I don’t know about you but I used to spend so much money on magazines.  Prior to living in Thailand for a few months where it was just absurdly expensive to buy English-language fashion publications, I could easily buy a magazine or two a week.  Folks, it does add up, especially when they are now about $6 a pop.  So, when I returned home I decided to evaluate what I liked about each magazine and try to find two monthly staples.  The two magazines I’m discussing focus on fashion and culture since I read most of my political issue articles online.  Forced to limit myself to two they are: Vanity Fair and Vogue.

And here are some of the reasons why:

1) They both have absolutely gorgeous advertisements.  Some complain that most fashion magazines are just that–ads–but this is one of the reasons I love them.  Not only are they visually appealing images of beautiful people and products, but you can also analyze them for the audience they are looking for.  When you frame it this way it becomes fascinating!  For example, a Chanel ad features a very different woman from the Gucci ones.  Why is that?

2) Vogue has a bit more depth than other magazines targeted towards women.  Although the strength of each issue varies, the feature articles profile the work of interesting people, beautiful homes, travel and some light political pieces.  I personally prefer these articles to finding out “10 ways to please your lover” or the number of stomach crunches you need to have a flat stomach.

3) While the clothes and accessories featured are extremely expensive and for a certain portion of the elite, they are still artistically beautiful.  Much of it is obviously not ready to wear but isn’t that the point?  If I wanted to see practical clothes I could just go ride the subway.

4) Vanity Fair has an amazing mix of cultural and political articles that you can gradually read throughout the month.  The quality of the writing is also pretty consistent.  I almost compare reading VF to having whole wheat bread–it will keep you satisfied much longer.

So, with that I’m looking forward to next month’s issues.