How To: Get Work Experience in the Fashion Industry

Todays post is going to be slightly different but still with a relevant theme.  This will be a lot like the post I wrote about how to maximise your blog potential, which you can read here.  I'm not claiming to be an expert on getting work placement, but I know from previous experiences how difficult it can be to find, especially in the fashion industry where internships are like gold dust.

As a fashion journalism student, I have a lot of different options when thinking about work experience, PR, Publications, Broadcast and Radio.  For my final unit of my second year, we have to complete 4 weeks at a work placement and I have just landed myself one, after trying since mid-October.  It really is all about luck and timing.  Here are my four top tips to get work experience.

1.  Perseverance - When you send out emails, you may not necessarily get a response just like that but don't think it's because they don't want you.  If it has been a week since you sent out the email, follow up and make sure the email didn't land in their junk or it might remind them to respond. Do not send them a million emails, because you may end up getting a rude response and no work experience (or a restraining order).

2. Tailor your Covering Letter - I have three different covering letters tailored to specific job roles, Online, Beauty and a standard Fashion Editorial.  Whenever I send out and email I will edit the document with the persons name, the company and a paragraph that shows I've gone to the trouble of researching the company and know my stuff. Remember to double and triple check that the name you're addressing the letter to is both the right person and the right company.  Also, when sending your covering letter and CV, convert them to PDF so that it opens up easily on any computer.

3.  Always Say Thank You - This might sound obvious but whenever someone replies, even if it is not the answer you were hoping for, say thank you.  These people are busy, getting a million emails a minute (slight exaggeration), so if they reply you're lucky because they have higher priorities.  Also, if they put your CV on file, you may be the one they remember who was polite and said thank you.

4.  Play on your Strengths, but don't be Arrogant - You may have gotten some great experience at one company, but they want to know what you will bring to their publication or fashion house.  If they ask you about how previous experience will benefit them, tell them your strengths but don't gloat or tell them you're amazing.

Once you've got them interested, you may be asked in for an interview or just be offered dates over email.  Remember to be yourself in the interview and also believe in yourself - they are interested in you for a reason it's never just a fluke.  

This summer I've got a couple of work placements set up.  One as a social media intern for a designer boutique called Phoenix.  I've already completed a social media internship at Push PR but wanted to try a smaller company who had just started to build their online presence (plus they have some cute Chanel sunglasses...).  I've also just been confirmed for two weeks at More! magazine which I'm extremely excited about as it will be my first experience at a print publication! 

I hope this post has helped those of you who are struggling with work experience in the fashion industry. Like I said, I'm no expert and it's all about luck and timing.  

Have you got any work experience stories to share? 

EC One Relaunches Website

Over the summer I got to help out on a few different photo shoots thanks to Push PR.  My first of the bunch was the EC One website campaign with Burberry model Milly Simmonds.  Browsing online I stumbled across a new look EC One site with the pictures from the shoot and thought I'd share with you the final product.  I think the website looks really sleek and savvy with it's new look, so without further adieu...

These are just a few of the images but I think they turned out great! They've also popped a behind the scenes pictures and even a video on their blog (featured below). The video has the smallest snippet of me interviewing Milly, which you can read here. 

*All images/videos belong to EC One

Do you like the shoot?  Check out EC One's jewellery, they have something for every accessory lover this Christmas! 

Thanks again to Push PR and EC One for letting me take part in the shoot!

Tusting Look Book Shoot

A couple of weeks ago I was sent to Bedford to assist on the Tusting Look Book shoot.  I had to get up at 5.30am (a time I hope to NEVER see again) to get a train into central and through blurry eyes I managed to get to Kings Cross and onto the train.  Once we made it to Bedford and were taken to our location, that alarm clock seemed all the more worth it.  We turned up to the Tustings farm where we were greeted by a field of cows.  Of course, as respectable 'adults' we decided that the mature thing to do would be to try and get them to come over to us... 

Once we'd gotten over the cow situation we really took in the beautiful house.  The pictures just don't do it justice.  Now then, before I go on I will fill you in on Tusting.  If you have never heard of Tusting, you've probably been living under a rock as they've been around for donkeys years.  Tusting create luxury luggage and leather products and have been doing it ever since 1875 (pretty expert by now).  They've been seen in Vogue's October issue and even have the Royal stamp of approval with both Wills and Kate having a Tusting bag of their very own (and we all know how much I love Kate).  

Back to the shoot... Here are some photos from the day!

This Aston Martin turned up for the shoot and quickly became the star attraction.  

That's all until the next Push PR adventure! Hope you're all enjoying the sunshine this weekend!

"We are people who want to play dress-up all day."

I've been at Tesco all day today, and I cannot tell you how good it felt when 6.30pm came round.  I thought I'd write a quick update post as I've been asked a few things on Twitter regarding my new username.  

The lovely Katie Piper in our showroom a few weeks back. 

As you all know, for the past 11 weeks I have been interning for Push PR and I was due to start my last week on Monday *shivers at the thought*. Well I had a very exciting talk with the Director of Push PR and was asked if I would stay on as part of the team whilst at University.  Of course I jumped at the opportunity, if anyone had told me at the beginning of all this that I would end up as an Online PR Executive, I would have said "yeah, and pigs will fly too".  With this change, came a new twitter username so if you wonder who @PushPRNicola is - it's me! *waves*  I'm really excited to see where Push PR will take me, but I will continue writing no matter what.  

If you have read my blog from the start, you'll also know that I love The Saturdays.  After watching their latest music video for All Fired Up (above), I became more obsessed with Mollie Kings hair.  It's SO blonde.  I've been due to get my hair done for a while now, but with Push and Tesco, I just haven't had the time.  I took the plunge and booked a cut and colour - but this time I'm going for an all over colour instead of my standard highlights.  I cannie wait to show you my hair once it is as bright as the sun! 

I start back at university in a few weeks and I'm really looking forward to it.  For one, we wont be first years any more and for two we have some exciting modules, including Catwalk Reports and Feature Writing.

I hope you all have an amazing weekend!  

An update, of sorts.

I wanted to update you all, so you didn't think I was neglecting this blog entirely.  For the past 12 or so weeks, as well as working at Push PR, I've also been planning away in my little head a completely new looking blog and have started to put it into motion (although you can't see much of a change right now).

As part of a new look blog, the layout will be completely different, including the header which is being designed by a fantastic illustrator who is set for big things.  The new look Non Optional is set to launch in September which will also be our 1st Birthday!  All exciting things are coming and I hope you'll enjoy the new site when it's launched.  

To keep up to date with what's happening with the new look blog, like Non Optional on Facebook by clicking here.  I will be updating with sneak peaks of everything from the new blog header, to the layout.  

Normal blogging resumes as of now! 

A vintage affair to remember.

Last night was my first event working for the Push PR team and it was a treat indeed.  During the day it was mostly running around getting everything perfect for setup but once 5 o'clock came, the party really started.  It was a press and bloggers event for 18 AND EAST, Gigi Vintage and Tara Starlet (all AMAZING companies btw, you should definitely check them out).  There were a mixture of bloggers, magazine journo's and friends of clients, as well as the lovely Sinead Quinn who played an intimate set (with the aid of myself and Hannah playing her maracas - pun intended).  Here are a few images from the night, fortunately for Team Push there was so much left over cakes and sweets...

The girls from Tara Starlet, including Tara hereself (on the left).

Hannah and a couple of bloggers playing dress up. 

The intimate gig with Sinead Quinn. 

The lovely girls from 18 AND EAST, mingling away. 

Gigi on the far right with her pals enjoying the sparkling wine! 

One of the gorgeous Tara Starlet ladies, modelling a Gigi Vintage leather jacket. 

The lovely Sinead, rocking along to Johnny Cash. 

Rainy weather makes for perfect shopping conditions.

I know, I've been lacking blogwise this week, but I've been adjusting to commuting to London.  It has been a complete nightmare this week but Friday was pay day and this weekend I've been shopping to make up for it.  

It was strictly a New Look haul, and I really could have bought the entire shop.  So here's what I got...

£22.99

This was the first thing to catch my eye when I walked in.  I wasn't 100% sure on the colour and kept walking away from it, but decided it was worth trying on.  Once I tried it on, I knew it was the one.  I can dress us up and down and think it will be great for in the office.  

£16.99

I have wanted a new denim jacket for a while now, as it's one of those pieces that come in and out of fashion regularly and goes with everything.  I had seen one in River Island which was £44.99 but fortunately for me (and my bank account) it was out of stock and I came across this one in New Look.  It looks great over the maxi and I know it's going to get a lot of wear this Summer.  

£19.99

I had seen this in the store near to uni and fell in love and decided that if I could find it today I'd buy it.  It's quit versatile as it could be worn with jeggings or vintage levi shorts or it could be tucked into a skirt for a different look.  

£17.99

I then came across these by accident.  Wondering around we ended up in the younger section known as Generation 915 (in my younger years it was just plain ol' 915).  I'm glad we came across these as i've been looking for this type of shoe for a while.  I still find it odd that these in the normal shoe section of New Look would be £30-35.  

So there you have it, a small haul and a big boost to my summer wardrobe.  I plan to do a blog post on my feather hair extensions this week (yes, I've finally got them done!) and will also try and get back to my normal blogging routine. 

How have you spent this rainy Sunday?

Clothing haven.

If you follow me on Twitter than you may have noticed how supremely quiet I've been.  Well my lovely ladies, that is because I started my internship with Push PR yesterday and I've been a bit busy/tired.  

Today I've been helping out with the Gigi Vintage Lucky 7 sale (which went down a storm, the website crashed and everything!) as well as researching, writing, and admiring the gorgeous clothes all around me.  Yes, I may have to get up at 6.30 (a time I haven't seen in far too long) but I get to sit with fashion all around me and it's pretty inspiring.  

Being a jewellery fiend, I've fallen head over heels for Regal Rose, a fellow Push client.  I found my self staring at the collection multiple times today.  Here's some of my favourites:

£14.00

£20.00

How Pocahontas is that?!

£17.00

It's all so beautiful.  What do you think?

I will be back with regular blogging tomorrow after I finish interning for the day.  I hope you're all having a lovely week!

Style It Your Way Challenge: 'Jigsaw Puzzle'

Today I bring you an outfit of the day with a difference.  The lovely ladies at Push PR (and my future work colleagues) asked me to take part in their 'Style It Your Way' challenge.  I received a lovely dress from clothes brand 18 AND EAST, which was also rather unusual too.  So, without further ado I bring you my day outfit...

I opted for a bit of a casual look to go with todays plans, which was sitting in front of an iMac at university, editing a piece of video for my final project of the year.   I wanted something that would be comfortable to slouch in, so opted for my trusty New Look chunky knit.  The dress has a waisted belt, although I felt it looked a bit odd on me so I pulled the dress up slightly to give the effect of a cape dress, which are everywhere on the high street.  To stop myself looking to drab, and well 'student' I chose beige ankle socks and camel wedges.  Finishing off I donned my vintage watch necklace and green Primark satchel bag.  

The best thing about this dress is its versatility.  It's great to wear when you know you'll be stuck in the office until late and need to go out in the evening for a drink or six.  

To make the day to night transition I opted for a classic blazer and took off my necklace which I felt wasn't dressy enough.  I then changed the wedges for some killer heels from Dressrail.com.  All you'd need is a clutch with essentials and you're good to go out on the town.