Expert Interview!

Lisa Brahm is a fashion blogger who posts daily outfits of the day. Lisa proves that you don't have to live in New York or L.A. to have great style. On top of being a full time college student with a blog she writes for the University of Iowa-College Fashionista. I recently conducted a video interview to learn more about why she likes to blog and what inspires her.

Lisa's Links

Once Upon A Closet

College Fashionista

Expert Interview!

I recently interviewed a current fashion industry professional! Her name is Julia and we used to intern together in the W Magazine fashion closet! Juila now has a full-time job working as a Public Relations Assistnat at Dolce and Gabbana in New York. Julia has decided to share some of her expriences in the industry and advice she would give to others looking to break into the fashion world.

Thanks again Juila for the insight!!

Name: Julia Greco

Current Job: Editorial PR Assistant at Dolce & Gabbana

What are your responsibilities at your company? I assist in managing samples for Dolce men’s and women’s as well as D&G men’s and women’s.  We work to ensure the samples are heavily rotated and well represented in all major magazine titles. It can be a bit of a juggling act, as the majority of items are one of a kind samples and highly requested, but it is very rewarding when items are shot and featured in an issue.

What were your previous internships before your first job? When I started college I thought I wanted to work in finance so I completed an internship at Merrill Lynch the summer after my freshman year. When I realized I wanted to be in fashion I interned in the fashion closet at Harper’s Bazaar and then the next summer in the fashion closet at W magazine.

How did you find your position? What was your path? I was informed by my boss at W that Dolce was looking for an editorial PR assistant and she put me in touch with them.   

What were some of the most valuable skills you learned interning that help you with your current job? I found that experiencing first hand how the fashion closet of a magazine works is very valuable. Fashion tends to be a fast paced and stressful environment so it was beneficial to go into my job already knowing that. Additionally, when you are spending everyday in the closet of a magazine you cannot help but be informed about what is going on in the fashion industry in general, which is also advantageous.  

What advice would you give to someone hoping to break into the fashion industry? I would recommend completing internships in the industry. I would also suggest being flexible and open to any and all opportunities that present themselves, even if you may not see it as your ideal job.  

What were some of your strategies you used on the job hunt? Any tips/tricks? I opted to intern after I had graduated college instead of wait around for a full time paid position, which ultimately helped me get the job I have now.  

Any resources that you used on your job hunt?  Truly the best resource I used was talking to anyone and everyone I knew in the industry to get their advice.

Parting advice about the industry?
- Meet as many people as you can.
- Try to keep things in perspective!

LIVE BLOG: Versace at H&M

For the second live blog event I covered the Versace for H&M sale on November 19, 2011. I had a post earlier talking about the highly anticipated collaboration with Versace. Here is the sale in live form. The sale was really chaotic but it was worth the wait. I really scored some great stuff from the collection.


4:53 AM

Just arrive at H&M on State St.  The line doesn’t look too long J

5:13 AM

Another fellow shopper behind me line is super excited about the sale.

5:34 AM

Still waiting...waiting.....waiting  : /

6:02 AM

H&M reps giving away free pencil cases. AHH

6:15 AM

Chicago Police at H&M to do crowd control. I wonder if they are hear to shop too. Haha.

6:37 AM

The line is wrapped all the way around building. I’m so glad I’m one of the first 110 people here.

7:03 AM

The wristbands come out! I’m in the yellow group. I get to go shop at 9:05

7:28 AM

H&M reps just gave the rules of the game. 15 minutes to shop and limited sizes. #letsplayball

8:00 AM

Doors open and we are allowed to go into the store and shop/wait for our turn

8:04 AM

DJ is pumping up the music and all the employees are dancing. WOW I do not have that kind of energy this early in the morn,

8:36 AM

Still window shopping. H&M has such amazing stuff this season. #H&MiniowacitySTAT

8:45 AM

In line to wait for my 15 mins of shopping. The group before us is going #BANANAS

9:37 AM

Made it out of the store with some awesome stuff. Can’t wait to do an outfit post soon!

*I'm sorry I don't have a ton of pictures from the event. I tried taking my camera out to do take some shots but the manager of H&M immediately told me "No Pictures!!" 

TOPIC BLOG:Risk and Communication

For today's topic blog I will be connecting health and fashion. Since this blog is connected to a class I am doing this semester I am required to blog about certain topics. I will be linking these topics with fashion so that they are still relevant and interesting. I hope that this post gives you a new perspective and provides you a deeper look into the fashion industry.

As a journalist reporting on events and people, at times we can run in to some sort of risk. The risk of reporting on something in the wrong way or releasing confidential information can risk a reporter's job. Once something is published it will never fully be erased. So it is important that journalists take the time to understand the subject and get facts verified.

In the fashion industry there are been a few recent blunders that have to do with risk reporting.

Miu Miu Fall 2011 Campaign

A most recent PR blunder was Miu Miu's ad campaign. They had a model who was around 13 years old posing on a railroad track. The United Kingdom's Advertising Standards Agency banned the campaign due to the irresponsible message being communicated. 

“Irresponsible because it depicted a child in an unsafe location.”

This offense may argue that the UK's restriction is trivial. I think in order for the ASA to really understand this ad they have to understand what fashion is really all about. Fashion is fantasy, it is not always taken seriously. This was a picture that was set up for hours, and I'm sure Miu Miu made prior arrangements for the train traffic to stop on that part of the railroad track. ASA should also give their citizens the benefit of the doubt that they understand what is dangerous and how to protect themselves.


Another recent incident involved the brand Kenneth Cole. The fashion brand maintains a twitter to connect with their customers. During the Arab Spring, where citizens of Egypt rioted in the capital. Kenneth Cole's PR team took this event as an opportunity to promote their brand by tweeting:

In this situation I believe that this was a lapse of judgement on their fault. The Arab Spring was such a revolutionary time for the Middle East, with many sacrificing their lives for the cause. To make light of such a heavy topic was disrespectful.When I work in the fashion industry I hope that I can learn from other's mistakes and take responsible risk that won't hurt the brand I represent. 

TOPIC BLOG: Science and Fashion

For today's topic blog I will be connecting health and fashion. Since this blog is connected to a class I am doing this semester I am required to blog about certain topics. I will be linking these topics with fashion so that they are still relevant and interesting. I hope that this post gives you a new perspective and provides you a deeper look into the fashion industry.

Science and fashion may not seem like they go together but there are many technological advancements that have improved the quality of our fabrics and designs. In the above video we see how fashion designers are using their craft to inspire young girls to study science! There are so many ways to incorporate science into our style.

For your everyday life I wanted to feature some products that have taken advantage of technology to improve an exisiting garment.

Here are a few products that will keep you warm this winter.

UNIQLO HEATTECH

Burton Padded Audio Beanie

Stay warm while listening to your favorite songs on your ipod!

Texting Gloves

These gloves are perfect for the texting addict. The fabric used for the fingers are specially formulated so that a touch screen will still react with the gloves on. 

TOPIC BLOG: Political Communication

For today's topic blog I will be connecting health and fashion. Since this blog is connected to a class I am doing this semester I am required to blog about certain topics. I will be linking these topics with fashion so that they are still relevant and interesting. I hope that this post gives you a new perspective and provides you a deeper look into the fashion industry. 


Does fashion have a significant impact on politics? On the surface many would say not at all. But if you take a closer you will realize that fashion and the political world definitely have an influence on each other.

When a president or other government official runs for office every action is scrutinized, even what they wear to a speech or party. The way a person dresses has a lot to do with the message they are trying to communicate.

Many American Presidential candidates may decide to wear rolled up sleeves at a speech about agriculture to give off the appearance of being a hard worker and relating to the audience.

There are so many subtle messages that can be conveyed through the way we dress, whether we want to appear powerful, younger, older, smarter, or hardworking.


One blog called Mrs.O, tracks Michelle Obama's fashion choices everyday. The blog reports on what she wears to different events and where to purchase some of her more affordable clothing items. Women have looked to Obama for fashion inspiration. Her choices have an impact on political messages her husband is communicating around the world. A great example of how powerful her fashion choices are we can look at the Alexander McQueen controversy in January 2011.

Michelle Obama wore a red Alexander McQueen dress to a Chinese state dinner. Many people in the fashion industry were offended by her dress choice. The reason being that Alexander McQueen is a British designer and not an American designer. The American designers felt that in wearing that dress Obama was not supporting the American fashion industry and hurting the struggle of keeping garment jobs in the United States.

Nanette Lepore, an American fashion designer wrote:

"Five years of raising awareness for New York’s Garment Center have been rendered irrelevant by one statement. What Michelle Obama chooses to wear can save and create American jobs. Her influence on the American fashion industry does not detract from her agenda in the East Wing. The First Lady can support her causes and simultaneously support a valuable American industry and the thousands of people it employs. I wish she would rethink her statement"

The choices public figures make can create powerful statements about political issues. I really wanted you to think about the messages you may be sending in your own daily lives!

TOPIC BLOG: Health and Fashion

For today's topic blog I will be connecting health and fashion. Since this blog is connected to a class I am doing this semester I am required to blog about certain topics. I will be linking these topics with fashion so that they are still relevant and interesting. I hope that this post gives you a new perspective and provides you a deeper look into the fashion industry. 

One of the most pressing issues in the fashion industry is the health of fashion models. Open up any fashion spread or look at any runway show and you are flooded with waif like models. In the past few years there have been reports of models dying from lack of proper nutrition and speculations of eating disorders. 

The industry has tried to address the situation and bring more awareness to the problem. In 2006 Madrid Fashion Week made a bold move and restricted models under a certain BMI from participating in the show.  That year, 30 percent of the models who had modeled the year before were dismiss based on their low body mass index. 

Even though there have been efforts within the fashion industry to control the issue, we continue to see twiggy-esque models on the runways and in our media. Many in the industry feel like they are being made the scapegoat for the cause of eating disorders. A lot of designers prefer skinny models over a plus size model and they are not afraid to admit it. Karl Lagerfeld, the iconic figure behind Chanel and Fendi is quoted saying

"These are fat mummies sitting with their bags of crisps in front of the television, saying that thin models are ugly. The world of fashion is all to do with dreams and illusions, and no one wants to see round women"

 As a person who has worked in the industry as an intern behind the scenes, I can say for a fact that body image is a topic that is on people's minds in the office. No one is exactly ordering a cheeseburger for lunch. But that doesn't mean that the industry is full of eating disorders either. The fashion industry is based on image and looks, it is just a reality. 

Many people may automatically cast the fashion world as one evil industry bent on making women feel bad but I would argue that having thin models is sometimes essential. 

Here are some arguments for using thin models:

• Designers are usually using very expensive fabrics and ateliers to make beautiful garments, it is often just cost efficient to use a thinner model. This means less fabric is needed to create a dress for the runway show. When the garment is being mass produced then larger sizes can be made.
• When showing a collection a designer is wanting focus on the garments themselves and not the models. Having a tall thin model wear one's garments on the runway will draw the least attention. If you look at past collections or editorials where plus size models are used there is more media attention given to the designer's use of these models than to the actual clothes. We must not forget that fashion is a business, in order to be successful you must sell the CLOTHES!
• The fit also is a large part of the issue. It is just the plain truth that thin models are more versatile when it comes to dressing them in various looks. They require less alterations than a plus size model. A plus size model comes with more factors that a designer must consider when creating pieces that will be flattering for a plus size body.
• The need for uniform models. A typical model can be in multiple shows during fashion weeks.Since it is the industry standard to use sample sizes (which run from extra small and small)  for their RTW shows It is important that they are able to go from show to show and fit everything with out major adjustments.

In my personal opinion there IS a difference between these two pictures. There are models that are naturally skinny and are not affected by eating disorders.

Valentino

Former Model Battling Anorexia

I know what I may say is controversial or offensive but I also think that the reason we have tall skinny glamazon models in our industry is because we are selling an image. I have to admit that Lagerfeld's above comment has some truth to it....

Advertising 101

Why do consumers buy certain brands or products? It isn't because the advertisement says that they are fine just the way we are. It is because we are striving to be something better.

 A person may buy a shiny new Bentley because they want to appear rich and successful, not because they want to feel like everyone else. The second people become content with themselves the drive to spend on luxury items diminishes.

(watch a few episodes of Mad Men and you will have a better idea of what I mean).

In our society and culture being thin is seen as beautiful and powerful. This is because of the nature of our socioeconomic structure. As Americans we are an industrialized country where people are not struggling to survive on $2 dollars a day. We are affluent and constantly consuming. It is only natural that our society sees thinness as having control over our consumerism, it reflects our capitalistic culture. 

If you want proof of this statement please consider the other side of the spectrum. A country in Africa or India have different views on what is seen as beautiful. Women are allowed to have a little extra around the waist, this is because food may be  more scarce in that developing country. Being plus size equates to status and wealth in this situation. 

I leave you readers with this to think about; V Magazine did an editorial where they dressed a sample sized model and a plus sized model in the same designer outfits. They wanted to make a statement as to what was acceptable in the fashion world, and whether weight still matters when it comes to what is beautiful in the industry. What do you think?

What I have just blogged about is a very controversial topic and there are many opinions on the matter. I think that it is important that we as a community are open about it. I am curious to hear what you have to say on the issue. Please comment below with your opinions!

Live Blogging: UI Cultural Ball 2011

Over the weekend I did a live blogging on the University of Iowa's Cultural Ball. The event was held on November 12th at the IMU. The event promoted the mix of cultures on campus and incorporated dress, music, food, and dance.

8:40PM

8:46 PM

8:54 PM

9:05 PM

9:05 PM

9:21 PM

9:36 PM

Versace for H&M

Unless you have been living under a rock then you know about the upcoming Versace capsule collection for H&M. The collection will be debut in the United States on November 19th. I am so excited to shop the collection when I'm back in Chicago. I plan on standing outside the H&M doors at 5AM with other freezing fashionistas in order to get my hands on the coveted peices.

Here are a few of things that I will be buying next week:

Fashion Internships: The Interview

For the next chapter in my Fashion Internship series I will be talking about the interview.

Hopefully you have sent out your resume to various companies and you now have heard some feedback. At this stage you should have heard back from someone asking when are you available to interview.

I AM SO HAPPY THAT YOU ARE AT THIS STAGE. YOU SHOULD BE PROUD, YOUR HARD WORK HAS PAID OFF!!

But now your biggest worries are what will you wear? What kind of questions should I prepare for? HELP!!!
These are common questions I hope to give you a clearer idea of what to expect in the interview process.

WHAT TO WEAR 


Because it is such a creative industry and you are hoping to work in fashion, your wardrobe plays an important part in your interview. You should fee free to show a little bit of your personal style while still maintaining a professional look.

This is not the time to break out black pants and a plain white top. You are allowed to wear a few more fashionable (NOT TRENDY) pieces.

I would suggest wearing a smart dress or skirt with heels or simple flats.

Here are some examples from street style photos.

Polyvore-The Academic


What Will They Ask Me?

A lot of people stress out about the interview questions but there is no need to fear. Most employers are  nice and polite. Remember that they are human too and they are not out to find every little mistake you make, they want to like you. 

As for the questions they will ask, they are pretty simple questions about your previous experiences and your personal life.

Here are many of the questions I have been asked in the past at various magazines

• Tell me more about yourself? (activities,hobbies, personality)
• What do you like to do on your free time outside of school?
• What days would you be available to work? 
• What are your start and end dates for the internship?
• What are your top 3 favorite designers?
• Who are your favorite magazine editors?
• What was the last cultural/fashion event or museum you went to?
• What was the last book you read?
• What are some of you career goals in fashion?
• Tell me about ____ experience (from your resume)
• How or where did you find out about the internship?
• What is your favorite section of our magazine/ what is your favorite collection from our design house? And why?

See the questions are not so bad!

Here are just a few last tips

-Its always a good idea to have a reference list. Some people ask for one but not always

-ALWAYS CARRY 2-3 COPIES OF YOUR RESUMES. THEY WILL EXPECT YOU TO HAVE A PHYSICAL COPY AT THE INTERVIEW

-Be on time

-Don't be afraid to ask questions

-Be confident
-Remember to do your research on the company you are interviewing with!

Good luck on your interview! 

*and don't forget to comment below and tell me all about it*

The Latest Obsession

Because I'm Addicted is one of my favorite fashion blogs of the moment. Geri Hirsch is always posting fantastic fashion spreads and inspiring photos. 
One of her latest projects is recording DIY videos. I like them because they are visually stunning, informative, and short.
Here are a few of my favorites!

Fall Favorites

The weather is starting to really cool down and the leaves are starting to change color. Fall is now in full swing! There are a few trends for fall 2011 that are starting to emerge. I wanted to highlight some of the staples I will be snapping up in the next few weeks.


SMOKING LOAFERS

These loafers remind me of old men drinking scotch in a library filled with mahogany panels. Now it is a chic American shoe that is making its way in women's wear. There are a variety of colors and patterns to choose from.

Pair these shoes with tailored pants or trousers. You can also pair these types of shoes with skinny jeans.

           TRUST FUND                                                                      BUDGET FASHIONISTA

Stubbs & Wooton, $400

Charles Philip Shanghai, $99

              














NEON BRIGHTS


What better way to cheer up a grey fall day but to wear brights. Color blocking is great for fall. If you are afraid or not used to adding color in your wardrobe try just adding an accessory or one clothing item and mix with other neutral colors.


                      TRUST FUND                                                                     BUDGET FASHIONISTA

The Cambridge Satchel Company, $135

Steve Madden, $89

CREATIVE NAILS


This is not really a clothing trend but I feel compelled to post it anyway because this trend is really blowing up. It's fashion for your nails! Your own nails are becoming your best accessories. Brands are starting to produce nail decals that have crazy patterns on them that will stay on longer than your usual manicure.


            TRUST FUND                                                                

Minx Nails, $50

                                                                               BUDGET FASHIONISTA

NCLA, $16

Fashion Internships: The Search

Now that you have created a slick resume and cover letter, I'm sure you are now ready to start sending your  goods into the fashion world!

Contrary to popular belief you do not have to have an MTV production crew to gain a fabulous internship! All you need is a bit of perseverance!

Here are my tips on where to start hunting for fashion internships.

There are many websites that have free listings to major fashion internships such as Marie Claire, Teen Vogue, KCD and more! 

Here are my top 3 websites where I have personally found success

Free Fashion Internships

FFI.com is one of the best sites on the web for fashion internships. The list is updated everyday with a bunch of new opportunities. I have seen everyone from Valentino to Vogue post on this website. What makes this site unique is that it feature fashion internships in a variety of departments. There are internships in finance, PR, Special Events, Design, Magazine, and more. 

ED2010

ED2010 is a national professional organization that focuses on the Magazine Industry. In addition to providing industry secrets  and tips they also have a great internship listing. They are constantly updating with fashion related internships in the magazine industry. All of the internships they offer are in print or web magazines and are usually in the fashion closet. Occasionally they post fashion internships that are in the editorial department, which is more writing than working with the actual clothes! If you striving to be the next Cathy Horyn then this would be the best place to look!

Intern Queen

Intern Queen is another great resource for the internship search! Not only does this site post up fashion internships but also internships in advertising/marketing and entertainment. This website also has a blog where other college students can write about their interning experiences and give advice. What makes this site unique is that it highlights fashion internships in all 50 states, not just New York City!

Other places to look for internships...

Tap your existing network!

 Let people know what your goals are and what you are interested in because you never know who might be able to connect you to someone in the industry. Your family's dentist could have a niece who happens to work for Chanel, YOU NEVER KNOW HOW PEOPLE ARE CONNECTED. SO SPEAK UP!!

Create your own opportunities!

So far I have been lucky enough to have had 4 different fashion internship experiences, with a 5th one lined up later this year. Out of all my internships only one of them was an internship that I officially found a posting online and applied to. My most valuable tip for looking for internships is to be proactive! 

My usual search process goes as followed:

-Find the dream companies I want to work for

-Contact (call,email,research) the office in order to obtain a name and email address of a person who might be looking for an intern. 

-I send them an email about my interest in working with them

Most of the time I get a response. It goes to show you that if you never ask you will never know. Most people would love help, especially one from an eager unpaid intern.

Do you have any good tips for the search? Comment below with YOUR best tips.

***On a side note I would like to share some exciting news! I just found out that I will be interning for Vogue this winter in the PR/Special Events Department. I'm so excited :)****

Eye Candy Tuesday