As a child I used to save up any pocket money I had to buy the latest glossy magazines from my local ( I also bought a lot of food). For years, this fascination with glossy magazines continued right up until I got to University, and then I did a cost-benefit analysis and arrived at the fact that I would rather spend £4 on 2 drinks on a night out (university life), than 100 pages of glossiness.
To understand and learn from the journeys of others
From reading magazines, I was often inspired by individuals in fashion and media that would share their stories. Reading many articles taught me that everyone has a different path to success, and the exposure to stories of different individuals in magazines taught me this from a young age. Magazines were full of stories which encouraged me to follow my dreams, not to lose sight of who I am and teaching me to be the best person I can be. It is and always will be motivational to hear the journeys of other women - and that is what I thank magazines for.
What diversity (or lack of it) is
The Guardian did an investigation into diversity in the media, and the results showed that there whole months during 2018 when not a single BAME person featured on the cover of the U.Ks biggest-selling magazines. Surprising? Of the 214 covers published by the 19 bestselling glossies last year, only 20 featured a person of colour. That being said, there has been progress since Edward Enniful has taken the position of Editor in Chief at Vogue UK. During the month of October (Black History Month), two magazines showcased models of ethnicity on the cover. I’m not going to say that this is great and where it should be in terms of diversity but the world of glossy print publications is progressing and I for one am here for it. AND would you just look at the February ELLE UK cover....
To embrace your own style
Whilst magazines gave you style tips and ensured you stayed ahead of the curve on the latest fashion trends, the style section of magazines catered for a range of body shapes and often featured various alternatives (which was a godsend during my skater boi phase). And whilst we’re on the subject of catering for everyone, the older I got, I realised Magazines were not solely for the fashion followers, but provided commentary on music, travel, art and even social issues. Vogue and Stylist magazine are just two of the hosts of magazines to feature thought provoking journalism - who ever said magazines was just for the fashion fanatics were wrong.
To take life less seriously
Sitting down to read a magazine is not sitting down to read and understand one of Aristotle’s philosophical extracts, and as I’ve grown older I’ve come to appreciated this more. When you’re constantly busy, sometimes 45 minutes of peace and quiet whilst reading a magazine in a candlelight bath is needed to take you away from the realities of life (#MondayNightGoals).
So thank you to the glossy magazine for teaching me some small lessons in life. Is there anything you have learnt from magazines?
Outfit Details
Jacket - Dorothy Perkins (affiliate link)
Jeans - Marks and Spencer's (affiliate link)
Mx 
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