Early Christmas present...

So after a week of sleepless nights, deadlines and a corrupt laptop I'm finally free. All work has been handed in and I'm home on the lovely Isle of Man for Christmas. I've got time to relax and forget about university for a little while....so imagine my surprise when I receive an email from one of my lecturers telling me I've won £250 worth of Republic vouchers!!

It all started in September when I began my Marketing module. We were told that we would be put into groups and we were to complete a project detailing new marketing strategies for two companies. When Republic got in contact with the university and explained that they would like to be used as a live company for five groups I jumped at the chance and my group decided to go for it. Thankfully, we were one of the chosen groups and we were taken to the Republic headquarters for the day as explained in my previous post.

When we were compiling our research together and deciding on new objectives and strategies I completely forgot that we were actually entered into a competition to win vouchers. I became so involved with the work and I felt that the experience was rewarding enough!

I was so pleased with our final project and I think we all felt that no matter what mark we received or whether we won the competition or not, we had been successful as a group and had really enjoyed working together. We'd put in so much effort but I never would have thought we'd come out on top!!

After the stress of the last couple of weeks this could not have come at a better time! It just goes to show that hard work really does pay off and I'm so happy. It has made my week....no, wait....it has made my YEAR! Any doubts I had about my capabilities and my work have disappeared and I feel like it has all been worth it. Plus, who isn't going to be happy with a brand new wardrobe?!

I'm so glad I made that first step back in September, putting our group forward. Looking back, I can't believe we were successful in being chosen, never mind winning the entire thing. It's so unexpected...I'm still in shock! I've included a few pages from our project below.

So, thanks to my lovely group and Republic, I now have £250 to spend on my favourite thing in the world...CLOTHES! I hope my group members enjoy choosing their new wardrobe as much as I do. Well done guys :)


Now where do I start....

xxxxx

Jodie does that blogging thing....

So I've finally set up a blog! I'm still new to this whole thing but I'll use this space to say what I've seen and loved during the week and anything I've been inspired by. And who am I?? I am a fashion student at Leeds University and I am currently in my second year. Everything's different this year, the biggest thing being that not only do I have university work to focus on, I have to perfect my CV and take every opportunity that comes to me in order to find placements for my year in industry. Having to suddenly decide what I want to do is scary but exciting....I never knew the fashion world was so big. I want to do everything, from design and trend research to journalism and marketing.

Second year is tough but so rewarding. This week we've had visits from Caryn Franklin, a co-founder of All Walks Beyond The Catwalk and an all-round fashion specialist, and from Colin McDowell, the famous fashion journalist. Both visits were insightful and inspiring. They're both the type of people you'd love to sit down in Starbucks with, listening to their many stories about the likes of Marc Jacobs and Miuccia Prada!

Today, I had the chance to visit the Republic Headquarters in Leeds with my Marketing group to work alongside them on a live brief. It was intriguing to hear about the ins and outs of the entire business and everyone there was so enthusiastic about their jobs. I even managed to sneak off and discuss ideas with the Womenswear designers of Crafted and SoulCal!

These opportunities have been so thought-provoking and have broadened my mind even further to the possibilities a fashion degree can provide. I just can't wait to get out there and put it to good use!

So its a new year, a new room, a new love of new fashions and don't forget...a new blog.

Is it a new me? We'll have to wait and see :)

x-x-x