I WANT THAT JOB: LOGISTICS COORDINATOR AT MARC JACOBS

regine strikes a very pretty pose. we are living for that roland mouret inspired dress and that fierce lipstick!

new york - blaynistas if you are currently in college, please be super nice to your friends. you know why? because one day, they will grow up to be super fly fashionistas working at marc jacobs and living a fabulous life. in fact, it will be so fab, that you will beg them for an exclusive interview on your daily fashion blog. that's exactly what happened to me. i've known ms. regine lahens since the age of 17. even back then, she was a self-assured, elegant young lady and the years have done her well. today she is channelling on that chic into her job at marc jacobs. she sat down with shavon greene, one of my wonderful reporters, to talk style, career, and her burning desire to be a writer.

why does this shot remind us of the juergen teller ads for marc jacobs?

shavone: do you care to give your age?

regine: 25

shavone: where were you born/raised? regine: Brooklyn, NY

shavone: where did you attend school? interned? what led up to your current position?

regine: I graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Communication and Rhetorical Studies. I actually wanted (and still want) to be a writer and ended up interning for a boutique PR company with the goal of writing press releases for emerging brands. I ended up hooking up with one of those brands, a shoe company called Detny where I reluctantly fell into the business end of fashion. After 2 years as the Operations Manager for Detny, I was ready to take on a larger name and lucky for me Marc Jacobs snatched me up.

shavone: i understand you are currently a coordinator for Marc Jacobs, which i bet entails many things...please elaborate on your position? what are some daily duties? who do you interact with? how many hours do you work?


regine: I am actually the Logistics Coordinator for Marc Jacobs International so I coordinate (obviously) the global shipping of Marc by Marc Jacobs Ready-to-Wear and Accessories as well as Marc Jacobs Collection Accessories. So, day to day work consists of monitoring the movement of thousands of units a day and hundreds of thousands of units per season. That's just a normal day. During market my team is responsible for getting the samples for the shows, even if it means flying to Italy to get it ourselves. I work closely with the production teams-the girls who get the items you see in stores produced in bulk. Do I get to work with Marc? No, I'm not that lucky but I do get to see him a couple of times a season :)

shavon: what have you learned from working for a major designer like Marc Jacobs?

regine: Nothing is impossible.

shavon: working for a designer like Marc Jacobs, i can imagine all the fab clothes...describe your typical outfit for the office.

we love this pose too! this chic gives good face!

regine: It's a pretty laid back atmosphere but it definitely encourages me to express myself however I want, whether I'm feeling pin-up and I wear a pencil skirt, sweater and platform pumps and bright red lipstick or I'm feeling up to the minute chic with high waisted wide-legged denim trousers,ankle boots and chunky jewelry. It's a great environment for experimenting.

shavone: so besides Mr. Jacobs, who are the designers you have been eyeing lately?

regine: Proenza Schouler...love it!

shavone: for someone hoping to model your steps...give me a checklist of 3 do's and don'ts in your field?

regine: 1. Do take advantage of every opportunity given to you. Don't think you're above dirty work...stay humble. 2. Do find a mentor or someone who'll show you the ropes and allow you to pick their brain. Don't be afraid to ask questions 3. Do share your ideas or suggestions in a constructive way. Don't ever take "No" for an answer

shavone: thank you so much for your time, but I have one more favor: - i heard you were an avid reader of The Blay Report..tell us why you love it!

regine - Besides being written by my old college comrade, The Blay Report is wittyas well as informative. Whether you're a budding fashionista or a stylesavant, The Report has got you covered.

SMARTS, STYLE AND A SIZZLING HAUTE JOB: STEPHANIE SCOTT HAS IT ALL

new york - so usually, i like to keep these blay report exclusives for wednesday's, but really stephanie scott, public relations director at luxury skin care line 3Lab Cosmetics is totally worth breaking tradition. besides a fabulous job and an amazing personality that inspires us, scott is also full of spot-on style and career advice. she held nothing back during the recent interview that t.b.r reporter danielle prescod had with her. check out the dish on everything from her favorite labels (tracy reese, anyone?) to what customers can expact from 3Lab ("nothing but the best!")

beautiful: a portrait of stephanie scott in black and white

So we know your name, but care to tell us your age? A lady never tells…

Fair enough! We try not to tell either. So where were you born and raised? Englewood, NJ

We love that city! Where did you go to school? SPELMAN COLLEGE. I majored in sociology with a concentration in media studies.

What's your current job and title? I am the Director of Public Relations for 3LAB, Inc.

You have a fabulous job that probably a million people want. What did you do to get where you are? I work hard and I work smart. I started working in this industry at a young age making smart sacrifices – like skipping the nightclub to assist stylists at fashion shows - that would allow me to learn the craft. I let my passion lead me to excel.

stephanie in one of her trademark dresses.

Being young and successful in this industry is no easy feat. How do you dress yourself (mentally and in actuality) for the work place? I try to present myself professionally in all situations so that others will in turn treat me professionally. I look young and upon first impression, some people have equated that with being inexperienced. But when they see how I work, they realize that that’s not the case. I try to be humble in everything that I do and work hard to achieve the goals. As far as my attire, I love dresses and being feminine so I’d say that I’m probably in a dress 98% of the time. I like to have fun and enjoy myself – even at work.

clearly, the lady wasn't lying when she said she likes to have fun!

Who are your favorite designers? Where to begin…I’m not a “label” person but I have found a few designers that make my eyes light up. I love almost anything and everything Tracy Reese, Diane Von Furstenberg and Christian Louboutin.

What is your guilty fashion pleasure? Hair accessories. I have really long sometimes curly, sometimes straight super thick and healthy hair and l-o-v-e pretty hair accoutrement. I’ve also got my eye on those new Gucci loves NY bags. So cute!

We've got our eyes on those too Stephanie. If you buy it first, let us borrow it! So, what are your style secrets? When it comes to style tips, I’ve been lucky and have had the pleasure of learning from the best: style expert Lloyd Boston. So I keep it simple, dress what fits – not the number inside the garment, and take one thing

off before leaving the house. Also, I make sure that I pamper myself with monthly facials, massages, going to the gym, etc. If you don’t feel good, you won’t look good no matter what you put on.

How has your job impacted your personal style? Luckily for me, I work in the beauty industry so I’m still able to feel like myself when I dress for work opposed to a corporate uniform. I am comfortable at work and I think that people get a genuine sense of who I am and who they are speaking with as a result. Also, I wear more red – our company colors are red and white.

thank god for lace front wigs! if not we'd be extremely jealous of stephanie's luxurious, healthy, beautiful head of hair.

What is your typical day at work like? No day is e

ver the same but on any given day, my time is spent on the phone with editors or celebrity makeup artists talking about our products, writing up new marketing concepts and managing pr for our global business (in addition to Barneys New York and Saks, we just opened up in Germany, Selfridges in the UK, Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong and 2 Lotte Department stores in Korea in the past four months).

How does it feel to make the transition from student (or intern) to employee? It felt great, nothing feels as good as your first paycheck out of college. It also felt right and very fulfilling to be able to do what I wanted to do not had to do for work.

What can you tell us about the new line? 3LAB is a luxury cosmeceutical brand available at Barneys New York (barneys.com) and Saks Fifth Avenue (saks.com). We have our own R&D facility where make and manufacture our products - 20 in total including our key products WW Cream, “h” Serum and WW Eye Cream. This Spring, we will be launching our Perfect Repair, a new serum which contains the highest quality and highest quantity of stable Vitamin C on the market. It’s already been written up in ALLURE and is very exciting!!!

What can customers expect? Nothing but the best.

THE G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S LIFE WITH NICOLE KMIOTEK: FASHION P.R GIRL OF THE YEAR

her elegance is matched only by her professionalism and talent. here, nicole raises a toast along with her cute guy friend.

new york - time flies when you love your friends! i can't believe that 2008 marks the fourth year i've known nicole kmiotek. we met during my days as an intern at instyle magazine where i was doing double duty reporting on a brand new boutique in the meatpacking district. nicole, 24, wasn't even representing the company, but some how we just met and fell in instant love. the connection isn't too much of a mystery though, i adore bright, beautiful, accomplished and driven women - and nicole is all that and more. the fordham university graduate is a true new yorker: born and raised in long island, and educated and working in new york city. she's shot quickly up the ladder in the last few years and today she is a fashion account executive at renowned pr agency, the krupp group where she represents amazing designers. she sat down with one of my fabulous reporters, danielle prescod to dish about style and success.

the blay report (tbr): you have a fabulous job that probably a million people want. what did you do to get where you are?
nicole kimiotek (nk): INTERNSHIPS! My first job at d2 publicity was a direct result of me working hard at my internship there. I started at the company as an intern, was hired part-time my senior year in college and then was hired full-time upon graduation. I loved working there and never minded going the extra mile because I was so passionate about the job and the people I worked for.

pretty girls keep pretty friends: nicole, on the right, with a close friend. both look fabulous!

tbr: being young and successful in the fashion industry comes with a lot of territory. How do you dress yourself (mentally and in actuality) for the work place?
nk: I think the key to success is feeling comfortable in your own skin. Embrace who you are and confidence will exude, plus people tend to gravitate towards others who have a strong sense of self. When it comes to dressing the same rule applies. Pick clothing that reflects your own sense of style and that makes you feel like yourself but 100 times better when you wear it. The best pieces in your wardrobe should have the power to immediately transform your mood when you wear them.

tbr: who are your favorite designers?
nk: Currently I am obsessed with Lake & Stars vintage inspired lingerie. They have a beautiful bodysuit that can be worn alone in the bedroom or with a pair of wide leg trousers for a cocktail out at night. INHABIT will be forever my favorite label. I could wear ever day not only because the cashmere used in most pieces is ultra soft but the cuts are both modern and sexy- drop dead gorgeous! I also love MINT jodi arnold and Eventide for sweet, sophisticated dresses to get me from the office to dinner this spring and Sang-A's luxurious, exotic leather bags! I am ready to break the bank on her arm candy!

nicole maintains her sexy on the dance floor. we love it!

tbr: What is your guilty fashion pleasure?
nk: Purchasing way too many dresses for special events rather than practical pieces…sometimes I think going to dinner should require a red-carpet creation!

tbr: What are your style secrets?
nk: Buying beautiful, quality basics that will last season after season and a few great trendy accessories each season to update your look.

tbr: How has your job impacted your personal style?
nk: I have never been much of a jewelry girl but since I have started at Krupp Group I find myself lusting after cocktail rings from clients like Irene Neuwirth and big beautiful hoops from Phillip Crangi!

tbr: What is your typical day at work like?
nk: There is no typical day! My favorite days are during market season when you have the privilege to present your clients collection to editors and stylists and see them get excited about the new designs. Once and while I do crave a day where I can plow through emails and jet out for a lunch with one of the amazing editors that I have both a personal and professional relationship with- always fun to get to know someone better when you work with them so often!

tbr: How does it feel to make the transition from student (or intern) to employee?
nk: Landing your first job gives you an amazing sense of accomplishment (and a healthier bank account J ) but is also wonderful because it opens a world of new opportunities and challenges. It is your first foot in the door so make sure you are wearing great shoes!

CARLY ZIPP: THE DASHING DIVA DISHES ABOUT WORK, STYLE, AND HER PAST AS A SUPER INTERN

new york - sometimes life isn't fair. it's one thing to be young. another to be beautiful. and yet another (and total rareity) to have a fabulous job. well carly zipp, 25, has all three. and if she wasn't such a phenomenal person to boot, we'd have a really hard time liking her. but she is! that's exactly why we had to scoop the vanderbilt university grad for our latest edition of "i want that job." as the public relations guru for both real simple and essence magazines, the washington d.c. native, does double duty getting the magazines we love the attention they deserve. but what did it take to get there? danielle prescod, my ace reporter, sat down with carly on a brisk new york day to investigage....

carly is getting enjoying the san diego sun in this photo...

You have a fabulous job that probably a million people want. What did you do to get where you are? Oh man, well this is a little bit of a story so hope I don't ramble too much. I decided to take a year off after High School. I went to a really intense high school both socially and academically (the movie Mean Girls was based off the book that was based off of my high school if that gives you any reference!) and just needed a year off before going to Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN. I decided to intern at the local Top 40 radio station, Z104. At the time, Billy Bush (the co-host of Access Hollywood) was the main DJ and I worked under him and the morning show as a morning intern. I'd get up at 4:00 AM and drive 45 minutes to sit at the station and I'd be their little "go to girl", so any time you hear the radio and they're having some moron do something ridiculously embarrassing on a morning show – that was me. After about 5 months, a new radio station came on the scene called Hot99.5 and it beat out Z104 in ratings; they were looking for a fun midday DJ to act as a sidekick to the host and they had heard about me at Z104. I came in and got the job. So for the rest of my year off I was the DJ and co-host of this "girl power" midday show on the hottest Top 40 channel in DC; we had male beauty pageants, fashion shows, hosted weekly club events, concerts, etc. Through that I met so many amazing people in the entertainment and music industry, and decided to continue with it. The summer after my Freshman year, I went back to Hot99.5 and helped out with the midday show but also interned at CBS in the White House bureau. It was really fun to see another side of the media – they sent me to cover a lot of protests on Capitol Hill and even presidential footage, but I knew hard journalism was not for me. Anyway, I formed a great relationship with the Executive Producer at CBS and she took me to New York with her one day to meet Dan Rather and the whole NYC CBS team. I loved New York, and she knew I wanted to be in entertainment. At the time, Viacom owned CBS and MTV networks and so the Executive Producer made some calls on my behalf and got me an interview with VH1. I landed an internship in the booking department for VH1 and the summer after my Sophomore year interned as a booker for I Love The 80's and I Love The 90's – which means that I helped the booking department to get the comedians and washed up celebrities booked for our shows. It was quite an experience. I became very close with my department and they recommended me for a job as an MTV campus representative, which I did my Junior year at Vanderbilt. It was fun! I basically got to work with MTV to tell them the trends on campus, and then give my friends free MTV swag. The summer after Junior year I was hired as a summer associate in the booking department and worked again to book the comedians and secure some on-air talent. I met a lot of fun celebrities (actual stars, and then of course people who used to be cool) but the best part was how close I became with my department. So, come Senior year my bosses at VH1 got me an interview with CMT (oh yes, Country Music Television) in Nashville – another Viacom connection – and instead of most of my classes I interned for school credit in the publicity department. It was the first time I was introduced to being a part of the press, and I loved it! I mean yeah, I don't have a passion for country music, but it was really fun to be able to publicize events and upcoming shows on the station. I loved it. The highlight of CMT was walking Orlando Bloom down the red carpet for the premiere of Elizabethtown. I'm a sucker for accents. My biggest project was working on the Miss America pageant, which CMT took over. Talk about fashion faux pas. So by the time I graduated, I had an idea that I liked publicity. I had met so many people along the way that by the time I started interviewing, I had so many contacts that I was able to choose the best offer I received – which was at Time Inc!

we are loving this gold and white dress. and loving carly's dance moves even more.

Being young and successful in the fashion industry comes with a lot of territory. How do you dress yourself (mentally and in actuality) for the work place? Sassy. I like what I wear to reflect my attitude – and everyone expects me to come into work everyday as this young, cute, bubbly girl with edge. That's how I try to dress. Yesterday my coworker said I looked very "Jackie O. meets Katie Holmes" – I try to go for that!

Who are your favorite designers? Miu Miu, Ted Baker, Karen Millen, Theory for the basics, Madison Marcus, Foley + Corinna, Cynthia Steffe. Julie Haus in also my fave designers. She has the most feminine dresses!!!


What is your guilty fashion pleasure? SHOES! They make of break an outfit in my mind. And oh to splurge on a good pair of heels every now and then…yum.

What are your style secrets? Accessorize lightly but with nice pieces. You can be wearing some old t-shirt from a vintage store and jeans you bought for $40 in the early 90's, but if you accessorize with a hot bracelet or sassy bag (there I go saying sassy again), you're golden.

carly strikes a pose a vegas.

How has your job impacted your personal style? Definitely has forced me to step up my game. I keep up with the trends (mainly because I publicize them!) but never go overboard. My mom always told me "the trend is your friend", but I like to be trendy-classic.

What is your typical day at work like? Typical? Ha, I wish any day was like the next. I am responsible for building TV segments off of articles and for publicizing (and working) our large events, so on any given day I'm pitching producers and reporters, running around the city getting samples and props, dressing up for events (most recently we had a Weddings event to promote our new book – I was a bridesmaid), or writing press releases and scripts. Oh, and dancing. We have a radio in the office that gets cranked any time a good song comes on. It's the DJ in me.

How does it feel to make the transition from student (or intern) to employee? Bittersweet. I LOVED college. Loved the theme parties, the carefree attitude and making bad decisions, loved even my classes (yes, I still keep in touch my professors – nerd alert). I loved being the big fish in the little pond. Being in the real world is scary, definitely tiny little fish now! But I really like where I am at, both professionally and mentally. I have worked really hard to move up in the industry and it has paid off!

I WANT THAT JOB: MURDER INC R&B SINGER/SONGWRITER

new york---if you were watching b.e.t yesterday then chances are you have fallen in love with ashley joi, the beautiful, buxom detroit native who sang background on ja rule's latest single: body. the young beauty is - according to me and everyone who can see - the new princess of murder inc (clearly, ashanti is no more after the mess gotti has been saying about her. but i digress. this is a fashion, not an entertainment blog.) she is also an incredibly gifted songwriter with a serious music and fashion background. check out this exclusive interview i copped with her. (don't you love my reporting skills!!)

...and trust me, she's just as beautiful in person!

Your Name

ASHLEY JOI

Your Age

22

Your Occupation

SINGER/SONGWRITER

Where Are You From?

MOTOWN BABY!!! DETROIT :)

How did you get into the Music Industry?

I MOVED TO NEW YORK TO PURSUE A CAREER AS A SONGWRITER AND I JUST POUNDED THE PAVEMENT AND NETWORKED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO TRY TO GENERATE SOME TYPE OF BUZZ ... AFTER ABOUT A YEAR, I LINKED UP WITH MEGA PRODUCER 7 AURELIUS AND HE NOT ONLY EMBRACED ME AS A WRITER BUT ALSO SAW THE VISION OF ME ACTUALLY BEING AN ARTIST... HE TOOK A SONG I WROTE TO IRV GOTTI AND IRV LOVED IT AND SIGNED ME SOON AFTER!

What was it like recording the single Body?

BODY WAS FUN!! IT WAS A REAL RELAXED ENVIRONMENT BUT THE STUDIO WAS BRIMMING OVER WITH A VERY EXCITING ENERGY... BODY IS JA RULES FIRST SINGLE IN A COUPLE YEARS SO EVERYONE WAS ANXIOUS FOR THE WORLD TO HEAR IT!!

Tell Us More About Your Debut on BET'S ACCESS GRANTED?

BODY IS MY VERY 1ST VIDEO AS A FEATURED ARTIST AND IT WAS DIRECTED BY THE INCREDIBLE HYPE WILLIAMS! IT WAS SUCH AN HONOR TO WORK WITH ONE OF THE BEST DIRECTORS ON MY FIRST SHOOT... ACCESS GRANTED WAS THERE TO DOCUMENT AND CAPTURE THE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE BEHIND THE SCENES AND THEY WILL ACTUALLY PREMIERE THE VIDEO ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2007.

How does it feel to be you right now? Are you Nervous? Excited? Scared?

I AM EXTREMELY EXCITED!! I HAVE BEEN WORKING TOWARDS THIS MOMENT FOR A FEW YEARS NOW AND I AM THRILLED THAT MY DREAMS ARE COMING TRUE :)

So what's next after this single? Is there an album coming for you?

WELL I AM 1/3 OF IRV GOTTIS NEW GROUP FROM DETROIT... MY GROUP MEMBERS ARE STEFANEE & LA'JAY AND WE ARE IN THE STUDIO NOW WORKING ON OUR PROJECT WHICH IS SET TO BE RELEASED IN 2008, SO BE ON THE LOOKOUT!!!

Where else can readers learn more about you and hear your music?

CHECK FOR ME AT WWW.MYSPACE.COM/MSASHLEYJOI

And since this is a fashion blog - you have to tell us! - what are your favorite stores and labels?

WELL SINCE THIS IS A FASHION BLOG I MUST ADD THAT I OWN A JEWELRY DESIGN COMPANY!! WWW.DONNAD.COM MY MOTHER IS THE DESIGNER AND HAS BEEN DESIGNING JEWELRY FOR OVER 30 YEARS.... SO I GREW INTO QUITE THE ACCESSORIES FANATIC!

What's a classic Ashley Joi outfit?

HHMMM... MY CLASSIC OUTFIT WOULD BE VERY FITTED D&G JEANS, GUISEPPE SANDALS, A WHITE WIFE BEATER & DONNA D JEWELRY!!!!! MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT WWW.DONNAD.COM

I WANT THAT JOB: BEAUTY EDITOR, GLAM.COM

india and i strike a pose at my surprise going away party. (more pics from that this weekend.). do check out her daily blog glamblush!

this section used to called career chronicles. but forget that! i'm changing it to "i want that job," because that's more to the point, right blaynista's? so without furter ado, let's focus on india jewel jackson - the fabulous india jewel jackson - howard university graduate, international stylenista, and beauty editor of glam.com. let's get in!

your name

India-Jewel Jackson

your age (optional)

27

your location

New York, New York

your title

Beauty Editor

your company

Glam.com / Glam Media

are you passionate about your career?

Yes! What girl doesn’t love beauty products?

what inspired you to pick this?

Actually I kind of fell into this position. While in college, I was an aspiring fashion editor. But during my last semester in college, I came up to NYC to interview at a leading women’s fitness magazine for a highly coveted summer fashion intern position, and unfortunately I didn’t get it. As luck would have it, I also had a chance to sit down with the beauty editors of the magazine while I waited for my real interview to begin, and they actually hired me a few days later! Three years, three more internships, and two editorial assistant positions later, here I am.

did you go to college or trade school for it?

I actually went to college for Fashion Merchandising, and I minored in Media (radio/TV/film/journalism). I knew I wanted to be in some aspect of the fashion industry, and this combination of my education seemed like the perfect fit into fashion journalism, so I fused them together and pursued it. It must’ve been fate.

what does it take to get where you are and stay there?

Dedication, determination, and TIME. And an uncanny knack to give unprecedented beauty advice.

what do you love most about what you do?

It’s simple: I haven’t paid for a beauty item since 2004. Toothpaste, deodorant, perfume, eyeshadow, lip gloss – I get it all for free! Plus, if a beauty company is launching a new product – I get to see it several months before the general public does. It happens to me all the time – I’m walking down the street, and someone stops me and asks what perfume I’m wearing. I tell them the name, and I politely inform them that they can smell just like me – in about four months time.

what makes your job a challenge?

This career is your LIFE. When working in publishing and living in NYC, there’s always an event to attend, long hours in the office (especially on closing days), cocktails with a publicist, constant research by scouring the competition… it feels like my work day never ends. I rarely have time to squeeze in an hour at the gym. Plus I’m not very organized, so my desk and beauty closet looks like Sephora threw up all over it. I have unopened bottles of perfume that have fallen off of my desk onto the pile of lipstick that fell the day before onto the makeup remover that fell last week…

would you recommend your career path to others?

The beauty (publishing) industry isn’t for the faint of heart, honey. If you love all things beauty, you’ll be fine. But you should know that it’s a mini-sorority, so if you aren’t ready for the cattiness, and to be picked apart by someone higher on the editorial totem pole, you either need to toughen your skin, or look into an alternative career.

finally - because we live for compliments here at theblayreport.com - what do you love about this blog?

Zandile Blay is the author – what other reason do I need to read this fab blog? ;) Plus, I feel it shares fashion news that is pertinent to me (someone who lives and breathes this industry), but also the average girl-next-door can enjoy and prosper from reading the Blay Report as well. Plus with you heading overseas – I’m even more excited. An American in London – you’re definitely about to change the fashion blogging game.

oh! and since this is a fashion blog, we have to ask you a fashionable question: describe an outfit that completely captures your style and personality? ( for the summer, mine was a pair of too-short denim cut-offs, a vintage, see-through victorian blouse, some metallic flats, kimora lee simmons lip gloss and smile.)

For this fall, my signature outfit will be a pair of two-tone 4-inch Oxford booties, dark denim wide-leg jeans and a baby tee shirt, short cut-out leather racing gloves, a pashmina, a cup of Starbucks, dark red matte lipstick, my silver hoop earrings and the ubiquitous NY scowl. LOL!