“Live Sparkly”
Society Social: impeccably styled, instantly recognizable
Happy Wednesday! I’ve got another “Design Under the Influence” up on La Dolce Vita, and this time around, I decided to have some fun with the whole bar cart trend! Won’t you join me over there today for a little clink-clink inspiration?
The resurgence of our favorite piece of festive furniture is in no small part due to bar cart powerhouse, Society Social. In addition to the most darling collection of bar carts and tables, they produce equally adorable chairs, pillows, rings, and even cozy hostess gowns! I’m always impressed by the growing product line, and stellar branding in general.
The Society Social Manifesto Magalog
The Society Social website
The (incredibly sweet) genius behind the brand is Roxy, my new hero. She created her company from scratch, and goes above and beyond with every piece she puts out. I often use Society Social as an example of unique, consistent brand messaging — whether it’s the first impression from the website and its super cute illustrations, or further exploration into the extensive “magalog” and its gorgeously styled photographs, or an email newsletter you feel so giddy about opening up to learn something new and useful. How does she do this?
1. Create a motto/tagline and a mood/voice from which all of your materials originate. Be clear, concise, consistent.
2. Create your toolbox of brand elements, and stick to it: a color scheme, patterns, elements, ornaments, fonts —pieces that you can throw together in various combinations, yet are still true to your brand. The goal: instant brand recognition.
3. Details count: be sure to infuse #1 and #2 in even the smallest of places, like the confirmation page for a newsletter signup, or your Facebook profile pic. Brand EVERYTHING.
4. Do it once, do it right! Hire as many professionals as you can, and invest the proper amount of time and care into the process: copywriters, photographers, stylists, graphic designers, web developers, social media gurus — ain’t nothing wrong with having a team of experts collaborating for you (unless you are superhuman and work 24 hours a day). I can’t tell you how many inquiries I get from companies that have wasted time and money because they didn’t invest in their brand! The result is always regret, realization, redo.
5. Be creative about how and where you express your brand: collaborate with others that can help you do so (i.e. fellow bloggers), and utilize the many social media resources out there to be had: Pinterest, twitter, Facebook, blogging — and utilize them often. (Study how Roxy does it…learn it!)
6. Don’t stop at the launch! Look for ways to maximize your target audience, such as expanding into similar markets. Keep reinventing what you have to offer to remain relevant.
7. Love it, live it. If you don’t, it will show. If you don’t, hire others that can step in when you’re not feeling the love. But you have to START with the love. It’s a marriage of sorts, and you’ve got to start off with those tingling butterflies from the get-go!
But of course, you have to have a great offering first and foremost! Here are some of Society Social’s pieces I am itching to get my hands on!
Please visit the Society Social website for more fabulous products and branding inspiration!
Things That Sparkle says
How is it possible that SS keeps getting better??? Absolutely love the new chair and console!!!
Jessie says
The new additions are insane! I did not think it could get any better! Roxy kills it!
Kate {domestikatedlife} says
What a great sneak peek, I love that new console!
viv says
Roxy really is brilliant! Her pieces are incredibly fabulous!
Tobe | Because It's Awesome says
i need that new console like nobody’s biznass!!!
Sharon@house58blog.com says
The console is fabulous! Their marketing coupled with their beautifuly crafted products have brought them great prestige.
Drew {Coral Cafe} says
I want everything in that last roundup! How gorgeous is that red and gold console table?!
Courtney Deyle says
Wow, that console is absolutely fabulous, and I love The Duchess chair too! It’s always so helpful getting useful tips about how to be successful, so thanks for sharing those!!! :)
that girl says
I need to be better about it too! Roxy sets a high standard!
Erin says
OH YES! She is totally taking it up in strides. WOW. I’m really so excited for the new stuff. What she has now it incredible but, that sneak peak is fabulous. Im even more excited because her prices are so good. ;)
Nikki says
Love all these new Society Social products! Thanks for sharing!
Liz {Sequins and Stripes} says
Oh my gosh those now consoles need to be mine! Fabulous!
Miya @ Design Indulgences says
Love everything about this post and the tips. I know I’m slacking on a few :-/. But some of her merchandise was the inspiration for my client’s bar cart that we will be painting gold. I can’t wait.
Neda says
I can’t believe I didn’t know about them before! So excited to check our their website.
elizabeth says
I love your “brand” explanation – you are such a genius, darling! Just getting back into the swing of things over here – bout to go check out your other post!
xoxox e (modern24seven)
designstiles says
Oh my goodness, I want that sneak peek chair and both those pillows. Especially that pink pagoda one!
Thanks again for posting my bar cart on LDV.
Emily says
In.Love.
Roxy says
thanks y’all so much for all the sweet comments!!! positively thrilled you’re loving what you see :)
Anna says
We have a bar cart at home and it`s probably one of my favorite pieces of furniture in the whole house. It`s dark brown with a white marble top (from Russia, and really old, it used to be a nightstand).
I think already the different drinks make it look very nice.
Definitely something you see more and more in interiors! And I get why.
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures says
What an awesome post — I’m feeling VERY inspired!
Tamra {ever swoon} says
I heart Roxy and had the pleasure of meeting her in person. Her positive atitude and love of life is contagious. I admire her success, her commitment, and the company/brand she has created. I aspire to have the same success with ever swoon. I’m so happy I have an AMAZING brand stylist in my corner. xoxo
{The Design Daredevil} Jessie D. Miller says
I LOVE the Society Social branding, message, and products. Thanks for featuring!
Katie says
I have the Society Social Draper Table in Stone that I use as my bar and I love it! It’s just as pretty in person. Very excited about the new products.
erin says
live sparkly – couldn’t agree more!
that first bar cart needs to be MINE! x
Carly {a simple affair} says
Roxy is simply amazing! Fabulous sneak peaks and tips! xo
Naomi@Design Manifest says
AMAZING NEW PIECES! Congrats, Roxy. And, Erika, you are so right. I am one of those companies with regrets.
Becca says
LOVE this post. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of Society Social before- drooling over these bar carts! I also love these tips on branding. You do that so well, as clearly does SS. I’ve just started blogging and one of my goals is to work on making sure I’m presenting a consistent image. I love these tips- thank you!
Also, thank you so much for visiting my blog. You’ll have to visit New York soon!
Eclectic A says
Society Social has excellent branding (and even more amazing pieces) and I plan on implementing your tips. Thank you for this post!
searching online says
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting
my own blog and was curious what all is required to get setup?
I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% certain. Any recommendations or advice would be
greatly appreciated. Thank you