FBFF: Product Placement

 Lulu*s Something Exceptional Dress - S

Steve Madden Caryssa Platform Pump - 5.5

Louis Vuitton Speedy 25

Hey guys!  I'm starting a new series on my blog today that's dubbed Fashion-Beauty-Fashion-Friday (FBFF).  This is actually an idea started by Katy of ModlyChic to let bloggers interact with each other and share thoughts on a particular topic. This week's topic is Product Placement.

Product placement is inevitable.  People are inundated with media constantly throughout the day -- whether it's billboards, television, ads, flyers -- you can't escape it.  When people are looking at an image, they are dissecting the various elements that make up what they're seeing and simultaneously, making a decision about what they think about those elements.  Depending on how much they like it, that single image will begin to plant a seed in their mind that will fester and glow with each successive image that they see of that element.  This is how fashion trends latch on to the public.

In my outfit pictures for today, I've experimented with product placement of my LV purse.  It's the only accessory that I'm sporting for this look, and I've tried to hold the purse in such a way that hopefully will catch your eye in every picture.  Whether it's intentional or not, I think all bloggers inherently are advertisers of the products that they feature and thus, this week's topic of product placement was especially interesting for me. 

FBFF Questions:

1. As we watched the Chilean Miners being rescued last week, there were many things to take note of - the amazing faith of these people, the joy of life, love and family, and - interestingly enough - product placement. As you watched the rescue efforts did you notice the products? What were your thoughts?

The Chilean miners all wore Oakley sunglasses, donated by the company, as they were being rescued from the mine.  This was a huge advertising win for Oakley as they are said to have gained $41 million in exposure from the deal. 

For me, I don't mind the fact that Oakley capitalized on the miners rescue coverage to advertise for themselves.  Given the fact that the miners would have needed eye protection after been in the mine for two months without sunlight, I actually think that Oakley seized a really great opportunity to feature their products.  It was an instance where their products were actually needed, in contrast to many other instances of product placement I've seen where products that were completely unnecessary were shown for the sole reason of advertising (think Lady Gaga's Telephone music video and Virgin Mobile).  As Oakley does have a noticeable "O" logo on the side of their sunglasses, I did notice their advertising.  But as with all good products advertising, a brand does have to have a good logo.  And in this case, Oakley succeeded. 

2. Product placement is all around us today, what do you think makes it such a marketing gold mine?

Product placement usually involves a product brand being shown in something where it was not intended to be an advertisement -- e.g. Ironman movies and Audi cars, Sex and the City and Manolo Blahnik shoes.  Product placement is a huge gold mine for companies as viewers are emotionally tied in to the main item already and are now associating that new product with something that they enjoy.  Because of this association, viewers feel like the product is endorsed by someone that they trust.  Referrals are a huge selling point for products, whether it's a referral from an actual friend or from a virtual friend, and this is exactly what product placement is accomplishing. 

3. On your blog, either now or in the future, what is/will be your stance on highlighting specific products?

I am all for highlighting products that I enjoy.  I strongly believe that one of the greatest benefits of blogging is being able to share things that I've discovered and that work for me in the hopes that it will help someone else out there.  I have personally learned so much over my years of reading blogs and watching YouTubes that it is only my hope that I can share some of my knowledge too!

I have to admit, I do appreciate the new FTC Disclosure rules that require bloggers to state whether they are being sponsored by certain companies for their opinions.  I don't mind companies sponsoring bloggers at all, as long as they allow them to fully disclose their own opinions about their product. 

4. If the opportunity arose would you give a bad review of a product?

I have no hesitation in giving a bad review of a product.  I want all of my opinions to be completely honest so that viewers can trust what I'm sharing with them.  For a company's perspective, I think a bad review is just another opportunity for improvement and is as valuable as a good review. 

5. Do you view your blog as a product? Where have you or do you hope to place it?

I view my blog as a resource, not a product.  I hope to share my ideas and interact with other people who share the same interests as me.  My blog is not intended to sell anything, but simply as a place for me to show my daily outfit adventures, makeup experiments, and everything else in between.  I sincerely hope that my blog will find its place among all the other amazing bloggers out there willing to do the same thing I am.


What do you guys think about product placement?  Please share!

Visit ModlyChic to get links to the other FBFF posts and to join in to the discussion next time!

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