Retail Minded Launches Lifestyle Magazine

The world of retail is rapidly changing and boutiques everywhere are struggling to keep up. Over the past few years we've seen many of the independent boutiques in our communities disappear and those that remain are hanging on by a thread as they struggle to adapt and adhere to the new rules of retail. That's why I'm excited to announce the launch of a new retail magazine that is completely devoted to the celebration of retail not only as a business but as a lifestyle. Retail Minded magazine is filled with relevant articles on everything from social media marketing to merchandising and contains useful tips and practical strategies that small business owners can put to work right away. The launch of Retail Minded magazine has been a long time coming for Nicole Leinbach Reyhle. She's spent years working in the trenches with boutiques on everything from employee training to assortment planning and believes that "retail isn't just a job, it's a lifestyle". As Founder and Editorial Director of Retail Minded, Nicole and her team strive to help provide quality resources to independent retailers in order to help them achieve success. Contributors to the magazine include a wide range of entrepreneurs, savvy retail experts, showroom owners and industry veterans to provide readers with a fresh, modern approach to understanding all things retail, including living life beyond the store walls. The inaugural issue includes articles on How Videos can Help Bring Customers to the Store, Effective ways to get feedback from shoppers, The Importance of Showroom Relationships, Tax Tips for small businesses and even an article on how to invest your money for long-term financial success. This magazine is a must-read for anyone living and working in the world of retail.

Retail Minded magazine will publish on a quarterly basis and include regular sections on merchandising, marketing, inventory,and lifestyle elements such as how to fit in a weekend getaway while working a retail schedule. Subscriptions start at $39.95. Group rates and student discounts are also available. Preview the premier issue here.

Feeling social? Follow Retail Minded on Twitter @RetailMinded.

Everything your Ever Wanted to Know about Fashion PR

These days if you log on to Twitter chances are you'll find a million people claiming to be fashion PR pro's- but let's face it. Very few actually know the industry inside and out like PR Couture founder Crosby Noricks. With over a decade of experience in fashion PR and consumer marketing Crosby has been recognized time and time again for her contributions to the industry and was even recently honored at the inaugural Women in PR Summit; but my favorite thing about Crosby is that she is so willing to share her experience and insight on how to be successful in the industry with others. Never one to withhold information Crosby is always ready to dish out tips on how to pitch products, charm fashion editors, navigate your way through the world of SEO and lots more. Her website is so helpful and well-written many newbies might even consider it somewhat of a fashion PR bible. (Yes, I said it.) Crosby embraces a rare mindset that is often lost in the hustle and bustle of the fashion industry- the idea that if we all work together, we can all succeed. I absolutely love that about her and couldn't be more excited that she recently launched a new book filled with (in her own words) "sparkly wisdom" and must-read advice. If you're passionate about a career in fashion PR this book is for you my friend. In the 130-page guide Crosby includes information on:

- What to expect from a career in fashion PR
- Title and salary information
- How to get noticed for the job you want
- Actual job interview questions from top Fashion PR agencies
- Contact information for top NYC and LA fashion PR agencies
- How to use Twitter as a job search tool
- Identifying personal goals and a career vision to carry you into the future

Also, out of the kindness of her heart (and for a few extra good karma points) Crosby is donating $1 from the sale of each book to The Dream Project, a 501(c)3 US-based nonprofit organization that provides sustainable education programs for children and youth in the Dominican Republic.

The Ready to Launch: The PR Couture Guide to Breaking into Fashion PR book is on sale now for $17.99. Happy Reading!

For the latest updates follow PR Couture on Twitter @PR_Couture.

Zumiez to Relocate Web Fulfillment

In a move to remain competitive with e-commerce retailers who are offering customers rapid turnaround times after placing orders online, Zumiez has made the decision to relocate their e-commerce order fulfillment operations to Edwardsville, Kansas. The move, scheduled to take place in May, will allow Zumiez to deliver online orders to customers anywhere in the continental U.S. in 3 days or less. The 35 Everett, Washington-based employees affected by the move were given a 60-day notice last week and offered the opportunity to relocate to Kansas, or take severance packages based on their years of service and position.

"Decisions like this need to be evaluated carefully, especially when they impact our valued team members. As a company, we continually evaluate opportunities to increase the speed of delivering products to our customers while also improving our costs," said Zumiez Chief Financial Officer Marc Stolzman.

For more info on Zumiez or to shop online visit www.Zumiez.com.

About Zumiez Inc.-
Zumiez is a leading specialty retailer of action sports related apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories based out of Everett, Washington. As of January 28, 2012 Zumiez operated 434 stores in the United States and 10 stores in Canada.

Spring '12 Beauty Trend: Bright Lips

There is something wonderful and effortlessly glam about reaching into your handbag and pulling out a tube of bright pink lipstick. One swipe can take you from office to evening and completely perk up your entire look. Spring is the perfect time to play with color not only in your wardrobe but also on your face.

One of the beauty products that makes the perfect baby step to exploring the wonderful world of color is the Limited Edition Collection of Sephora Hot Hues Neon Lip Balms. Part lipstick- part lip balm, these jelly colored sticks leave the perfect amount of color on the lips and the best part of all is that the color really lasts. If you've tried lip or cheek gels in the past to get a pretty flush of color but hated the mess of staining your fingers- this product is for you. It's really easy to use and completely fuss-free. $10 on Sephora.com.

If you're ready for more intense color try the Sephora Collection of Rouge Cream lipsticks. At $12 a tube this lipstick is budget friendly and provides rich color that also works to help hydrate the lips. When wearing pigment rich lipstick be sure to tone down the rest of your eye and cheek makeup so that you don't look overly done. Bright lips take center stage and you'll want the rest of your make-up to compliment the look instead of competing with it.

Rent the Runway to Open LA Pop-Shop

Rent the Runway is taking their concept off-line and opening it's first pop shop at the Andaz West Hollywood Hotel. Running from February 11th-13th the apparel and accessories rental service will let guests peruse an edited selection of inventory from designer brands including Nicole Miller, Trina Turk, Moschino, Elie Tahari and more. The event was timed so that Rent the Runway (RTR) users in LA who crave instant gratification could shop for outfits to wear for Valentine's Day. Tickets to the event are on sale through Gilt City for $10 and are good for admission to the event plus a $20 credit toward an RTR rental. The company recently announced a partnership for a capsule collection with American designer Narciso Rodriguez. Follow Rent the Runway on Twitter @RentTheRunway.

Spring '12 Dresses : Runway to Real Way

If there's one key item you need to transition your wardrobe from winter to spring, it's a great dress...Or multiple dresses for that matter. Spring '12 is all about playful dresses in a rainbow of colors and shapes.

The maxi dress is one of the signature looks for the season as pictured above from Valentino. This look is easy to wear and can also be dressed up for a special occasion when paired with a jacket, belt and heels.

From runway to real way: Wear the maxi dress trend by finding a style that won't overwhelm your frame. Asos.com offers the maxi trend dress in a variety of styles including wrap dresses, sweetheart necklines, ruffles and knife pleats. If the maxi dress is too much commitment, try a fitted top and a maxi skirt instead.

The Color Block trend is a carry over from Fall '11 and it's here to stay for another season as pictured above by Max Mara. This trend is a fun way to wear spring's playful color palette while pulling in additional colors that compliment the total look.

Wear the color block trend in real life by picking a spring dress with colors to match your mood and occasion. A flirty baby doll style is great for a date night while a navy blue number with sleeves would be best for a cocktail hour with friends.

Going transparent and totally sheer is another trend that was seen all over the runway for Spring, as pictured above from Lanvin. Leave your modesty at home because this trend- especially when worn in the form of a skirt- is not for the faint of heart.

Wear the sheer trend in real life by picking a style that's as bold as you want to be. If you're totally committed to the trend try a short dress with sheer sleeves, but if you'd rather play it safe, try a long, sheer, flowy skirt instead.

Draping is a technique that is universally flattering which makes this trend one of my faves for the season. An easy dress with beautiful draping is perfect for a spring wedding or even an elegant night on the town. Lanvin played up two trends for the season with the dress above: yellow (a major color for spring and draping- a style making a major comeback for the dress category).

Try the draped dress for spring by finding a style that drapes where you need extra coverage. A perfect drape can instantly help you shed unwanted pounds from your arms, stomach, or hip area. Just be sure to find a style that's not overly draped or ill-fitting to avoid adding extra weight instead of camouflaging it.

The wrap dress is another major silhouette that's in for Spring '12, pictured above from L'Wren Scott. This style is flattering on most shapes and sizes and there are so many ways to dress this style up or down depending on the occasion.

Wear this trend the real way by choosing fun colors and textures to compliment your wardrobe. A bright yellow or turquoise wrap dress is a great way to add color to your closet.

The stripe print is another spring favorite as shown above from the Juicy Couture collection. The key to wearing stripes is to keep the stripe size skinny and pick a dress style that is flattering on your body type.

Wearing stripes in real life doesn't need to be nautical. The shape, pattern and color of the stripe can create a variety of different looks, and of course, your accessories play a major role in dictating the overall look. To give your stripes a spring-time vibe pair with hot pink shoes, floral jewelry and a colorful clutch.

Sweet shades of sorbet made their way into spring as seen above at Chanel. This dress also plays up the ruffle trend which is another major key look for the season.

The dresses above from Asos.com play up the sorbet color palette and also the peplum trend (a short skirt added to a fitted jacket, blouse, or dress). This look can be worn a variety of different ways from fun and flirty (with cut-outs) to prim and proper for afternoon tea.

You know spring is in full bloom when the floral prints arrive. This mini floral by Balmain has a stylish 3/4 sleeve and looks edgy with a gold chain belt.

Wear the floral trend the real way by picking a floral print that works for you. Bold, all-over-prints make a major statement while minimalist prints downplayed by solid color pleats tone it down. The floral trend isn't just limited to nights, weekends and weddings, wear this trend for a day at the office by adding a blazer and a structured handbag.

Many of the dresses that pranced down the runway this season had something they usually don't: sleeves. Whether short or long- sleeves made a welcome come back for spring as shown here in this beautiful, black and white Art Deco dress by Balmain.

Wear the Art Deco trend the real way by finding art deco details on dress collars, hemlines and trims like buttons and clasps. I prefer classic art deco details like beading in shades of black and gold. This seasons art deco styles make the perfect party dress for spring's special occasions.

The return of lace has given girly girls everywhere a reason to celebrate this season! Valentino showed this look on the runway in a beige/pink colorway with a belt. You can wear this trend by keeping it simple and finding a lace dress that doesn't feel too frilly for everyday life. The styles below from Asos.com show the trend from a basic lace dress to a long sleeve style that feels very Kate Middleton.

Last but not least, the graphic print dress (shown below) is another do-not-miss trend for spring. Worn long, short, bright or muted, this trend is a refreshing break from the sea of solid colors we saw for Fall '11. Pair your printed dress with wedge sandals for day or mile high platforms for a dramatic night on the town. The styles below from Asos.com show the graphic print dress look from mild to wild.