REI Sets Up Camp in New York with SoHo Location

REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), a national retailer providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, will hold the grand opening of REI SoHo, its first location in New York City, in the Puck Building on December 2 through 4.

The 35,000 square-foot store will outfit customers with the top brands of outdoor gear and apparel on three levels, including its exclusive award-winning REI brand and Novara bike products. Upon opening, the main floor will feature camping, climbing, cycling, snow sports and travel products, while men's, women's and kid's clothing and footwear will be housed on the cellar level.

"Our first store in New York City is the keystone for our six Tri-State locations working together to outfit the abundance of outdoor enthusiasts and visitors in the greater New York City area," said Tim Spangler, REI's senior vice president of Retail. "As one of our most extensive restoration projects to date, REI SoHo provides a unique opportunity to blend our nearly 75-year history with the iconic legacy of the Puck Building."

REI partnered with Callison, a global architecture and design firm, to incorporate elements of the natural world and historical items that were reclaimed from the Puck Building into the retail space. Significant design elements include:

• The building's brick walls and ceilings, and steel columns were exposed to honor the original structure as it appeared in the late 1890's
• A central stairwell connects the main floor with two sub-grade shopping levels, open to the public for the first time
• Wood from the original construction was repurposed into the store's cashier counters and canopies, display tables, chair railings, mirrors, wall coverings, signage and more
• Two focal chandeliers were refurbished by partnering with local artist Robert Odgen
• Two 14-foot flywheels from the building's original steam power plant are showcased on the cellar level near historical walls featuring REI's founders, Lloyd and Mary Anderson, and the Puck Building heritage
• Approximately 30 original stone printing tablets discovered during construction and dating back to the early 1900's are displayed near the cellar level cashier area
• Display tables throughout the store incorporate additional historic items found in the Puck Building, including stairs, fans and steel from the original steam power plant

The Puck Building, the original home of Puck magazine and J. Ottman Lithographic Company, is one of the great surviving buildings of New York's old printing and publishing district dating back to the 19th century. The building was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1983. During the construction process, REI worked closely with a historian and experts at the Smithsonian to learn about the building's historical objects and their future care.

REI SoHo will house bike and ski shop services on two levels—a quick stop on the main floor and full shop on the sub-cellar level. A rental department will offer seasonal gear fo women's coats r New Yorkers to try outdoor activities. The store's community space will allow REI and its local nonprofit partners to host outdoor classes, presentations and events.

"Our SoHo store brings the outdoor expertise that our customers expect from REI directly to New York consumers," said Les Hatton, REI SoHo store manager. "From the bike and ski stop on the main level to home delivery services, REI is making it easier for these urban adventurers to enjoy the outdoors."

In addition to hosting in-store classes through its community room, REI offers outdoor classes and trips through REI Outdoor School and REI Adventures. Participants can sign up for day or multi-day adventures that take place in regional outdoor locations with REI instructors who teach a variety of activities, from learning how to snowshoe to navigating with a GPS device. Paddling courses will be available in the spring.

In each of its communities, the company partners with local nonprofits that work to preserve natural spaces through activities such as gear donations, financial contributions and event promotions. In the past 12 months, REI donated more than $300,000 to organizations restoring or maintaining outdoor areas in the Tri-State area, including the Bronx River Alliance, Central Park Conservancy, Friends of the High Line, Prospect Park Alliance and New York Restoration Project. Last month, REI SoHo employees also volunteered in each of New York City's five boroughs.

With 2010 sales of $1.66 billion, REI is the nation's largest consumer cooperative. While anyone may shop at REI, members pay a one-time $20 fee and receive a share in the company's profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. Earlier this year, $94.3 million in annual refunds was distributed to more than 4.4 million active members based on the co-op's 2010 sales.

REI currently operates 122 retail stores and two online stores, rei.com and REI-OUTLET.com. The company hired approximately 150 employees for the new SoHo store, who took part in REI's comprehensive training program. For 14 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by FORTUNE magazine as one of "100 Best Companies to Work for in America."

About REI
REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.

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Woman Within® launches WW Active

Woman Within?, a plus size women's fashion brand in the portfolio of Redcats USA's OneStopPlus Group, announced today the launch of WW Active, a product line that empowers plus size women to live healthy and active lifestyles.

WW Active was created to provide plus size women specially designed apparel, accessories, exercise and home equipment for activities such as: cycling, workouts at the gym, spa treatments, swimming, walking, running, yoga and pilates.

"A large segment of the 62 percent of U.S. women considered plus-size are living an active lifestyle, yet they have difficulty finding the right clothing to wear for exercising and participating in physical activities," said Neil Mulhall, Sr. Vice President/General Brand Manager for Woman Within?. "Our talented in-house design team developed WW Active based on decades of plus size expertise and a strong understanding of designing comfortable products for active women."

The new product line features top selling items including: tops, bottoms, tees, jackets, intimates, swimwear and outerwear in sizes ranging from M to 6X. The WW Active collection is designed to be worn as "everyday" active wear so women on-the-go can go straight from the gym to running errands without sacrificing fashion. WW Active also offers gym equipment and small appliances for the home (i.e. juicers, smoothie makers), providing a full lifestyle experience.

"Active inspired clothing is a key trend that serves today's dynamic woman. It allows her to be versatile and stylish throughout her different activities without having to constantly change outfits. This curated collection specifically designed for the plus-size woman offers the ease of movement, and the versatility of function, while looking great!" said Zahir Babvani, Vice President of Design, OneStopPlus Group.

To further promote the importance of good health, WW Active has created an online community for the active plus size woman – wwactivelife.com. This lifestyle blog shares tips on food, body wellness, beauty and a healthy outlook; women's jackets online it also encourages plus size women to interact with each other and share personal insights about how they are living a healthy and active lifestyle.

To place an order, go to WomanWithin.com or call 800-248-2000 anytime 24/7. Customers looking for extra savings can get 20% off on WW Active orders by using coupon code WWActive20 (expires 2/28/12 - 20% off ENTIRE order, excluding clearance). You can also find WW Active on the web's only plus size shopping mall at OneStopPlus.com.

Other websites in the OneStopPlus portfolio include: OneStopPlus.com, Roamans.com, JessicaLondon.com, fullbeauty.com, KingSizeDirect.com, BrylaneHome.com and BCOutlet.com.

For additional information, please visit: WomanWithin.com, or connect via Woman Within?'s Facebook and Twitter pages.

About Redcats USA
Redcats USA is a dynamic, web-driven home-shopping leader with numerous successful brands and specialized e-commerce sites in its portfolio: OneStopPlus.com?, AVENUE?, Woman Within?, Jessica London?, Roaman's?, fullbeauty.com, KingSize?, BrylaneHome?, Bargain Catalog Outlet – BCO?, The Sportsman's Guide? , Bargain Outfitters?, Boating Savings?, Work Wear Savings?, TGW.com - The Golf Warehouse?, Baseball Savings?, Softball Savings? and Soccer Savings?. Redcats USA offers a wide range of value and quality driven merchandise categories, including men's and women's plus-size apparel, home and lifestyle products, and sporting goods/outdoor gear. Redcats USA is a Redcats company.

About Redcats
Redcats is a leading worldwide online retailer for fashion and home furnishings. The group gathers 17 European and US based brands in 31 countries: Avenue?, Woman Within?, Jessica London?, Roaman's?, KingSize?, BrylaneHome?, OneStopPlus.com, The Sportsman's Guide?, The Golf Warehouse?, Ellos, La Redoute, Vertbaudet, Cyrillus, Somewhere, Daxon, Stella McCartney Kids and Castaluna. In 2010, Redcats generated 3.436 billion euros of sales including 54% on Internet and employs over 14,000 associates. Redcats distribution network combines more than 70 e-commerce sites, nearly 600 stores and around 30 catalogues for 26 million active customers. Redcats is a PPR Company. For any further information: http://www.redcats.com

Contact Information
Karen Davis
Corporate PR & Communications
Redcats USA
Karen.davis(at)redcatsusa(dot)com
212-502-9315

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Win £1000 of personal styling and shopping advice from Michaela Jedinak stylist and founder of Joy of Clothes.

Win ?1000 voucher to spend on personal styling and shopping advice from Michaela Jedinak. (http://www.michaelajedinak.com) ?350 online style advice and 1/2 day personal shopping in London or ?1000 online style advice to include style consultation and online personal shopping recommendations. The winner will receive fashion tips on how to look their best everyday together with style advice on what to wear for their body shape, eye,hair and skin colour.

Entry to the competition is through liking us on Facebook or signing up to Joy of Clothes newsletter or creating and sharing look on Joy of Clothes Style Me. Each look created and visible on users profile on the site at the closing date will generate an entry.

The new "Style Me "channel is the first step to create a model and look. A series of step by step questions, simply illustrated, allows women to create their own avatar based on a set of seven body shapes and their own unique combination of eye, hair and skin colouring. They can then create, share and buy looks from over 3,000 clothes and accessories in over 100 different colours.

The competition closes at 7pm (London time) on 31st March 2012. At the close of the competition Joy of Clothes will draw at random one winner from all valid entries received. The prize will be given to a randomly selected entrant and cannot be transferred to another person. The prize may not be redeemed for cash.The winner will be notified by email within 24 hours of the draw taking place. Entrants must be over 18. Further te fashion coats online rms and conditions apply.

ABOUT JOY OF CLOTHES

Joy of Clothes. Discover and buy the clothes that flatter your body shape,eye,hair and skin colour. Stylist advice on how to look your best. Create your model to see what to wear for your body shape .Buy womens clothes from all the top shops and designers.

Joy of Clothes was founded by Michaela Jedinak and David Lethbridge

Michaela Jedinak has a unique range of experience from the fashion, media and design industry in London, New York, Milan and Prague. As MD of Cosmopolitan Prague, she developed her passion for colour and style, before going on to set up her highly successful colour and style consultancy. More details at michaelajedinak.com

Michaela Jedinak michaela(at)joyofclothes(dot)com Mobile: 0044 780 313 9755

David Lethbridge has a consumer marketing background followed by over 20 years new media experience. David was co-founder and CEO Confetti , one of the first wave of consumer internet businesses in the UK . Developed Confetti into a profitable multi-channel business including stores, catalogues and Confetti branded products and books.

David Lethbridge david(at)joyofclothes(dot)com Mobile: 0044 795 736 2133

Georgina Martin PR Consultant g(at)georginamartin(dot)net Mobile: 0044 798 647 2967

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Triple Help, Times Two: Two Single Mothers, Each With Triplets, Receive Grants

Seven years ago, Meirav Altmark, a Los Angeles resident, got wonderful news – she was pregnant with triplets. Life was wonderful and Meirav delivered three premature, but beautiful, babies.

The father left before they were born. The children were not well, and their care became Meirav's priority. Because of her time commitments at home, Meirav had to quit her job. Financial hardship followed.

Because of Meirav's dedication, all three children are now healthy. Meirav found time to look for work but one thing was holding her back – her lack of transportation.
It was a struggle to get the children to school. Tasks such as doctor appointments and grocery shopping were difficult. A way to get around would allow Meirav to work again.
In Hollywood, a similar story was playing out for Sabrina Phillips. Sabrina was pregnant with triplets. Because she was a "high-risk pregnancy," the doctor ordered her not to work. The babies' father left and Sabrina found herself a single parent to three newborns. With women's coats no one there to help, Sabrina had to stay home.

Sabrina moved to Sacramento where she and her babies struggled. They were healthy, but money was tight. She hadn't worked in four years.
"I didn't have money for childcare. It seemed like I couldn't get ahead," Sabrina said.

The situations were referred to Phillips Charitable Organization and both women received grants from Charles Phillips and PCO.

"The grant was a great blessing," Sabrina said. "It allowed me to focus on getting back into the work force. I eliminated debt, got my finances in order, and was able to pay for the children's dental care, food and clothes. This grant was a life saver."

In Meirav's case, Phillips Charitable Organization joined forces with Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles (JBBBSLA). Together, the organizations were able to provide a mini-van, insurance and gas for the family.

"These two strong women have the enormous responsibility of raising triplets alone. PCO is pleased that Meirav and Sabrina are now on a positive track to reach their family and career goals" said Young Hug, Board Member, PCO.

After two years of operation, Phillips Charitable Organization's grants have helped many families in financial crises. PCO specifically helps single parents, engineering students, and military veterans – three constituencies dear to Charles Phillips and the board members.

Two major operating principles of PCO are to (1) evaluate and decide on grants quickly, normally within 48 hours, to help people with urgent challenges and (2) expend 100% of foundation funds on helping people in need and nothing on administrative overhead which is funded by the board itself. PCO was founded by four lifelong friends including its president, Charles Phillips, CEO of Infor.

To donate or for more information, contact Philips Charitable Organizations: 888 838-1077, info(at)phillipscharitable(dot)org

DownEast Basics Showcases Best New Fashion Trends In its Summer 2012 Collection

DownEast Basics, a high-style, low-price retailer that specializes in trendy fashions as well as modest clothing, is helping shoppers make the most of warm weather with its Summer 2012 collection that showcases some of the season's very best fashion trends. With new styles for women, teens and girls, women's jackets the DownEast brand delivers high-end looks at always-affordable prices.

"I had so much fun designing our Summer 2012 collection with styles that are exciting, fresh and very on-trend," said DownEast's head clothing designer Andrea Updike. "We're offering the boldest new colors and design details you see on runways and in high-end boutiques – but without the high prices that go along with them. This season, color your summer 'fun' with our sunny yellows, blues, corals, pretty pastels and playful, retro mix-and-match prints."

The DownEast "Basics" concept continues to be well-priced, wardrobe-building essentials combined with favorite new trends that can be easily layered and mixed for versatility and a put-together look. In summer, these looks can take you from the beach or other outdoor activities right into evening.

Updike talks about how to incorporate some of the summer's hottest fashion trends that are in DownEast Basics' Summer 2012 collection:

•     Big Color: "Now is not the time to be intimidated by color! Face your color fears by pairing almost any bright shades together, including neon. And don't forget about the PANTONE? Color of the Year, Tangerine Tango. Find your key pieces for summer in this shade. I suggest DownEast's Lightly Layered Tee belted, tucked or worn straight with some colored denims. If you're still feeling color shy, try brights with neutrals."
•     Stripes on Stripes: "Mix and match your stripes – any color, any direction works! Forget the idea that stripes are not flattering. Believe it or not, stripes can do just the opposite and flatter any figure when styled right. Keep body proportions in check by creating a narrow waistline. To get your stripe on, try our Long Love Maxi Skirt that can be worn as a skirt or dress, our Card Catalog Cardi, Word Up Top or West Indies Top."
•     Tonal Time: "With the brilliant brights of the season, play with pairing different shades of the same color. Combining four shades of blue keeps your look unexpectedly cool. You can do this with our Tea Cup Top, Betty Cardi, Wonder Cami and Anchor Skirt."
•     Pretty Pastels: "Everyone from Versace to Vuitton paired pastels in their spring and summer collections and you can, too! Check out our Lacey Afternoon Dress and Worlds Apart Blouse. Such a pretty silhouette for a pretty little price."
•     Retro & Vintage Swimwear: Keep it classy this season with your swimwear. Mix the season's bright hues with trendy vintage silhouettes. Nothing captures that more than our vintage-inspired swim pieces like our Sausalito Halter and French Indies Bikini, our Retro Revival Suit and Silver Screen Suit."

This season, for the first time DownEast Swim's popular mix-and-match options and designs to complement every body type are joined by an adorable new swimwear collection for girls.

All DownEast styles mentioned are available online at http://www.downeastbasics.com or your local DownEast store.

About DownEast Basics

DownEast Basics (http://www.downeastbasics.com) offers high-design looks on a bargain basement budget for today's cost-conscious yet fashionable consumer. The DownEast Basics clothing line features smart layering pieces and wardrobe enhancing garments so you can embrace the American classic look with your own sense of style.

Shop for cute tops, womens sweaters, modest dresses and accessories at Downeastbasics.com.

The fast-growing retailer operates nationally with its Basics line via its online store in addition to 47 locations throughout the West including in Utah, Colorado, California, Idaho, Arizona, Washington, Nevada and Wyoming.

All the Colours of the Rainbow: Summer’s Most Colourful Shoes

If there is one thing almost every trend has in common this summer it's colour. From pastel shades of vanilla, lemon, mint, lilac and dusty pink to neon hues of fuchsia, canary yellow, coral and emerald green and retro colours like mustard, burnt orange and cobalt blue the season is a rainbow of colour oozing with vibrancy and vividness. Colour extends from head – including hats and headscarves – to toe, with all kinds of summery womens shoes to choose from. New Look has an almost endless collection of shoes, including heels, wedges, flats and pumps this season and it is full of advice and style tips on how to wear its latest styles.

Pretty fashion jackets online pastel shades come together in harmony in New Look's Pastel Snake Print Platform Wedge Heels, ?24.99. Right from the delicate yellow toe straps and sole edging and mint coloured ankle strap with cute gold buckle to the snake print detailing these wedges are summer's hottest shoes. New Look advises you to wear these pastel wedges with a pleated silk midi skirt, skinny belt, cotton cami and retro sunglasses.

As an ode to the late eighties and early nineties, fashion has adopted vivid neon shades, tropical floral prints, black and metallic contrasts and plenty of Latin flavour. The Tropical Printed Wedges, ?24.99 are on trend and on budget. Boasting a cork wedge heel, raffia platform, crossover front straps, buckled ankle strap and open toe these wedges are flattering and stylish. Pair these with a tropical print bodycon girls skirt, silk neon coloured blouse and plenty of kitsch, gold jewellery.

Douse your feet in colour with New Look's Colour Block Strappy Heel, ?19.99. These five-inch heels mean business with a catching colour combination of pink, green and purple stiletto heels, slim platform, crossover straps, peep toe and low ankle strap. These dramatic heels need a dramatic dress to match. New Look's online collection of Quontum dresses will do perfectly.

About New Look

New Look are award winning fashion retailers, and offer a wide choice of clothing to suit all tastes. From jackets to handbags, maternity clothes to jumpsuits, mens shoes to kidswear, New Look offers glamorous clothing at affordable prices.