Perspective.

Hi Annas, so I thought that my final post should maybe tell you a little bit more about me and what I’ve learned so far, so I leave you with this.

I have to admit, being drawn to such a competitive field has changed my perspective on life and sometimes made me question my sanity.

Standing here, 17 days from graduation, I don’t know what is going to happen to me, but I do know that I have had some of the most incredible experiences through my internships and no matter what comes next, I have learned so much about who I am and what I want from life.

But I should warn you, if this is what you want to do, you might not be able to go out on Thursday nights, only intern once or feel secure entering the job market.  Your friends will probably give you a hard time because “you’re always tired” and your mom might ask you on more than one occasion if you’re really sure that you want to do this forever.

But if you really are sure that you want to do this forever, none of that will matter.  I have worked with some of the strongest and most determined people I have ever met and learned so much from each and every one of them.  In order to be in this industry, you have to want to succeed so badly that it is actually slightly abnormal.  But you will be surrounded by people who are just like you, and the things you create will be all the more incredible for it.

I have sat witness to the work of extraordinary modern artists in the form of photographers, art directors, designers, editors and stylists.  They create the art that we wear, every single day of our lives.  They see clothing as more than function and make it beautiful and interesting, transcending utility and becoming art.

This industry, called frivolous and shallow by many, supports countless people all over the world.  From seamstresses to retail workers to factory workers  to the the businessmen that trade their shares, fashion is a powerhouse that affects all of us in one way or another, no matter how vehemently we may try to deny it.

But it is a small industry in many ways, one that is very close-knit. You will encounter the same people over and over again, so never disregard anyone, whether they are your boss, your co-worker, or someone beneath you. Life changes fast.

Work hard and never complain.  Understand that being the intern who has to run across New York City carrying five garment bags is only a step in your journey, but every step is important.

Pause once in a while to recognize the fact that despite your very unglamorous hours, you are in fact very lucky.  After all, “million girls would kill for this job.” Don’t take it for granted.

Most of all, keep calm. Love what you do, and stop doing it if it stops making you happy. If you don’t love it or you lose your love for it, find something else that makes you happy.

But if it does make you happy, like fashion editorial does for me, do it with all your heart and don’t ever let it go.

xx Bailey

Keep Calm and Carry On?

Okay Annas, I know I’m getting very uncomfortably close to that terrible G word, but I’m feeling strangely and very uncharacteristically calm about it all.   Maybe because I had my first-ever Grace Coddington sighting today (which has to be a good omen!), but I’m feeling like just maybe it’ll all be okay.  If you’re stressing about life post-grad, try these tips to help give you a little faith…

-I know it seems like an impossible task to actually get a job, but everybody does it.  Don’t feel like your career path is impossible, no matter how competitive because, hey, somebody’s gotta land that dream job, why not you?

-If you’ve worked hard, you’ve made an impression and people will want to help you.  People want to help others be happy if they feel like you deserve it, and if you’ve been a good worker, they won’t forget you.

-If you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way to make it happen.  There isn’t just one path to your goals, so if your dream job doesn’t happen right away, work hard at whatever does, you’ll get there eventually.

-I know this one’s less uncommon than what you probably wanted to hear, but like my mom (hi Mom, I’ll admit it, you are usually right) always says, “what is meant to be, will be.”  Sometimes you have to have faith in all that you’ve done to prepare yourself and leave the rest up to fate.

I hope this helps, and on a completely unrelated note…

How great did Anna look at the Met Ball? Love.

Royal weddings and new trends?

Fashion often follows the news, and I think that you all know what direction this means.  Royal wedding fever has taken over, and from that gorgeous dress (but you already know how I feel about Sarah Burton) to those absolutely insane hats, you can be sure the trends will make the hop across the pond.

I, for one, sincerely hope that hats make the journey to the States very soon.  Fashion should always be fun, and there’s no denying that hats like these definitely have some personality.  Hats are a trend that hasn’t been big in the United States for quite some time, and it was be nice to see a very different shift.

What do you hope is the next big thing?

Make an impression.

Once you land the internship/job/freelance position, how do you stand out?  In an industry that’s all about networking, the only way to navigate your career through it are the connections that you make.  You have to be memorable in an ever-changing sea of interns that flow in and out of magazines in order to make your time worthwhile.

Follow these simple guidelines and you’ll be the favorite in no time!

1. Everything you do should revolve around the central goal of making your boss’ life as simple as possible.  Be it keeping everything organized, adding extra details that were not asked for but would clarify, or sensing when she is overwhelmed and volunteering help before she even has to ask, it will make a difference in your boss’ day and make you look thorough and competent.

2. Smile.  A good attitude will get you far.  You’re fortunate to be where you are (“a million girls would kill for this job!”), so show that you recognize this, and your bosses will appreciate it.

3. Follow up on everything.  Make notes, set reminders, anything, but make sure to complete every task you are given. Make sure no one ever has to wonder whether or not a task will be completed when it is given to you.  By making yourself reliable, you make yourself invaluable.

4. Be efficient. Don’t move so quickly that you are sloppy and have to do it again, but prioritize tasks and when you are asked to do something, do it as quickly and neatly as you can.  Time is always important, and by showing that you understand your boss has a lot to do and needs something quickly, you are showing that you appreciate and respect her.

5. Do not complain. This seems extraordinarily obvious, but you would be amazed by the level of whining that often comes floating out of the fashion closet. Everyone knows that you don’t really want to alphabetize hundreds business cards, but if you say “Sure!” and do it anyway (with a smile!) it will not go unnoticed.

What is the best tip you’ve ever heard for interns?

I am McQueen obsessed.

Seriously, to a slightly problematic degree (as I may have mentioned before).  The drama of his work transforms his work into art, which is what I believe fashion truly is.  I cannot get enough of his work or that of his successor, Sarah Burton.

Alexander McQueen Fall 2006

A retrospective exhibit of the late designer’s greatest works is set to open in early May at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and the first images have just been released.

To say the least, I cannot wait. At all. Never been so excited to go to a museum (and this is saying something, as I am not exactly a cool kid).

Vogue.com has an excellent piece on it, so hopefully this sneak peek releases you inner fashion nerd, too!