Meet Moya Stone, a freelance journalist specializing in fashion and writer for Examiner.com and fashion blog – OverDressed for Life.
Q. My top story for today?
A. Last year I wrote a feature for the San Francisco Chronicle about a period costume event called Gatsby Summer Afternoon produced by the art Deco Society of California. At the Dunsmuir Estate in Oakland, this event recreates a 1920s late summer picnic with a Great Gatsby theme. I’m preparing to write about it again this year from the perspective of an attendee. For my fashion blog – overdressedforlife.com – I will write a first person account and include how I put my 20s outfit together, what it’s like interacting with other attendees, and my overall impression of attending such an unusual fashion event.
Q. My dream assignment?
A. I dream of interviewing British journalist, Joan Bakewell. Ms. Bakewell was a late night interviewer on television back in the 1960s – the first woman, I believe. I’d like to ask her what it was like to be one of the few women in television journalism at that time and if she used her femininity on the job as an advantage. What role did fashion play in her work? Was she ever the victim of discrimination or sexual harassment and if so, how did she feel about it?
Q. Wackiest story?
A. I’ve had a lot of strange things happen in pursuit of stories, but the wackiest story was a Q&A I did with a closet for 944 magazine. I went into the penthouse closet of a wealthy businessman in San Francisco, sifted through all his expensive clothing and built a Q&A around what I saw in the closet and my interaction with the man. The trickiest (and most enjoyable) part of this assignment was creating the voice of the closet character. The voice had to be quirky and humorous but not too obnoxious. It was a fabulous exercise in journalism, fiction, and creative non-fiction.
Q. PR Pet Peeve?
A. Ignored e-mails. I know it’s now accepted, but I still find it rude not respond to legitimate business e-mail messages. It is particularly bad form when one has an established working relationship with the sender. The thing to do is respond right after reading the message, even if it’s just a quick note acknowledging receipt. Good manners are always a plus. (My tip of the day.)
Q. Top trend of interest?
A. I don’t think this is really a trend (yet) but I’m fascinated by the growing movement among young men to dress well. When I say dress well, I’m talking quality suits and ties, slacks and wingtips, tweeds and even hats. Some men are moving away from sloppy jeans and flip flops and adopting an old-school look of a gentleman. I am interested in what has inspired this shift and what it says about these rare young men.
Q. Something about me.
A. I am a freelance journalist specializing in fashion. In addition to writing features for local newspapers, I write a fashion column for Examiner.com and a fashion blog – OverDressed for Life. On my blog I cover current fashion issues, but I also have a page called Mom’s Closet where I share stories about my mother and her fabulous style and clothing from the 1960s.
Moya Stone
Freelance Writer
examiner.com/fashion-in-oakland/moya-stone
Moya – thanks for your spot-on blog and for contributing to Backtalk. I agree with you – not responding to emails in a 24/7 business world is not only rude – but unprofessional. No matter how busy you are, it’s important to always acknowledge people in the work world. Also, as a professional businessman, I take pride in my Ted Baker, Etro and Paul Smith ensembles. I’m astounded especially in Silicon Valley when people look like they stepped off the hobo train. I can’t wait to read your next blog entry and will be avidly checking out Overdressed for Life. Cheers, David
I too appreciate the trend of young men dressing well – it’s the Mad Men inspired look, very savvy. I wonder what is in store for women’s fashion – leggings are out I’ve heard. How will us San Franciscans survive?! I look forward to continuing to read your blog to find out the latest fashion insights. Thanks! Tarah
Thanks, Moya! I so appreciate your fashion point of view. I was recently having a conversation with a colleague on how the new working generation doesn’t seem to see anything wrong with wearing jeans to an interview—your fashion insight could definitely come in handy for recent college grads and young professionals looking for jobs. Your blog is my new daily obsession—particularly your recent Statement Coats for Fall 2011 post. 🙂
Moya, thank you for sharing a bit of your world with us! Loved your interview with the closet. A good closet’s all a girl really needs (plus a good jacket, if you live in San Francisco!). -Jordana
Thank goodness you’re there to give all the nice details of the Gatsby picnic to those of us who can never seem to actually get there. You do a great job with your fashion articles and my wish for you is that you get YOUR wish to interview Joan Blackwell. How many letters and phone calls have you made so far? 🙂 What can we all do to get her to say yes?! Good luck!