Getting articles published

I always wondered how you got a article published in a magazine. Then one day I just decided to write a article and submit to some of my favourite magazines. I decided on something that was relevant to the publication and that I was interested in. I took my time and wrote what I thought I would want to read, I then bit the bullet and emailed them with the article attached and waited.... and waited and then got a few emails back, lots never got back to me and I remember one very rude email back from a online magazine (Emerald Street)- which made me laugh at its level of nastiness, I emailed back saying 'Thank you so much for the effort it must of taken to email me back and for taking the time to read the article" I always have the saying in my head 'Fuck em and eat them'.

One article I wrote was wanted by two different magazines, which was just crazy, so I was requested to write a whole new article for V&Oak magazine.

What is surprising is that the majority of editors and sub-editors are just lovely and appreciate you taking the time to write a article.  

I have had two articles published in national magazines Vintage Life magazine and V&Oak magazine. It was lovely feeling seeing something in print and I felt proud - my mum bought ever copy in North London.

My advice is tailor a article that is relevant to the magazine, be polite and don't be afraid if you do not hear back from them, just dust your self off and write another article.

Nearly two years ago

It was nearly two years ago, that I first got the keys to Painted Black a shop that had been empty for nearly two years. It had been lots of things in the past from a Dry Cleaners to a Knicker shop. Those two years have not taken long to go by and the shop looks completely different. We have had over twenty bands play in store, art house performances, vintage markets, our clothes used for shoots for national campaigns and television shows, famous clients and some of our article published in national magazines. 

We have learnt about buying habits the perils of summer and the importance of new ideas and having time off. Shop Dog Rose has settled into being a career girl and now demands love from customers. We have achieved lots and still have lots of ideas we want to full fill. This time two years ago I was alone with Shop Dog Rose, there was no power in the shop I sat on the dusty floor with a screw driver and felt content and excited. It has been hard work of course, but it also been the most fulfilling experience of my life to date and I have made some of my closet and best friends through the shop. Roll on the next two years and all the new adventures Painted Black will go on.

Some of our pieces in the 2013 Autumn Dune Campaign (dress and jacket)

Canadian opera singer Hayley Westenra in one of our vintage gowns she loved it so much she bought it