thats true BUT you are clearly forgetting that those logos do NOT use a ugly windows default typeface, if you want something simple try using a "sans-serif" font some timeless ones are "universe" and "helvetica neue" the typeface industry is a multi billion dollar industry, a good film about type face is the film "helvetica" but you are on the right way the first logo is: "helvetica neue" typeface the armani is: "bodoni" (i think, hxxxp://www.linotype.com/170/bodoni-family.html use there try-it section and type in "GIORGIO ARMANI" and note the subtle difference in the "G") the burton is: "??" i think it's custom keep in mind that the magazine industry takes typeface way more seriously and magazine companies will spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a typeface (obviously they would own the rights to this and no one else would be allowed to use it)
I say stick to your original plan and build off of what you have. Get a little more creative, and if you need to, take some time and sleep on it...it will click.
The simplicity is good but the choice of font is bland. Align the white box to the text better, and try finding a more elegant font. Try here.. www.dafont.com -uni