Self Service Magazine

Years ago I used to get stacks of glossy fashion magazines in the mail. That was back when I actually had the time to read 10 magazines a month and the money to spend on such things, or that's what I told myself anyway.

Now, I'm down to 3 magazines a month. (sigh!) As soon as they come I read them cover to cover, then I wait anxiously all month long for the next ones to arrive.

Sometimes I fantasize about spending Sunday morning in bed with a pot of tea and a stack of Vouge from all over the world.........sounds amazing right?

Not realistic!

My reality: 30 minutes, a cup of tea, and my ipad. I am discovering all sorts of amazing online magazines that are just as beautifully photographed and styled as the real thing. Plus, no wasted paper....I'm saving the earth and getting my fashion fix, all at the same time.

Self Service Magazine is a Paris-based fashion and cultural biannual. The above images are from the last issue. I love the simplicity of the site and magazine layout, and am especially smitten with the close up and cropped shots. I like that you are getting a small glimpse of something, sort of like a peek. It seems more abstract to me and not so literal. A piece of hardware on a bag or a color combination on a shoe can inspire a whole outfit from your closet, instead of attempting to duplicate an entire look.

The magazine is great, but the blog might be even better!

Categories include: the break, the daily obsessions, the essentials, the go-see, the next, the now, and the then. Brilliant! (I wish my blog could be so clever! note to self, work on that.) The essentials section is comprised of short notes made by various people in the fashion industry, basically a list of what they believe to be essential. Examples: Hannah Macgibbon, creative director of Chloe, Sophia Coppola, film director, Claudia Schiffer, model, Emmanuelle Alt, Vogue Paris, and so on.

Anyway, enough gushing. I am clearly obsessed with it. Check it out and let me know what you think. Also, know of any other great online mags? Have a great holiday weekend!

all images: self service magazine