Beyond Lipstick & Lattes

nina cortes, designer & co-owner of nina loren

        

Current Position: Designer and Co-Owner Of Nina Loren

Prior Internships: None

Lip Candy: Revlon Blackberry, or Givenchy Elegant Rouge

Coffee: Cuban… :)

Describe a typical day: Go Straight to the Kitchen and have a Cuban Coffee! Without my coffee I truly can’t function! Then I head over to my studio and create! I lay out all of my stones and start playing. I really derive all of my inspiration from the materials. :) Then I go home, snuggle with my Chihuahua and call it a day!

Memorable Moment: I think opening up the studio was the most memorable! After all of the work that my business partner and I went through (we painted everything ourselves, I even laid down the flooring with my friends) it was so nice to see the finished studio. Very proud moment! Of course making it onto Project Accessory was a MAJOR moment. But when it comes to Nina Loren, opening up the studio was the best!

Can’t Live without: Wire. Give me a piece of wire and I can create a monument! :)

Spring must-have: COLOR! Bright pants, bright bags, or my favorite a stack of our Silk Turban Bangles. They are soooo much fun! They wake you up from the dark winter blues and bring you right into spring!

       

Advice: Find out who you are as a designer then fight to be yourself! Never try to be someone else, because they will be better at it than you! Really listen to your gut, it never lies!

What’s next?

Really the sky is the limit! I’m working on a few different lines. We just received Kickstarter funding for my Epaulettes line, working on Summer then Fall. And working on a few Top Secret Collaborations, you’ll have to keep tuned to know more! ;)

hedy gold, accessories director at Self magazine

      

Current Position: Accessories Director at Self Magazine

Previous Internships: I never interned! When I started out I was a temp at Mademoiselle magazine! (in the accessories department  for two weeks ) then I got hired at Mirabella as the Assistant Accessories Editor!

Lip Candy: Aquafor! I use it on my hands, cuticles, and my kids boo boos.

Coffee: Obsessed with coffee! My favorite is Hawaiian Coconut by Agata & Valentina

Describe a typical day: Wake up at a crazy hour of 6am —which I never saw before having my two babies! Feed them and run out the door to the gym for an intense workout! I love working out (perfect that I work at Self!) From there I usually go on appointments to accessories designers - could be a new designer or a brand showcasing a new product. I take photos to record what I see and use them to either suggest a trend page or story idea. I also use the photos to call in the merchandise. The rest of my day is spent reading emails, calling in accessories for shoots, having department meetings to go over ideas, editing accessories for still life pages, reading copy and looking over layouts. Before the end of the day I might go back out in the market and see a few more collections before heading home to cook a healthy dinner! I end the day reading my iPad in bed catching up on the day’s news and fashion blogs.

Memorable work related moment: Where should I start… How about my first time covering the Paris fashion shows! I had just started my job at Cosmopolitan as the senior accessories editor when I was told just two weeks after I started I was going to jump on a plane and head to Paris to cover the shows. Having never been there I got off the plane after flying all night, got picked up by my own private car and driver and get dropped off in front of the Eiffel tower at a venue to see the Narcisco Rodriguez show! The fun did not stop there! ….I was in heaven!

Can’t live without: My family! Then I would say —My Antik Batik curly wool coat, my Belle motorcycle boots, and my new Isabel Marant embroidered white jeans—Might as well call it my uniform. I also love Estée Lauder time release face tint, goody pony-tail holders, and my new m.c.l. Snake bracelet!

Spring must have: Marc by Marc Jacobs rainbow colored wedge high top sneakers.

Advice: Follow your passion in life and you will be successful! Interning if you want an editorial job is the best way to break into the industry. Ask a lot of questions to the senior staff and network, network, network!

What’s next? To slow down and enjoy the ride! I just had two kids back to back so it’s just starting to get easier :) I have the job of my dreams and the family I have always wanted, too!

keri lachman, manager of global alliances at avon

      

Current Position: Manager of Global Alliances, Avon

Prior Positions: Just left IMG Fashion after 4+ incredible years working on commercial opportunities for designers & on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NY and global fashion weeks.  Interned at Seventeen magazine & with NBC/Brian Williams.

Lip Candy: I was obsessed with this hot pink lipstick “Jilted” that was discontinued and it would transform even the most uninspired look like those NY nights when you don’t mean to stay out all night on a Tuesday after work.  I was so bummed when I could’t find it anymore, but at Avon I found the exact shade - Pumped up Pink.  It actually trumps Jilted because Avon’s has a built in mirror on the lipstick tube!  For everyday, a lip balm with SPF is my go to - I have one in every purse!

Coffee: Non-fat latte.  Yes, even when there are holiday flavors out.  I actually prefer tea in the mornings (PG Tips English Breakfast or a Kusmi flavor) and opt for coffee in the afternoons.

Describe a typical day: We work on such a long-lead time frame so often days are spent meeting with marketing & creative about acquiring new celebrities, brands & models or planning shoots that may not even be launching until 2013 or 2014.  Keeping up on the industry news is a must as are coffee & treat breaks – we keep a drawer of mini candy bars, cookies and nuts for communal snacking. 

Memorable Moment: My first season of fashion week in September 07’, I snuck into one of the venues between shows to strut the runway only to discover it had just been painted and I left heel-prints on it.  I was mortified, but luckily found out it was an easy fix.  The runway is painted in between every show and once the house lights are turned on, it only takes 10 minutes to dry.

Can’t Live Without: Sunglasses & great NYC restaurants – from the big name chefs to the neighborhood foodie gems.

Spring must-have: Dynamic prints like the ones from Prabal Gurung’s Spring show.

Advice for those breaking into the fashion industry: Pay attention —and if you’re unsure, ask.  I know it can be intimidating to ask for clarity when you are just starting out, but it will be worse to misunderstand and waste time and resources. 

What’s Next? Today? Lunch – I’m craving grilled cheese.  Beyond?  Whatever comes my way or I decide to go for.  I’ve never been much of a planner.

abbe wright, assistant editor at o, the oprah magazine

                                      

Current Position: Assistant Editor at O, The Oprah Magazine

Prior Internships: Philadelphia Magazine, Teen Vogue

Lip Candy: Nars Lip Gloss in Sweet Revenge, Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Stain in In The Buff, ChapStick Classic

Coffee: Wawa Dark Roast when I can get my hands on it (I’m a Philly girl at heart!) or Starbucks Pike Place Roast

Describe a typical day: I’ve recently just moved from the fashion department to the books department, so a typical day for me includes reading, opening gallies sent to me from publishing companies, reading, calling in excerpts for the iPad app, reading and writing reviews for the magazine and for Oprah.com.

               

Memorable work related moment: I’ve met so many great people in my line of work, but hand-delivering a signed cover of the magazine to Prabal Gurung was one of my favorites!

Can’t live without: My forest green Marc by Marc Jacobs bag (it’s big enough to fit a book - or two), my Frye motorcycle boots and sunglasses - I have over 50 pairs!

Spring must-have: C. Wonder’s “Ardmore” glasses (named for my hometown!), brightly colored Equipment blouses and some Jason Wu for Target pieces!

Advice for those breaking into the fashion industry: Do Your Research - Before interviewing somewhere, research the company.  If you’re interviewing at a magazine, know the size and demographic of their readership, and read the last few issues of the magazine to get a sense of the publication. Read the masthead to acquaint yourself with the staff. Look up the hiring manager on LinkedIn. Being unprepared basically says you don’t care, while going the extra mile says a lot.

What’s Next?: I’m working on writing a book in my spare time!

Follow Abbe on Twitter! @AbbeWright

Photo Credit (1st Photo) - Mike McCann

Photo Credit (2nd photo) - Samantha Adler

Cassady Nordeen, Associate Fashion Editor at People StyleWatch

                                             

Current Position: Associate Fashion Editor at People StyleWatch    

Prior Internships: Believe it or not, PSW was my first fashion internship out of college! That is quite rare in this industry, where everyone seems to move about a lot before landing a permanent position. I think I just loved it so much here that I never wanted to leave!  

Lip Candy: Since my lips are permanently chapped, I am constantly applying Smith’s Strawberry Lip Balm. It smells delicious.

Coffee: I’ll drink anything caffeinated, and lots of it, but my favorite is Barry’s Irish Breakfast tea with milk.

Describe a typical day: Most mornings I’m running around the city to showrooms for market appointments, then into the office to send sample requests and edit through samples that have come into the fashion closet. In the evenings, there are usually previews, events, or dinners out.

Memorable work related moment: Getting to meet Zac Posen! I was on a market appointment when I was still an assistant, and Zac himself actually showed me his Z Spoke Spring line, and even gave me a tour of the workshop where his gowns are made! I was trying so hard not to act wildly excited.

Can’t Live Without: I have a jacket of some sort almost all year around, since I’m always cold. In particular, a Phillip Lim motorcycle suede jacket that I’ve worn for years. I wear it with everything-jeans and trousers in winter, and sundresses or cut-offs in Spring…it even works with leather pants!

Spring must-have: I’ll be very excited to wear pretty pastels after a dark winter wardrobe…there were so many dreamy colors on the Spring ‘12 runway—I’m going to look for a pale blue, airy dress.

Advice for those breaking into the fashion industry: As with most industries, an internship is the best way to start off in fashion. In fact, I don’t know anyone in fashion who hasn’t interned before getting a full-time position. It may be all sample trafficking at first, but if you are willing and eager, you can turn any task into an opportunity to stand out. Also, talk to everyone you meet—you never know who might be able to help.

What’s Next? I’m looking forward to Fashion Week in NYC in February. I always love the fall collections and can’t wait to see what some of my favorite designers are doing!

Ashley Afriyie, assistant fashion editor at marie claire

                           

Current Position:  Assistant Fashion Editor at Marie Claire

Prior Internships: Teen Vogue, Vogue, Gucci, Marie Claire UK, NBC Universal, Marc Jacobs

Lip Candy: Sugar by Fresh chap stick, MAC lip conditioner (live by this)

Coffee: Not a coffee person but— LOVE Vanilla Chai Tea via Starbucks.

Describe a typical day: Assisting our Fashion Director Nina Garcia—so, I have to make sure that I have access to all “takes” from photo-shoots to show Nina, coordinating her calendar, work on market for shoots, assist on photo-shoots (so traveling), any special projects when Nina is making TV appearances.  

Memorable work related moment: Each photo-shoot I assist on is memorable because I get to meet and work with some of the most talented and respected people in the industry (from the celebrity and or model photographer, stylist, make up artist, hair stylist, fun locations, etc)

                            

Can’t Live without:

Non-materialistic- my family and friends (I know this sounds cliche but you can’t live life without having people who will be there to love and support you)

Material: My HANDBAGS! I sacrificed dinners and rent for some of these purchases ;)

Spring must-have: A bold color bag probably the Fendi Chameleon in red (already saving for spring)

Advice: Intern Intern and Intern- Internships are really the best education, I am so happy and grateful for my BA degree. I would do it all over again so def STAY IN SCHOOL, but the I will admit the classroom did not prepare as much as my internships did for my current job.

What’s Next? Continuing to climb that masthead. It’s a long hall but I’m going to continue climbing!

Lauren Finney, Freelance Fashion Editor

                   

Current Position: Freelance Fashion Editor
Prior Internships/Jobs: I have worked for Cosmopolitan (intern and editor!), Ann Taylor LOFT, Scoop NYC

Lip Candy:

Korres Purple #24. It’s actually a berry color. I’m dying for red lips like Joanna Hillman but I’ve found berries work better on my skin color.

Coffee:

It’s tea time all the time for me. At night it’s tea with lemon, and during the day it’s any sort of green tea.

Describe a typical day:

Right now I’m freelancing, so it’s a grab bag every day. Market appointments, events, and I’ve been freelancing some PR for small companies and consulting. That means running back and forth from my “home office” all over the city. I am glued to my Blackberry. I can’t give into an iPhone yet…although Siri makes it very tempting.

Memorable work related moment:

Hands down, being on set with Lady Gaga. Best. Day. Ever. I will remember every second of that day - I was assisting so that mean taping shoes, steaming clothes, running errands. I didn’t care!

Can’t Live without:

My Notify jeans, gmail, a white button down, and good food. I love to indulge in New York restaurants - my boyfriend and I are terrible and eat out so much, but there are such great restaurants to try! Being a foodie is my second favorite job.

        

Spring must-have: 

A 20’s-inspired dress a la Ralph Lauren. I’m going to spend the whole year probably gearing up for The Great Gatsby!

Advice for those breaking into the fashion industry:

I have two fairly sound pieces of advice that I’ve doled out over the years I’ve been mentoring interns - network and thank you’s. Unfortunately, fashion is a lot about who you know, but that doesn’t mean that those without fashion ties already can’t make them. Use your social media - tweet, follow the big fashion gals like @OscarPRGirl, @DKNY, @Bergdorfs. Start conversations with them and anyone else on Twitter. Reach out to friends and family to see if anyone could hook you up with an informational interview. Go to any panels, join any clubs, write for any blogs. The other HUGE thing is thank you notes - I’ve had to decide between two qualified interns and have always picked the one that wrote a thank you note. And that means on paper, not an email! This little detail can give you a competitive edge, makes you memorable, and shows you have manners.

What’s Next for you?

2012 will be all about big things! I hope to work a lot and play a lot, not necessarily in that order.

*Photographer- Chris Clinton

Nacole Gray of RSP & HUDSON Jeans

         

Current Position:

Founder of RichSkinnyPretty.com. In all actuality RSP pokes fun at the ideology of rich, skinny and pretty; and how our society along with the media interchangeably creates this unrealistic concept. Just look at magazines, reality shows, commercials, advertisements, etc. We are consumed with the idea of socialites and celebs. The basis of RSP is the opposite of this and instead is all about everyday women, everyday style, ya know, the ones with realistic budgets and body sizes - remember those kind of girls?

Rich Skinny Pretty centers around four main girls, their personal style, and what you can find inside of their closets. Their personal taste ranges from thrift-stores to department stores and everything in between. I style and produce the photo shoots as well as deliver exclusive interviews with fashion industry professionals. 

 
Prior internships:

Freelance includes fashion styling for editorial, styling for look books i.e. Audrey Kitching’s Tokyo Lux and Coco De Coeur clothing lines, trend reports for 944 magazine and DiscoverSD.com, fashion blogger for Teen Vogue WWDMAGIC blogger lounge 2011, blogger for official HUDSON Jeans Blogger Campaign 2011, secured press for a luxury handbag line and a luxury jewelry line, fashion show producer for SD POLO Club Opening Day 2010…I’m a trick of all trades I guess, writing, styling, producing, interviewing, pitching, etc.

Lip Candy:

YSL Rouge Volupt and La MER The Lip Balm.

Coffee:

Zen Green Tea Soy tea misto with two honey, extra foam. No, not high maintenance at all.

Describe a typical day:

Phone calling, emailing, interviewing, coordinating photo shoots, styling, tweeting, instagraming, and all around creating!

Memorable work-related moment:

How about a toss up? It’s between blogging with Bebe Zeva and Audrey Kitching at the Teen Vogue Blogger Lounge at WWD Magic tied with being selected for the official HUDSON Jeans Blogger Campaign. Icing on the cake? Co-hosting the HUDSON Jeans event with Creative Director Ben Taverniti. Ummmm, wow. Pinch me, please.

    

Favorite Magazines/websites/blogs:

PRCouture.com for my fashion PR everything and French Vogue (don’t mind my borderline obession with Emmanuelle Alt).

Where do you like to shop? Favorite designers?

I’m guilty of online shopping…I-ELLA, Shop Moderne, Nasty Gal, Shop Bop, and Singer 22 to name a few. Plus, LF is a must. Motif LA on Roberston has ridiculous treasures, all vintage designers…think YSL pumps, Hermes handbags, Chanel cardigans and Miu Miu accessories. I literally could shop there weekly and without avail find something beyond amazing. Best part? Whatever I do find, I can be rest-assured that no one else has it, which I LOVE. I am not big on having a handbag or watch that everyone and their mother is wearing. I like unusual pieces, pieces that I can incorporate into my everyday style to create my signature look.

How do you spend your free time?

Would it surprise you that I’m on lap top either blogging or perusing other blogs? Besides nerding out by myself, I recently relocated to LA so going out with friends…it is very easy to find an excuse to get dolled up with HollyWood and Beverly Hills as your playground. But, I’m born and raised a small beachtown girl so when I have my lowkey moments you can find me walking on the beach in Santa Monica collecting my thoughts and reflecting on how grateful I am to do just that.

Can’t live without:

Family and good friends. My lap top, iPhone, Creme de la Mer and a walkin closet…

     

Winter must-have:

Faux fur coat, red lips and textured tights. Winter nights in LA play the perfect backdrop.

Advice for those looking to break into the fashion industry:

Do not expect instant gratification. Instead, expect to work hard and to be persistent…this industry does not reward the faint-hearted, I will tell you that much. It sounds cliche, but if you really want it bad enough and for the right reasons, I like to believe that you can make it happen.

What’s next?
I of course have ambitions but I don’t ultimately know where life is going to take me next. NYC? Paris again? Or who I will be collaborating with…Only if I knew, but isn’t that the beauty of it all? I ultimately would love to cover trends and style for a major online outlet or publication. Think jaunting off to NYC for fashion week or jet setting to Paris for exclusive interviews with couture designers. That would be a dream come true. Collaboration? Zac Posen would be an ultimate accomplishment in my book.