Oscars 2013 Fashion

This year the actors brought their red carpet A game! I was pleasantly surprised by the swag that was displayed. Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, and J. Law are just a few best dressed actresses on my list. I am proud to post these looks on Adorn Damask and Silk!

The Struggle Continues

So it's been nine months since graduation and it seems that my job hunt method is becoming redundant. Cold emailing and applying has gotten me nowhere and while interning is strengthening my skills would it be most beneficial to stay at an internship hoping for a spot to open?

As I contemplate my next move to gain employment, I'm stuck. Mentors will tell you that it will get better and that your start is just around the corner. While that's words are nice to say, they are often not encouraging because they are just words. The reality of it all is scary, maybe I won't find that dream job. Can I spend the best years of my life working for free and not feeling like I've grown professionally?

I'm ready to begin my career, but learning patience is important. I've been looking for more internships (though Sallie Mae is knocking) while searching for my first position. Weighing wishful thinking and reality is my current struggle. Each day I get closer to my dreams and that's the thought that gets me through what seems to be endless rejection emails and no replies to my interview follow ups.

I am a PR girl and soon the world will know. I'm going to do great things!

Fashion Week Fall 2013!

Being an intern pro, fashion week is a bit of a stranger. I have always chosen to stay in the office in order to learn more about my craft and what I need to accomplish in order to bare the name "Coordinator". But as we are smack in the middle of a chaotic fashion week reflect on what the steps are leading up to a four minute fashion show.

Walking around the office during a time like this is an interesting feat. Interns scramble to get Lookbooks printed and get coffee for employees who remain chained to their desks. I try to remain focused on the prize, which is building my skills while balancing the "grunt work"

Fashion week amplifies the stress of the PR world but I only see the finish line.

Photo credit: Vera Wang Fall 2013

The PR Portfolio

For a PR newbie this is just as important as a social security card or a passport. Employers will see your abilities and view you as an asset if they are able to actually see what you can do.

Your portfolio begins with your résumé. It introduces you to the reader and highlights the skills that qualify you for the job. Make sure it is targeted to the industry you intend to work in (no sales experience on a PR resume). Make it one page and utilize your chance to sell your personal brand to the investor (employer).

Next, add in a few writing samples. Show that you know and understand press releases. Present at least three examples.
If you have a blog, twitter, Instagram,
Express your appreciation for the direction of the industry. Social media is now a huge part of public relations. Take screen shots of your professional social media presence.

Then, display any freelance work you have done. Development of social channels for local businesses, signage, press kits and PR plans will all be impressive to employers looking for someone to dive into a new position.

Finally include a thank you note addressing the employer for taking their time to review your portfolio.

Interning at an Agency

It's no secret that agency operations are different from that of working in-house PR. In most cases an agency intern is just that...an intern. The office segregation is comical. Interns often inflict it upon themselves by sitting at different tables in the lunchroom. But the scariest part would have to be the separation of simple amenities like bathrooms, which is often enforced by staff and owners of the firm. Agency PR interns seem to be the black sheep of the office. It actually made me laugh when I realized what the too secret agent locks on the kitchen cabinet doors were for ( to keep interns out).

The next 4 months should be interesting and I am so down for the ride. It's important for me to experience all that the world of fashion PR has to offer. Each day is more and more interesting, and getting used to an agency culture has not been easy.