Talbots: Bringing Back Iconic Style
A quote from Katharine Hepburn, "if you obey all the rules you miss all the fun," appears in large cursive text on the cover of Talbots' September 2009 catalog, which is dedicated to promoting "The Pant." Inside, the catalog letter starts off, "The Pant is back. Always one of the unsung heroes in our closets. The Pant was loved by two of our favorite style icons: Katharine Hepburn and Grace Kelly. On them it was more than a trend... The very definition of classic." The page folds out into dual black and white images of the iconic starlets along with a note associating style and character, "On Katharine Hepburn it screamed strength and individuality, whispered femininity. On Grace Kelly it conveyed an easy confidence, sophistication and charm." Three new fits -- Heritage, Signature and Classic Side Zip -are introduced; specific products include Heritage Fit Flannel Pants ($129), the Signature Fit Cord Pants ($69), and Classic Side Zip Bi-Stretch Pants ($79). Additional merchandise featured in the catalog includes the Boyfriend Cardigan ($69), a Windsor Plaid Sheath ($159) and a pair of Darcy Wingtip Boots available in four colors ($179). Orders can be placed by phone, mail, fax, or online at Talbots.com.

Outdoor Life Offers "Recession Special Savings"
Bonnier's Outdoor Life updated its direct mail package to target price sensitive consumers. The exterior of the hunting title's traditional green voucher package reads: "For Addressee Only. Special Recession Offer Enclosed." The hard offer has not varied much from earlier this year. Now described as "Your Recession Rate" an annual subscription is presented at $12 for 12 issues. The 2 year rate is $18 (24 issues). The promotion includes a "Recession Special Savings Order Form," freemium recipe card and gift upon subscription. Subscription benefits outlined on the voucher form list tips, field reports, gear guides, and "tales of wilderness adventure." The premium on payment is an Outdoor Life Survival Kit, that includes such items as a flashlight, compass, multi-tool, signal mirror, whistle, fishhook and line. The enclosed recipe is for "This and That Stew."

Smithsonian Mails Newly Designed Catalog
The Smithsonian Institution expanded its product selection and updated the look of the catalog, complete with a new font, a simpler design, and the title change from the "Smithsonian Catalogue" to "Catalog." The catalog announced a change in July, with the message "Something New is Coming." Since then, three Fall 2009 catalogs have been tracked with the new look and 35th anniversary specials. The cover of a recent 10" x 8" book features a Newsprint Vase ($35), which inside is part of the "Green Style" Collection of products that make use of recycled materials. Other "Green Style" products include a Duct Tape Wallet ($20), a Candy-Wrapper Coin Purse ($25), and a Can-Can Flower Pin ($20). Another notable section in the catalog includes "Gifts - $30 or Less," which features items such as an Imperial Egg Box ($29.99) and a Clip-on Table Tray ($29.99), both of which are 35th anniversary specials. Other themed categories found throughout the book include "American Art Glass," "Cats in Art," "Asian Traditions," and "Office Gifts." As in previous efforts, the promotion highlights The Smithsonian Membership ($19), which includes a one-year subscription to Smithsonian magazine. Orders can be made by phone, mail, fax, or online.

The direct mail promotions appearing in Mail Stream are tracked and written up by ParadyszMatera, a media brokerage services company, through its MarketRelevance(tm) Promotion Library. Click here to visit their site: ParadyszMatera.com.