Jennifer CooperNew York Fashion Week is in full swing, which means industry insiders including designers, stylists, models and editors are busier than ever!
Wondering what it takes to be a fashion editor at a top-tier fashion magazine?
We caught up with three power players from Glamour to get the scoop on their day-to-day schedules and current must-haves!
Here's what they shared:
Brooke Ely Danielson, Associate Accessories Editor
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How did you get started in your career?
I started interning with Cynthia Vincent when I was 17, and from there I went to Halston then Vogue in NYC. The rest is history!
What is a typical day like for you?
My days are usually jam-packed with appointments, photo shoot prep and meetings. I am out the door by 9 a.m. for market appointments and head into the office to check e-mails and go over boards with the team. I usually have a work dinner or event to attend at night, and I tumble home into bed by 11 at night (hopefully!)
Describe your work environment.
Creative, inspiring and stimulating. I work with smart, talented and hardworking women, all of whom I have a tremendous amount of respect for. I couldn't ask for a better team and boss.
Tell us about your office décor or creative inspiration.
I try to remain as minimal as possible, but do love coffee table books, photos and flowers. They are like having a little slice of home at work.
Describe your office style. What do you typically wear to work?
My style is urban preppy, a mix of conservative pieces with the unassuming preppy item like a camo jacket or leather bomber. I tend to gravitate toward skirts with velvet slippers from Stubbs & Wootton, and a basic tee or blouse. It is pretty hard to find me without a blazer, or the old faithful denim jacket I bought years ago at the Gap.
Where do you shop for work clothes?
Zara, Barneys New York, Net-a-Poter, Gap, Ralph Lauren, Rag & Bone and a boutique at home I love, Elyse Walker.
What are your favorite brands of accessories?
The best slippers in the world are from Stubbs & Wootton and a shop in London called Berk Cashmere. Meghan Farrell is an up-and-coming jewelry designer, and I am utterly obsessed with her rings. The bag designer of the moment, in my opinion, is Mansur Gavriel, a leather brand out of L.A. that makes the most delicious bags!
What are your travel must-haves?
A cashmere wrap, comfortable flats, a large bottle of water, my iPhone, a good book, and the latest issue of Glamour, of course.
Can you share some advice for aspiring career girls?
Don't give up, and don't be afraid to reach out to people you admire and respect. Ask questions, follow up, follow through and always, always write thank you notes! If you can have 10 minutes of someone's time to ask them career advice be prepared and do not waste one minute.
Rajni Lucienne Jacques, Fashion News Editor
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What is a typical day like for you?
Everyday is different for me in the office. I usually start off my days going to appointments at showrooms to check out the latest collections or new designers. Then I get back to the office and tend to my pages—meaning coming up with trend ideas, brainstorming new stories and fashionable people to cover, writing fashion copy and editing. I'll often have lunch with a PR person and then my day usually ends with a work event. So it starts and ends with meeting new and exciting people.
Tell us about your office décor or creative inspiration.
I'm a very visual person. I react to interesting and pretty pictures. I'm also a sucker for a handwritten note on chic stationary. In my workspace I pin up anything that moves me—from a vintage picture of my mother to an illustration to a good luck note—because these pieces keep my day happy.
Describe your office style. What do you typically wear to work?
Glamour is a creative environment so we can get a little funky and fashion-y with what we wear! My style is very laidback, but I also know I have to present myself in a way that's fashionable. So, I usually wear boyfriend jeans, a t-shirt, and a great heel and bag to offset the tomboy look. Or a t-shirt with a leather pencil skirt and once again a killer heel. A heel is always involved!
Christina Pérez, Style Development Editor
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Describe a typical day.
Each day is so different! My position spans pretty much every facet of editorial—print, digital, social, special projects, and video—so as you can imagine there is always a ton of stuff happening. One day I might be meeting with a designer about a potential collaboration or checking out an e-commerce startup; the next day I might be prepping for a TV segment or filming an episode of Glamour's new video series, Dressed to Kill, which premieres on Sept 12th! It's all super fun and definitely keeps me on my toes.
Tell us about your office décor or creative inspiration.
I love getting a handwritten note, so whenever I get one I stick it up on the wall near my desk. They make me smile. I also always have a stack of fashion books and magazines around.
Describe your office style.
I like to look polished but not too serious, and I definitely like to be comfortable no matter what. I love a good button up shirt, printed skirt, pointy flat, sweatshirt, and anything with a bit of character.
Where do you shop for work clothes?
I'm obsessed with hunting online for the perfect piece. My favorite sites are Barneys, The Outnet, Net-a-Porter, J.Crew, Need Supply, Asos, and Shoescribe. I'm also a fan of Etsy for vintage.
What are your favorite brands of accessories?
For bags: Phillip Lim and Meredith Wendell. For shoes: J.Crew, Chloe, and Rachel Comey. For jewelry: Ariel Gordon and Catbird.
My favorite thing in my office/on my desk is:
A handwritten note from Bill Gaytten when he was acting designer at Dior. I also have a picture of my Pomeranian, Bjorn, that's pretty adorable.
What are your beauty must-haves?
MAC pro lip palette in editorial red, Caudalie Fluide Bonne Mine, Kerastase Masquintense conditioner.
What fuels you during the day?
Copious amounts of coffee with soymilk in the morning, a Thai Collard Wrap from Organic Avenue or a peanut butter, banana, honey, and cinnamon sandwich from Think Coffee for lunch and I can't resist a chipwich as a favorite snack.
Can you share some advice for aspiring career girls?
Be nice. It sounds simple but it really matters. People always remember how you made them feel, and believe me, this industry is small!