as a way of getting me fit again, this is one activity I enjoy calling exercise! I have never felt so exhausted and yet so pleased with my efforts at making it through a 50 minute session without clasping my sides and wheezing. Not to mention the sweat, as gross as it was, it seemed to show that I was clearly pumping it up! I feel I will reach my goal of fitness and better health - something my gym memberships seemed to fail in motivating me to do. However, it is still early days and I have another class this Wednesday, so it will be interesting to see if I still feel the same after the next session.

If some of you are still in the dark about this fun, new exercise with dancing and energy, then check out the website: http://www.zumba.com/us/about/.

I go to a local instructor but there are other ways to get your booty shaking. Some of these websites may be useful:

http://www.zumbafiesta.com.au/
http://www.fitnessfinda.com.au/Zumba/

The gym is also a great place to find a Zumba class. The following Australian websites may be helpful, particularly if you're in NSW like me:

http://www.ymcasydney.org/activity/zumba
http://www.fitnessfirst.com.au/clubs/timetables/class/index_html?class_type_id=78
http://www.vclub.com.au/Dancezumba/718/n/3/0/0/

Till next time, I'm off to get my dance on!

13 September, 2010

HOW AWESOME NFW LAUNCH WAS

Newcastle Fashion Week has officially kicked off with a Launch at Newcastle's Greater Union. Normally showing the latest on the silver screen, yesterday it became the first to showcase this year's fabulous line-up for 2010.

With an opening speech from the Lord Mayor Councillor John Tate and some wonderful and heartfelt words from Director and Founder Lousie Mackay, it was onto the show. Featuring designs by Melanie Ritchie, Velet Hummingbird, Sarah Plooy,  Plain Jane and many more amazing creations, models strutted their stuff down the aisles which were converted into a runway just for this event.

Mingling with guests were other local and interstate designers Jzhonnie Bechet and Little Sparrow as well as media members from The Herald and Moving Image sipping champagne and browsing the designers stalls on this wonderful sunday afternoon.

Will be back with more during the week with behind-the scenes information, designer's quotes and other news from NFW 2010!!!!!!

27 August, 2010

Some DO's and DON'TS about Communications

So from Uni to my Internship to my Role in NFW to general everyday life activities, the list of DO'S and DONT'S are never ending.

Today I will share two things that I have picked up along the way as a PR student.

If you want to write as a profession: DO

CHECK YOUR FACTS. This sounds like common sense but the amount of people that fail to get their facts right is astranomical. For example, if you're working for a magazine/newspaper etc and you recieve information from a client detailing the following things such as: a new PRODUCT, PRODUCT NAME, PRODUCT IMAGE NAME/NUMBER, CONTACT DETAILS, PRICE etc. (the usual things a Press Release may have). It is usually a good idea to:

  1. Separate these facts from the rest of the email/press release and bold/highlight them so you know you have all the info you need. (That way if anything is missing, you can follow up on this asap).
  2. Print or save a copy for future reference/proof.
  3. If they have a website, print/online catalog etc. double check that these facts match the press material they have already sent out.
  4. Email/call the client to confirm the right information was sent.

THEN AND ONLY THEN should you begin writing about the product and this will limit the amount of "screw-up's" if you, the sub-editor and the editor fail to miss these mistakes. It will also eliminate angry phonecalls from clients who call after your publication has gone to print and there are major/minor errors in the description of the client's products.

If you want to work in Event Management: DO NOT
  • Assume you are better than someone else. It's a team effort, the workload is shared.
  • If there are people put in charge, there is a reason why they were chosen to lead. Showing you can follow orders/direction doesn't mean you're a sheep or a kiss-arse. It shows you are: Dedicated, Responsible, Driven, a Team Player, have Initiative. My view is: do the work well, get noticed and one day you'll get to call the shots.
More to come, please feel free to comment, especially if you have some classic DO'S and DONT'S to share.