You didn't get the job.

Well. You didn't get the job. You weren't sent a rejection letter nor were you denied on the spot. You just have not heard from the interviewer in two weeks after being told you would hear a decision by end if the week (the interview was on a Monday).

Of coarse you were on fire about the position but after careful consideration you have come to the conclusion that maybe this company wasn't the place for you. You are destined for something greater.

The next step when dealing with job rejection is to simply pick yourself up and moving forward. Something greater is waiting for you. Persistence is key. As the new year comes around remember that your dreams are moments from coming true. Never sell yourself short!

My First PR/Social Media Job Interview

On Monday Dec 17, 2012 I went into my first interview for a full time paid position. I was more excited and anxious than nervous. I arrived early. Not because I was trying to brown nose but because I was genuinely happy to be there. I got a glimpse of another job hunter interviewing for the same position and realized the competition was real. I found the lion within and decided this job would be mine. I was hungry...hungry for success and happiness within my work environment. PR does this for me. In the interview the VP received me with a sturdy hand shake and a smile. We discussed the brands direction as pertaining to social media and what exactly I would be doing should I come on board. I explained my experience in Pr and social media and why I was the person for the job. I left feeling great like I'd already received the job. I was told I would be contacted with a decision by the end of the week. The VP thanked me for coming in as she walked me out the door.

I was offered the internship!

So two days after the internship interview I received an email offering me the job! I accepted of coarse! I was ecstatic. Moving forward and remaining relevant was a part of my plan for success in 2013. I knew the interview went well and that the internship was in the bag. Call in cockiness but it is shear confidence! I was born to work in PR. I am set to begin in January and I could not be more excited. Work hard and follow your dreams. They will come true.

High Split Skirts

The most amazing trend this year would have to be the high spilt maxi skirt. This piece is ultra sexy yet reserved. What makes it amazing is how easily it transitions into the spring and summer.
Pairing said skirt with your leather jacket this fall was fun but pairing it with your favorite camisole or tube top and open toe Geoffrey Campbell's this spring is beyond chic! Here are a few of my favorite options from this amazing trend.

A Change in the Wind

On Monday, December 10, 2012, I received what seemed to be endless blessings. A contact on Linkedin reached out to me in order to recruit me for a re-branding project, which was for an Austrian brand that was looking to create a US presence. Later on that evening I received an email from a fashion company looking for a PR Assistant. Tuesday morning when I got to work there was a note from a client I helped with a jewelry purchase. This customer said she was so pleased with her shopping experience that she wanted to bring me on board to assist with the PR.

At this point I was overjoyed, six months of planning, hard work, and prayers brought me to this moment and I cannot begin to tell you how gracious I am. Hard work and determination really yields returns. Speak to everyone you can about what it is you want to do or accomplish and be yourself. My Linkedin contact saw the determination in my resume and email etiquette. From this determination she saw I could be of great help to this client. The fashion company that I am interviewing for this Monday reviewed my application for a completely different job than what I applied for, knowing that my strengths were really strong in PR. Finally, my customer who could potentially be my new boss has never seen my work or my resume but she knew my abilities just through shopping with me and seeing the passion I had for the products I was selling.

Hard work is what will make your dreams come true. Push on!

Interviewing for a PR Internship

Dec 7, 2012-- On my way to an interview for a PR intern position in the big Apple. Surprisingly I am more anxious than nervous. It shocks people when they hear I'm looking for another internship right after finishing one. But my hunger to work in this industry is more than enough to make me over look my pride and focus on the dream.

Today my attire is serious but not boring. I didn't throw on a basic suit in order to appear serious but I chose a look that would showcase my personal style and ability to be taken seriously not only by a future employer but the ability to show clients that I am the one for the job. I am confident that my résumé is more than enough to lock this position down so it is up to me to sell the interviewer on my personal brand.

Although this is just an internship I treat it as if it were a job interview. Meaning showing up early, putting on a smile and letting the interviewer into my world and perception of the industry I aspire to be a part of. It's so important to showcase your ability to sell (yourself) when interviewing especially for positions that require you to pitch and sell ideas to perspective clients.
This time around I'm going to be a part of a PR agency as opposed to an in-house PR team and I believe this experience is needed to make my brand desirable. Notice how I've already claimed the internship without knowing whether or not it's mine. This is all a part of branding and making sure your future employer knows your intentions and confidence in your abilities to deliver.

Be genuine and let them know your ready to go all out and be the very best at everything you do whether its packing boxes or pulling samples for a shoot. Have a positive attitude from day one because you don't get a second chance to make a first impression.

Stay Connected Until Something Happens

As I finished my first semester of my MBA program and my time at Gucci ended I wondered what I would do next being that I hadn't received ONE job offer. I worried about paying school loans, putting gas in the car, and buying groceries. Stress didn't begin to explain what I was feeling.

Does it hurt to stop interning while looking for a job in fashion PR? I asked the advice of PR pro __________ who told me the best advice she could give me was "keep on interning and gaining your experience the job WILL come!" I thought "I can't do that, I have to get a real job" although I am working two jobs to stay above water I hate the idea of maybe having to do this for even another week. I've thought over and over and over about what my choice would be and I chosen future. I know it won't be easy and I will have to sacrifice many things but the real prize will come with a career that will allow me to grow personally and professionally.

Being that I am single (not married) and do not have children this is something that I can do. If your responsibilities make it a bit more difficult for you seek the help of your friends and family. Explain your intensions and be clear about your desires to be a better you. I vow to chase my dreams at all costs. Even if it means working for free. It is so important to make sure your expletive is fresh and valid in the eyes of future employers.

Working My First Sample Sale

I was stationed in the Lobby of the tower in order to mandate the guest list of fashion gods, also known as Editors. As they lined up for the 9:30 sale I thought to myself "This is some crucial semi-networking time". I made it a point to introduce myself where appropriate provide a swift transition from checking in to hitting the sales floor of the sample sale.

Being an intern your not at the top of the priority list but eloquence and organization will often get you noticed. Being in charge of "the list" gave me the power to see who these editors were face to face. I engaged them with small talk about the weather and jokes about the rush that comes with some sample sales. Like the fights that were created for films like 'Confessions of a Shopoholic". I was doing it! And without even trying...I made them smile and a few even laughed and took the time to wish me look with my endeavors as they left the building. To think that I was once a shy girl.

A great quality to have as an intern is pride. Now I don't mean the kind of pride that causes you to be a complete jerk but the kind that is noticed in everything you do around the office. It's seen in the precision that you possess when sending out samples or calling the messenger center to check on a package. Have pride in your work and you'll begin to see the trust that your supervisors develop in your abilities. Some might say that being the door woman at a sample sale isn't a glamorous role. I would have to say that if your going into PR for the glamour...maybe you should choose another career.

My time interning has always been hard work and justly so. You have to put in your time and realize that everyone over you has once been where you are now and no one can respect someone who hasn't paid their dues. From the moment I entered the doors of my last internship I have enjoyed every moment. From the mistakes to this sample sale. Today was a good day! Remember that your dreams are attainable if your willing to get your hands dirty.

My Time at GUCCI

In September of 2012 I began a PR internship at Gucci in Manhattan. As I send out my last Gucci samples I wonder what great things I will move on to next.

Today is my last day as I ride on the train to the corporate office for what will be my last time as an intern I reflect on the enter experience. Some would say that days here were boring. I'd say you didn't look for things to do. Some would say they didn't like the atmosphere. I say you had too much time to care or notice. My main focusing walking through those doors was to become a sponge at every given moment. Ask questions you don't know the answers to and know that it's ok to mess up as long as your willing to keep working on being a better you. The PR team at Gucci is comprised of hardworking people from various backgrounds and places in life that know and understand the hard work that comes along with being a PR Girl/Guy. I was never made to think the job was easy but always felt that it was rewarding when I saw the delight each employee displayed when discovering a credit in a major magazine. It was all exciting to me.

I began to envision myself as a part of this team. When Hurricane Sandy hit all I could think about was how much I wanted to get back to work. To be back in the showroom being productive and not feeling like what I do for a living doesn't have purpose. I began to build relationships with everyone that include. The receptionist was a cool laid back New Yorker at heart that gave me some great advice on finding work in this crazy competitive environment. The guys from the mail room understood my position on employment and constantly handed me information on how to better my chances of finding work. The gentleman in the Lobby was just as ambitious as I am and he made it a point to tell me to never let go of my dreams because they will be what contributes to a combination of happiness and financial stability.

My time at Gucci will always be remembered as the doorway to my future happiness. I don't regret a moment of time in that PR department. It gave me "life".

The Pros and Cons of Interning In - House

So you got an internship in the PR department of a major fashion label. What does this mean experience wise?

In house PR focuses on one brand. While at Gucci the team I worked with focused on all Gucci divisions from menswear,womenswear, and jewelry. The pros are being able to focus on pitching on brand to the press at a time, planning for one brand and be able to put all of your creativity towards that brand. I also hear that in-house salaries are higher though I wouldn't know personally.

All events will be focused on the brand your working for whether it be fashion shows or charity events. You'd meet with the same people and would be relatively close to them because they just may working down the hall or in the cubicle next to you.

The cons of working for an in-house agency are the lack of diversity in your skills and performance. At a PR agency which caters to a variety of brands your abilities are tested and put to use. Receiving a call from glamour requesting dark wash denim for a grunge James Dean inspired shoot and a request from Vogue for Bridal can come in all at once when working at an agency. I find this to be much more exciting and due to high product volume interns are often allowed to pull from samples closets themselves which is all that a true aspiring PR wants, to be hands on! To open up the pages of Vogue and see a Vera Wang gown that you pulled is breathtaking.

Interning and gaining real world fashion PR experience is important in any form. But it is valuable to have experience in both divisions. Send out your emails and put yourself out there. Your dreams are waiting to come true!

Finding a job in New York Public Relations in the Year 2012-2013

Difficult would be an understatement. I have been searching for a job in PR for the past six months. Asking for advice and interning in the process. My desire to be a part of this industry is what keeps me off the ledge. But what are the guidelines to achieving this goal (if any) and how do i follow them in such a competitive environment  inflamed by the recession?

I am a recent college graduate majored in Business Marketing with a second degree in Fashion Design. Yes. I have submerged myself in the world of fashion. However, on this journey I've come across what seems to be nothing but road blocks and a never ending stream of politically correct rejection letters and promises to "keep you on record, should another position open up". At times this was disheartening but what I try to keep in mind is the euphoric vibes I experience every time I enter a showroom or open the pages of a magazine to see an editorial spread that I was a part of creating. That's it! That feeling is all too real. Something I could never see myself trading for a boring life of folding sweaters at the local mall.

But is it enough to get you the job? This is my burning question. I've been able to obtain some of the top in demand internships in the country but have yet to turn those into jobs. Some blame it on the market. I just think its about strategically planning around the loop holes of this industry.

Being in school is what gets you to the internship and maybe even the interview but it often doesn't get you the job. I've found that real world (industry) experience yields returns on interviews that turn into job offers. Experience also gives you room to network and this is equally as important as interning. Speaking to any and everyone has given me so much insight on the industry and contacts to people who could possible help me obtain my first job in fashion PR.

So what is this purpose of this blog Joi?

Even though you may be frustrated with your job hunt regardless of the industry. Determination and persistence will yield returns. I have created this particular article as the beginning of a documentation of my journey through my career in fashion PR. Come along for the ride!

LACMA Art + Film Gala 2012

This past Saturday A-list guests flocked to the LACMA Art + Film Gala in Los Angeles. Dressed to the nines in Gucci, stars gathered to celebrate Ed Ruscha and Stanley Kubrik. The gala is thrown in honor of the opening of the Stanley Kubrik exhibition at LACMA. The event was presented by Gucci October 27, 2012.

Disney Kids Gone Bad

Recently Brenda Song whom we all know as "London Tipton" of the Disney hit the Suite Life of Zack and Cody was seen wearing a shirt bearing a symbol that resembled the infamous Nazi Swastika. What happens to these Disney child stars? Do they crave attention when trying to break away from their bubblegum images or are they just watched more closely than others.

Riding Boots

I can not begin to explain my obsession with boots this season. But boots come in so many styles and variations that it is at times overwhelming to decide which one will make it into your library of shoes. This season the riding boot is back with a vengeance. Designers like Gucci have made this equestrian trend a focus when it comes to what we put on our feet this fall. The riding boot is normally associated this horseback riding but this season it can be seen off the saddle and on the city pavement. Grab yourself a pair of riding boots! I already have mine!

Large Box Braids for the Fall

Yes! The Janet Jackson Poetic Justice style braids can be worn this fall! The large box braids have become a staple for many in the street style community. Inspired by Celebs like Solange Knowles, Beyonce and Brandy this hairstyle is sure to keep you fresh!
Wear them straight down, up in a bun or in a high side ponytail!

Trend Alert: Leather and Lace

Two textures that seem other worldly in regards to similarity create an effortlessly chic fashion trend.
This fall hold on even tighter to this playful trend. Wear a lace shirt with a leather pencil skirt to the office with a blazer and be chic! Leather and lace accents make any look divine!

Photo : Mulberry FW12
Credit: Style.com

Trend Alert: Mix Patterns

Express yourself! Wear your patterns and prints with confidence. Prints are fun and shouldn't be taken too seriously. Have fun with fashion. Designers of BCBG have done just that giving us a playful entrance into the cool fall weather. Enjoy and have fun with this trend!

Trend Alert: Lady-Like

The ladies are lunching again!

Yes. The time has come again where women are choosing the feminine touch when it comes to wardrobe. Class can be found in the collection of designers with chic tailoring. Long silhouettes create a tall sleek figure. Ladies it is time to reclaim your style and once again wear dresses with heels and gloves and be women! Feminine, sexy, and confident.
Think Audrey Hepburn in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's and Pippa Middleton out to tea!

Trend Alert: Fall 2012 Black and Blue

Black and Blue! Carolina Herrera has combined these two once forbidden shades for Fall! Paring the two unexpected shades paired together create a look that is fresh and daring. Whether its a blue dress with a black blazer an LBD with navy accessories this fashion genius has made it work! I am excited to see what other amazing looks this designer has in store

Photo credits: Style.com

iPhone 5 Has Hit Stores!

So we've all been waiting to see and hold this new toy designed and distributed by Apple Inc. This past weekend people all over the globe lined up in order to get their hands on the new phone that is continuing the change the way the world communicates. The iPhone 5 carries over the Remarkable Siri and allows for another row of applications. For Apple lovers everywhere this new phone is beyond amazing, Apple will continue to re-create keeping us all in suspense and desire.

Celebrity Style at the Emmy Awards

Last night on the Emmy red carpet the star brought out the big guns when it came to their attire. January Jones created such a buzz as she stunningly made her way across the media crowd while in Los Angeles.
Jones wore world renowned designer ZAC Posen Resort 2013.
Jennifer Goodwin adorned the carpet in a Monique Lhuillier gown.



Photo Credits: WWD.com

CHANEL Fall 2012 Shoes and Accesories

Each season I wait in suspense to see what other genius idea Karl Lagerfeld has up his sleeve when it comes to the infamous Chanel brand.

For fall 2012 Lagerfeld (for CHANEL) launched color into the Fall. Bright pinks and purples are prominent this season and keep your both warm and vibrant. Layer a colorful scarf over your bomber, leather or tweed jacket.

Heels for Fall 2012 have taken on the cut out trend. Be daring with your shoes and make them the focus of your entire look. Wear them to work and out to play!

Photo credits:Style.com

Spring 2013 Trend Alert ~ Stripes and Bermuda Shorts

I know it's just barely Fall but Spring trends are already under way!

Stripes and cut outs remain prevalent for the Spring and are quite wearable.
The daring motif creates visual fantasy and whimsy when worn as a focus piece or even as an accessory (i.e. a handbag or a pair of heels).

For girls like me who don't like to bare it all during warmer weather, the Bermuda short has been redesigned for Spring 2013! Yes ladies the once vacation branded short is coming to a mall near you this spring. Embrace this slouchy, cool and comfortable trend.
More trends to come!

Photo Credits:Style.com

Sofia Vergara in Zuhair Murad at the 2012 Emmy Awards!

So she had a wardrobe malfunction! It happens to the best of us. Sofia Vergara hit the red carpet for the Awards last night and looked beyond amazing in this teal Zuhair Murad sequined gown. When a wardrobe malfunction left her derrière exposed on one of the biggest nights in Hollywood Vergara graciously accepted her reality tweeting, "Yes!!!! This happend 20 min before we won!!!"
Congrats on the EMMY!
Shout out Diva Vergara your style is refreshing and sometimes a woman's curves don't want to be contained.
Photo Credits: ABC.com

Miley Cyrus' New Look

So many people are on the fence about Cyrus' new look (and her marriage) but I say "Rock On!". The once Disney-pop star has finally broken away from her bubble gum image with a new hairstyle and image that has everyone hanging on to the edge of their seats. Cyrus is set to release a new single from her new album entitled "Sick". Kudos to Ms. Cyrus you look great!!!!

Breaking Dawn Part II ~

The final installment of the Twilight Saga is near and I am seconds away from picking up my book and refreshing my memory of the this amazing story told by Stephanie Myers. Bella's changed a lot from what we all know. But for the diehard fans of the series...we have been waiting for this moment. Edward and Bella's daughter Renesme is here and she's growing rather quickly but the one we all can't wait to see is the once clumsy Isabella Swan. During her tragic delivery of her daughter Bella suffered trauma causing her changing to an immortal to be inevitable for those who want her to stay around. Breaking Dawn Pt. II hits theaters this fall.

Photo Credits: Entertainment Weekly

Style Evolution: Kim Kardashian

Remember when Kim was such a Valley girl when it came to her style?! Juicy Couture sweatsuits and Sweater dresses with knee boots. Slowly but surely she moved into more fashion forward styles and created her own signature style that millions of women today are inspired by. Kimberly Kardashian has definitely evolved into a style mavin.

Kardashian Kollection

Kardashian Kollection is up for another season at SEARS and I am beyond excited! These sisters have created another collection that caters to the appetite of Fashionistas on a budget. Offering sensual LBD's, sassy office jackets, and adorable handbags, shoes and accessories. If you haven't picked up anything from this collection your missing out. The Fall Collection entitled "Everyday Glamour" features the recent denim collection focusing on the various shapes of women. From tall (like Khloe), curvy (like Kim) and petite (like Kourtney). Don't be blinded by the hype or cause what people say to keep you from having an amazing wardrobe created by the amazing designers that work for this blooming brand!

Picture: Dressing room pic of me.

Style Star September 2012 - Rihanna

Yes. Rihanna is my style star for September 2012 (really my everyday style star but I can't make this whole blog about her)! Whether she is hitting the basketball court, the red carpet, or the streets of NYC Rihanna commands attention through her style. No one does street style the way she does and her red carpet glam leaves nothing to be desired. Rihanna is a trend setter, a fashion magician, and my style star!

Accessorize Fall 2012

The most fun part about fall is being able to accessorize. Blazers are amazing for the fall they keep you warm but also keep you ultra stylish. Scars create a unique layering affect that clothes neck but also give you an extra flare. This fall when it comes to the boots, the higher the better! Take your stance and strut your stuff whether you're wearing booties, thigh-highs or knee boots. Don't forget the handbag that is uniquely you!

Photo Credits: Zara.com

Favorite Fragrances of the Month

So it does seem like everyone and their mother has a perfume nowadays but I have come across a few new fragrances that are worth purchasing let alone smelling. The first one would be the infamous Nicki Minaj's "Pink Friday" perfume. This fragrances comes in an "immortalized" Nicki shaped bottle and though it hasn't been released yet I know it will be a favorite of mine just because I am in love with the bottle (OMG) ! The next fragrance on the list is Swarovski Edition by Swarovski. This fragrance captured my attention first because of it's unique clutch handbag bottle design. The scent reminds me of a powerful woman that embraces her femininity but doesn't embody it in the way she smells. This fragrance commands the recognition of power.
Last but not least is Lady Gaga's FAME. This fragrance is all around genius from it's bottle design to the idea of creating the first ever black fluid perfume. For the image of the perfume to be so Edgy the scent itself is so sweet and wearable.

Definitely get to your nearest Swarovski, Macy*s and Sephora to pick up these fragrances. They are divine.

Gucci Spring Summer 2013

This season's Gucci RTW Women's collection stopped traffic in Milan on September 19, 2012. A-list celebs flocked the runway for a first glimpse of Frida Giannini's genius which launched yet another collection of stunning looks for the prestigious Italian brand. Bold colors, feminine layers, revealing splits, and sexy deep V necklines. Check out Gucci's latest women's collection.

Nirvana Collection

If you haven't heard of the ring known as Nirvana come from underneath the rock you've been living under. The Nirvana ring is a solid crystal ring developed by the fashion jewelry mega brand SWAROVSKI. The brand has added onto the heavenly ring by creating an entire collection! The Nirvana collection is inspired by the cut of the mother ring but designed to adorn a woman's ears, wrist and collar bone from day to night! Take a look and grovel before the majesty that is Nirvana.

The Equestrian Trend

High Ho Silver...Away! - You don't have to ride a Pinto to prove that you can tame the Equestrian trend and make it your own! Leather elbow patches and shoulder accents have made their way back into the fashion world for Fall 2012 claiming the runways and sidewalks of the world! Make this trend your own by remembering it accentuates your best features and makes me you command attention!

Ride on!

Spring Tropical Trends

Cat Eye Sunglasses for the Spring

One of my favorite accessories this season would have to be the Cat Eye Sunglasses! These frames are so chic with any look you may put together!"

Nicole by OPI

When I found out that OPI had come out with a lower end version of their amazing nail polish colors I almost dropped to the floor! They have even brought on the empire building family --- the Kardashians! Check your local Walgreens to find these amazing colors!