A Fashion Education

Normally my day consists of sifting through hundreds, and I'm sure probably thousands, of fashion images. This may seem a little obsessive, but I mean with sites like Pinterest, StyleSaint, style.com and everyone's favorite app... Instagram, it's not that hard to do. Nonetheless I look at it as a part of my job, at least part of what  will be my future career.

I want to be a fashion editor and writer. 

I'm currently a senior (yay!) English literature, which means I'm working on the writing aspect of my dream... but then there is the fashion editorial part. Well, I am blessed to say that I'm getting an education in that as well. I started the journey about six months ago with this lovely lady assisting with styling (steaming, organizing wardrobe/shoes, returns etc.) on some fabulous shoots. So today, I thought instead of sharing random images, I would share a few  I got to see take place first hand. Enjoy!

Aqua Parios by Mireya Acierto and MU/Styling by Diane Aiello 

Arizona Foothills Magazine 'A Fine Romance'

Arizona Foothills Magazine 'Fashion Fore-ay'

Fashion Gone Rogue 'Face The Light' by Matthew Priestley and Styling by Diane Aiello

Busy but Happy

I apologize for not having posted in almost a week. My semester just started and Oy Vey! Getting books, parking permits, figuring out my new schedule, etc. can really wear a girl out! Ok well enough of that... 

Well sort of, since I'm back at school and juggling a lot of different "projects," for a lack of a better word, I thought I would give some tips on how to stay sane while trying to juggle all  the "projects" you may have: school, work, internships, blogging, and of course fun.

1. Get a planner. My mom buys a planner every year and I used to think it was just another unnecessary thing to lug around in my purse—I mean I have my phone after all. Okay, well when your phone dies, or you drop it in the toilet, or you set it wrong {yes sometimes it is the user that is the problem} it is imperative that you have a backup.

2. Sleep when you can. When pursuing your dream, education, career and maybe even a relationship it seems that there is no time for sleep. My solution is to sleep whenever and wherever you can.  My favorite way to get some extra sleep in is to skip washing my hair and throwing it in a messy bun—an extra 10 minutes right there. Of course coffee always helps too.

3. Choose wisely. Yes, it is important to take many of the opportunities that come your way, but taking every opportunity may result in a lack of focus and therefore a lack of expertise. If you want to be in fashion, then stick with opportunities that relate to the industry.

4. Which leads me to… Know when to say no and of course say it kindly. Saying yes to everyone and everything that comes your way can result in a very sleepy, grumpy, and less productive you. If you want to keep your friends, family, and your job learn to say no to things that won't contribute to your happiness, health, or career/dream.

5. Have fun. I promise that if you don't make time for you that you will come to greatly resent what it is that you are working toward. If you still want to love fashion 20 years from now, take a break and do something you enjoy every once in awhile. Reading, going out with friends, watching a movie, video games, getting a massage, dancing... anything just make sure it's fun! 

6. Exercise. Believe me I am the last person who wants to exercise {I  tell my husband that I will sit in the car until he is done}, but it really does help. It not only gives you an extra boost of energy, but it also helps to release stress and tension. Find something you like, my favorite is TRX classes, but you can even take a few laps around your favorite mall ;)

Photo: She Knows Living

5 Perfect Interview Looks

So you’ve done all the legwork and landed yourself an interview for the fashion job of your dreams {or at least the job leading to the job of your dreams}. You're jumping up and down, doing your “oh yeah” dance, updating Twitter and Facebook respectively, and texting your friends and family—when suddenly it hits you, "What do I wear to a fashion interview?"

Unless you have a wardrobe comparable to the fashion closet at Vogue or your mom is Anna Wintour the prospect of dressing to impress your future fashion boss may be overwhelming.  {Step 1 is having the confidence that you already have the job, of course this doesn't mean act like a snob}


So the question remains...what to wear? Well, call me old fashion but no matter how commonplace jeans become they just aren’t appropriate for an interview—anywhere—let alone in fashion. All right, maybe it is okay in a few rare situations in which case make sure the jeans are of a dark wash, straight-legged, with no holes, and ironed.

Here are 5 looks that are sure to land you the job... I even threw in a denim look.

Professional Chic

Zara

Lady-Like Business

Nordstrom

Color Blocked Classics

Forever 21

New York, New York

H&M

Dressy Denim

Nordstrom

Exciting Fashion Jobs for Recent Grads!

Recent grad looking for a job in the industry?

Here are some fashion worthy openings for you:

Bergdorf Goodman - Assistant Buyer {handbags},  NY 

Marc Jacobs International LLC - Business Planner , NY {who wouldn't want this job?}

Anthropologie - Apparel Merchandiser, NY

J. Brand - Marketing Assistant , CA

Forever 21 - Designer {EVG} ,  CA

Dillard's - Assistant Buyer , AZ

Saks Fifth Avenue - Administrative Assistant, NY

Hearst Magazines - Advertising Sales Assistant, CA

Endearing Denim

Why do I love the new Gap ad campaign? There are oh so many reasons.

I don’t know if it is my love of reality TV that has me intrigued by the behind the scenes look at the 1969 Denim Studio or my dream to have a career in the industry that drives me to take advantage of even the slightest glimpse.

The short 1 to 2 minute videos take you inside the Pico Loft located in Downtown L.A. where a group of designers, wash specialists, and merchants show you the design processes that go into making a pair of Gap jeans.

The studio itself looks like a playground for any creative type—with computers, drafting tables, art books, mood boards and jeans literally everywhere. However, it is the people that make this campaign so endearing…after watching all six videos I wanted to wear a pair of 1969 Gap jeans simply because Nicole, the women's designer, has such a super-cool vibe about her {she also happened to start out at the Gap as an intern, talk about inspiration!} and because Cale is cute {and his name is Cale, also cute}.

If you haven’t seen the videos I highly suggest you head on over to their YouTube channel {here}.

Zara + E-commerce = Amazing!

In case you haven't heard Zara will be launching e-commerce in the U.S. this September. 

Yes Please!

Interested in working for Zara? Check out their job postings at 

Zara Careers

Getting Started

Fashion is no doubt a competitive industry. With the thousand of other self-proclaimed fashionistas who have internship and work experience applying for the same positions it may seem impossible to get started in pursuing your dream career. 

Don't fret and certainly don't give up. Here are 3 tips that will help you get your start in the industry no matter how much or how little experience you currently have. 

1.Write a good resume, but an even better cover letter. A resume serves to showcase your work experience, educational background, and skills, but what it doesn’t show a potential employer is your personality and passion. A good cover letter should express why you think you are a perfect fit for the position, how your past experiences will make you a good asset to the company, and express your passion for the type of work you are applying for. 

2. Do your research. Fashion tends to be a word-of-mouth kind of industry. Get yourself out there and start networking. Research local fashion events, meet up groups, and make an appearance. Insider blogs, fashion publications, and social networking sites are also a good place to start your search. 

3. Be proactive. My first internship with a fashion designer was the result of searching for local designers and boutique owners, contacting them via email and offering my services. If you decide to go this route, which is entirely worth the effort—be honest. If you have never interned before and have no experience in the field (watching an entire season of Project Runway does not count as experience) then tell them what you can do. Are you great at organizing? Then offer to maintain their office by filing, answering phones, and doing inventory. In my email I even offered to make coffee.

And remember...any experience is good experience.