How to be Miranda Priestley's assistant

Following the success of Things I have learnt from Legally Blonde a while back, I thought it was about time I shared some of the important lessons gleaned from one of my other favourite films: The Devil Wears Prada. I started off trying to use moral messages learnt from the film, but I decided it was way more fun to create a guide for how you can become a successful assistant to the editor-in-chief of a glossy magazine.

Missing a phonecall from Karl Lagerfeld can cost you your career

If you don't know how to spell Gabbana, people will just hang up on you.

Don't drink the punch at a designer's party - it's lethal

Everything you wear has been chosen for you by a small group of editors and stylists

It isn't scientifically proven, but apparently cellulite is one of the main ingredients in corn chowder

You'll take what Nigel gives you and you'll like it

It's useful to know Patrick Demarchelier's number off by heart

We all have those times when we want to slip into a dress which is just that little bit too small. All you need is a little Crisco and some fishing wire...

A brilliant outfit can increase you in anyone's estimation. Even Gisele's

There is a balance to life: when your personal life is hanging by a thread, that's a sign you're doing well at work.

Fashion is not about utility. An accessory is merely a piece of iconography used to express individual identity... and it's pretty


This is a Shu Uemera eyelash curler. Try to remember that and maybe you won't embarrass yourself in the beauty department

If you don't like the person you are becoming, just walk away. Preferably towards a fountain you can throw your phone into.


You know what they say. Tiny man. Huge ego.


When an editor views a designer collection, there's a scale. One nod is good, two nods is very good. Smiles are rare. If she doesn't like it she shakes her head. Then of course there's the pursing of the lips, meaning catastrophe.

All images are not mine and property of Universal I imagine