MSM Loves City Girl: Sami

Assistant buyer at Bergdorf Goodman, Sami Swetra shares her personal style and favorite hangouts. A new friend and member of The City, Sami is originally from Galloway NJ.

Her wardrobe consists mainly of designers from Bergdorf, but other stores she likes are H&M and Zara. You can find her at the Jane Hotel with gal pals, Whitney and Roxy.

Fame Kills

News finally broke after the many whispered rumors that Kanye West and Lady Gaga's tour has been cancelled! Sources say that Gaga was the one to back out of the tour, but representatives for either party have not confirmed that statement. Tickets for the tour were supposed to go on sale this week.

This has caused a lot of talk amongst the media and fans, and even more so because no one from either side has come forward to clear the speculation.

Others have raised the question: Has Kanye really decided to take time off? Was it because of the Taylor Swift incident at the VMA's? Did Gaga not want to be apart of it anymore?

The answers I'm sure will come out in a few days, but until then we are left to wonder why.

NO TWEET ZONE

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told the press that in-game tweeting will not be permitted as a result of Chad Ochocinco’s recent statement that he intended to update his tweets regularly during regular season games. The Bengals receiver expressed that this would allow him to ultimately embrace this new form of social networking.

"We already have a rule that prohibits the use of cell phones or other handheld devices in the bench area during games," Aiello told explained to NBC Sports. The NFL has informed teams of its new social media policy, and as it pertains to Ochocinco, the rule that would seemingly keep him from tweeting reads: “No updates are permitted to be posted by the individual himself or anyone representing him during this prohibited time on his personal Twitter, Facebook or any other social media account.” The prohibited time is not only during the contest, but also 90 minutes before and after the game. It applies to not only players, but coaches, team personnel, and officials. Beyond that, the media is also being put on warning about in-game social media activity. "Longstanding policies prohibiting play-by-play descriptions of NFL games in progress apply fully to Twitter and other social media platforms. Internet sites may not post detailed information that approximates play-by-play during a game. While a game is in progress, any forms of accounts of the game must be sufficiently time-delayed and limited in amount (e.g., score updates with detail given only in quarterly game updates) so that the accredited organization’s game coverage cannot be used as a substitute for, or otherwise approximate, authorized play-by-play accounts.”

I agree that in-game tweeting is not only distracting and unsportsmanlike, but I have to agree with NBC Sports as they explain that there is little logic to this only in terms when discussing the press. “someone sitting in the press box will be prohibited from tweeting a play-by-play account of the game. But the guy or gal sitting only a few feet away in the paid seating area will be able to tweet to his or her heart’s content,” says NBC Sports.

Others argue that the restrictions on the players go against this new sense of spirit and confidence that the NFL has created in the off-season which improved the league’s image online, with dozens of star players not only utilizing but embracing social media and accumulating even more fans that they interact with daily. Now, as a result, we’ll get the common press conferences, with no interactivity between players and fans until hours after the game when the excitement has passed.

In every way, this is a loss for everyone involved – the players, the fans, the team and ultimately the league, who stands to much ruin the enthusiasm that has been generated by its players use of social media thus far.

Interview: Actress Anthoula Katsimatides

Meet the Incredible Anthoula Katsimatides. Confident, vibrant, bold, driven, and courageous to name a few Anthoula has done it all, and she is still going. I have always looked up to her from a little girl; she is always giving her all no matter what is brought to her. Everyone who knows Anthoula is taken back by her spirit and passion for life. I know you will admire her too! Be sure to catch her in latest project, Taking Woodstock as Esther.

MSM: What is your definition of success?

AK: This is not an easy question for me to answer. I feel successful when I complete tasks, no matter how small, and when I achieve goals that ultimately lead to happiness. If one is truly happy, then they are successful.

MSM: What does it take to get there?

AK: Hard work and really getting a grip on learning about all the aspects of whatever you are pursuing, Winging it just doesn't work. Also good timing, luck, and persistence!

MSM: How did you know you were destined to pursue a career in acting?
AK: I didn't really know.... it just snuck up on me when I wasnt ready for it and I gave in! Although, in the end i figured it was right for me because everything I had done up to that point prepared me for it.

MSM: What motivates you?
AK: Challenges and making people smile

MSM: What forms of public relations do you take on to build awareness and exposure for your name and now your new website?
AK: Networking, networking, networking!!

MSM: Do you feel social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace have helped your career and grow attention around your name and the projects you have worked on, if so.. how, and why are they important?
AK: I am really only currently on Facebook. I think its amazing because you can deliver your message to more people than ever before in such a quick, cost-effective way, and its fun too!

MSM: What genre of film interests you the most, and why?
AK: First off, I am definitely more of a quality film kind of gal vs. blockbuster hits. I prefer indies. They are undiscovered jewels and I would love to star in one :-) I'm also more about dramas but definitely love comedies too.

MSM: Tell us a little about your work background, what did you do before acting?
AK: Gee, do you really have the time? Every 3 1/2 years or so, a strong breeze would enter my life and carry me off down a new path. i am grateful for this because I had the opportunity to work in many different fields which ultimately gave me learning experiences that have crafted me into the well-rounded individual I am today. I graduated college with a marketing/advertising degree and worked immediately for an amazing creative shop called Ammirati & Puris which gave me such a wonderful experience working in a "corporate" environment with some of the most amazing people....who I am still in touch with now..thanks to Facebook. Then I decided I wanted to teach and teach I did. I taught inner city high school by day and got my Masters degree in education at night. Those experiences made me very strong and taught me patience. I miss the misunderstood students who demanded a lot and deserved a lot. The next wind I rode landed me a job in PR working for the former Governor of NYS George Pataki, as an Assistant for Community Affairs. I basically ran around to major events representing the Governor, speaking on his behalf and also bringing him to worthy events, writing his speeches and explained the issues confronting each community I worked with. This was an exceptionally educating time in my life. I met countless amounts of people and learned a lot about politics and state government. After 9/11/01, I was asked to work on the redevelopment of downtown and was appointed to the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. I worked with the family members of the victims of Sept 11th, helping them navigate through the rebuilding process and deal with the chaos that existed at that time. This was the toughest experience for me and I needed a change. I took a break and then stumbled upon acting, which brought me such sudden and great joy.

MSM: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
AK: I certainly hope to be blissfullly happy in 10 years. I would hope to have a lead role on a NYC type episodic or a one woman show on Broadway. Also, I hope to be married and blessed with a child.

MSM: Tell us a little bit about castings and auditions? How does the process usually go?
AK: Auditioning is an art form all by itself. One has to learn how to audition. Commercials are different from TV/Film which is different from theatre. Also, one must have a thick skin because rejection is huge in this business!

MSM: How did you go about choosing you agent? What should you look for in an agent?
AK: An agent chooses you, unfortunately….Its not easy getting an agent. You have to go out of your way and sometimes spend time and money to meet agents, which I recommend. It is rare that an agent will seek out a new actor. They usually look for good credits, good acting school background and someone unlike anyone they already represent. When I meet agents, I want to make sure our personalities click first of all before we even talk business. You have to like your agent because you will spend lots of your time talking to them...

MSM: Any advice for up and coming actors?
AK: Considering I am still a new actor, I have to take my own advice! I would encourage us to keep that head up, smile often, continue working at our wonderful craft, be optimistic and never dwell on whatever part we didn't get. That takes too much energy away from all the parts that are waiting for us out there. Also, remember to keep telling ourselves that it's a numbers game. Eventually our number will come up....

MSM Loves City Girl: Roxy Olin

Roxy, Whitney's life-long friend recently bunked up with her in the Big Apple. Sharing an apartment and a job, Roxy is more of the wild child. She seems super excited to be in NYC as she tells NY Post "...I also really love gloves. I'm excited to be in New York and actually wear them."

Some of her favorite designers are Alexander Wang, Olivier for Nina Ricci, and Barbara Bowie. She also enjoys a relaxing night at the Jane Hotel with friends such as Whitney.

We are looking forward to more of her ball of fire, party girl personality in episodes to come.

Zippin' Through The Season

Don't forget to zip up before you leave the house! It's zipper-galore this season. From shirts to shoes and everything in between designers have put zippers on everything! They are not used for zipping up jeans or jackets anymore. They are exposed, and add great detail to anything! Here are just a few pieces we found that scream this new trend!


Phillip Lim's dress with the exposed zipper detail is obviously a huge hit! All the stars are wearing his design, and they all look outstanding in it!

The broach and bracelet are amazing! Love the simplicity of it and how intricate it looks!

Love these booties! The detail is perfect, and the zipper adds to the basic black silhouette of the shoe.

MSM Loves City Girl: Erin Kaplan

A new boss to Olivia, Erin Kaplan works at Elle Magazine as Director of Public Relations. Erin seems very real and open to speaking her mind. She is a great addition to The City.

She told NY Post some of her favorite shops are H&M, Gap, Theory and Tahari. Erin loves the Upper East Side "because it's away from everything else" as she states in NY Post. We love her classic style.

Erin will definitely be giving us a lot to look forward to this season on The City. Her hardworking attitude is not put on hold for anyone! We love her personality and can't wait to see more of her this season.

Obsessed With J Brand Denim

J Brand Jeans is the new craze in NYC and LA. All the celebs are being spotted wearing the latest looks from J Brand. The newest ones added to the line are these black and white tie-dye denim. Rihanna was caught in NYC wearing them not too long ago! We love the jeans because they are different, and we at MSM like to stand out!

J Brand is growing with popularity and you can find them in Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and major department stores, along with online at the official site: http://www.jbrandjeans.com/, http://www.shopintuition.com/, http://www.shopbop.com/ and http://www.revolveclothing.com/

The Jacket of The Season!

All the stars are sporting the motorcycle jacket this Fall! Celebrities are loving this look, and so are we!! Wear it for a day time look, and a sleek night out on the town. You can pair it with just about anything too. Check out how Rihanna, Mary-Kate Olsen, and Nicky Hilton sport their jackets.

Rihanna looks hot in her motorcycle jacket! Such a confident woman, she wears it with a pair of black denim and adds great accessories.

Love Nicky Hilton's look! Is there any more to be said? Love it!!

Mary-Kate is wearing her jacket with a comfy, cool outfit. You just can't go wrong.

MSM Loves City Girl: Whitney Port

Since we at MSM love our City girls, we have decided to blog about each cast member. Of course we had to start with the Star of the show, Whitney Port!



Whitney is so New York, from her style to her motivation that's why we love her! From DVF to People's Revolution to WhitneyEVE, she really knows how to get her hands on everything in the fashion industry. Not to mention her own fashion! In a recent article in New York Post's page 6 she tells where she shops and where she unwinds!




Some of her favorite stores are TopShop, Urban Outfitters, and Alexander Wang. She can be spotted at NYC's hot-spots like the Jane Hotel, Blue Ribbon, Rose Bar and Avenue, and many others!


We at MSM can't wait to see what she has in store this season on The City.

The Kardashians are Taking Over!

If Keeping Up With The Kardashians wasn't enough for you already, watch out because Kourtney, Kim, and Khloe are taking over! From reality shows to magazine covers these 3 brunettes really know how to work what they have! Even New York Post agrees, "Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe's antics - and their curvaecous figures - have landed them big-money magazine covers, TV and media deals..." (p.6, NY Post).

All 3 have a firm hand in business and challenge themselves when opportunity knocks. Always wanting the best, they sure have paved the way for success.

The Kardashian sisters are forever entertaining and keep us wanting more! We love how real and down to earth they are, and what great personalities each one has.

PR TIP: 6 Principles of Public Relations

Six Principles of Public Relations:

1. Tell the truth

2. Prove it with action: 90% actions, 10% words

3. Listen to your audience

4. Manage for tomorrow

5. Conduct PR as if the company depends on it

6. Remain calm, patient and good humored

The City Season Premiere

The new season of The City is finally here! It's what we've been waiting for all summer long, and if it's anything like last season, we know it will be filled with drama, boys, and fashion! The star, and fashionista, Whitney Port has her hands full this season. A new job, new apartment, new friends, and new drama is about to unfold.

Make sure you tune in tonight at 10:30PM ET after the premiere of The Hills on MTV. You can also watch the episode on http://www.mtv.com/ and get exclusives on the cast. You won't want to miss a minute of it!

Thigh High Power

Sex and The City style is prominent for starting fashion trends. Carrie's thigh high boots are currently everywhere. From Jimmy Choo to Stuart Weitzman to YSL you just can't get enough. Movie set to runway, these boots are made for walking. You can almost call these boots an accessory. You don't need much more to complete an outfit when wearing them! A great conversation starter and a fab shoe to add to your closest!

Interview: Celebrity Stylist Lauren Rae Levy

Meet Lauren Rae Levy, celebrity stylist and image consultant. Lauren and I became friends when organizing The Tesla Group's annual AER event. She is motivated, and confident; she builds exposure around her brand and her product (styling) each and every day. She is someone to not only learn from but to be inspired by. She is a smart, young businesswoman who is setting the tone for what is to come. Good luck LRL!

LRL has appeared as a style expert on shows including Extra!, ChicTV, Tyra (the Tyra Banks show), The Real Housewives of New York City: Season Two, NYC Prep, and is currently working on The Real Housewives of New York City: Season Three. Lauren wears everything from authentic vintage tees to couture off the runway, and her favorite go-to accessory is a long strand of TARA pearls.




MSM: What is your definition of style?

LRL: Style is a non-verbal, regulation-free, form of self expression.

MSM: Why is it important to have your own style? Do you think style identifies who you are?

LRL: Style may or may not identify who you are. For some, style may be consistent with personality, and in that case can be a display of identity. For others, including myself, style will change pending who you are and what you are feeling in a particular given moment. My style often changes pending my mood, the weather, and my environment; however, what does not change is the LRL touch or edge, if you may, that I bring to each look. That personal touch is what makes each look mine as opposed to just a generic garment and a designers creation. It is important to have your own style because it is a daily opportunity to express yourself- and a daily opportunity we should all take advantage of.

MSM: You created the LRL Group, what exactly does your company do?

LRL: LRL Group is a one-stop-shop in the fashion industry. Some services we provide:
-consulting for retailers- from financial/ operational to front of house/ clienteling techniques
-celebrity styling
-closet revamps
-conceptual design
-design consulting

-fashion show production
-image consulting
-lookbook creations/ production
-overseas production of accessories, bags, clothing, jewelry, and importing
-personal shopping
-photoshoots (we have in-house photographers, hair, make-up)
-product/media placement
-visual merchandising

MSM: What is your favorite designer?

LRL: the dreaded question; I do not have one favorite, but if I were forced to empty my closet and only keep one collection, it would be Chanel.

MSM: How does it feel to be coined as a celebrity stylist? Who are some of the celebrities you have worked with?

LRL: Being coined a celebrity stylist is an honor; my celebrity clientele have helped me to be where I am in the industry today, and for that I am grateful. I consistently try to let people know that although I am known as a celebrity stylist, I style all sorts of people, not solely celebs. The celebs are, however, often the most fun as they have more occasions that call for styling services as opposed to just personal shopping. Some celebrities I have worked with: Christie Brinkley, Janice Dickinson, Bethenny Frankel, Lydia Hearst, Kathy Hilton, Paris Hilton, Susan Lucci, Sarah Jessica Parker, Molly Simms, Tara Reid, Kelli Tomashoff, and Jill Zarin to name a few.

MSM: What steps do you take to build awareness around your brand and you as a stylist?

LRL: I’m known for telling my clients, “your best accessory is your confidence” which is something that I live by. As much as I can create a fabulous look for anyone, if they don’t feel as amazing as I see they look, there is no point. As a result, my clients not only look great, but feel it. Those words of wisdom reflect not only what I preach and teach, but who I am as a person; they have become part of my branding. Furthermore, I am honest and when it comes to my work I am described as one of the most patient people in this industry. Outside of work, different story. Lastly, I am very strategic and a perfectionist. I could never put my name on something and not give 100%.

MSM: Why is it important to attend the thousand and one events that are organized in our industry?

LRL: Events are on a case by case basis. One may go to support a company/ friend/ or cause, see colleagues/ industry friends and meet friends of friends for future business/ personal means, or just go for a fun time to be surrounded by fellow fashionistas. Most importantly, you go to pay respect to the people who make this fabulous industry what it is today.

MSM: What is your favorite part of fashion week?

LRL: My favorite part is seeing the art the designers create using the models as their canvas to relay the designers vision and inspirations from which the designs derive.

MSM: Describe an average day for LRL...

LRL: Haha, that’s not a question for an interview, more so a novel, but I shall try my best here. I normally start going through my emails at 5:45 am. I do all of my computer work by 9 am and the rest is handled throughout the day, case by case and priority pending, on my blackberry. By 9 am, the LRL Team is in and as a group we map out the day. From 9:30 on, pending the day as no two days are alike, I may do some of or all of the following:
-personal shopping at the dept stores and boutiques
-showroom visits to pull for celebs to wear on red carpets and for events
fittings/ minor alterations that I sometimes personally will make (yes, I sew)
-photoshoots
-jewelry pulls: lots of celebs borrow jewels to wear once on a carpet.

As soon as daytime tasks are handled and showrooms/ stores close, I have just enough time to go home freshen up and get ready for myself to walk down a red carpet. Events that I attend are usually Monday-Thursday evenings, which leaves Friday night for a personal night or additional computer work/ operational or business obligations. I am most creative in the evenings, so that is when I do my brainstorming and work on artistic projects, and I usually get in bed between 1 and 3. On average, at this point I get about 3-4 hours of sleep a night, and work 7 days a week. But hey, I’d rather work 100 hours a week for myself then 40 for someone else.

MSM: How has networking helped you to grow not only as a brand, but as a stylist and as a business woman?

LRL: I am a big fan of paying it forward. I got my start in this business because someone went out on a limb and gave me a chance to sell clothes in the Hamptons one summer as a teenager. I’ll never forget what she did for me, Susan Fischer. From her kindness and guidance, I learned that so long as people reciprocate and appreciate, it’s worth it to go out of your way when possible to help someone. I pride myself on my relationships, and I have some form personal relationship with almost every business contact I work with. I have been called a glorified matchmaker for putting people together the way I often do for business purposes, and I have built a wonderful network of people around me. These wonderful people with whom I surround myself are the team of people whom have helped me to grow to be where I am today. Regarding networking, one major rule I have: ALWAYS MAINTAIN what I call "CONTACT ETIQUETTE"; Thank those who make introductions and open doors for you. Keep people posted with that which comes to fruition from those they introduced you to. Keep people in the loop, be honest (which does not mean you cannot still be discrete for professional reasons and confidentiality purposes), and don’t be shady!

MSM: How did you build a reputation as a stylist? How did you get there?

LRL: People often ask how I got into fashion, to which I reply, “I didn’t get into fashion, fashion got into me.” How I built a reputation as a stylist is a very similar story. My first retail job was in East Hampton at Scoop which at that time, was only 1 one-thousand square foot store on Newtown Lane. Growing up in showbiz as I did, I was never phased by the celebrities walking through the store. My first month at Scoop I had the privilege and opportunity to help shoppers such as Christie Brinkley, Lizzie Grubman, and Rebecca Gayheart, to name a few. I realized then, in those moments, just how visual of a person I was. When asked how to wear a top, I would imagine how it would look best on that person and be able to tell them everything from what bottom, shoes and bag to wear with it to what jewels to rock and how to do their hair and makeup to achieve the best look possible. After years of retail thereafter, from Intermix to Bergdorf Goodman to Catherine Malandrino, one thing led to another and clients started asking me to help them get ready and not just sell them their clothes.

MSM: Favorite Beauty Product?

LRL: Nars Blush “Angelica”

MSM: Favorite brand of Jeans?

LRL: J Brand. They do wonders for all body types and only the best denim such as this can hide inner thigh fat on any body. Just like DVF mastered the wrap dress that any woman can wear, J Brand has done this for the denim world.

MSM: Do you think you have accomplished all of your goals? Whats next from here?

LRL: Not even close! I am a very goal-oriented person and I am always looking forward. Future goals include a reality show to show the world the life of a NY woman in fashion handling the business aspects as well as the creative and social life, designing my own collection, expanding the LRL Group of course, and getting on a Broadway stage! Aside from being in fashion, I grew up in showbiz; what many do not know is that I have a degree in music and theatre (minor in French- my 2nd language) and that I sing, act, dance, and play 5 instruments! I’d love nothing more than to get back to my roots and get back on stage now that I am finally old enough to play some of my favorite roles!

MSM: Old Hollywood Glamour or Trendy?

LRL: Legit old Hollywood is nothing shy of glamorous. Some of today’s half-assed, if you will, attempts to recreate those looks... Trendy and occasionally borderline tacky

PR TIP: Why Hire a Publicist?

THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION - WHY HIRE A PUBLICIST?

Publicists build credibility for a person, company, brand, product, or service by stimulating awareness through strategic plans and practices by:

*creating and distributing information, primarily in the forms of stories, published or broadcast by mass media such as newspapers, magazines, television and radio. Because the media do not charge for publishing these articles, but consider them valuable for their readers, PR has the power to reach millions of people for very little money, generating many valuable sales leads.

*developing a stronger, more controlled image for your firm

*creating the perception that the company is ALWAYS ACTIVE

*they have contacts at a national level and in each touring market that you probably don't (other than in your hometown) and can reach out to them with ease about the clients and products they represent.

*they have earned the respect of the people they are pitching to, because those music editors and radio/TV producers equate certain publicists' legitimacy by the roster they represent.

*their well structured PR campaign can result in the target market being exposed to more detailed information than they receive from other forms of promotion

*once media has been informed, they often provide more space and time for explanation of product or service

*depending on the media outlet, a story mentioning a specific company or product can be picked up by a large number of additional media which results on one single pitch or story spreading across a number of locations at once.

*their outreach and productivity is considered a highly credible form of promotion

*having the ability to gain placements and create a following through a number of mediums including print and email newsletters, information brochures, community relations, speeches, government relations and many other forms of communication in which time and space are not charged by the media

Ultimately can get you to the NEXT level!

Always Connected: THE BLACKBERRY

We all know that with the growth of the internet, everything moves at lightning speed. As a publicist, you must always be in the know, always on top of the news, trends, and current events. A successful publicist is always connected. In no way can it take over a day to respond to an email or answer a phone message.

I recently updated to the Blackberry 8900, and I am officially obsessed! I have been a Blackberry User since 2006 but have always been hesitant to cave in to all the different models of the phone Blackberry is always introducing. However, one of the best decisions I made was upgrading to the Blackberry 8900. The Wi-Fi is super fast, the screen is not only bigger but more enhanced , and the audio is the clearest I have ever heard on any phone. With even more easy to use options, creative applications, and better internet connection, I can get my work done faster and efficiently. My blackberry is my office, I never leave.... it is vital to know how to utilize it while maximizing your time.

Reporters and producers want and need answers right away; If you can't be responsive, they will just book another interview guest or another topic for a story. If so, ultimately you've lost your placement. Always follow up and always keep up, there is no excuse for a slow response. There is of course "Blackberry Etiquette" as I like to call it, at which point the professional knows when to finally put the phone away and call it a day (as hard as it is.) But its not called a "Crackberry" for nothing!

After attending events, and meeting contacts and networking, always update your blackberry as much as possible with names, titles of the contact, company the contact works at, and of course their email addresses, work number, and mobile if you are that lucky to get it.
Features Included With The Blackberry 8900:

• 3.2 mega pixel camera
• built-in GPS
• Video Recorder
• Enhanced Media Player
• Clear Audio
• Faster Wi-Fi
• Blackberry Maps
• Organizer

Madonna's Greatest Videos on DVD

This Tuesday the 2 disc set of her Madgesty's 47 music videos is being released as the companion to her recently remastered hits on CD. The New York Post calls it a "must have for anyone whoever wore fingerless gloves, a fake mole, and a wedding dress to a night club."

Disc One revisits her "button-pushing" days with "Justify My Love" in which she regals herself in bondage gear, where as Disc Two highlights her days as a disco diva. For example, the pulsing beats and choreography in "Ray of Light" is a video that every pop culture enthusiast should take a second (and third) look at. Other highlights are "Beautiful Stranger" where she shares a juicy kiss with movie character, Austin Powers.

Don't forget to watch "What it Feels Like For a Girl," a music video that was banned in the U.S for it's violent content!!

Truly an essential to any pop enthusiasts collection!!