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)

My September Issues.

My September Issues: 2009

My September Issues: 2010

My September Issues: 2011

The Diary of a Certified Magazine Junkie

Some people collect coins, I guess I collect magazines...? And to call myself a "magazine junkie" is definitely an understatement.

For years I've had plenty subscriptions to my favorite magazines: Elle, Essence, Glamour, Harper's Bazaar, InStyle, Lucky, Marie Claire, Self, StyleWatch, and Vogue. However, about a year ago I cutback on the subscriptions, mainly because I was running out of storage space for my beloved beauties. I have been collecting magazines for several years, and have stored old issues in plastic bins (by magazine, by month) underneath my bed and in the basement. Do you have any idea how many mags were accumulated, like to-date? 

Compromise. Both spring and fall mags are "fashion bibles" updated twice a year—so I settled for collecting all of those issues, as apposed to getting glossies on a monthly basis. This approach is definitely easier on space. But if the cover story is appealing enough, I'll sneak in an issue or two outside of my committed purchasing months. Example: Lady Gaga covered Harper's Bazaar, May 2011: I had to have it.

I get asked a lot, "Nikki, what do you do with all those mags?" Nikki: Aside from reading them (duh), I keep them for future reference. In 2033, I can call them vintage!

Photo Credit: nikkistyle.net

Frida Gustavsson Covers [Sweden] Elle, September 2010

LookBook Notes | Creative to-the-max! I love the September cover of Elle Sweden. Go, Frida!

Photo Credit: Fashion Gone Rogue

Halle Berry Covers [US] Vogue, Sept. 2010

Style Notes | Halle Berry is the first black woman to appear on Vogue’s September issue since 1989, reports The Cut. Naomi Campbell was the first ever black woman to appear on a magazine's September cover.

In any event, I can write a rather lengthy essay which discusses, at least, three solid reasons why this cover is significant, especially now, in 2010. But I'll savor the moment and enjoy the mag's radiant cover—and its 726 pages of fall fashion deliciousness.

Photo Credit: The Cut 

Mary-Kate Olsen Covers [US] Marie Claire, September 2010

Style Notes | I just picked up my September issue of Marie Claire magazine. And I can't wait to read the Mary-Kate cover story! Thinking: wouldn't it be so cool to see a reality television show featuring the Olsen Twins? I think so. What an intriguing pair: I would love to learn more about what inspires their personal style, and also, to see them interact with fashion and entertainment professionals on-set, and in business meetings. Are they snippy? Down-to-earth? What?

On Her Eating Disorder: "I think it's really important to be able to talk when something's wrong. I learned at a really young age that if you don't talk about it, it can drive you insane."

Photo Credit: Marie Claire

Julia Roberts Covers [US] Elle, Sept 2010

Style Notes | America's Sweetheart, Julia Roberts, graces the cover of Elle's biggest fashion issue of the year. Yes sweet peas, the September issue. Seriously, how could you not fall in love with that face? Julia's look is so fresh and youthful at 43-years-old. But if you think she injects with all sorts of Botox—guess again. Because judging from the Elle excerpt below, she is all natural. 

On Botox/ The Plastic Surgery Trend in Hollywood: "It's unfortunate that we live in such a panicked, dysmorphic society where women don't even give themselves a chance to see what they'll look like as older persons. I want to have some idea of what I'll look like before I start cleaning the slates. I want my kids to know when I'm pissed, when I'm happy, and when I'm confounded. Your face tells a story ... and it shouldn't be a story about your drive to the doctor's office." 

Photo Credit: The Fashion Spot; Elle

Jennifer Lopez Covers [US] Glamour, September 2010

Style Notes | 41-year-old "Jenny from the Block" covers the September issue of Glamour magazine. In this issue Lopez chit-chats about motherhood, marriage and her stylish look for the cover shoot. 

Thoughts: I simply admire Lopez' ability to juggle being a mom (a fierce mom at that) and her career as a singer/actress. Cheers to balancing work-home life! 

Photo Credit: Glamour

Lady Gaga Covers [British] Vanity Fair, September 2010

Style Notes | The girl who dares to take all sorts of fashion risks, Lady Gaga, covers the September cover of British Vanity Fair, the Style Issue!

Wait just one second. I think Gaga's naked. Can't wait to see the full spread inside! In case you're wondering, the cover was shot by Nick Knight. 

Bring on the September issues! 

Photo Credit: The Cut Blog