Tag: fashion

Dressing for the office: post-pandemic

Olivia NolesBlog, Fashion, ,

When I first heard we were coming back to the office, it immediately sparked the question, “what am I going to wear?” Dressing for the office is intimidating for any recent college graduate, but when you tack on working full-time for the first time straight out of a pandemic, there’s an entirely new level of excitement (and a fear) that comes with it. On one hand, I’ve missed the creative process of styling new outfits every day, but on the other hand, having never experienced an office dress code I was completely lost. Black yoga pants and slacks are basically the same thing… right?

Return to business casual post-pandemic 

Working from home, it’s easy to go from looking like you just rolled out of bed (because you probably did) to office-ready by throwing a sweater on and brushing your hair. After over a year of just dressing from the waist up, the concept of a head-to-toe outfit is daunting. Especially considering there has been no need for professional pants or shoes in anyone’s wardrobe for over a year. 

I gave my wardrobe a bit of a refresh to come back to the office, and it was more difficult than I thought. It turns out I no longer know my size after more than a year of not wearing pants. I would order work pants only to have them not fit, and the pants that did fit didn’t go with any of my tops. I thought I needed a whole new wardrobe, but it got easier.

When all you’re ever looking for is a one-off “perfect outfit,” you have nothing to wear. But when you’re living in your wardrobe daily, it comes to life. You realize that the pieces you own aren’t bad, they just need to be reimagined. Coming up with new looks by styling the same pieces in new ways becomes a fun challenge. You realize that the top you wish you had returned pairs perfectly with the pair of pants you bought in March 2020 and suddenly you’ve got a brand new outfit.

Why you should be excited about dressing for the office

Over the past few weeks, I’ve realized that getting dressed every day does make a difference in how you feel. It prepares you for anything the day throws at you and actually increases productivity. Feeling confident in an outfit improves your mental health and helps you feel more inspired and empowered. 

5 tips for dressing for the office post-pandemic

If you’re struggling with your back to work wardrobe, here are 5 tips for dressing for the office post-pandemic:

  • Try on the clothes you already own and figure out what to keep and what to replace.
  • Style several outfits in advance and take pictures so you don’t have to think of outfits the morning of. 
  • If you find your wardrobe is lacking, purchase workwear that makes you excited to get dressed in the morning. 
  • Think about proportions when styling. If your top is flowy, slim-fit pants pair better. If your pants are a looser or straight leg, tighter tops pair better.
  • Find comfortable work pants and work shoes that are easy to style with a lot of your tops. Invest in multiple colors of each.

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Life Styled By Social Media

Clairemont InternBlog, PR People, The Clairemont Team, , ,

The best career advice I received was from my favorite high school English teacher who told us that no matter the career we chose, we should find something we were passionate about. After all, we would only spend the rest of our lives doing it. This advice rang true when I made the decision to follow my passions and pursue my love of fashion at NC State University. 

I have always loved fashion. As a little girl, I would spend hours dressing up my dolls just to instantly undress and style them in another fabulous look. As a teenager, I spent Saturdays selling my wardrobe to replenish it with the newest styles at Valley Hills Mall. Clothing is more than a basic need to me; it’s a form of self-expression. 

I never knew fashion marketing was something I could study until I stumbled upon NC State’s Summer Textile Exploration Program for high school students interested in pursuing fashion at the Wilson College of Textiles. STEP taught me that there are endless career opportunities in the fashion industry and that a degree in fashion textile management would provide me with a well-rounded education and marketing skills that are valuable in any industry.

In fall 2017, I came to NC State as a fashion textile management major with a concentration in brand management and marketing at the Wilson College of Textiles. 

Around that time, I started my blog, The Brightest of the Bunch, and began creating fashion content on social media. My love for blogging inspired me to add an extra dimension to my degree and minor in journalism. Content creation led me to realize that fashion wasn’t my only passion and I wanted to focus on blogging and social media.

I planned to continue blogging and shift my content to focus on travel in spring 2020 while I was studying abroad in Florence, Italy in a fashion marketing program. When the pandemic hit, all of my creative plans went out the window. Instead, in February 2020 I was sent home from Italy, stuck in my tiny hometown, Morganton, NC, and had lost all inspiration and motivation to create content. It was like everything was on pause. 

As the summer progressed, I began to panic about my future. I had always dreamed that my social media platforms would take off before I started to apply for jobs. Now my senior year was creeping up, and I rarely felt like I had the energy to be on camera or take photos of myself, let alone start my career. 

I decided to apply for social media internships where I would be able to tap back into my passions without having to be the face of the content. I started doing social media work with start-ups and small businesses, and I loved that with each of these organizations there was a purpose behind the content I was creating. I thrived on being able to create for multiple industries and helping entrepreneurs reach their goals. 

Throughout my senior year, I continued to manage social media for different clients. I realized that working at an agency was the next step for me when Maia Guterbock, a former Clairemont intern, spoke in my Editorial and Opinion Writing class. She talked about her own blog and creative work at Clairemont including a post on “How brands get the ha-ha’s” and a review of the Best 2021 Superbowl commercials. I was inspired by all of it! 

After interviewing at Clairemont, I knew this was the internship for me. Working with clients to help refine their brand, and create and execute social media campaigns is right up my alley. I’m excited to grow in my creativity and experience and expand my PR knowledge this summer.

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A New Chapter

Clairemont InternBlog, Marketing, The Clairemont Team, , , , , , , ,

Last summer, after months of confinement, isolation, and Zoom frustrations, I hit that dark day. Disconnected and despondent, I was uncertain of the world’s future and my own. 

But then, a social media post took me to an unlikely place: the banks of the Seine, where I watched models float by on a barge while dressed in Balmain’s latest fashion line. I couldn’t stop smiling. Watching clips of the event on repeat, I realized the exhibition was a bold celebration in the face of last year’s adversity. “Balmain Sur Seine” was more than a publicity stunt powered by a social media campaign: it was joy and hope.

The moment captures so much of what I envision for my career as an advertising creative. A career I hope to launch with the MSc in Fashion, Design and Luxury Management program at the Grenoble École de Management in Paris, France. Hosting the fashion show on the water was innovative and beautiful, but the exhibition was also the first to be streamed on the social media platform TikTok. It was a groundbreaking venture in new media and connectivity –– connectivity that moves beyond physical borders and the limitations of a pandemic to reach global audiences. 

As new media continues to integrate perspectives from around the world, a multicultural learning environment is crucial. To create innovative campaigns like “Balmain Sur Seine,” I must leave the United States’ social bubble and cross new borders myself. This program will provide me with that multicultural integration along with the solid foundation of industry skills and professional experience that I need. 

I’ve always been intrigued by how words can be leveraged to connect with people. This fascination led me to study media and journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While studying abroad in 2019, I interned for the Paris-based journalism agency Worldcrunch. I translated articles from Le Monde and Les Echos into English, developed social media content and even wrote stories of my own. This experience helped me realize that rather than being a reporter on trends, I want to use storytelling to cultivate brand culture. This epiphany was a revelation of how I envision a meaningful career: one that influences taste and creates tangible impact.

With that fresh perspective, I redirected my career goals to advertising and public relations by exploring courses in marketing and joining Clairemont Communications in Raleigh, NC as a marketing and public relations intern. Over the past ten months, I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients big and small, develop social media strategy, compile coverage reports, attend press events, assemble media lists, pitch news outlets, edit videos, write blog posts and so much more. 

In addition, I’ve gained valuable soft skills in time management, problem-solving, collaboration, effective communication and leadership. I’ve experienced both the joys and challenges of working in PR, which gives me an incredible head start in the marketing world as I embark on my next adventure. I’m forever grateful.

While I have built a solid foundation in media through my studies and professional experiences, I know enough now to realize what I have yet to learn and what I could accomplish by continuing my education. The MSc in Fashion, Design, and Luxury Management program at Grenoble École de Management would supply me with the industry knowledge and marketing fundamentals that I require to continue my career. My dream career is to be an in-house copywriter for a luxury fashion brand. This degree would supply me with the industry knowledge, marketing essentials and cultural immersion that are critical for success in the luxury industry.

Earlier this month, I graduated with distinction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Media and Journalism. Earning my degree not only marks the end of my time at UNC-Chapel Hill, but it also signals the end of my time as an intern at Clairemont Communications. While I’m excited to start this next chapter, I am sad to leave the Clairemont Team. Through their leadership and guidance, I have grown as both a professional and a person.

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. 

By Clairemont intern Maia Guterbock, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill.

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The Future of Fashion: NYFW Goes Virtual

Clairemont InternBlog, Fashion, Public Relations, , , , ,

New York Fashion Week (NYFW), held in February and September of each year, is a chance for designers to showcase their latest fall and spring collections to buyers, the press and the general public. With the world still navigating public safety during COVID-19, New York Fashion Week is staying virtual this year for its fall 2021 lineup.

This season, designers will showcase their collections in digital formats such as livestreams, look books and video presentations in lieu of traditional in-person exhibitions. The event launched on Valentine’s Day with Jason Wu’s livestreamed runway show, followed by virtual presentations and videos from Markarian. Markarian has come into the public eye after receiving the honor of dressing Dr. Jill Biden for the 2021 Presidential inauguration ceremony.

Tweet from Hollywood Reporter Twitter account.

While holding a largely virtual event is no doubt challenging, it has led to some very creative PR initiatives. This season explored the future of fashion and how the industry is continuing to adapt during COVID-19 — all the while maintaining a healthy dose of inspiration and hope.

Vogue Magazine relies heavily on the fashion industry and its fans to stay in business. To create buzz for this year’s festivities, the outlet challenged its social media followers to recreate their favorite couture and share it online.

International modeling agency, IMG Models, was also announced as the official editorial partner of #TikTokFashionMonth. TikTok featured live and pre-recorded content across IMG’s TikTok channels throughout the fall 2020 shows, and the TikTok community will continue to have access to IMG’s content for the spring 2021 shows taking place this month.

2021 Spring NYFW will extend beyond its typical 7-9 days to a month-long event. With many designers showing in late February and even a few waiting to reveal collections until April, this year’s “tailored” event is sure to bring joy to many as it rolls on throughout the spring season.

NYFW typically includes two types of shows: industry and open-to-the-public shows. Even in #BeforeTimes, it was typically difficult to snag an in-person seat; however, this year you can get a front-row view if you choose to join. Visit the official schedule to see what’s open to the public.

Curious about ways to amp up a virtual event to spark interest and engagement? Check out our blog on Effective Socially Distanced Events!

By Clairemont intern Maia Guterbock, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill.

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Blogger Q&A – Courtney Fashionista

Jasmin SessomsBlog, Fashion, Marketing, , , , , , , ,

Last week, I caught up with a blogger turned friend for lunch to find out more about the summer trends for clothing. Courtney is a Pittsburgh-native who moved to Raleigh, N.C. two years ago during a quarter-life crisis. Her cat, Cleo, holds the key to her heart – despite the fact that Cleo would rather sleep than cuddle. Courtney says that she can’t live without Chapstick or “Sex and the City.” She is also a firm believer that everything happens for a reason in life.

When did you start blogging?

I started blogging in January 2014, so it has been about 2.5 years. I moved here from Pittsburgh and transitioned from working in fashion merchandising to marketing. It was a great way to stay connected to the world of fashion, which I love. Not to mention blogging helps to fuel my creativity.

How do you stay up to date on the latest trends?

I am an avid magazine reader, and I probably have six to eight subscriptions. Harpers Bazzar is my favorite. I get butterflies in my stomach when it arrives in the mail. I love investigating high fashion and seeing how it trickles down into clothing that everyday people can wear. I find myself constantly looking at online e-retailers and boutiques.

What are the hottest fashion summer trends for 2016?

I absolutely love embroidered pieces for summer. I was exploring online to see how they are incorporating it into dresses and jackets and learned the whole Mediterranean feel is trendy this summer. By Mediterranean I mean white and light colors– clean and crisp flowy pieces are always in style. This summer shop for clothes as if you’re headed to the French Rivera. Sometimes denim pieces are even a classic look for summer even though it is a heavier fabric.

Pineapples have been a big deal this spring, what other fruits should we think about for the summer?

I think the pineapple is just fun and feminine, and people are gravitating towards it. Our generation is excited about imagery. I think the pineapple has been the biggest deal, but I have a watermelon clutch. I think it is reminiscent of summer and aesthetically pleasing to wear. The cactus is new this year.

I saw on your blog that the ‘90s are making a comeback, what pieces should every woman have in her closet for this trend?

I think the flannel tied around your waist look is amazing – this is a look that I remember from my childhood. I love when people can wear things differently and use them as accessories. Even if you aren’t going to wear it for a functional purpose, it is a cool trend to layer in a styled way. Also making a comeback: fanny packs and jean skirts.

How do you feel about the mixed-print trend? What are the best prints to mix together?

Stripes are always pretty easy to start with when mixing prints. Stripes and florals or stripes and polka dots are a good mix for me. I love stripes! I could wear them every single day.

How would you advise women to feel comfortable mixing prints?

First I would say make sure that you absolutely love what you are wearing. People can tell when women are uncomfortable with what they are wearing, so make sure that it is something you feel confident wearing. The most important thing to consider when you are mixing prints is to keep the colors consistent so that they complement each other.

What store never fails you?

Honestly, nothing makes me happier than the Macy’s shoe department.

What are three words to describe your style?

Creative, feminine and edgy.

Want to learn more about the pineapple trend this summer? Read our post about pineapples here.

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