The Travelista Featured in Marie Claire, October 2017

I’ve been involved in an exciting project recently and it’s something I am really proud to share with you all! Back in June I was contacted by Marie Claire to see if I would be interested in being involved in one of their new advertorial campaigns with homeware specialist Dunelm Mill. They explained that the campaign was going to be spread throughout 3 winter issues of Marie Claire and that they were looking for one influencer to feature across all 3 issues.

At first I was a little confused as to why they approached me, seeing as I don’t blog about interiors and am by no means an interiors expert. But it turned out that they were looking for an influencer who has also recently become a homeowner (which I have), so they thought that I fit the bill perfectly! I felt flattered to be approached by one of the biggest glossy mags in the UK and after a little back and forth, I accepted the job with a big fat yes!

The project involved two shoot days in London, one in July and one in September. Prior to the shoots, I also had to pick my favourite interior products from three different Dunelm Mill ranges that I would love to style my own home with. These products then featured in the shoots and were styled by the Marie Claire interior experts. The images in this post were taken for Marie Claire’s October Issue, which is out on UK newsstands now.

SHOP MY DUNELM PICKS
Teal Heron Cushion // Green Faux Feather Cushion // Gold Charm Cushion // Pineapple Foil Cushion

My First Photoshoot Experience

As a blogger much of my job revolves around creating content and taking photos, but until this project I had never been part of an official magazine shoot. I didn’t really know what to expect the day I turned up to the first shoot and remember feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement. I was told to turn up to a private address in Stratford that Marie Claire and Dunelm Mill had hired out as the shoot location. As a renovated chemistry lab, it was one of the most characterful and quirky private homes I had ever stepped foot in. The high ceilings huge central living space made it a perfect place for an interiors photo shoot. Whoever lived there definitely had an eye for detail, and for design.

The house was already a hub of activity when I arrived and both of my interior ‘sets’ (for the October and November issues) had already been set up the day before. I could see that both sets featured my favourite Dunelm Mill items and furniture, which all looked incredible in such a stylish home. As instructed, I arrived with no make up on and freshly washed hair so that the make up artist had a blank canvas to work with. I met the make up artist and the stylist who were both lovely, and made me feel much more at ease. I couldn’t believe how many people are involved in a magazine shoot.

I am so used to the DIY nature of blogging so it felt really strange having so many professional people doing so many things around me (there was a make up artist, hair stylist, clothes stylist, director, photographer and more). Unlike blog shoots where I am in total control of the aesthetic, the make up artist and stylist had to create a look for me that would compliment the aesthetic of the interior shoot and the Dunelm Mill products. Every tiny detail was thought out and approved by the artistic director. It is a whole different ball game compared to blogging and in a way it felt nice to surrender all creative control. It definitely took the pressure off and meant I could just enjoy the day.

Being comfortable in front of a camera definitely helped when it came to the shoot itself. At this point I fell back in to blogger mode and kept moving slightly with every shot so the Photographer didn’t have to give me too much direction. I think I could have easily allowed myself to feel overwhelmed by the whole situation but I keep it together and found the confidence I needed to just own it, and for that, I am proud.

It was an amazing experience to be part of and I am so happy with how the photos turned out. You’ll find me in the October, November and December 2017 issues of Marie Claire UK, so be sure to pick up a copy!

SHOP MY DUNELM PICKS
Top to Bottom
Teal Textured Trinket Jar // Grey Geometric Ginger Jar // Pineapple Trinket Pot // Gold Cocktail Shaker // Gold Mirrored Star Ornament  

What did you think of my Marie Claire shoot story? Have you ever experienced anything similar? I would love to hear your thoughts so please leave me a comment in the box below. Jess X 

This is NOT a sponsored post but I was paid a fee to be take part in the Marie Claire X Dunelm Mill advertorial campaign.