“Sometimes there's not a better way. Sometimes there's only the hard way.”

Hellooo,
So this week I have been sooo busy! Been doing my operations coursework which is so dull it's the 2nd worst module after human resource management! I don't want to be learning about anything but Marketing which is a nightmare but I know it has to be done! Also been working with my group for one of my marketing modules where we have to pitch a product through a presentation in January- Dragon's Den style! A lot of hard work but I love my group and I think we work really well together. I think it's important to surround yourself with positive people and their positivity reflects on you and in a way makes you more motivated and definately makes me work harder.

I'm sick of negative people and people that aren't prepared to work hard to get results. People ask me how I do so much and how I have other people interested in my success and how I get so many opportunities. It's literally because I never stop! There aren't any shortcuts and if you aren't motivated and driven to succeed you shouldn't be at university full stop. People who skive uni to sleep all day or get drunk or because they can't be bothered to sit in a lecture anger me, anyway I better stop before I start a rant...

I had my telephone interview for a placement this morning and the lady said she was impressed with my enthusiasm and desire to succeed and I've got through to the next round which is an assessment centre in January which I'm so happy about! Got two lined up now, I'm so glad all my work has paid off!!

So whilst I was in London last week and in Cabot Circus this week, I saw huge billboards outside Dorothy Perkins for the new Kardashian Kollection clothing line. I thought this was a really exciting move for DP as they were a bit of a frumpy, mumsy brand compared to the other Arcadia brands like Topshop & Miss Selfidge, this will definately give a new viewpoint from a younger target market.
I did see the collection when I was in Chicago over the summer and I think the Kardashian Kollection has been in the US store Sears for a number of years (Sears reminded me alot of Matalan for some reason, so maybe their approach was the same, a brand which was once a bit frumpy has been sexed up a bit).

So I decided to go and check the clothes out for myself, the clothing is supposed to include "Kim's glamorous red-carpet looks, Kourtney's more Bohemian chic vibe and Khloe's rocker style" well from what I saw the clothes were tacky, a bit slutty and looked quite frankly, cheap. The Kardashian's are known for being curvaceous and the collection definately doesn't tailor to this. The clothes are tight, revealing and short. Kate Middleton snubbed the clothes after they were sent to her! Quite a funny read http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG9687431/The-Duchess-of-Cambridge-snubs-Kim-Kardashians-Kollection.html Anyone who is famous for making a sex tape can't really expect royalty to admire their clothing line... Interested to see how the collection is recieved in the UK anyway.

Very cool brand news- Tango are making shower gels!? I love tango and I think the product concept it exciting and I think it might be quite successful!! Already a large brand awareness and something a bit different from shower gels already on the market. I would lovveeee to work on the marketing for that product!

Speak sooon
Steph

London!

Helloooo,

Ok so Tuesday I went to London for my meeting with the CEO of newfox media. I love driving through Brentford past all the huge offices, I REALLY want to work there one day!
Tuesday night I went to see Wicked because my friend Hiten got me and him some free tickets, I've always wanted to see it and it was so great! Made the trip down to London so worth it! We also went to a pub for drinks and there was so many business men and women I was dying to do some networking haha!
So Wednesday morning I got up nice and early and got the tube to Shoreditch to google head office! It was crazy inside it looked a lot like ikea! Lots of kitch furniture and everyone was dressed very casual and everyone was a bit "individual" if thats how you want to put it. I don't think I would like to work there as I'm attracted to the suited and booted, very professional edge of working life and google head office wasn't like that at all. It's all personal preference though!
So I had my meeting with newfox media and got my role for my internship explained and I'm really excited about launching their new app and I'm responsible for a lot of the marketing for it which is so cool! I have a lot of responsibilities with them and I'm really hoping the experience will benefit me in years to come!
The CEO also said he is going to invite me to any networking events he's going to and put me into contact with some of his clients. Very exciting stuff I will keep you posted!
Then yesterday, I went in to my lecture and got my assignment brief for my marketing communications module (my favourite module at UWE) and the coursework task is to launch and market a new app!!!! ITS FATE! So I'm actually doing the same thing in the real world and at uni, double the experience!!
Doing my placement applications and lots of uni work this week! Very very busy! Managed to sneak a night out in and a bit of shopping in London! I am addicted to selfridges I literally spent about 3 hours in there after my meeting!
Next week I have a telephone interview for a placement at a very well known construction company which I am very nervous for and am going to have to prepare for next week!
So busy, but very excited about things coming up! Keep you posted,
Stef

Feeling Christmassy!

Hellooo... Have decided to start a blog as I feel like I'm missing out on this and I'm supposed to be a 21st Century chick! I want to use this space to discuss what I've been up to, my passion and my chosen degree course- Marketing! New product reviews/marketing campaign launches and anything else I feel particularly appealing in the branded world!

As the festive period is beginning I shall begin with my current two favourite adverts for Christmas!

Of course, John Lewis do it for me every year with their Christmas adverts and 2012 is no exception!
Check out the video below!

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A stunning advert and I love the music behind it! A real love story and definately pulls on the heart strings! I've been reading the feedback on twitter and some people arguing it's not as good as last years however I think John Lewis have cracked it this year as this advert really adds a magical edge in the Christmas spirit and I think people will love it. The ad is called 'The journey' and I love the name as it really draws in on the fact the snowman's motives for leaving his snow-woman aren't revealed until the end of the advert and it adds to the anticipation. When I first saw the ad I thought the ending was fantastic and it almost made me want to cry! I think that's just the reaction John Lewis were hoping for! Superb ad and I don't think it will be one forgotton soon either.

Secondly, I LOVE the new boots ad!

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I think it's so beautifully BRITISH and that's something I love when companies, especially well-known British brands like Boots play upon British humour and family life! I love adverts that tell stories and so this one is even better telling lots of stories! The atmosphere is great, a classic ad that I won't get sick of watching and want to turn over after seeing it too many times! I love the tag line "gifts that keep on giving" as it also recognises Boots as a high quality store which I believe they are! I wouldn't choose any other shop to buy make-up from and there customer service is great!

This week I have spent a few days in Lancashire with my parents and have managed to do a bit of shopping while out! Rare treat for me as I never really get the chance to treat myself but whilst I was in Liverpool I decided to have a quick look round the shops! I definately want to reccomend St. John's shopping arcade which may have a reputation for being a bit cheap and nasty but they had some gorgeous knitwear and jackets which I had seen very similar versions of in topshop and miss selfridge! Picked up a lush gold jumper for £10! Definately going to be heading back there next time I'm in the north west!

Also whilst I was in Liverpool I got the chance to eat and Red Hot Buffett which I had always wanted to try! Have to say though, ZaZaBaazar in Bristol is loads better and has far more options and a better atmosphere! The puddings were great tho!

This week, heading back to Bristol and have LOADS to do! Got a meeting in London on Wednesday with the CEO of Newfox Media about an internship I'm doing for 3 months which is exciting stuff. You can check out their website here: http://www.newfox-media.co.uk/
Whilst I'm in London going to try eating out somewhere really different and cool!
Also this week I have a massive assignment to do which I'm actually starting to enjoy completing which is really strange but it's about a real organisation rather than imaginary one like I've been writing about in my previous projects.
Finally, I need to get myself in order for placement applications. Crazzzy busy as it's so time consuming! Will let you know how it all goes.

Steph.