Viewpoint by Andrew Scharf, Head of the WCW Group

With summer not so far off, I have been California dreaming again of southern locations on the Med. Place names east of Nice such as Villefranche and Portofino conjure up sun soaked holidays and music to the tune of “Exile On Main Street”.

Of course the ideal shirt for such occasions flaunts horizontal stripes. Now if you are Jean Paul Gautier, you can just dispense with the shirt and just paint your chest.

My son says that I never really grew up. What he is really pointing out is my continual love affair with striped jerseys and sailing shirts with three-quarter sleeves. Originally made for the French Navy, both sweater and shirt have been immortalized in Fashionistas lore by the likes of Coco Chanel not to mention a whole bag of other designers and celebs.

The epitome of this style loved by Picasso, Brigitte Bardot, and the St Trop’ crowd is still manufactured by a family enterprise in Normandy. This company, Saint James is the nautical standard. Yes, I know there are others, but this one to quote Jeeves, “stands alone”.

Speaking of Jeeves, I wonder what the blazes is keeping the man. I’ve been waiting for my tea for ten minutes now.

The famous nautical experts are located in a small Norman village called Ducey. It’s the sort of place people dream of. What’s the term I’m looking for? Ah, yes. There it is: buccolic. It’s a fortified town of only 3,000 inhabitants and it straddles Lower Normandy from Brittany. It is a jewel of a region. It is a hop, skip, and a jump from Mont Saint Michel, home of the infamous Benedictine Abby.

Now, the Mont has always been part of the St. James logo. The coastal flats are home to grazing flocks. Although the wool used no longer comes from here, you get a picture of heritage in the best sense of the term. The company director, Yannick Duval will explain to you if you pay him a visit, the fabulous evolution of this company and how this region gave birth to a wealth of knitting expertise, which is still used. The people who work at St. James are proud of their enterprise.

Did you know that 400 tonnes of wool are used per year?

I thought not. I am sure though that you do remember that it was Coco Chanel, who made the sea shirt into one of the hottest unisex styles of all times, when she first introduced them into her Deauville shop in 1917. The rest as they say in show business was history.

The French refer to this classic as the “Mariniere”. With years of experience under their belts, the company understands that both the wool and the cotton behave differently depending on the humidity in the air. Speaking of the wool, it is a natural fiber, which retains the original lanolin and has a dry, some would say, rough feel to the touch. It is this sought after quality that makes the item indispensable to sailors and style mavens alike.

Since utilitarian and work clothing has been gathering more steam among the Fashionistas, it is no wonder that major designers such as Junya Watnabe and Jean-Paul G. continue to work with the firm.

Recently, I treated myself to a blue wool sea sweater with the red stripes. Well, considering the current weather, it made sense. The dry wool which is perfected and unique to this part of the world is ideal given the current rate of climate change.

Listen to this: Did you know that each stripe represents a victory of Napoleon over the English at sea?

Interesting, what! Such trivia makes owning these jumpers such a pleasure.

Ah, there’s Jeeves now with my tea, not too hot, not too cold, and not a drop in the saucer.

About The AuthorAndrew Scharf is a regular contributor to WCW INSIGHT on fashion, lifestyle, and luxury brand management. He heads Whitefield Consulting Worldwide, helping people harmonise their professional objectives with their personal aspirations.

PhotographsAll photographs by Saint James

For Further Information, visit:Whitefield Consulting Worldwidehttp://www.whitefieldconsulting.com

WCW Fashionistas Aesthetics: The Stripped Insouciance Of Saint James – WCW INSIGHT

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At 12:39 a.m. a Felton Street caller reported two males fighting in front of a home.

At 2:54 a.m. a caller reported loud voices on Forest Avenue. Officers reported residents were having their children camp in the backyard. Peace was restored.

At 6:20 a.m. a Hammersmith Drive caller reported a mulch fire to the rear of her home. Firefighters reported the fire was extinguished.

At 9:05 a.m. a caller reported two people sleeping inside a vehicle on Founders Way.

At 10:50 a.m. an officer requested an ambulance for four-vehicle accident with injuries on Route 1 South. An ambulance took a patient to Melrose-Wakefield Hospital.

At 11:54 a.m. a female reported damage to the rear window of her vehicle on Highland Avenue.

At 12:17 p.m. an employee reported the theft of thirteen perfume bottles at Bath & Body Works.

At 1:10 p.m. an officer reported issuing two citations to drivers on Water Street.

At 2:31 p.m. a Fiske Road resident reported property was missing from his house.

At 2:46 p.m. an officer reported issuing three citations to drivers on Vine Street and Main Street.

At 4:14 p.m. a caller reported a heavyset male ran out of Stop & Shop after shoplifting. The caller reported he was then assaulting a manager at Buffalo Wild Wings. Officers reported the suspect would be summonsed to court for shoplifting.

At 5:44 p.m. an officer reported stopping a vehicle on Walnut Street and arresting the driver on the charge of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

At 10:54 p.m. a caller reported her car was damaged at the Red Roof inn.

For arrests see April 26 edition of the Advertiser

At 12:39 a.m. a Felton Street caller reported two males fighting in front of a home.

At 2:54 a.m. a caller reported loud voices on Forest Avenue. Officers reported residents were having their children camp in the backyard. Peace was restored.

At 6:20 a.m. a Hammersmith Drive caller reported a mulch fire to the rear of her home. Firefighters reported the fire was extinguished.

At 9:05 a.m. a caller reported two people sleeping inside a vehicle on Founders Way.

At 10:50 a.m. an officer requested an ambulance for four-vehicle accident with injuries on Route 1 South. An ambulance took a patient to Melrose-Wakefield Hospital.

At 11:54 a.m. a female reported damage to the rear window of her vehicle on Highland Avenue.

At 12:17 p.m. an employee reported the theft of thirteen perfume bottles at Bath & Body Works.

At 1:10 p.m. an officer reported issuing two citations to drivers on Water Street.

At 2:31 p.m. a Fiske Road resident reported property was missing from his house.

At 2:46 p.m. an officer reported issuing three citations to drivers on Vine Street and Main Street.

At 4:14 p.m. a caller reported a heavyset male ran out of Stop & Shop after shoplifting. The caller reported he was then assaulting a manager at Buffalo Wild Wings. Officers reported the suspect would be summonsed to court for shoplifting.

At 5:44 p.m. an officer reported stopping a vehicle on Walnut Street and arresting the driver on the charge of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

At 10:54 p.m. a caller reported her car was damaged at the Red Roof inn.

Saugus Police log April 19

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But before that, let’s just put this out there: cash, power, respect, position, influence, the way we dress, the car we drive, the size of our house, where we live, what food we eat, who are friends are, who our enemies are, our social influence, the hairstyle, heck, even the sneakers on our feet—all are figurative peacock feathers for the modern man.

Now, whether his idea of “courtship” is a one-night stand, finding a girlfriend or even a lifelong commitment, one thing is clear: It takes two to tango—and somebody’s got to make the first move.

This declaration of intent and courtship is traditionally initiated by the man. But should a woman wish to make her intentions known, I myself would applaud her! We love the attention, and making the first move on a guy is sheer flattery for us.

Unfortunately there is no formula, potion, magic spell, technique or advice that will guarantee that you will land that romantic relationship you so desperately crave. Romance and love are as unpredictable as the weather.

However, there are some “moves” that have resulted in success in varying degrees. I present to you what I can only describe as The List-yours to use, misuse and abuse.

The “Drink.” Buy a guy a drink, make some chitchat.

The “Corndog.” Usually cheesy one-liners, female pick-up lines. Use with caution, though, and a subtle sense of humor; otherwise, it could be a cringe-worthy failure.

The “Lonely Girl.” Dress up, deck out and heel up. Look hot and tantalizingly bored. Hope that the guy whose attention you want will notice.

The “Let’s Get Out of Here.” You’ve had a conversation, you like him and additional chitchat is just wasting precious time. Time to go—now.

The “Crotch Grab.” Direct, to the point, and you better be his type.

The “Holding Hands.” Reach over and intertwine your fingers. Requires a degree of confidence that the guy will reciprocate. When in doubt, see the “Pinky.”

The “Scary Movie.” Okay, the movie isn’t actually scaring you, but it’s an excuse to sneak a hug and snuggle close.

The “Frenchie.” You lean in most of the way for a kiss, and hopefully he closes the deal. If he doesn’t, see the “Tongue Rape.”

The “Tongue Rape.” Forget waiting for him to kiss you. Try doing it yourself. Desperate, but hopefully it turns into a passionate “Frenchie.” If you still don’t get a reaction, see the “All or Nothing.”

The “Invite.” Ask him into your home.

The “Footsie.” So very high school, but effective. Have an innocent conversation above the table, play footsies under.

The “Movie Scene.” A move that is never used on its own, but as an effective follow-up to a good laugh together, a slow dance or another move. Put both arms on his shoulders so your hands touch behind his neck. Move in close, so your hips, stomach and breast are pressed against his hips, stomach and chest. Combo with the “Smile” and/or the “Bedazzle” and hope he initiates a kiss. If he’s dense, take the initiative and activate the “Frenchie.” Do not allow it to become an awkward moment, or all hope is lost!

The “Pinky.” A variation of the “Holding Hands.” Slowly nudge your pinky over until it makes contact with his hand. If he doesn’t pull back, continue to wrap your pinky around his pinky. If successful, see the “Holding Hands.”

The “Beso.” Kiss him on the cheek so close to the lips that the edge of your lips and his almost, nearly, so very closely touch. Also see The “Sniffer,” and alternatively, The “Earlobe.”

The “Slap.” Just that, slap him, for no reason. No explanation. No apology. Wait for him to run after you mad as hell, asking, “What was that for?” Follow up with the “Tongue Rape,” continue with the “Let’s Get Out of Here.”

The “Franking Spot.” Simple. Say it straight. “I like you.” Be frank—put him on the spot.

The “Where Is This Going?.” If you are already intimate with the guy, but want a more romantic relationship, preferably with title such as dating, girlfriend, wife—you could, if your patience is running thin, ask, “Where is this going?” A word of warning: this phrase is notorious for making grown men cower in fear. So, use carefully.

The “Bedazzle.” Some women have all they need in their beautiful and enticing eyes; some need mascara. But if you believe you can seduce a man by just looking into his eyes, bat those eyelashes; the “Bedazzle” is for you.

The “Smile.” A variation of the “Bedazzle,” and indeed used quite often with it. Banish his apprehension with your pearly whites.

The “Have We Met Before?” You haven’t. But used with the “Smile,” this can disarm the man and open him up like a can of tuna. Voila! A conversation is born.

The “I’ll Drive You Home.” You have a car, he needs a ride. You have exactly the entire car ride to get him to invite you in. Or if your place is on the way, use the “Reverse Damsel in Distress.”

The “Boob Rub.” As you are passing through, intentionally let one or both of your breasts slide across his arm/back/chest/etc. Make sure not to make eye contact. Walk away nonchalantly. Will him in your mind to follow and ask for your name. On a side note, if you are not blessed with the equipment to use this technique, take heart in the fact that only 25 percent of all men actually like big breasts. Try some other move.

The “Martin Luther King.” Great for calling someone when you really have no reason to call them at all. Start your conversation with, “I had a dream about you…” Never go into detail (because you didn’t actually have the dream, anyway) but keep it vague, yet interesting. Suggest, and only suggest, that the dream was intimate.

The “One Night Only.” The backdoor to romantic relationships. Have a one-night stand with the guy. Successfully convert to friends with benefits. And at the right time, use the “Where Is This Going?” Hopefully, that should lead to your living happily ever after.

The “Damsel in Distress.” Make up a story. Call him. Act distressed. (Of course this works better if you actually have a real emergency.) Get him to come to you and help you out. Show him your appreciation. May I suggest Flat Tire, No Ride, Bad Dream, Homework or a Family Tragedy? (Shameful! But it works.)

The “Lifeguard.” You notice that some other girl is making the moves on the guy. He looks scared. You swoop in and declare yourself to be his whatever and save the day/night for him. Solidify the illusion with the “Movie Scene.”

The “Suggestive Text.” Perhaps the most useful in the first move arsenal. Loaded text messages should be both innocent and suggestive. If the guy picks up on the suggestiveness and responds with an equally suggestive but subtle message, the game is on. On the other hand, if you don’t get the response you want, you can always pretend it was an ordinary text, right?

The “Zip-Code.” Perfect for when you already have a strong friendship with your victim. Fix your hair, put on some perfume. Find a dress with a back zipper low enough to provide a little peek of your butt’s cleavage. Ask him to zip you up, or unzip you.

The “Drunk Kiss.” Drink a little, pretend to be very drunk, make your move. Slightly more complicated versions include the “Drunk Dial,” “Drunk Text,” “Drunk Tweet.”

The “Sniffer.” A “Beso” that lingers while you sniff at his neck, hoping he’ll do the same.

The “Earlobe.” Looks like The “Beso,” except you nibble on his ear. Both obvious in intention, but discreet. You know it. He knows it. Best followed up with the “Let’s Get Out of Here.”

The “Kiss-stick.” Touch up your lipstick. Use the “Beso.” Be sure to leave a noticeable lipstick mark. Apologize for leaving a mark. Lick your thumb, seductively, and wipe the mark away-with your face close to his. A perfect primer for the “Frenchie.”

The “Tryathalon.” When a girl will try anything. Includes “Kissing Another Girl,” “Raunchy Dancing,” “Streaking,” “Flashing,” and other moves where all inhibition and self-respect are thrown out the window. Though some guys do like this kind of thing, I guarantee that this does not lead to an emotional connection. But if you insist, use the “Tryathalon” in combination with the “One Night Only,” and many months later, perhaps the “Where Is This Going?” Good luck.

The “All or Nothing.” Nothing works. You’ve made yourself crystal-clear. Now walk away, and tell him over your shoulder, “You don’t know what you’re missing.” If it still doesn’t work, at least you parted on your terms.

Finally, the best and most closely-guarded secret in romantic first moves, often understated, never overused. There is someone out there who’s perfect for you, your soul mate, the love of your life. But sometimes, to find that one, you might have to go through a few rotten tomatoes, and play a few games. And if things don’t work out, remember that it’s not the end of the world. So wipe away your tears, take a deep breath, and if you’re tired of the games and trying to be someone else, then you’re ready for…

The “Just Be Yourself.”

I wish you your own happily ever after.

Reprinted from Look Magazine, available at newsstands and Inquirer digital edition for iPad.

35 ways to make the first move on a man

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US Catholics grow more sceptical of Obama on religious-freedom issue

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10 April 2012 A source told The Sun newspaper: “He told his team to send Adele the best the fashion house have to offer after hearing she collected bags.”He said he really wanted to make it up to her so they could maybe work together in the future.”He could see her fronting a campaign for Chanel Mademoiselle bags when the contract with Blake Lively ends.”He’s annoyed with himself because he ended up insulting her when he meant to compliment her. He thinks she’s beautiful and calls her divine.”Meanwhile, Adele has confirmed that despite her plans to take a few years off between albums, she will release a single at the end of 2012.She told French radio station NJR: “There was a good two years between my first and second albums so it will be the same this time. If I didn’t write my own songs I’d have an album out next week.”There will be a new song out at the end of the year. With the album it depends how quickly the songs are written.”

© 2012 NZCity, Bang Showbiz

Karl Lagerfeld has apologised for calling Adele fat by giving her a handbag.

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Inspired by Beyoncé’s infectious positive energy, this limited edition fragrance seduces the senses with the same invigorating sensuality as the original Pulse Eau de Parfum. A lighter and fresher rendition, Pulse Summer Edition’s orchestra of fruity and floral notes makes it the perfect scent for the warm, joyful, flirty summer months.

“We are thrilled to present a new limited edition fragrance to the successful Beyoncé Parfums portfolio,” says Steve Mormoris, SVP Global Marketing at Coty Beauty. “Beyoncé is a true force of nature and translating her positive energy into a summer fragrance was a natural progression. We think women will love the lighter, more playful side of Beyoncé Pulse Summer Edition.”

Created by IFF perfumer Bruno Jovanovic, Beyoncé Pulse Summer Edition is a fruity floral with fresh and sparkling top notes of pear, icy mandarin and pink pepper. The exotic and delicate floral heart features the ginger orchid, jasmine and Tunisian orange flowers. Finally, an exceptionally stirring & creamy dry down of sapphire woods, musks and benzoin completes the base. The fragrance will leave you feeling ready to conquer anything as if nothing and no one could ever resist you.

Beyoncé Pulse Summer Edition features a dramatic, one-of-a-kind packaging design. The turquoise juice is encased in a faceted bottle which rests nestled in a revolutionary inverted chrome cap, inspired by Beyoncé’s stage costumes, and finished with a bold pink logo. The holographic carton shimmers in feminine shades of turquoise & pink and echoes the bright color palette and joyful optimism of the summer season.

Beyoncé Pulse Summer Edition Collection:Eau de Parfum 50ml: $49Eau de Parfum 100ml: $59

On counter spring 2012, Beyoncé Pulse Summer Edition is a limited-edition and will be available at select perfumery chains and fine department stores.

About Coty Inc.Coty was created in Paris in 1904 by François Coty who is credited with founding the modern fragrance industry.

Today, Coty Inc. is a recognized leader in global beauty with annual net sales of nearly $4 billion. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, passion, innovation and creativity, Coty Inc. has developed an unrivaled portfolio of notable brands and delivers its innovative products to consumers in 90 markets worldwide.

The Coty Prestige brand portfolio is distributed in prestige and ultra-prestige stores and includes Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, Cerruti, Chloé, Chopard, Davidoff, Jennifer Lopez, Jil Sander, JOOP!, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Cole, L.A.M.B. fragrance by Gwen Stefani, La Voce by Renée Fleming, Lancaster, Marc Jacobs, Nikos, philosophy, Sarah Jessica Parker, Vera Wang, Vivienne Westwood and Wolfgang Joop.

The Coty Beauty brand portfolio is more widely distributed and includes adidas, ASTOR, Baby Phat, Beyoncé Knowles, Celine Dion, Chupa Chups, David and Victoria Beckham, Esprit, Exclamation, Faith Hill, GUESS?, Halle Berry, Heidi Klum, Jovan, Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, La Cross, Lady Gaga, Manhattan, Manhattan Clearface, Miss Sporty, Nautica, N.Y.C. New York Color, Nicole by OPI, OPI, Pierre Cardin¹, Playboy, Rimmel, Sally Hansen, Stetson, Tim McGraw, TJoy and Tonino Lamborghini.

Coty and Puig Fashion and Beauty S.A. have a strategic partnership for the distribution of the perfume lines of Antonio Banderas, Carolina Herrera, Nina Ricci, Paco Rabanne, Prada and Shakira in the United States and Canada.

For additional information about Coty Inc., please visit www.coty.com.

For More Information: Meredith Cammaker / Jackie SandsTractenberg & Co.meredith@tractenberg.comjsands@tractenberg.com212.929.7979

INTRODUCING BEYONCÉ PULSE SUMMER EDITION

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): I invite you to identify all the things in your life that you really don’t need any more: gadgets that have become outdated, clothes that no longer feel like you, once-exciting music and books and art works that no longer mean what they once did. Don’t stop there. Pinpoint the people who have let you down, the places that lower your vitality, and the activities that have become boring or artificial. Finally, Aries, figure out the traditions that no longer move you, the behavior patterns that no longer serve you, and the compulsive thoughts that have a freaky life of their own. Got all that? Dump at least some of them.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): If you’re a woman, you could go to the perfume section of the department store and buy fragrances that would cause you to smell like Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Eva Longoria, or Paris Hilton. If you’re a man, an hour from now you could be beaming an aroma that makes you resemble a celebrity like Antonio Banderas, Usher, David Beckham, or Keith Urban. You could even mix and match, wearing the Eva Longoria scent on your manly body or Usher on your female form. But I don’t recommend that you do any of the above. More than ever before you need to be yourself, your whole self, and nothing but yourself. Trying to act like or be like anyone else should be a taboo of the first degree.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “I try to take one day at a time,” says Ashleigh Brilliant, “but sometimes several days attack me all at once.” I think you may soon be able to say words to that effect, Gemini—and that’s a good thing. Life will seem more concentrated and meaningful than usual. Events will flow faster and your awareness will be extra intense. As a result, you should have exceptional power to unleash transformations that could create ripples lasting for months. Would you like each day to be the equivalent of nine days? Or would four be enough for you?

CANCER (June 21-July 22): When actor Ashton Kutcher is working on the set of his TV show Two and a Half Men, he enjoys spacious digs. His trailer is two stories high and has two bathrooms as well as a full kitchen. Seven 60-inch TVs are available for his viewing pleasure. As you embark on your journey to the far side of reality, Cancerian, it might be tempting for you to try to match that level of comfort. But what’s more important than material luxury will be psychological and spiritual aids that help keep you attuned to your deepest understandings about life. Be sure you’re well-stocked with influences that keep your imagination vital and upbeat. Favorite symbols? Uplifting books? Photos of mentors? Magic objects?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Veterans of war who’ve been wounded by shrapnel often find that years later, some of the metal fragments eventually migrate to the surface and pop out of their skin. The moral of the story: The body may take a long time to purify itself of toxins. The same is true about your psyche. It might not be able to easily and quickly get rid of the poisons it has absorbed, but you should never give up hoping it will find a way. Judging by the astrological omens, I think you are very close to such a climactic cleansing and catharsis, Leo.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Distilled water is a poor conductor of electricity. For H2O to have electroconductivity, it must contain impurities in the form of dissolved salts. I see a timely lesson in this for you, Virgo. If you focus too hard on being utterly clean and clear, some of life’s rather chaotic but fertile and invigorating energy may not be able to flow through you. That’s why I suggest you experiment with being at least a little impure and imperfect. Don’t just tolerate the messiness. Learn from it; thrive on it; even exult in it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): According to my reading of the astrological omens, you are neither in a red-alert situation nor are you headed for one. A pink alert may be in effect, however. Thankfully, there’s no danger or emergency in the works. Shouting and bolting and leaping won’t be necessary. Rather, you may simply be called upon to come up with unexpected responses to unpredicted circumstances. Unscripted plot twists could prompt you to take actions you haven’t rehearsed. It actually might be kind of fun as long as you play with the perspective Shakespeare articulated in As You Like It: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “Dear Rob: For months I’ve had a recurring dream in which I own a pet snake. Here’s the problem: The only cage I have to keep the snake in is sadly inadequate. It has widely spaced bars that the snake just slips right through. In the dream I am constantly struggling to keep the snake in its cage, which is exhausting, since it’s impossible. Just this morning, after having the dream for the billionth time, I FINALLY asked myself, what’s so terrible about letting the snake out of its cage? So I gratefully wrote myself this permission note: ‘It is hereby allowed and perfectly acceptable to let my dreamsnake out of its cage to wander freely.’ – Scorpio Devotee.” Dear Devotee: You have provided all your fellow Scorpios with an excellent teaching story for the upcoming weeks. Thank you!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): For millions of years, black kite raptors made their nests with leaves, twigs, grass, mud, fur, and feathers. In recent centuries they have also borrowed materials from humans, like cloth, string, and paper. And in the last few decades, a new element has become quite popular. Eighty-two percent of all black kite nest-builders now use white plastic as decoration. I suggest you take inspiration from these adaptable creatures, Sagittarius. It’s an excellent time for you to add some wrinkles to the way you shape your home base. Departing from tradition could add significantly to your levels of domestic bliss.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): There are many examples of highly accomplished people whose early education was problematical. Thomas Edison’s first teacher called him “addled,” and thereafter he was homeschooled by his mother. Winston Churchill did so poorly in school he was punished. Benjamin Franklin had just two years of formal education. As for Einstein, he told his biographer, “my parents were worried because I started to talk comparatively late, and they consulted a doctor because of it.” What all these people had in common, however, is that they became brilliant at educating themselves according to their own specific needs and timetable. Speaking of which: The coming weeks will be an excellent time for you Capricorns to plot and design the contours of your future learning.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Nigeria has abundant deposits of petroleum. Since 1974, oil companies have paid the country billions of dollars for the privilege of extracting its treasure. And yet the majority of Nigerians, over 70 percent, live on less than a dollar a day. Where does the money go? That’s a long story, with the word “corruption” at its heart. Now let me ask you, Aquarius: Is there a gap between the valuable things you have to offer and the rewards you receive for them? Are you being properly compensated for your natural riches? The coming weeks will be an excellent time to address this issue.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Gawker.com notes that American politician John McCain tends to repeat himself—a lot. Researchers discovered that he has told the same joke at least 27 times in five years. (And it’s such a feeble joke, it’s not worth re-telling.) In the coming week, Pisces, pease please please avoid any behavior that resembles this repetitive, habit-bound laziness. You simply cannot afford to be imitating who you used to be and what you used to do. As much as possible, reinvent yourself from scratch—and have maximum fun doing it.

Homework: What is the best gift you could give your best friend right now? Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.

Questions or Comments for Artvoice? Send e-mail to editorial@artvoice.com • Article last modified 2/22/2012 Issue Navigation> Issue Index > v11n8 (Week of Thursday, February 23) > Free Will Astrology This Week’s Issue • Artvoice Daily • Artvoice TV • Events Calendar • Classifieds

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Send Variety of Gifts on Ugadi and Gudi Padwa to India

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We’re not entirely convinced by Lynx’s efforts (especially as the brand says it will sell ‘100 cans exclusively through its Facebook page’ – an odd choice of volume and perceived exclusivity for such a low-cost item).

So instead we’ve put together a list of some of the best examples we can find.

A quick word on Lynx’s campaign first though; the company is a master at creating buzz – and that’s exactly what’s happening here. Lyle & Scott’s head of e-commerce Will Dymott explains.

100 cans is nothing. As a commercial venture it doesn’t make sense, as a branding exercise, then yes.”

Dymott said that many ‘stores’ tend to be a halfway house that show some products, but then click through to a brand’s main website. Ted Baker or Liverpool FC are two examples of this, which he suspects is them “testing the water”.

However, as we all know, this is a huge area of growth. Earlier today, Payvment revealed that since implementing the new ‘want’ and ‘own’ buttons in November, the Facebook-only e-commerce company has seen customers rise from 500,000 to 1.1 million without purchasing any ads.

‘Private sales’ network BrandAlley also said late last year that the success of trials using Facebook Pages means that it predicts 5% of revenue to come from f-commerce in 2012.

Facebook’s new Timeline apps significantly lower the barriers to selling through the social network, and new functionality within Open Graph and Facebook Connect means that ‘f-commerce’ doesn’t strictly have to be ‘on Facebook’ anymore.

So while this is still a young market, and for the most part absolute best practice is yet to be defined, some are clearly leading the pack.

We’ve compiled 11 of the best f-commerce examples for 2012, an update to our list from May of last year.

1. Ticketmaster 

In April 2010 Facebook itself has stepped forward to say that every time a user posts on their newsfeed that they’ve bought a ticket from Ticketmaster, a friend spends on average an additional $5.30 on a ticket to the same event.

Based on the success of this, last week Ticketmaster launched an upgraded Facebook app (as part of Facebook’s Timeline apps announcement) that integrates with Spotify to recommend gigs based on listening history, with the option to then purchase.

2. Delta 

Delta Airlines’ offering is not new, but it’s marketed very well and taps into a channel it knows its customers are active on. Hence why it’s still going strong.

It allows people to search, book and pay for flights within Facebook – which it discovered was popular with its travellers as it’s the most visited site from its in-flight wi-fi service.

Not only this, but the app is ‘portable’ – and can be embedded in ad units on third party sites – creating a convergence of social networking, e-commerce and advertising.

3. Hallmark

Hallmark’s Social Calendar app is also another simple example that’s been popular and in use for a prolonged period of time (in f-commerce terms at least). It ties in nicely with your Facebook calendar to send you alerts for friend’s birthdays. 

Simply choose the Facebook friends whose birthdays you don’t want to miss (you can also add dates and other special occasions manually) – then get reminders at the beginning of every week and month. Send a personalised photo card, a virtual gift or just a personal message.

4. Heinz’s Balsamic Tomato Ketchup and personalised soup cans

Heinz has been pushing the boundaries in terms of use of Facebook to seed new products, first launching an app to send special bottles of its Balsamic Tomato Ketchup to Facebook fans – which was then rolled out the US after a successful testing phase in the UK.

The personalised soup can app used a similar theory – that passionate fans love unique and exclusive products. People could enter a name of a sick friend and send them a can of soup with ‘Get Well Soon’ on it, choosing from the brand’s three most popular flavours.

5. Odeon’s transactional booking app

In November, cinema chain Odeon launched its Event Organiser app, which enables users to select films, view screening times and purchase tickets from within the brand’s Facebook page.

People can also create a Facebook event around the film and invite their friends on the network to join, meaning they can coordinate cinema trips.

6. Oscar de la Renta 

Taking a product-focused approach, the fashion brand launched a second f-commerce shop to sell four ‘quote’ bracelets exclusively on Facebook in December.

The brand launched its first shop a month earlier in November to sell its Esprit d’Oscar solid perfume ring, also as an exclusive on the social network.

Both apps are part of a wider strategy from the brand to consistently introduce new products through Facebook, and focus on creating a small group of highly-engaged users. 

7. Burberry Body fragrance launch 

Scott Galloway, New York University marketing professor and co-founder of think tank Luxury Lab told WWD.com late last year that almost 100% of brands cite Facebook as a source of upstream traffic. In an interview, said specifically that Burberry gets more traffic from Facebook than from Google. 

Burberry is at the absolute forefront of innovation within social media, one example of which is the launch of its Burberry Body fragrance last year. This example is no longer live, but it’s such a relevant campaign that we couldn’t leave it out.

A video starring CCO Christopher Bailey launched the scheme (see below) – and people could apply for a free sample via the Facebook app. Burberry then extended this to allow people to buy full-size bottles of the perfume, with great success.

8. Gilt Groupe

The members-only ‘flash sales’ site created an app that allows users to log-in using their account details and browse ‘must have’ items.

Content-rich, it combines deals, group and social buying, and f-commerce. As many commentators have pointed out regarding Gilt’s offering, for such a trends-focused brand – this is key to its success.

9. Pink Floyd

EMI has recently launched a Pink Floyd Facebook store, allowing people to buy two album bundles from within the site. 

Though it’s still within its trial stage, this is something the label has already done in part with The Beatles, The Prodigy and others. Pink Floyd’s shop is the first to allow fans to complete a purchase with leaving Facebook however.

The jury is out on whether this is a viable way to sell music, or if the fairly basic commerce functionality is just a duplicate of other channels.

10. Woolworths

Woolworths’ wanted to give its community of over 144,000 South African Facebook fans a way to shop from within the site, and create a fairly basic f-commerce app a few weeks ago. 

This is another newer example, so there aren’t any statistics to back it up just yet – but the content is clean and easy to navigate, which falls in line with the brand’s online strategy.

Nikki Cockcroft, head of online at the company, said that: “F-commerce forms part of our on-going three-year plan to make shopping with us even more convenient.”

11. Amazon with Facebook and Max Factor

Procter & Gamble’s Max Factor make-up was for a time being sold on a shop tab on the brand’s UK Facebook page, with the check-out taking place on Amazon. 

This is an interesting example, as the purchase wasn’t completed solely within Facebook. You’d imagine that Facebook wouldn’t want to relinquish control of the commerce aspect, and that Max Factor wouldn’t want to disturb its relationships with core sellers by going direct.

Yet the removal of any problems relating to logistics and fulfillment, combined with beautiful design, made this a great match theory. The fact that it’s no longer live however, and the page now links clearly to Boots and Superdrug’s websites probably says a lot about stirring up competition. That’s not to say that such a partnership wouldn’t work for other brands.

11 examples of f-commerce for 2012

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Tempted to buy a bottle of luxury brand perfume or aftershave at a bargain price from a street vendor?

Think again – the smell might be similar to the one being sold in an established outlet, but the liquid providing the base is usually urine.

"They use horse urine," says David McKelvey, from counterfeit and piracy experts TM Eye, who also explains how all fake perfumes, cosmetics and jewellery contain harmful substances.

"There are dangerously high levels of mercury found in fake cosmetics, while the brushes being sold to apply make-up often have lice in them," he says.

High levels of carcinogens such as lead and nickel are also prominent in fake jewellery.

Lost income

At a time when austerity measures are making people more prudent with their spending habits, shoppers are being warned to watch out for cheap items which might be fake.

People try to save money without realising that the purchase of counterfeit goods can actually harm themselves, the economy and ultimately, their own pockets.

"Cheap counterfeits undercut honest traders," says Grant Miller, from the UK Border Agency, who said that at the same time the government receives less revenue from legitimate duties and taxes.

Bargain hunters are tempted by low prices but they could be left with products which promote and fund crime – and which are also potentially harmful and inferior.

If there is a product to be sold and a profit to be made, you can rest assured that someone, somewhere, is making a counterfeit version of that product.

It was common for those illicit products to be sold from street vendors, although increasingly they are now being offered for sale on some internet auction sites.

Some markets such as Camden Lock in the London Borough of Islington have become renowned tourist attractions.

But honest traders with their successful stalls risk having their reputations tarnished when unscrupulous individuals use the market to sell their counterfeit goods.

Islington Council urges people to think twice before purchasing fake items.

As more people download films from the internet, fake DVD makers have turned increasingly to porn

"The last thing we want is residents being conned into buying counterfeit goods as presents which then turn out to be poor quality and cause heartache all round," says councillor Barbara Sidnell.

She also points out that the sale of counterfeit goods is a murky business that is often linked to organised crime and exploitation.

Organised gangs are increasingly pursuing several different criminal activities at the same time and using the proceeds from each form of crime to invest in the others.

Most people would think there is little harm in buying a few cheap DVDs, but they do not see the story behind that person standing on a street corner selling wares from a sports bag.

"The fake DVD trade is used to fund people-smuggling into the UK," says John McCrohan, the trading standards manager in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

"The consensually smuggled illegals, who mainly came from China, are accommodated in overcrowded flats and set to work selling fake and porn DVDS on the streets of the UK," he says.

"The gangs behind the DVD trade set up DVD burning 'factories' in private homes and flats," he explains.

In those premises, fake and porn DVDs are manufactured and the street sellers collect them.

"When a Bethnal Green (London) flat was raided recently, two DVD sellers arrived having travelled from Coventry," he says.

Global cost

Mr McCrohan points out that in the past when markets in Tower Hamlets became flooded with fly-pitchers selling fake and porn DVDs, the sellers became robbery targets.

"Street criminals realise they have cash and saleable products on them. This causes brawls and disorder and the atmosphere in the markets becomes unsafe," he says.

Dealing with this illegal activity requires police arrest powers and that ties up considerable resources.

If anything goes wrong with fake goods there is no guarantee or compensation for the customer

The sellers are arrested, interpreters may have to be employed, and most of the people taken to court have no fixed address.

"Thus you have immigration crime, money being laundered out of the country, intellectual property crime and open widespread distribution of hard-core pornography," he says.

Millions of pounds made from selling the DVDs is spirited out of the country.

According to the International Chamber of Commerce, the cost of counterfeiting globally is $600bn (£386bn) a year.

Before anyone buys that bottle of fake perfume to give as a present over the festive season, they really should consider the implications before parting with their money.

Fake goods save money but at what cost?

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