Where Have I Been?

It feels strange to be sat back down writing again... well writing something that isn't updating my portfolio for work.

 I've kind of lost my way with A Rose Like This something I once loved more than anything had to take a back seat while I decided what I wanted to try and do with my career and my brain. The end of 2017 was full of highs and lows, the lowest being loosing Patch my lovely and grumpy little Jack Russell I inherited from a neighbour who passed away in January 2017 and if I'm honest I've never gotten over it. The high was landing a job that was perfect for me granted it was only for a month run (Perils of having to be freelance!) but getting to show what I can really do when it comes to costume, in particular Pantomimes and being appreciated for the work I was putting in was a wonderful feeling. One I hope I get the chance to do again in the future as we all know Panto is my shit.

January 2018 was straight out of one Pantomime production into another then a scattering of smaller projects such as custom costumes and backstage work in my local theatre until a large production of Evita in Yorkshire In a church which took over my life from the end of March until the end of April. It all came together in the end but in that kind situation I'm always clinging on for dear life and questioning my own ability (it's a long story I don't fancy typing up to be on the Internet forever but if you follow me on Instagram at the time you'll have definitely seen my mini breakdowns) 

As of May 2018 I went into a youth production of Wind and the Willows and have kind of been treading water ever since, waiting for my next move. I'm constantly questioning whether to keep pushing my Costume Dressing career or just give up, so far I'm still attempting to keep that afloat. I haven't wanted to blog because I'm not wearing the fun clothes I once did and I spend weeks at a time wearing all black (like my soul) covered in safety pins and you're lucky if I even get to brush my hair sometimes. I've also not really been looking after myself and this is something that needs to change, part of my self care used to be updating A Rose Like This but now it is more just wallowing!

I'm not saying I'm back to regular posting or that the posts will be like they were before. Maybe I'll show you more of my work as that is what I spend most of my time doing or maybe my self confidence will be back to wear it was and I'll be posting sassy AF swimwear and lingerie posts again (something I really want to do as they helped me so much at the time) 

Images c/o The Dancehouse Theatre.

Some Costumes bought/hired or made by yours truly! 

If you couldn't guess from the photos the production was Cinderella and there were one or two hella quick changes! 

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Fashion Industry: What It’s Really Like & How To Get In.

The dream of working in the fashion industry often includes a glamorous lifestyle and finally being let in on the secret on how to walk in heels. Admittedly, sometimes the ladder seems to be reason enough to consider a new job search.

In reality, the fashion industry is extremely competitive with a side of perks. To stay afloat and relevant, each fashion company is required to mix business with creativity, and is often backed by thousands of people running a million miles a minute to make that happen. Though watching The Devil Wears Prada does give some insight (and nerves) into what a day to day in the industry could look like, there are also many options for those who may prefer, let us say, a different approach to fashion.

For those who work directly with products, such as designers, stylists and models, the main focus is on creating products, and making them work perfectly. But that also means long hours, little sleep, and constantly working towards the next fashion show. To be in this side of fashion, you must be exceptionally comfortable with the words ‘vision’ and ‘texture’.

Then there are those with the understanding of how to make current trends work in store and with the instincts for future trend forecasting. An empty store off-hours, for example, is the perfect place for a visual merchandiser to work with trends, let the creativity flow, and put together pieces for window arrangements. For assistant and senior buyers, instincts are key as they attend trade shows and predict which pieces and trends will be popular for the following seasons.

Fashion companies also largely depend on the support of those who hold positions that are not fashion-specific. For example, one can be a store manager, personal assistant, social media assistant, or account coordinator. Therefore, for those who may have the dream to work in fashion, but may not have thought they had the qualifications to do so, there are many paths to choose from to get your foot in the door. The best way to break into the industry is leveraging what makes you competitive in combination with a committed job search. Below are a few tips to help with those first steps.

Review your skills. What makes you competitive? Is there a class you can take to help you become more knowledgeable on a specific topic? Could your previous freelance work help you get a freelance job at a fashion company?

Use job search engines. There are several accredited job search engines like Jobrapido that can save you time and help you match your preferences with job openings in Manchester, a city that is becoming UK's second most fashionable city. Apply, follow up, and regularly check on the job offers coming in!

Research positions that interest you. Learn the titles, descriptions, and qualifications for positions that interest you the most.

Network. Reach out to your current network and meet new people in the industry. Go to those meet and greets; you never know what connections you could make.

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Everybody, Get down tonight.

SSSSSSSS CLUBBBBB (there ain't no party like an S Club party!)

So that time of year has been put upon us once again, the Christmas parties. Now I realise a number have been and gone but lets not forget all the ladies and gents who work in retail or hospitality who often don't get chance to have there festive shenanigan's until January because they're busy working all over the Christmas holiday! 

So I'd thought I'd show you a few party stereotypes Curvissa sent me across to collaborate on with them. Now when I look at these myself I automatically think I'm certainly Number 1 - The Over-Dresser but in my defence who would I be to turn down an opportunity to get my glad rags on and sprinkle myself with sequins? We had my office blocks Christmas party just before we closed for the festive period and my work were certainly some of the most glamorous there in our wiggle and swing dresses and a healthy dose of glitter!

Now see what Curvissa say about the thoughts of The Over-Dresser.

"Someone misinterpreted the dress-code… awkward! She'll be wearing an extravagant style prom dress, too much fake tan,festive nails and overly high heels; probably not the best code of conduct if your office do is in the local bowling alley."

If you change up the high heels for glittery flatforms and vibrant lipstick for the fake tan it's not far wrong! Though working at a Vintage Magazine does mean I do luckily get chance to wear the odd pretty prom dress and express myself as I wish (though as on a usual basis I walk to work I tend to stick to something the wind won't blow me away in!) I'd choose something like this stunning little cocktail dress below to wear all I'd need would be a slick of glossy red lipstick and perfectly primped hair!

  Cocktail Dress.

It doesn't take me long to party once I've decided what to wear and according to a current survey I'm one of the majority for the North West as it takes 21% 15-30 minutes to get ready compared to Scotland where it takes 22% of the lashes over an hour to be party ready! Something else I love about office and social parties is that you get to see how everyone else likes to dress up when they're not suited and booted for work and the survey found out that 67% of women pay attention to what everyone is wearing and who doesn't love a good nosey at people fashion choices. The reason  57% of the women surveyed said they paid attention was just because “it’s nice to see everyone’s dress sense” and truthfully I couldn't agree more! 

So why not see which Work Christmas Party Stereotype you are?  and I couldn't resist using S Club 7 for the title as it is a party classic!

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