1. From ski slopes (Georgian Peaks and Mansfield Ski Club), to yachting (at the Toronto Island Yacht Club), to squash (at the Ontario Racquet Club), Adelaide Club members have the privilege of enjoying reciprocal clubs in Canada and around the globe. Complete list of affiliated clubs available at
adelaideclub.com/reciprocal_canada.htm.

2. They say the eyes are the window to the soul, so make sure they’re protected against the elements. These Thierry Lasry’s for her ($395) and for him ($395) highlight two of spring’s hottest eyewear trends: retro shapes and bold colours. Available at Karir Eyewear locations, karireyewear.com.

3. Whether you’re off on an exotic adventure or exploring a new local neighbourhood, you’ll never get lost again with this Diver’s Helmet Compass from Biko. Infused with wanderlust, this fully functioning necklace is guaranteed to point you in the right direction. $85.00, available at ilovebiko.com

4. Relive favourite memories by displaying them with this Eiffel Tower photo holder from whimsical French line Pylones. Bonus: it also holds inspiration for your next destination…$14.00, avabilable at Pimlico Design Gallery, 789 Dupont St. or pimlicogallery.com.

5. Traveling males, this one’s for you! Stash the essentials in this RCAF Toiletry Kit from Red Canoe. Made of heavy cotton twill and with chic leather pulls, the interior is conveniently lined with orange nylon to protect against unwanted spillage (because let’s face it–it happens to the best of us). $44.99, available at Red Canoe, 416-205-1271 or redcanoebrands.com.

Friday, January 20: 4pm – 8pm
Saturday, January 21: 11am – 4pm

The Hazelton – 118 Yorkville Avenue, Suite 222

This event is private. To confirm a media appointment, rsvp@knotpr.com

View Larger Map

For more information, read the Media Release and view the collection on Flickr.

_ _ _ _

About Elsa Corsi

Jewellery designer Elsa Corsi has been creating timeless, Swarovski-encrusted pieces for over 10 years. Infused with old world charm and modern versatility, each piece is crafted à la carte in Vancouver. In marrying vintage prong setting techniques with full-cut Swarovski crystals, Elsa Corsi creates illuminating collections to be treasured over generations. The pieces have dazzled red carpets and walked down the aisle of tastemakers and trendsetters across the globe. elsacorsi.com

Maléna Restaurant’s Award-Winning Cellar at Half Price in January.*

Read about Maléna’s Wine program.

View the Complete Wine List. (PDF Link)

*Excludes private dining. All offers end January 31, 2012.

WINTERLICIOUS: First-time Participant

(January 27 – February 9)
Maléna joins Winterlicious in 2012, featuring a $35 prix fixe menu (below). Maléna also welcomes group dining for Winterlicious guests at ‘The Loft’ their upstairs private dining option (seats 12 to 40 guests).

1. For an ‘out of the box’ (pun intended) date idea, challenge your partner in the ring. The Adelaide Club offers couples boxing classes with Dexter Delves, who trained under Master Paul Chan at Hong Luck’s Kung Fu Club in Do Pai Style. adelaideclub.com

2. Everyone knows the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach…what better way to say ‘I love you’ than with meat? Since V-Day falls on a Tuesday this year, take advantage of Maléna Restaurant‘s half-price Tuesday wine night and show how much you care. malena120.ca

3. They’ll see the world (and you) through rose coloured glasses with the new Jean Paul Gaultier by MIKLI eyewear collection, available exclusively at Karir Eyewear. Collection ranges from $325 to $460. karireyewear.com

  

4. Take the traditional gift of jewellery to the next level by putting a photo of that special someone in this brass locket from Biko. The extra step makes it a gift truly from the heart (and one she’ll remember). Heart Filigrae Locket Necklace, $79. ilovebiko.com

  

5. Dance is the theme of Danish line Menu’s double candleholder, available at Pimlico Design Gallery. Made of polished steel, the masculine and feminine figures appear in motion when intertwined–making the ideal centerpiece for an intimate dinner setting. $79, available at Pimlico Design Gallery (789 Dupont St.) or pimlicogallery.com

 

Corsi’s ancestry traces back to a long line of Italian shoemakers and merchants, which strongly influences her aesthetic in handcrafted design. After her debut collection of rhinestone accessories was snapped up by Kitson, Fred Segal and Henri Bendel in 1999, Corsi transitioned to one-of-a-kind, couture pieces. It was her own wedding in 2006, which inspired her first bridal collection–using the same vintage techniques and exquisite materials she’s now celebrated for.

“I’ve worked intimately with countless brides to create unique and flawless looks for “The Big Day”. I have gained an in-depth understanding of what modern women are looking for: they choose style over trends and desire timeless pieces to wear again and add to the family jewellery box,” says Elsa Corsi.

Collection Notes

Using darker-toned antique plating (to coordinate with vintage detailing on gowns) and only the finest full-cut Swarovski crystals, the pieces are produced by hand in the Elsa Corsi studio and reflect the past as much as they do the wearer’s future. Signature hidden clasps and 1950’s prong settings ensure a quality that will last long after you say, “I do”.

Through custom work, Elsa’s mastery marries each bride’s individuality with her vision for her wedding. The results are pieces that offer statement style and are treasured over generations.

Accolades

The collection of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and hairpieces is infused with the glamour and romance of Old Hollywood, making them ideal for brides and on red carpet starlets alike.

In 1999, Tori Spelling fell in love with Elsa Corsi’s designs. Since then, pieces have been spotted on Cindy Crawford, Poppy Montgomery, Kristen Lehman (The Killing), Julia Benson (at her wedding with Peter Benson), and eTalk’s Lainey Liu (at the Oscars) and Susie Wall (at the Golden Globes and the Oscars), among others.

In addition to consecutively winning Best Jewellery Design at the 2010 and 2011 Professional BC Wedding Awards, Corsi’s work has been featured in Canadian publications WeddingBells, Wedluxe, Real Weddings, and Perfect Wedding as well as internationally in US-based Grace Ormonde.

Expert Advice

Elsa Corsi has been advising on jewellery trends worldwide, with appearances on the U.K.’s Big Boutique, Breakfast Television, Urban Rush and CTVNews’ Olympic Morning with Jeanne Beker.

Three tips for brides:

1. Elsa Corsi signature curved hairpieces are the perfect fit for chignons as they give the illusion of hugging the hair. Place it on the right side of updo, facing the guests, so they can admire during the vows.
2. For a classic look that’s both flattering and easy to wear again, select a bracelet/earring combination.
3. Select a multi-functional accessory option that transcends traditional bridal jewellery—Elsa Corsi brooches do triple-duty and can be positioned in the hair, on the dress or on the sash.

Personal Appearance: The Wedding Show

Elsa Corsi will be making an appearance and presenting her collection at The Wedding Co. Show at The Carlu, from January 13 – 15, 2012.

Corsi will also be hosting a private trunk show at The Hazelton – consumers can sign up here to receive more information.

Contact Michelle Reagan at mer@knotpr.com to arrange your appointment.

Availability

The Elsa Corsi collection is currently available at independent boutiques Blush and Jeweliette in Vancouver and internationally at The Left Bank in Chicago. The brand is expanding into the Toronto Market, starting with consumer opportunities at The Wedding Co. Show and Private Trunk Show.

For online orders, please visit elsacorsi.com.

The collection of necklaces, bracelets and earrings ranges from $150 to $1200 (CAD).

Images

Downloads

Download Off-Figure Images (High + Low-Res) via Dropbox >> http://db.tt/qRuT1vqf/a
Download On-Figure Images (High + Low-Res) via Dropbox >> http://db.tt/75OnjSpU

_ _ _ _

About Elsa Corsi

Jewellery designer Elsa Corsi has been creating timeless, Swarovski-encrusted pieces for over 10 years. Infused with old world charm and modern versatility, each piece is crafted à la carte in Vancouver. In marrying vintage prong setting techniques with full-cut Swarovski crystals, Elsa Corsi creates illuminating collections to be treasured over generations. The pieces have dazzled red carpets and walked down the aisle of tastemakers and trendsetters across the globe. www.elsacorsi.com

_ _ _ _

Media Contact

Michelle Reagan
Tel (416) 532 9035

_ _ _ _

View the collection, exclusively available at Karir Eyewear, on Flickr

As time passed, I began to find my way around the office, felt more and more comfortable, and the questions which I had came up less and less.

In honour of messing up to stepping up, I have highlighted three maxims to live by when starting a new job. (Fret not for you must #FAIL in order to #WIN)

Make Mistakes

Whether it is getting to know the proper tools in Photoshop or learning how to make a to-do in Batchbook, you will make mistakes and it is important not to let these set-backs deter you from experiencing more during your time here at Knot PR. Once you mess up something by yourself, you will never do it again. Trust me when I say this, I have created the wrong times in Google Calendar, I have answered the phone incorrectly, I have even forgotten to bring up the daily papers. Eventually you will get the hang of these tasks!

“Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.” – Oscar Wilde

Be Creative

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs

Which leads me to my final maxim, an possible case where one may have to #FAIL to #WIN–

Have No Fear

“The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.” –  Elbert Hubbard

Do not cower at your desk and stare at your screen blankly, with thoughts such as “Gmail labels?  Tagging pictures not on Facebook?  IFTTT?“

Ask questions and do not be afraid to ask them. Everyone may seem crazy busy all the time, (Welcome to PR), but it is important that you:

•  Ask if you don’t understand
• Understand how to do something correctly the first time

This also goes to say that for simple office tasks such as using the phone, do not ask if you can use the phone if it is not being used, get it and use it! If there is no more ink in the printer, gameplan (and be sure to check for printer paper while you’re at it!), so you can go get some! If you make a mistake, figure out how you are going to fix it. People are much more inclined to help you problemsolve if you present them with an idea of how you have thought to resolve an issue first.

Here at the midway point of my internship, I am hoping you (future interns) don’t wait until too long to make the mistakes necessary to move forward here at Knot PR. Remember mistakes are OK as long as you make new ones!

That being said, there is some wiggle room to whistle as you work. One of the reasons I was drawn to this industry is my genuine love of people. There is something to be said for spending a night on the town getting to know the true personalities and little idiosyncrasies behind the email handles of your daily correspondence. And for a clothes horse like me, it provides an occasion to put together a well-crafted outfit. Here’s how I make the best of both worlds.

Steps for Mixing Business and Pleasure: Event Edition

#1 The Night Before

Anyone who fancies a position in the field of public relations needs to be able to plan – this same theory can apply to one’s wardrobe: If you’re readying for one big fundraising event, it’s a matter of selecting an outfit the night before to go straight from office to venue. If you’re gearing up for festival season (think Luminato, TIFF, Fashion Week), it’s best to put aside a week’s worth in advance–you never do know when you’ll end up in the press. Laying out your outfit choices on a clothes rack is ideal for easy morning grab-and-go. If you’re like me and live in a condo, you may need to get creative with space (I use the curtain rod in my bedroom).

Tips: Make sure you have your choice items dry cleaned a week in advance. Always have a spare pair of tights on hand at the office as backup (ripped jeans may be in fashion–ripped tights, not so much).

# 2 From Point A to Point B

From home to office: You’re travelling with an armful of clothes and accessories, often in busy rush hour subway traffic, so make sure you have proper carryalls to make this commute as comfortable as possible.

Tips: The new Holt Renfrew garment bags are a dream for this. Zips closed with fold-over capabilities, shoulder straps, and a front zippered-pocket for shoes and accessories–free with purchase (I usually request a couple!).

From event to event: If you’re going from one event to another, allow yourself the freedom to transition with ease. I like to tote a bag that can store a spare pair of flats–again, real life is not Sex and the City–women don’t actually walk 5 blocks in 5-inch heels.

Tips: There are fabulous flats on offer that fold up and even have their own convenient storage bags. For a wide variety of colours, prints and styles get in step with Yosi Samra.

#3 Expedite the Prep Time

You don’t need a fairy godmother to finish your work and still go to the ball–you just need to be able to get ready in a flash (usually in an uncomfortable work bathroom stall). I remember I once had to change for a black tie gala at a roadside McDonald’s (true story). Rarely do most working ladies have an opportunity to get their hair and makeup done for every outing so you need to find ways to make it work.

Tips: Know how to connect from anywhere you go. On the rare occasion I can make it to the salon, I’m back on my computer the moment I settle into the hairdresser’s chair (I have the Blowdry Lounge’s Internet password saved on my iPad).

#4 Work the Room

When you’re making the rounds at a business event, remember to always keep it professional –unfortunately, this means restraining your alcohol intake to a minimum (save that for the pub on Saturday night). While at the event, it’s great to Tweet, Facebook and work your social media networks, but do remember, going out to an event is about face-time. You always want those who are standing in front of you to get your full attention. And PLEASE, don’t ever be that person at an arts performance or movie screening tweeting a play-by-play–there is nothing worse than an LCD screen distracting those who are there to enjoy (Atom Egoyan agrees).

All you need in your purse: Business cards, Moleskine and pen, Blackberry and/or iPhone, lipstick, mints, flats and credit card.

#5 Exit Gracefully

Time is always of the essence. When you’re leaving an event use your travel time wisely (I’m a fan of the French Leave). You’ll usually find me enroute home in a cab or on the subway ferociously jotting down notes on who I need to follow up with from the night’s escapades, and sending myself reminders (or “memos to self” Ryan Gosling style circa Breaker High) so I can easily pull them up first thing the next morning.

Tip: Remember to actually follow-up! Events are a great opportunity to make genuine connections – and after all, proper networking is what our business is all about.

Why are they lucky, you may ask?

Because that phrase is the cue that something wonderful is coming their way (typically over gchat): a video.

We all wear many hats here at Knot PR – added onto my personal list is the position of requisite video girl. You all have a one of us in your lives (and if you don’t, you should befriend one – we’re pretty awesome) – she (or he) is the one who brightens up your day with a laugh or smile, courtesy of a carefully video to suit your individual style, sense of humour and current mood.

What was once a vignette evoking emotion and entertaining through visual storytelling has now been taken to the next level with memes and viral sensations. Note: before Shit Girls Say, there was What Girls Do In The Car and on a recent Knot PR Ikea trip, this was indeed confirmed true. (If you’re a girl and reading this–admit it, you do it too)

We’ve test-driven a wide selection of videos over the past year so without further ado, I present to you our roundup from 2011:

1) Knot PR Cribs

This, without a doubt, is my personal favourite video of the year. As the PR-oducer of Inside Knot , this was our inaugural video. Former intern Matt was the star (he was destined for reality show fame from the start ) and ran with the concept (he conveniently shares a very similar sense of humor as yours truly).

BONUS: a look back at our old office! #memories

2) Dear Sophie

You probably know by now that Knot PR staffers are die-hard Google Chrome users (and if you didn’t, please direct your attention back to a favourite post of mine of 2011 – Pimp My Chrome). When Google combined an adorable baby, a favourite song (Ingrid Michaelson) and a concept that combines technology with family and growing up, you better believe my heart melted. Warning: yours will too.

3) Biko (behind the scenes at the ‘Golden Haze’ lookbook shoot)

Like any die-hard fashion girl, I love a good behind the scenes video. As research for my senior thesis (I filmed and produced a documentary), I watched many a video (this one from Nylon Magazine was a favourite source of inspiration). Our client Biko shot their first ever campaign lookbook this fall and produced this video, giving an inside look at the collection in all it’s modern nostalgic glory. It was a fun project to see through to completion, and this video encapsulates all the hard work.

4) Batchbook (How-To)

On November 1, 2011 my experience with customer support changed forever: the bar was raised.

I had emailed Batchbook with a complicated request and in addition to the four paragraphs that were written back, Bill (my hero of the day) also made a VIDEO to illustrate (!). Bill said it best: “sometimes a quick video is a million times better than an email”, and so he sent me this: http://screencast.com/t/CsFfAKH5bcV

*Note: Now, I realize to you non-Batchbook users that this isn’t very helpful (or entertaining) – but for someone that uses it day in and day out, it was a lifesaver. The fact that he went the extra mile truly shows why they are such an outstanding company (and why we love working with them!). Well done, guys, well done (and thank you again Bill!).

5) Misery Bear Goes to Work

Last, but certainly not least, I’d like to introduce you to our honorary office mascot from across the pond: Misery Bear. There’s just something about his mannerisms and style that makes you sympathize (and laugh) with him, all wrapped up BBC Comedy styles. Matt jumped on the Misery Bear bandwagon, and while Knot PR is nothing like Misery Bear’s office, we love watching him.

BONUS: Misery Bear made an appearance outside Youtube at Tatiana’s birthday this year , further reinforcing his membership to the Knot PR family.

HONOURABLE MENTION: I Like to Move It, Move It (this version from Happy Feet)

We recently moved offices and this was song #1 on my moving playlist. It also generated the hashtag #iliketomoveitmoveit , which gradually took on a life of it’s own (see also: #iliketoeatiteatit and #iliketopackitpackit).

Hey, what can I say? Playlists are the spice of life.

You know how nowadays there’s an app for everything? I think the phrase applies to videos, too.

So here’s to many more laughs, endless inspiration and (here’s hoping!) new Inside Knot videos – bring it, 2012.

There are a few locations that have made my daily life at Knot PR effortless and even more enjoyable.

Your Need-To-Know Locations as a Knot PR Intern

1) Union Station

#travel

I spent the night before my first day at Knot PR deciphering the shortest walk to the office. Union Station was the result, serving as a perfect entrance point to a morning filled with the hustle and bustle of the downtown crowd.

INTERN TIP: Union Station is also a newspaper ‘hot-spot.’ Virtually all newspapers (Even the Weeklies’ The Grid, Now Magazine) are within your reach. If you exit outside the station there are people even handing them to you! And don’t forget the many options available to grab a quick coffee or a bite to eat in the A.M.

2) Staples Business Depot

#supplies

As with any office, supplies are necessary. Staples is deifnitely your ‘go-to’ for any office resources, and the location at King & Yonge is within walking distance.

INTERN TIP: Especially during a moving period, it is necessary to re-stock on new items. I’m talking lint brushes, a petty Cash Box,  new batteries, etc. Yours truly has price checked everywhere – and Staples is a definite cost-efficient #win.

3) European Delight

#food

Fresh, homemade perogies have become a staple of the Knot PR diet. European Delight located in the lower level of the St. Lawrence Market have perogies that are to die for and are a perfect lunch to keep you going on your busy day. Not only were they rated one of the Four Best perogies in the city you can get a dozen for $4.00! (With a dollop of sour cream, included FYI)

INTERN TIP: If perogies aren’t exactly your thing, the St. Lawrence Market has basically every food your little heart would desire. It’s all about exploration! Bon Apetit!

4) The Printing House

#admin

Finding a great scanner near our new location was a task entrusted to me. Luckily in the lower level of the Brookfield Place there is a The Printing House, who are  well educated on all types of Knot PR press processing needs.

INTERN TIP: As a Knot PR Intern, going to the scanner for weekly Press Processing is a mah-jor part of your time and the scans must be done perfectly. While you wait, there are a lot of food options in the Lower Level of Brookfield Place, should you schedule your Lunch pick-up and Scanner trip into one! (Scheduling saves time). And don’t forget you USB Key!

5) Starbucks

#social

Coffee is your friend as a PR girl, sometimes your best and only friend. But what better place to make friends than at Starbucks, or meet friends after work. Even walking to Starbucks with your co-worker is a small but enjoyable social time which you should enjoy, and grab a breath of fresh air.

INTERN TIP:Starbucks is also a great place to grab a quick bite, (Spinach Wraps) and another Newspaper Hot-Spot (Great Canadian Newstand is right next door for those international magazine hits!)

Honourable mentions: Shoppers Drug Mart,  Hank’s, Knot PR Office!