K
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Friday, November 23, 2012
Girl crush - Jodi Gordon
If someone can make a paper bag look fashionable - it's Jodi Gordon (now Anasta). Everything from her seemingly effortless looks, to her simple and classic fashion sense. Her recent marriage to Braith Anasta in Bali saw her walking down the aisle in the most beautiful J'Aton wedding gown (despite the $50 000 price tag!) Now excuse me while I try to work my butt off to get a body like hers!
K
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K
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Tuesday, November 20, 2012
My week with Madison
After watching the Devil Wears Prada when I was sixteen; I thought twice about pursuing a career in magazines. I was very much similar to Anne Hathaway's character Andy at the time - nerdy, young, and naive. However unlike Andy, there was no way I thought I could keep up with a power force such as Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) without tripping over my heels or stuttering every second word. So I guess you could say that I was pretty much s******g myself when I found out I got accepted into work experience with Madison Magazine earlier this year. With the help of my very creative best friend, we designed a magazine style CV which I sent to every major women's magazine in Australia. After a few months of no replies, I was at work when I received an email that went a little bit like this...
'Dear Karla
I'm happy to let you know that you are now booked for work experience at Madison the week of Monday July 16 - Friday July 20........'
After the shock and excitement was over, reality started to kick in. I was facing every magazine wannabe's tragic dilemma...WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR??? Typical of me; I left it to the day before I was leaving for Sydney to do some last minute shopping with my BFF (fashion guru/style freak/wonder woman) who revamped my wardrobe into a classy city woman. Two days later and I was on my way to The Aussie version of NY...Sydney.
Day One -
Day Four -
Back in the Madison office, I continued the Megan Gale interview. It was so inspiring to hear her take on size 0, and put it out there that she accepts the fact that not all designers have the same size structure in their clothes. It teaches girls that it's okay to be a size 10 in one thing but a size 12 in another. The fact that she is 37 and still modelling also goes to show that there are no limits, as to this day she still has a strong name for herself in the fashion industry. Forty minutes later, and I felt refreshed with her deep and inspiring words. The rest of the afternoon consisted of office duties but like I said, you can still learn a lot. Photocopying and admin work taught me a lot about how the magazine runs; from the minute an idea is made, to when it is printed upon the glossy pages and ready for the reader to bury themselves into.
Day Five (last day) -
The last day was the final chance I had to give it my absolute all - starting with a nice little batch of Macaroons to put on the roundtable. This was definitely a winner. Many staff came up to me to show their appreciation and I had a chance to talk to more people about their career experiences. After this I continued with a new Madison mentor transcript. Whilst transcribing can be exhausting, you can learn a lot from the subjects and absorb some amazing life stories and journeys. However this was nothing compared to what was coming next. The one thing I was hoping for all week was finally about to happen; meeting the beautiful Madison Editor - Lizzie Renkert. I was invited into her office which had the most amazing view of Park Street. I was greeted by the warmest smile and charisma. The next five minutes was definitely a pivotal point which I will remember for the rest of my career. I was able to tell her how much I live and breathe the magazine from its features to its fashion ; she well and truly appreciated this. She commended me on my hard work and said she would love to have me back again. I think by this point I could of screamed like a little girl with excitement, but I needed to keep my composure - it was Lizzie Renkert! She said you have to work hard for it as it doesn't get handed to you. Like Megan Gale; she is just as smart as she is beautiful. The day had almost come to an end. I started to say goodbye to everyone, and I received a card and a little gift which made me even more grateful. I walked out of the building, feeling like a new woman - rejuvenated, career driven and motivated. It was definitely one of the best experiences I will remember for the rest of my life. All I can say is, don't let your fears get in the way of your dreams. You will be surprised what life can throw at you when you have a positive attitude, a little persistence, and a big dream.
Karla
x
'Dear Karla
I'm happy to let you know that you are now booked for work experience at Madison the week of Monday July 16 - Friday July 20........'
After the shock and excitement was over, reality started to kick in. I was facing every magazine wannabe's tragic dilemma...WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR??? Typical of me; I left it to the day before I was leaving for Sydney to do some last minute shopping with my BFF (fashion guru/style freak/wonder woman) who revamped my wardrobe into a classy city woman. Two days later and I was on my way to The Aussie version of NY...Sydney.
Day One -
I forgot what it was like to catch the busy 8.00am City train.Three to a seat, sweating already, the nerves were kicking in. I arrived at Town Hall and walked down the notable Park Avenue to number 52 – the ACP building. I signed in and sat in the waiting area, double-checking my posture every five seconds in the side mirror so I wouldn't look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. I also caught Deborah Thomas ordering her morning coffee, by then I was well and truly anxious. I was then greeted by the lovely Editorial Coordinator who took me up to the Madison office. It was beautiful, everything from collages of models on the walls to the big polystyrene letters that spelt 'Madison' across the shelf at the entrance. After being shown around I sat down and did my first transcript for Madison mentors. It was amazing to hear these stories of strong successful business women. Then I started on mail. What most people don't understand is such a small task can make a big difference. Firstly, I learnt that greeting people with a smile and remembering their name is much better than just dumping envelopes on their desk. Secondly, I learnt that the staff doesn't just get 'free stuff', they tirelessly sought through this 'stuff' to find the best products to suit their readers. Thirdly, I learned the importance of being enthusiastic no matter what the task at hand is, as it can leave a lasting impression. This goes to show that you really do never stop learning, and it's important to make the most of it.
Day Two -
10.00am and I handed out mail straightaway. It's important to try and take some initiative if you know what should be done. After this the Editorial Coordinator asked me to do another transcript only this time it was on Nicole Richie! My heart sunk a little on the inside...NICOLE RICHIE!!!! The transcript proved that she is just as beautiful in her nature as well as her looks. Whilst I didn't get to meet her in person, the transcript was damn near close enough! After this I overheard a conversation the feature writers were having about Anna Bligh; who were trying to find out information about her. I knew this was my chance as a Queenslander to pitch in and say something, but the words couldn't come out. C'mon Karla get your s*** together! After five minutes of procrastinating I finally spoke up, and my words were well appreciated. KARLA 1 vs NERVES 0, God I felt good! Soon after I was filing magazine tears. It involved a lot of walking up and down the office, and there was definitely one lesson learnt - BRING FLATS TO WORK! Heels will certainly not get the job don't quickly, unless you're some sought of supermodel that can run a half marathon in pumps. On the bright side I caught a glimpse of the latest issue which was due to release, and the editorial coordinator commented on my speedy efforts. I was surprised of course, maybe I could try running a marathon heels after all!
Day Three -
The first half of the day involved sorting out copies of the latest issue to send to subs. It's crazy to see how many people are part of this VIP list both nationally and worldwide to receive a copy of Madison every month. A highlight of is was being able to talk to an intern; hearing her story of how she got into the industry and what she has learnt thus far. After is I was lucky to have the opportunity to work with the online editor. This was crucial as I wanted to learn more about working on a website and how to make a post because trust me, there's a lot more to it than a blog post. Just when I thought I hit the jackpot with Nicole Richie's transcript, I was asked to do a transcript of the ahhhhmaazziiinnngg Megan Gale. It was a privilege to be able to listen to the story and advice of one of Australia's most sexy and successful business women. I knew forty minutes worth of typing was going to be a long time but it was well and truly worth it. Five 'o clock and it was time to rock and roll in the city with a few of my Sydney girlfriends at one of the most hip bars in town La Bodeguita Del Medio http://www.lbdm.com.au/ $10 Mojitos and the best tapas that will melt in your mouth (my personal favourite is the lamb skewers). Not to mention the suave bar men who sure know how to shake a cocktail shaker! It was indeed a perfect way to celebrate hump day.
Day Two -
10.00am and I handed out mail straightaway. It's important to try and take some initiative if you know what should be done. After this the Editorial Coordinator asked me to do another transcript only this time it was on Nicole Richie! My heart sunk a little on the inside...NICOLE RICHIE!!!! The transcript proved that she is just as beautiful in her nature as well as her looks. Whilst I didn't get to meet her in person, the transcript was damn near close enough! After this I overheard a conversation the feature writers were having about Anna Bligh; who were trying to find out information about her. I knew this was my chance as a Queenslander to pitch in and say something, but the words couldn't come out. C'mon Karla get your s*** together! After five minutes of procrastinating I finally spoke up, and my words were well appreciated. KARLA 1 vs NERVES 0, God I felt good! Soon after I was filing magazine tears. It involved a lot of walking up and down the office, and there was definitely one lesson learnt - BRING FLATS TO WORK! Heels will certainly not get the job don't quickly, unless you're some sought of supermodel that can run a half marathon in pumps. On the bright side I caught a glimpse of the latest issue which was due to release, and the editorial coordinator commented on my speedy efforts. I was surprised of course, maybe I could try running a marathon heels after all!
Day Three -
The first half of the day involved sorting out copies of the latest issue to send to subs. It's crazy to see how many people are part of this VIP list both nationally and worldwide to receive a copy of Madison every month. A highlight of is was being able to talk to an intern; hearing her story of how she got into the industry and what she has learnt thus far. After is I was lucky to have the opportunity to work with the online editor. This was crucial as I wanted to learn more about working on a website and how to make a post because trust me, there's a lot more to it than a blog post. Just when I thought I hit the jackpot with Nicole Richie's transcript, I was asked to do a transcript of the ahhhhmaazziiinnngg Megan Gale. It was a privilege to be able to listen to the story and advice of one of Australia's most sexy and successful business women. I knew forty minutes worth of typing was going to be a long time but it was well and truly worth it. Five 'o clock and it was time to rock and roll in the city with a few of my Sydney girlfriends at one of the most hip bars in town La Bodeguita Del Medio http://www.lbdm.com.au/ $10 Mojitos and the best tapas that will melt in your mouth (my personal favourite is the lamb skewers). Not to mention the suave bar men who sure know how to shake a cocktail shaker! It was indeed a perfect way to celebrate hump day.
Day Four -
Back in the Madison office, I continued the Megan Gale interview. It was so inspiring to hear her take on size 0, and put it out there that she accepts the fact that not all designers have the same size structure in their clothes. It teaches girls that it's okay to be a size 10 in one thing but a size 12 in another. The fact that she is 37 and still modelling also goes to show that there are no limits, as to this day she still has a strong name for herself in the fashion industry. Forty minutes later, and I felt refreshed with her deep and inspiring words. The rest of the afternoon consisted of office duties but like I said, you can still learn a lot. Photocopying and admin work taught me a lot about how the magazine runs; from the minute an idea is made, to when it is printed upon the glossy pages and ready for the reader to bury themselves into.
Day Five (last day) -
The last day was the final chance I had to give it my absolute all - starting with a nice little batch of Macaroons to put on the roundtable. This was definitely a winner. Many staff came up to me to show their appreciation and I had a chance to talk to more people about their career experiences. After this I continued with a new Madison mentor transcript. Whilst transcribing can be exhausting, you can learn a lot from the subjects and absorb some amazing life stories and journeys. However this was nothing compared to what was coming next. The one thing I was hoping for all week was finally about to happen; meeting the beautiful Madison Editor - Lizzie Renkert. I was invited into her office which had the most amazing view of Park Street. I was greeted by the warmest smile and charisma. The next five minutes was definitely a pivotal point which I will remember for the rest of my career. I was able to tell her how much I live and breathe the magazine from its features to its fashion ; she well and truly appreciated this. She commended me on my hard work and said she would love to have me back again. I think by this point I could of screamed like a little girl with excitement, but I needed to keep my composure - it was Lizzie Renkert! She said you have to work hard for it as it doesn't get handed to you. Like Megan Gale; she is just as smart as she is beautiful. The day had almost come to an end. I started to say goodbye to everyone, and I received a card and a little gift which made me even more grateful. I walked out of the building, feeling like a new woman - rejuvenated, career driven and motivated. It was definitely one of the best experiences I will remember for the rest of my life. All I can say is, don't let your fears get in the way of your dreams. You will be surprised what life can throw at you when you have a positive attitude, a little persistence, and a big dream.
Karla
x
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