Just before fashion week (read my New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 coverage here), the wonderful Ammara Yaqub invited me to a panel in which she was participating with Harper’s Bazaar at Saks Fifth Avenue. The event celebrated the anniversary of Saks’ Wear Now floor. My excitement grew when I found out that Harper’s Bazaar’s editor-in-chief Glenda Bailey, fashion stylist Mary Alice Stephenson, and fashion designers Elie Tahari and Alice Temperley would also be in attendance.
Harper’s Bazaar is the first fashion magazine I subscribed to in middle school. I eagerly anticipated its arrival each month, and breaking the plastic wrapping to find a stunning cover felt like a little piece of Christmas. The magazine helped me to realize my love of trends, and the editorials helped me develop my eye for photography.
To me, Glenda Bailey is on the same level of awesomeness as Superman. The magazine is amazing under her supervision, and I never fail to read her Letter From The Editor because it always feels so personal. I was determined to meet Glenda and thank her for the contributions she’s made to my fashion career.
I’d also be seeing Elie Tahari. The first designer piece I ever owned was a black Elie Tahari pencil skirt (purchased at the Poughkeepsie Salvation Army — I’m a sucker for thrift stores), and to this day it continues to be one of my favorites.
When I arrived at Saks, I instantly felt out of my league. (I look forward to the day when I can attend a fashion event and not feel like a dorky 17-year-old, but I think I’ll always feel like that in some way.) Fashion people started filing into the fifth floor, so I grabbed a seat and started reading the latest issue of Harper’s to keep myself occupied.
At long last, the panel began. Nothing too groundbreaking was said; questions from the audience included “What are the top trends for fall?” (answer: red and pointy-toed heels) and “What are the benefits of shopping online?” (Answer: not having to deal with rude store assistants.) I loved hearing Glenda’s stories about her work at the magazine. She was straightforward and genuine, and it’s easy to see that she’s a very loved and respected editor. Mary Alice Stephenson even became emotional while discussing her work with Glenda and the kindess that Glenda showed her when she was getting her start.
I was nervous once the panel ended. Would I be able to meet Glenda? What would I say? I chatted with one of Elie Tahari’s PR girls and we agreed to take photos of each other with Glenda. Finally, it was time: “…Miss Bailey?”
I told Glenda how much Harper’s inspired me and how it helped me become who I am today. She listened intently and thanked me, saying how grateful she was to hear my words. Then it happened: “Thank you so much,” said Glenda. “Also — you’re very Bazaar to me.” DID THAT JUST HAPPEN? screamed the voice in my head. I nearly toppled off my heels.
You see, having Glenda say that I was Bazaar is the equivalent to Shaq saying you’re good at basketball, or Einstein telling you that you’re smart. It was like she had given me a Harper’s Bazaar stamp of approval, and that meant the world to me.
I thanked my new friend Katya (Elie Tahari’s PR girl) for snapping my picture with Glenda. Just when I thought life coulden’t be any better, she introduced me to Elie! I told him that about my experiences with his brand and how much I loved his collections. He’s a hilarious person, and it was so awesome to speak with him.
Heading back to Grand Central, I felt like I was on cloud nine. Meeting Glenda and Elie has been one of the highlights of my year, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.
See below for a photo gallery.
About The Girl in the Check Scarf:
Sarah Justine is a 17-year-old student/fashion blogger with nothing to wear, who reads The New Yorker, and schemes of going to Paris. She’s been blogging daily for three years at www.thegirlinthecheckscarf.com, and in March of 2012 she was named “One Of The Top 10 Bloggers Under 18” by guestofaguest.com. She is a TED attendee, fashion and technology geek, aspiring trend forecaster, and constant wearer of black clothing. She is currently a senior in high school and resides in Poughkeepsie, NY.
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