spring forward.

Quite literally. The clocks went FORWARD, not back last night / today.
Got me thinking and hoping that the next few months will look along these sort of lines.

Images: weheartit

Hope you had a norty weekend.

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Helen,

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get shirrrty.

Lame play on words, I am aware.

This was the result of a little charidee shop escapade today.

 

It is unreal how cheap as chips these places are. Usually, I can never be bothered to rummage through all the crap to dig out the proverbial gold. Sooo many people big them up but the concept of wearing someone's dead grandmother's god-knows-how-old blouse has never appealed. I temporarily got over that today. Yess, I am still very much representing the collared shirt trend. Until something better comes along, I shall continue my collection.

No news, bored and skint, back in the real north (Newcastle), at home for my ridiculously long Easter holidays.

Hiya new followers, giveaway coming soon pinky promise.

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Helen,

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oi pretty boyz.

Inspried by last week's episode of The Model Agency; another factor fuelling my obssesion with landing a fashion internship. I would be a ver ver happy gal if I could wake up to one of these beauties every morning.

Simon Kotyk

Joe Flemming

 Douglas N

Louis Archer

Moritz Meyer

Frederick Clark

Harry Wakefield

Philipp Bierbaum

Wael Sersoub

Kenzie Roth

 Emmanuel Core

And to believe that this is only a tiny fraction of the beaautiful faces (and bods) gracing the pages of Premier Model's books.

Hiya dream job.

Who's ya fave?

Look-a-likes apply below.

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Helen, 

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monday musings 001The Curse of The Fashion Intern.

The story of my life these days sounds a little bit like this; I’m due to graduate this coming summer, have I got some cushtee-salary, graduate job lined up? Nahhh.

Having studied English Language, (more like linguistics) for the best part of the last three years, I cannot wait to close the book on the University chapter of my life. It has been the time of my life but man, has it served its time. I have lost the little enthusiasm I once had for learning the entire process that the human vocal tract implements for articulating every sound a human can possibly make. I am not even joking. For this reason, amongst a handful of other contributing factors, I am not jumping on the bandwagon that provides the attractive meal ticket to so many graduates these days. This being; the trend to bag the first, run of the mill, graduate job offered to them. This 9-5 grind has zero appeal to me when its premise is for the sake of being employed.

So what is my grand plan? Ideally graduate with a respectable degree class, complete a NCTJ course in News Journalism, preferably in Wimbledon, London, secure some solid, life-long contacts.

BOOM, my foot is in the proverbial door.

Of course this is the pipe dream. The reality is worlds apart.

The last few weeks of my life have been centred around discovering the best i.e. the quickest and easiest way into the cut-throat world of fashion journalism and it essentially, boils down to one thing; that enviable fashion intern with the big dogs. A pre-requisite for most fashiony professions.

What is meant by a fashion intern? A term used flittingly, it encapsulates all avenues of the industry. The strict definition posits “a recent graduate undergoing supervised practical training”. True, to an extent but interns can often be expected to work long hours on mundane, tedious tasks for little or no profit or credit. A pat on the back may be all it takes to have your face or name cemented into the boss’ mind when it comes to discussing potential candidates for an upcoming job role. This is a priceless prospect.

Interns are especially hot property around the time of fashion week. This is where the ongoing debate - experience vs. exploitation really adds fuel to the fire. And why? It works on the same basis as slave labour; its free. For example, why should PR companies pay their existing work force, overtime to line up the seats of every room in Somerset House when they have an abundance of willing youngsters who daren’t question working an 8am till 1am day, at their disposal? It is this willingness and the characteristic ‘I will do anything to get me where I want to go’, philosophy that stretches interns to their limits.

BBC2 aired a show in February entitled; "Who gets the best jobs", I probably watched it at the wrong time as it only reaffirmed my post-university panic. The moral of the story? Be willing to work for free, no expenses reimbursed, in London. Girish Gupta carried out four separate, unpaid, journalism internships in the big city, bed hopping from backpacker hostels to gum tree contact’s sofas. Having, in total, thirty two of his articles published with not one penny to his name. He stuck it out.

What you have to remember is that with the number of horror stories comes the odd fairytale.
Girish is now a recognised and respectable, high-flying freelance journalist including the role as foreign correspondant for The Times.

Alexandra Shulman, editor of UK VOGUE, hosted a Q&A evening via Vogue’s twitter, last week. She was inundated with questions regarding internships. The clichéd advice that have echoed many a career advisor and experienced journalist resounded; be curious, write well, work hard; all pretty obvious traits to an aspiring journalist. The light of the end of the tunnel? "You definitely don't have to do internship at Vogue to get a job here. I didn't!" Read the highlights here.

Having recently attended a conference on ‘Making it in the media’, wise words were spoken by the Managing Director of “The Press”. In response to where does the line come between experience and exploitation, he said “I would be obliged to start paying an intern at the point that their copy is published, even if it is just minimum wage”. However, it is very different story when dealing with the UK’s most well-established fashion and publishing houses. The simple reason? The demand is there.

It's all about a balance, but the trouble is knowing when that balances comes. The experience and skills gained, even if this be brewing the best cup of tea known to man, being able to cement that on your CV is invaluable. Although you can’t live without money, I dare you to ask Vogue’s Chief Exec to enlist you on payroll, it just wouldn’t happen. Their reasoning? Why should they pay you when so many others are offering it, quite literally on a plate, for nada.

In my humble opinion, I honestly think that if you’re aware of the grittier end of the industry, the fact that you have to start at the bottom and have a bit of tenacity about you, then why shouldn’t you be the one making it big.

Feel free to share your stories and experiences.
Also, if you have any advice, it would be greatly appreciated.

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Chung does Madewell debut.

Or Madewell does Chung? Either way more than a bit pleased that my only girl crush is making her debut fashion collection for the US label.

Effortlessy cool as always. What else did you expect?

Also, massive, blatant plug but one of the gals is on the BBC's new series of 'So You Think You Can Dance?'. Check out her skillz here - "Bethany Lives Her Dream." Proud and excited, the show starts next Saturday, so keep your eyes peeled.

Have a sweeeet weekend.

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Helen, 

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profile me: bethan juliff.

After the privilege of her company at the British Fashion Awards, I thought it was only fair to formally introduce her to you and showcase her awe inspiring talent. A definite one to watch; I give you Bethan Juliff - up and coming knitwear designer.

A bit about Bethan and the brand. The Bethan Juliff brand was borne out by young, London fashion designer of the same name. Bethan anchored the brand on the completion of a BA in Fashion Knitwear Design at Nottingham Trent University in 2009.

Bethan prides herself on creating exclusive, handcrafted knitwear pieces implementing unique, bespoke, knitting techniques that set her apart from other knitwear designers. Pieces are made from the best cotton, cashmere, mohair and lambs wool Bethan can get her hands on.

Bethan is currently weaving her way into the cut-throat world of the fashion industry, waiting on those all important words every designer so longs to hear; ‘we want YOU‘. With three enviable collections already to her name and the recent launch of the latest, it is looking increasingly promising that this could be her season to shine.

Bethan celebrated the launch of her Autumn / Winter 2011 collection on 25th February, earlier this year. Hosted in the exclusive confines of Kensington Roof Gardens, it was a lavish affair from the bubbling champagne to the stylish turn-out. The event was received with great praise from the general public and the London fashion scene alike. Ten models flaunted new collection pieces during the evening, accessorized with the beautiful, Bethan Juliff Knitwear, signature, Poppy broach. 

 

Photos: Tomo Creative

Bethan says of the latest collection; "I design and create a luxury knitwear product, which is unique yet wearable. The collection provides a look for every possible occasion including a wedding gown for the new season. I find that knitwear is very misunderstood and there are possibilities for beautiful elegance and not just cable knit jumpers and socks!"

The collection compliments innovative new designs with classic pieces. The range is carefully crafted, every piece elegantly bold in its own right. The collection compiles thirteen graceful styles, including two debuts in the form of a choice of evening gowns. And Bethan’s efforts have even championed a wedding dress first for the brand. The gowns combine full fishtail skirts with backless tops and the wedding dress’s elegant buttoned detailing creates the meticulously designed, dramatic finish, providing the centre piece to the collection.

 'Bluebell'

Another first for the collection are two party dresses named 'Ivy' and 'Forget Me Not', full billowing skirts play in harmony with flattering structures. These are both available in black, grey and cream. 

'Forget Me Not'

The range also features a much loved classic which has been given a subtle revamp; Bethan’s trademark 'Coatagan'.  The Autumn Winter 2011 'Tulip' is a revamped version of this popular style.

To see the new collection in all its handcrafted glory visit www.bethanjuliff.com.

Bethan is more than happy to answer any queries you may have regarding any collection pieces, please email your questions to info@bethanjuliff.com.

You can also find her on 

Twitter / Facebook

Helen,

X 

its a beautiful day.

Or a beautiful few days I should say. Here are some tourisitc snaps from the delightful cobbled streets of York.

Mass after uni stress has ensued so will be lax on the blog ting for the time being.

Stay in touch.

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