Saturday, March 26, 2011

anyone who ever gave you confidence, you owe them a lot

Well things at MC have been devastatingly slow lately, especially this past week. I've played mental dress up many a times and it never gets old. Working at a magazine definitely has its high points and its low points thought. I've discovered that I'm the sort of person that is only happy when I'm overwhelmed with things to do.

I'm the sort of person that makes multiple plans with multiple people all for the same time; but I'm also the sort of person that makes it my mission to follow through on these plans. For instance, this week I managed to go on 5 runs, do invoices, look book paperwork, travel to an interview and enjoy a delightful lunch all in the matter of a few short hours in one day. When I'm overwhelmed with tasks my mind kicks into superstar gear and I'm definitely at my best. I like to beat the odds and prove people wrong- it's my innate stubbornness.

Did I tell you how divinely and utterly happy I am?

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Summer Shorts

Shorts this summer should be low key, fun and flirty. I love having that slight masculine edge on all my clothing, but since it's summertime play around with that idea a bit. Go for a boyfriend short that's a bit looser, a bit baggier and a bit over sized. Also don't forget to explore your inner wild child.



F*ing Bombshell



Anyone who knows me whatsoever knows that this picture epitomizes me completely.

Red on the Runway



Reds all over the runways for Fall 2011, read all about it!

Love, Louis

If you missed Louis Vuitton's Fall 2011 runway show please go to style.com immediately and review it. Marc Jacobs incorporates the slightest yet most interesting array of theatrics to the fashions. Don't miss Kate Moss smoking a cigarette vicariously as she struts the catwalk.
SIDENOTE: After seeing my idol TTH rocking these in the office, I'm now even more obsessed with these kicks.

Fur for All

I've become slightly obsessed with fur this season, well for every season. Fur is inevitable and fur is a classic go-to that will never lose style due to its intense interchangeability. I just brought out a vintage fur vest that belonged to my grandmother and then my mom. I basically wear it with everything these days.



Wedge it out

The new "it" shoe is a chunky wedge. For the summertime spice things up with a cut out sandal version, like select BCBG styles featured on Victoria's Secret's website. Also, I'm not necessarily a fan of animal prints in terms of apparel, but when it comes to shoes and accessories I feel like they really give that something extra to any outfit. Try checking out certain styles by Jeffery Campbell also!

In terms of fun, flirty summertime apparel I've become a HUGE fan of the maxi skirt. I wear it with everything from pairing it with a v neck for casual day wear to stilettos and a sexy tank for evening wear. Don't forget to pair it with your favorite belt!



Oh, The Androgyny of it All!

I've also become a big fan of androgynous wear. It all started with combat boots and tailored menswear jackets, but this internship has taken my love of bringing out one's feminine side through masculine apparel to an entirely new level. Style-stalker favorites like Erin Wasson and her manly, even pirate-like style epitomize this ideal.





[Color] Blockout

Through my endeavors at MC browsing though the endless fashion shows and perusing the samples coming in for fall 2011 I've come to notice a few common trends and adapt them to my own style. Of these trends, I found color blocking to be of high interest. I love the idea of mixing and layering bold solid colors together, even if they don't necessarily match according to the common eye. In doing this I've even managed to discover quite a few new outfits in my own closet!



Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Alberta Feretti

It's official! I start interning at Alberta Feretti April 11th! Couldn't ask for a better start to my birthday week. This also has high possibilities of turning into a permanent full time entry level job. Now all I have to do is complete my final 6 miscellaneous credits of school and graduate.

I've also developed a sincere admiration for many of the editors at MC. Particular individuals like TTH have such a unique fashion sense and persona about them that I can't help but adore them. I hope to be just as famous and accomplished as them one day, but I know I will, so there's no second guessing for me.

April Issue

The April issue is now officially on news stands everywhere! This is one of the most exciting things to happen thus far because this is the first complete issue that I can literally point everything out in and say "hey, I worked on that!".

It's so strange that this is all just surfacing now since it seems like I worked on everything so long ago, but that's the fashion world for ya, working at least 3 months in advance of current times. For example, we are now working on finishing up June and should be starting out July/August issue in about two weeks.

It's also really cool now, because when I look on websites like style.com or certain blogs I recognize so many faces of the fashion world that I had previously only known by name. Also, working with all of these designer samples has given me the ability to recognize clothing, accessories and jewelry by name without seeing the designer labels. This job has also expanded my knowledge and confidence with styling, whether that be because I am so highly immersed in the fashion world or because of being located in New York City, things are only growing for the better.

Also, new interns are starting to come in for interviews and trial periods for the summertime. It's interesting to denote how people are chosen based on their resumes and interviews. This has really given me an upper hand in knowing what to do or not do in similar circumstances. As interns, we have a lot of say for who gets chosen to represent the company after we leave. I began training a girl this week.

It's also important to note that it's not only the editor's and individuals in high positions that you need to impress and be nice to, but it's also those you work with since those are going to be the people you network with in the future or have to work with to receive a permanent job. Luckily I feel that I've made a good impression on everyone and also that I have made some lifelong friends along this journey.

The Aftermath

The aftermath of New York fashion week doesn't really exist. The offices have been slow for about 3 weeks for many, but not myself. Most of the editors are out of town visiting Milan, Paris and London for their array of fashion shows, so there really isn't many sample traffic within the offices and closet. This is also the time when a lot of assistants take short vacations pretty much because its the only opportunity they get away from the higher executives all year.

My task while the editors were away was to create "look books" of ALL the shows. We started this after New York fashion week ended because it was so busy with everything happening centered around the actual office, so it's been very hectic. I have to find every show of every city that has occurred, transfer the pictures into a computer file and rename them all according to what look they were on the runway. For instance, if I were to label the third look that came down the runway of Yigal's show as the fourth this could cause detrimental problems when the editors are ordering particular styles for photoshoots and other editorial pieces. So although this seems tedious and never ending, its VERY important to remain detail oriented and not lose concentration.

After all of the looks were gathered into folders on the computer and renamed according to their style numbers, they have to be printed in a specific style that fits the editor's visual needs. After they are printed (which takes FOREVER) everything gets sleeved to protect the photos and organized alphabetically according to location. Everything is then labeled and organized on the shelves. This process is repeated for each individual editor. I was in charge of doing these for CW and NG.

Behind the Scene

So along with my gained knowledge of organizing fashion week, working on schedules and attending shows I was also lucky enough to work behind stage at one of the shows.

I've been trying to network with as many individuals as possible while working here, because as I've come to learn it is definitely all about who you know. A fantastic resume can't hurt, but if you're name isn't out there in the industry even by the slightest the chances of landing a dream job are very slim.

So I contacted a friend of mine I met through my study abroad experience and asked if she knew of any way to be more involved with fashion week. As it turns out she did! I came in contact with one of the PR companies that works to set up the fashion shows and was able to work Sunday evening of NYC fashion week. This included the Custo Barcelona show and Tommy Hilfiger, among others. I am so mad I missed the DVF show!

Anyways, I entered through the back area of Lincoln Center this time, which in itself was a very interesting experience. This is where all the celebrities, VIP, models, staff and press enter. At one point standing backstage I turned to my left and Anna Wintour was standing directly next to me. I looked across the way and Andre Leon Talley was undeniably giving his famous opinions towards the nights events. Later in the night I bumped arms with Rosario Dawson. It's so strange to think how these individuals are all just real people like you and I, because I know I personally place them on a pedestal, but how can you not when you look at all they've accomplished in their life?

I was backstage for a while in the hair and makeup areas as dozens of models were being dolled up. There were fancy beverage and hor d'ourves stations and photographers galore.

After making it through the maze of backstage scenery I entered through the main stage into the seating area. We organized and preset all the programs and labels for the seats. Then I was put in charge of the fashion GPS sign in's and checked in all the individuals for the shows. There were PLENTY of people coming up who didn't have tickets which became really awkward because you don't want to be harsh or mean towards people but in all honestly you can't let them in without a ticket. There was even a girl I worked with that came in trying to get a ticket, which I inevitably had to deny because the show was full.

I am so lucky to have been able to see all facets of New York fashion week from viewing an actual show, to organizing schedules to seating individuals and being backstage. It's something I'll never forget and I'm sure it won't be the last time I'm involved in the events of fashion week.

FASHION WEEK

First of all, you might as well refer to it as "Fashion Month". The New York fashion scene has been so frantic for a solid two months that I feel as if I'm almost having an outer body experience.

In the office the interns are completely in charge of all scheduling duties for around 10 editors. This year in the fashion world, in an attempt to be more "green" the PR agencies and fashion houses have implemented a new scheduling system called Fashion GPS. This is basically similar to a bar code and it can be scanned for easy access to confirming attendance at shows and obtaining seats upon arrivals.

It's very interesting to see the fashion show set up from a first hand perspective. I've learned a lot about designer prestige and societal rankings of fashion designers, PR firms and editorial employees. It's interesting to note the scandals and secrets behind receiving fashion week invitations. There is definitely a lot of hard work that goes into organizing show times, a lot of drama and office politics and a lot of hand-me-down invitations available.

When it comes to excess invitations it's interesting how they get divided up. Some of the invitations get traded between editors, some get passed down to the features side of the office and others get distributed to us interns. Apparently a lot of other magazines and fashion firms do not give invitations to interns so freely, but overall at MC a majority of the interns got to see at least one show.

I remember I was in the office and it was towards the end of the day when things were wrapping up and one of the editors pulled me aside and asked me if I wanted to go to a show. Without even questioning which show it was of course I immediately accepted the invite! The show ended up being Cynthia Rowley, which couldn't have been more perfect since the last time I visited New York she was one of the designer's studios that I personally toured and I even got to meet her and her design team.

The show was amazing and exactly as I had imagined. However it was interesting to note how small the actual venue of the stage was. Lincoln Park was more amazing than ever, it was one of the most gorgeous set ups I have seen and one couldn't help but feel famous with the dozens of camera crews and bloggers everywhere taking everyone's pictures, including mine, and inquiring to what individuals thought of the shows. With the mixture of the lights, music, celebrities (I saw Julia Stiles!) it truly was a dream come true.

All of these events and hard work have only reassured me that I am in the right field and doing exactly what I should be doing with my life. I asked my friend the other day what he would do if he were rich and didn't have to work another day in his life. I couldn't help but feel saddened to his response of "nothing but lay on a beach", because I know that if I were in the same position I would only immerse myself further into the world of fashion.