The Fashion Industry Is Our Hopes and Dreams

I need the fashion industry to live. Stores, clothing, trends, advertisements, photos, magazines… They are my lifeline, my saving grace. People mock the fashion industry as petty and superficial, but really, it’s not.

The goal of the fashion industry is to sell people a better, improved image of themselves. That fancy rolex? It represents that man’s dream to be a top broker on Wall Street in the next few years. That evening gown? It represents that woman’s desire to walk the red carpet for her dream role in a movie. That little pair of baby shoes? It represents that woman’s dream to raise a family and have a happy life. That trendy shirt? It represents that girl’s desire to fit in, even when everything else might be going wrong in her life. Fashion is a lifeline. It shows what people really feel, how they act, or how they want to be shown to the world. What you choose to wear, how you choose to express yourself, that is your decision. It’s your choice. In a world that’s very unpredictable, where anything can happen to you at any moment in time, knowing you have a choice of how to dress and how you want to look means everything. As the queen, Coco Chanel, once said, “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress. Dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”

We are reading the Great Gatsby in school right now, and I've always admired Gatsby for reasons that not many people do. *spoiler alert* He dreams up this whole idyllic future for himself, one where he has Daisy again, one where he can live happily in his mansion with the love of his life and have no cares in the world. He doesn't just sit on that dream and wait for it to come true though, he acts on it. Jay Gatz reinvents himself as Jay Gatsby, first by his look and personal image, by his speech, and then he builds himself a whole new world based off of those first building blocks.

It sounds crazy, but I can see fashion doing that for people. You can go into any store and you see faces lighting up when someone tries on the perfect dress for their date that night, or their power suit for their first day at a new job. Clothes, new or old, offer someone a chance to take up a new personality, or change their lifestyle. Every time you try on a piece of clothing it's offering up thousands of memories you might make wearing it. 

I might be romanticizing the whole idea of fashion, but to me that's how it works. Looking through my closet I remember so many special times and people that I don't remember on a daily basis. I guess that's another thing that fashion does, it serves as an existing reminder of the past- that what's done is done, and that there is a whole trove of times waiting to be experienced in these clothes in the future. 

Simply Stylist Convention New York

copyright Simply Stylist

A few weekends ago, I went to the Simply Stylist Convention in New York. It was hosted by E! News host Catt Sadler, and had keynote panels, a shopping and networking time and breakout sessions. There was an Entreprenuer panel, a Blogger panel, and an Experts panel.

The Entrepreneur Panel

    This panel featured Allison Beal, founder of StyleSaint, and Sarah Boyd, founder of Simply Stylist.

Allison Beal- StyleSaint

The goal of StyleSaint is to cut out the retailers, so the shoppers are buying clothes at wholesale prices. It was created after Ms. Beal realized in her own company, that the retail price markups were excluding a whole market of women who would love to wear the clothes she was selling, but could not afford the prices.

Tips:
-Don't waste your time while trying to make connections and network. Sending out a thousand emails will not do you much good in the long run, and will take an insane amount of time.
-When you develop a relationship with someone where you can provide some sort of value to them, then there is a two way relationship and it benefits you more.

Sarah Boyd- Simply Stylist

Simply Stylist was started to make networking and meeting people in the industry easier, and more fun with the conferences in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Tips for Networking:

-Find the top ten brands you want to work for, make a list, and work towards that. Make it your goal.

-Be nice, and follow up after meeting people.

-Once you are their friend, they want to help you out. 

The Blogger Panel

    This panel featured Jordan Reid of Ramshackle Glam, Alba Garcia of Sunkiss Alba, and Danielle Bernstein of We Wore What.

Jordan Reid- Ramshackle Glam

Jordan Reid was a neuroscience major at Harvard. Yeah, neuroscience. Yeah, Harvard. Talk about a smart lady. She gave up on a failed acting career in LA in 2006, then went to the print journalism industry, which imploded in 2007. In 2010, she started her blog Ramshackle Glam. Jordan covers all things from personal life to fashion to food. In Spring of 2014, her book about tips for new mothers (such as herself) is coming out.

Tips:
-While fashion is a creative industry, it is important to remember that it is a business as well.
-Consistently try to exceed expectations.
-Give credit where credit is due, and acknowledge that most things are the result of a collaboration or a joint effort.
-Connect with your readers and fans.
-Ignore the negative comments as best you can.
-In the beginning, work for free with the companies you like.
-Instead of prioritizing SEO (search engine optimization), put genuine readership first.
-Stay true to your content by not reading too many other blogs.

Alba Garcia- Sunkiss Alba

Sunkiss Alba is a Youtube channel run by Alba Garcia, focusing on style advice for moms on the go. Being bilingual, she also has a channel in spanish, running the same content to reach more potential viewers.

Tips:
-Create something that is original and trendy- something you think will do well
-Focus on the details
-Let your viewers know that you love what you do
-Be nice to the haters, they don't know how to respond to that
-Let people get to know you personally

Danielle Bernstein- We Wore What

We Wore What started as a street style blog to provide girls who didn't live in the city with the constant style inspiration that it provides. Eventually, it developed into a personal style blog. While still at FIT, Danielle was a regular in the front row at Fashion Week, with the blogging superstars like Bryan Grey-Yambao and Garance Dore.

Tips:
-Learn how to say no to brands and people if you don't want to work with them, or do not have a similar style as their brand.
-Be organic and stay true to yourself.
-Be a strong networker
-Cross-promote over all your social media networks
-Find your niche
-Reach out to brands you like when first starting, don't wait for them to find you.
-SEO and monetization are important when you want to make blogging your job.

The Experts Panels

     This panel featured Catt Sadler of E! News, Sasha Charnin Morrison of US Weekly, Laurel Pinson of Stylecaster, and Polly Blitzer of Beauty Blitz.

Catt Sadler- E! News Correspondant

Tips:

-Sometimes it isn't about who is more skilled or experienced, but who is nicer to other people.

-Learn every part of the industry you are in

-Know the jobs of everyone around you

-Show up and don't act like a brat

Sasha Charnin Morrison- Fashion Director US Weekly

Tips: 

-Don't be disrespectful when you are trying to get what you want

-Listen and learn

-Your past helps develop who you are

-Learn from your experiences

-Take the opportunities that you can grow from

Laurel Pinson- Stylecaster

Tips:

-Don't let stereotypes control you: if you work in fashion, outside people assume you are ditzy or dumb

-Anticipate that some people might not take you seriously

-Prove yourself

Polly Blitzer- Beauty Blitz

Tips:
-It's always good to be humble
-Be open to more information
-Don't be a know it all
-Don't call yourself an expert
-You are your own advocate
-Use social media, especially twitter, to talk to people you admire. It gives you a way to contact those you look up to or want to work with who used to be inaccessible.

My Outfit

Delia's sweater, Coach bag, H&M pants, infinity scarf from a small store in Hoboken, Madden Girl nude heels, rings from another small store in Hoboken, bracelet from my Grandma

The Shopping

The shopping time was so fun, and the booths had some amazing smaller brands. I would recommend checking out these brands if you haven't heard of them. Personally, I thought the jeans at Dittos were really well made and well priced for quality jeans, and that the bustiers at Rad + Refined were very interesting. I got a floral headband from TMG, so expect to see that showing up in style posts soon.

Rad + Refined

Dittos

TMG by Michella Madonna

Express

StyleSaint

I learned so much from this convention, especially the panels. Overall, it was eye-opening, and I would absolutely suggest going next year to anyone interested in any part of the fashion industry.

Amanda DiLauro Interview

During my class at FIT in the Spring (Fashion Journalism), I had the chance to listen to guest speaker Amanda DiLauro talk about her career. It was nice to hear about other aspects of the magazine business, besides the journalism, and many pieces of advice she gave stuck in my mind. After waiting the appropriate few hours, I emailed Ms. DiLauro to see if I could interview her for Teen Fashion From Suburbia. Being the generous person she is, she gave me some of her time for an interview. I learned so much about an industry which I had no previous knowledge of, and hopefully you will learn something as well.

Ms DiLauro is an Integrated Marketing Manager at SELF Magazine. SELF is a women's health and lifestyle magazine, owned by publishing powerhouse, Conde Nast. Being an integrated marketing manager means that you come up with ideas to give advertisers "added value" to go with what they are paying for the ad. This "added value" may be in the form of a sponsored event, a mention in another part of the magazine, and just about anything else the Integrated Marketing Managers come up with. Basically, they help promote the brand so it is worth it for that brand to pay money for the advertisement plus the "added value".

Conde Nast is known for being very choosy, and I asked Ms DiLauro if that is true, and if so, how hard is it to get a job at one of the Conde Nast entities. As she so eloquently responded, "Conde Nast can afford to be selective because it is considered the Harvard of magazine publishing. This is because of it's high-end brands such as Vogue and Conde Nast Traveler, who set the precedent for other similar brand from other publishers." Later, Ms DiLauro added on, saying "At Conde, the only job they will put you in starting out is an assistant role." However, Ms DiLauro assured me that there is no competition between individual brands owned by Conde Nast because they all occupy their own niche in terms of topic matter.

As a high school student, I was very interested to hear Ms DiLauro's perspective on the argument of a liberal arts college vs fashion college for a future in fashion marketing. She gave me the best advice anyone has given me about college, which was to "Pursue your passion, let that inform you." It spoke volumes about finding what you love to do and holding on to that dream. Ms DiLauro did warn against going to a (strictly) fashion college if you are having doubts or are worried you might lose interest.  

When asked about internships, Ms DiLauro told me: "In this industry [magazines/fashion] they look more at your experience than your GPA. You learn from having internships what you need to know in a work setting."

Anywhere you go in the fashion industry, you hear whispers that access to a job comes from your connections. Is it really all about who you know? While Ms DiLauro acknowledges the power of connections, she thinks that "connections can't get you a jobs if you don't have the skills for it." Use your contacts for the highly-regarded first hand referrals on your resume and use what you can do to actually land the job or internship. But what if you don't have any family or friends that work in the industry? If you go to industry events and network, you can meet new people who might eventually be able to help you get an interview for a job.

But what traits and skills will help you land that job at that magazine that you're dying to get? Since the magazine environment is very fast-paced, you have to be able to work in that environment and also be able to handle a high-stress job. Especially while starting out as an intern or an assistant, you have to be detailed oriented and have expert level time management skills so you can get all aspects of your job done. Ms. DiLauro made sure to emphasize the importance of being cheerful and not letting it show if things get you upset. A she said to me, "Don't bring other problems to work."

Job interviews can be scary, but before you even walk in the office and sit down, you should know everything about the place you are interviewing at and the person or people you were interviewing with. Google is a powerful tool in the respect. By acknowledging recent activity within the company, you are showing that you are truly interested in what they do, and that you put in that extra effort. Ms. DiLauro believes that confidence and conversation skills are also key, because all an interview really is is a conversation about yourself.

Most importantly, I asked Ms. DiLauro about her in-office attire and what stores she likes to shop at. "At Conde Nast," she mentions, "it depends on work appropriateness. You can wear jeans, but it depends on how you wear them and what you wear them with." Ms. DiLauro shops at H&M and Forever 21, because honestly, they aren't pricey, but she knows that you have to pair it up well so that it doesn't look like your outfit is cheap. And if she had to pick one favorite designer? Instead of one, I got 6, ranging from Alexander McQueen to Naeem Kahn to Alexander Wang. For shoes, Christian Louboutin tops the list, like always.

As I said goodbye to Ms. DiLauro on the phone, my brain was buzzing with all these different hints and tips and pieces of advice that she gave me. It was so helpful, and I can honestly say that I was honored to be permitted to interview her.

Missed You, Inspiration, Coachella, New Posts, Stassiebabeeyy, etc...

I missed you guys!! I know it's been a while, and yes, it is my fault. A combination of laziness and school testing took over my life. Anywayyyy, with the third marking period almost over in school I am getting so so inspired by the new warm weather and everything going on right now.

Lately, I have been really inspired by more boho/Cali grunge looks than my normal preppy/edgy sort of vibe. Keep in mind that when I say grunge I don't mean legitimate grunge, but more of an adaptation of California inspired carefree skater vibe clothes. And with Coachella starting in Palm Springs, I'm so ready to take in all that style and make it my own.

And speaking of Coachella, I am planning to watch for what I think are the best looks and then I'll do a cool post about that.

Also, I'm so psyched because I have a ton of great posts that I want to do. Guess taking a two week break really gives you a chance to get more ideas!!

Finally, I need to do an honorable mention to my new idol. Her full name is Anastasia Karanikolao but her friends all call her Stas. She is gorgeous. STUNNING. And from keeks of Kylie Jenner's that I have watched, she seems amazingly nice as well. Oh yeah, and she's friends with Kylie Jenner. So yeah, nothing more to say about that. Just look at her. :O That is my face every time.

Like OMG. Woah. #CanIPleaseBeHer?

So yeah people. Love you guys and I'll post more soon.

Yours in Fashion,
E

Kendall & Kylie X PacSun

I love Kendall and Kylie Jenner. I really do. They are such prominent fashion icons, known for their family and their reality show mainly, yet they still seem so down to earth and real. Still in their teenage years, they have had so many fantastic experiences (like being west coast contributors to Seventeen mag). I really respect their creativity and playfulness with their style, because it must be hard to do when you know you can be criticized on a global level. 

All girl-crushes aside, this collection is very trendy, yet still seems to hone in on individual style. Looking at the collection piece by piece, I can see how the items could either be edgy or feminine or sexy depending on what you choose to wear it with.

My favorite 2 things of the collection: the
circle sunglasses and the fringe scarf.

My concern with this collection is that most of the items are things that I have seen other places. Worst off, there are pieces that almost the same exact thing is available by a different brand at PacSun as well. The thing about this that worries me is that it makes me think that the higher prices over the other PacSun merchandise isn't for a better manufacturer or better fabric, but for the name. Yes, the name. Let me show you what I mean.

These two sunglasses are each $14.50 OR you can buy them both for only $20. However, one pair of the Kendall & Kylie sunglasses is $24.50. It is a $10 difference, but how much can the materials really be?

While the Kendall & Kylie shirt has an ombre bleach, would you want to pay $19.13 extra for that? Since they are both button up denim shirts with the same structure and same number of pockets, the ombre bleaching is essentially the only thing different.

These shorts, at least to me, look exactly alike. Same four buttons, same two pockets, same two belt loops, same bleached color, same frayed edges and distressed look. The price difference though? $13.

After looking at all those similarities, do you see what I mean? Personally, I would buy the cheaper one, because having the Kendall & Kylie tag on it doesn't matter to me. That tag matters to a lot of people, and I want to know: Does that tag matter to you, and would you pay that extra $13 for it?

Yours in Fashion, 

E

The Truth About Black Friday

There are so many lies surrounding Black Friday, and there are so many things that people just don't know. Here are some things I found funny about Black Friday:

1. Black Friday isn't the day with the best sales in stores.
2. Black Friday isn't the most popular shopping day. The most popular day is usually the Saturday before Christmas, or, if Christmas is on a weekend, the Thursday or Friday before.
3. So many people trash Black Friday (just search Black Friday on Twitter for proof), yet so many people still go out.
4. This picture was probably retweeted over a thousand times.

I know this is probably a small fraction of the "interesting" stats about Black Friday, but these are the ones I found that really resonated with me. I mean, how often do people talk badly about Black Friday to wake up at 4 the next morning to get the stuff they want. It's a very confusing part of the American culture.

Yours in Fashion,

E