Thursday, 4 July 2013

Herbstreith & Fox Inc. - US Marketing Subsidiary of H&F Corporate Group celebrates 10th Anniversary

Werder/Havel, Brandenburg ( submitpressrelease ) July 3, 2013 – This year, Herbstreith & Fox Inc. (Elmsford), the US sales, distribution, and marketing subsidiary of Herbstreith & Fox Corporate Group, celebrates its 10 years anniversary.


With founding this distribution company on April 8th, 2003 and starting business activities on 05th January, 2004, the cornerstone for str




engthening the Northern America business has been laid. Today, Herbstreith & Fox Inc. supplies its customers from four different warehouses with very short delivery times. This closeness to customers, the comprising technical service and short delivery times is enabling the customers to realize their projects quickly and successfully with H&F products. Market presence, high-quality support and flexibility have decisively contributed to the US market growth during the last 10 years.

Herbstreith & Fox Corporate Group


For more than 75 years the Herbstreith & Fox Corporate Group is producer of high-quality ingredients for the food industry. Decades of experience in research and development, production, sales and customer-oriented technical service are the foundation for today’s success. Most modern production technologies, a high level of quality, and convincing product innovations characterize the company’s efficiency.


The parent company Herbstreith & Fox KG as a pectin specialist provides pectin for the food industry that meets highest requirements within separate application areas, and offers innovative solution approaches for the product development of its customers.


The subsidiary Herbafood Ingredients GmbH is a competent supplier of plant origin food ingredients. Apple extracts for sweetening and colouring as well as dietary fibres made from carefully dried fruits with impressive functional features are the key elements of the product range.


Under the brand herba cuisine this newly developed culinary segment of Herbafood Ingredients GmbH also offers products on the basis of natural raw materials for the gastronomy sector.


The agro FOOD SOLUTION GMBH supplies the animal feed industry animal nutrition products such as valuable raw fibre from de-pectinized apple pomace, pure pectins and pectin enriched dietetic feedstuffs for a modern livestock and pet nutrition.


Herbstreith & Fox

Corporate Group

www.herbstreith-fox.de


About Herbstreith & Fox


The Herbstreith & Fox Corporate Group, headquartered in Neuenbürg, Germany, is renowned worldwide as a producer of Pectins, their superior quality being a landmark to the market. The premium quality product range for manifold applications is complemented by the portfolio of the daughter Herbafood Ingredients GmbH: Dietary fibre from fruits with interesting functional properties, sweetening and colouring apple extracts and, as herba cuisine, products for the gastronomy sector from natural raw materials. In animal feed, the corporate group relies on the expertis of the daughter agro FOOD SOLUTION GmbH.


Company and press contact:


Company contact:


Herbstreith & Fox KG

Pektin-Fabriken

Turnstr. 37

75305 Neuenbürg

Tel.: +49 7082 7913-0

Fax: +49 7082 20281

info@herbstreith-fox.de

www.herbstreith-fox.de


Contact person press:


Tamara Thome (Marketing)

Tel.: +49 7082 7913-202

Fax: +49 7082 7913-201

presse@herbstreith-fox.de


###



Herbstreith & Fox Inc. - US Marketing Subsidiary of H&F Corporate Group celebrates 10th Anniversary

Wednesday, 3 July 2013

Does This Go With That?

It’s wonderful to apply high-school knowledge to real life. I’m glad I stayed awake in my art class when my teacher droned on about colour theory. (To this day, I still need to think through my tints and shades though.)


Colour theory can be complex to understand. But here’s my take. I use electricity even though I don’t understand it. You too can use colour theory to create knoc




k-out clothing combinations to reflect your mood and to inject some zest into your wardrobe.

On your right is a colour wheel – your menu for understanding how colours work together.


I’m not going to cover how some colours may look better on you because of your skin, eye and hair colour. You can read more on colour analysis here.


Let’s just focus on how you can reach in to your wardrobe, pull out some items to create memorable outfits.


Choose combinations to reflect your mood and the occasion


Impression you want to make

Classic, graceful, quiet, expensive, tasteful, refined

Creative, professional, credible, approachable, memorable

Dramatic, striking, energetic, bohemian, confident, playful, “out there”


Select colours on the wheel that

Stay in the same colour “slice”. You’re combining different versions of the same colour (hue).

Combine colours in neighbouring segments. Limit up to three colours.

Select segments directly opposite to each other e.g. purple and yellow, orange and blue.


Effect

Soothing combinations of the same colour; little contrast resulting is subdued energy.

A harmonious flow of colour. Is more interesting than monochromatic.

Most striking combination because there is great intensity and energy. This is modern colour blocking.


Fancy term

Monochromatic

Analogous

Complementary


How to be creative yet avoid looking like a clown

In many cases you will work the bright or accent colours in with a neutral palette. This will break up large blocks of intense colour and calm down your combination.

I’ve found the 3-tip really useful. Here are three fail -safe combinations to get your started. (Sounds like a happy meal order.)

2 colours (any combo) + 1 neutral

1 colour + 1 neutral

2-3 neutrals



Does This Go With That?

Let’s Go Shopping In Your Wardrobe

What’s your first reaction when you think you’ve got nothing to wear? Go shopping at lunchtime, fingers crossed that you’ll see the one thing that will solve all your sartorial problems? Only to feel buyers’ remorse by the time you’re back at your desk?


Have you ever considered a more relaxed and potentially awesomely satisfying experience of shopping in your wardrobe?


I




love showing ladies how to go through their wardrobes to recognise and use the clothes and accessories they already own. You can create a whole range of outfits that you’ve never dreamed of before simply by playing in your wardrobe. This is great skill that will save money and teach you to appreciate what you have. It’s also a delightful way to crank up those creative juices to assemble outfits that are unique to you.

All you need is bit of time, open-mindedess and the willingness to take some risks.


I had the greatest time yesterday with Charlotte “shopping in her wardrobe.” Like you, Charlotte has many things going on in her life. She runs her own business, is a mum to two young children and has just moved house. She had also worked hard to lose a huge amount of weight after having her children. It was time for her to celebrate her new shape with new clothes.


Charlotte warned me she’d done a huge clothes cull and wasn’t left with much. But we were still able to create some smart casual outfits with the twenty odd pieces that she had using a wide range of shoes, a scarf and a couple of necklaces. I’m not sure how many times she said, “Oh, I’d never think of wearing X with Y. I only wear it with Z.”


And that ladies is the belief that limits the potential we see in ourselves and our wardrobes. Too often we prescribe rules for ourselves on what we can/should/can’t wear. I get that rules simplify life and save us time. The downside is we go on autopilot and stop seeing opportunity or potential around us. We stop growing. We stunt our creativity and that’s when boredom and dissatisfaction kick in.


So next time you automatically reach the top which always goes with that bottom, stop. How long have you been wearing X with Y? Who made up that silly rule? What would happen if you wore X another way? Over something? Undersomething? With a belt? Or with different shoes?


Ask why to switch off your autopilot. It’ll help you see possibilities and have more fun.


Charlotte successfully completed an eight-week challenge with her exercise group Body Beyond Baby. She won the grand prize in that challenge and received a Wardrobe Rejuvenation experience.



Let’s Go Shopping In Your Wardrobe

Feel Attractive And Feminine

Last week I enjoyed meeting up with a girlfriend I hadn’t seen for a year. As we caught up on each other’s lives, our conversation inevitably turned to husbands and children. In particular, I was struck by how she described her seven year-old daughter as a girly girl who loved everything pink, dresses, hairclips, dolls and four-legged animals.


My friend, a self-professed tomboy growi




ng up and a highly capable IT project manager, was amazed (and frustrated) at how their different outlooks lead to frequent arguments. What was going to happen when her daughter became a teenager?

This led me to the question: Why do some women (or girls) feel and behave more feminine than others? If you don’t feel feminine but want to, what can you do?


My research yielded this excellent article by Life Coach, Carol Chanel. And I particularly like the following points


1 All women are by definition feminine. We each have our personal definition of what feminine behavior is, but clearly it is a strategy we play either consciously or unconsciously to get what we want.


2 You can look feminine by dressing a certain way. To feel feminine, you must accept who you are and acknowledge that you have both strengths and shortcomings. There’s no judgment; it just is. With this acceptance comes a more relaxed, softer approach to life.


3 It’s really hard to feel feminine when you’re stressed. The need to command and control life at times brings out stereotypical masculine traits (aggression, authority, the need to be strong or to put up a façade).


3 An easy tip to feel more feminine is to relax and smile. Release your tension in whatever ways feels good for you. Ask for help. Take a nap. Take time out to indulge in something you love. Or dress up. What then comes across to others is a woman who is comfortable in her own skin, comfortable in her own femininity.



Feel Attractive And Feminine

Feel Attractive And Feminine

Last week I enjoyed meeting up with a girlfriend I hadn’t seen for a year. As we caught up on each other’s lives, our conversation inevitably turned to husbands and children. In particular, I was struck by how she described her seven year-old daughter as a girly girl who loved everything pink, dresses, hairclips, dolls and four-legged animals.


My friend, a self-professed tomboy growi




ng up and a highly capable IT project manager, was amazed (and frustrated) at how their different outlooks lead to frequent arguments. What was going to happen when her daughter became a teenager?

This led me to the question: Why do some women (or girls) feel and behave more feminine than others? If you don’t feel feminine but want to, what can you do?


My research yielded this excellent article by Life Coach, Carol Chanel. And I particularly like the following points


1 All women are by definition feminine. We each have our personal definition of what feminine behavior is, but clearly it is a strategy we play either consciously or unconsciously to get what we want.


2 You can look feminine by dressing a certain way. To feel feminine, you must accept who you are and acknowledge that you have both strengths and shortcomings. There’s no judgment; it just is. With this acceptance comes a more relaxed, softer approach to life.


3 It’s really hard to feel feminine when you’re stressed. The need to command and control life at times brings out stereotypical masculine traits (aggression, authority, the need to be strong or to put up a façade).


3 An easy tip to feel more feminine is to relax and smile. Release your tension in whatever ways feels good for you. Ask for help. Take a nap. Take time out to indulge in something you love. Or dress up. What then comes across to others is a woman who is comfortable in her own skin, comfortable in her own femininity.



Feel Attractive And Feminine

Is a Personal Shopper Worth The Money?

A couple hundred bucks (industry rates range from $75-$150 an hour) is a lot of money for “advice”. Is it a good investment when you can go shopping with a friend and put the money towards your new purchases?


I get asked this question all the time and thought I’d explain some facts so you can judge whether hiring a personal shopper for a few hours is going to be worthwhile for you




.

Technically, personal shoppers fall into two categories – the in-store “personal shopper” and the independent “style consultant”. Each will provide a slightly different service.


In store personal shoppers


In-store personal shoppers will generally have more training than sales people on how to give style advice. They will provide a free service or charge a small fee redeemable against purchases. They will have good knowledge about the labels they’re affiliated with and be able to save you time by pulling out the items that suit you and your needs. They can also offer advice on how to accessorise or wear your purchase differently.


Even if the personal shopper earns a commission on your purchases, you should not feel pressured into buying anything that you’re not 100% comfortable with. In-store personal shoppers provide a fresh set of eyes to update your wardrobe.


Pros

Free advice

Good product knowledge

Save you time by trying on shortlisted items


Cons

You need to know what you want.

You need to like the label.

You need to be aware of the salesperson’s motivation – their commission versus your needs


Perfect when

You know what flatters your shape.

You love a specific label.

You need something for a specific event.

You’re prepared to say “no” to the salesperson if something is not right.


Independent personal stylists

I am an independent style consultant. I take my clients on a similar experience but operate very differently. My focus is on my client, not the clothes. I am neither affiliated with or earn a commission from any brands. This allows me to source any clothes that meet my client’s style, shape and budget needs. Sometimes, I am able to pass on a discount because of my relationship with a retailer.


Because my clients hire me for my advice, I give it without bias. (I admit at times this gets tricky.) I often have a better understanding of my clients’ wardrobe and personality because I have helped them through a Personal Sort and Shop. As a result, I teach my clients to shop strategically and to focus on building outfits not just buying stuff. This in the long-term can save money.


When we’re in a shop, I explain why I’ve chosen something from a rack and teach my clients how to check for fit in the mirror. I ask my client for feedback and listen. Conversely when an item doesn’t work, I explain why. In short, I don’t only help my clients buy stuff they need. I educate them and leave them feeling confident about their shopping decisions.


Pros

Unbiased advice

Shortlisted items from any retailer that suits client’s needs and budgets

Shop strategically – outfits, not items

Education – on fit, accessorising, investment shopping


Cons

An good independent stylist will take more of your time to understand you and your needs

You must find a personal stylist whom you feel comfortable with.

You might need to interview a few to be certain. An upfront fee


Perfect when

You’re not sure what you want, but are open to trying something new.

You want to make your wardrobe work better overall.

You want to become confident in your own shopping decisions.


How to find the best fashion advice


Regardless of whether you use an in-store personal shopper or an independent style consultant, to get your money’s worth you need to find someone you can trust even for an hour. When interviewing someone,


1. How comfortable do they make you feel? Do they say things to relax you or to explain the process?

2. How much time do they spend asking questions about you? Be careful of people who only talk about clothes or themselves.

3. Are they listening to you? Do they repeat things back to you so you’re certain they’ve heard?

4. Do they acknowledge your opinions? Or do they brush off your comments and concerns?

5. Do they offer you options?


I’ve used both types of personal shoppers myself and have found that money does not always guarantee a better result. The only way to make your investment worthwhile is to be clear on your outcome.


My most memorable and fun shopping trips were spent with stylists who helped me achieve more than I thought possible. And that feeling, to me, is priceless.



Is a Personal Shopper Worth The Money?

Become a Savvy Shopper

I did my bit to support the retail economy of Las Vegas, Nevada last week. The whole family spent a day at the Premium Outlets in the North (a 30 minute bus ride/15 minute taxi ride) from the Strip. I had loads of fun and I think we got some real bargains for everyone in the family.


My clients who are planning trips to the US often ask me about shopping in the factory outlets.

Are




the discounts worth the special trip (many are located outside the city metro areas so you need transport)?

Is the quality decent? Is the range current?

Are things laid out well?

What are the return policies?

I thought I’d share with you our recent experience so you can judge if outlet shopping is for you. (The nearest American Premium Outlet is in Honolulu. We’ve also been to the outlets in Hong Kong which are set up a bit differently. Be prepared to still pay a lot of money for discounted luxury branded goods in Hong Kong!)


Factory outlet or discount outlet?

You may not realise it but what we consider outlet shopping in Australia is different to outlet shopping in the US. If you’ve ever been to a Direct Factory Outlets (DFO), you’ll know the shops sell left over merchandise from normal retail shops ie the quality is what you’d expect of the brand. The DFO outlet may also sell overruns, merchandise with slight defects or out of season stock. You can get remarkable bargains if you’re prepared to hunt around the racks.


At places like the Premium Shopping Outlets in the US, you need to know whether the shop is a factory shop or a true outlet. The quality of the merchandise is very different in each. Let me give you an example.


I have a soft spot for Coach handbags. I went into the Coach outlet and the salesperson was very frank about which bags were specifically designed for the factory outlet and which were from the true retail lines (only sold through Coach boutiques or concession stands in department shops). The factory outlet styles are real Coach, but are simpler in design and made of less expensive materials like canvas hence the lower prices. The salesperson even taught me how to read the price tag to differentiate the two – anything with an F on the price tag is a factory design.


This particular Coach factory outlet carried a handful of retail bags that were from past seasons hence the heavy discount. I couldn’t resist and managed to get another 30% discount for the day and paid $190 including 8.5% sales tax (RRP $395)for my new red patent leather bag.


Quality versus price

Now armed with this information, you can determine if you’re getting real value for the quality of the clothes you buy at American outlets. Ask the salesperson where the stock is from. In my experience (only because I know these brands well), Banana Republic, JCrew, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Ann Taylor and Nike outlets are likely to carry more factory specific lines with a smattering of normal retail product mixed in. Feel the quality of any garment and you’ll notice the difference.


Another way to find good value is to go to the department stores outlets – Nordstrom Rack, Barneys, Saks or TJMaxx that may carry excess retail stock. You’ll more likely get the quality you expect of the individual brands.


Our great bargains


Sports Shoes

My son Marcus (thirteen and growing every single day) had a field day at the Nike Factory Store. He bought Nike shoes for every sport he plays for about $40 a pair. Given that the shoes only last him about 3-4 months anyway, I don’t care so much about their quality. We bought him shoes in his current size as well as half a size up. We believe the savings paid for a new suitcase (a very popular purchase at the outlets to cart around purchases on the day).


Basics

Andrew needed winter sweaters and bought two 100% wool ones at Brooks Brothers (yes boring, but good quality). They happened to have the size he needed and were marked down from $120 to $30 each.


I tracked down a pair of white skinny Levis (cheaper than anything else I saw online) and bought a cashmere Cozy cardigan from DKNY (retail stock, marked down to $69 from $175). I think buying basics from the outlets gives you the best return for you money as long as you are happy with the quality.


Get the most out of outlet shopping


1. Have a list of what you want to buy. If possible do a bit of research online so you know if the outlet is offering comparable quality for the price.

2. Map out your route prior to arriving at the outlets. With over 150 shops organized in confusing layout, if you don’t prioritise you’ll get sidetracked or very tired because you cover a lot of ground walking back and forth.

3. Try things on even if they only cost $9.99. If it doesn’t fit, the $9.99 could have gone towards a more expensive item that you really loved

4. Dress so you can pop something on top of what you’re wearing. Sometimes there’s a long line at the dressing room or you have to wait for someone to open it up for you. My most efficient shopping uniform is a cami and leggings.

5. Be careful of daily specials and the incentives. The Premium Outlet website allows you to sign up for daily VIP specials, meaning you’ll get more discount for shopping on the day. For example, DKNY offered me an extra 10% for buying four pieces. I didn’t use it because there was nothing else I wanted. It can be easy to get carried away and buy stuff you don’t really like, need or want just to get an extra discount.


I hope you found that useful. The main thing is to have fun. If you truly love something and it flatters your shape, I say buy it. Better you take it home with you than spend time regretting you didn’t buy it.



Become a Savvy Shopper