Print Media Still Has A Pulse: September Issues On Newsstands

Photo credit: nikkistyle.net

September's Trending! The other day me and probably 99.9 percent of the fashion industry scurried to pick-up every September issue pertaining to style and beauty. We've been also "liking" photo-after-photo on Instagram of fashion enthusiasts proudly showing off their stacks. September issues are generally finger-licking thick, and consists of overwhelming amounts of ads and free sample perfume scents. Speaking of size, Self is the thinnest magazine in my pile. (Ha!) Pun intended, or nah?  

Photo Credit: Google

I spend a lot of time studying and analyzing content and creative direction. Like reading, it's my way to escape into the creative minds of brilliant individuals in the world. Sometimes I'm so wow'ed by an ad -- that I fixate on it and often wonder what the brainstorming session(s) was like -- to produce such a magnificent concept. I'm a geek like that! Also, I have a keen eye for good journalism and do read selected stories (what's left of them), as well as stay on top of emerging runway and pop culture fashion trends.

Print's Alive. Come. On. I know I'm not the only one that enjoys the hands-on experience of touching and reading a magazine while sipping a latte...and clipping outfits to post on (mood) bulletin boards...and bookmarking articles using colorful post-it sticky notes. Right? Well. Let us be sure to bask in these moment, because the conversation about whether or not print media is dying a slow death is still up for debate.

"Print vs. Digital" talks are interesting as it relates to evolution, for sure. However, we must consider the consumer in efforts to keep a thoughtful, sustainable balance: Not every reader has the means to purchase, nor has access to, technology. And (holy catastrophe) what if the world goes dark for weeks with no electricity and mobile data - then what?

Dear Publishing Industry: We can't go full-blown digital yet; we're not ready on so many levels. Disclaimer: I'm not bias and this is not an attempt to save print. Okay, yeah it is.

PRINT VERSUS DIGITAL: 

COMPARING THE 2 TYPES OF MARKETING (INFOGRAPHIC)

Photo Credit: Root Studio (Print vs. Digital), Mind Your Black Business (Infographic)

SELF AND ALLURE MERGING?

More Shuffling At Condé Nast. Yes. By now we know that print magazines are struggling at the newsstand. Lucky magazine unfortunately has become unlucky and according to WWD, SELF magazine could merge with Allure magazine.  

Now wait a minute.

Historically, SELF focused on fitness and health whilst Allure generated content — specifically, about beauty and how-to obtain a beat face. At first I was confused by the alleged merge, hence the Huh? Nicki Minaj head tilt pic. Because there's clearly a distinction in terms of readership: To this day, SELF generally targets fitness enthusiasts; Allure targets the beauty-obsessed. Right...?

But in efforts for corporate (Condé Nast) to perhaps "make nice" with the bottom line of its Profit and Loss statement, I suppose the merge is necessary from a financial standpoint and could potentially work, content-wise, as most of us strive to become our very best alluring selves. Coined!

The New York Post joined the media frenzy and published an article last week (July 23rd), "Three Condé Nast magazines might not exist in print soon."

The buzz inside Condé Nast, according to one well-placed source, is that there could be some major publisher consolidations — with certain bosses being asked to take on group publisher roles that will allow Condé Nast to consolidate the digital reach of related titles. 

There is also buzz around the high-profile publishing house that three titles are on the hot seat — and that at least one is likely to be shuttered. Two others may go digital only. [New York Post]

Do you think print media is dying a slow death?

Photo Credit: SELF

Photo Credit: Allure

Eva Chen Moves On To Instagram

Photo Credit: CNN Money

Eva Chen Is Set To Make A Move! I had planned to tweet Lucky magazine’s vivacious former editor-in-chief, Eva Chen, to inquire about her next career move after Lucky. Eva is not like some fashion insiders, she's actually responsive and appropriately sociable. But it turns out that I don’t have to tweet her, as I received an alert that Eva will be moving on to Instagram as its “Head of Fashion Partnerships." According to reports, Eva will begin her new role at the social media powerhouse at the end of July. 

Eva Chen tells Mashable: 

I’ll be working closely with stylists, designers, up-and-comers with fun activations and finding new ways to tell fashion stories.

If there's anyone that can pinpoint new ways to tell engaging fashion stories -- that would be Eva. Have you seen her Instagram? She's blessed with an authentic charm, for sure.

Photo Credit

I look forward to learning more about Eva's new role as the Head of Fashion Partnerships. Eva has mastered the art of social media community management, specifically using Instagram, so the position sounds fitting for our style maven. 

Best of luck, Miss. Eva Chen.

XoXo nikki

Zoë Kravitz for Nylon

Photo Credit: Nylon

Wicked Cool Cover Shot! Nylon is finally climbing its way to my heart. Nylon's edgy millennium girl (look and feel) is hip and cool and 'oh so' Nasty Gal-esque.

Honestly, the only print copy (of Nylon) I own is the March '15 issue with Rita Ora gracing the cover. And I certainly can't wait to pick-up the August issue, b/c I'm a super denim enthusiast as well as a Zoë Kravitz fan. (You might have a new subscriber soon, Ny!)

It's a breath of fresh air to peep some new flavor on the covers of Nylon. I like to read mainstream fashion magazines that showcases various types of  stylish women. (A+)

Happy Easter Sunday.

Photo Credit: nikkistyle.net

Happy Easter Sunday, Lovies! 

In my basket, all the eggs are pink and purple and includes a copy of InStyle, British Edition, the April '15 issue. 

Surprise, surprise. Hehe...

So—I'm in the midst of creating an editorial calendar i.e. new content for nikkistyle.net. And the mission to inspire (person)al style and individualism will remain a goal, I pinky swear!

In the interim, if you want to pull together a stylish Easter outfit and need an idea, click here to read a past post of mine. Also, I share a sea of visuals, style tips, and tricks via Tumblr. 

Enjoy! XoXo —nikki | @nikkistyle on Twitter

My Mini Mention Makes Glamour!

Note-To-Yourself! When you pick up your copy of Glamour magazine's March issue (yes, when), be sure to flip to page 64 and check-out my mini mention!!!

Seriously. I'm obsessing over a) How awesome it truly is to be mentioned via the spring issue of a major fashion magazine—however small the mention. b) To see my name only pages away from 50 Shades' Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan. Hello? c) To publicly express my love for America's Sweetheart, Reese. Pretty historic. HeHe...

In any event, this is a friendly reminder that very cool people are certainly watching and reading your twitter timeline. With that said, tweet to impress! Opportunity knocks! ;)

Updated 3/3/15 at 9:00 PM:

"Magazine Industry Boasts 10.1% Rise in Readership. For women’s fashion and beauty magazines, the largest audience for the six months was Cosmopolitan (30 million), followed by Glamour (18.3 million)." [Source] 

Photo Credit: Glamour magazine, March 2015, Page 64

Photo Credit: nikki via Twitter

Publishing Icon, Joanna Coles, Is On The Move. Next Stop: 'Seventeen'

Photo Credit: nytimes

Media Watch! Today I learned that Joanna Coles will become the editorial director of Seventeen magazine. Joanna is not only a powerhouse professional on Editorial Island, but an authentic, credible journalist. Joanna made notable power moves at New York Magazine, Marie Claire and Cosmo, and I'm certain that she will do a knockout job at Seventeen! You might also recognize Coles from Project Runway All Stars as well. 

Seriously. If you're in pursuit of emulating an editor in the publishing industry, I invite you to study and dissect Coles' proven track record; her creative and diverse approach to content strategy is trendy and appealing to a variety of demographic groups (not easy).

Below is one of my favorite clips where Joanna talks about making risky career moves.

"Be open to the idea of opportunity, always take the call, always go for the interview; you just don't know where things are going to lead." "Don't be prescriptive about what you want to do." 

Related post on nikkistyle.net:

• Joanna Coles 'Favorites' My Tweets!

Too Many Magazines. What To Do? FAB Readers, YIKES, Help Me Out.

Photo Credit: nikkistyle.net

Brainstorming! I have 7 years worth of magazines, yes seven. That's a whole lot of time to be collecting something; what you see in the [image above] is not even a 1/4.

I started to, unintentionally, build a magazine collection around the same time I started blogging about fashion, style, and beauty. Magazine articles and images gave me inspiration for new blog posts, encouraged me to stay current with what's trending, what's hot, what's not, as well as allowed me to gain a better understanding about the publishing industry as a whole. I enjoyed staying in-the-know regarding staff movement (i.e. new EICs, new editors, new writers, new contributors, etc.), and still do! Furthermore, it's really interesting to learn how readers respond to selected mag content, via social media.

Photo Credit: Social Ribbit

But I'm faced with having to make a decision: What should I do with all these magazines? Sure, I will certainly continue to store the glossies that I know I will refer back to which consist of my fave articles and cover stories. But other than that, what do I do with the rest? I thought about charity, or giving some to a University—ugh I just want to see my beloved magazines be put to good use. So, I'm making it my mission to figure out a plan: And I'll create a mind-map to help me brainstorm ;)

Aside from recycling and creating personal collages and vision boards, what have you done with your old(er) magazines? 

Talk to me: nikki@nikkistyle.net , or @nikkistyle

Photo Credit: vaultmagazine.com

Related Posts:

• My September Issues
• On My Desk (Today): Magazines...

Model Spotlight: Dominique Armorer

Noteworthy! I was not able to find a lot of "press" but from what I have read, International Fashion Model, Dominique Armorer is known to rip the Caribbean runways. According to Coco Velvet International Fashion and Model Mgmt., Dominique was first discovered in San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago (yasss bish!) — my daaalin' daddy's home country, which is why I had to spotlight Dominique *wink*

In any event, it's no secret that diversity is lacking on fashion runways and in magazines, so I make it my business to shine a light on talented brown beauties that we must pay attention to: Did you hear that mainstream media folks? I'm talking to you! 

Following is Dominique's model stats: Height- 5'10" | Bust- 34 | Waist- 24 | Hips- 34 | Dress- 4 | Shoe- 9.5 | Hair- BLACK | Eyes- BROWN

Click here to browse Dominique's profile, and follow her on Instagram. 

From The Archives

Issue 80 "True Beauty"

Photo Credit: FMD

Transitional Style: Summer Nights, And Fall Days ... 'The Cropped Pant'

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Crippen via Vogue

Talk Back! There's nothing better than a cropped pant and high heels; it elongates your body adding about 3 to 5 inches! And who doesn't want height? While reading Vogue's article, (Susie Crippen's) Ten Tips for Looking Good in Cropped Pants, I was pleased to read attainable style advice geared toward most of us cropped-pant-lovers. In the picture above, four (4) different cropped pant looks are featured -- tell me (I want to know), which is more your style? Personally, I love outfits with a little edge that says I'm in control, and would wear (from left to right) Look #2 and Look #4.

Re: Look #4 -- I heart a plunging neckline; it showcases a flattering silhouette.  

Hey, Stylistas! Want to Wear Cropped Pants? Read Susie Crippen's Ten How-To Tips:

When wearing skinny cropped pants . . . 

1. The leg needs to be short: I am five foot five and I get all my inseams hemmed to 25 inches so there is a good amount of skin showing. I am convinced this makes me look taller. 

2. The leg opening should be as narrow as possible. Have them taken in if necessary. 

3. On the subject of tops and shoes, a good heel, like my white Céline pump, works with an oversize men’s shirt. I like the contrast of feminine with masculine. 

4. With a simple T-shirt, I wear a statement flat sandal that has a bit of flash. 

5. In snow or rain, I love pairing skinny cropped pants with a short engineer boot, oversize sweater, and a good raincoat. 

When wearing wide-leg cropped pants . . . 

1. This is my new favorite shape. I am all about playing with the notion of clothes that are oversize and still sexy. It reminds me of pictures of Lauren Bacall and Katharine Hepburn in the forties. There are so many great flats and booties out there right now that make it easy to create a really feminine look with a looser trouser or jean. 

2. Even more than with skinnies, the inseam has to be short enough to make them looked cropped—not just poorly hemmed. Above the ankle is my hard and fast rule. 

3. This fall, I can’t want to wear them with a fitted sweater to make the look a bit more sexy. 

4. The best choice for a tall ankle boot is one that hugs your ankle. That shape creates a beautiful silhouette and you avoid looking like the guy walking on stilts at the circus. Knee-length boots are also good under wide-leg cropped trousers if the boot is fitted to your leg. 

5. Wide-leg pants are also great with a midheel like Roger Vivier. 

Final Tid-Bits for Wearing Cropped Pants: If you're short and want to look taller, wear cropped pants with heels. Similarly, if you're tall and want to look taller, wear cropped pants with heels (maybe a kitten heel). However, if you're tall and don't want to look taller, wear cropped pants with flats. See? #StyleOptions for all. I like attainable style. xx :) -ns

 Video: Meet Susie Crippen

Flick of the Day: A Taste of Street Style

Photo Credit: CFDA via Wannabe magazine

Hey Barbz! Superstar Nicki Minaj Covers Marie Claire In August

Photo Credit: concreteloop.com

Nicki Minaj Covers Marie Claire, August 2013

In March, I commented that I was diggin' Nicki Minaj's cover shoot with ELLE magazine (April 2013); her "toned-down" look was much-anticipated — and since then her style has been slowly evolving into something a little less theatrical and outlandish ... many onlookers are giving the head-nod of approval. Indeed change is a wonderful thing. That being said, I do appreciate the fact that Nicki is not losing her overall swag in the midst of the change. Ms. 'Trini To De Bone' is still sassy, still classy (in a bad girl sort of way?), and will not hesitate to speak on issues that matter, such as her experience with bullying as a child to personal opinions about Mariah. Yeah, I had to mention the "feud." Bap! Bap!

Below is a snip-it of Nicki's interview with Marie Claire:

What's one thing that pisses you off instantly? "People who don't own up to their mistakes. They'll make every excuse in the book, as opposed to just saying, ‘Damn, yeah, I f*cked up.'"

Do you work out? If so what’s a normal routine, Nic?!!! "I don't work out. I hate it. I don't mean to sound super-lazy. I tried it for a time. I lost my boobs. When I feel I need to lose weight, I just change what I eat. I cut carbs and sugar. I'll do water and protein and fruit. But I do think that you should work out. My doctor tells me that, and I get it. Do cardio, Barbz."

August issue on newsstands July 16.

Source: Satoshi Saikusa; Marie Claire

Joanna Coles 'Favorites' My Tweets!

Click Image To Enlarge

Mag Notes! Cosmopolitan's Editor-In-Chief, Joanna Coles, favorites not one, but two of my tweets! Woo-hoo! As a certified magazine junkie, (a.k.a. aspiring content editing "guru") I'm geek'ed. I'm 100% inspired by magazine editors and news anchors.

Photo Credit: komarketingassociates.com

In any event, there's been a lot of buzz about Coles' push to talk politics at Cosmo, which is FAB, I think. I love reading about style, sex and stuff, but am always excited to see editors raise the bar in terms of content diversity. Moreover, the general population, especially the younger generation, should have access to thought-provoking articles produced by mainstream media. Looking back several years ago (naive and all), I've encountered many situations with a political spin, some unbearable, whether at work or in my personal life — it would've been cool to have been more informed in efforts to confidently address those unbearable moments. 

“I really want Cosmo as a magazine to be more involved in political issues. We’re the biggest read magazine — literally — in the world and I think it’s very important that we stay on top of political issues that impact young women: Health care, gun violence, the wage gap, how do we close it. These are all issues that I’m personally passionate about,” says Coles. [Source]

Joanna Coles, Cosmo's Editor-In-Chief
Photo Credit: adage.com

Related Post on nikkistyle

• Cosmo Editor Joanna Coles Makes Political Push

10 Best-Dressed Newswomen: Whoops! Vanity Fair Forgot To Mention One Other Woman

Photo Credit: HuffPost Style

Talk Back! Last weekend, I peep'd Vanity Fair's 10 Best-Dressed Newswomen round-up [source], which lacked diversity by the way (no surprise). Women such as, Barbara Walters, Megyn Kelly, Katie Couric, Diane Sawyer, Mika Brzezinski, Savannah Guthrie, Elizabeth Vargas, Tamron Hall (only African-American listed), Margaret Brennan, and Natalie Morales -- made the list. Congrats! Honestly, all 10 newswomen are beautiful with great personal style; however, I was surprised not to see Ann Curry in the line-up. Curry's fashion choices grabs my attention -- with her comfy, professional, fun and youthful looks -- which are exceptionally color-coordinated-to-perfection. 

"I choose to fill my days with what I'm passionate about, and live with purpose." -Ann  

Below are some style moments demonstrating that Curry is winning in the style department, and should be on any 'best-dressed newswomen' list:

  

 

 

Photo Credit: The Blush

Rachel Roy Launches Digital Magazine

Photo Credit: rachelroy.com

Boss Lady Inspiration! I love Rachel Roy's social media presence, and overall marketing strategies (Yes, I'm paying close attention to the folks that handle their online image, well.) Miss. Fashion Designer-Extraordinaire is owning it.

"Design the life you want to live." -Rachel Roy

Rachel Roy recently launched a Digital Magazine called, The Life; she is slated to discuss an array of relevant lifestyle topics from fashion, to beauty, to philanthropy and everything in between, a definite must-read. Roy is the "perfect" mentor and should be recognized and admired for many things—in addition to her talent for designing sharp clothing. Rachel is a polished businesswoman, a dynamic public speaker, a philanthropist, and wonderful mother. And, she gives great advice. Rachel, you seriously rock! 

Source: VIBE Vixen | Follow Me on Twitter: @nikkistyle

Love. Waist. Drama.

Mag Notes! Disclaimer: (everybody knows...) I am pro-healthy eating habits and will always promote diversity in terms of body image (minus the heroin chic look). Moreover, I am in favor of promoting the bodies of 'real' women on my blog. So, it might come across as a bit hypocritical when I say that I'm in awe of Marion Cotillard's cover for W mag, the Dec 2012 issue. Sorry. I just can't deny how intrigued I am by [this] cover. It's H O T, from the fire engine color scheme to the unknown fingers—squeezing in on the gold-belted cinched waist. The concept is artsy as well as a tad futuristic, no?

Read the cover story.

Photo Credit: Facebook  |  Photography by Tim Walker; Style by Jacob K

MODEL PROFILE - Daphne Groeneveld Covers W Korea, October 2012

Model Profile: 

• Country of Origin: Netherlands 
• Nationality: Dutch
• Born: December (1994)
• Known For: Lips
• Milestone: Signed with Women Management in Milan (2010)
• Magazines - Appeared In: French Vogue, i-D, Italian Vogue, Numéro, Japanese Vogue, Love, V, Chinese Vogue [Source]
• Runway and Ad Campaigns: Givenchy presentation in New York, fall Givenchy couture presentation in Paris, Calvin Klein show in New York, spring MaxMara show in Milan, spring Christian Dior and Valentino couture shows in Paris, Jill Stuart spring ad campaign, and much more. 
• Hobbies: Ballet and Modern Dance

Side Note: I was fixated on Shot #3 (black and white image) -- and had to feature Daphne!

VIDEO - Daphne Groeneveld, New York Fashion Week FW 2012-13




Photo Credit: models.com | Source: nymag.com

Fashion's Night Out 2012: NYC

Photo Credit: nikkistyle.net

Quick Reflection... I've been going to Fashion's Night Out for the past three years; this year was bananas! I had a great time. I got to jam at DVF, attend a block party near Scoop NYC, witness Alice + Olivia models pillow fight on the rooftop at STK, spy on QVC's live broadcasting, sip cocktails at Tracy Reese and Rebecca Taylor, nod my head to reggae at Sephora while a woman from Scotland groomed my brows ... and much, much more! All events were super fun, and star-studded. 

Unfortunately, I had some major technical difficulties -- my Android battery died by 7 P.M. (...after charging it all day!) I also forgot the batteries for my Fujifilm camera. Ugh! However, I did manage to snap a few; some photos are on Instagram, and I have a few special ones stashed away for my scrapbook. Anyways, regardless, I had a B A L L ;)

@ DVF - Solange Knowles was in the building, as well as Vogue's Meredith Melling Burke [Source]

@ Alice + Olivia [Source]

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