Jazzi McG » magazines

Vacation-Whine

Jazzi — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:18:17 +0000

topshop dress; jessica simpson platforms

At this point, a tropical vacation is about as foreign to me as… a tropical vacation. Which is to say, I haven’t been near a body of water that did not exist somewhere off the smog-beaten path in way too long and it’s not in the cards any time soon.

Not that I’m complaining — that 20 minute drive to Malibu ain’t half-bad. I’m just reaching for something to explain why my wardrobe has gone from 0 to a few island prints seemingly overnight. This dress was calling to me from the Topshop website, then it sold out in my size… and that’s when Julia came to the rescue and picked it up for me from the NY store (This is becoming a habit. I’m sorry Julia.). Happy happy joy joy.

In other news, I’m on page 44 of Women’s Health doing a mini-DIY of a white button-up shirt for the August issue! You can pick up a copy or check it out here.

Inspiration: Vintage Look Mags, Diana Ross, Mia Farrow

Jazzi — Tue, 25 May 2010 21:30:17 +0000

Diana Ross re-enacts Aquarius for LOOK magazine, 1969. Scanned & restored a bit by me.

Diana Ross. I’ve written about her here before, but that could never satiate the obsession. From karaoke nights at Shakey’s pizza singing “Stop In The Name Of Love” long before I knew what a broken heart was, to continually being stopped by old men in the street who point out the resemblance – Diana Ross has been a huge influence on my life & style. I connected with her story long before I realized we looked alike and strive to break the kinds of social, racial and fashion boundaries that Diana did.

Anyway… these scans. I haven’t been finding as much of my usual inspiration in current glossies, but found myself ordering some vintage mags on ebay. These are from 1969 issues of the long defunct LOOK magazine. It’s not really a fashion mag, but as you can see there are some beautiful visuals (and the stories are great, too). I’d never seen these images of Diana Ross, so I’m living for them right now.

There were also great shots of Mia Farrow (or Tavi, you be the judge), hilarious vintage cigarette ads and a story about (gasp!) co-ed dorms. See below.

Elijah Wood called it too, but seeing this confirms: Tavi most definitely has a Mia Farrow thing going on!

Co-ed dorm story image and a 1969 Salem cigarette ad

I would appreciate a credit should you re-blog any of these, thank you!

Inspiration: Oroma Elewa & Pop’Africana

Jazzi — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:26:30 +0000

(top) A preview of Pop’Africana’s stunning first cover; (bottom) Oroma Elewa

Another character I had the pleasure of hanging with in NY was Oroma Elewa of my new favorite project Pop’Africana. We met up at her place for wine and bonding over shoes & art. Oroma is a beautiful Scorpio who hates wedges, and I, a Taurus who hates stilettos, but we share a love of this seasons Miu Miu. Our personalities compliment nicely.

In the simplest of words – Oroma is inspiring. I could sit and trade inspiration or play dress up with her all day. The photographer & former model is so captivating, epitomizes personal style, and speaks like the artist she is… the way I still think in my head, but have outwardly somewhat diluted or even repressed due to years of trying to make people understand. Does that make any sense? Anyway, her baby, Pop’Africana is the coolest new shit – she’s redefining the mainstream view of Africa & fashion I can’t wait for you to see the rest.

What drew me to Pop’Africana initially was the art, and I continued to be sucked in from there. After hunting down the preview issue & scouring the blog, I saw style – real steez – that was Black, sure, but so much more than that. It is really just beautiful and it’s SOOO nice to see fashion on a color palette that resembles my own.

You can buy the magazine on newsstands in April, but til then check out a sneak peek on the Pop’Africana blog. There’s a more in-depth post on the magazine & Oroma coming soon! Aaand it looks like Oroma & I will be teaming up in the near future! I look forward to what out brains could do combined.

PS – Oroma introduced me to lots of cool stuff on our playdate – check out Baloji the best & most hypnotic new video/music I’ve seen/heard in a while. SO RAD!

Tokion Covers: Chloe Sevigny / Aurel Schmidt

Jazzi — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:30:01 +0000

The last two Tokion covers have been two of my favorite girls who just so happen to look like they could have come from the same womb. Too good not to post. Can’t wait to check out the rest of the Aurel issue, and I’ve already checked out the Chloe issue (a tad underwhelming, but great interview with Chloe). As self-proclaimed #1 fangirl, I would like nominate Chloe and Aurel to SHUT IT DOWN with some kind of collaboration… Someone please make it happen. Please?

Russh Issue 29: Video Preview

Jazzi — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:24:32 +0000

Love this idea. More magazines should do video flip-through trailers.

Russh magazine, Issue 29

What!? Magazines on sale?

Jazzi — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:55:24 +0000

I get these in my inbox like every day – usually super spammy and always exclude magazines. For once they don’t! No, I’m not affiliated with Borders or anything, but this coupon for $2 off a magazine (in-store) is pretty sweet, so I’m just paying it forward.

Click here to print the coupon – then wear disguises or bring friends so you can stock up on the goods.

2 more days. Pass it on.

Questions Answered: Missbehave x2 + more!

Jazzi — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:52:21 +0000

So gosh, I’ve been answering a lot of questions lately! I’m honestly flattered that you’re interested, so I’m more than happy to answer. I waited to round these all up into one post, so here it is.

First, Jessica, a student at Northeastern, contacted me as research for a paper she is writing about the fashion industry. We talked about fashion reality TV, surviving (and not surviving) NYC, and the best/worst of interning. I hope she gets an A+ or I’ll feel a little guilty. Read the Q&A under the cut.

That same day I got some questions for Cory’s blog In His Vogue Eyes. I’m thoroughly impressed by his journalistic attention to detail and truly thoughtful questions. He took the time to read up first which was awesome. Thank you Cory!

Then Sam at Missbehave asked me to do a Q&A for their new Internet Stalking feature, and today it went up (I flinched when I saw my face on the main page this morning haha)! Missbehave as been really sweet to me and I’m still flipping through their last issue for eye candy. Check out the interview here!

These all gave me a chance to reflect, be honest, and simultaneously turn up the fire under my ass. I’ve got so much more work to do before I’m where I want to be. Pressure, anxiety, ah!

Thanks again, Jessica, Missbehave, & Cory! And I guess while we’re at it, feel free to leave a question in the comments.

How many internships have you done? 7

Which one did you learn the most from? definitely Vogue

Were you offered to stay on longer? Yes, I could have stayed longer, but I was relocating.

How do you feel about the shows Stylista, Running in Heels and Fashionista Diaries? Do you think they paint an unrealistic portrait of the fashion industry?

Absolutely, but I watch them all. While they are all highly entertaining, they center entire episodes on what wouldn’t even be a blip on the radar of a “real” fashion intern. It’s reality TV, not reality.

Why do you think fashion interns have been on reality television and not other interns?

The fashion industry thrives on an air of mystery, glamour, and exclusivity. It’s highly unattainable, and yet so many people want “in” or at least want to peek. Money, models, clothes, celebrities, parties, bitchy people… there aren’t too many places you can get all that combined. It’s fun to see the smoke and mirrors.

I know you have expressed this in some blogs, but do you feel the same way about interns being paid?

Yes. I think it’s wrong to take advantage of students and not even give them adequate job training. I’ve had “internships” where I was clearly a full-time employee – minus the pay and company credit card. Interns always want to go above and beyond, which is great, but there is a difference between intern and being an employee, and someone has to draw the line. Or at least buy me lunch.

How did you get your internships?

Every one was different, but the common thread was preparation and ambition. I did my research, and took it from there.

Do you think girls still think that the fashion industry is like Devil Wears Prada and they can become Annie? Do you feel that that movie is to blame for the unrealistic expectations some women have about the fashion industry?

It would be silly to solely blame that film, but it definitely contributed to the “fashion intern” trend.

As an intern, do you feel like you were ever mistreated or used as free labor versus begin there to assist and learn?

Yes. (See above.)

What was the most hands on internship that you have had?

Running in heels at Vogue, followed closely by Teen Vogue (my favorite internship).

How does one survive living in NYC as an unpaid intern?

Daddy’s money? Trust fund? Kidding (kind of). But really, I have neither, so I have no idea. I attempted to balance multiple jobs, a loan, school, and an internship. I don’t even know if i can say I survived, and now I’m in debt… so, ya. haha

What was the best and worst parts of being a fashion intern?

Best: being surrounded by creativity and doing something different every day. The wardrobe I’ve gotten to see in person, the people I’ve met, the talent I’ve worked with, the trust put in my ability. I’ve had the opportunity to prove a lot to myself. The lifestyles I’ve seen in person and can now more accurately aspire to have.

The worst? The expectation to be as bitchy/entitled as everyone else (I fight hard against that). Being treated less than human, or feeling excluded because of my race or tax bracket.

Do you think it is worth it? And when would you recommend people starting?

Was it worth it for me? I don’t know yet! I don’t recommend it for everyone, there are too many interns now who watch the Hills and think “oh, I want that!” and there are easier ways to get “that” than becoming a fashion intern. If you’re prepared to work hard and struggle because you really have a passion for fashion (god, I wish those two words didn’t rhyme), and not just shopping, give it a go!

I Heart Missbehave!

Jazzi — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:57:54 +0000

and apparently they heart me back (well, at least Sinead does)!

Thanks Missbehave! If I had less pigment in my skin, I’d so be blushing right now.

xo J

PS – How great is this cover!? I want to style a Missbehave shoot asap! I can’t wait to see how they conquer going digital – I’ve heard the new layout is ten kinds of amazing!

o hai nylon advertorial!

Jazzi — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:27:00 +0000

In NYLON June/July 08 – the one with Scarlet on the cover. There’s even a blog shoutout! Yay!

Thanks again Faran!! XOXO