BWA Chats To: Lauren Brain, founder of The Cut and Paste

Lauren Brain is fast becoming a rising media star. Based in Melbourne Lauren has secured a regular radio gig, as well as work across fashion titles like Fashion Journal and StyleHunter.com. Lauren was also chosen as one of the faces of L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival in 2012 and has been featured by the likes of Vogue, Marie Claire and RagTrader.

Tell us a little about your career path?

I’ve always worked in radio – ever since I graduated from Newcastle Uni with a Journalism degree. In 2005 I started at a local radio station before making the move to Melbourne, where I landed a job with the ARN network, going on to become the breakfast newsreader for Mix 101.1. After about 3 years I switched to Nova to replace Carrie Bickmore. That was in 2009. Wow – that long ago?! The interest in fashion has always been there, but it wasn’t until last year that I launched my own site – www.thecutandpaste.com/

What inspires you creatively?

I’d say I’m most inspired by ambitious people. I love to hear success stories of successful young women forging great careers for themselves: it pushes me personally. And on the creative side, I’m also really inspired by simple, beautiful images. I could spend all day clicking through pinterest, tumblr and street style blogs looking at creatively styled outfits. I just love how individual style everyone’s style can be!

Do you have any style icons?

I adore risk-takers like Anna Dello Russo, Miroslava Duma and Christine Centenera, probably because I’m drawn to wearing print and colour, as they tend to.

On the more classic side – Diane Kruger, Blake Lively and Kate Bosworth can always pull off that polished but still a little bit edgy’ look that’s really hard to achieve. They’re also massive babes!

What are you most passionate about?

The things I’m most passionate about are probably the things I do: fashion, news, and keeping up with the world. I also feel really strongly about making my own path in life, and not relying on others to get me there. I always make time in life for a great laugh and catch-up over a meal with friends and family, and of course – of course, my wonderful bf Steve.

If you weren’t doing your current job, what would you be doing?

I’ve always said I’d like to be a makeup artist! If I had to go back and re-train for a new career that’s what I’d love doing.

Do you have any advice for other young women at the beginning of their career journey?

Oooh, a lot of pressure with this one!

My best advice is also the most simple. Just work hard. Be pleasant, reliable and honest – be someone memorable to have around. The media can be a very tough industry to crack – so when you get a foot in the door you need to be remembered for the right reasons. I also tell young people looking to become journalists that you should never think a job is beneath you. Aim high – of course – but realise it might not be instant, and you will have to work your way up – like everyone else has.

What can we expect from you in 2013?

A few things are happening for me this year. I’m just begun a new fashion/lifestyle column in Fashion Journal magazine which is incredibly exciting! Then I’m always working on the blog –trying to keep the content new and fresh. Work-wise I’m finding myself more and more involved in content on the breakfast show – but I never EVER know what form that’s going to take each day. I work with Hughesy and Kate (Langbroek) – and it can be a bit of an unpredictable circus!

Your wardrobe staples?

Seeing as we’re in winter – it’s the Melbourne staples of jeans, jackets and boots. Skinny jeans, (I love AG and Topshop Motos), boyfriend jeans (Nobody and Current/Elliot do great ones) leather jackets, ankle boots by Gorman, Senso and Tony Bianco, and accessories. And how incredible is this label (www.lackofcolor.bigcartel.com)– I need one of their hats!

Your beauty bag must haves?

Klornane Dry shampoo, my savior! Skincare-wise, I have incredibly sensitive skin so I use an Australia-made brad: Moo Goo – which contains no alcohol, chemicals or other nasties. I’ve recently started using a sher mineral foundation by Curtis Collection that’s really nice, I also love Muk Argan Oil hair products, and L’Oreal does the best hair spray.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Oh dear, I’m not a ‘planner’. I have no idea! Hopefully, happy and well-travelled, with a house and family of my own, a job that brings me pleasure (and an enviable walk-in wardrobe!)

If you could have breakfast with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

If I could round up all my friends who live in far-flung corners of the globe for coffee and croissants in Paris – that would be pretty special.