The Good Girl Gone Blog

Confessions of a fashion intern: special skills

Clearly, because of my role as intern, I'm required to fulfill many less than glamourous tasks at the press office. Though they sometimes get repetitive, I think I'm finally getting the hang of my job here. Additionally, I've been acquiring some new skills and fine tuning those I already had.

Here's a list of jobs I could see myself suceeding in based on my fashion intern skill set:

1. Personal assistant/Secretary- my amazing phone anwering skills. I believe I come off as quite perky and polite. I'm getting very good at organizing stuff too.
2. Closet organizer- I can organize based on color, brand and season!
3. Holiday gift wrapper- very often, I find myself wrapping samples in tissue. One of my coworkers even commented I was wrapping them "too nicely," but admitted that she thought the magazine would treat the samples better because of my wrapping skills.
4. Delivery lady- though I don't know how to drive a motor bike, I'm getting a lot better at following directions and making deliveries on foot.
5. Garbage collector- lifting heavy recycling bags...not fun, but very impressive.
6. Demolition lady- I'm getting really good at breaking down boxes. Perhaps I could start destroying walls and stuff in the future?
7. Creative tape ripper- don't have scissors handy? I know at least 2 other ways to rip packing tape!
8. Personal shopper- though I've only gone to one of our stores once to pick out samples, it was quite fun. Only problem? It's like going shopping, but not getting to keep anything!

Confessions of a fashion intern: week 1 lessons

Shoes at Brick Lane

Guys, I survived week one of my internship and let me tell you, I've learned quite a bit. My internship is definitely different than anything I've ever done before, but overall, I think it's a good experience. I mean, seriously, I get to look at clothes all day!

Here's what I learned this week:

1. Waistcoat = vest...vest = sweater vest or tank top
2. It's normal to call your coworkers "love" and "sweetheart" (I somehow don't think that would have worked very well at my old internship.)
3. When answering the phone, always put the person on hold before transferring them.
4. When calling a magazine, you're usually calling an operator who will direct you to your desired party. As a result, you can't just ask for "the fashion cupboard" but should ask for "the Vogue India fashion cupboard," for example.
5. Clothing starts to get really heavy, especially when you're carrying intricately beaded evening gowns.
6. Interns can be your best friends- they help you out, show you wear to get lunch and are very understanding when you make rookie mistakes.
7. Though it feels amazing when a friend compliments your outfit, it feels 10x better when someone working at a fashion label tells you she likes your top.
8. A full day of work at a major fashion label is exhausting.
9. The well dressed men that work in the store below the press office, though initially intimidating, are actually really nice. Don't let the suits fool you.
10. Wear comfortable shoes. Trust me.

Knickers?

Today, I started my internship at Armani, and boy, am I exhausted. This internship is quite different than any internship I've ever had before. Let me explain: I spent a majority of my day organizing various closet spaces, separating a box of lingerie and swimwear, following around another intern and requesting sample returns from various magazines and photographers.

Something you should know about me- I hate calling people I don't know. I actually get nervous and shaky just thinking about it, so the prospect of calling magazines like Vogue scared the bajeezes out of me. Plus, I kept worrying I'd forget to ask for "the fashion cupboard" or that I'd say something stupid or un-British. It was very hard for me to keep a straight face when asking a photographer to return a pair of lacy knickers. Honestly, knickers is just a really funny word.

(I sort of want to use it in a sentence combined with the word "knackered." For example, "I'm way too knackered to wash my knickers" or something like that.)

Also notable, I couldn't help but think my boss looked like a British Lilu and that another girl in the office greatly resembled Miss Neira. Maybe I just miss Boston, who knows. 

I think the highlight of the day was grabbing lunch with a few of the other interns. We get a 3.50 stipend, so it was fun to see how much food we could get for a small amount of money- I managed to score an ice tea, a bag of crisps and a tomato and cheese Ciabatta melt. Delicious!

Some final pieces for London

I've been in search of the perfect "London coat" for a while now. While I have a long, black puffer coat, I wanted something a bit more sleek for my adventures abroad. I took a few hours on Thursday after a final to look for a coat at the mall, but returned homed stressed and unimpressed.

After drooling over a beautiful coat on JCrew's website (they only sell their petite sizes online) for the past few weeks, I finally gave in and decided to buy it. I was slightly hesitant to purchase something so substantial as a coat online, especially with limited return time before London, but decided it was my only option. I was worried that I'd have to buy a black coat, which is definitely not my thing, so I asked my friend Eric for his opinion. He told me a color would suit me better, and that I could still be a grownup in a non-black coat. So...I bought this:

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I think this coat is beautiful, classy and very Alana. I can't wait for it to arrive in the mail. Cross your fingers and hope that it fits! I think it will look adorable with a nice pair of earmuffs (maybe Burberry inspired?), or a black or white hat. (Thanks Dad and Donna- I love my birthday present!)

Well, after buying the red coat, I thought my search was over...until I logged into Rue La La and saw they were having a sale on Betsey Johnson. I loved the heart shaped buttons on so many of Betsey Johnson's coats, and with some more friendly encouragement (this time from my friend Joey), I made another purchase.

This one is a lighter material and  a major score- I had a $30 credit thanks to friends making purchases on Rue La La via my invite code, which made the final cost (with shipping) $58.00...down from $260.00!

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I think this coat will be great for the spring. I'll pair it with skinny jeans and flats...or knowing me, more likely heels. I'm glad I've finished my pre-London shopping- it's been stressful, but definitely fruitful :)

My Fashion Godmother

Last night I had a much needed conversation with my dear friend, Mary. I first met Mary two summers ago when I interned at Bill Me Later in Baltimore. Although Mary lives in Chicago, she'd come into the BML office every few weeks for meetings. I'm not sure how she ended up sitting with me at my desk, but every time she came into Baltimore, she was right there in my cubicle...at least between meetings.

Mary is probably the most fashionable person I know- she's my size, yet still manages to find clothes that are cute and appropriate for work. Mary and I used to go out for lunch, talk about our embarrassing love for Uggs and her travels around the world. I even spent a few days with Mary in Chicago after Blogher. She took me to high tea and introduced me to Bellinis and I felt like the most fabulous and classy lady in the entire world.

Though we don't talk as often as I'd like, I know that Mary is always there if I need her. Mary is a bit older than me, so I'm pretty sure she knows everything. That's why I frantically called her about my lack of Armani-appropriate clothing for London.

And you know what? She was perfectly calm and told me exactly what she would pack if she was in my situation. She told me she could picture the outfits I should bring in her mind, and described some key pieces I should find before I go to London.

The best part? She offered to lend me some of her fabulous clothing. At first I was a bit hesitant. I mean, she offered up her Prada boots. PRADA BOOTS!! I have never been near anything Prada in my life... (Unfortunately, even though Mary is currently in Baltimore, her Prada boots are back in Chicago.)

BUT...she will be leaving  me a DVF wrap dress. I think it'll be the perfect outfit for my first day at work. Plus, Mary may even come to retrieve her dress visit me in London. 

Here's my interpretation of Mary's London Picks. Now, before you freak out about the $800 shoes, keep in mind, this is just a guide for the types of things I should be looking for. And hey, if I'm making the guide, I might as well put in the best ;)

Forgive me? A massive Sunday Confessional

How could you say no to this face?

Ok, I'm the first to say that I hate when bloggers apologize when they take blogging breaks, yet for some reason, I'm doing it right now. It's just that finals are approaching, I have a paper to write and my room is an absolute mess.

I'm freaking out about what to wear in London. I'm extremely tickled that Jaime decided to help me via her Style you Sunday post...but I still haven't found the perfect black shift dress. (Although, I did buy this one on sale at Banana Republic- a place where I NEVER shop. And um, it was only $25!) I still don't know what shoes to pack- I definitely cannot transport my entire boot collection. I don't know if I should invest in a new coat- one that is cute but actually fits and will keep me warm. I love this one from JCrew, but it's just so expensive even with the 30% off discount and free shipping.

I spent my weekend getting hit on by uber-Christian boys on the T, indulging in pop rock garnished drinks with friends and making my roommates sandwiches. I can't stop burning my tongue on hot tea and don't understand how I had an allergic reaction to a turkey sandwich last night...it must have been the condiments. I can't stop scratching- it's either fleas or allergy related.

My online scrabble obsession is turning into full on addiction. I haven't made my bed in about 25 years, which is hard to do, considering I'm not yet 22. I need to stop buying lattes. I miss cuddling with my non-existent boyfriend. My dark green nail polish is chipping and looks terrible.

I want to celebrate my 22nd birthday in London with the queen. Yes, the queen of England. I want her to come to a tea party. Ha. Wouldn't that be the best?

I'm about to listen to Taylor Swift's "You Belong with Me" because it reminds me of someone special. It's the third time I've played it since last night.

I told myself I would start working on my paper at 9:00. It's now 9:38. Ugh.

I'm interning at Armani!

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Yup, the title says it all. I got an email a few days ago describing my future position as an Armani press office intern in London (pending a future interview)!!

Basically, it said I'm initially going to be getting coffee and collecting press clippings, but eventually I'll get to do some cool stuff like help plan events, send samples out to celebrities, organize the closet and possibly wear Armani clothing to events. Unfortunately, based on the student testimonials, I don't get any kind of discount or free clothing, but still.

Only problem- what the heck do I wear to work?

Sunday Confessional: I think I might be Flo

As you all know, I'm studying public relations, and in order to succeed in PR, you need to be good at talking with people. And promoting your company. And getting people pumped.

Well, I'm pretty sure I've almost mastered all of those skills. When I think back to my role at Blogher09, I remember smiling my face off and trying to get people excited. I remember using little rhymes and mnemonics, trying to make people laugh and being, well, extremely perky.

It's the perky factor that worries me the most.

Every time I watch those annoying Progressive commercials with Flo, the extremely upbeat salesperson, I see myself. I would totally get excited about a "big tricked out name tag," or try to make really awkward jokes. My perkiness would  overwhelm the tv watchers, yet somehow charm the pretend insurance customers in the commercial:

I somehow simultaneously love and hate Flo....and I'm pretty sure that if I worked at Progressive, I would simply be her. Only difference? My name tag would say: LAN

photo via

Thank you

Thank you for...

believing in me and pushing me to ask for what I deserve.

Thank  you for...

having my back and sticking up for me.

Thank you for...

making me laugh at my desk, for never using real curse words and only ever saying "what the f." You crack me up.

Thank you for...

sending me a formal "google calendar" invite to go get drinks. We still need to do that.

Thank you for...

trusting me and allowing me to do things in my own creative way.

Thank you for...

posing with me in silly pictures and for letting me blow off steam via IM when I get upset.

Thank you for...

 eagerly grabbing lunch/coffee with me and for your amazing pep talks.

It's been a pleasure working with you, T. You've taught me so much and I already miss you. The office will not be the same without you.

HUGE Fashion and Beauty Announcement

Hi ladies (ok, ok, and Nathan),

I'm extremely excited to announce the launch of a new project I've been working on in conjunction with my close friend, Rachel L...we've created a brand new blog! Though it's definitely still a work in progress, I couldn't wait any longer to share it with you.

The new blog's focus will be fashion & beauty...with a fun twist. As you know, Rach and I both intern at springpad, an awesome new startup based out of Boston that currently offers a great set of FREE online notebooks- it's a great place for collecting our favorite things and then sharing them with all of you.

Rach and I (starting in October with springpad's makeover) will be chronicling our daily outfit choices, complete with photos. Our goal is to stick to weekly challenges and to base our outfits around them. It's a great way to make sure we don't look frumpy on campus, because you never know who might be checking you out :)

In addition to wardrobe tracking, we'll also be offering a 20-something type guide to our favorite city: Boston! Whether we're discussing our favorite restaurants, beauty products, or upcoming events in the Boston area, this blog is going to be CHOCK FULL of great stuff.

So, head on over to....The Comm Ave Strut and check it out for yourself! We'd love to get your feedback- so let us know what you think. 

Finally, we're looking for contributors, so if you're a lover of fashion, a Boston 20-something, or just an eager beaver looking to participate in a new project, let us know! As always, feel free to Email Me. 

Special thanks to our coworkers, T-Rexa, Joe(y) and Rege for all of their help!