Beyond Vogue: Mixing it Up

Part of working for a PR agency that specializes in media relations requires that you not only keep abreast of the news, but also pay special attention to the different outlets, its editors and reporters (and the comings and goings thereof) as well as the structure of the content, including any special columns or sections. Keeping this mental map of the media landscape comes in handy when trying to figure out where and to whom to pitch your client.

Lucky for me, I happen to have an obsession with magazines. I am, in fact, a magazine hoarder. One trip through my apartment will reveal stacks upon stacks of magazines scattered throughout—stacked on top of and under the coffee table, towering piles on my desk, and archives of issues tucked into nooks and crannies of the bedroom. My tastes don’t discriminate either—I subscribe to everything from Nylon to The Atlantic and New York magazine. One of my favorite things is discovering new outlets, mostly in the fashion realm, but I also love stumbling upon things like good food magazines (Lucky Peach is a great one) or even quirky reads like Apartamento—a magazine that allows us peeks into peoples’ everyday lives and homes (if you’re a voyeur, or love sites like The Selby or The Coveteur, this might be up your alley).

So, this being the season of vacations and summer reading lists, I thought I would share a few of my favorite lesser-known titles for those of you looking for some new reads while you’re lying on the beach, catching a plane, or just spending the weekend reading out in the backyard. If you’re looking to mix things up from your usual Bon Appétit, Vogue, Time or whatever you read, try one of these:

  • Cherry Bombe — Described as magazine that celebrates women and food, this new addition to the culinary mix brings together two of my favorite things: food & fashion. Its first issue just debuted this past spring and features interviews and recipes from the likes of Karlie Kloss, Garance Doré, and Sofia Coppola.
  • Kinfolk — A magazine dedicated to keeping the act of entertaining and gathering alive. This is a new take on the lifestyle genre, and includes stories, recipes and ideas for creating casual, intimate gatherings for small groups to large ones.
  • Lula — Fashion lovers will revel in this UK publication’s dreamy spreads. Its larger format allows for lush, rich images and features some of the most creative fashion editorials out there. The magazine publishes twice a year in Summer and Winter, but is well worth the wait.
  • Monocle — An international news outlet that delivers the latest in cultural, business and international affairs from around the world. Monocle also offers regular podcasts on subjects covering everything ranging from art to politics, film and food.
  • Wilder — Gardeners, horticulturalists and nature and outdoor enthusiasts in general will appreciate Wilder’s take on art, food, travel, design and culture. Not to mention the beautiful photography.

While those are some of my favorites, I’m always looking for new titles to check out. So if you have any suggestions, please share them in the comments!

Paulyn Ocampo

Since joining THP in 2008, Paulyn has helped execute strategic plans for clients like AMF Bowling Centers, Allianz, Tridium, Silgan and The Peterson Companies. A Norfolk native, she earned her undergraduate degree in mass communications, with a concentration in public relations from VCU.

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