Ask Chris

Ask Chris

Ask Chris Benz: How Can A Non-New Yorker Build A Fashion Journalism Resume?

Dear Chris,

My name is Emily and I’m a college freshman–I know I still have time when it comes to finding a future job but am also well aware of the importance of internships. I’m a journalism student and my dream is working in the fashion industry in some way or another. Unfortunately I go to school in Oklahoma, which isn’t exactly a hotbed of fashion magazines. What can I do to build my resume while I’m still an undergrad and unable to travel to NYC? I’m interested in learning all I can about fashion in general, and your help is greatly appreciated!

Emily

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  • Chris Benz
  • Tuesday, Jun 28, 2011 / 4:20 PM
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Ask Chris

Ask Chris Benz: How Can I Move From Intern to Paid Employee?

Hi Chris,

I, like most fashion-obsessed college seniors, read your posts on Fashionista RELIGIOUSLY. I truly admire all of the help you are giving to young people looking to break into the industry, especially because I am one of them.

Luckily, I have been able to intern with great companies and get close to my bosses, where I gained tremendous experience working with editors and stylists. I am nearing the end of my college education (time is speeding by so fast I can’t remember what season we’re actually in!), and I am not sure when and how to begin looking for a full-time job. I scour the career websites, only to find offers either for internships or upper-level management.

What suggestions do you have for young people about to enter a tough job market and an even tougher fashion industry?

Thank you!

Best,
Mark Baldino

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  • Chris Benz
  • Tuesday, Jun 21, 2011 / 3:30 PM
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Ask Chris Benz: How Can a Small-Town Girl Break Into Modeling?

Dear Chris,

I am 12, but I look 15 or 16. Everyone has told me to be a model/designer all my life and I believe I want to start looking now. But I live in a little town named Conway, in South Carolina. We aren’t known for anything but being country. I was born in Washington D.C, so I know a little about fashion but I have no idea how to approach the modeling world or anything like that. My mom is very supportive and all but she has no clue either. What can I do to get noticed, and put myself out there?

-Gracie

Dear Gracie,

Oh the mercurial world of modeling–nothing if not full of twists, turns, scandals, and triumphs.

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  • Chris Benz
  • Wednesday, Jun 8, 2011 / 6:30 PM
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Ask Chris Benz: Can You Explain the Crazy Fashion Calendar?

Dear Chris,

Every time I go to Style.com it feels like there’s another fashion season taking place. Pre-fall, resort, pre-spring…how do you keep up? And why are the seasons broken up like that?

–Avid Reader3

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Ask Chris Benz: Can You Help Me Score My Dream Internship?

Dear Chris,

I’m an 18-year-old community college student, working as a sales associate at a high end clothing store. It’s a great experience and I’m learning a lot. I’m thinking of expanding my fashion knowledge and possibly interning with a stylist. But I don’t know how to go about asking for an internship. I found one stylist I’m absolutely in love with, but I don’t know what to say in the email, or even if i have the qualifications!! I’ve only been at this job for a few months, and other than being a huge lover of fashion for the past few years, this job is my only real fashion experience. Advice? Suggestions? HELP! I really want this internship, if there’s even one available!

Daniel.

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  • Chris Benz
  • Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 / 3:00 PM
  • 1 Comment
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Ask Chris Benz: Help, I’m Lost in London!

Dear Chris,
I’m a first year international marketing student at a university in London. I really want to pursue a career in fashion marketing, but unfortunately my uni does not offer internships for the first years students–not even advice.

How can I get into the whole London fashion vibe other than shopping? Do you know what an inexperienced but determined, fashion-loving girl can do?

Cheers and Thank you.

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  • Chris Benz
  • Tuesday, Jan 4, 2011 / 4:30 PM
  • 2 Comments
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Ask Chris Benz: How Can I Add Pizazz–Sans-Sequins–to My Holiday Outfits?

Dear Chris,
I want to look festive at my holiday parties, but I am so not a sequins kind of girl. Any ideas on how can make a cocktail dress look season-appropriate?

Dear No-Sequins-

I absolutely love the holiday season for all of the reasons you have written into the column. It’s full of parties, sparkle, cocktails, and festivities! There are so many reasons to get dressed up and feel dazzling. A little bit of rhinestone, a little piece of fur, or a shiny patent accessory can holiday-ize even the most reserved look. I think that this time of year, it’s about piling it on – collars, necklaces, bracelets, headbands, bows, nail varnish, a glamorous shiny lip. What better time to dress yourself up like a present than the month where you might find yourself under the mistletoe?

That little black dress that’s been hiding in the back of your closet can make the foundation for a terrific party outfit.

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Ask Chris Benz: Color Me Beautiful, Please?

Chris,
I’m new to the fashion world as a fashion photographer and I’m working at a high fashion retailer, and I wanted to know how to match colors with people skin tones. What colors go well with light medium and dark skin tones?
FilmsterBen

Dear Filmster Ben -

We joke about it all the time at the studio, but if you want to invest in some home-grown 1980’s fashion knowledge, get yourself a copy of Color Me Beautiful immediately! I remember reading this as a kid to great discovery that I was an “Autumn.” Also makes for hilarious dinner conversation.

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Ask Chris Benz: How Do I Move From Wall Street to 7th Avenue?

Dear Chris,

I’m currently a second year MBA student and a big fan of your column on Fashionista. I was working in financial trading for a few years and discovered that I hated it. So I came to school and realized I wanted to put my talents to use in fashion, which I love. However, the industry is really hard to penetrate and it feels like MBAs are not valued. Do you have any advice/suggestions for people who do not have a pure fashion background but would love to get into this industry? Any advice or even a word of encouragement is greatly appreciated!!!

Thank you!!!

J-MBA

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Ask Chris Benz: Help Me Find the Perfect Pair of Pants!

Dear Chris,

Thanks for answering my letter! Anyways, I love that pants are “back” for fall, but I’m not sure what style to try. Are there any that you’re particularly fond of right now?

Yours, Currently Pantless

Dear Pantless,

Pants are a basis for much of our collection, and I love them for many different reasons…. Whether it’s a swishy pajama pant, a severe cropped matchstick, or a loud floral trouser, pants can play to so many different figures and tastes.

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  • Chris Benz
  • Friday, Nov 5, 2010 / 4:30 PM
  • 1 Comment
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Ask Chris Benz: How Can I Make My Vintage Wardrobe More Modern?

Mr. Benz,

I hope that this finds you well. So, I’m a vintage addict. My closet is filled with second-hand clothes, particularly stuff from the ’50s and 60s. I love the styles, but I’m sick of looking like a girl from my mom’s yearbook. Literally. Your clothes are sometimes vintage-inspired, but they look modern, too. Do you have any ideas of how I can make my look more modern without relinquishing that vintage flair?

Dear Vintage Addict -

So many of my friends are vintage addicts, too, and growing up in Seattle during the grunge years, there wasn’t ever a spare moment that we weren’t combing the Salvation Army and thrifting for fuzzy old cardigans and crumpled prom dresses.

There are are few sure-fire ways to make vintage pieces your own and a bit more modern.

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Ask Chris Benz: How Do I Become a Hair Stylist For Fashion Shows?

Dear Chris,

I so badly want to work as a celeb hair stylist and style hair for fashion shows. I am a recent Paul Mitchell Grad who worked very hard to be where i am at today. I’m 25 and a single mother of one, but I refused to let anyone or anything tear me down. I was determined to finish school no matter what cause i knew if i was able to finish cosmetology school, endless opportunities would come. I understand that I don’t know it all and I’m hungry for more knowledge every day. I would love it if you could help me out and share with me some tips to reach my goals!

Thank you,
Lawanika

Dear Lawanika,

You sound like you have the best sort of dedication a person can have. The best you can do in this life is work very hard, be nice, and learn something new everyday.

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