November 9, 2009

"Not Traditionally, But Aggressively"

My bed is warm, the air is crisp; the trees are whispering outside my window.
And the clock just struck 12:30 a.m.

Where am I?

I am here.
Do you have those nights where your mind is so flooded with ideas you just can't sleep? And rather than put it off till morning, you have to just get out of bed, and seize the moment?

That is exactly what is happening to me right now.

All day I have been thinking of writing. And more and more, I have been coming to the conclusion that my immediate goal needs to be in the fashion magazine business, especially since I have been keeping a library of old fashion magazines starting with my sister's Seventeens from 1997. Have you ever felt that you could run to your goals faster than you could naturally achieve them? It's a strange feeling, a feeling that I am still trying very much to understand myself; I have the desire to just go outside and run, Forest Gump style, for miles and miles. Somehow, someway, for some reason, in my mind, doing this will bring about my desired solution. I suppose it just means that I am really becoming more and more determined to reach my goals, hungry for them, thirsting for them; ready to taste the sweet satisfaction of victory.

And in that spirit, I have decided to list my steps for success here.

Step one: Brand and Market Yourself
According to dictionary.com, "brand" is defined as "kind, grade, or make, as indicated by a stamp, trademark, or the like." This definition gives way to ponder. I read this article on the web, about how to market yourself. It suggests taking simple routes such as including your name or website in simple tasks you do each day, such as writing an email or sending a simple thank you. Contacts are very important in every aspect of business, especially the fashion industry. Make sure to professionally and appropriately brand yourself based on the type of company you apply for, as well as the type of company you want to one day become. For example, my portfolio includes several different types of themes and inspirations; make sure to break them down, one by one, label them, expand on them if necessary to better get the theme/idea across. Also, be sure to be age appropriate. That is one of the best pieces of advice I feel I can instill; age appropriate gets you everything. I was rejected by one company purely because my sketches weren't "age appropriate", a.k.a.. they looked too youthful, and therefore, did not reflect the company's target market at all. You want to show that you can identify with the brand, so be sure your designs are a reflection of your original creativity as well as the company's audience; If it doesn't look like the company, take it out and move on.

(I shall post Step 2 after Step 1 has been appropriately achieved.)

Going back to fashion magazines, I took the time to research a few in my spare time today. And I have come to some very interesting findings.

First of all: Trends
Sleeves, sleeves and more sleeves; the bigger, more pleated and gathered, the better. With the emphasis there, it was hard to not notice the 80's reference to good old-fashioned shoulder pads. Hit up the Dolce and Gabanna website for your full 80's flashback experience: you will notice the Nintendo inspired theme music for the website, a mixture of the Rocky, Die Hard, and Leathal Weapon video games. Here's a taste of what you will find there under the "Runway" heading.





And speaking of gathers, hello Balenciaga, I am in love with you. The gathered skirts, the ankle-biter boots, and who could forget my favorite part of the Balenciaga girl: the delicate looking lace bandeau, spidery yet soft, sequined and delicate, featured under every top for the Fall 2009 show. I'm convinced everyone needs to have one.


And again, with the shoulder emphasis, here comes Jonathan Saunders:

I love this gathered cape effect


Givenchy also featured pleated shoulders:



Then comes the beautiful side-hip detailing from designers such as Marchesa and Moschino.





Salavatore Ferragamo: how do you do it?


Graeme Black was also a surprising find, his work seemed very inspired by classic art pieces this fall, especially Klimt.


Here's the picture, Danae, by Klimt; see the slimilarities?


And hello Zac Posen. Another 80's shoulder emphasis whore, who I could never get enough of, Zac Posen just evokes the balance between classic art and modern creativity.





Ports 1961 followed, and set, the trends; the similiar cape-like shoulder detail as Jonathan Saunders, and Lanvin-esque saris.



And Balmain. Wow. That's all I have to say. Everything was leather, shinny, sequinned, and incredibly sexy.


And check out this boot detail. Strap it on, girl.


The cake-topper was the Diesel Black Gold collection; it was a complete visual tribute of the 80's-90's timeline. Madonna, Michael, and Marilyn were all there. Check it out on the Diesel website.

Jil Sander also features a very interesting take on the traditional winter coat.


And here, fashion dears, is the creme-de-la-creme. Matthew Williamson.


I know this is all a little late coming, but soon to be reviewed is the Spring 2010 collections.

I will leave with a quote I really enjoyed: "One's company, Two's a crowd, Three's a trend."

November 2, 2009

Fashion's Latest...

Hello, my fashion babies! I have been scouring the internet (mostly BCBG.com) for things that inspire me. So far, I have found countless items, but a few stuck out that I had to share:

This gorgeous piece, reminiscent of my favorite era, the Art Deco period.

This other inspiring piece, very sexy and very slimming. These side cowls are so fabulous!

And finally, this just made me question what the hell Lubov is thinking...


I mean...spats? I can usually handle some pretty outrageous things, but this certainly takes the cake. I feel I must draw the line at these black leather knee-high spats. Whoever thought those words would be mangled together? Green stretch cotton chest band. Thought I'd give it a shot.

In other fashionable news, my Barbie inspired Halloween costume was a great success. Here was my inspiration:

October 22, 2009

Revelation

I have finally discovered an understanding for all the events in my life happening and occuring the way they did. I finally have understood my purpose here in life. The reason certain circumstances have occured, the reason why things have happened the way they have; tis no coincidence, I assure you; it is purely fate. I have finally discovered the reason why I have so many talents over so many areas, why I have takent he opportunities have in my life, why I have pursued so many different avenues: because God has determined that I will become a lifestyle brand. I completely have the talent to sing, dance, act, design, market, model, photograph, write, and improvise my way through every avenue out there. I have discovered why when I was interviewed by JCPenney they considered me a strong designer, but too varied in my desires of what it was I wanted to accomplish. The greatest feeling in life is truly understanding why you are here and what purpose everything has been for. Now, all I have to understand is how to do it. :/

October 19, 2009

Productivity

Today is the start of the most productive days of my life to come. I woke up this morning to the most beautiful weather, the most fabulous walk to the park, and the best day of cooking, cleaning, illustrating ahead. As for my project? It is officially done. And I have pictures :)


So yes, this was my life for the last couple of...months. And here was my inspiration:

On all other news fronts, there isn't too much else to report. I have my work cut out for me as far as my portfolio goes, so after the necessary improvements have been made, I will soon publish the result :)
Happy Day!
P.S.: will talk fashion later! Lots to report!



October 7, 2009

Kick it, Barbie!


I saw this and instantly had to post it. I came across it while Googling Barbie, I've actually found myself becoming more and more inspired by her with my fashions. I have been taking a look back lately and have realized I was inspired so much by my childhood things, more than I realized; for example, I draw a lot of styles are reminiscent of Barbie's fashions or of Sailor Moon's. It is very interesting how innate my inspiration has become. Check out these pics and how other designers have found Barbie to be inspiring:




Interesting, eh? In other news, I was told today to "kick it up a few notches, be patient, and be open" by my friend Michael. I suppose there is always some room for improvement. But in some weird sense he is always right. Oh well, back to the sewing machine...

September 29, 2009

A Letter To Christine

Taking a page from Simon Cowell's very public "birthday gift to himself", I too will attempt to write a letter to myself in a similar manner, but referencing the present day.

Christine:
You are often times air-headed and slow, a simpleton at best. If you could take advantage of some common sense fifty percent more of the time, you would achieve an acceptable level of survival. Otherwise, it is basically doomed for you and your offspring.

You have a habit to consider yourself better than others. Why would anyone want an arrogant person around, unless they too, felt themselves better than everyone else. Fat-headed, round-waisted, simple-minded: you have absolutely no reason to think highly of yourself.

Goals are set in your mind, but you have no clear objectives on how to achieve them. You assume these things will fall into place, naturally, and without effort. If your naive spirit could take a backseat you might get a taste of reality from time to time.

You are a natural spender. Money will come harder and harder as you get older and older. Saving now for your retirement would include being smart, so of course what reason would you have to do it?

Also, your sarcasm is nauseating. Please stop.

I think your first and foremost goal should be to get into some kind of shape, you lifeless mass of fat. Look at you, dressed in your pajamas at 11 in the morning; what kind of life is that? You are a slob. Get dressed, finish your work, and get a job.

Sincerely,

Christine

September 17, 2009

Fashion Week

This week in New York is the world famous New York Fashion Week. Thousands of people flock to New York to take part in this grand performance, this masquerade. Yes, masquerade. Everyone puts on a mask to hide their real selves, whether it be a mask of kindness, happiness, success, knowledge, judgement, or accomplishment; everyone wears one the entire week. And you know how you can spot them on the streets, these attendees, these mask wearers? They all have one thing in common: a smart smug on their face with the idea that they are thousands times better than everyone else in New York, if not the world. They also all make sure to expose their fashion show invitations as if by mistake: "Oh, excuse me, I didn't mean to drop my invitation to the Marc Jacobs show on your shoe!"

And I have no idea why God punishes me if I wake up past ten by making the only show visible on my t.v. the Today Show with Hookah and Kathie Lee Stank; listening to these two croonies cackle and squeal to each other about each other just puts a bad rap for every woman on the planet. No wonder men think we're easy, these two bimbos make it look so plausible. And by the way, Kathie Lee, it's Max Az-ree-ah, if you were decked out "head to toe" in his stuff like you claim and continue to sit front row at his fashion show and rub elbows with him later at the after party, you ought to know the man's name. Not that he has much role in the designing of anything, but still, this is no excuse.

Now, to continue my observation of Fashion Week, I was not particularly impressed with Rodarte's Show: I can appreciate a combination of different patterns and new textiles together and element's of fantasy, but the combination they procurred was not very appealing. I did, however, appreciate their use of exposed skin, patches of it here and there on outfits, almost a gradation on other outfits. Speaking of exposed skin, Max Azria seemed to use it as a theme for their collection, a way to tie it all together; slashes of skin, geometric cut outs, and a web of metallic tape twisted this designer's usual "classic chic" look into something more edgy. While Max Azria is known for pushing the envelope from time to time, not to mention the clever way the embellishments are utilized, the collection looked, a little--dare I say this?--90's. It had a definite "millenium" era feel to it, the way the 90's combined the future and the 70's: this was definitely a disco ball of repetition. Funny enough, Halston actually debuted a collection that reminded me of Max Azria's usual style. It was attractive and feminine, whisps of fabric catching the air, the lines silhouetting a subtley of sex and power.

I will save the rest of my rant and rave for another day, I have been inspired to sew my own creations.

September 13, 2009

To Do List

From time to time, I must come to this blog to publicly announce my intentions. Today, I will abuse this idea to the extreme.

To Do List for the Next Four Months:

1. Finish five garments.

2. Lose ten pounds and keep it off.

3. Consider vegetarian for a while.

4. Fix Posture (sit up straight!)

5. Learn French.

6. Invest 500 dollars (of money I don't really have) in the stock market.

7. Research stocks and investment ideas.

8. Learn how to save, recycle, and renew=go green.

9. Learn enough about web design to customize website.

10. Realize that if people aren't seeking you, you should not seek them.

11. Keep in touch with friends through means other than facebook.

12. Research more about writing a book.

13. Begin writing said book.

14. Look for a full time job.

On a side note, I would like to mention, I was just called "devastatingly gorgeous" by an acquaintance I met for about two hours in California.

I would also like to mention a side note about my mother that I have observed before, but never wrote down. It is a beautiful habit for my mother at every meal out after she finishes eating to set her napkin down, shuffle through her purse, extract a tiny makeup bag and pull out a classic 1950's shade of red. She carefully removes the top, twists the tube, and reveals the curled tip of the lipstick; it is shaped this way from the way she applies it, very firmly on one side only. She expertly lines her lips without the aid of a mirror, presses her lips and rubs them together, and twists the tube--one handedly--and with the other hand, places the top back on. It amazes me both as a non-lipstick wearer, and as a female, I am utterly impressed. Trivial though it may be, I really appreciate how nostalgic my mother is.

August 14, 2009

Going home....

Today feels like Thanksgiving.

I woke this morning to the smell of turkey in the oven; my window was awake from the night before, and cool air was wafting in, the sound of children playing outside, planes overhead, and trees rustling in the wind. The house has been filled with laughter, tears, and tempers ever since, but it has been enjoyable nonetheless. And to top it all off? Cleaning the house and rooms like crazy for a good show for the guests. And the best part is? It's all family. Family I know, family I have come to learn about, grow from, and love. I'll miss them, but at the same time, I am very eager to get back to my own family in South Florida. I've been missing them much much more as time has gone on. I am exhausted now, as I have been working all day, and must go to retire to a hot shower, after which the prep for myself for dinner begins.

July 23, 2009

Solo

This title could make a very interesting story, but I alas do not have one. No, this title only reflects my date tonight: with myself. After my being terribly and deathly ill these past two days, I felt the need to refresh myself back into society and looks (not to mention taste buds) and so I ventured out into the wild also known as : Chilis. I was craving a Quesadilla Explosion salad, and it was delicious. And all the while as I ate, I was very satisifed just sitting there, alone. It was a refreshing feeling, being alone, but not lonely.

I feel capable now of doing other things on my own. I was ready and willing no doubt to go ahead and get to San Diego sans people; unfortunately, God did not see it that way.

It seems just recently that I have reached a very satisfied level within my life. And now, after spending the most money I have ever spent in my life here in California, I will retire to bed. Goodnight goodnight goodnight.

July 16, 2009

The Perfect Single Cocktail

I have discovered the best way to get drunk as a single girl: Ghostbusters Marathon and Funfetti cookies. You can only be completely desperate and hopeless for this to work, of course. First: make a batch of Funfetti cookies, burning the first batch naturally. The eat said burnt cookies with a ton of frosting to mask the burnt flavor. Also, listen to 80's music while cooking, it might take the ebb off the entire situation. Second: after taking your diabetic-comatose nap, wake up long enough to eat the non-burnt cookies with sprinkles and pop in the movies. There. Now you have completed the singlemost depressing thing I can ever imagine. Oh, Bill Murray, can you dish out any wittier lines in your lifetime?

After gaining ten pounds since I have been sick these past two weeks, I have deemed it necessary to go on a diet. In order to do that though, it would require a steady dedication to me NOT eating Funfetti cookies. And of course, me running like crazy every day. Hello, treadmill, it's been too long.

On a slightly less depressing note, I have been doing a bang up job at work on the photoshoots. Working with the models has been fantastic, and styling is something I don't know if I have the confidence to do.

I will end on a happy note: I have been really enjoying my time here. Once I get back into shape, I'll love it.

June 25, 2009

So Friends...

Dear Acquaintance,

We speak casually, once in a while, meeting here and there. I miss you, it has been a long time since we have seen each other. I miss being around someone that loves me, and I love them in return. It may be silly, or childish, but I truly do miss you.

However, it seems to be of the utmost importance that patience is utilized in these situations. I truly do believe we need time apart, we were having the most strange relationship arise. I did not want that. I want to be special to you, I want to be important, and I don't just want to be another number. I can't hold out any longer, this is the only option. I must, and I reitterate, must stave myself from you. Your power over me has become too strong, and this is the only way to save myself from being hurt by you. We must digress, but truly, remember that it is for the greater good.

I wish I could say, or hell, even write all of the little things that I began to fall in love with. But honestly, I cannot tell you these things, for writing them would only make it that much more difficult to stay away. And so I chase these thoughts from my mind, but know that I was thinking of them, which is why we have to refrain from each other.

I don't want to place as much importance on you as I was. You were casually going along, and I was as well: until a point. I must impress upon you again that the reason I feel this way is because I don't want you to hate me. I don't want you to begin dreading me. I always want to be friendly with you, and always have the relationship we have, regardless. We have something special, some kind of connection that I cannot characterize by words. But somehow, I believe it may have something to do with the word: pirate.

I fell in love with you a long time ago. I can name the time, place, and setting. I have had to hold myself back for a long time. And when I couldn't do it anymore, I realized that it was a mistake. So forgive me for that, if you can, friend. That kind of pressure isn't fair.

Why am I telling you this? So you can be less confused. Unfortunately, if this happens to make you even more confused, I can only refer you back to the paragraph above. Call if you like.

Christine

June 24, 2009

So yesterday...

So. Feeling a little down right now, but I won't dwell on it too much. Feeling a little...out of place? Not at home? Missing ordinary life? Yes, my feelings are bittersweet, as I wish I could be home right now, back to last summer, or back to two summers ago, when my feelings were confident, my hopes beyond high, and my future secured for the next two years. Isn't that a great feeling? When you know exactly where you are going to be, for how long, and with whom. I am missing that secure feeling Silly, stupid girl, what are you doing? Why are you so down on everything? Yesterday was a fantastic day, and I came here originally to blog about that, so let's get to it, reader.

I was super excited when I was able to help out at my company's photoshoot. Styling beautiful six foot models and helping them get dressed, working alongside my boss. Not just any boss, but my boss boss. This was huge. I believe I made a good impression on her, so hopefully she will remember me later. It was an extrodinary, exceptional day, and I am forever going to keep that happiness in my heart. I was high off of what I was doing: pulling scarves and jewels dripping off necklaces off models and putting them in gorgeous pleated gowns and jumpsuits, made of organza and chiffon. I felt reassured as to why I came out to work here in the first place for the first time in weeks. It's embarrassing to admitt, but honestly, I regretted my decision at first. My expectations were shot down, and I felt I missed my calling. But now, I'm feeling more at home, more preoccupied, and determined now more than ever to work my heart out. I am going to be something, and not let these menial things get my down anymore. There are so many people out there trying to bring you down, but I won't let anyone do that to me, I am much too much worth it. For the first time, in such a long, long, long time: I feel happy single. I feel happy to be appreciating myself again.

I would like to take the time to recommend the book: "Why Men Marry Bitches." Read it. Enjoy it.

I want to meet somebody, I want to live. I want to be a part of something bigger.

June 23, 2009

Best Day in Life EVER

So. Today just happened to be the best day in my life thus far. I am actually beyond sleep at this point, I am so completely exhausted from working nearly a 12 hours work day, but it was so so worth it! But I must sleep, so please let me go and do that, and I will divulge all the juicy info after I awake.

<3 you my fashionable followers!

June 19, 2009

California Comments

Please dear reader, understand that, I love California.

However: there are a few problems with this great state that could flaw me for life.

Example: Whatever mapquest.com says about the distance time ot travel there, multiple it by two.

If the roads are shitty, you are probably not in the hood, you are in Bel-Air.

Do not drive on the 405. Repeat: do NOT drive on the 405.

Pedestrians cross the street at any time, at the slowest pace.

There is absolutely never a place to park on the weekend no matter where you go. If you do park, you must pay, and pay dearly. And the places that there are to park, or "parking lots" are the most poorly structured places besides the roads.

The freeway ramps have a stop light before you can enter the flow of traffic. I don't understand this, and I never will. Ever.

I am really missing NY for the ease of getting around though. And for the shopping.

June 17, 2009

Heaven or Haven?

Hello fashion dears. My fashionable life has taken me so many places so far. Today, it took me to a magical land where all the closets at the company were mine, filled to the brim with trims and jewels and stones and pleated fabrics, at my complete and utter disposal. How did I handle it, you ask? I made rosettes. I made flowers. I made straps and chains. I made petals and blooms. I made art deco. I made romantic. I made ruched bias' and jeweled leaves. I made it all from my imagination. And you know what made it so easy? The fact that all the materials were already there, itching to be chosen, itching to be used. So that is what heaven is like.

There are many heavens to my knowledge, the first being inside the collection library of Zac Posen. The next being an intern at BCBG. The next being an employee at a major fashion magazine. Somewhere in between here is some kind of silly, girly romantic thing to say about some guy, and finally my backyard. Sometimes during spring, it is the most beautiful place on the planet. It could never be home without feeling like heaven.

I just purchased a new bikini from H&M that looks like it has Lucky Charms all over it. And I'm feeling a tad young, perhaps I will get that tattoo...a heart above my hip maybe? Maybe something more personal. I would draw something designery, but honestly, no one could mimic my work enough to be on my body, I'm such a perfectionist I would need to do the tattoo on myself. What babel am I speaking? It's too late babies, it's too late. I must sleep now, but please, have fashionable days until we speak again.

<3

June 13, 2009

Let me slip into something more comfortable...

So, as I was shopping this weekend in Beverly Hills' famous Rodeo Drive, I couldn't resist the design of a Roberto Cavalli knit dress with sheer mesh on the sides. It looked like the dress Hilary Swank wore to the Oscars in 2006. But the coy way Cavalli placed the sheer just caught me off guard. Honestly, the whole collection by Cavalli was stunning, and usually is. I also happened into Armani (such nice people there, especially in the men's department). I always go in to just browse the genius behind the fit, but honestly, who wouldn't? I saw the most interesting fabric on a men's jacket: lamb and leather, perferated to create texture and a bronze-like appearance. So creative.

Side note: California needs a themesong, and you may be thinking it is the song by the Beach Boys, California Girls. But no. I have decided that is a second to the music of Hewey Lewis and the News, a.k.a. all the music from Back to the Future. Also, somewhere in there is Van Halen and Aerosmith. But let's not get too much into music here, I don't want to cause any issues among hardcore fans.

Among my shopping yesterday invovled a trip into Tiffany's. Of course the scenery is always breathtaking, but I go for the people watching. Seeing others completely immersed in the whole jewelry buying decison making process is the most fun. Women smile stupidly at every ring they try on, while every man stands with beads of sweat dripping down his face, all while the children sit and color on a giant Tiffany's gift box. Then the old people: they are disgusted at the whole process; they want to get in and get out, as if they may "catch" the excitement going on in the room.

I also drove up to what I have deemed "Bel-Air Mountain". Of course, the entire time I drove, I kept rapping the Fresh Prince song in my head, but who doesn't? You'd have to be foreign not to when you pass through those gates. It was a fun drvie, but may I please make a suggestion to you, California? Get your roads fixed. Perhaps they aren't worth fixing since earthquakes are so common, but the roads in Bel-Air should be as nice as possible, agreed?

Oh, and the excitement of shopping yesterday quite took me when I found a cute little business/date dress by BCBG Max Azria. Though, I must say on the discussion of BCBG and Herve Ledger: HL definitely needs to be seen ON rather than just on the hanger. Don't get me wrong: the designs are quite chic and are definitely as Michelle Trachtenberg says "get-back-at-your-ex-dresses." But the material and quality looks so poor on the hanger, as opposed to other designers such as Zac Posen or, again, Cavalli, that look so rich and chic already without being on a form.

My plans for today then? I think I will let the moment take me, though I am itching to get out to Sunset. Maybe tonight will be the night I get my tattoo. Tomorrow, San Diego Zoo? Disneyland? Getty's Museum? Knotts Berry Farm? Nappa Valley? Las Vegas?? Who knows?

May 16, 2009

Renewed

My life, dear reader, has been very unproductive lately, and has caused me to reminisce about high school days, driving around, listening to Y-100 on the radio, carefree, happy, excited. In high school, you feel scared to do something wrong. That doesn't change too much too quickly, but at least now, I feel like I am ok with doing the wrong thing. Because I am doing it, and no one is around to tell me not to. I know I may possibly regret it, but I don't mind.

As far as designing goes today, I have more than enough to do. I have slopers to make, patterns to design...I am ready to start doing something again, besides distracting myself and moping around. I have given my old self away, and starting a new me. I am optimistic about life now, I have so much to look forward to and cannot dwell on everything over and over. I am regaining strength, and am dreaming of my new life. Everyone has a path to choose, and this is mine. I can't be responsible anymore for someone else. And that feels good.

May 8, 2009

The beginning




Hello, new reader. I have decided it was time for me to develop a time stamp regarding my life as a fashion designer. I will explain a little about myself for a second so that you may feel closer to me. I have always wanted to design since I was in fifth grade (which before then, I was all about being a Disney animator). I am an artist and a perfectionist. I am in love with fashion magazines like they were a new pair of Christian Louboutin heels and have been the art director of a small fashion magazine for the last year. I enjoy learning all aspects of designing and development, and hopefully will have the opportunity to learn more over the next few months while I am designing in California. I look older than I am, which is what I accredit some of my current success to, along with my natural responsibility and drive. I have spent the last week in New York fabric shopping, and the week before that in hell. I will explain myself all in good time, but for now, I will describe my impression of New York.

As a first time explorer of the "big apple", I was amazed at the grandiose nature of the city. I am not from a small town by any means, but have never quite been on this scale. When I first stepped into the city, my friend who accompanied me expressed that she felt "at home." I did not have this feeling; in fact, I was reverted back to my first day of high school. I went to a Catholic elementary and middle school for all of my life, and the first day of public high school was quite shocking. I was naive beyond comprehension, minus home schooled children. The same overwhelming feeling took hold of me for my entire first day in New York. Riding the subway, seeing the mass amounts of different cultures and people, not knowing where I was going: it was all a whirlwind of excitement and depression. I felt extremely homesick, yet adventurous, saddened by the amount of sad and poor people, yet happily fortunate. This entire trip to New York really impacted my feelings of the future, especially as a designer. Every designer has that dream, whether small or big, in their heart to be successful and working in New York. I realized that some of my fellow fashion friends were out of their mind by picking up after college and moving to New York hoping for a job, rather than already securing one. I wondered from time to time during my trip how they really were.

My first day, I ate at Max Brener, a wonderful chocolateer for adults. I half expected to find this Max Brener skipping around the place, top hat and cane included, singing of the magical joys of making chocolate. Funny enough, I hate the stuff. But the food was excellent, I would go back in a heartbeat (try the turkey club). Later, I ate at Serendipity http://www.serendipity3.com/main.htm, another adorable restaurant that was fashioned out of an old house. It reminded me of an upscale Bubble Room. Their specialty there is frozen hot chocolate, and it is certainly made for two or more. It is presented in this large vase and is chocolate ice cream and hot chocolate mixed together with whipped cream and chocolate jimmy's on top. Serendipity is also known for their $1000 ice cream, Golden Opulence Sundae, complete with gold spoon and God knows what else (perhaps caviar and gold leaf?). My first day I also took in the MOMA, which housed some of my favorite paintings (Andrew Wyeth's Christina's World to name one). It was truly the best collection I had ever seen. The second day was spent touring some of the other sights of New York (the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Ground Zero, and Broadway). These were all beautiful and wonderful to see with my own eyes. I managed to escape to Central Park during the only sunlight that my entire week saw, and while there, I observed a wedding. A wedding in Central Park, right after a storm, surrounded by thousands and thousands of tulips, next to the fountain of the Three Graces: I believe even Donald Trump would rival me of my good fortune. That night, after my walk, I went to Broadway and Times Square. I took to see Mary Poppins in the fourth row, which was quite Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. I would rather have seen Phantom of the Opera, my favorite musical, but it was unfortunately not my decision to see the regurgitated Disney morality lesson. However, I will admit it was quite a sight to see Bert tap dance upside down. Canal Street was possibly my favorite stop along the way, and I did get a little designer crazed. A Coach purse, Dolce and Gabanna sunglasses, and Chanel earings. Hell, you only live once. I had to keep repeating that mantra while I was following Chinese man after Chinese man down the street, around the corner and inside his blacked-out mini van where his store was located. Or when I was following a Chinese woman down the hall, through a hidden door, and up the attic into a crowded room filled with Spanish tourists from Miami and a Chinese man who was defiant to give his purses up for less than forty five dollars. I, however, trained in my skilled haggling ways, managed to walk out of there with my purse for twenty five dollars. The trick: just keep repeating your price, even when he keeps repeating his. Also, try and say your price slower and more articulated than the time before. Eventually, after ten minutes, you will win.

The rest of the time I spent there was purely editing designs, exploring on foot rather than subway the different avenues of New York, and fabric shopping. I was also privileged enough to snag a meeting with Cotton Incorporated and get their insight into my designs (by the way, they have an amazing view of St. Patrick's Cathedral). I did notice a few things about New York I want to share: it is a big city; you will feel tiny and minuscule there. Also, for some strange reason, there is an Ann Taylor on every other street corner going up 3rd from 58th. Dylann's Candy has the best cupcakes for the price (try the strawberry and sprinkles one). And New York is indeed in the possession of the best bagels and pizza I have ever eaten. It is also one of the only places I would want to fabric shop from now on.
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