Deputy Editor & Fashion Editor at U magazine, Waterford gal Deanna O’Connor talks trends, dogs and her obsession with French Vogue’s Emmanuelle Alt…
Tell us about your career path to U Magazine?
I started my relationship with U magazine many years ago, freelancing as their sex columnist! I actually did Business and Languages in college, so after a few years of floating, I went back, did a post-grad in journalism and had started on staff of our sister magazine Woman’s Way before I had even done my exams. I then went on to our other sister mag Irish Tatler, and then finally landed back at U mag.
What did you want to be growing up?
A member of Abba, a ballerina, a fashion designer and Madonna.
My big break?
It was a friend who worked at U mag years ago that asked me to start writing for them. I can’t imagine what gave her the idea – I’m sure I hadn’t written anything but bad teenage poetry before that!
Two adjectives to describe your style?
Thrown together.
Style or Trends?
Although I write about trends all the time, I don’t really jump on the trend bandwagon. I TRY and buy things I really love that will last me a long time – but my inner magpie sometimes gets the better of me.
Today I’m wearing…?
A very Chloe-esque cream blouse from a Spanish store called Bimba y Lola, cropped indigo jeans from River Island and gold sandals from Faith. I have a really cute little bag from Bimba y Lola too (I’m going back to Spain soon and plan on buying that shop out). And my trusty mirrored RayBans.
Style icon?
Emmanuelle Alt from French Vogue. Want her wardrobe. Try to chant ‘But would Emmanuelle wear it?’ to stop myself from buying crap!
Favourite trend this season?
I think the 1970s look with flares and satchel bags is great – it’s just so easy to wear.
Favourite beauty product?
Too many to choose. I’m a big fan of Bare Minerals make-up. And my perfume, Eau de Merveilles by Hermes.
Can’t live without?
I think I could do without about 99.9% of the stuff I own (hoarder alert!). Maybe a clothes brush, because my dog sheds a lot of hair!
What’s a typical day?
At the moment, work, work, work, go for a run with the dog, collapse with exhaustion.
Toughest part of my job?
I’m a finely tuned magazine machine! Tis no bother to me…
Favourite hangout?
The beach. Any beach. I grew up in a house where I could see the sea from my window, so I like to be near it any chance I get.
Your perfect weekend is…?
About three days longer.
Last time you laughed out loud?
About five minutes ago in work. The banter in our office is good.
What’s on your iPod?
I do music reviews, so a LOT is the answer. My two new faves are Gotye and Lana del Rey.
What advice would you give anyone trying to break into the business?
Intern and be prepared to work hard for no money. If you’re good, once you get your foot in the door you’ll get a break eventually.
If you could write your ideal job description, what would it be?
Could I just be Emmanuelle Alt please? I’d like to be French and very leggy and wear Balmain every day.
Pix courtesy of Jonny Savage.
