Katlin asks...

The following question came from Katlin:
"Is it okay to put your blog address on a resume, what are your thoughts on this? I've felt the urge to because I do think that it shows my knowledge of fashion and it's related parts and also shows what type of work I can produce, visually and written. It does have some semi-private things (like drinking, eek), but I try to keep most of that stuff off since everyone reads blogs these days!"

This is a really valid question and one we've been asked before. But the answer isn't straightforward. Blogs are personal and even the ones that are heavily fashion-centric usually have a bit of personal stuff in the mix, after all, that's what makes us relate to them. The problem is that resumes tend to be general and a bit of a shot in the dark - we rarely know the person who is going to read it, and so how do we know if they'll like or *get* our blog? Some people see it as a risk putting their blog on a resume as it's almost like letting someone see the real 'you' and of course, in a professional capacity, we don't always want people to see the real 'us'! And yet, having a blog is such a plus point, it's a shame not to share it.

I guess the happy medium is to treat each case separately. Think about who you're sending your resume to and if you're happy with your blog at that point in time. Really, you should be proud of your blog and if you're not maybe you need to snazz it up, update it more frequently or ask yourself if you're still committed to it. On the other hand, if you have no doubt that your blog is the best thing since Fashionista, then by all means make it public. At the end of the day, if you can't big yourself up on your resume, where can you?

Back to Black

Admittedly, when we first saw the new YSL black lip we gulped, ew, who's gonna wear that? But give it a few months and we're getting used to the idea. And we reckon it will become the cult look of the new season. Not surprisingly, YSL thinks so too, hence it's releasing its limited edition YSL Gloss Pur Black, a thick syrupy onyx-hued gloss without the merest hint of sparkle. Believe it, this is serious make-up. Pre-order it now or regret it forever.

What's on our radar this week: Monogramming

Much has been made of Miu Miu's leather initial pins that the models wore on the a/w catwalk. We want to wear our initials too! So we're thinking monogramming -sweaters, underwear, pyjamas. And while we're at it, why not luggage, notepaper and pillowcases? Towels! Wallets! Or a monogrammed hankie. Would it be cool to wear one in a T-shirt pocket? Or just wrong?

At last!

Just as the preppie-punk look reaches its tipping point we bring you the news that Urban Outfitters will be selling the original and best Bass Weejun loafers for autumn/winter. Perfect for teaming with plaid kilts, woolly tights and a boyfriend-sized stripy mohair sweater.

How to get started as a fashion journalist/editor

This comment came from 'Meagan' after Discotheque Confusion posted an interview with Navaz:

"As a regular reader of Discotheque Confusion, and a hopeful future editor, I was very excited to read your post. I'm 16, and living in Toronto. I currently volunteer at a local newspaper, blog, write for The Fashion Spot, and am applying to Ryerson University's journalism program (one of the best in North America, and the best in Canada). I was wondering if you could help me out with some questions I have?"

Meagan: I know you talked about this briefly in the interview, but what matters more, when it really comes down to it: Creative directing abilites, or writing skills? I haven't taken any art courses, but I certainly have an eye for styling, but I'm unable to design myself. However, my writing skills are very strong - but are they that relevant? I feel like without the art school cred, I'll go nowhere!

Navaz: Hi Meagan! Personally, I wouldn't get hung up on 'art school cred'. Experience is all when it comes to breaking into this industry and as you've no doubt heard, at the beginning it's who you know, not what you know, although skill and knowledge come into play once you're through that door. Is your blog nicely laid out? Brush up on your Photoshop skills to show off your talents. Even making a physical scrapbook can show that you have 'the eye', otherwise what do people go on? Having said that, your letter/email of introduction is your calling card and for that you need writing skills. The great thing about being a good writer is that you can use that skill to write an engaging first email to whoever you want to work for. That gives you the edge over the person who writes a bog standard email/letter (please don't forget to Spellcheck it).

I've realised over the years that the creative part of styling can actually be learnt although I'd never have thought so. But I've seen people who didn't have much of a clue learn to be creative almost by soaking up their surroundings. This isn't relevant to you as you're already creative but don't rest on those laurels as others can sneak up behind you! Also, until you've actually worked in a fashion closet you don't know if you'd really like the job of a stylist. You may in fact decide to be a fashion writer instead. A fashion writer still works on a magazine/newspaper but is based in the office all day researching and writing instead of schlepping suitcases around and attending PR showrooms. It sounds like you're doing everything right. Volunteering and blogging show passion, while The Fashion Spot is useful for making contacts. You're only 16, I think you've made a great start!

Meagan: Do you know of any other online resources that I could write for? I'm unconcerned with being paid, I just want to get published more!

Navaz: Fashion156.com is a UK online publication worth investigating but it's better to find local ones as you can get more involved. Try some underground Canadian magazines, they're sure to have websites that will need contributors.

Meagan: FASHION Magazine, one of the biggest fashion magazines in Canada, offers an unpaid internship program, with one term in the summer. Would it be wise to participate/apply for it, for next summer, before I go off to University? Do you have any other advice to offer as to how to impress someone at a big fashion magazine, and how to stand out from other applicants?

Navaz: It would definitely make sense to apply to Fashion Magazine. I always think it's worth calling up and speaking to a real live person before you email. That way you can ask all your questions and in your email you can mention the fact that you spoke to them. This makes you more memorable, plus it's human nature to want to reply to someone that sends you a personal email. I think it's worth calling now to ask when is the best time to apply for next summer. Timing can be crucial as some editors like to book people way in advance whereas others like to wait til nearer the time. If you know their preference you can apply accordingly. Don't forget to call a couple of days later to check the application was received. If you refer to a specific reason why you like their magazine ('I always read your 'spy' section'/ 'I love the denim feature you wrote in the current issue' etc) it shows you genuinely like that magazine as opposed to giving an 'I just need a job' vibe. Don't be afraid to suck up a bit, just don't sound fake!

Meagan: How important is a knowledge of the fashion industry? I've heard of Devil Wears Prada situations where people with no passion for fashion get dream positions in the industry... I mean, obviously a passion for the field helps, but is it that important? I'm not sure if this is a dumb question or not...

Navaz: At 16 I don't think you'll be expected to know all the jargon and industry stuff straight off but you'll be expected to listen and learn and pick things up quickly. Fashion people are impatient and haven't got time to babysit interns so pay attention to whatever you're doing. That is the best way to learn. There are well-connected types who get great fashion jobs because they're somebody's daughter or whatever but there's no point worrying about that. Show your passion and work hard, that's all you need to do.

Meagan: How could I better my knowledge of fashion? For my age, I'd consider myself extremely informed of the industry, history and current trends (not to toot my own horn or anything....) But I'd love to really feel more confident in my knowledge of the industry.

Navaz: Read blogs like a Fashionista and Jezebel. Also check out the Style.com blog regularly. These are full of industry gossip and are a great way to pick up knowledge while keeping it fun. The Business of Fashion blog is good if you want to know more about the business side because it's written in a very engaging and non-fusty way and talks about fashion and the industry all over the world.

Meagan: How do you make important connections with industry professionals at a young age?

Navaz: I suggest calling a few senior fashion assistants or junior fashion editors and asking if you can have fifteen minutes of their time for a chat. Out of ten people you approach, you might get a yes from one of them. In your chat you can ask them how they got their job, what advice they have for you and crucially, if they know anyone else you can see. You then see that person and go through the routine again. Each time you'll make a further contact. It's then up to you to keep in touch with them!

Meagan: Any help you could offer would mean the world to me! I've heard every single sort of 'million girls would die for this' cliche when it comes to the fashion industry, but I am really willing to work myself to the bone for my dream!

Navaz: You've got a great attitude. If you can be prepared for a few obstacles and moments of self-doubt along the way then you're already on the road to success. Best of luck!

(Pic: www.thesartorialist.com)

Jethro Cave

New model alert! Yep, another one from the 'offspring of famous people' school of modelling, it's Jethro Cave...son of Nick. Cool, no?

Henry hearts Alexa

Having seen Henry Holland's presenting efforts on Vogue.co.uk, it was only a matter of time before he nabbed a TV slot of his own. And whaddaya know, he's hooked up with lady Alexa of Chung to front a weekly fashion programme for T4. Frock Me promises to 'take a tongue-in-cheek insider's look at a different youth culture trend each week, with comment and advice on everything from club chic to sportswear.' Let's hope it's better than Gok's Fashion Fix, eh?

The Rachel Zoe Project

Only two days to go before The Rachel Zoe Project airs on Bravo. People, it's a goodie! You can watch a preview here.
How annoying are those assistants! And does anyone else think RZ sounds like a robot?

How to wear statement accessories

The new season is just around the corner and the big news is that clothes are out and accessories are in! Actually, please take that with a pinch of salt 'cause we loathe those 'what's hot, what's not' directives. But it's kind of true, statement accessories are the things to invest in. It makes sense if you think about it. While the world is suffering financially, we're practicing chic-onomics which means spending more on clothes that will last more than one season and getting our fashion hits from fun statement accessories. Here's our rundown.

Shoes
A lot of the clothing trends can be recycled from last autumn so fish out those mini sweater dresses but give them a rethink with some fierce footwear. Peep-toe boots are the 'who's gonna wear that' red herring of the season - trust us, you'll be loving them by November. As trousers hover around the ankle so statement heels are more on show than ever. Patent fetish shoes are numero uno on the trend-o-meter, with lace-up shoe-boots a close second.

Bags
We love kitsch when it comes to bags so let's forget reality for a moment and focus on impractical bags. Small, red and doll-like is on our radar - try the Lulu Guinness perspex lips clutch or the heart-shaped minaudiere from Faith.

Scarves
Who knew the humble headscarf would become the accessory biggie for autumn? Certainly not us but we salute Domenico and Stefano for taking the risk with their silken headwear for D&G. Of course, not many of us will be rocking the Queen Liz look. But that's the beauty of the silk scarf, it doesn't need to be tied under the chin, it can be worn in a bow atop the head a la Amy Winehouse, as a neckerchief Agyness stylee or tied bourgeois-babe style around the strap of your (wish it was) Hermes handbag. Oh, the possibilities are endless!

Tights
Another fabulous trend to try in the face of financial reining-in. Coloured opaques kicked off last autumn but this year they go mainstream. Which means more choice and cheaper prices. Bingo! Swap your safe black opaques for purple or magenta to add a power-packed punch to this year's grey marl and stealth black outfits. Or do your own version of paint mixing with yellow tights layered over red to make orange - a new take on the old two-for-the-price-of-one deal. Not creative enough? You can always try DIY laddered tights over contrasting opaques for your own spin on the haute-punk trend.

Jewellery
Statement jewellery has become, like make-up before it, something you wear to celebrate feeling good about yourself. It also works as a pick-me-up when you're feeling blah (try it, it works). Ricardo Tisci at Givenchy went overboard with his many-strand gold chain necklaces but you can make an equally strong statement with an heirloom necklace worn with a £5 Breton tee a la Alexa Chung. Don't stop there though, load up on multiple bangles (on both arms!) and a handful of Lagerfeld-style rings.

How To Get Ahead In Fashion

Our blogging buddy Stevie at Discotheque Confusion has put up an interview with Navaz on how to get on the first rung of the fashion industry ladder. She's going to be interviewing other industry insiders too so keep checking in.

To read Navaz's tips, check here and if you have any more questions or want to ask Donna how to become a beauty editor, leave your questions in the comment box.

New kid on the block

The problem with the likes of Alice Dellal, Pixie Geldof and Alexa (no surname required) being so fashion-forward and media-friendly is that it's easy to get a bit spoilt and...um...bored by them. Oh Alexa in another dress-and-blazer combo? Yaaaawn! So, thanks are in order to Sting and Trudie as yes, another famous spawn has emerged into the limelight. We're loving musician Coco Sumner's lace-legged style, seen here at the Liberty of London shop opening. Memo to paparazzis: More Coco please!

Va-va-Valentino

She doesn't always get red-carpet dressing right but at the premiere of Get Smart in Rome, Anne Hathaway was the epitome of elegance in Valentino chiffon and an Audrey-worthy up-do.

Pics: Mahalofashion.com

Roll up, roll up

Lovely Leona at Lady Luck has just emailed us about their seven day sale. Ooh, where to start? Do we go straight for the Happy Cloud knitted necklace or the enamel camera earrings? Or do we get both as they're so cheap it's kind of like two for the price of one?

Do try this at home: The scarf strap

Mark our words, old-lady silk scarves are going to be a biggy come autumn. And how could they not be? They're affordable, they're versatile and they're a change from those tatty Palestinian scarves we've been draping across ourselves for the last two summers. Silk scarves add a touch of dandy to a check shirt if you fold them up small (diagonally dummy) and tuck them inside the unbuttoned collar. Or wear them cowgirl-style to zhuzh up a tee or sweatshirt. Our favourite trick however is one we stole from bag bloggers Bag Snob. Fold your scarf into a strip and use it inside your clutch bag to turn it into a shoulder bag. Now this is what we call credit-crunch chic!

Pic: www.bagsnob.com

Micro Trend: The Summer Ankle Boot

Proof that there's no such thing as defined seasons any more, a new footwear trend has emerged...the summer ankle boot! When it's warm enough for tailored shorts and mini-dresses but there's still the chance of an unscheduled shower or evening chill, we take our fashion cue from Alexa Chung and Kate Moss by revisiting our winter ankle boots. But we're not talking Uggs, ooh no, we're keeping a bit of decorum about us so only a heel will do. Keep it neutral, chunky and just a little bit rock n roll.

The Fake Flutter Debate

We've always been a bit sceptical (as well as nervous) about anything fake, especialy eyelashes. Branding them as the beauty item "reserved for WAGs, ex Big-Brother contestants, men in drag and seven year old sisters" they weren't exactly high up our must-have make-up list! But at a recent beauty event held by Eyelure (the leading fake lash brand sold in Boots and Superdrug) we were suprisingly converted. Cornered by Girls Aloud's favourite make-up artist Liz Martins, before we knew it our eyes were "dressed" in a pair of Naturalites (a.k.a the casual Juicy tracksuit version of fake lashes). Yes, they felt heavy at first and yes, we were blinking ten times more than we would normally, but after a few minutes we couldn't feel them and they made our lashes look like Penelope Cruz's on that L'Oreal advert! Even wearing them in public (try on the tube at 9.30 in the morning) they felt and looked natural - just very long, full and black - just the way we dream them to be! They might not be an everyday beauty staple, but for special occassions they are now definitely part of the "pair of heels and oversized clutch" dressing up gang.

Lip Service

Sometimes we're so busy that we wish there was an easier way to apply lip gloss. All that faffing with the cap, twisting up the lippy, putting the cap back on... life's just too damn short no? But hey, guess what, those clever beauty brand people feel our multi-tasking pain! Avon have released Pro-to-Go, a lipstick that you open and push up in an easy one-handed motion - yay! Plus remember Bethany Hamilton, the teen surfer girl who survived a shark attack but lost an arm? She has a line of lip products called Stoked designed to be pushed up and down with one hand (leaving the other free to text, carry your Fendi-style box clutch or um, flip through Lula) available at Amazon.com. And if you're the kind of apply-on-the-go girl who needs all her lip accoutrements in one place, L'Oreal Paris's Infallible Lip Colour is for you, it has a lipstick, lipbalm and lids that are fixed to a mirror compact. Now if someone could just invent a way to stop our hair sticking to our lipgloss our lives would be complete.

Five things To Do This Weekend

1) Get a new style crush. London model-about-town Alice Dellal's bad gal style is floating our boat

2) Head to Kensington Palace for The Last Debutantes, an exhibition celebrating the posh young socialites of the '50s. Feast your eyes on couture frocks by Dior and Balmain while learning how to execute the perfect curtsey

3) Lust after TopShop's fruity beauty mock patent-leather apple-shaped bag (out of stock but you can add it to your wish list)

4) Check out the new Luella for O'Neill collection. We love the mini sundresses, tie-dye tees and frill-edged check shirts.

5) Chic up your cheeks with Benefit's Posietint, the cult Benetint lip and cheek stain in a new petal-pink shade.


Pic:Desmond O'Neill Features

Graduate Fashion Week: How to get ahead in fashion

So did anyone make it to Graduate Fashion Week? We did! It was really impressive and we discovered a whole heap of untapped talent out there. Naturally, we homed in on the fashion promotion graduates and found some great writing talent at the University College for the Creative Arts at Epsom. One student called Kate Tregoning had interviewed the editor-in-chief of Grazia (our fave mag). Kudos! We are hoping to publish it here but are waiting for permission first. We were also lucky enough to be allowed in to the Careers Clinic on Thursday which was the newly created 'education day' for 14-18 year old fashionistas-in-the-making. Caryn Franklin compered the talk, an insightful panel discussion about how to nab a career in fashion. Among the panellists were Lorraine Candy and Avril Mair (editor and fashion features director of Elle), Christopher Hodge (Fashion Programme Leader from Northumbria University), Catherine Bell (senior editor of fashion forcasting agency WGSN), Richard Bradbury (CEO of River Island) and Henry Holland (needs no introduction).

Even though we though we knew it all we did pick up some handy hints so feeling generous, we thought we'd share them here:

WORK EXPERIENCE TIPS
All fashion peeps from designers to fashion editors to fashion PRs get inundated with work experience applications. To distinguish yourself from the rest of the pack, Catherine Bell advises you to use visuals to help your application stand out. Mood boards, scrap-books or a print-out of your blog could all give you the edge over the next person. Richard Bradbury implores you to do your preparation. If you do your research and pepper your application with proof that you know your stuff, you're more likely to get that oh-so-elusive placement. Avril suggests keeping up with fashion blogs to stay ahead of the curve. She regularly reads Fashionista.com and Style Bubble. Who knows, maybe she even reads yours?

SCHOOL REPORTS
One of the fun parts of the discussion was finding out what everyone's school reports said. Lorraine's said she was a hard-worker (swot!), Avril's flagged up her passion and curiosity (essential journalist qualities), Chris's said he was interested in everything and Henry's bemoaned that he was too creative. Too creative! How can there be such a thing? Caryn quite proudly revealed that her school report said 'Caryn will not get a good job by being the most fashionably dressed girl in the school.' Of course, she promptly went on to be the fashion editor of ID and present Britain's best-loved fashion TV prog.

TIPS FOR BEING A TREND SETTER
Fashion is all about knowing what's going to happen next. Henry Holland stressed the importance of trying to look ahead beyond what's happening now. Richard backed this up suggesting that by observing and people-watching you can tune your trend radar into what's bubbling under so you can predict the trends of the future. We would add that this is top advice and fun too! So keep tabs on what people are wearing (and not wearing) fashion and beauty-wise around you at school, in the park, on street-style blogs and among your friends.

HAVING A PASSION FOR FASHION
All the panellists agreed that you don't go into fashion for the money. The thing that keeps them all loving what they do is the fun and creativity they get from their jobs. No-one said it was easy and this is a lesson well worth remembering. Working hard is the number one quality you need to succeed in fashion, crazily enough it's even more important than having talent (don't believe us? Just look at Victoria Beckham).

GETTING THE GIG
The most useful message we took away with us was one we already knew but can always be reiterated. Keep pushing ahead. Often, whatever stage you're at in your career, you'll find there are times when things aren't moving. Maybe you're not motivated, maybe you've lost your creative mojo or maybe you're just not getting the breaks. Don't give up and don't dwell on it. Just keep pushing ahead. Go through the motions and keep doing what you have to do. After ten unanswered emails you'll get an answered one. After ten false starts at customising a T-shirt you'll get your breakthrough. After ten job rejections you'll get an interview. And when you do, all the effort will be worth it.

Do try this at home - the preppie shirt

We're loving the abundance of preppie-inspired shirt combos around at the moment. Who knew a fitted shirt and skinny jeans could look so hot? Tip: the tuck-in, rolled-up sleeves and chunky sandals are what make this work (and the A-lister sunnies and wasn-n-go hair don't hurt either). Tailored high-waist shorts are perfect with a crisp shirt which make up for the big expanse of leg. A dressy shoe is a must for these though, how about a high-heeled peep-toe bootee?

Pics:
Instyle
The Sartorialist