Brand Girl™

Or the wine in the box?

About two years ago, I went to a Dave Matthew’s concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Bottles were verboten, wine or otherwise, but they did have some vino on offer for purchase. It was typical—my usual splurge was going for $88. So to be economical, I went red, opting for the Frei Brothers Pinot Noir at $46. Then, adding insult to injury, I watched them uncork that baby and dump it into a 32 oz. plastic cup. This atrocity was topped off with an offer of a straw. Synthetics in my pour? I don’t think so . . . but all indications point to a revolution in what’s accepted in good wine-making these days…

Yes, Brand Girl—it’s true. Apparently the romance of glass or cork and wine is soon to be yesterday! But it’s a memory that might need some rebranding. Afterall, the screwcap prevents cork taint (ack! the tragedy of spoiled wine). Compared to glass, boxed wine is mucho cheaper to produce, reduces the carbon footprint on our precious earth and has a shelf life of 3 to 4 weeks (which eliminates any excuse of needing to finish that opened bottle in a night—could be a good or bad thing, depending on your company.).

And if you happened to see this New York Times op-ed, you will see that negative stigma attached to boxed or screw-capped wines is gone in Australia (not known as the most refined country, true) and that it is even gaining acceptance in France––the hardest of connoisseurs to please… so how are we overcoming negative perception in the States? If you are Hogue Cellars, you’re doing your homework, and turning any negative perception upside its head with some mighty “infotainment.” Hogue winemakers studied screwcaps “extensively over a two and a half year period and found that wine sealed with a screwcap tasted better and stayed fresher longer than wines closed with natural or synthetic cork.” (I don’t know. I still take pleasure in the texture and scent of a wood cork. And the sound of its popping that invokes so much emotion and passion. Can you please “cap” that too!)

So what’s your feeling about box wine? Vote here. Meanwhile, if you’re packing snacks for an outside event of any sort this weekend, you “ego” gone “eco-folks” might think about bringing some tasty, refreshing sippy boxes along – and I’m not talking just for the kids. Don’t forget the tunes!

Happy Labor Day! xo

What did you think would happen when Vanity Fair and Annie Leibovitz (both elegant yet R-rated entities) covered Miley Cyrus of “Hannah Montana” fame, (a sometimes G-rated girl and show)? Soft porn people –– artful and mature, but hell, you knew it would be sexy. And I argue that most of the players involved did.

If you actually get beyond the brouhaha of the photographs themselves and read the article — you’ll discover that Miley Cyrus says that Sex and the City is her favorite show. (Is that rated PG? I still trip over some of that Samantha.) As per Vanity Fair, “Miley says her Disney Channel sitcom, Hannah Montana, in which she plays a schoolgirl with a secret life as a rock star, is patterned in part after the former HBO series about women looking for love and hookups in Manhattan. “Obviously not the scenarios,” she explains quickly. “But if you watch Sex and the City, like the way the friends are, the way that it’s dry and they all have distinct characters—that’s a thing we try to do on our show.”

This isn’t any ordinary 15 year old. What we have is another clean case of a young talent sashaying her way up the escalator of stardom and fame, with a few, least than “on-brand” photos cropping up along the way; reminding her audience of her undeniable adolescence — and Miley, of her unmistakable accountability. Yet all of this, strategic or not, smartly positions her “tween-dom” for continued growth. (Hell, 1 billion by 18 is not enough.) And how much longer can we truly rationalize Miley as appropriate viewing for 6-14 year old demographics? (Have you seen that show?)

Will this negatively affect Disney stock or brand? Nope, it will likely spike it up nicely. But it’s a wake up call. I suspect it won’t be long until all the outraged parents that are raising aforementioned ruckus will be dragging their kids to a Disney casting call to be the “next” Hannah Montana or spinoff perhaps.

And Miley — channel Carrie Bradshaw if you must, but not Paris, Lindsay or Britney.
(i.e., No sex tapes. So – many – yesterdays.)

As unpredictable as recent times seem, it was indeed predictable that someone would use their pulpit at the Oscars to sermon. Got to love Jon Stewart — apparently only preaching to his choir given this years usually low ratings (both on and off-line)… but ahem. The Oscars are traditionally a good place to be heard and seen — especially if strutting on the red carpet — and with purpose. Seeking the success of the pink ribbon campaign, millions are now spreading The Heart Truth by wearing red to show support for women’s heart disease awareness. An effort initially kicked off at Fashion Week, Heidi Klum’s fabulous couture Dior red dress seen at the Oscars, launched Diet Coke’s partnership with The Heart Truth. Visit The Heart Truth to spread the red. Visit Diet Coke to win the dress. Bad that carbonated beverages aren’t necessarily good for the heart, but Coke knows –– taking care of heart is what matters!

He rocked back then. He rocks today.
That boy is welcomed to hang with me, or my walls.

Scene: Digital Domain, Venice, CA — “Let it Bleed” book launch.
The prints –– ridiculous. The book –– beautifully designed, shot and written. Brilliant. Historical. Captivating. Truly. Unlike a purse puppy (hee) — well-worth the splurge.

And the free product placement for Jack Daniels –– priceless.

The only thing that is currently advantageous about the WGA strike, is that you can just about get any table at any restaurant in L.A. Can we say Osteria Mozza? I’m all for folks stepping up for self, and defining boundaries that are grey (especially ones that lean black into the other side’s pocket). But frankly… if the strike does go on much longer, will the short-term loss sustained on a personal level by the picketing crowd make up for the long-term gain? Never-mind the trickle down effect that is already in affect.

My sources tell me that most of the agencies will not be having holiday parties, expense accounts have already been cut, and more unemployed bartenders are prowling the streets with the already unemployed actors, –– and a striking Tina Fey. In other words, the Grinch is coming to town for Christmas. Now, the WGA strike in 1988 did effect the networks with billions of losses, but today with an evolved business model, would they again be vulnerable to such loss? And given our fondness for on-demand entertainment — youtube, Netflix, and Ze Frank –– does their audience really mind a “time-out” on new programming, and the chance to play-catch up on Tivo? And what about the paying sponsors? At recent upfronts, we’ve seen them heavily balk at the pricey prime-time TV media buys as more effective and cost-efficient distribution channels open up. When momentum to the industry was halted during the last strike, among much — we lost Moonlighting. When the smoke finally clears here, will there be trees? Or like the recent fires in southern California, will lands be barren? And if so, where will everyone be planting their seeds?

Why it’s good. And why it needs to be better.

Yes, it’s halloween, today. The weather appears mild enough encouraging what seems to be truckloads of costumed goblins, ghosts, and (if out west) some variation of democratic candidates, parading around and campaigning for goodies. And so today marks an end to another October, and quite the month we’ve had.

Joe Torres steps down, or if a Yankee fan – is ousted. A woman, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, is elected president of Argentina, surely giving Hillary’s camp a rise, in spite of last night’s performance. The dollar is weak, keeping many Brand Girls out of stores and safely at Targets all across America. The better news? Breast Cancer Awareness is at its highest.

Every October brings what seems like hundreds more of companies and brands adopting the “pink ribbon” logo and its efforts to raise funds, awareness and research for breast cancer. Maybe some of these tactics are arguably growing more commercial than philanthropic, but it is doing the job of spreading the word. There’s no escaping the pink ribbon medium and it’s messaging, whether you’re browsing Avon, googling Sheryl Crow or buying a ream of HP copy paper at Staples. It’s all in the name of awareness. But let’s not forget, it’s also about educating — properly.

It appears that despite the rampant run on pink, studies show that ribbon wearing women may not necessarily be as informed as they should. (What!) According to this, “While awareness of breast cancer is high, a new survey released today by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) reveals potentially critical knowledge gaps among American women.”

It is encouraging to see brands show up for Breast Cancer and other worthy efforts, and to see firsthand that they have the power to positively change the world — but hopefully, we (they) will get better with delivering key information — with every future step, strut or strand. After all, good decisions come from good information.

And folks, be careful out there today. Not too much dumpster-diving into the kids goody bags, pumpkin pies or sugars that you can drink. And ps… nooses are JUST wrong.

Now if you excuse me, I have some Greek tycoon pawing at the door. (*yawn*)
Trick and treating. Or so he says.

I hope he likes pink…
as in ribbon.

Did you feel that vibration across the country earlier today? That was me. I’ve finally released my well-known hate for the many abusers of Uggs. Especially towards the pretty little, big girls who wear the pink boots, whether with dress or sweats, summer or fall. I have made the pink peace. Why? Funny. I had a breakfast meeting and well… a gal pal was wearing Crocs. (Just like Uggs… showing up where they just shouldn’t. I realized then, that there is no winning.) And maybe for her, for color perhaps — it worked to finish off the crisp white blouse and linen pant with the red advanced toe-box ventilating sandal. But frankly, I would have prefer to have seen something non-Croslite on her feet, and maybe a tad more red on the lips. But hate em’ or love em’, Croc-waddling folks are swallowing up our lands, and they’re not just hanging in the garden. We are under attack.

The Crocs story is indeed a powerful one –– posting sales of $45 million last year alone. And those numbers are expected to be higher in 2007, given they have since released over 30 new styles. Whether on three-year olds, their playmates, or their mom’s — Crocs are inescapable and global. Some are calling the Croc invasion a fashion trend. I use the word fashion lightly here, but it is indeed a trend. Spreading even quicker then Keds did back in early 1990′s — no doubt due to the power of the internet today. Unlike the stylish Keds, I think the Croc trend speaks less to fashion, but more to being a universe of insatiable consumers. Always hungry for what’s new, newer and next. After all, early adopters aren’t only limited to the i-phone.

It’s hard to know if Crocs will stay around, or fade out like the jelly sandal. But seeing the strength of their marketing efforts, ungodly audience appeal, and future brand extensions that include clothing, I suspect the new ugg-ly’s may linger longer in my universe than wanted. But like all trends, only time will tell if they can carry their weight.

And speaking of weight — do you want a real reason to hate the funny looking Crocs? According to National childhood obesity experts, the cloppers are hurting our kids!! Just reportin.’

Travel is difficult these days. I mean really. I find it a mere feat to get through security without losing some forgotten cosmetic in the Lancel that wasn’t properly zip-locked or proportioned. All that haggling to steal my Ocean Potion. (But why on earth isn’t anyone confiscating those woman’s Crocs? Just sayin’.)

As luck would have it, I flew on Southwest this past weekend returning from a quick trip to Tucson. But it wasn’t until I was seated and buckled that I realized the coincidence. And I must admit, that I wondered for a mere second, if I too would be hated on for indecent exposure like Ms. Ebbert was this past July. Or would they spare me the humiliation and just throw me a blanket to cover up the spillage from a well-placed Victoria Secret’s bra? Would Brand Girl inspired the next Southwest sale? A fare “busting” one? (But of the “natural” kind, of course.)

Although open for a story and a potential sponsorship deal with Victoria Secret, I sadly arrived in Los Angeles without either. But what was sadder, was that Ms. Ebbert and her “Mini-skirt” drama still flooded the news. Dr. Phil? ABC? Enough. Initially, it did appear as an act of lunacy for Southwest –– the airline that started its brand with flight attendants parading around in hot pants — to now be harassing a customer for showing a similar amount of skin. Was it the carrier’s poor judgment? Was it Ms. Ebbert’s poor choice of outfit or lack of skort? Hmm.

(Yet, I’m willing to bet that if our Hooter chick was uniformed like any of the pictured mannequins from the Southwest archives, she would be trotted off to Vogue Magazine and not just to the exit.)

Well leaving fashion to Cathy Horyn and the almighty Fuggs, it appears that Ebbert’s campaign, which included several TV appearances, paid off. She received both the apology and reparation she desired. Or so we thought. (Personally, I think she’s after a book deal.)

But relevant here is how once again, the Internet continues to propel consumer advocacy at warp speed. Although maybe a step or two late, Southwest understood the implication of ignoring the growing momentum of the skirt-spinning campaign and quickly moved to offset further stains. Just earlier this month, we saw a similar disturbance with Apple, Steve Jobs, and his iphone. The allege attempt to snub his early adopters when he slashed the iphone’s price point mere seconds after it was initially released. There use to be a time when Jobs could pull that move on his devoted groupies and get away with it. (Believe me, I know.) But now, the technology that serves Apple Corp well, equally serves both Ms. Ebbert’s and Apple’s audience as –– well.

We are ismart.

One last word on smarts and fashion that flies… or shouldn’t. And I mean no disrespect to the success of the brand, and for the devoted wearers, but I say, that unless they have a note from their doctor, or are now finally tall enough to reach Pluto’s hand on the sign to ride that Monster Coaster at Disneyland, they should be hated on for wearing Crocs Work Shoes, specifically designed for tasks… anywhere outside of tasking.

So yesterday, Steve Jobs was busy unveiling holiday plans throwing retail, wall street and Hollywood folks into all sorts of buzz. And speaking of buzz, macs and Hollywood, BG couldn’t resist passing by this “People Magazine” moment. (All in the sake of research, kids.)

Justine Long, (a.k.a — Mac Spokesperson of sorts) is spotted canoodling with Drew. This after they just finished filming, “He’s just not that into you.”

Any guesses to how this story plays out?
xo

I survived my first rattle. Yet, I’m injured.

I’m sitting here holding an ice pack to my left eye because my acupuncturist prick me a tad wrongly. I left his office yesterday with a slight bruise. This morning I woke up to a lovely crescent shaped mark that cradles my left eye with gem-like colors that migrate between yellow and blue. Yes, sucker punched by my own practictioner. I know, I know, this should be the worst that happens to me, and accidents do happen. After all, it was just a month ago that I was knocked to the ground by child-like bicyclists whirling out of control as I peacefully strolled by Santa Monica’s Pier. LA’s version of hitting the pavement. (Bruises and scars.) But good lord! Getting socked in the eye — right before a scheduled promotional shoot! And to think I was worried about lines on my forehead being both visible and countable. Luckily I have two weeks, lots of makeup mastery and an armload of Arnica tablets.

Do you folks know about Arnica? Well, if you don’t, you should. It seems to do wonders for removing such unwanted spots and trauma. And if traveling to LA anytime soon, I suggest you throw it into the make-up bag right along with your Listerine and Emergency-C paks. You will need it. From where I sit and strut, a lot of bruising goes on in this town, self-inflicted or not.

And as far as my acupunturist.
I did what any New York gal would do if she felt she had been pricked enough.
I sucker punched him right back.

(hehehe)