THE BIG MOVE

Hi everybody! I am incredibly happy to announce that I have moved on over to Wordpress, another blogging server, after spending 3-4 years slaving over blogspot.

I am so pleased that my blog made the big move (which was incredibly easy) and I would recommend it to anyone thinking of switching as I did so for far too long.

You can access my new hyperlink here: http://theteenagejournalblog01.wordpress.com/

DIESEL'S DAUGTERS: WORK EXPERIENCE

 In the week of 16th-20th October I partook in a week of work experience at Diesel LTD. 

Founded in 1978 by Renzo Rosso, an Italian designer, Diesel is a retail clothing company which sells casual luxury items to a main audience of male consumers, and a smaller proportion to female customers; a huge sacrifice they had to make after the women's department was failing to succeed. However, as they take further steps into catering for Generation Z their clothing is moving to a genderless category which we should all be very excited about!

After a LOT of pestering I was accepted for the placement along with my friend Liz (an aspiring designer who you can read about here) and I could not be more grateful for the time I spent there. Not only did HQ have an amazing, familiar atmosphere to it but the people who work there are so passionate about what they are doing, it inspired me to do whatever I can to find a home in the fashion industry. 

One of the most inspiring people who I met during the course was called Nigel Sam. Previously to working for Diesel full time he worked there for free on the side for 10 years until they persuaded him to work there as their facilities manager after he took over a sales event. The event usually sold £8,000 worth of stock in one day, but with Nigel's help it took a huge turn in profit to £30,000 in 30 minutes!

It is impossible to explain the talent that this man possessed, but he also has a natural ability to read us according to anything from our body language to our shoe choice. This also meant that we were able to practice interview technique with him which was insanely helpful. Zara look out - an interviewee is on her way! 

During my week at Diesel, the company were preparing for 'D-Day' and the first stages of launching their new season of clothing for SS18. This of course called for showrooms to be designed and models to walk. Although I was not strutting my little legs down the cat walk I was able to design a few showrooms and dress a few handsome (!!!) models. Fortunately for Liz and myself the showroom designs were accepted and the models all walked out on time in order...who knew dressing a model in 1.5 minutes into a new pair of clothes four times could give you the same heart beat as a light cardio sesh?!

The week was inspiring to be part of and it just makes me want to get into the fashion industry as soon as I can, hence the first blog post in a while. Although there was a definite sense of stress throughout the week when preparing for 'D-Day' and the press event the following week, the adrenaline made me so excited and as though I was actually part of Diesel HQ.

Before the work experience when I was calling the office yet again to confirm everything, Nigel had picked up the phone and had claimed 'Darling, if you don't have the best week of your life by the end of the work experience, I will eat my hat!' Nigel, do not worry you will not have to eat your hat this time.

I SPENT A DAY WITH THE VOGUE NEWS EDITOR AND THIS IS WHAT I LEARNT

 

On the 12th August, I was fortunate enough to take part in a 'Fashion Journalism' course held at the Victoria & Albert museum where Scarlett Conlon, a VOGUE News Editor, would be talking to a group of us about herself and what it takes to become a journalist in the fashion industry. Scarlett spoke to us on a variety of subjects that were incredibly interesting and informative; inspiring me and so many others to continue our dreams of one day working for such a company as VOGUE.

As an account of the day, I thought it would be worth blogging my notes, to help not only myself in the future, but others who wish to pursue such a career. 

1. Read Absolutely Everything You Can Get Your Hands On! 

Fashion Journalism isn't just about what the current trends are, no it is much more of a greater path. For example, VOGUE may talk about what Theresa May wears, but also her political views. Scarlett suggested taking regular intakes of magazines such as: The Business Of Fashion, Page Six, The Fashion Law, BBC News, The Week, and of course Vogue.These names have easy access websites to find out the latest news.

2. Be Skilled At Changing Tones. 

Each publication will have their own individual tone of writing, and in this, particular articles will have their slightly adapted ones. Sadly, this skill doesn't come easily and is all down to practice, so blogging about anything and everything is always a good idea!

3. Digital And Print. 

Many companies have digital and print pages in the new age of technology. The digital versions of the articles are the immediate news of bitesize facts, which are written quickly and uploaded within a short space of time. The print versions are found in the monthly editions, consisting of 3000+ words where there is more space to be creative and indulgent. Scarlett explained that this was due to the fact that web readers were 'a click a way', in want of the snappy information, whereas the print readers are willing to spend time reading the articles with a cuppa tea before bed. 

4. Know The Business Inside Out. 

Learn about the Covergirls, past Covergirls, the big names, the small names and everyone behind the scenes. They're all important as they all contribute to the big working machine, no matter whether they're running from office to office or finalising details for London Fashion Week. It is also incredibly important to get along with all of them too, even if you're just interning, you'll be certain to see them again in the future.

5. Work Experience Is Work Experience.

Whether you're writing for your local newspaper, school newsletter, blogging or taking courses, you are becoming further experienced in the industry. Beginning in journalism is the one of the hardest parts of the job, but with endurance and confidence, people's respect for you will grow. However, when it comes to internships, be sure to take a the maximum of a year in this sector and if it isn't right for you, that's 100% okay.

6. Finally, Volunteer To Do Any Job. 

You can always get talking!

I am so grateful for this opportunity with Scarlett Conlon. Thank you.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MYSELF

I recently came to the conclusion that the lovely few of you who read my little space on the internet probably don't know that much about me. This is probably due to the fact that I never uploaded a post telling y'all about myself, (sorry about that) but hey better late than never!

Hey! My name is Katie and I am a 15 year old student in England. Those my age may know that these years are filled to the brim with work, new experiences, friendships and the drama with which it goes hand in hand, keeping up with the endless amounts of coursework for art and a social life (??), but in my free time I like to write these little posts and take part in the beautiful blogging community.

I started this blog in January 2015 after a blog my friends and I created. I tend not to talk about that blog (as it was beyond embarrassing), but it made me realise I love this style of writing and I would love even more so to continue doing this into the future. I blog about a variety of subjects such as my current obsessions, the world of fashion, music and of course lifestyle.

Not only do I have a passion for fashion, I also enjoy painting, acting and running whenever I can. In addition, I am a strong, strong believer in being different and being yourself no matter what anyone else says. Through this I am confident that anyone can change the world if they have the mindset to do so, whether this be in political matters, creativity, individual rights and so much more.

If you would like to get in touch, please make your way over to here, I would love to chat!!

DISCLAIMER

All the pictures you see on this blog are my own or if not, I will clearly state otherwise. If you use photos from my site please could you give credit. In all reviews I will give an honest opinion and anything sent to us will be clearly marked with c/o (courtesy of).

CONTACT US

If you ever want to ask me about anything from a post or a business/promotion to life advice or my favourite colour, here's how you can find us:

theteenagejournal@gmail.com

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I am very happy for anyone to send products to review and if you are interested in any PR please contact me with anyone of the links above with more information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

And You Are...?

My name's Katie, I am 15 years of age and I live in beautiful little town just outside London.

What's This Blog About?

This blog is a free creative space where I sometimes express my drama queen personality, attempt to be fashionable/really cool and a way in which I can develop my writing.

Do You Have Any Past Blogging Experience?

I did in fact have a blog previous to this, but let's not go to that cringe-worthy nightmare.