Putting A Guard Up: Big Name, Little Reward

For a while now I have been surrendering myself to the lowly realms of unpaid internships. Now, as much as people argue the case for abolishing what is essentially free labour, the concept of the free fashion (or near enough any creative or media related) skivvy isn't going anywhere. Unfair? Perhaps. But the idea and "reasoning" for many outlets and companies, particularly the larger and more competitive, behind the concept of the unpaid internship is that this is a way for you to demonstrate your passion and undying enthusiasm for the product, brand or trade so to speak. So here I am, once again offering myself up the media Gods for mundane jobs and non existent wages all in the name of proving my worth.

Well... in theory.

In sum, I have been hankering after a newspaper to add to my CV list of media conquests having already now experienced working life in glossy, PR and online. Therefore, I'm pretty pleased to be writing this post from The Guardian HQ. A paper founded in 1821 and known for its impressive international multimedia presence, surely this is the place to be tested; to be put through my paces so I can acquire the skills and experience necessary to succeed within this hilariously cut-throat industry and impress my future employers? I don't hold much hope other than on paper. The name in itself may well impress but as to whether I'm learning anything that goes beyond my own common sense is somewhat doubtful. However, that is not to say I'm not enjoying myself and by environment alone I can cement my ambitions on this being the career for me.

Yesterday, my first day, involved two tasks. My first task involved the weekend papers, a keen eye and a pair of scissors. Nothing life changing but a required task I had no objection in undertaking. For the afternoon's festivities, I locked myself in a messy cupboard, whacked on a combination of Bruce Springsteen's greatest hits and mundane pop and got on with bagging and addressing marvelously expensive things. And then putting them on my head. Day over. Today? Even less productive thus far with the agenda including 15 minutes sorting post and 10 minutes flicking through and filing some look books. Then "just go on the computer for a bit" which, in layman's terms, equates to 2 and half hours. This is not out of the ordinary for many but for me, I've never experienced such a laid back attitude especially in comparison to my last placement at Fashion156 where, in those long and intense hours, I was trained up to a high level in all things essential. In hindsight, I very much did a job without getting any wages. A little mean perhaps but then again, I took something away from it and left in the knowledge that I was "a perfect representative for the company". My role was fashion assistant and writer, not intern, and to this day I still receive enquiries, lookbooks and CVs from people I previously connected with. As hellish as that internship was at (most) times, it was a "no pain, no gain" situation. Here, there is definitely no pain but my prospects of gain seem minimal.

However, after I've eaten my salmon ands couscous (I can at least act the part) I'm going to force this place into giving me work if only to save myself the £178 worth of clothing sitting in my online basket. Research, perhaps? A few more returns, even? G'wan - this labour is free afterall.

Hello Victoria Beckham sunglassess...

My fashion cupboard hideway.

Until I'm made to do something...
C. x

Slip Slidin' Away: A/W 2011

I feel it. You feel it. We all feel it. 

Summer has well and truly left us and been replaced with sporadic downpours of violent rain,  tiresome gale force winds and just enough sunshine to leave our minds and bodies absolutely baffled.  My bare legged confidence has shied away behind the opaque screen of black and, today, my trusty leather biker jacket remained on the back of my door in favour of the navy mid-length military coat who’s 2011 debut was particularly well received in Karen Millen earlier. Whilst its a shame we are to be face with many a wardrobe dilemma in the coming months whilst our vanity takes a beating from the elements, I have to admit I’m rather enjoying the change of clothing scenery. Essentially, Autumn/Winter is interesting and people secretly rather enjoy purchasing their cold weather armour, layering item upon item and having an excuse to stuff their weathered feet into stylishly robust boots. I am, of course, no exception.  I’ve had my eye out for some time now, picking up pieces here and there that seemed just a little too much. After all, the English are known for embracing the summer the second it simply stops raining, racing to get their arms and legs out for any ray of light that can offer even the suggestion of a sunkissed glow.  Despite this, the A/W season allows free reign for a different kind of aesthetic experimentation alongside the obvious comfort of the tried and test chunky knit. So, on this frankly dismal and overcast day, I thought I’d reveal a few personal A/W pleasures of mine to be enjoyed with a touch of sun and a chilly air. For my first casual instalment, I present unto you...

 ChinaWhites Dress: £50.00 Love Lucy X

After sampling a little taste of this from Ashish’s S/S12 collection, I’ll be getting ready in advance and adorning myself with as many sequins as I can manage. It’s no secret that I am like a magpie for these shiny delights and Winter has always struck me as the perfect time to crack them out. A little strong for the summer months, the feel of a heavy sequined throw or evening dress is exactly what I want when the cold sets in. Classically elegant in black, this dress is at the top of my wish list. Sometimes not having a set of DDs is a godsend, a smaller chest making this dress beautifully sophisticated despite the low cut. Hilariously, I spotted it on the site of a chavvy reality television programme and it also possesses the name China Whites. We’ll just keep quiet about that. 

REVIVE Sequin Wrap Dress: £150.00 ASOS

Stunning isn’t it? If i ignored my currently state of poverty (that isn’t going to get better anytime soon after accepting  an internship with Fashion156) I would be in this at every available occasion.  I don’t care if people find sequins a tad Dynasty, I, like Ashish, am obsessed. With the relaunch of Who’s Jack Magazine just weeks away, you can guarantee there’ll be a hint of sparkle at least somewhere on my person. 

London Fashion Week 2011: Ashish

Last week’s guest style editor for ASOS online and fellow lover of all things sequined, flamboyant London based Ashish Gupta was sure to brighten up my over cast Saturday morning and he didn’t disappoint.

Despite his SS11 collection providing an amalgamation of cowboys and Indians by way of a southern Californian pit stop, his 2012 ensemble looked likely to take a more enchanting approach as he revealed his collection would channel holiday romances and far off places. However, his SS12 collection, entitled ‘Le Jardin d’Ashish’ actually took a more green fingered angle as models paraded the runway in a profusion of sequined blooms.

With the tag line “She may be floral but she’s not flowery”, we were right to expect bags of attitude from this outlandish collection. With enough colour to satisfy any artist’s palette, the designs screamed summer. The shapes were simple but lavishly coated in pearly sequins acting as a backdrop to vibrant yellow sunflowers reminiscent of Van Gogh. The garish florals did not stop there as clashes of rich, oriental red poppies on leopard print adorned the short hemlines and slim cut trousers whilst the very wall of the garden made its appearance on several redbrick garments. With real daisies apparently growing out of the chunky military style boots, long, relaxed side plaits and straw fedoras accessorized the collection to great effect, running with the garden theme until the very last details.

FROW Paloma Faith outside show space and inside with Liz jones, fashion journalist and one of my inspirations