Sample Box Presentation

Receiving parcels in the post has always been an stimulating moment; the intrigue of what is inside,  the wonder of who has sent it and the anticipation to open it. 

These feelings will only grow as companies become paperless and nearly all correspondence (business or otherwise) is conducted virtually.  This, I think, leaves your sample boxes as the perfect vehicle to not only show the beautiful, chic branding but to surprise clients with a reminder of the Belu's human side, the people working there that really care about what they are doing.  

Instead of clients seeing these samples as a sales push, I think that they can be seen as a gift.  In a similar strain to the gifts Belu provides to and through Water Aid - you can "gift" your clients water, knowledge and hopefully a clean conscience once they start stocking Belu.



Presentation Options

With each of these options I hold the idea in mind that the client knows that their sample has had time taken over it and been handled by someone at the company. This I hope would give the impression that is a gift that has had care and time given to it, to make them feel special, not just one of 100's receiving it a carbon copy pack.

In detailing these below, I do not envision them all working simultaneously but picking a few that work well combined. 



Stamp


-A customised stamp with Belu's logo and tag line is not only a way to give each box a clear brand but also a personal touch that can be consistent and quick. 

The stamp can be designed and purchased from English Stamp, the inkpad also (I believe Navy or Purple may be a colour match)

The custom wood handle stamp costs £16.00 and would be a one-off cost with the inkpads costing £10 each time.

All of their stamps are made in Dorset and they use hardwood English mounts from a sustainable source. The stamps themselves are made of polymer, not natural rubber. Compared to natural rubber, the process uses around 95% less electricity to manufacture and produces about 67% less waste material. 




Ribbons 


- This is a very clear representation the gift idea that I am trying to carry through.  Also, I believe a ribbon would draw the attention of whoever receives the sample and make them take time to undo it instead of putting it to one side. This would hopefully keep them intrigued and as such investigate inside, looking at the impact report and bottles perhaps more so than if there was no "ritual" involved in opening the box.









This natural jute string from Papermash I think would look very natural and understated, in keeping with the ethical and eco-friendly ideaology carried in Belu's messages (e.g.not using any possible harmful dyes)

From an aesthetic point of view, this natural colour will be good in making any Belu logos or colouring stand out - 30 meters of string costs £2.85.

For a more polished finish, this personalised ribbon from Signature Ribbon could be designed to the exact Belu blue or with the logo on it. This could be in lieu of of any other branding on the box making it a quick, stylish and effective way to present the samples. 










Swing Tags

*Photograph sourced & edited from Lovely Tape*

-100% recyled and uncoated swing tags can be bought from A Local Printer (a certified eco-friendly UK company) and either printed with a Belu logo, personalised with a stamped logo or even be written to whoever the contact you have been corresponding with or know you want it to go to; 1000 tags can be purchased for £60 with free delivery.

All of their swing tags are printed with either vegetable oil based inks or eco-friendly toner.  

Stickers

-Incorporating stickers as a decoration or sealing method is a speedy and consistent way to brand the boxes (much like the stamping) although  less personal. 

However they are a good way to utilise the space on the outside of the box to deliver our messages. People that perhaps might not read to the end of the impact report will know at least one thing about Belu, even if they don't open the box!

Example 1.

Example 2.

Example 3.

90 x 90 mm square stickers can be purchased from A Local Printer with up to 5 different designs for 1000 for £67 with free delivery. 

- Moo also print high quality stickers and 12 different designs can be used to create packs of 50 84 x 55mm stickers for £19.19 each (incl. VAT).  However, Moo does not mention their stance on eco-friendly printing that A Local Printer does.

Example 4.

- If you did not want to have such bold writing on the box, or wanted only the Belu logo stamped on the box, you could produce a simpler sticker (as above) just as on the background of your website and the images in the impact report. These could be seen as a sort of  "signature" on the swing tag without having more writing detracting from the logo.

Box Options

Eco Friendly & Ethical  


- This 'BX40' box is from Eco Craft  a UK based company providing a wide range of recycled box and stationery options. 

Size: 305 x 216 x 57 mm PRICE: for 50 or more packs/items  = £0.60 each (Including VAT)

This box specifically is made from 95% recycled materials and does not need glue for construction meaning it can be easily assembled and dissembled for recycling again.  Whilst it will still accommodate the sample, it is slightly smaller than the box you are currently using meaning less void fill will be necessary to protect your bottles.




- A second option in this category comes in the form of AB4K, a brown kraft 2 piece pop-up box from Tiny Box Company; This is a company created by one woman in order to provide ethical packaging for herself and others. 

This box is made of 100% recycled materials and is slightly bigger and cheaper than the above. 

Size: 430x 280  x 64 mm
Price:  300+ units : £0.52 + VAT each

Both these boxes would most likely need to be secured with a ribbon or tape for ensured closure.

As tape was not a main presentation idea, I have listed it here instead of above:

- Tape  


This Washi Tape looks like the correct hue of blue to seal up a Belu box, the cost is £2.90 for 15 meters. I envision the tape being used to look like a "flat ribbon" with a stamp on the box itself.





High End / Gift Box  


- This fully recyclable 'Eco Kraft' box is available to buy from Foldabox who are based in Maldon (so not too far for the boxes to travel!) 

Size: 300 x 212 x 87 mm
Price: 1 carton of 24 = £72.00  (Including VAT) / £3.00 per item

This box is sealed with a magnetic closure in the front flap leaving us able to choose our embellishments purely on aesthetic reasoning which would leave a wider choice rather falling to some of the limits of practicality.  Similarly to the above, this box requires no glue for construction and can be disassembled for recycling or storage. 

Although the pricing on this box is a little higher than others, Foldabox offers discounts of between 5% and 10% depending on whether you spend £450 or £650 (excl. VAT & carriage). The discounts codes are as follows:

bigorderdiscount = 5%

reallybigorderdiscount = 10%

In addition to this, they also offer an automatic 10% discount for charities, the discount code which can be obtained by contacting Fiona@foldabox.co.uk




 - These bespoke boxes from BoxMart were very appealing due to their "gift box" look, sturdiness and high end finish. Also the offer of a bespoke service  means a logo could be added to the box and save time with someone having to brand each sample package. 

It seemed to me though that you were already using this type of box and instead of offering this up as a new idea, that an option would be to continue buying the boxes from WBC. This means that cost, size and practicality are not called in to question and we can concentrate on adapting the finish of each box being sent out. 




Mailing Boxes 


-With the exception of the Foldabox option, I believe all the boxes would fit in to your current protective outer packaging. 

-For the Foldabox box, this outer packaging from Defendapack is purpose built for it and so fits perfectly. For a box of 24 the cost would be £28.63 (incl VAT) and free shipping. 





Void Fill

-Tying in with the natural colours of the boxes, swing tags and other presentation options, I have found this natural wood wool from Bag 'n' Box Man to use to protect the bottles. I think that this will compliment the bottles and look better than shredded paper which can sometimes clump together under pressure. 

It can be purchased for £5.76 (excl. VAT) for a 1kg bag and the Bag 'n' Box Man has a well detailed environmental policy.


- For a slightly less expensive option, this biodegradable and recyclable Shredpak shredded paper from Shredhouse  can be purchased at 10kg for £37.50. I think on this occasion the "cream" would be a more attractive choice than the "natural", but there are a few neutral colours to choose from which you may prefer. 



- The final option for void fill is slightly off kilter but as it was such an interesting take on this area I felt that I should include it.  Leavs Packaging grow produce on their farm such as maize and incorporate this with other things to create a wholly natural void fill.  Flowers, popcorn and leaves make up this colourful, natural and forward-thinking product. 

Popfil Amaizing Extreme

They hope to reduce the amount of plastic going to landfill, assist the Government reaching their recycling and composting targets and save energy by reducing the amount of oil and synthetic products that go in to making plastic void fill. 

There are 6 different fillers and they range from £22.25 - £41.75 for 10 kg.

Labels:

Queen of Print

Mary Katrantzou has outdone herself once again. I cannot stop searching for stills from her A/W 2012 show at LFW.  Not only did she push all my visual receptors with her prints (as standard) but I started to notice how skilled she is with cut & shape.


She gave us a great window to this skill with her infamous lampshade skirt. I would say this was in around two lengths, and we could see her dabbling with other, softer forms.  Nothing too drastic; an asymmetric hem, some fringing and subtle peplums.

I was mainly in awe of her digital prints. They were stunning and her concepts unbelievably refreshing. But this season I could really see how much she has developed her skill & confidence with shapes & silhouettes. And if they weren't good enough before, her prints are even more stunning!


Although a lot of the pieces I noticed most were delicate pastels and very du jour, I couldn't help but be drawn in to the beetle-like, strong silhouettes of the green hedge dresses and the red typewriter numbers. 

This is because I mentioned "armour" a few posts ago and is exciting to see more of it! (but I'm probably just seeing it because I want to!)

I think a strong favourite of mine was the hedge pattern print but my overall winner was this absolute dream of a dress

Labels: Designer, Fashion, Thoughts

Rumour Has It

The ever stunning Adele covers Vogue US this month and I have heard/read some "praising" the fact they have not just used a head shot (a la Vogue UK) and are "showing her body". Others getting riled up that they aren't. Well, they aren't, they are showing her glorious cleavage, which is a curve everybody embraces anyway.

 I feel perhaps that we all may be over thinking this and, due to her having one of the most stunning bone structures, lips and eyes, that the best shots on the roll were head shots or close ups.  Inside there are full body shots, so it can't because they think she doesn't look good in the clothes they have pulled for her; otherwise what would be the point in her being shot for a fashion magazine?

Adele is not a model, her job isn't selling clothes and she isn't launching a fashion range; she is opening "up about her life changing year". She is a gorgeous girl, with amazing style both in and out of magazine world. They have put her on the front cover because she is a highly celebrated song writer and singer. And I haven't heard anything from Adele about any disappointment about her covers, I bet she is just thrilled to be fronting two Vogue's.

 ------

I understand that size 0-6 isn't highly representative of the general population (and at the smaller end isn't usually healthy*) . But I don't feel represented by plus sized models either, and most of my friends and acquaintances aren't plus sized either.  So if a majority of models were plus size,  perhaps this would only be going to the other end of the same problem?

If I were to send my photos in to both a plus size model agency or a "normal" model agency. Size wise, I wouldn't qualify for either. (God knows what they would say about my face?!)

The only well known size 10 model I can think of is Daisy Lowe. But I don't even feel represented by her, she isn't "normal", because along with her beautiful face she has the perfect hourglass shape, with big boobs, small waist and a proper lovely sized bottom with no saddlebags!


That's the thing though, models aren't normal people. They are extraordinarily beautiful, that's why their models.
When looking at most models I envy their stunning faces not their waifish/plump bodies.
 I wish I was half as beautiful as Tara Lynn, who by the way, graced the front cover of February's ELLE France:

If models looked (facially or physically) like  the average person, would be buy what they were selling? Would we put their photos on our wall or fill our computers with images of them. Only the ones enjoyed looking at. . . and that's usually because they would probably be extra ordinarily beautiful........


* I say usually unhealthy because I have friends that are size 0-4 and I can't see their ribs and they don't look gaunt. They are completely healthy, they just have the body frame of a sparrow.
 I don't agree with celebrating or idolising unhealthy weights. Be that size 0 or size 24.
Not many people mentioned that a full nude body shot of Beth Ditto on the front cover of LOVE may have been promoting very unhealthy weight. But I guess that opens a whole new kettle of fish.

Labels: Thoughts

Darling it's better

Prada A/W 11

Ever since I saw this from Prada A/W 2011 shows I had a feeling that we would be shortly be living a life aquatic.

The over sized 3D textures = CORAL REEF and the resurgence and enlargement of sequins = FISH

Slowly merge this with the forthcoming coming (already present) pastel trend = MERMAID

This then slips further to a fantasy fun world, note the prints of Meadham Kirchhoff and gigantic Mulberry ice creams of SS12. But that whole print/picture trend deserves it's own post altogether!

 As always, there are no set lines between these trends. But my after my September note in my scrapbook about "N.B. Watch for Fish Scales!",  I keep seeing photographs that involve elements of the very exciting fish/mermaid/coral reef trend. 

Najda Bender for Dansk S/S 12

Georgia May Jagger for Harpers Bazaar UK March '12

  I think I will the way I want to do it is; child's dream pastel mermaid for day and sleek, chic, metallic fish for night... Although Susie Bick is working the pink day fish below!

Susie Bick for Crash #58

N.B. The last photograph could nearly almost be armadillo-esque!  Perhaps A/W '12 Armour? Not long to wait & see. It's in keeping with the fantasy trend too! If we all want to act the big Sir Lancelot!

Labels: Clothes, Style, Thoughts

Miss. Banks

Have found a great new blog to read and from it this song.

 

It's that simple.

Labels: Music, Videos

NFD Sample Sale

Last Thursday I was on my way to work, checking twitter and saw @NFDressed were having a sample sale that evening....


I have bought a quite a few things from Never Fully Dressed and, apart from the dresses being too short (due to my height) and one brooch mishap, have always loved my pieces.

Their popularity is so fierce that pieces sell out instantaneously and there is a mad dash when a few pieces go back on sale, or when another seller is revealed. The most popular piece is probably the infamous Frank Frock which started off in only two colours, black and cream, but has since been made in a range of other gorgeous shades.



Frank



 

Franks disappear in the blink of an eye, or the hesitation of click. I lucky enough to find one on eBay! However they have expanded and do now also sell on ASOS Marketplace and Pretaportabello.

Their range includes a lot of sheer pieces, shirts, dresses and tops and some gorge pleated chiffon maxi and mini skirts. Also they have always had a range of beautiful bold and bright cardigans



Queenie



They have branched out using different materials, making trousers and leggings and also now supplying jewellery, accessories and even Barry M make up!

They provide a lot of staple options but often pieces pop up that are the perfect statement (note:The Queenie). I always like to go on around new season time, because with just one transaction your wardrobe feels the difference. It is also a nice feeling to be able to say your jumper isn't Topshop or Primark, even if it's not necessarily a bargain to shop here!

Anyway, after lots of toing and froing, I decided to set off for it. As nervous as I was, having never been to anything like this before and generally being rubbish at meeting people, this was made 100 times worse when I found out it was actually at their model's house!

In the end it was a very personal affair, with (I assume) all her friends being over. This meant I didn't really feel comfortable to take photos or stay long, because I came over all shy and like I was just some weirdo creeping around trying on her clothes.

Surprisingly though, seeing the model was really useful, as I automatically knew why none of the dresses are ever long enough for me! It will be good for reference when I see something I want to buy again.

I tried on a few maxi skirts and a couple of jumpers, (I don't need any more sheer shirts!) and decided on the Kate jumper in charcoal.  A gorgeous thick knit jumper with metalic thread intertwined, perfect for a Christmassy vibe before I'm allowed to wear a brilliant novelty one!
I will have to take a photo of myself in it - as it looks completely different on me than on the model; cropped and slightly boxy.

Labels: Bought, Brands, Clothes

Sucker

Limited Edition. Smells like one of the nicest desserts ever. I. Must. Have. It.

I don't even really like vaseline that much. But I thought this would be on another level of yummyness.

I saw it in Selfridges last weekend and boldy walked past it. Bravo. But seeing a ransacked stall of it in Boots today made my buyers fingers/wallet/mind tingle.. But for shame, as I said, it was ransacked. All systems stable.

Spending my lunch wandering up The Strand instead of holed up in the kitchen, I innocently pop in to Boots for their moreish Raspberry & Mango water. I go to hand my £1 over (Bargin) and what do I see.. one.. lonely..so lonesome.. Creme Brulee Vaseline. Clearly this was sign. I was brought to this Boots for a reason!
And then there it was, sitting in my bag. Payment was a blur of smugness.

I had a bit of a whiff as I was walking back to work, very happy with myself. It didn't even smell very different to cocoa butter! I do have a cold at the moment though so am going to reserve full judgment, but.. really it doesn't.

On the usage front, it's Vaseline. No worse, no better. As per usual, just that bit too slimy.

 Oh well! I'll just ride out the dreaded buyers remorse.

Labels: Purchased, Review

Blade Runner

I don't know how I came across these photographs, but I literally cannot stop looking at them!

  

As with all photos from pre digital era they are look over romanticised and everyone looks bloody gorgeous! But as far as "behind the scenes photography" goes I haven't really seen anything like them, they are so relaxed and unassuming. Usually these sorts of photos seem to be more for PR than actual actors personal memories and are just difficult to enjoy.

And as for the serious shots of  Mary Sean Young (that is the gorgeous lady's name who is in/owns these photos!), they look like development shots or hair/make up portfolio ones rather than "Look what a beaut our leading lady is, jealous?". Even though she is stunning and I am : )

She is also repping a lot of the trends that are floating about at the moment -   

 



Chunky Knits                                                                                             Androgyny



Statement Brows                                                                               Leather Skirts

  

Everything always comes round again, makes you wonder how "original" designers, stylists etc can be anymore. When was the point where everything was done? Is it now just all a polished up version of what came before?

When was the last truly original clothing era - the 90's?

It's the same in music, soon the only original music will be some sort of silence and the original outfit choice will be us walking around in the nude, although that's very "Eve" sort of Genesis thing.





                                                                              









Labels: Photography, Style, Thoughts

Winter Warmer

Unloved apples, Pimms left over from summer, a penchant for anything cinnamon and my love for cooking on the weekends has led to this...

Pimms Cinnamon & Vanilla Poached Pears

Obviously this has been done before, but I didn't a follow a recipe, any measurments for general poaching or even a guide for poaching the old things. So here we go and tonight they will be tested after a beaut dinner of roast beef :) mm.

Ingredients

• 4 apples
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3/4 cup of sugar (I used fructose)
• Sultanas/Raisins
• Water (1 pint)
• Vanilla Extract - Or pods if you are lucky enough to have them!
• Pimms No.1 (1/2 pint)

N.B. You also need the juice of your lemon mixed in a bowl of water to keep your apples from browning as you faf around. Unless you are super good at timing.

I used some anonymous apples from my uncles tree and some random fella that looked like he was up for a poaching. I'm not sure how a braeburn/pink lady etc takes to cooking. But basically I looked for apples that didn't look appetising to eat raw!

I started by putting the water, cinnamon & sugar in a heavy pan over a low flame, adding lemon zest after the water was slightly heated, this is in order for all the lovelyness to be released from the ingredients! Just a side note, I zested straight in to the pan so to catch any yummy lemony oils. 

I then peeled and cored the apples, placing them in the lemon water. I don't have a corer, so this left some hefty holes all the way through, which was affecting my cooking time loads!

(In hindsight I would probably score them with a fork instead, and core them far more delicatley because my apples lost their structure really fast. One even just was a mush at the end.)

After about 5-10 minutes I added the pimms, and left for another few minutes before adding half the raisins and all the apples. I then put the rest of the raisins in the holes of my apples. This was half just for fun and half to give my apples more structure so I could cook them for longer. 

I then poured a little vanilla extract in the middle of each apple and some in the liquid. This probably amounted to a tablespoon. But this was only extract and I LOVE vanilla so wanted a stronger flavour. I wish I could've added vanilla seeds in at the beginning, much yummier :) 

At this point I turned the flame up to low to medium till I got a little simmer on...

After around 7 minutes I turned my apples over (to cook the tops) and saw that my bottoms were far too mushy :( grr. Anyway I didn't cook the tops for as long, turned the heat down and kept lifting them for a check as my confidence was out the window!

Once I was satisfied that they were cooked I slowly lifted them out into a dish and then turned the flame up and got the pan boiling so I could reduce the liquid (and alcohol) down slightly.

After a few tastes I was happy with the flavour. I left mine quite thin because I want the clotted cream ( :) mm dreamy) to add the thickness. If I was more dedicated I would have left it to thicken to a syrup, but I was worried that it wouldn't taste of pimms any more.

YUM. A big thumbs up all round. Dissapeared in about 3 minutes.

I reheated the .. gravy? sauce? liquor... before serving and dolloped the clotted cream on before melting it all with said liquor. 

 Delicious, sweet, slight tang from the booze. Would think about serving the apples hot and having with ice cream!

Also I now want warm Pimms with apple as a drink now.

Labels: Recipes