Social Media and Portals of communication.

Without social networking where would we be today? - The answer is probably outside and being active. However, like myself (and who ever is reading this blog post) is instead cooped up inside staring at your computer screen. Either that or you enjoy my blog so much that you are reading it off your iphone blogging app - in which case, thank you! Now I'm going off on one.

But anyway, we are overwhelmed by the amount of social networking sites and have all become whizzes on all things internet. We're blogging, we're tweeting, we're keeking, we're instagramming and of course we're facebooking. So the next time somebody sends you an email to inform you about your recent unsuccessful job application you can send them a long witty essay telling them how unfortunate they are not to have an internet savvy blogging queen to fill the job position. Joking of course, but seriously they have missed out. Who cares? All it means to us internet addicts, is more time to procrastinate choosing the perfect Instagram filter!

On a serious note however, having an awareness of all the social networking platforms out there is important if you want to break into the industry these days. Companies aren't just looking for girls who know their Versace to their Alexander Mcqueen - they're also looking for people like us. Signing up to these accounts and updating them regularly will boost your chances of getting an internship at a magazine. So even if you've never had a job and are still struggling to get one, then make social networking your job. Educate yourself on all things social media and thank me later!

Follow me!
Twitter: LC_Duncan
Blogger: http://whatlaradidnext.blogspot.co.uk/
Instagram: xlaraduncanx
Pintrest: Lara Duncan
Keek: larzxo

Behind the scenes!

Closer Magazine work exp.

After weeks of spending my days writing out cover letters and sending my CV's to various publications, I was absolutely thrilled this morning when I received a phone call from Closer Magazine offering me work experience. However, the magazine is based in central London so hotels are going to cost me a bomb :(.

I automatically said yes obviously, because I mean how can I possibly turn an opportunity like that down? Writing or working in Fashion is what I want my future to be and so I need to make the most of this! I'm so excited, I couldn't think straight whilst I was on the phone. Its strange because these past few weeks I've been really down, because earlier this year I made the decision not to go to university but to make my way into the industry this way and then work my way up. Despite sending out applications here, there and everywhere I just began to feel a little disheartened as I was receiving nothing.

With all my friends talking about university, it had been constantly playing on my mind and making me think 'have I made the right decision?' - Last year I did work experience at Bliss Magazine and my local newspaper but this simply isn't enough to allow me to barge my way into the industry. So, after receiving this wonderful phone call today; I feel as though my hard work is paying off and maybe I have made the right decision after all. Only time will tell.

All I know is that I'm very excited right now! Just thought I'd share that with you all. xo

What I've been up to...

I've been a busy bee just recently. I've been updating my portfolio and sticking in my work which is a massive effort, but being the geek that I am - I fully enjoy scrapbook projects and its really satisfying having a book full of all my achievements, makes me proud to see how much work I've had published at just the age of 17. I really feel that this year, career wise has been amazing. I've learnt so much about the industry and I just can't wait to get my self out there in the fashion world!

Ok so the top left picture is a little random, but I just thought I'd show you a picture of my extremely tidy room, as I have a slight OCD when it comes to my bedroom!

Any of my followers from Newcastle?! - At the start of next month, I'm off down there for the weekend to go on a university open day with my sister and then spend the weekend with my boyf (He lives there!!). I'm really excited because I haven't had chance to go down there yet and I have family up there too, so it should be good. I plan on finishing off my Christmas shopping there so I can make a proper weekend of it.

Not going to lie, my life seems so boring recently, all I'm ever doing is saving up and it is such a bore; meaning no fashion reviews for a while :-( . I would however like to inform you all that I am getting an Iphone at the end of this week which i am very excited about. This means my posts will be more frequent and you will all be able to stalk me on Instagram, yay!!!

If any of you want more of an insight to me, follow me on twitter: @laraduncan_95

peace out x

In case you were wondering...

Ok so this is a bit of random post but just thought I'd update you on my latest adventures! I'll start with Bliss. So when I'm older my dream is to be a fashion journalist and in order to make that dream a reality I need to get some practical experience in the industry - in March of this year thats exactly what I did. I emailed around all the top magazines enquiring about an internship, however the barrier that was holding me back was the fact you have to be 18 to work at the majority of fashion magazines (I'm not 18 until January :-( ). But anyway, after sending out a whole haul of emails, within less than a day I got a reply from Bliss Magazine - which is the UKs biggest teen magazine. They seemed to be interested in me coming to work with them for two weeks as a short internship, so thats exactly what I did.

Taking this opportunity was extremely important to me because if I did, it would get my foot in the door in the fashion world. It involved me taking a trip down to Tumbridge Wells (an hour away from London) and staying on my own in a hotel for two weeks. At first, the prospect of this was extremely daunting but at the same time it was exciting. Luckily my mum was really supportive and agreed to it, even though she was worried. Anyway, I had an absolutely amazing time and learnt so much. I got to write various articles for the bliss website, do a style stalker in Camden which featured in the magazine, a tried and tested feature on some salt sprays AND the most exciting part - I got to style Stooshe (the girlband) for a photo shoot and I got to meet them which was soooo amazing. I loved it! Since then, my boss at the mag has handed my contact details to various people in the industry leading onto other opportunities. - I now have contacts with some people who work for The Daily Mirror and some other well known stylists.

I'm thinking you probably don't really care but this internship has had such a massive impact on my life. I am so much more independent now and nothing like that scares me any more.  The main reason I posted this was because it is a big achievement in my life so far and if anybody wants to know anything on how i got the internship or need tips - I'm more than happy to answer questions or help out :-)