Quotation Rotation: 12/17/11

 

I know I haven't done much blogging recently -- I'll blame it on my intense studying habits during finals week. Anyway, I promise that from now on I will post more regularly... at least until midterms roll around!

Great quote from Socrates!

POGS,

AKtually Ashley

"Smell Better Than Yourself"

Old Spice, one of Procter & Gamble's grooming brands for men, has had a plethora of witty, satirical, and extremely successful campaigns. Old Spice really made a splash when they introduced their "Smell Like a Man, Man" (aka "The Man Your Man Could Smell Like" campaign. The campaign features commercials and print ads with actor Isaiah Mustafa as the token "Old Spice Man". In all of the commercials, he addresses viewers in confident, rapid-fire monologues... each more ridiculous than the last. These ads have been around since February 2010 and really differentiate Old Spice from the rest of the men's grooming products in the market. 

Their newest campaign, "Smell Better Than Yourself", began around September 2011. The ad agency, Wieden+Kennedy, created both campaigns... I would've continued working with them too -- smart move Old Spice! This campaign is much different. The premise is: You might not be an attractive/respected/successful man in real life, BUT Old Spice can make you smell like you are.

This is the first spot, which launched during the NFL opener on September 8th. The faux sea captain is fighting an octopus while gold coins spill out of his pockets. Lets not forget to mention his 20-pack abs and his gorgeous wife! None of this is true BUT his wife has nooooo idea because with the help of Old Spice he SMELLS like a Sea Captain whose pockets rain gold. 

This is the second spot for the campaign. After taking a sniff of Old Spice Swagger, the guy begins to transform. An article on AdWeek describes the transformation perfectly! The Guy "cracks apart like porcelain, with bits of his unmanly husk shattering on the floor, revealing a super manly biker dude inside." An extremely overweight man then turns into a... bear? While an old man turns into a babe. Oh, the power of Old Spice!

Old Spice has the strength to turn average guys into attractive and adventurous MEN. The lighthearted, hysterical, and increasingly ridiculous campaigns continue to place the brand ahead of its competitors... at least when it comes to creativity. 

POGS, 

AKtually Ashley

Quotation Rotation 12/10/11

POGS,

AKtually Ashley

Sneaky Commercials (in a good way!)

Oops! I gave it away! The title of this blog post eliminates any element of surprise these commercials may have had (sorry!), but the element of creativity remains. Both happen to be public service-type announcements AND were created outside of the US. Though they seem to be average ads promoting products and playing on viewers' emotions, the deeper messages within these commercials have had immense global impacts. At the end of each video, you'll probably still think yourself "wow, I didn't think it would take that angle. Hmmm." -- or at least that was the exact thought that ran through my mind.

The first ad was created by a Swedish agency named Forsman & Brodenfors to fit with the "smoothness" campaign of their client, IQ. The agency created a spot for a smooth whiskey... but the real meaning behind the campaign is revealed half way through. 

I bet you weren't expecting that ending... I know I wasn't. The commercial plays on the traditional style of advertising alcohol products. The soft lighting, local bar atmosphere, and peaceful music really tricks viewers into taking the commercial (at least the beginning) for its face value. Once the binge drinking commences, however, viewers start to realize that the commercial isn't promoting a smooth whiskey after all.

Another commercial, which has gotten a ton of global attention, was made specifically to address an issue in Australia. The video has gone viral, and though it only exists in the online world, its creators are attempting to raise enough money to air the commercial on television in Australia. It's your average love story, but it isn't until the proposal at the end of the commercial that viewers realize the couple isn't an "average" couple at all. The commercial is touching and its global viral impact really shows the success of the campaign for change. It has around 3.8 million views already... wow!

An article by AdAge makes a good point: why have no campaigns in the US managed to make such an impact?

POGS,

AKtually Ashley

The Holiday Season Has Officially Begun

It's official! The holiday season has arrived! 

How do I know? Because the excessive, beautiful, glamourous, etc. etc. etc. holiday windows in New York City are up once again! Holiday windows happen around the world, but NYC is the city I connect this annual, cheerful tradition. High-end luxury stores like Saks, Bergdorf's, Barneys, and Bendel's, promote their excitement for the upcoming increased sales holidays through various, elaborately-designed windows. This isn't your average "dress up the mannequin in a festive red gown and place it next to an overly-decorated christmas tree" holiday window. This is artwork. A show. A historical event. Each year, stores try to do better than their windows from the past... and of course do WAY better than each other. They strive to be THE BEST holiday window in the city! 


It's extremely hard to choose which window "wins", but Refinery29 has chosen the 7 best holiday windows in NYC. Since I'm currently in Boston, I'll have to take their word for it until I can judge the windows myself. However, I am certain of one thing -- pictures do not do these windows justice.


Here are a few of my favorites:

                     Barneys New York, 660 Madison Avenues (at 61st Street)

Bergdorf Goodman, 754 5th Avenue (at 58th Street)
I love the contrast of colors here.
It really highlights the dress

Bergdorf Goodman, 754 5th Avenue (at 58th Street)

Henry Bendel, 712 5th Avenue (at 56th St)

The Radio City Rockettes were present for the store's

holiday window reveal! The aim of the store's windows

this year is to pay tribute to New York City.

If store windows aren't your thing, what about light shows? Saks Fifth Avenue's annual holiday light show at the 5th Avenue store location is a must-see. This year, Saks teamed up with the agency Iris to create the ultimate, 3D light show that runs for 5 hours every night until January 6th! Did I mention the light show is also accompanied by music? A 3D light show timed perfectly with music on the facade of a building... what's next?!

Just as I said about the holiday windows, it's MUCH better when you see it in person! I'm dying to go!

POGS,

AKtually Ashley

Quotation Rotation 12/4/11

POGS,

AKtually Ashley

Lolita & Tequila

We rarely hear about the groups responsible for the restaurants we love and frequent. Over Thanksgiving break I went to dinner with a few friends to Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar in Greenwich, CT. I've been to some amazing restaurants, but I find Lolita to be extremely impressive. I should say that I rate restaurants almost entirely on their atmosphere, vibe, and website. I also love menus... so even if the food itself isn't superb (Lolita's food is incredible) I still can be impressed with the way they describe their actual menu items. cb5 Restaurant Group is responsible for this restaurant gem and has brought it to Boston as well. 

The group has created the ultimate branded restaurant, and has woven that identity through every detail and space. Lolita's brand identity compliments its upscale mexican cuisine. Both restaurants feature lavash red and black decor, sexy music, and extremely dim lighting. 

A "Lolita" is a spanish word referring to a young promiscuous woman. The restaurant definitely incorporates this reference into the overall vibe the diners experience. It is an elegant version of a Mexican speakeasy... sortof. You almost feel like a rebel being there, almost like you don't belong, but at the same time it lures you in. The restaurant somehow bonds with you with its intimate style.

Lolita gradually transforms into a chic night club scene with a DJ and dancing as the night progresses. It becomes quite the scene after 10pm. Visitors can choose from over 150 different brands of tequila and various signature margaritas, sangrias, and other cocktails. There is something for everyone... including non-alcoholic tropical house juices -- The Lime Coco sounds incredible and is made from fresh lime, coconut, citrus fruits, and garnished with mint and a blackberry... YUM.

When you sit at the table your seductive server brings a "palate cleanser". It's a fresh grapefruit granita splashed with an optional shot of tequila. The presentation is the most exciting part, as it is delivered to the table with dry ice smoke brimming over the silver bowl. With various delicious menu options, including guacamole with crap and lobster, bbq spare ribs, various tacos, quesadillas, and creative entrees, a second or third visit is absolutely necessary. As you receive your check you also get a sweet surprise! No, the bill will still be pretty steep BUT you get a complementary cotton candy for the table! So, even if you don't have room for a full desert, you get the sugary finale anyway.

And to top it off, you and your fellow diners are also given temporary Lolita tattoos and a damp towel for application. Unique and extremely fitting with the restaurant's theme. I love it!

The websites are branded the exact same way and are super fun and interactive with music and great page transitions. See for yourself! Greenwich Website & Boston Website.

If you get a chance to visit the Greenwich location of the elegant and seductive restaurant, don't forget to take a look at the bathroom... it is completely covered with blackboard wallpaper and chalk. Leave your mark on Lolita, because it will definitely leave one on you.

POGS,

AKtually Ashley