The Most Common Social Media Mishaps of People On-the-Go

Posted on February 22, 2013 by Shaun Chatman

Social Media is all the rage these days. Can you imagine going through an entire day and not posting your activities? Probably not. But should you post everything you do every day? One of the biggest risks you can make is posting too much information. Be careful of the possible dangers you may create if you post compromising information.

Letting the World Know “No One’s Home”

Don’t Let the World Know You’re Not Home

Image via Flickr by waferboard

Perhaps one of the most dangerous faux pas you can commit while out of town is alerting thieves that your home will be unoccupied for the foreseeable future. Burglars scour social media sites, hoping for a great post like this, alerting them to the fact that your home will be empty, and ripe for the picking.

Telling the World Where They Can Find You at All Times

Don’t Tell the World Where You Are

Image via Flickr by FlyingSinger

One of the most-used apps on social media sites is a geographical locator. These apps quickly let you tell others exactly where you are at the time of your post. Although this feature may seem like a neat way to say, “Look where I am!” it’s also a way to let potential danger find you. There are people out there who use social media networks to stalk their prey. If you use a geographical locator, you’re telling your potential stalker exactly when and where to find you.

Alerting Your Boss That You’re Not at Work

Don’t Let Your Boss Know Through Social Media

Image via Flickr by ilamont.com

Remember, when you post anything to your social media network, anyone can see it, including your boss. The last thing you want to have happen is for your boss to discover that you’re out of town when you’re supposed to be working.

Sharing Events That Should Remain Private

Don’t Share Private Stuff That You Don’t Want Others to Know

Image via Flickr by Daniel Morris

Have you ever been embarrassed about something you said the morning after a binder? Imagine having it plastered all over the Internet. If you post your status to your social media sites while you’re drunk and don’t realize what you’re doing, you risk having information you wanted to keep private leaking all over the web. More importantly, you risk future potential employers seeing what you want to keep private from them.

Posting The Location of Other People

Don’t Let Everyone Know the Location of Your Friends

Image via Flickr by AMagill

Even if you still feel comfortable posting your “away” status, other members or your group may not be. Remember, if you’re mentioning you’re away with a group of people, your companions are now in the spotlight too. Do not mention anything about the rest of your group being out of town if they’re not comfortable with it. Even if you don’t mention them by name, anyone who knows other members of your group will be able to figure out that they’re away too.

So the next time you’re out of town with your new ultrabook laptop, think twice before posting an update or Tweet. You Know what they say about “assume,” right? Well, never assume that you are safe when using social networking. You may think, “What’s the harm?” when posting what you’re doing while out of town, but there are too many potential dangers out there, and you need to protect yourself from them.

This article is written by Shaun Chatman, a prolific freelance writer who has been featured on many authority sites. In his spare time, Shaun loves playing with his two kids or his collection of gadgets.

Manolo Blahnik at London Fashion Week

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

One of Frost’s favourite shoe designers collaborated with one of Frost’s favourite hotels for this year’s London Fashion Week. Shoe designer Manolo Blahnik did the London Fashion Week windows at the May Fair Hotel

Inspired by the creative window displays of the world’s leading fashion houses, The May Fair Hotel stepped into London Fashion Week in style with the unveiling of its designer windows.

World-renowned shoe designer Manolo Blahnik CBE has collaborated with the British Fashion Council (BFC) this season to create the exclusive imagery of London Fashion Week campaign for Autumn Winter 2013. To celebrate the May Fair’s partnership with LFW, which is for the 6th year running the Official Hotel partner of London Fashion Week, these illustrations are also fronting the hotel’s façade on Stratton Street. Inspired by the designer’s personal career, this exclusive collection of illustrations represents key industry figures who have been a special influence in Manolo Blahnik’s life and career.

Talking about his collaboration with the May Fair, Manolo Blahnik said: “I’m very excited for my drawings to be featured in the May Fair windows. I have fond memories of the Starlight cinema club in the hotel as I used to go there when I was younger to watch films. I really enjoy going to the May Fair Hotel as it brings back those memories.”

Anthony Lee, General Manager of the May Fair Hotel, said: “I am delighted that with the support of our partners, the British Fashion Council, we have the privilege to introduce the legendary Mr Manolo Blahnik and his sublime ‘shoe-inspired’ designs.”

Caroline Rush, Chief Executive British Fashion Council commented “It is great to see Manolo Blahnik extending his creative collaboration with London Fashion Week to the May Fair Hotel Windows. His illustrations are world famous and truly capture the creative essence of London.”

Over 1 in 5 UK adults openly admit to buying counterfeit fashion

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

22% of people have knowingly bought counterfeit fashion items, with a further 10% saying they may have bought a fake item but can’t be sure. Only 34% of people say they know for sure they have never purchased fake fashion. The results were taken from an online survey of over 2,000 UK adults commissioned by luxury fashion resale site VestiaireCollective.com and YouGov* to ascertain the nation’s attitudes towards counterfeit fashion. According to ECCIA (European Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance) counterfeiting in Europe has grown by 5% in 2011, totalling losses of over 14 million euros.

The most popular counterfeit items those surveyed admitted to buying were ‘designer’ handbags, with 31% of respondents who had bought fake items saying they had picked up some replica designer arm candy. The second most frequently purchased fashion items were fake designer sunglasses and watches (24% respectively).

The most common reasons why UK adults buy fake fashion were to avoid paying designer prices (20%), and when they unknowingly purchased items online which appeared to be genuine but were actually fake (17%). Only 2% said they would buy fake fashion to emulate the style of a celebrity or someone they admire.

Younger people in the 25-34 age group were the most likely to knowingly buy fakes, with 24% saying they had bought counterfeit items. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the 55+ age group were the least likely to shop for fakes, with only 13% saying they had bought something they knew was not genuine. Men and women were just as likely to be culprits (18% vs. 17% respectively).

Sarah Bush, UK Marketing Director of Vestiaire Collective said: “Some people are complacent about buying ‘fake fashion’, seeing it as a chance to get an expensive look at a cheap price. But fake items can’t match the real deal for quality and craftsmanship – with a designer item you are investing in something which will look great and last for years to come“

She continued: “Instead of buying fake items, we encourage anyone who is set on picking up a designer item to buy authenticated pre-owned fashion. Pre-owned is an affordable way to experience real luxury items, and you can even resell items at a later date. We have over 8000 designer handbags for sale at Vestiaire Collective, with average prices ranging from 50-70% off RRP.”

In February 2012 Vestiaire Collective signed a charter against the sale of counterfeit goods with luxury brands including Céline, YSL, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermès. Vestiaire Collective employs a team of counterfeit experts at their Paris headquarters who verify each and every fashion item bought and sold on the site, working closely with designer fashion brands to analyse the correct stitching, materials etc.

How to Spot a Fake Fashion Item – Top Tips from Vestiaire Collective’s Counterfeit Spotting Team:

1. Only look at reputable websites. Shop at recognisable sites – all of your well-known favourites – for straight discounts. Don’t be tempted to shop sites you are unfamiliar with, especially those with ‘discount’ or ‘cheap’ in the URL.

2. Familiarise yourself with your favourite brands. Don’t be shy to check out items at a brand’s shop or concession in a department store. Inspect the item carefully and you’ll have better instincts as to what may not be right with a product.

3. Look at the hardware. On items such as handbags, the zipper should move smoothly and the pull should be heavy in feel. All other hardware should be similarly heavy and not hollow. There shouldn’t be any discolouring or signs of the metal flaking off.

4. Check the handles and look inside. The stitching should be in a straight line and the thread should be strong and not frayed or pulled. The leather should be smooth and match the bag in the way it does on the product you saw in the store. The same is true inside; if the fabric looks strange or exceedingly cheap, it’s likely a fake.

5. Logo. If the logo on a handbag, shoe or garment is upside down, sideways, cut off or somehow not right, again, you are likely looking at a fraudulent product.

Pritch London | London Fashion Week 2013

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

The beginning of London Fashion Week saw Handpicked Media throw their opening party which was hosted by Pritch. Pritch is a high end luxury brand who only use the finest leather to make their amazing jackets. I tried one on for size in the picture below. It was a brilliant opening party. Fashion photographer Gabor Zsantai was on hand to take some pictures. My good self and the Handpicked Media team are below.

Catherine Balavage

: The Handpicked Media team.

There was also gorgeous shoes from Karen K Boutique. Me wants.

This was a favourite of mine:

Here is what Pritch says about their brand:

Rebellious In a Conservative Society

A fusion of the senses and styles, this new PRITCH collection perfectly balances a
rebellious duality of rock harmony and high-end classic chic. Inspired by the multi-layered
personality, the mysterious individuality, of the desirably affluent socially active woman, the
PRITCH Autumn Winter 13 collection confidently reflects her essence and independent
lifestyle.

Made in Italy and featuring only premium leathers such as Antelope Silk, Agneau Guanterie
and Agneau Guanterie Suede, the PRITCH palette is grounded in black in all its depths,
with winter accents of grey and customized silver zips, nickel studs, metal snaps and leather
feathers.

The theme is immediately visible as a unique mix of rock ‘n’ roll and haute couture expressed
in the jackets’ wonderfully soft-feel and seductive contours but strong and outspoken designs.
With patch-worked seams, well-placed hidden studs and removable parts, we see surprising
multi-functional elements too; allowing the wearer to match the look to the outfit and
occasion as they please. As a finishing touch, every item in the PRITCH collection features
an especially comfortable lining and distinctive hand-stitched style befitting the all-round
quality of the brand.

Giving you creations perfect for an evening at the ballet when zipped, and night of untamed
rock ‘n’ roll unzipped, PRITCH delivers an atmosphere of bold ‘laissez faire’; a seamless
fusion of naturally sexy, very classy, and really quite rebellious character in a conservative
society. Perfect for the affluent and indeed fascinating cosmopolitan woman. Dare to be. You.

“Lazy” Brits? Over two-thirds would work for nothing to land dream job

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Frostie

Over two-thirds of the British public would be prepared to work for nothing for up to three months if it meant landing their dream job, according to a new survey of over 16,000 people from visionary social media-based recruitment website staffbay.com

The survey revealed that far from British workers being lazy and motivated by wages, as some have dubbed them, some 68 per cent said they would go without wages to get the job they coveted – with 10 per cent of them prepared for work for three months without pay.

Tony Wilmot, co-founder of staffbay.com, said: “These results tell us two things: that British workers are far from lazy; and that some people will go to extraordinary lengths to impress their employers. We certainly don’t think that Britain’s jobseekers want something for nothing, and this survey proves it. They’re obviously prepared to get Britain’s economy moving again – and for free.

“The ten per cent of respondents who would work for three months for nothing also shows that some people clearly think they are over-qualified for the job they’re currently in. With so many jobseekers now applying for the same position, many in the jobs market are having to settle for second-best.”

The news comes in the week after Geology graduate Cait Reilly successfully argued at the Appeal Court that her unpaid work placement at Poundland, which she had been required to do to continue to receive benefits, breached laws on forced labour.

Yesterday, Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan-Smith told the BBC that some people “thought Geology was more important than stacking shelves.”

Also in the news this week has been Adam Pacitti, who rose to prominence last month after he spent his last £500 on a billboard advertisement outlining his availability to work. Promoting himself in a new, innovative way has reaped dividends, as Pacitti has found work at a design agency. He’s since taken another billboard ad out to thank those who supported him during this jobsearch.

Elliot Kidd, co-founder of staffbay.com adds: “As Adam himself pointed out in the press: ‘Employers are bored of looking at a sheet of A4 paper. Do something different.’ We couldn’t agree more, and that’s why we allow jobseekers to upload multimedia files, including video, to our website.

“Adam’s original billboard advertisement alerted employers to his website where they could watch a video CV he’d put together. One and a half million people saw the video, and now Adam has landed himself a job.

“I congratulate Adam for the innovative way he’s gone about promoting himself – jobseekers everywhere should take note. Our survey shows that by going the extra mile to attract the attention of employers, jobseekers can find the job they’ve always dreamed of.”

Top Tips on Independent Film Making from Ollie Kepler’s Expanding Purple World

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

5 top tips for shooting an independent film

Arnold Maude, Associate Producer on Ollie Kepler’s Expanding Purple World, shares his light-hearted tips to ensure you keep your sanity and things run smoothly when shooting an independent production:

1. Cleanliness is next to Godliness: Have enough clean clothes for the duration of the shoot. You may think you can recycle but depending on the conditions of the shoot this could be an unpopular choice with the rest of the crew!

2. Location, location, location: When scouting for locations consider transport and parking. If you’re filming in the capital Film London can help but if you’re going off the beaten track you may find yourself stuck feeding meters.

3. Hello? Is anyone home? You don’t want to turn up on the first day of filming and find yourself unable to access your location – especially not with crew waiting and your actors due to appear. Make sure you not only have the phone number of the key-holder but also his flatmate’s number and that of a handy neighbour. Just in case. Is this paranoia or experience?

4. You’ve got mail: As you begin preproduction you will receive an ever-increasing deluge of emails which will pile up like a tanker load of poured concrete. Start organising your email folders now when it’s quiet because when things get going it’ll be like feeding a troop of monkeys all screaming for your attention.

5. Friends with benefits: Don’t cast your friends, at least not in a main role (unless you’re friends with Hugh Grant or similar in which case my advice to them is not to act in your film). This is about credibility, casting your mate is a good way to lose any you may have. Casting actors who may not necessarily be famous but of whom the industry is aware makes you a more credible proposition.

Ollie Kepler’s Expanding Purple World is screening at select cinemas across the country from Monday 18^th Feb – Thursday 21^st Feb, the independent production by Fruitcake Films is unlike most artistic representations of mental illness. www.olliekepler.com

And because we are feeling generous….5 (more) top tips for shooting an independent film

There are a range of legal barriers and production problems you might encounter when working on an independent film project. Arnold Maude, Associate Producer on Ollie Kepler’s Expanding Purple World, shares his top five tips to avoid the most costly errors:

1. Digital Production: Learn as much as you can about the technical side of production. As digital production becomes ever more dominant if you don’t know the lay of the land you are going to get lost in the binary jungle. Get a guide if you can. You don’t need to remember the specifics but an understanding of the issues and processes involved will be invaluable.

2. Credibility: Credibility is one of the most useful things to have when putting together a film. If you can afford it, one of the easiest ways of establishing credibility is to join the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT). PACT membership signals you are guaranteeing a level of professionalism as you must meet certain minimum production standard. Membership will establish your production as a serious one.

3. Soundtrack: If you have heard a song on the radio you can’t afford it – even if the band says you can use the song, they won’t own the rights. You need two sets of rights – the Synch rights and the Master Use license. This is where unsigned bands shine. They can be very generous and are often just happy that you want to use their music. Pay them something; even if it’s only a token.

4. Cameras: I’ve seen people agonise over what camera they should use before they had even written the script! There’s not much point in trying to figure this out in advance of preproduction as you will eventually discuss it with your Director of Photography. Technology moves on at such a pace it’s pretty nigh impossible to predict what the situation will be in a years time. By the time you get into preproduction an entire new generation of digital equipment could be available.

5. Script Clearance: If you want to sell your film in the US you will need to have the script cleared by a specialist agency and then have a lawyer look over the report. The US is an incredibly litigious nation and if, for example, you accidentally use the name of an existing business then you open yourself up to a possible lawsuit. For protection against legal action you’ll need script clearance in order to obtain Errors and Omissions insurance.

LANA DEL REY RELEASES MUSIC VIDEO FOR NEW TRACK ‘BURNING DESIRE’

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

SONG ALSO SET TO APPEAR AS SOUNDTRACK FOR NEW SHORT FILM BY JAGUAR AND RIDLEY SCOTT ASSOCIATES

Frost Magazine favourite, Lana Del Rey is back with a new song. Known for her brilliant music videos, this one does not disappoint.

Brit and Ivor Novello award winner Lana Del Rey today released the video for ‘Burning Desire’. It was written and composed by the singer songwriter and will feature as the title track to a special film called ‘Desire’ starring Golden Globe winner Damian Lewis, which has been created by Jaguar and the award winning producers Ridley Scott Associates.

The ‘Burning Desire’ music video was filmed on location in South East London at the infamous Rivoli Ballroom, a Grade II listed former cinema that was transformed in the 1950’s and is the only remaining intact ballroom from its period in London.

The distinctive venue’s eclectic mix of neo-classical, deco style perfectly complements Lana’s original style. In the video she is seen wearing a vintage Ghost floor length silk dress as she performs the track.

Lana Del Rey said:

“Film has always been so precious to me and I’m so proud to be a part of what Jaguar have envisioned for their new car with Damian Lewis. Making art means making tough decisions. I do believe you create your own life path and that you will be rewarded for following your passions – and sticking to it. It’s just good to know now, with people like Jaguar and working with them, that I’m not the only one out there with such strident, creative beliefs.”

Lana Del Rey’s collaboration with the luxury car brand was first announced last September, with the singer performing the song for the first and only time to an exclusive and intimate audience at Paris’s Musee Rodin at the global reveal of the F-TYPE. The F-TYPE is the first two-seater sports car from Jaguar since the iconic E-type was launched 50 years ago.

The film that features the track tells the story of Clark (Damian Lewis), who delivers cars for a living, running into trouble after a chance encounter with a mysterious, young woman (Shannyn Sossamon) in the middle of a lawless desert. Directed by Adam Smith, this is a story of betrayal, retribution, passion and greed. The film will be released in Spring 2013.

To view exclusive content from the Desire film set, be sure to visit http://F-TYPE.com.

How To Find And Play Great Games Online

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Ella Mason

If you’re anything like me, then you’ll be pretty addicted to the Internet – from constantly checking your social media accounts, catching up on the latest current affairs, finding the latest deals on the latest fashions, and even, playing online games to help and cure your boredom on a rainy day.

But, I often find that it’s enjoying the latter that often leaves me in a little bit of a predicament – I never know where to find the best games. Whether I’m on my lunch break, or looking for a little bit of entertainment in the evenings or at weekends, I always have trouble finding a great game that leaves me captivated and enthralled. The Internet has so many capabilities these days that anyone can create games at the touch of a button, often meaning that gaming fanatics such as you and I are left to try and trawl through all of the spam just to find a fun new game.

Well, to help you on your quest to find great games online, here are a few tried and tested ways to help you wade through the spam sites, helping you to find – and play – those great games straight away.

1. Read Forums

If you’re looking for an amazing new game to try out and are open to new suggestions on what games to try, then gaming forums are a great place to start. Gaming forums are quite often filled with a plethora of gaming fanatics just like you, all eager to trying out the latest new games, express their thoughts to them, as well as give other users hints and tips to help them get the most out of a particular game – so you can see exactly what other people think about new games that are released, and from them you can determine whether or not the game is worth giving a go.

2. Check Out Reviews

Now, I bet if you own a smartphone and you happen to love games then there’s also a high chance that the app store on your mobile phone has become one of your best technological friends. Why? Because aside from letting you download games at your fingertips, it’s one of the best platforms for being able to quickly see what games have newly been released. And what’s more, with many app stores featuring their very own top charts, they also allow you to see what games are good, and which ones aren’t – thanks to their user review and rating system. Now, although I’m talking about using your mobile phone to find great games here, it’s a great way to make sure you’re not running into those pesky gaming spam websites – because other users will have done all that work for you. Simply download the top rated games from your app store’s charts and you’re guaranteed to have endless hours of fun! If your mobile phone’s display is just a little too small for you to fully enjoy your chosen game, then many apps nowadays allow you to connect online and download the app on your tablet, and even, on your laptop.

3. Subscribe To A Popular Gaming Blog

I love to find out all of the latest news when it comes to technology and gaming, and one of the best ways that helps me to do this is through gaming blogs. As well as regularly checking them online, many blogs allow you to physically subscribe to them. By simply entering your email address into the blogs system, the site will proceed to email you with any new blog posts, articles or news updates, so you can stay updated whenever you are. So, if a new blog post comes in about an amazing new game that’s been released, you’ll get notified straight away so you can download it as soon as you get home!

And, what’s more, subscribing to a popular online gaming blog will mean that the blog will also physically do all of the sifting of the spam sites from the good sites, for you too. For example, many gaming blogs will feature only the highest quality casinos, games and apps, so their readers can be rest assured that they’ll only ever receive updates of the highest quality entertainment and sites.

This article was contributed by Stuart Harrison, an experienced gaming and casino writer. You can find more about Stuart, here.