Fashion Jobs and Fashion Career Advice

Picking one out of many fashion jobs generally is an overwhelming challenge. There are several different opportunities in the fashion industry that you might not be sure which one is best for you. With the high demand for fashion jobs, you need to be sure of what it is that you want to do so you can get started on pursuing your dream in this competitive industry. Below you will find descriptions for several fashion jobs and, subsequently, be one step closer to establishing your career in the fashion industry.

1. Fashion Designer

Thanks to shows like Project Runway, there are many people whose curiosity has been rose towards the fashion industry, exclusively, fashion design. A career as a fashion designer seems extravagant and rewarding but it takes a whole lot of work. A fashion designer must be well-informed of the latest trends (and sometimes even be ahead of them) and have the creativity to conceptualize new designs. A fashion designer creates sketches, whether by hand or with computer-aided design (CAD) software, of their designs and must be familiar with fabrics and materials in order to create samples that show what the final product would look like. As a fashion designer you can specialize in clothing design, footwear or accessories. Fashion jobs like that of a fashion designer are prolonged with grueling hours of intensive work and lots of traveling if you want to promote your designs. Fashion designers work under pressure to meet deadlines and make an impression on fashion buyers and other potential clients. As a fashion designer you would need not only talent and creativity but also thick skin and dedication.

2. Fashion Merchandising

Fashion jobs in merchandising can be very challenging. A fashion merchandiser must know what consumers really want, how to present it to them, what they want to pay for it and how to lure them to purchase. A fashion merchandiser is not just an expert in fashion but must also have strong business, financial and advertising skills. As a fashion designer you might find yourself creating budgets, tracking profits and losses, tracking inventory, developing marketing strategies and even putting together creative visual displays to draw in consumers. It's a career that entails many different roles but also has many opportunities to grow and advance in.

3. Fashion Buyer

Fashion buyers are among the most crucial people for brands and companies. They must have good communication skills, be aggressive, organized and driven. As a fashion buyer you work hand in hand with designers, merchandisers and other key people to select what pieces to present to consumers and ensure that best-sellers are continually available. Buyers must be mindful of both current and future trends so they can make the right choices of clothing, shoes, accessories, etc. to ensure high profits. Working with suppliers to negotiate prices suggests that a fashion buyer must have good interpersonal skills, be educated in market costs and also in consumer demands. Fashion buyers must be ready to work under pressure, travel and research and analyze in order to make practical decisions on what products to offer their target customer base.

4. Fashion Director

Fashion directors, also known as creative directors or fashion coordinators, are in charge of the image and look of a store, magazine or a fashion house. They are accountable for that first impression given when people look at ad campaigns, shoots and even fashion films. A fashion director must make sure that the models, photographers, location and concepts characterize the store, brand, or magazine in the best and most genuine way. One of the most well known creative directors in the industry is Grace Coddington who, alongside Anna Wintour and other industry professionals, are a part of American Vogue. In the documentary "The September Issue" we are able to see Coddington showing us her best work and the steps she takes to produce the magnificent spreads in Vogue. Now, don't think it will be a snap landing one of these fashion jobs. Be prepared for long hours of work, creative stumps, frequent traveling, crazy deadlines, and being willing to go back to the drawing board time and time again. Remember, as a fashion director you are responsible for the image of a brand; you produce something that the whole world will see. People will base their opinions on what you present to them. As one of the top fashion jobs in the industry, the pressure is on!

Fashion Jobs - The List Goes On

5. Fashion Forecaster

Probably one of the highest ranking careers in the fashion industry, fashion forecasters do just that, forecast the future trends and styles. This is much more sophisticated than forecasting the weather. Not only does a fashion forecaster need to have in depth knowledge of fashion but he or she must also be creative and surely have the skills necessary to research and analyze potential trends, colors, fabrics and patterns. Fashion forecasters seek inspiration in everything from movies, music, even science and technology. Getting a position as a fashion forecaster is one of the most prestigious of all fashion jobs you could aspire to.

6. Fashion Stylist

A fashion stylist has the easy (or is it?) task of making someone look good. A stylist must be familiar with what colors, fabrics and styles work best to flatter someone's shape while also knowing ways to accessorize and finish the perfect outfit. Fashion stylists are responsible for picking the best pieces for photoshoots, events, etc. and putting them together for the final product. A stylist's reputation lies on how good the client looks and, in the case of ad campaigns, whether or not the stylist can communicate the image and vision of a product. Don't be surprised if, as a fashion stylist, you find yourself traveling for motivation or shopping for clothing, or even spending a day (or a few) revamping a client's closet. Finding fashion jobs for stylists can be as uncomplicated as working as a personal shopper or styling photo shoots for websites or local magazines or newspapers.

7. Fashion Photographer

It's not just about knowing just how to take a good picture. Fashion photographers basically have two fields to be good at: fashion and photography. The photography part consists of knowing what angles, lighting, etc. As far as the fashion, photographers really need to be experts in that as well. A fashion photographer should always know what the best trends are, top designers, top fashion events and any other heavy hitter aspects of the industry. Fashion jobs in this field can consist of taking pictures for model portfolios, ad campaigns, and fashion shows. Fashion photographers are responsible for producing a shot that requires excellent technical skills and extensive fashion knowledge. For example, when a fashion photographer goes to shoot at a fashion show he or she must know exactly when to snap the shot of that model wearing the flowing dress. The picture must showcase how the fabric moves and flows instead of displaying a dress that falls limp and drags on the floor. A fashion photographer works hand in hand with stylists, makeup artists and models to ensure that the final product is efficient in sending a visual message.

8. Fashion Editor

Fashion editors supervise the direction of a fashion publication, website and other media. They are in charge for editing a fashion writer's work, making suggestions, and researching the possibilities of future stories. Fashion writers must be aware of trends and classics to assure that coverage is provided for the target audience. A fashion editor works under the pressure of meeting deadlines, supervising writers, discovering features and fresh ideas all while staying current on the industry and scanning the levels of competition. Some of the qualities necessary for one of these fashion jobs are being organized, punctual, able to communicate verbally and have impeccable writing and journalistic skills. Being one of the most competitive fashion jobs in the industry, a fashion editor should be ready to put some hard work in and spend long nights brewing up excellent, creative content.

9. Fashion Writer

Being a fashion writer is not as easy as picking up a pen and paper (or laptop, tablet, etc.) but includes extensive amounts of research. Fashion writers must be current on their knowledge of fashion and creative when drumming up writing ideas. Of course, outstanding writing skills are a must and meeting deadlines are also fundamental in this career. Fashion writers can execute interviews, cover fashion events and supply reviews of products. You have a choice of working as a freelance writer, with television shows, websites, blogs, smaller publications like local magazines and newspapers or with major publications such as Vogue or Elle, among others. This is one of those fashion jobs where you can find many opportunities and can be fairly simple to get started.

10. Fashion PR (Fashion Public Relations)

Creating a good consumer opinion is of the utmost importance for this fashion job. Where advertising and marketing can create a consumer desire to purchase a certain fashion item, public relations handles the image in its relation to the public eye. Public opinion can gauge the success and longevity of a company. Out of all the fashion jobs mentioned, fashion pr is the piece that ties it all together.

Tips For Choosing Comfortable Shoes in Fashion

We are really living in an era when the average person can choose whether they want the fashion-look or comfort in a shoe. Or both! We have such advanced technology available to us and such excellent craftsmanship at our fingertips. Now if we can afford the price we've got it made.

There are some points to remember when you are shopping for shoes according to Jaleh Hoorfar who is a doctor of podiatric medicine and was featured on the Oprah Winfrey show.

Sizes aren't the same for all brands of shoes.

Different designers will have different sizes for the same number. European shoes are often narrower in the front. Dr. Hoorfar suggests trying on a half size larger or smaller than your regular size. She also says shop for shoes later in the day when your feet might be a bit larger from swelling. Get measured yearly. Feet can flatten and widen as you get older, are pregnant, or gain weight.

Beware of heavy shoes.

It takes a lot of effort to walk in them. Your feet get tired and will tend to roll in, giving you painful side effects.

Flexible shoe materials are what you get.

Dr. Hoorfar says that patent leather is very popular this year but it is not a very flexible material and does not accommodate the foot very well. Look for leather that is high-quality, flexible, and soft. She says that suede is an ideal choice. Also watch if the shoe is topstitched because that can lessen the elasticity of the fit.

Soft cushioning is essential.

The feet so not have a lot of fat on them so some padding in the shoe makes them much more comfortable. New technology has also provided nearly invisible gel pads which can be used under the ball of the foot when wearing heels

Watch the height of the heel.

Dr. Hoorfar likes to limit her heels to 3 inches. The width of the heel also matters too. Wider ones will not wobble as opposed to the spindly kind. By the way the spindly kind are terrible for ankles. It will also make a difference if the heel is centered under your foot rather that too far back.

Look for substantial soles.

Very thin bottoms on your shoes do not protect your feet from the hard pavement and rocky ground. Some of our most popular styles today, like wedges and platforms, have solid bottoms that can absorb the shock of the foot hitting the ground.

Lower risk with high-cut shoes.

Bunions can form when the shoe rubs against the foot at the widest point. This happens when you have "sexy toe cleavage". A toe casing that is covered is safer. Also if you have deep-dipping sides it will allow the foot to slop over the edges instead of staying correctly aligned.

Look for adjustability.

Check to see if the shoe has laces, straps, or ties that you could loosen if your feet would swell.

Mary Lou Wagoner is a retired teacher of 36 years. She has done a lot of standing in those years and really appreciates shoes that are comfortable and still look nice. It is worth doing the extra looking to meet these needs

The Best Way to Market New Fashion Designers Online

Clothing is a huge business online and if done right, it can be a great success. There are many fashion designers and even graphic designers who have great clothing ideas but aren't sure how to market themselves or their ideas so they get seen by the right clientele. Some of you are even probably thinking to yourself, well I already know how to make a website and sell my clothes online. If that's the case then you are one step closer, but how long does it take for a new site to show up in searches on Google or a new blog to get followers? The answer is quite some time so why not eliminate the wait and get better results faster utilizing the right websites.

There are websites like eBay and Oodle where you can post ads to sell your clothing but you are amongst cars, furniture, artwork, toys, etc. Plus, people don't really go to these places to find the one of a kind item that is in style with the latest up and coming epic trends. There is another website called Etsy, which is one of the nicer, more functional websites to sell your items on but again the variety of products that they sell limits the appropriate visitors you're trying to attract. Then there will be those websites that strictly allow clothing ads, which gives you a better chance of getting your designer clothing seen but most of the posts are brand name products that are mass produced and sometimes even used. None of these examples are really an ideal place for an up and coming fashion superstar to start listing their clothing so there has to be another option.

Well there is another option and it's a great opportunity for people in this position, people who have great talent and just want to show the fashion world their potential. What these designers really need is a website where only custom made clothes, designed clothes and fashion designs are allowed to be posted so the appropriate audience sees your product since it is an environment where all items are relatively similar. These fashionable items would include premium denim jeans, graphic t-shirts, blouses, tank tops, blazers, dresses and then your basic accessories including watches, handbags, belts and shoes. The list goes on but you get the point. The most popular outfits right now are being worn for a night in the city or an afternoon on Main Street where only the hottest urban like attire is permitted. Brands which are similar to this style but not limited to are Express, True Religion, Lucky Brand, Buckle, Abercrombie & Fitch. But again, there are other brands that fit in this category but you get the point. In addition to being able to post your designer fashion on the same website as other designers with a similar taste in fashion but at the same time all so different, wouldn't it be awesome if you could have a portfolio including a biography as well as the rest of your designer fashion clothing?! Just imagine a website where you can send pictures of your clothing as well as biography and the rest is done for you. It's that easy!

There are too many great clothing designers out there that go unnoticed so it's time that there is a website created in order for these items and their designers to be seen. So get on the web and look for that epic website that will display your individuality among other creative people of similar but different taste. Clothing is a huge business online and if done right can be a great success so take advantage of this opportunity.

How To Do Your Own Fashion PR

Having a fashion publicist is definitely worth the cost, but if you're an emerging fashion designer, that may not be a business expense you can afford just yet. If you're working with a zero budget for your PR campaign, don't sweat. (Well, try not to.) Here are a few ways to get around that dilemma and pitch your fashion label on your own:

1. Do research on how to pitch effectively.

One of the biggest gripes that magazine editors have are weak pitches! If you're going to go head-on with an editor, especially in fashion, have your pitch down to perfection as a PR professional would. Research what to say and what not to say. Know whom you are contacting by first name, last name, and title. Think of the "elevator pitch". Can you introduce yourself and describe your company within 15 seconds? That's how direct your pitch should be. List the basic who, what, where, why, when, and how in an easy, conversational tone, and conclude with an open-ended question about following up with you to send more information about your label.

2. Getting a follow-up and properly responding.

If you're lucky, a fashion editor will get back to you in regards to featuring your collection in an upcoming issue. Be prepared for any requests that may be asked, i.e. designer bio, line sheets, lending agreements, or lookbook images. At this point, your lookbook or press kit should already be completed for your current collection, and make sure that it's updated for every new season. Be swift in your responses to editors when they ask for things because they can easily move on to the next designer if you're not keeping up with them. Remember, they have frantic deadlines and you're considered to be on their time!

3. Sending your press release to the media.

A well-prepared press release can definitely alert the media of your new collection. Spend some time on PR distribution websites and study how the best ones are written. Follow the standard model of a press release and formulate a few paragraphs about the new release of your collection and about you as the designer. Set up a free account with press release distribution sites and schedule your releases to be sent out to the local media. You can also e-mail and fax your press release directly to news stations and newspapers (they're always looking for local stories to cover). Who knows - what if you're called in to be featured in a morning news segment? That's definitely a good look for your press portfolio.

4. Invite the media to your launch party.

If you plan on celebrating the launch of your new collection, you're responsible for securing the venue, setting up the event, and sending out media invites. It's best to send formal invites to editors through the mail at least 3-4 weeks in advance so that gives them the opportunity to pencil you in their schedule. Fashion bloggers are also great to invite, of course. Event photos, blog write-ups, and Twitter mentions from different bloggers means more publicity for your fashion line, which you need in order to attract more customers. Make sure to save your press clips and send thank-yous to anyone doing coverage of your event.

5. Make friends with fashion stylists.

Another way to possibly have your fashion line featured in a magazine is to have a stylist hook-up. They're always pulling clothes for photo shoots and looking for hot, new designers to work with. Get acquainted with some fashion stylists in your area by using social media and going to different fashion events in your city. It's also good to know a lot of photographers, models, and makeup artists who can probably help get your collection used in an editorial photo shoot.

There's so much work that goes into handling the PR side of a fashion label that more than likely should be handled by a pro. Once your label starts becoming increasingly profitable, hiring a good PR team to help you market your brand would be the best way to go. While it's in your hands for now, do tons of research on the job of a fashion publicist and implement some of those ideas into your own marketing campaign.