The Style Sample » digital magazine

Miss Independent

tamia — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:15:30 +0000

For reasons I probably don’t (or maybe I do) need to explain, I’ve developed an obsession with independently published magazines, especially the artsy-fartsy/fashion-y ones run by a small group of passionate people.

I understand the commitment, the dedication, the long hours, and the attention that goes into even the tiniest detail. I’ve experienced the frustration when contributors don’t follow through, the elation when the final product is finished, the nervous jitters that invade your stomach (can someone explain why this happens?) when an issue is released into the wild of the general public, where everyone can see and judge and criticize.

I read this interview at Stack.com (if you haven’t checked out this service yet, do it now. I’ll wait.) and absolutely had to get in touch with Bec at Blanket magazine to find out if she was spending time camped out in my head. It’s so reassuring to know there’s someone out there experiencing the same things and struggling with the same issues.

Blanket magazine’s current issue and website

I have a tremendous amount of heartfelt admiration for indie magazine publishers–really, independent creatives in general, because I know how much energy and dedication goes into producing something so deeply rooted in personal aspirations. There’s a really interesting (to me, anyway) section in Blanket called Soul Publishers, where the editors speak to a selection of independent magazine publishers about what they do and why they do it.

Bec was really lovely and responsive, and even invited me to meet with her group of indie publishers in Manchester–which would be great, save the cost of flying to England. Though, come to think of it, I haven’t been to the UK in a while…

I’ll likely start reaching out to other independent publishers more often. I’d like to offer the kind of encouragement and positive feedback that’s gotten me through many a difficult time. Might as well spread the love, right?

Do you know of any other indie magazines I should check out? I’m practically obsessed.

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From Sunup to Midnight

tamia — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:54:37 +0000

I’ve been workin’ (workin’) day and night on the upcoming issue of Style Sample magazine, out on October 6th. I’m almost finished with the cover–all the text is there, but for some reason I feel the need to tweak it a bit. Something is niggling at me…maybe the colors. Any suggestions?

I’m also trying to get revved up for my birthday this Sunday! I’m not really in the mood for a big ol’ bash, just a nice dinner with the ‘rents and FriendBoy. I’m feeling more chiiiilllll, you know? I like to think this is a sign of “maturity” as opposed to old age. It’s probably old age, though.

Of course, I accept all cash, checks, major credit cards, and birthday wishes should you be so inclined…

How very subtle of me. Teehee!

You’ll like these, too:
Such a Tees
The White (and Black) Stripes
Style Sample Magazine Issue #2

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It is done.

tamia — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:47:14 +0000

Hark, the first issue of Style Sample Magazine:

Click and open in full screen mode for the “full effect.” Links in the magazine are active, so explore and enjoy!

While you’re doing that, I’m off to take multiple naps and catch up on The Young and the Restless…

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Excited/Exhausted

tamia — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:51:09 +0000

Putting the final touches on the magazine! Here’s the cover:

I’ve been such an absentee blogger lately. I promise I’ll change… Scout’s honor*!

*Even though I never made it past Brownies. Seriously, camping? Outside? With bugs? Have we met?

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Work Style: Take Flight

tamia — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:14:00 +0000

This jumpsuit was yet another goodie I dug out of the trunk of my car. I want to sew some sparkly Michael Jackson-inspired patches on this sucker so badly. Just call me Maverick!

Vintage jumpsuit and clutch, army surplus belt, Giuseppe Zanotti heels, Claire’s earrings.

*Posts will be a little light this week since I’ll be working on the magazine. Cross your fingers for me!

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Style: What I Would Wear…

tamia — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:04:41 +0000

Every now and then (ahem: daily), I allow myself to indulge in a bit of fantasy online shopping. It rarely results in an actual purchase given the pathetic status of my bank account, but it does fulfill a somewhat creative, extremely shallow need: The fantasies are all about meeee!

Most involve a full-fledged production (highlighted script and secondary characters optional) including location, set design, and a complicated lighting scheme–no direct overhead lighting in my daydreams!

This go ’round, I’m rushing around the city of London (perhaps inspired by Marian’s ” A Day in the Life” feature for the upcoming magazine issue?), hopping on and off the Tube, dashing into Selfridges to pick up an accessory or two, and speaking in a really bad faux-British accent. In this particular delusionary vision, I’m wearing:

1. Dries Van Noten blouse, approx. $695 at Brown’s Fashion 2. Wendy Nichol earrings, $150 at Stars & Infinite Darkness 3. Jimmy Choo heels, $950 at Net-a-Porter 4. Vivienne Westwood shorts, $674 at la garconne 5. Lisa Jayne Dann trench, $412 at asos.com

Am I the only one who does this (lie to me, mmkay)? What do your fantasy fashion scenarios look like?

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Style Sample Magazine

tamia — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:24:41 +0000

A while ago, I posted about an idea for a magazine for and about fashion bloggers. Well, due to a combination of much-appreciated encouragement and extreme willfulness, I’ve been pushing forward and hope to publish the first issue in April thanks to some very generous and talented blogger-friends.

I am extremely excited/hopeful/stressed/fired up/nervous about this project, and have been vacillating between feverishly scribbling down ideas about all the possibilities and trying to focus on producing the first issue before I become completely delusional.

I’ll keep you up to date on how things are going, and will continue to post news and info over at the other blog. In the meantime, please know that I cannot even begin to express how much I appreciate your encouragement and support, and will do all I can to return the favor someday!

Thank you!

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Hmm…What do you think of this idea?

tamia — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:08:57 +0000

I’ve been obsessed with fashion magazines since I was 10, now online mags have taken over my already depleted sense of reason.

Initially, I thought about condensing the posts on this blog into a monthly “digital digest,” but now I’m thinking I’d like to spread the love a bit and include other bloggers. Everything can’t always be just about me (I know– I’m just as shocked as you are).

Since there are soooo many lovely/thoughtful/stylish fashion bloggers, and since there’s a magazine for darn near everything else under the sun, why not create a mag for and about fashion bloggers? If anyone loves the spotlight, it’s us!

There’s more background info on the other blog, a screenshot below, and a quick example here (errr…the example only includes moi, since that’s all I have to work with!)

What do you think of the concept? Any ideas? Suggestions?

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