Monday, May 24, 2010

Internship in a nutsshell

She tripped over me in her Louboutins

My plan originally was to start this blog and write about being in NYC and uploading pictures and expressing what it was like to be an intern in the fashion closet at Marie Claire, BUT when I was in the moment I didn't exactly give myself anytime to be on the computer writing about what I had just experienced. I was to busy exploring the city and all it had to offer. I was only there for 3 months so I was a free spirit roaming the streets of Manhattan on a search for all things different. 

So here's a breakdown of how the three months went in New York. 

  • Flew into Laguardia from Jacksonville. (BUST- later I would find out how much easier/cheaper it is to travel into the city from JFK)
  • Became aquainted with my roommates and the west village. 
  • Picked up a nasty bug that lasted the whole first weekend I was in the city, which left me bed ridden for 48 hours. 
  • Started work Monday (still sick), terrible first impression. 
  • Began getting the hang of things in the fashion closet, tried to pay close attention to what all (15) the other interns were doing what was going on...
    • how it all was working
    • which editors were which 
    • where they sat 
    • what coffee they liked 
    • how they dressed
    • where they were from
    • where they lived
    • who the "assistants" were to whom 
    • and most importantly who to not talk to, look in the eye, or come in contact with
  • After week 1 I had:
    • racked up 70 hours of unpaid work
    • been out and about all throughout the city
    • bought my first Metro Card and started my credit debt
    • PHENOM 1st week

Luckily I had my lovely friends to chauffeur me around the city and show me the whose hot and the whats what. The next couple weeks turned into a month already and things were moving along. Besides hating my living situation everything was amazing and i loved every minute of working the fashion closet. 



There were many highlights to the three months while I was there. Nina Garcia almost tripped over me with her 6" Christian Louboutins, Tim Gun was in and out of the offices and of course the many errands to and from design houses. 




One of the most memorable times in the closet was during: 


Urban Fashion: Nomad's Land 

Photographed by James Macari

Fashion Editor: Joseph Carle 



Many times stylist would come in and out of the closet ordering people around getting ready to pack for the shoots and making sure all there outfits where ready and all 500+ garments and accessories were where they should be. 

Normally the stylist cause stress and concern- this time it was different. The stylist/Fashion Editor was Joseph Carle. He was a gem, so charming and spoke to all the interns. The interns normally are not talked to more so ordered around and he asked for all of our input and really wanted tot all to all of us. When I went to drop off some garment the day of the shoot he invited me to stay and watch the "action". He advised me to stay a while and take a load off. I knew I could not say No to him, but I also knew I was going to get in so much trouble if this errand took too long. I took a risk and stayed and watched some of the most amazing styling, modeling and photography go down right in front of my eyes. I felt like a kid in a candy shop. I stayed for a couple frames and then I thanked him and headed back to the Fashion Closet. It was awesome and eye-opening reminding me of why I love this industry It makes me feel alive.     
I was here for this picture which was shot and right when it was taken Joseph screamed "that's it!! We got it!!" When I opened the issue in January and saw this picture I was reminded of that day and how much it meant to me. I hope one day our lives cross paths again and I can thank him for being awesome. 


** Until Next time
*HJ

Fashionably Late...

Everyday is a winding road.


It's been four months since my internship ended - with Marie Claire, in the city that never sleeps. I assume I have fully recovered from the sheer exhaustion yet daily thrill of living in the city.

However I am feigning again for the lifestyle I once had as a city girl. After countless resumes and cover letters sent out I am going on job hunt hiatus, and focusing on trying to help Jacksonville gain a fashion scene. Applying for jobs is exhausting and since I am not living in the fashion capital of the world anymore I am having an even more difficult time gaining experience and opportunities in my field of work. In my desperate and eager attempt to stay in touch with fashion and my creativity, I decided to keep blogging. If no one reads it, it certainty will still make me feel productive.  

**Until next time
*HJ