Respectfully, Let’s Keep It Virtual
A PR girl’s case for the Zoom deskside
As a full-time PR girl and part-time journalist, I know my schedule is a more chaotic than your typical reporter. But I also know I’m not the only one glued to my laptop from 9 to 5 (and realistically… beyond), trying to answer Slack messages, hit deadlines, hop on calls and somehow remember to drink water in between.
Which is exactly why I will forever defend the virtual deskside.
Do I love a coffee meeting? Of course. Am I always realistically able to leave my apartment at 2 p.m. on a Tuesday to come into Manhattan for one? Absolutely not. And I think a lot of people are in the same boat right now. Everyone’s busy, everyone’s stretched thin. We’re all trying to squeeze 14 hours of work into an 8-hour day.
But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to meet you.
I love desksides. Truly. They help me understand brands better, put faces to names, learn about launches in a more natural way and spark story ideas I probably wouldn’t have come up with over email alone. Some of my best editorial angles have come from casual conversations on a quick Zoom.
And honestly? Virtual meetings work. They just do. I can learn about a product launch while sitting at my desk in sweatpants, still answer urgent emails if needed, and jump right back into writing afterward. Efficient. Beautiful. All with no subway delays.
That being said—please come prepared.
If you’re setting up a deskside, have a direction. Walk me through the new launch. Give me the brand backstory. Demo the product. Tell me why this matters right now. Don’t hop on a call and immediately ask, “So… what questions do you have for us?”
I’ll absolutely have questions once the conversation gets going, but if you requested the meeting, I’m expecting you to lead it. Otherwise, it gets awkward fast—and honestly feels like a waste of everyone’s time.
The best desksides feel collaborative, conversational and intentional. Not like two people staring at each other on Zoom waiting for someone to speak first. And bonus points if I get to try the product alongside you (AKA, send me the goodies before we meet, so I can come prepared, too!).
On My Radar
Burga Celestial Phone Case
In my opinion, your phone case says just as much about you as your outfit does. It’s literally attached to you 24/7, sitting on every dinner table, mirror selfie and coffee shop counter you touch. I was recently gifted this one (thank you, Burga!) and the compliments have not stopped since. The cow print taps into the whole animal print wave without feeling over-the-top, and somehow it goes with everything. Cute, fun and makes my phone way easier to find in my bag—which honestly matters, too.
Archies Arch Support Flip Flops
I hate wearing real shoes in the summer. The second it hits 70 degrees, I’m reaching for flip flops for everything—grocery runs, beach bars, iced coffee walks, all of it. But I’m also a New Yorker, which means I’m walking everywhere, so flimsy sandals that destroy my feet are not an option. These are the rare flip flops that actually feel supportive thanks to the arch support, but still look cute and effortless. Plus, they’re super comfortable right away, yet even better once they’re broken in. AKA, my official summer uniform.
Elite Eleven Airey Shorts
As you know, I’ve fully entered my running era. But staying motivated—especially when the alarm is going off painfully early so I can beat the heat—is another story. One thing that does help? A cute workout set. These shorts have been getting me out the door lately. They’re super lightweight, ridiculously soft and stretchy enough that they basically feel like nothing in the best way possible. I wear them for runs, yoga, long walks… honestly, anything that requires me pretending I have my life together before 9 a.m. Plus, they’re actually flattering, which is all the motivation I need.
Hear It First: This Week In Sales
Tatcha (May 16-25): Use code FRIEND26 for 20% off sitewide
Bocce’s Bakery (May 11-15): Offering 20% off best-selling natural dog treats as part of the Amazon Pet Day Sale
Caitlyn Minimalist (May 15-21): Offering BOGO 50% off sitewide jewelry
Story SOS
Here’s the current lineup of open opportunities, as of today.
Quick reminder: when pitching, email me at alyssa.rotunno@gmail.com. Please don’t just hit reply to this newsletter, or your message might get lost. And follow the subject line requests below—it’ll save you (and me) time!
House Beautiful: The “Micro-Makeover” Era Is Replacing Full Home Renovations
Subject line: MICRO MAKEOVER: [Insert Expert Name]
What I need: Commentary from design pros on how big remodels are taking a backseat as smaller, more intentional updates gain traction. Will provide questions upon receipt.
Deadline: ASAP
The Everygirl: Capri Pants Are Officially Trending Again—Here’s How to Wear Them in 2026
Subject line: CAPRI PANTS: [Expert Name, Product, etc]
What I need: Looking to speak with stylists on why capri pants are trending as well as how to style the look. Also searching for capri pants to showcase within the article as go-to favs
Deadline: ASAP
Catch a Byline
Your go-to update for everything I’ve got out in the world. I’m just as in-the-dark as you on publish dates, so check out this week’s latest and see if the story has officially gone live:
The Everygirl: This Body Gloss Is the Secret to Zendaya’s Red Carpet Glow—I Put It to the Test
Real Simple: I Skipped Spring Cleaning for a “Mental Declutter”—Here’s What Worked (and What Didn’t)
Parade: ‘I Tried 7 Tankinis—These Are the Only 4 Styles I’d Actually Wear Out’
Parade: Chocolate Brown Is a Trending Neutral for Spring—Here’s How I’ve Styled It 5 Different Ways
Parade: These 5 ’70s Haircuts Will Quietly Become Summer’s Most Sought-After Styles
Want a Consultation?
Want real, no-fluff advice on how to make your brand actually stand out? Or, are you a writer trying to break through in the industry? Either way, I got you.
I can hop on Zoom, a call or swing by in person for a Q&A to answer all your pressing questions about pitching, events, mailers, trips, follow-ups and more—basically, anything you’ve been wondering about, all from a blended PR + media POV that actually makes sense.
We can switch it up however your team wants. Most calls are virtual, but I am always happy to chat over a cappuccino—because why not?
Hit me up at alyssa.rotunno@gmail.com and let’s make it happen.