Advice From Amy Astley

So I thought that I'd post a little email that I wrote to Amy Astley, the Editor-In-Chief at TeenVogue magazine...

Dear Ms. Astley,

My name is Josephine Amusa, and I am an up and coming fashion journalist. This has proved to be an ardous task to say the least, but I am dedicated. How can I get my name out there? I see young people like Tavi Gevinson, and I am filled with envy and hope. I see myself doing nothing but writing about the splendor that fashion brings to my heart, but where do I start? Am I too young to intern? Do you have any advice or know any places that I could possibly intern?

Her response...

Dear Josephine,

It’s great to hear that you are such a fashion fan.

Our company,  like many, only accepts college students as interns.

My top advice to you right now is to spend your free time educating yourself about fashion, art, and culture. Read every book, website, and blog about fashion. Read the history of fashion. Look at art book and go to museums to help refine and develop your eye. Look at clothes in stores closely so that you can learn more about design and fabric. Watch old film with a fashion slant to them — starring Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe, for example. These legendary stars have a profound and lingering impact on fashion. Watch great contemporary fashion films  -- there are SO MANY. Unzipped, The September Issue, The Last Emperor, Bill Cunningham documentary, and documentaries on Marc Jacobs and Karl Lagerfeld that aired on Sundance channel.

Be sure to look at the fashion shows each season n Vogue.com or Style.com   You must learn the collections and the designers to write about fashion.

Really your high school years are a time to further and fully explore your interest in fashion. It is a good idea to start blogging so you can develop your voice and writing style — but wait until you really have something to say!

The magic of Tavi is that she is an interesting writer with a real point of view and a deep appreciation and knowledge of fashion.

You might want to pick up a copy of the The Teen Vogue Handbook: An Insider’s Guide to Careers in Fashion.  I think you will find it helpful and inspiring.

You also might want to look into applying to attend Teen Vogue Fashion University (held over a weekend in NYC in October) at some point. More information is available on our website.

All the best, Amy Astley 

So to those who, just like me, are the little people in the world of fashion, I say to you now, continue to persue the dream! One day we will be amongst the people at the top showing our creations to the world. 

Addio Bella,

Josie

Bob?

From Scarlett Johansson to Alexa Chung, the "bob" is in. Short, sweet and too the point, but why not spice it up a little? I'm in love with Scarlett Johansson's take on the "bob." Unlike some super sleek and shiny "bobs," Scarlett' Johansson's "bob" has a very earthy vibe to it. Not quite the fresh out of bed look, but more like a day spent at the beach look. Her scruffy waves make me reminisce about summer time, especially during a time where rain and clouds dominate the forecast. Salt spray must do the trick. Not quite your style, then over to one of my favorite trend-setter's. Along with her rocker chick essence, Alexa Chung and her notorious haircut are a lot neater. Glossed without looking greasy. Alexa Chung's bob is shiny and very well put together with a slight curve at her jawbone. She said that her haircut was inspired by Kurt Cobain. So, whats your opinion on the "bob"?

One Tramp At A Time!

This time of year, when the sun is no longer being hidden, it is becoming more and more noticeable that the tramps are coming out! Now, for those who may not know what exactly a "tramp" is, I will not leave you in guessing in the dark.
Tramp- 1.walk, or step heavily 2.roam about -n. 1.vagrant 2. a tramping. This is how Webster's defines tramp. Oxford has the same opinion. Nowadays, it seems like neither of their definitions matter. So instead, I turn to my trusted friends at urbandictionary.com.
Tramp- 1.a promiscuous woman 2.a girl who goes out with many men getting or attempting to get "what she wants" out of them.
Personally I would go with the Urban Dictionary, but that's just me. Either way, being a tramp doesn't quite sound like what you would want to be in life, yet there's thousands of young girls who amount to just that. They are nothing more than your average tramp. I for one blame the people who may it look alright. Celebrities like Paris Hilton make being a tramp look peachy, and although I like her style, I must say that Kim Kardashian is sort of a tramp. I mean, we all know why she got famous... Trampiness is just not acceptable ladies! I praise author Derek Blasberg whose book Classy: Be A Lady Not A Tramp inspired this post. Being a tramp just is not cute. Wearing a too tight, cherry red, leather mini with 5 inch platform heels, hot pink lips and dark blue eye shadow as your night on the town outfit is asking for the wrong type of attention. Why not opt for a black tiered dress that’s a little above the knees with more subtle plat form shoes and a black blazer or a cropped jacket. If you're the type that likes color, try a sequined top paired with jeans for a little pop. No one said being classy was easy, but in the long run you're much better off.
Ciao,
Josie

The Life and Times of A Teenage Blogger

Is it impossible to dream? Of course not! For example, here I am. I recently started a blog to speak out about what’s up in the world. From fashion, to politics and the sometimes lulling conundrums of high school. That’s a pretty simple dream. No? I also want to be the the greatest journalist of my generation. That part may not be as simple, but I’m working on it. It’s hard to juggle school and blogging at the same time, but being as dedicated as I am, I will conquer this task! Before I leave, I must tell you this...this is just the beginning of The Life and Times of A Teenage Blogger.  

Ciao!

Josie