"You're writing about fashion?" -- my daughters laughed at me

I have not been in here much because I have been writing a lot lately. And yesterday, I got several assignments from a couple of publications that I had never submitted to or written for.

I got one story they wanted me to turn in within two hours (an advance for a local paper - and it was in today's paper) before leaving the building. And I was also asked to cover an event for them on Sunday -- also for their daily. (will run monday)

BUT, the reason I went in was to talk about writing for the local magazine -- AND I got two magazine stories assigned, both with "Five things to...." sidebars (I'm their new fashion writer!) Woohoo!

Ok, so my daughters laughed. (one of my stories includes do's and dont's and they teased me and asked if i was the don't.) But they really were quite happy for me.

And about an hour later, a dozen long-stemmed roses arrived from my best friend -- congratulating me on my new "journalistic success!"

Definitely in seventh heaven here!

Thank you, all. To be honest, I'm a little scared but very excited of the mag articles. It will require a bit of research and the "how to" sidebars sound fun but scary.... I'm entering a whole new area of writing.

Thanks again. I am just wondering about those sidebars. When you go with "top five" this or that -- how do you really know if they are the top five -- i can ask some fashion experts but i am sure even they will differ --- do i just pick what i like and what i feel really are top five. (I have three different top five lists to make with the articles)

Thanks, again, guys. Exciting too about the newspapers -- I had forgotten that the newspaper from the town next door (about 10 miles away) is owned by the same paper here and my Thursday story appeared in both papers. I'm covering a live event for them Sunday.

As to the glossy magazines -- I can't wait to see my articles in there. That's quite exciting. I've already touched base with a couple of experts. And I'm not clueless to fashion -- I'm a Ralph Lauren - Chaps - and CK girl myself But my kids (who are more abercrombie/roxy/LaCoste/american eagle) just enjoy teasing me.

my story is not due till april 1 on this but i am having the hardest time getting anyone to talk to me (referring to retail establishments) --- all i asked was which of something was their most popular item and they aren't allowed to say a word -- company policy "do not talk to the press"

it's not even like i am asking for a direct quotes -- i just need to find their most popular product. i have gone to five places -- all said the same thing.

i also asked two places if they had any hints on how to care for the item in question (cleaning and storing suggestions) and they could not even tell me!

I may have to wait a couple of weeks and go back in as a consumer -- no notebook in hand -- and just ask and see if they give me any info. But then i can't quote them, so not sure that helps -- other than it might give me some direction as to how to proceed.

i suppose the thing to do is find out where they get the items from and go direct to the sales reps for the area -- they are always willing to market their products in any way they can, right?

any other suggestions? I know i'm kind of vague -- but for the one story in question, i just need the top five most popular items and how to care for them.....

frustrating!

Yes, I am in California.

I always ask for the manager. They are the largest sports-stores in town (chains) but I did finally go also to a local sports store -- there I may have luck, the owner will call me back next week - he was out of town.

The big chain stores did tell me that I could leave my card and they would need to get corporate permission or have one of them call me. I did this at two places and they both said it would take 2-3 weeks. So far, no calls.

You would think they would want their name out there or mentioned in the story. Especially in such a positive way. I mean, this is a cool summer story, not a negative story.

thank you.
that's what i plan on doing.