We at SMDA wanted to begin interviewing professionals within the fashion industry, starting with the retail sector, in order to provide an inside look at what a career in fashion can realistically look like.
To start things off, we caught up with the lovely Mrs. Erin Porter, an Austin, Texas native and graduate in fashion merchandising of The University of Texas. She got her start at the Lilly Pulitzer store in Austin, Texas as a part-time sales associate; from there, she worked up to the position of store manager in Austin and was then promoted to their retail location in Charlotte, North Carolina, which is one of the company's highest volume stores. After two years in Charlotte, Erin and her husband, Matt, made the move back to Austin; she is currently happily managing the Vineyard Vines store at The Domain in Austin. Below, find some of her insight into the industry, as well as a few pictures of her adventures thus far. Be sure to follow her on Instagram (@erinelizabethporter) to keep up with all of her fashionable happenings.
SMDA: Tell us about
your personal sense of style. How has it evolved as you’ve gained experience in
the fashion industry, and how has this impacted other aspects of your life as well?
EP: My personal fashion sense is drawn from my love of
the glamour and styling of post-war America (1945-1964.) I am drawn to
feminine, printed dresses, red lipstick and pearls. This summer, I helped my
father with the task of cleaning out my grandparents’ home. It was incredible,
as if time had stood still since they purchased their house in 1955. My
Grandmother’s kitchen was a treasure trove of kitschy dishware and appliances
complete with retro starburst contact paper lining her cabinets! My memories of
my Grandma always involve her being dressed up with fabulous costume jewelry. My
Grandmother sewed her own dresses and would make my Grandpa matching neckties
out of the excess fabric.
I know she took a lot of pride in how she dressed,
and I have followed in her footsteps and believe there is an art to the act of
dressing. Believe it or not, there have actually been a few studies conducted that show
some of the subtle ways in which clothing influences others’ impressions of us.
My favorite professor in college always encouraged us to dress up on test days
because she said it gave you more confidence to do well.
SMDA:Where could
we find you outside of work?
EP: You will most likely find me with a camera around my
neck, bothering my cat or husband. Photography is a hobby I learned from my
mother; it’s something I know I will enjoy for the rest of my life. We take for
granted how lucky we are to be able to capture and preserve memories with our
current technology. The most important tip I have learned about photography is
self-editing and deleting the majority of photos I take. It’s more meaningful
if you choose 1 or 2 photos of a special day rather than dumping your entire
photo library onto your social media page.
You may also find me at home curled up on the couch
watching reruns of Bewitched. I am
obsessed with the costuming from the series. Samantha Stephens, played by
Elizabeth Montgomery, was one of the original ‘60s television housewives. Her
style is so classic- shift dresses in all different shapes and colors. I would
swap wardrobes with her in a heartbeat!
I am also fortunate to live in the Live Music Capital
of the World in Austin, Texas. My husband and I enjoy venturing downtown to
listen to new music. My iPod is currently playing Leon Bridges’ album. We just
saw him play at the Austin City Limits music festival. He is a Texas native who
sings soul and gospel. He is definitely worth checking out, if you like 1960s
rhythm and blues.
SMDA: Travel is
such an essential aspect of inspiration within the industry; describe to us a
little about a favorite vacation and how fashion played a part in that.
EP: My husband and I have definitely caught the travel-bug.
In the last year I have visited 18 different states and traveled to France and
England. Travel (and reading!) makes you a well-rounded person, which is
something I strive for daily. I have traveled to Paris twice, and both times I
was swept away in the romance and charm of the city. Every woman should own a
pair of black ankle pants, ballet flats and a printed silk scarf (a la Audrey
Hepburn.) In Paris you can get away with wearing the same all black outfit
every day, and only change your accessories. Oversized dark sunglasses also add
to the glamour.
SMDA: Can you
tell us about when you realized you wanted to work in fashion? Have you ever
considered going into different sectors of the industry or have you always been
sure of working in the retail front?
EP: My cousin, Katie Brannon, was my biggest influence to
study fashion in college. She was two years older than me, and really paved the
way for me to pursue something none of my friends from high school were
studying. I’m pretty sure Katie and I both just aspired to be like Rachel
Green, from Friends.
SMDA: Describe
the internship you participated in while you were in school at UT. How did
it prepare you for working in the fashion industry?
EP: When I was studying at The University of Texas, I was
a four-year member of the University Fashion Group. In March of 2008, I was one
of the members who was chosen to travel to California to work at Mercedes-Benz
Fashion Week in Los Angeles. We worked with the PR firm People’s Revolution,
and helped with the behind the scenes and front-of-house tasks. It was an
eye-opening experience because most aspects of fashion week, and the fashion
industry in general, are not glamorous. We helped to steam and prep garments
for the runway, dress models backstage during the shows, assist with guest
check-in at the front, and most importantly stayed out of the designers’ way.
It takes a lot of hard work to make fashion shows seems effortless. Knowing
your way around a garment steamer is imperative for our industry!
SMDA: What advice
would you give your undergraduate self as you prepared to graduate and work within
the industry?
EP: Brand Culture is an incredibly important aspect of
your daily life in the retail industry. You need to make sure that your
personal values are inline with those of the company you are considering. You
should ask yourself honestly if you feel you can be a genuine representative
for that designer or brand.
SMDA: Can you
describe a time when you felt discouraged or challenged within retail? How did
you deal with this situation and what do you feel it taught you?
EP: It’s very easy to feel discouraged when managing a
team of part-time retail associates who have not committed their career to
retail, and feel like their position is just a stopgap for something
bigger/better or simply different. I have learned that although not everyone on
my team may share my passion for perfectly folded stacks of sweaters or how
therapeutic steaming dresses can be, it is my job as a manager to make them
“professionals.” I am in charge of teaching part-time associates the importance
of being a contributing member to the success of a business. No matter what
they may want to do after college, they need to know the basics of business to
be successful. Accountability, respectfulness, and hard work go a long way.
SMDA: When
interviewing potential associates, what are some of the essential qualities you
look for? Do you have any interview tips to share, and is there anything that
is a definite turn off to you during an interview?
EP: For me, a well-designed, thoughtful resume is a
critical portion of a candidate’s application and interview. There are many
templates available online that you can use to shape yours; you can also check
with your advisor for advice on what you should include in a professional
resume.
A candidate should also have sufficient knowledge
about the company during the interview. They need to know the history of the
brand and should definitely be able to speak to any major newsworthy happenings
within the company.
Finally, always come prepared with questions to ask.
I would honestly prefer you to ask about my cat rather than to say that you
don’t have any questions about the opening. Show interest and enthusiasm by
inquiring about expectations, challenges, and training for the position.
SMDA: Working in
any sector of the fashion industry can be both mentally and physically
demanding; what advice do you have for balancing both a successful career and
social/personal life?EP: Living and believing in the power of a positive
mental attitude is the best advice I have for balancing both. PMA is the
philosophy that having an optimistic disposition in every situation in one’s
life attracts positive changes and increases achievement.
I also think owning a pair of comfy slippers that you
can change into once you get home and off your feet is crucial. My favorites
are the Wicked Good Moccasins from L.L. Bean.
SMDA: What is
your advice to those of us just starting out in the industry? What would you
say are key strategies to moving up within a company, and what qualities do
you believe can give you an edge when vying for a promotion?
EP: Acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses, and
utilize your manager as a mentor. Your manager was hired to coach and train a
strong, capable team. If you are interested in moving up within your company
make sure you are vocal about this to your direct supervisor. It’s also imperative
that you understand what your areas of opportunity are and work on them daily.
You should have an opportunity during the company’s review period to discuss
your achievements and goals. I have always felt so proud of my role within the
store, and it made me feel good when members of my team wanted to grow into my
position. We should always be striving for the next career milestone, and no
one wants to feel that they have reached a plateau without a chance for growth
or new challenges in the workplace.
SMDA: What would
you say is the biggest misconception about individuals working within the
fashion industry? How have you combatted this throughout your personal career?
EP: I think the most common misconception about retail is
that the pay is low. The truth is there is a wealth of opportunities to develop
fulfilling and successful careers in retail. It is true that starting salaries
are low, but this is reflective of many industries. There are many benefits to
working in retail, including flexible schedules and discounts on merchandise. I
also think the best part of working in retail is being surrounded by beautiful
clothes all day.
Erin and fellow UT Fashion Group members, taken from their trip to LA for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
Erin pictured with industry-famous André Leon Talley.
Newlyweds Erin and Matt, captured on their wedding day.
Glimpses of Erin's post-war America styled glamour, complete with pearls, printed dresses, silk scarves, and lipstick in every shade.
Having a whale of a good time at the Vineyard Vines store in Austin.
Xx,
HG Knight
