(member)

08/05/2008 15:07

JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

Ladies, I have just come back with June's W@H and cant tell how disappointed I was with it.

Am I the only person in the world who:

a. Doesnt have my own business.
b. Isnt a professional.
c. Cant afford most of the clothes highlighted in the
fashion items.
d. Not a celebrity, or an ex fashion editor.

There is nothing wrong with being any of the above, I just get annoyed that every month thats really all the team focus on.

Why cant they feature ordinary women, with average incomes.
Better still why not do a feature on a woman who is retired, Im sure there are many of us who would be far more interested in reading REAL INTERESTING stories, instead of stories of celebrities going to rehab, losing weight, talking about their wonderful homes all over the world etc.

They need to GET REAL otherwise I will stop buying the magazine. What do you all think? Plasmo x

(member)

08/05/2008 15:40

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

No, Plasmo, you're not the only one fed up with fashion articles that show handbags at Ł400, "little" jackets at ridiculous prices and shoes the price of a small car. Add that to the weight loss/diet/exercise and the delicious recipes for double chocolate fudge, extra-creamy cake that follows on the next page, and the really good articles get lost.

I appreciate that loads of women are professionals, have their own business, lots of money, take fantastic holidays but I'm not one of them and if I sound jealous, it's probably because I am, but only sometimes.

I'd love to be able to find some really great clothes at a price my small salary can cope with, but these don't seem to exist in most magazines. I've just cancelled one subscription because the magazine became more pages of ads than features.

On the up side, if you hadn't bought W&H you might never have discovered the joys of foruming !

(member)

08/05/2008 15:59

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

Hi Plasmo,
A girl with some down to earth sense!.
These are the very reasons that at one time I stopped having W & H. The trouble was I couldn't find another magazine,(monthly) that either wasn't smothered in adverts,or assumed its readers has a salary similiar to that of a celebrity.
I mentioned this to some friends of mine,and one lady suggested that for fashion, I made an appointment with a personal shopper at Debenhams,F.O.C. She was really helpful. She also put me in touch with a cosmetic lady,who was totally on my wave length.
I am not sure whether this service is still available,but my magic ingredient then,was to go armed with W & H,point out what I liked,and asked if they could make suggestions on my budget.Most times they could,but what's more they were able to tell me whether certain items suited me or not,irrespective of how much I liked them. Thats service, and with a smile and coffee.

(member)

08/05/2008 16:10

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

I love looking through magasines and feel that most have pretty daft fashion pages, but they do give you some ideas that perhaps can sometimes be found in the more reasonable High Street shops. On the whole I find that W&H have got the balance right, I like most of the recipes, and do try them and they are definately achievable!!! I liked the interview with Marion Keyes, she is so funny. I like the articles about women changing their careers and perhaps setting up their own businesses and being their own boss.I wish I could do it. It is the only womans magasine I buy, now the others seem way off! I do buy House magasines too and also Good Food, but do like W&H still.

(member)

08/05/2008 16:12

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

Hi everyone, just back from having coffee with
Brondajune, beautiful hot sunny day, in Leominster.
First time I have meet another forumer!! Great fun.

On the way home picked up W and H, have not read
it, but have taken on board what Plasmo has said,
some months I have not bothered with the Mag, due
to some of the same views now been expressed!!!

But at least I have gained some forum friends.

(member)

08/05/2008 16:47

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

Snap shellseeker I get the same mags as you - spooky or what? x

(member)

08/05/2008 16:56

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

I've been buying the mag for 20 odd years, ever since my MIL lent me hers. Yes it has changed - not so "homely" now which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I agree with you all, it seems to be the same old type of articles/people featured each month. Not sure what I would like to see in their place though.
I subscribe to Good Food and Olive as well, really enjoy them.

(member)

08/05/2008 16:58

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

Good taste then Gemini!!!!! I bought She and Good Housekeeping in my 'youth' but outgrew She and got bored with GH. I have a gift subscription to Good Homes which is just finishing, and sub to Good Food (Tesco deal!) but always buy Ideal Home and usually 25 Beautiful Homes too. I always have a book on the go which I read when I go to bed, but sometimes prefer to dip in and out of a good mag!

(member)

08/05/2008 17:13

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

I agree with your every word Plasmo, I've said the same myself on more than one occasion.

Now and again there are some reasonably priced clothes but on the whole they are usually out of my league.

Maybe they think us ordinary folk aren't interesting!

Ange

(member)

08/05/2008 18:53

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

Totally agree with you Plasmo.I have not looked at this month's yet( and that says a lot).Each month I think I will cancel my subscription but never get round to it.More real stories about real people!! I know we are all getting older but I do think W & H is trying to appeal to younger people and ditch it's loyal and long standing readers.I would welcome a comment from the editorial team!!

(member)

08/05/2008 22:56

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

have to agree with you Plasmo, particularly on the type of women these mags profile. I had the same sentiments on the magazines published in my home country of NZ; always the same faces, same professionals, same women's hangups/issues discussed, to death. Bored me to tears and I find it incredibly shallow on the part of the Editor and editorial team.
Having worked in editorial andpublishing, I know you can discover other people with equally interesting profiles, careers, problems or whatever you want to talk and write about.
W & H will lose their readers if they don't start listneing to their markets.
I used to rush to buy my copy, here in France, but don't now, as I can get quite a lot from the internet, and also enjoy the Forum. But there is something nice about having a hard copy to read tucked up in bed, or in the sun with a cup of cafe!

(member)

08/05/2008 22:58

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

I have a confession to make - I don't buy W&H except on odd occasions on a business trip to help with the boredom of hanging around an airport. The reason is exactly as Plasmo says - it makes me feel inferior! I'm not rich, famous, successful or beautiful. I look at the women in their make overs and think I never looked that good before never mind after. I'm bored rigid with diet features. Their travel features are either to exotic destinations or hotels who's nightly rate I would want to spend for a week!
I must admit I'm a bit sick of womens magazines generally -I've bought Woman & Womans Own for years but have gone right of them - they are obsessed with celebrities, diets and Fern b****Y Britten.
I quite like Prima and always buy Your Home. I also always have a book on the go but having a coffe and dipping into a good magazine used to be a treat - I still have the coffee but the good magazine is hard to find.
BB

(member)

08/05/2008 23:08

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

I used to love W&H as I felt it represented my age group but to be honest I'm probably not going to buy it for a while as Junes mag is boring. I don't think it is aimed at the average woman any longer, the clothes featured are nice but out of the price range of most normal women as are the majority of holiday suggestions.
I'm a real foodie but why can't they approach readers for favorite recipes and include them. The same with holidays.
I think the magazine would have far more reader appeal if it was in touch with its main audience not women who have made mega millions and are company directors.
Look at all of us forumers..........I know several have have been featured but we are all real women (well most of us), it would be nice to think our opinions counted.
Well that's me out of the equation for saying the magazine is boring.............ah well

(member)

08/05/2008 23:18

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

I agree with comments posted. Whats funny though is that Ive been reluctant to post, assuming that you were all the ones who could afford the shoes, bags etc, etc... and lived in the amazing houses and stayed in the hotels costing hundreds for a night. LOL

(member)

08/05/2008 23:22

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

Snap Bonnie Blooming! I too had a subscription on special offer and am really enjoying the forum and meeting 'new' friends through it but the mag. is not of enough interest to my retired 'lifestyle' and bank balance to make it worth having every month. I have previously suggested that the fashion pages should carry comparatively priced clothes...the 'top labels' and then the less expensive (M&S/ Matalan/etc) look alikes. Hope someone from the editorial team is listening. I know I am not the only retired forummer.....always busy and active but less money to spend these days.

Mayday

(member)

08/05/2008 23:28

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

I thought it was just me and all of you other Ladies wore the clothes eat the food and lived the lives that are portraited in W+H so glad you posted this Plasmo I am not alone!!!!!
I only buy the mag on my way to or from Dublin and I buy it because it is a little better than most of the others .
wish someone would bring out a magazine for us real women

(member)

08/05/2008 23:35

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

This is a really interesting thread, as judging by the replies W&H magazine is way off the mark in appealing to us "ordinary" women. I know it doesn't print the celeb tacky stories but it needs to appeal to the more discerning women and it really needs to be more realistic in its approach.
They are probably worried that if they start featuring "ordinary women" it will take the mag down a few notchs. I don't think that's the case.

(member)

09/05/2008 00:06

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

Ok here goes, please this is not meant to offend just my humble opinion.
1 I work for the health Service, this is not a profesion to get rich, it is service based on loyalty and a desire to help ones fellow human being.

2 Husband is in the Royal navy, again not a profession to get rich quick but a job based on the desire to serve ones country and assist humanitarian issues around the world.

3 Daughter went to University, wholly funded by her family. She now has a job with the county council, again not a get rich job but a career based on helping people and a desire to assist the community.

We are not a rich family, we live in a nice house in a nice area but we pay for it with a large mortgage. I would love to be able to afford the clothes, shoes and makeup advertised in this months edition but I cant and if it comes down to the nitty gritty, I am more proud of my family and the jobs they do than I would be if they were only out to get rich and squander their earnings on frivolous nicks nacks.

Our family gives more back to society than we take, my husband risks his life daily for his country, I work far more hours for our health service than I am paid for and my daughter gives a lot of her time free to serve her local council and the public.

Why can the magazine not reflect the normal people amongst society, people like myself who scrimped and saved for a day of pampering in order to feel beautiful for her husbands return, people who cannot afford hundreds of pounds for shoes and bags but would rather shop at M& S and support the Lifeboats in the local area with the money saved, knowing the valuable job they do. I loved the magazine but in reality its a dream, something to aspire to if I won the lottery, not something I could afford in real life. To the editor I would say, if you can afford this then you are so lucky, enjoy it, but remember your readers are normal people who have to prioritise in their lives, we are not so lucky, cater for us, tell us how to have the lifestyle for less, because I just cant afford it otherwise.

(member)

09/05/2008 08:14

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

Well said Honeybunny
I to work for the NHS and do it out of love for the job(though that is now wearing thin) definately not for the money.
Are any of the ladies featured in the magazine forumers?.
They once featured some trousers from the Florence and Fred range at Tescos. They were really nice. I trawled the 3 stores in my area and never found them.
To be perfectly honest, even if I could afford to spend Ł400 on a handbag I don't think I could do it.
Went out for a meal with some acqaintances last night and my whole outfit -underwear, shoes, clothes etc more than likely cost less than the shoes she was wearing. The annoying thing is she always drops into the conversation how much these things cost! Am I impressed? NO!

(member)

09/05/2008 08:26

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

Agree with you honeybunny completely. I work with the 3 services and see more closely than most what conditions they work under and what they contribute.

No, the mag does not feature normal people even the forumers they invite to be photographed are "done up". I don't know if they are trying to inspire us but it cetainly isn't working.

The best thing this month is the Nicci French story - I was a Bella but I don't think I'd go as far as she did!

(member)

09/05/2008 09:33

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

What an interesting selection of views, I enjoyed reading every one. I had to laugh one of the items in the magazine featured a woman who was talking about a webpage for designer knockdowns, she was absolutely thrilled because she bought a bag that was something like Ł500 and she got it for Ł200!!!! I wish. It must be great if you can afford those luxuries but my arguement is the average woman does not have that amount of dosh lying around.

The mother and daughter item, why cant they choose everyday mothers and daughters, to sell their magazine have they always got to feature celebrities or people who own their own businesses.

I find it all a bit patronizing, but agree with all of the comments that say W@H, you had better watch, look, and listen, to us hardworking, funloving, interesting, attractive, intelligent, forward thinking, (I could go on) FORUMERS. Plasmo x

(member)

09/05/2008 09:37

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

Soooo sorry Girls, but I AM one the women who always looks immaculately dressed in 'designer' outfits with my Ł500 Mulberry bag. I also holiday in Mauritius, Cap Ferrat, The Maldives and pop down to Monaco for lunch.

My OH is a formula One driver and we live such a lovely indolent life!!!

I do aprreciate that this engenders a little bit of jealousy but, for goodness sake, you need to get over it!!! BBBUUUZZZZZZ!! Wha? Wha? - that bl*&%*y alarm clock gets louder every morning!!

TeeHee
Anne xx

(member)

09/05/2008 09:53

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

I agree with you Plasmo and everyone else. I bought W&H recently on a day out, quite liked it and signed up for the half price subscription, but couldn 't see any articles in June's edition that I really wanted to spend precious time reading. I think the quality of the writing in W&H is good - it's not patronising or silly, but the choice of topics could be beter.

Given how many of us here on the forum (and how many women across the country) work for the public services in some way, it would be nice to see our more down to earth budgets reflected (and I know there are a lot of people out there who find even M&S pricey - so what about more info on a range of High Street brands.)

I think most women also enjoy articles on how to make the most of your appearance, rather than how highly paid celebrities manage to look good (my hairdresser recently told me it would be easy if I could visit him twice a day!)

And perhaps occasionally, articles on women's rights - equal pay, legal matters, things that actually affect our everyday lives!

(member)

09/05/2008 11:36

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

I do run my own small business but would like to see this covered from a different angle - for example how to manage time, how to balance life and a business, perhaps some reviews of gadgets and what is involved in running them, real life studies and how people decorate them and arrange them, (in 25 beautiful houses nearly every home now has a study, but you never see one picture), fashion feature on how to dress for working at home so you look smart but are comfortable! So the machanics of it rather than the flimsy aspirational stuff.

I too want reasonably priced clothes, and how about some tips of how to look young as per the book we have been talking about in the Looks section of the forum. How to find shoes you can live in all day that look good when you have wide feet - I'm really not interested in who is making or buying 7 inch heels! Why do they put all these women in heels when we all know they can hardly walk in them? Can't they go and find some nice fashion comfy ones for us to try?

How about some serious stuff on diet and exercise for a change? What is the minimum we nned to do each day to stay healthy and how can we build it in with a specific exercise routine for each age group (and please don't make the sections smaller for the 50s and 60s like you usually do!). How much should be really be eating - real portion control - what do real people eat? (There was a great article in Vogue recently where they asked real people what they actually ate and exercises each day - it was very revealing and made me realise why I was fast - I eat far too much and exercise too little - but it's good to compare!).

How about some indepth book reviews on some out of the way authors - e.g. Marianne Williamson. How about a serialisation of some off beat personal development stuff (eg CBT or an actual book).

Or perhaps some more apsirational stuff we can do in our gardens.

I like real specifics - like a list of 10 things to do - much better for motivating us to change.

I enjoy some of the stuff on the Oprah site as she really tackles some of the issues we women face. She is the same age as me so she tends to tackle stuff as she reaches it which is handy.

Lots of ideas here - hope someone reads it and takes them onboard.

Trouble is they have to have the pricey stuff as they provide a huge amount of revenue via advertising.

(member)

09/05/2008 12:19

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

Well said HollyUK, if only you were a magazine editor!

I agree about Oprah - her O magazine is also inspiring without being patronising and it tries to tackle issues of the day. It's only a shame that the fashion is not available here.

I'm sure some of theses women featured do not have such perfect lives when it comes down to it and many of them do it only with the help of an array of staff because they have a rich husband.

A business near me is constantly featured in magazines (although not this one) and the owner is held up as an example to all older women who want to start off on their own. In reality it is a small part of her husband's shop, it's hardly ever open and when it is open it is empty. There is no passing trade and it's hard to see that she ever makes a profit. She must just have contacts who help her get into magazines. Why don't W&H want to feature Lynne13t's shop or other businesses run by forumers?

Some things are not as they seem and are glossed up for the magazine so NO ONE should feel inferior.

Another thing I object to is the fashion pages that purportedly show "readers". But when you read through the text they are either something to do with magazines or PR, or are described as part time models!

(member)

09/05/2008 14:01

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

And I thought it was only me... clothes I can't afford (or wouldn't be suitable for my oh so glamourous lifestyle LOL), food that's expensive and not in season, interviews with those who've got a fantastic life/job. I know the interviews are supposed to be inspirational but I'd like to see something that doesn't leave me feeling as though I've achieved very little... A while ago (not sure if it was in W&H or GH) I read some items where families were shown how to save money - the amount they spent on 'entertaining' and eating out was more than my entire food budget! A little realism and advice/articles for people nearer the UK average salary than the high-fliers we've seen recently wouldn't go amiss.

(member)

09/05/2008 14:38

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

Amazing we all seem to want to the same thing. Maybe the answer is to start our own magazine

(member)

09/05/2008 17:08

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

I tried the mag on a six month subscription but didn't renew it because of the repetitive nature of the features, the silly, overpriced fashion, the slim models and the over simple recipes. It did, however, lead me to this forum and the supper club which was just getting going in my area, for which I am grateful.

(member)

09/05/2008 19:28

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

I found the forum through the diet club (got bored and gave up after a fortnight) but was really pleased to find such a friendly, ordinary and wholesome (sorry can't think of a better word) bunch of girls to 'chat' with.

The magazine is another story - to me it's a bit of fantasy - could never afford the luxurious fashions - and couldn't bring myself to spend 600.00 pounds on a handbag even if I could afford it.

I do get Easy Living whenever I go back to the UK or if we get visitors, it's a little bit more down to earth, but only just.

It just goes to show if you're involved in the media you're obviously well paid and not really in touch with the real world.

(member)

09/05/2008 20:42

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

I agree whole heartedly with you all and what you say about the W&H magazines and its fashion and articles of late.
Come on Woman and Home editors.
Like I, others and BettyRubble have said feature real women please. Not just features on those who are in high paid and high flying jobs.
Photos of real women modeling clothes from the lower and more affordable end of the clothes shops please.
There were a few ladies on another recent forum post here who said they were only to happy to appear in the magazine so why not let them W&H

(member)

09/05/2008 21:58

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

It's like the equivalent of BBC Breakfast.

I've noticed that whenever they have a debate on "working mothers" they always have someone on who clearly earns a fortune and little Tristan is at private school. Mum talks about "quality time" and "her career" and everyone in the family being happy.

In reality most working mothers are not earning a fortune, are not in glamorous and/or satisfying jobs. They are working in their local Asda because they have to; because its the only place where they can get a job that might (if they are really lucky) fit in with their family and help with the household bills.

(member)

09/05/2008 22:46

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

Glitterqueen, couldnt agree with you more, that is the life that most women live, they try to do the best for their families, if only they would focus on just one such woman. Plasmo x

(member)

09/05/2008 23:02

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

I looked in on this thread beacuse it had been moved and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I agree with all that you say. I don't think it needed to be moved as it (as most threads do) slips into talking about us rather than just W&H.

As well as all the ideas for fashion articles you have come up with, I would like to see something on how to decorate rented homes. Although I can live in mine for always and even pass it on to my children if they live with me, I will never own it and can't do major works on the property. So I would love to know how to decorate around these limits, on a budget and with 1950's plumbing and pipes.(the house and mine)

(member)

10/05/2008 04:11

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

Don't you ever think of magazines as a little bit of escapism from the realities and nitty gritty of day to day life?

I like looking at expensive fashions (I can't afford them, but I can pick up on trends and get new ideas). I like simple easy recipes, I can cook complicated recipes, but I don't have the time or energy except for special occasions.

When I read about other people's lives, it is exactly that 'other people's lives' and not mine. My personal life is probably quite similar to a lot of other forumers, born, grew up, married, children, work etc. Ok to date I haven't done anything particularly earth shattering, but I would like to think that I have been a loving and caring parent, wife, friend, neighbour and colleague.

We can't all be famous and rich, I am not sure I would like to be actually. I am very content in my own skin and compared with lots of people my life has very good. I was born to parents who loved each other and my sister and I. I have tried to pass this on to my children.

This is getting rather deep and is definitely going off the thread (W&H may move it again!!) but I think what I am trying to say is that W&H is just a magazine. If it doesn't suit you just buy another, there are loads to choose from. But, and it is a BIG but don't leave the forum, we need lots of people with different ideas and views to keep it fresh and vibrant.

(member)

10/05/2008 20:53

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

I like the inspirational women the mag shows, although they have done this a few times now, but I agree about the expensive fashion on thin models. I was quite put out when they used an article that had been published in another magazine. If are planning to do this again they should look at Marie Claire which I think is really interesting but seems to be aimed at younger women.

I'm a teacher now but that is very recent and after spending 20 years in retail and being a teaching assistant we are not well off at all. However I would hate to see it go too far the other way and we end up reading the monthly version of Take a Break.

(member)

11/05/2008 11:47

Re: JUNE WOMAN AND HOME

I think where magazines are concerned, I dont really think age matters, because you can always find something that interests you. I tend to always focus on the makeup and perfume items, and then the fashion for the over 14s,(which makes me sound a tad shallow, but its my money Im spending and I know what I lik). I tend to know most of the high street shops that cater for the bigger ladies, some of them are absolutely awful, focusing on sleeveless dresses, made of a clingy material which bigger ladies do not want to wear. I read loads of magazines, its my weakness, the points I made about W@H does not always occur in other magazines, a lot of them do focus on the more average woman, the only snag is, some of the content, is uninspirational to me.

I cant bear a magazine to be classist, where you feel almost guilty for buying the magazine, because as I said previously you cant afford the clothes etc. I would like to see a magazine that has the following:

a. Intersting features directed at most women.
b. Intellectual subjects that we all care about and wish to contribute to.
c. Makeovers on REAL, AVERAGE, women, for example, bringing her to a studio where experts can see what she is wearing when she arrives, and then recommends what clothes would flatter her the most. Hair and Makeup included.
d. Cookery items included places to buy food knowing where the food is sourced. Not necessarily, in Harrods Foodhall, or Fortnum and Mason, or even Waitrose.
e. Finding ordinary women who in their field are the best there is, notice I havent mentioned "Celebrity".

Sorry girls to go on about this this will be my last thread referring to the magazine. Plasmo xx

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