The intern's blog
POSTED 19.02.2010 @ 15:34
This week we had Mai Vo and Caroline Tran helping us out in the
SHOP office.
What was the highlight of your week at SHOP?Mai: Unpacking the mounds and mounds of packages for the fashion closet and getting to see the stuff that will hit stores soon first-hand. I've already found two bags, a skirt and two jackets that I’m dying to buy! Another highlight was getting a brief glimpse at the new issue – it looks awesome. Can’t wait for it to come out! We also got to help out and stand-in on a fashion shoot with one of the stylists which was pretty cool. She gave us a run down on what she needs to do every time she compiles a fashion page, like the ‘Under $50’ buys.
Caroline: I have a few highlights from my week at
SHOP. My first was on day one, when I met Justine in her office. She is a career idol of mine and I was so excited to meet and speak with her. Another highlight was helping the fashion team. Unpacking new clothes was so exciting; it was an early preview of what will be in stores. I also loved helping Abigail on a shoot. I observed the whole process of clothes coming in from PR agencies to being shot and, finally, placed on the magazine pages.
What surprised you most about life at a glossy magazine?Mai: I thought life at a magazine would be more hectic with everybody running around to get things done, so when I first walked into the
SHOP office I wasn’t expecting it to be so quiet. I was pleasantly surprised at how friendly all the
SHOP team are. All the girls were very welcoming and willing to help. And Justine is so nice! She even had time to sit us both down and have a chat to welcome us into the office. It’s great seeing such a strong and well-respected, professional woman in charge of such an awesome and successful magazine!
Caroline: I was surprised about the mood in the office. Sometimes it would be very quiet but most of the time everyone seemed to be having a lot of fun. It surprised me how they manage to produce a magazine every month because the work day seems so short and fun.
What trends are you coveting right now?
Mai: I love everything in shades of pale pink and nude (especially if there’s ruffles and lace). I also want a pair of slightly high-waisted cute floral shorts. I haven’t found a nice pair yet and I’m still searching. And my all-time favourite trend is studs! I’m completely obsessed with anything studded. Give me studded shoes, bags, cuffs, jackets… anything.
Caroline: I love leopard print. I’m also trying to find pieces to create an urban skate/surf look, as seen at Proenza Schouler. I’m also coveting digital and bold prints and currently thinking about investing in an Alexander McQueen printed piece to commemorate his fashion career.
What are you wearing – and where is it from?Mai: A black Dotti dress with slip – I nabbed this for a bargain at only $19.95, Dandelion tan studded sandals, some Sportsgirl rings and a Disney Couture treasure chest necklace.
Caroline: I’m wearing a T by Alexander Wang tee, Lover skirt, Witchery sandals, Michael Kors watch and Burberry ring.
What’s your favourite local store and why?Mai: I like shopping at Globalize in Westfield Liverpool – they stock some of my favourite affordable brands like Ladakh and Minkpink. However, I love online shopping and frequently make purchases ASOS and Topshop, even though they’re based internationally.
Caroline: My favourite local store is either The New Guard or Whistles in Adelaide. The New Guard offers great basics and avant-garde pieces you can’t really find anywhere else. I’m in love with all the Acne basics and I just recently bought a black Complex Geometries jacket, ready for winter. It’s designed to be worn in a lot of different ways. Adelaide is generally limited in its fashion and The New Guard brought Adelaide onto another level. They also have an online shop so you can browse before you visit the shop, which is handy. I also love Whistles, it’s a boutique with multiple stores all around Adelaide. You can find home-grown designers to a few international labels. They stock just about everything from casual daily clothes to the perfect cocktail dress. Both stores also have the best end-of-season sales.
What did you learn in your week at SHOP?Mai: There is so much work that needs to be completed on every page in the magazine before an issue goes to print, things that I never thought editors and contributors would need to do. Some pages literally go though ten pairs of hands before being finalised and approved for printing.
Caroline: I was aware but I never really thought about how much work was required to produce the magazine. Being in the office, I was able to observe how much everyone contributes and all the editing that takes place. Everything in the magazine is so meticulously edited. I now appreciate magazines even more.