A new year - My new fashion job!

I honestly do not know where to begin. Coming back to my space on the Internet, my ‘blog’, it’s crazy how much has changed for me since my last post on 19^th October 2013. I cannot believe I’ve been away for this long…

So what’s changed? Firstly, you can probably see that the name to my blog has changed. I’ve made progress in my career and as a person, and just felt that the blog’s name didn’t suit who I was anymore. The naïve ‘HC Fashion Insider’ makes me want to vomit slightly, but also makes me smile. I wasn’t anywhere near being a true ‘fashion insider’. I’m still nowhere near it now. But I do find it endearing that I clearly was proud and happy of how far I’d made it in my very short career in fashion. I finally felt as if I was a part of it, that I really was an insider, even if I was just working in the fashion cupboard. Now however, I feel it was a little naïve and pretentious, although that’s certainly something that I never want to put across, let alone want to be. So the name of my blog has changed to ‘from the fashion cupboard’. I feel represents not only myself but also all of the other girls and guys that are out there trying to make it in the fashion industry. The fashion cupboard is where the majority of us start at the very beginning of our careers, including myself. Where we learn what, and what not to do. Where we make those awful style mistakes, and meet both like-minded and not so like-minded interns.

Secondly, my job has changed. In the September just gone, with the introduction to River Island’s brand new state of the art photographic studio, I was promoted to Junior Stylist! It wasn’t an easy ride; there were a lot of personal ups and downs along the way but the hard work of being an assistant for two years finally paid off. I still work in London, quite far from where I live so my days are long, however I really am going to try and blog some more whenever I get a chance, even if it isn’t so often.

Thirdly, I’m certainly not wearing half the things you’ll find in ‘older posts’ in this blog. I was very tempted to start all over again, but I think it’s important to be able to reflect on the things you’re proud of and not so proud of. Even if it is a couple of dodgy outfits, it shows personal growth. As I’m still on my feet all day, I’m certainly more into my trainers, ripped jeans and all black everything. Looking good whilst being yourself is important to me, but comfort when you’re running around all day is just as necessary. But heres some idea of what i'm currently wearing until I can get some outfit photos for you!

Check out my pinterest for all my wish lists and inspiration

(all above images from pinterest)

Tweet

My Fashion Job - Studio Fashion Assistant

Hello everyone!

It's been a long time coming, but i'm back and I have some fantastic news! After freelancing at ASOS.com and Selfridges for just under a year, I finally nabbed myself a full time position at... River Island as a Studio Fashion Assistant!

I work with the stylists in the River Island HQ photographic studios, where we photograph all the products that go online. It may not sound like it, but it's hard work and you are on your feet all day but I love it. I'm so thankful for my job at ASOS.com, where I did all of the layouts for their iPhone and iPad app, because it made me realise that I am not a 'desk job' person. This just proves (as i've said in previous posts) that every bit of experience you get whether you enjoy it or not, is valuable to you as a person and your career.

As well as working in the studios I have also been able to go on location shoots for the Kids christmas campaign and Rihanna's final collection. I am currently creating posts for both of these so keep checking back! Finally apologies for the grainy selfies. As I start early and often work late I honestly have no time any more take proper photographs with my SLR. I will in future try and take some proper pictures, but for now you'll have to put up with my grainy iPhone camera.

Tweet

Fashion Intern: Beauty Essentials

Now of course, every girl has their own beauty essentials depending on your skin type and the type of makeup you wear. I have noticed though, through interning and still to this day now i'm working in fashion, there are some things that every girl needs. When you're not sitting at a desk all day lets face it - we're going to get hot and sweaty, our make will wear away, and there will be a last minute event to go to. So these are my top fashion intern beauty essentials, to ensure you'll look amazing no matter what you're faced with.... (excuse the pun)

1. Your favourite moisturiser
It's important to look after your skin, especially on your face because throughout the day it goes through a lot, and it's the first thing people look at. Whilst interning I was running around the city of London, in both rain and shine - my face and lips certainly took a beating. I now carry moisturiser around with me all day and top up when needed, so I always look fresh faced.

My pick: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream // John Lewis // £28


2. Your trusty lippy
One of the great things about working in fashion is you never know what is around the corner. One of the websites I blog for is always sending me invites for events on the same day. I make sure I carry a lipstick with me because they can transform your look from 'blending in with the crowd intern', to 'confident intern'.

My Pick: Kate Moss Matte Finish Lipstick // Rimmel // £5.49
(I think Matte lipsticks look more edgy/effortless, and this one lasts ages!)


3. Your fresh faced 'pick me up'
Much like carrying around your moisturiser we all have products that co-inside with this to make your skin look and feel fresh. I've found that somedays when my skin isn't at it's best moisturiser alone won't do. I carry around an exfoliator with me. This allows me to get rid of dry skin (which I suffer from a lot) as well as boosting blood flow to your face, which naturally leaves you looking perkier and brighter. Plus it also wakes you up if you're wavering a little. Win win!

My Pick: Smoothing Facial Scrub // Simple // £3.99

1. The 'pop-up' Hair Brush

No matter what length our hair, when it's been through the wind, rain and general running about, it's going to need a brush before you attend those meetings/events. I use this pop up one, as it also contains a mirror and is compact so doesn't take up that all important space in your bag.

My Pick: Pop-Up Brush // Superdrug // £1.59

2. Your Fresh Hair 'Pick Me Up'

Let's face it there will be days when you don't hear your alarm, don't have time to wash your hair, or it just needs a general 'boost'. Dry shampoo is great for banishing slightly greasy locks, and also adds volume if you have flat hair like me!

My Pick: Dry Shampoo in Original // Batiste // £1.50 

(this is mini sized - so is easy to carry around with you!)

3. Hair Bands & Hair Grips

It's self explanatory really. No matter how long we spend on our hair in the morning to make it look nice, sometimes it just gets in the way. I can promise you you'll want to tie it up/pin it back so it's one thing less to think about when you've been doing returns and steaming clothes all day - so make sure you have them with you!

So there you have it my 'fashion intern beauty essentials' I do hope they help you whilst you're working hard running around, whether you're a fashion intern or in another profession.

What are your beauty essentials? Is there something on here you feel i've missed out that I should know about? Comment below and let us know!

HC x

Tweet

Power Trippin' Ain't Cool

Hi Guys,

It's been a while I know, i've been busy busy busy with work and trying to get my health back up to stratch which has meant my little space on the internet has fallen behind. I know that most of you that read my blog are also working or in education still so understand that sometimes our blogs take a back seat over more important matters. Of course on my blog I try as much as possible to give you an insight into my working life in a fashion company. It all sounds very glamorours from the outside, but as well as being hardwork, exciting and rewarding, it does have it's moments. One of which I had just the other day.

Tweet

Hot Creatures Menswear Blog

Hi Guys!
I've started a new blog - Hot Creatures
It's a menswear blog based on mens fashion from our point of view: women that love fashion!
I'd love if you guys could head over to it, check it out and leave your feedback. It's for men to see women's opinions on the fashion they wear, so get your voice out there as your opinion matters the most! So follow, comment and most importantly let those fellas know how you love them to look!

www.hotcreatures.blogspot.co.uk

Tweet

Fashion Intern Interviews' & Meetings' - What to Wear?

My very short fashion career so far has been a whirlwind of adventure, hard work, life lessons and endless hours of throwing clothing across my room trying to decipher the perfect outfit. This week I was to meet with Alan White, the drummer from Oasis, at his Muse property just off Sloane Square, London. The reason for this was because he is selling on his £8million property and requested I had some of my photography work displayed on his very expensive walls whilst trying to find buyers. This was an opportunity of a lifetime, yet I was quite nervous and embarrassingly enough I was fretting over what I'd wear. We've all been there.

The reason for being so concerned with an outfit, (as some of you will know) isn't just about what that individual will think. It isn't about being shallow or vain. It's about potential work in the future. I'm sure Alan probably couldn't care less about what I was wearing, but there were may other people there to network with, and making a good first impression is the difference between getting the job and future work or not.

So here's how my day went, what I chose to wear as well as my tips on how to choose the perfect outfit for a meeting/interview and whether wearing a neon pink beanie was really a good idea...

Tweet

6 Things I Wish I Knew when I was Studying Fashion

I know quite a few of my blog readers haven't actually finished university yet, or are still yet to go to university. I was talking with a friend the other day about how much freedom we had, and if we could go back, how we'd make the most of it. Some of these points are trivial, and probably personal to myself, but some of the points I cannot stress enough. Pre-Uni students, here's a little bit of advice for you. As for you Post-Grads, you may agree with me, or you may have other things you wish you knew - let us know! 
So here we go; 6 Things I wish I knew when I was at uni...

Tweet

HC Trend Love: Statement Necklace

One massive trend that has taken the London streets by storm the past 3 months is Statement Necklaces. With no sign of stopping, (in fact the Highstreet just keeps producing more and more) these eye popping necklaces are here to stay!

Whether you're a chic fashionista, or edgy individual there are so many styles to choose from the possibilities are endless. As you can see, I haven't fallen short with my statement necklace collection, I have one for nearly everyday of the week (and my collection is growing)! The reason I love them personally is because they add an individual look and style to any outfit. Even more so because I wear a lot of black and white, so a statement necklace compliments my wardrobe quite a lot, without over doing it. So take a look at my top 5 Statement necklace styles, how I wear them, and some similar styles that you may like!

Tweet

HC Fashion Insider: Facebook Page

I've finally 'followed the crowd' and created a facebook page for my blog. I'm really trying to determine the best way to interact with you guys as well as looking at new ways to promote my blog. So if you get a chance check it out, like and share if you'd be so kind.

Do you use facebook to promote your blog? Is it a must or a little self indulgent? I'd love to hear what you think, and any tips and tricks!

Holly x

HC Fashion Insider Facebook Page

Tweet

The Hierarchy of Fashion Intern Footwear

Fashion Intern Footwear - What should you wear when?!

I noticed whilst interning, that the footwear much like the hierarchy of the fashion world worked upwards; we're talking heel height, designer and style of shoe. Obviously anyone is free to wear pretty much anything on their feet, whatever their role within the company. There aren't any 'written rules' to say otherwise, but the shoes you wear on your feet pretty much display the kind of job role you have; whether practical from the 'run-around' interns in trainers and flats, right up to the fashion editors who wear anything from skyscraper Givenchy heels right through to New Balance trainers.
I have noticed this with my own footwear, how it has developed over my (very short) fashion career, and most obviously how the shoes I wear reflect the jobs I would be doing that day. I have mentioned this briefly in my previous Fashion Intern Advice articles, but this time i'm taking it one step further; showing you what shoes you should wear when. Sounds obvious right? Trust me i've seen plenty of interns shifting heavy suitcases in heels. (Yeah I know what you're thinking, they probably cried themselves to sleep that night!) So here we go my 'Hierarchy of Fashion Intern Footwear'...

Click below to see

Tweet