Miami Student

Issue date: 8/21/07 Section: OpEd Page

I have seen the real world, and let me tell you, it's got nothing on Miami University.

I returned to campus this fall after being away for far too long-I spent last semester studying abroad in London, then the summer in Washington D.C. And by the summer's end, Oxford-and even (gasp) classes-never looked so good to me.

In fact, by the end of the summer I was so eager to return to school that I found myself dreaming about red brick buildings and sharing the merits of a Cheesy Clinton with the people in my office (who did not seem to understand the deliciousness associated with putting a slice of pizza inside a grilled cheese).

Now, that's not to say I am not grateful for the experiences I have had since leaving Oxford last December.

My program in London combined classes with an internship, so before I knew it I found myself reporting every day to the fashion section of The Daily Telegraph, one of the major newspapers in London.

I quickly fell into a routine of answering the phone, "Hello Fashion!," sorting designer and high street brand look books, dealing with public relations agencies and unpacking the enormous amount of carrier bags that came into the fashion cupboard each day.

And although my working life quickly turned into some bizarre combination of The Devil Wears Prada and The Hills, it would be wrong to say that I left The Telegraph without learning a couple things.

For example, I knew that semi-ethnic scarves, tied in the manner of the designer Balenciaga were a must have, that the proper length for leggings falls somewhere a little below mid-calf (depending on the height the person) and how to turn a trench coat into a fashion statement.

However, between frantically running to Victoria Station to get shoes re-heeled, ironing the entire Kate Moss Topshop collection before it hit stores, and trying to get rid of public relation people who swear we still had that snakeskin and leaf print Diane von Fursteneurg catwalk design, I got to have a little fun.

To begin with, the fashion cupboard, where I had my desk, was any girl's dream. If left with nothing to do, it was the perfect opportunity to try on those impossible-to-get Chanel bangles, see how I would look in that new Chloé jacket, and test out some LK Bennett peep-toe pumps.

I also was given the opportunity to assist on a couple of the fashion shoots-my favorite one centering around what to wear to a wedding, which was shot both in a studio and outside in front of London's Southwark Cathedral.

Continued...

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