MYS Reading List: Tongue in Chic Review

Do you dream of working for a top fashion magazine. You may want to read Tongue in Chic first. This insider guide to the fab lane is ruthless and delicious. Kristie Clements, a best-selling author, has done it again. She is known for The Vogue Factor. Tongue in Chic is a funny book that appeals to editors, designers, and fashion lovers around the globe. The book doesn’t follow a specific timeline. It is more of a collection of memories. This is why the chapter titles signify an important theme or lesson. Also, they revolve around a group of people who make the fashion industry run. Some of these people or interchangeable. So it is best to refer to them as the super model, the oracle, the editor. the stylist, and the fashion blogger.

As a fashion blogger, I was taken aback by some of Kristie Clement’s comments regarding bloggers and social media. There is a bitterness that is very obvious. However, she has a point. There is more pressure on editors to portray the women that they publish in monthly magazines. Wall-flowers are forcefully transformed into butterflies. If they don’t, they are scrutinized for staying in their cocoons. There is more. Instead of focusing on the runway, the fashion industry has to stay on top of wardrobe changes and constantly tweeting.

Social media has gotten to the point were people want real-time reactions. In essence, a brands popularity can be impacted by 160 characters. These 160 characters and strategic photos on Instagram has brought some stylist to the spot light. This strikes a nerve, because the fashion industry is close-knit. Social media gurus can by-pass years of apprenticeship and internships to gain national and international exposure through the internet. In a way, I can see why some people would be turned off by it.

Of course, social media isn’t the only thing that pinches a nerve for this author. Budget cuts are an issue as well. In the past, it was common to do on location photo shoots across the world. If editors can set the stage on a backdrop, Owner(s) will push for this method and decrease international photo shoots. Also, the editorial department was larger which dispersed the workload. This doesn’t mean things were easier than. Magazines are print products. They have to be scrutinized and set the tone for the month. Otherwise, sales will flop and consumers will find edgy, sophisticated, and insightful information else were. So, there was still a pressure to create perfection.

Overall, It feels like Kristie Clements is looking at the state of the industry and loathing changes that are out of her control. There are funny moments, and interesting stories. If you can get past the bitter judgmental parts, you’ll enjoy it. If you’re a blogger and/or social media guru, shake it off and keep working towards your goals. Print and social media can coexist.