Casual Friday Pop-Up Shop Now Open

If you can't get a hold of the MDPR team this afternoon, we apologize. We're indulging in some much-needed retail therapy at Casual Friday's new pop-up shop!

You probably recognize the space at 1872 N. Damen in Bucktown as the former home of Von Z. Founder Jenna Zielbauer closed the boutique's doors to focus on growing her wildly popular apparel line Casual Friday.

The line is comprised of a stylish spin on everyday basics available in ten colors. Jenna coined the phrase "comforchic" to describe the shirts and we can attest that these are the comfiest tees we've ever come across!

We also fell in love with the eighty relatable phrases such as, "In Case of Emergency Please Save my Shoes," "Wirkin for a Birkin," and "Caffeine Cupcakes and Chanel." Check out more of their chic shirts on Instagram at @CasualFridayApparel.

The pop-up will be open through July 26. After that, stay tuned because Casual Friday will be holding monthly pop-ups throughout the city. You can also shop online at casualfridayshop.com. 

App Updates

Working in social media requires us to be up-to-date on the new apps and tech trends the minute they come out. We love testing out new apps in the office. After much downloading and debating, these are the ones we’ve decided are worth adding to your phone.

• Paper — Paper is Facebook’s newest iPhone app. Paper acts as an alternative to the original Facebook app. Users can updates from their friends and browse through a variety of other sections. Paper pulls content from big-name publications as well as small blogs to give people the option to read up on topics like sports, tech and cooking.
• Checkout 51— Every Thursday this app releases 16-30 new offers from brands including SC Johnson, Kellogg’s and Mondelez. Shoppers can then purchase items at any store or online retailer and upload their receipt to the app for a credit. Once you have accumulated a $20 credit on your profile, you can be issued a check or wait until the amount reaches a higher balance.

• Waterlogue — Waterlogue acts as your own personal painter. This app can take your pictures and turn them into beautifully intricate watercolor masterpieces. With a large variety of presets, you are now able to put a new spin on an ordinary looking picture.

• Find. Eat. Drink. — Unlike other restaurant apps, Find. Eat. Drink. does not base its reviews on those fueled by overly excited or disgruntled customers. Find. Eat. Drink. enables you to search for restaurants that have been reviewed by chefs, bartenders and those that are familiar with the industry. 

What apps do you find yourself using the most? Let us know by leaving a comment or by tweeting us at @MonikaDixonPR!

By Marisa Coulter, MDPR Contributor

Escape from Chiberia

According to the forecast, there's no end in sight to this deep freeze. It's looking like the perfect time for a last-minute getaway to a hot, tropical local.

The only problem is last-minute airfare usually costs an arm and a leg, or so we thought. I Fly First Class just introduced their steeply discounted business class and first class tickets to Chicago, keeping our vacation dreams alive!

I Fly First Class specializes in finding ridculously cheap first class tickets at the last minute (we're talking 40-50% off normal fares). You could decide you want to leave this weekend and have your flight booked this afternoon.

Seeing as it's summer in the southern hemisphere, an African safari or a trek around the Indonesian islands sounds like heaven! I Fly First Class offers discounted airfare on all major airlines that fly to Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. No itinerary is too complex for their experienced staff of travel experts.

If you're flying international for business rather than pleasure, you can still take advantage of their services. Travelers who book business class tickets through I Fly First Class generally save 20-30% off normal fares.

Now if you'll excuse us, we've got some packing to do.

What's New in the Social Media World

With social media constantly growing and changing, it’s important to keep yourself in the loop of all of the latest trends and products. Since researching these new trends can be time consuming, we have done the work for you. You can read this helpful list faster than the time it takes to update an app on your iPhone!

1. YouTube reaches more U.S. adults aged 18-34 than any cable network.

Need something to spice up your current PR strategy? Fast Company recommends utilizing YouTube to attract millennials. You can start small with straightforward and simple videos introducing your team or explaining what your company does.

2. The fastest growing demographic on Twitter is the 55-64 year age bracket.

According to Fast Company, this particular demographic has grown a hefty 79% since 2012. Additionally, this is the fastest growing age group on Facebook. It is important to remember this older audience when creating content. They might not have the same interests as you do.

3. 189 million of Facebook’s users are “mobile only.”
With a large number of Facebook users accessing content on their phones, it is important to remember to consider how easily your content is displayed on social media. Make sure your content is easy to share using a mobile device.

4. Q&A app Jelly launches.
From Twitter cofounder Biz Stone comes a new networking app to keep an eye out for. According to Mashable, Jelly enables users to take a picture and ask a question to other users. This can be as simple as asking whether or not a certain book is worth reading. Other users comment on the photo to answer. With people more connected than ever, this app will be a great way to help others.

What is your go-to social media outlet? Let us know by leaving a comment or by tweeting us at @MonikaDixonPR!

By Marisa Coulter, MDPR Contributor