Third Time Lucky

Well I can finally deliver some good news about my buying career. After nearly 2 years of working towards it, I've finally been offered a Trainer Buyer position! Officially I'll start work on 16th April and cannot wait to get stuck in. What a week it's been waiting for an answer but finally the right one came. In the mean time, if you have any suggestions for first day outfits, I'm happy to hear them!
Lots of love,
VA xxx

How much of success is actually just luck?

Today I spent a gruelling afternoon trailing round Manchester doing research for yet another presentation. Some may think that going round shops looking at children's clothes would be easy as pie, but no, not when you're trying to get an idea of what pure competitors are doing and how this compares to a range you've never worked with before. Now we all know this is the third time in a year that I am going through this process, the second time it's for a childrenswear job. This got me thinking how much of my progression is really down to me and my hard work, and how much is down to luck, circumstance and the ever present, who you know. I realise that in my first attempt I wasn't ready and it was completely fair that I didn't get the job. Then in my second attempt, I had worked so hard, done everything I could and yet still it wasn't enough. To be fair to the interviewer, there were others with more experience, but in my defence, how can I get more of this without giving up my current job and paying my mortgage to replace it with a free month or two or work experience?! Whoever says once your foot's in the door of a business you can move around, don't believe it. If anything, the fact that I already work in the company - even though it's in a completely unrelated dept - means that they expect more from me than any other candidate. I realise I don't have as much experience and so they probably need me to strive harder for it, but really, no one has time to give me this experience when they're already so busy and working long days. I can't expect them to give up their free time to help me, but neither should my office.
Anyway, I suppose I'm preparing myself for the worst, again. Whether I'll have a mental breakdown if this happens is another question. But I will ask this, if I've done everything I can to get all the experience I can, what else is there? Luck. And often the helping hand of someone high up. Fortunately, or unfortunately, for me I have principles. I know, I didn't realise it till now either! But I don't want to be given a job based on someone on high saying they want me to have it. I want to be given the job because I'm good enough and I've worked hard to get it. Its bot like I'm under some delusion that I can do this - last time HR and the interviewer said i was more than capable of the job and would do well. So surely that's only fair that I should get it? Right? I guess I'll just do my best and wait for a phone call.
Lots of love,
VA xxxxxxxx

Nutella and Marshmallows

My favourite pancake filling. Mmmmmmmm it's good. But so so sickly that I only managed one and half last night! Plus one with orange zest and sugar. Yum yum. Hope you all enjoyed your pancakes. Now for something to give up for 40 days... Can't be chocolate, that's just too hard! But maybe crisps?? I've done it before so I know I could do it again. Or maybe what I need is to eat something like this everyday instead of anything with sugar in! Think the weight might drop off a bit easier then! so here's some inspiration, I have to admit these oranges were nearly as yummy as the chocolate and marshmallows! Nearly.
Good luck with your plans for lent!
Lots of love,
VA. xxxxxxxx

Finally!

Well it's finally finished and I have something to show you that I'm truly proud of. Although its not something I designed and the fabric was chosen for me, I can't believe I've done it!! Big smiles all round : )
What to start next?...
Lots of love,
VA xxxxx

On your marks, get set, bake!

Today is my Granny's birthday and in honour of that day, I've made her a cake. We're going round for drinks after tea and having some birthday cake too. As I'd run out of white sugar paste to cover the entire cake, I had to go for regular icing and hope that my decorations would be good enough to make it look worthy! First time making roses... Not quite sure they look like roses but they look pretty either way :) Quite proud for a first attempt but I'll have to practice more once I get my new sugar paste! Anyway, here it is. I'll let you know how it tastes!
Lots of love,
VA xxxxxxxxx

P.S. The Cath Kidston bag is nearly finished. Promise!! Xxx

The bubble bursts

Apologies for my recent absence. I've been fighting for, preparing for, completing and waiting for feedback from my trainee buyer interview and presentation. Unfortunately that ship has sailed and I'm not on it. So I'm back to concentrating on my blog! I'm totally gutted as it was a fantastic job and I felt I'd truly improved from last time. What makes it worse and better all at once is the interviewer thought I was fantastic and has since told me I'm definitely ready for the job. The only reason I didn't get it was because someone else had more experience. But we're getting closer! Could it be third time lucky?? We'll see what HR comes up with next.
In the mean time, I can get back to my day job, my sewing projects and my house jobs. The Cath Kidston bag is very nearly finished-obviously went on hold whilst all this was going on! I'll post some pictures when I'm done.
Hope you all have a fab Friday.
Lots of love,
VA. xxx

Birthday celebrations

Happy birthday to my good friend Laura. We've decorated her desk at work and bought presents, organised a pub lunch and made a cake. Although its not my best work - still have to show you the Christmas cake I made! - its not bad considering the amount of time I had to complete it last night. As soon as I got home I set to making the cakes. But as we were going out with friends, I only got up to the buttercream before it was time to leave. Bring on a late night icing session! Anyway, it's not quite what I hoped but hopefully she'll love it and it will taste yummy!
Lots of love,
VA xxx

Weekend update

I have spent the entire day today seeing my new Cath Kidston bag together. It's a Christmas present from my best girl friends - the book called Sew which contains many patterns and instructions for making all sorts of lovely things and also has the fabric and buttons ready for you to make this bag. Many of you will have probably seen it before but when it's finished - hopefully in the next week - I'll post some pictures for you to see the finished article. So far I think it's the best thing I've made because I've really taken my time and not made many mistakes. The book also has really easy to follow instructions so it's great for people like me who still don't know all the ways to sew. Take a look if you're interested.
Have a great Monday if you can :)
Lots of love,
VA xxxxxxx

Hidden treasures

Don't you just love having a good clean out of your clothes, make up, shoes and accessories?! Last weekend I did just that. And wow I have a lot of stuff! I already knew that but you don't realise quite how much till its right in front of you. As a result, I know have 3 massive piles of items for eBay and some nearly new make up that I had completely forgotten about. For example, this Lancôme Juicy Tubes lipgloss in Strawberry Funk. Absolutely gorgeous! I'd definitely recommend taking a rummage through your cupboards this weekend. Who knows what you might find.
Lots of love,
VA xxx

There's an app for that

A job application. One of the hardest things you will ever do in your career. That, and your CV. Unfortunately for me, this is the second time I've been through this process in 7 months. I just hope this one will be my last for a year or so. I'm applying for another trainer buyer job at my current place of work. As you will know, if you're an avid reader of my blog, I applied for this job on another dept 7 months ago. Sadly I was unsuccessful, but tbh I expected that due to lack of experience. But I've worked hard over the last few months to get more experience and learn more about the job. Hears hoping it all pays off. I'll keep you posted. No doubt I'll need some advice on what to wear if the big day arrives!
Lots of love,
VA xxx

Hello Mr Yves Saint Laurent

I've been trawling the internet looking for some bargains in the sales - preferably some amazing designer heels at ridiculous prices. Unfortunately they were no where to be found. Kurt Geiger offered a decent selection but I was looking for something a little more expensive. As I was wandering the likes of Harvey Nichols, mywardrobe.com and matches.com I found my mouse drifting towards the Shoes - New In page. Disaster. Not only did I find a million and one Laura I shoes I love love loved, but I quite possibly found my wedding shoes. Not that I'm getting married any time soon. But when you see these, you'll understand. For a good few years now I've been in love with the YSL Tribute sandal. Particularly, last year I found them in Selfridges in pale tan. They were gorgeous and ever since I've been trying to find them at a more affordable price. Sadly for me, they were not to be mine. But my love for them drew me to take a look at the new range YSL had to offer for SS12. Then I found these... The YSL Tribtoo. And yes they are gorgeous in black, brown, silver and gold, but look at them in white. Perfect wedding shows or what? At least if I fall when walking down the aisle I'll know I'm showing off some fantastic shoes! Apologies to anyone who buys these after seeing this blog. But if you do and you're a size 6, can I borrow them? Enjoy.
Lots of love,
VA xxx

Love the skin you're in

As part of my new regimes, I want to find the perfect skin care for me. I've been researching a number of makes from Bobbi Brown to This Works to Dermologica to Ren but don't know which way to turn. Atm I use Simple but, even though it does the job, I feel like my skin deserves more. I truly believe that if you look after your skin properly and regularly, you can look like you've been to the spa every day. All it takes is the right product and a bit of effort. Oh and don't forget enough sleep! At the moment I have 2 out of 3. I'll let you know when that changes. For now, take care of your skin. With all this cold weather, it definitely needs some TLC.

Lots of love,
VA. xxxxxx

IPhone Convert

So this morning I set up my new iPhone. As much as I said I'd never get one, when my old phone started to die and the contract came up, I couldn't resist looking in to it and TA DA! Here it is. If you don't have one, get one. Not only does it look good and do lots of helpful things but it has blogger, so now I have no excuse not to write on here at least 3 times a week. Although I must remember my data allowance!
See you around!
Lots of love
VA x x x

New Year, New Me

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year. As usual, at this time of year, we all start pondering our new year's resolutions and trying to put them off as long as possible. Seeing as I'm on holiday this week, I thought I'd best get cracking. So far, I've been to the gym twice this week, have spent very little money and am writing my first blog post of the year. Unfortunately, I'm still battling with the eating less sugar portion of the resolutions, but I'll get there. Another resolution was to get myself a better/happier job. Thankfully for me, I didn't have to wait long for the opportunity. Last Thursday a trainee buyer job came up at work, and of course I very quickly checked with my Manager that I was ok to apply. We'll have to wait and see how it goes! Other than that, the main aim of this year is to be more positive and outgoing with my activities. This include continuing my sewing after 2 course over the last 2 years. I have 2 dresses to complete, a jacket to make, and a number of other things including a kaftan and sarong that I need for my summer holiday! Hopefully, if I give myself an hour or 2 every week, I can get some of these projects done. And with my sewing friend, Jenny Stitches, making things left right and centre, I should have all the inspiration I need! Photos to follow! And good luck with your resolutions. Lots of love, VA xxx - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Home

All my love xxx

Just wanted to say a quick good luck and love to anyone surrounded by the ridiculous riots taking place in London and Birmingham at the moment. I can't believe what is going on and can't begin to understand how you are feeling. But know that we're behind you, we will support you and we will catch those who are responsible. Stay safe and I hope you find somewhere warm to sleep tonight.

Xxx


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Home

The Apprentice

As I'm sat watching The Apprentice The Final Five, I thought I'd give you an update on my fashion career.

So you may not know but I had an interview for a buying job last week. I have to say I was not confident when I came out and at times felt slightly out of my depth. The whole process was an assessment centre with a group exercise, presentation and interview. I did well for my level of knowledge of the job and industry; relatively small compared to people who have done degrees in fashion. But I tried my best and, though I didn't get the job, I did get some great feedback.

Onwards and upwards. I've organised meetings with HR and the buyers involved in my interview in the hope of gaining some relevant experience for my next application.

Watch this space!

Sweet dreams,

Love VA. xxxxxxxxx


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Home

The Palazzo

Today I purchased my first pair of palazzo trousers and god do I love them! lucky for me it was one of those days when I had jobs to do in town and stumbled on the river island sale. Well I wasn't going to walk past and ignore it was I?! Actually I was hoping that a gorgeous sleeveless bright orange top with delicate purple flowers that I had loved all season would be in the sale. Unfortunately for me it was in the sale, just not in my size. So while I was desperately looking around for that, I found these fantastic trousers. They're a gorgeous mauve colour and made of fabric that hangs perfectly. Definitely worth a trip girls!

Lots of love,

VA xxx

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Long time no blog

Apologies for my major absence, sometimes life jus catches up with you and you don't always have time to document it. So a million and one things have happened in my life since we last spoke, I'll do my best to be brief!

The boyfriend and I were taken on a fantastic 5 day trip to Rome by my very generous parents. All I can say is wow. If you haven't been, you have to go. It is a phenomenal city. There's so much to see and do that we could go for another 5 days or longer and not do any of the things we did this time. Must see and my ultimate favourite was St Peter's Basilica. The building is just magnificent and all the artwork and sculptures inside are beautiful. Don't be scared by the queues, they move faster than you expect. I honestly cannot describe the feeling you get when you go through the archways surrounding the square outside the Basilica and see it in all it's glory for the first time. I was expecting it to be fantastic and thankfully it did not disappoint. Of course there are many other sights in the city that are definitely worth seeing; the Trevi Fountain being one, and for us fashion obsessed, the street opposite the Spanish Steps houses more high end designer stores than I think I have ever seen on one road. But beware, if you think London is busy, that's possibly nothing compared to this street.

Moving on, I finally got myself an interview for a trainee buyer position at work. I put my all in to the presentation work and swotted up on the role of the buying department. Unfortunately I don't quite feel like I did myself justice on the day. Still waiting to hear from HR, hopefully we'll be told if we were successful or not by next week.

Will do my best to keep you posted!

Lots of love,

VA xxx

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Home

Something I Love

Just a little message a friend sent me once, and I thought it was lovely...

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken, probably more than once, and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot; who calls you back when you hang up on him; who will stay awake just to watch you sleep. Wait for the guy who kisses your forehead; who wants to show you off to the world when you are in your sweats; who holds your hand in front of his friends. Wait for the one who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares about you and how lucky he is to have you. Wait for the one who turns to his friends and says, "…that's her."

Love

Buying - The Insider Knowledge

I’ve been speaking to some industry experts from various retail businesses about the role of buyers. They had some interesting tips so I thought I’d share with you.

1. Direct fashion buying experience isn’t always necessary, whatever the job advert may say. If you have some retail/fashion experience and want to enter this field, go for it.

2. Sometimes, if you can’t get the job straight away, find another in the business that you can apply for and work your way through the departments from the inside.

3. Interviews are brilliant experience. Whether you think you’ll get the job or not, give it a go. It will give you a great insight in to the kinds of questions you will be asked, and what the interviewers are looking for in a candidate.

4. Ask around, if you know anyone in the business, ask for some advice about the best ways to get experience and get a better idea of what you’re getting yourself in to.

5. Trainee buyer roles are mostly admin, e.g. dealing with post, maintaining a tidy sample room, checking sample colours against the company palette and preparing for meetings.

6. In order to develop a range every season, the process begins with designers and buyers, both of whom visit catwalk shows and go on buying trips to review competitors stock. This allows them to find the best trends for the next season and take away ideas for their own lines.

7. Remember that this job can be very demanding, especially if you move up the ladder and have to go on more buying trips. These can last weeks if necessary so you have to be prepared to be away from friends and family for long periods of time. Aside from the buying trips, it is also a job that requires more than 9-5. You may find that you will have to be in work early, or be expected to stay late on a regular basis, especially in the run up to pre-season selections.

8. Finally, if you have the passion and drive to work hard and succeed in this area, you will.

Hope this helps all you budding buyers!

Lots of love,