Fashion Journalism @ CSM + Urban Outfitters

On Thursday evening I began an evening course at Central St. Martins in Fashion Journalism. As you may know I’m applying for internships at the moment so I’m trying to build up as much knowledge and experience as possible at where better to get that knowledge than the school that counts Alexander McQueen, Matthew Wiliamson, Paul Smith, Zac Posen and Stella McCartney (to name but a very very small few) among its alumni?

The class is being taught by Hywel Davies who has written for Elle, Vogue, The Observer, Dazed and Confused, Nylon and Grafik to name but a few. Here is a link to his bio on SHOWstudio (http://showstudio.com/contributor/hywel_davies). There is a great mix of people in the class with many different nationalities and backgrounds – one girl travels the world as a model while another girl from Japan interned at Japanese Vogue. I am looking forward to learning a lot more about the industry.

This week’s outfit choice is this dress I bought at a store on Camden High St which is full of lace and very feminine ethereal pieces. The dress  looks like two separate pieces when in fact it’s an all-in-one.

The eagle necklace is from Topshop. I’ve put a leather look belt from H&M around the middle to make it look a little edgier. Over the dress, I’m wearing a leather jacket I got last weekend at Spitalfield’s Market in Liverpool Street. I was looking for a new leather jacket, particularly one with studs and am thrilled with this find. It’s great to buy pieces in markets that not many people will have.

Stud Inspiration Burberry Prorsum Spring Summer 2011 Biker Jacket

(Source: http://frillsandthrills.blogspot.com/2011/05/celeb-style-burberry-biker-jacket.html)

The shoes I am wearing are my Winter indulgence Kurt Geiger boots. I had been admiring these for ages before I gave in and purchased them. I am hoping these will last me for a few years if I only wear them occasionally.

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Urban Outfitters have some lovely stuff at the moment and I couldn’t help but make a few small purchases today. I haven’t committed to buying any winter coats or woolly jumpers just yet but it’s nice to pick up some accessories to add to what you already have.

It was on display in the store over this pink jumper and a blazer so I’ll be copying this look.

I also bought these earrings:

These are next on my ‘winter wish list’ so I’ll be saving for these:

Wide brimmed hat

Popcorn knitted scarf

Bow tie necklace

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I went to see ‘Drive’ this week with Carey Mulligan and Ryan Gosling (not actually physically with them!). The soundtrack was really good so I thought I’d share this song with you – enjoy!

Sarah xx

To intern or not to intern?

This is what I’m wearing today because I am going to meet with a magazine about an internship so I want to look smart but stylish – hope this is what I have achieved! I’m not a big fan of colour blocking – which was huge last season – it’s just a bit too in your face for my liking and has the possibility to go so wrong! But never say never, so here I am…colour blocking! The top is Topshop, the skirt is Pull and Bear, the belt is my Mom’s (Mom can you shed some light please?!) and the mid-heel suede boots are H&M.

I have mixed feelings about internships – working for free is a blow after spending five years in college – what was all that hard work for if you can’t make any money doing what you want to do?!

However, in particular industries – internships are a given and the media world is one of those. I appreciate that some internships do pay off (literally) as there is the prospect of a paid position at the end – however I know there are many companies who use unpaid internships as a way to avoid employing someone and once an intern realises this and leaves – they just advertise for another one!

I found this to be the case with a lot of internships advertised in Ireland and graduates are so desperate to keep their CVs busy, these positions keep being filled. It was really disheartening to see this happening and I think there should be stricter laws about internship

With fashion magazines here – internships seem to be the norm to get your foot on the ladder so I’m hoping to get one in magazines like Glamour, Company, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Elle…or Vogue! (I can dream right?)

I’m starting an evening course in fashion journalism in Central St. Martins in a few weeks which provides more information on how to get into the world of magazines so I’ll keep you posted with what they say.

London Fashion Week is starting today and fingers crossed, I’ll be there next year! 🙂

Talk soon xx

 

If you have any opinions and/or experiences of internships, please leave a comment.