Jennifer CooperWorking at a magazine is easily one of the most glamorous jobs out there, with fashionable photo shoots and groundbreaking editorial coverage happening around the clock.
Curious to know what it takes to snag a cool career at a prestigious glossy magazine?
We tapped two of Details magazine's power players, Liz Keen and Matthew Marden, director of communications and fashion director, respectively, to get the inside scoop.
Here's what they shared:
Liz Keen, Director of Communications
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How did you get started in your career?
I started as an assistant to the owner of a PR agency. It was the best way to learn.
Describe your work environment.
Collaborative and creative. We have the best team; I am incredibly lucky!
Tell us about your office décor or creative inspiration.
Minimal. I have an inspiration board that runs the length of my entire wall. I am constantly updating it with magazine tears, images, etc.
Describe your office style. What do you typically wear to work?
Classic. I like structured pieces like a high-waisted pencil skirt or simple silhouettes with interesting embellishments like a shoulder detail or peplum.
Where do you shop for work clothes?
I am huge fan of Carven for workwear pieces so I will often hit Barney's. I also love Net-a-Porter. If I am feeling patient, I will spend a few hours in Opening Ceremony.
What are your favorite brands of accessories?
Love Chloe or Celine for handbags. Brian Atwood pumps. Roger Vivier flats.
My favorite thing in my office/on my desk is:
My D. Porthault Paris #50 candle
The best part of my job is…Having the opportunity to challenge people to look at our brand in a different way.
I never leave home without…A ridiculously large bottle of water and my iPhone
What is your guilty pleasure?
Jeni's Brown Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream—to die for.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Life doesn't happen to you.
What are your travel must-haves?
EVE LOM Eye Lift cream (especially after a red-eye flight!)
What are your beauty must-haves?
Miss Dior Eau de Parfum, Yves Saint Laurent Touché Eclat Highlighter, Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Petal, Molton Brown Cloudberry Shampoo and Great Lash Mascara
What is your go-to lunch? Favorite snack? Morning beverage?
My morning beverage is obscene. Let's just say it's a lot of espresso. Lunch is a peanut butter sandwich and carrot sticks (think school lunch) or a salad from Chop't. Snack: Peppermint Stick Luna Bar
I read these web sites/blogs/newspapers/books daily:
Of course, Details.com, WWD, The New York Times, The Skimm (the BEST!), Deadline.com. Also love The Daily Beast Cheat Sheet and FastCo. newsletters.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would be…A nurse or a concierge. Or maybe a therapist.
Can you share some advice for aspiring career girls?
PICK UP THE PHONE! People rely so much on e-mail, but connecting via phone is hugely important and often much more effective.
Matthew Marden, Fashion Director
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How did you get started in your career?
At The Staley-Wise Gallery in Soho. I started there in 1995 right after college. They specialize in fashion photography so I learned about the history of fashion and fashion photography in my job there. They represent so many amazing photographers I still reference a lot of these images when I am thinking of stories for the magazine.
What is a typical day like for you?
I always wake up at 5:30am, and go to the gym before work. I love getting to the office early; my best ideas come in the morning. Once I get to the office my day can take any number of directions based on what is going on—shoots, concepting story ideas, meetings, appointments, etc, If I don't have an event or work dinner, I am home in bed with a book by 10.
Describe your work environment.
Awesome.
Tell us about your office décor or creative inspiration.
I have tons of images tacked to the wall, I love making inspiration boards. I am inspired by everything—photography, movies, celebrities, art, architecture, music. I am constantly researching ideas online or through the many reference books and magazines in my office.
Describe your office style. What do you typically wear to work?
I love a suit and am in one at least three times a week. I have the freedom to wear a T-shirt and jeans, if I want, which is nice. I like classic pieces.
Where do you shop for work clothes? Mainly J.Crew and Dries Van Noten in Paris.
What are your favorite brands of accessories?
Grenson for lace up oxfords, Church's for wingtips, Converse for low-top white sneakers, Ray-Ban for classic Wayfarers and a Vintage Rolex watch are my go-tos.
The best part of my job is…The people I get to work with.
I never leave home without…My keys.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Diet Coke.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Be prepared.
What are your beauty must-haves?
Clinique for Men skin care.
What is your go-to lunch?
Grilled chicken over spinach with avocado.
I read these web sites/blogs/newspapers/books daily:
The Business of Fashion, WWD, Style.com.
If I wasn't doing this job...I would be bored.
Can you share some advice?
Lose the sense of entitlement, be willing to start at the bottom, always write a handwritten thank you note and be nice.