Billy&Hoss

Daytime Inspiration: Coffee Face Scrub

2015-03-16T06:50:00.000-07:00

My newest beauty regime includes something a little less conventional. Not the typical drugstore beauty product, but something a little more shall I say, homemade.
Many of you know me as the not so much DIY-er but the - if I can put it in the microwave versus oven, then sign me up - type of girl. I do love sifting through Pinterest looking for what others have created on their own, but most of the time I say oh thats nice and retreat to pinning a pair of Louboutins to my Shoe Porn board.

I did decide to step out of my box and do something creative, making me feel very domestic. I made a coffee face scrub.
An alluring and tasty, even though you are not suppose to eat it because that defeats the purpose, but a face scrub that smells good and makes your skin feel so amazing.

Directions:

(makes enough for 4)

1 tbsp coffee grounds (you can use fresh coffee grounds or ones already brewed, up to you)

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed, none of that packaged shit)

(Found this one on Pinterest)

Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl, if it is too solid then add a little more lemon juice (the acidy is great to balance out the natural face acidy that is stripped from conventional face washes). Dip your hands in and lather all over your body or just on your face. Make sure to rub it in gently as you do not want to scratch your skin too much, just a gentle exfoliation. Let sit for 10 minutes or so (read a book, make dinner, watch tv or scroll your twitter feed). Then rinse off and lightly dry off with a soft towel. Voila! You have skin as soft as a baby's bottom.

This is great for the whole body as it gently exfoliates, works well on the back of arms, your legs, even on your bum! I love it on my face because how much wear and tear I put it through, all the sweat from yoga and my nasty mat has caused me to break out on my forehead a little bit and this has drastically helped those little bumps go away in just two scrubs!

I recommend doing this once or twice a week.

You can find many alternatives on sites like Pinterest, ones that use olive or coconut oil, or cinnamon, this is what I had in my pantry at the time so I had to make do.

Remember, it is face wash, not a tasty dessert!

Is it a Pile of 'Stuff', After All?

2015-03-02T04:32:00.003-08:00

"You go to your closet and you select... I don't know... that lumpy blue sweater, for instance because you're trying to tell the world that you take yourself too seriously to care about what you put on your back. But what you don't know is that that sweater is not just blue, it's not turquoise. It's not lapis. It's actually cerulean. And you're also blithely unaware of the fact that in 2002, Oscar de la Renta did a collection of cerulean gowns. And then I think it was Yves Saint Laurent... wasn't it who showed cerulean military jackets? I think we need a jacket here. And then cerulean quickly showed up in the collections of eight different designers. And then it, uh, filtered down through the department stores and then trickled on down into some tragic Casual Corner where you, no doubt, fished it out of some clearance bin. However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs and it's sort of comical how you think that you've made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you're wearing the sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room from a pile of stuff." - Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep)

"Is Fashion Necessary?", Leandra Medine writes on Man Repeller, summarizes the importance, or lack there of, clothing in this era. Every day most people walk to their closets, pick something out and move on with their lives. But there are those few who go to their closets and instantly a rush of creativity and excitement floods the senses, do you pair those black skinny jeans with a tweed blazer and a Rolling Stones t-shirt under, or do you wear that pink knife-pleated skirt with your vintage MaxMara cashmere crop top and a cameo printed scarf? Who do I want to be today? A punk rock girl in all black, or the girl next door who happens to have a few random tattoos? Nobody but yourself has the power to determine who you are and what you represent to the world. Sure my outfits can be quite obscure and sometimes I look back and think to myself, "what the hell was I wearing that day" but at least I brought something different to the table. Knowing that I put the effort in waking up and showing the world that I do care what I look like and that I do have the right to say I exude confidence because who else can strut in those silver vintage Prada wedges better than I think I can.

As a student in the fashion industry I am becoming to learn that fashion is necessarily-unnecessary. Every once in a while I hear from my friends, who are completely against fashion calling it superfluous and flamboyant, which I agree 100%, it is extremely superfluous and flamboyant but so are those 10 songs that Drake came out with on his last CD that you love so dearly but I find illiterate and brainwashing. Sally Waits, comments on Leandra's post stating, "People I meet often presume that an interest in fashion makes you a victim to trends and profanity. But since wearing clothes is a social convention we all have to oblige to, there is no avoiding fashion."

To each their own.

Fashion, whether you like it or not, is in your every day live, haunting us everywhere we go. Much like the quote from The Devil Wears Prada when Miranda is schooling Andy after she admits she is still learning about this, "stuff". This stuff, is not stuff after all; it is art, it surrounds us and comforts us and protects us. No matter if you shop at Wal-Mart or you shop at at Barney's, you are still making a decision on what to wear, it is a form of natural selection, a process of categorization to differentiate one from the other.

I enjoy fashion purely because I can show others that I am comfortable differentiating myself from the conformity that we have become so well acquainted with. I respect the creations that many designers have beautiful crafted over the years, knowing that most of their creations are purely for entertainment purposes only; entertainment of the senses, mind, influential purposes and the knowledge that their creations give us a glimmer of hope and a passage to escape the daily routine of our boredom.

Doesn't the saying go, "Always dress like you are going to see your worst enemy?" I think I'll dress to kill, but if I die, scatter my ashes in Bergdorf's.

Daytime Craving: Céline SS15

2015-02-25T03:37:00.001-08:00

Céline SS15:

The earrings

The softly wafted hair

The just bit rosy lips

The unexpected splash of color, fur and knitwear

The beautiful marriage of masculine and feminine

The capes

The culottes

The chicest fanny pack you'll ever see

Shall I go on....

Just see for yourself here

Oh the places you'll Go

2015-02-21T07:43:00.001-08:00

Not only am I studying abroad in Florence, Italy. I am also studying abroad in all the countries that I travel to over the 5 months in Europe. Whether my studying comes from my classes or about the cultures, I am experiencing all sorts of unique differences all around the world.

Trips like Venice, Rome, Milan, Como in Italy; this weekend I will be traveling to Morocco in Africa, last weekend I took an excursion to Prague. For spring break I will be going to Greece, Santorini in particular, and right after Greece me and few of the girls will be going to the Amalfi Coast where we travel to Naples, Pompeii, and Capri.

The blue water and white sandy beaches and the colorful houses hanging to the cliff sides. Hopefully I will return to Florence as a bronzed beauty. Or I'll just be burnt.

Images via Pinterest

Night time Craving:

2015-02-09T14:55:00.001-08:00

Every once in awhile I crave something other than the newest pair of Valentino 'Rock Studded' heels or the Balenciaga sweatshirt that every fashion guru on planet earth owns.

Right now, this very instance (appx 11:47pm, Italian time) I am craving my morning breakfast.

Waking up every morning at 8:20 is a struggle in itself, but then I remember: I get to make my most favorite breakfast and have a cup of coffee, accompanied with my morning ritual of checking all platforms of social media on my cracked iPhone 5C, as I sit in the kitchen alone devouring my food in like three minutes.

What is this magical breakfast you ask?

Ahhhhhhhh, thought you would never speak:

whole wheat toast x mashed avocado x smoked salmon x egg over-easy

Top that with a dash of ground black pepper and chili pepper flakes and VOLIA!!

Holy molasses, I'm starvin' marvin'.

Image via Pinterest

Three things I'm Loving

2015-02-07T14:54:00.000-08:00

1. Oversize Coats

I am slightly obsessed with my BCBG camel coat that I bought in high school. You can usually catch me wearing it with my black hat or beanie with Converses and my leather jacket underneath.

2. The "Stan Smith" x Adidas

Seen everywhere this season, the Stan Smith is bringing back the 'laid-back' cool kid look when paired with cuffed jeans and a blazer or oversize black jacket. (And you can customize your own pair at adidas.com)

3. Shearling Jacket

Acne, the god of the shearling jacket is striking it hard this season and there is a soft spot in my heart for these wonderful and warm jackets. The buckles, zippers and overall goodness will sure be on my mind next time I decide to splurge. (Which I probably will never do since I am so broke)

Images via Pinterest

When in Firenze

2015-01-12T14:47:00.002-08:00

Ahhhh the first day of school; so nostalgic, I remember my first day of school dating back to kindergarten. The first day outfit that took weeks to plan out, getting up early and having breakfast already cooked by my dad and coffee fresh on the pot.
Unfortunately, the older I get the less I care about my outfit (as I already have an adapted uniform that I will wear throughout the whole year on repeat) and breakfast turns into a banana because I cannot afford groceries and coffee turns into microwaved half ass coffee that has been sitting for a few days waiting to be cleaned out and remade. None the less, the first day of school is always exciting, different friends, professors and classes. What makes this year special for me is that it is a new school year in a new state and in particular for this semester, a new country - Italy to be exact.

The beginning of my journey in Italy was a relatively rough one, the starting with the flight being delayed, twice. Then once we touched down in Paris chaos struck all around the city, fortunately we were safe in the confinements of the airport. Touchdown in Florence was decent but when out cab driver took us to our apartment we couldn't find the street and drove around for what felt like hours. Once we found the apartment we struggled to hull all of our luggage up three flights of stairs as Italy doesn't believe in elevators - or something like that. All said in done, we were exhausted from traveling for hours and starving and without power and water as out landlord has yet to grace us with his/her presence. We stuck the hour and half long wait for her to bless us with electricity and water, then we took on the town trying to find something to drink and eat as we were famished and in dire need of a legal alcoholic beverage. Low and behold we live right near the Santa Maria Novella church which is absolutely beautiful, looks almost fake as the facade actually fake as it has been reconstructed over the years. Near the Santa Maria Novella there are many adorable restaurants that we stumbled upon, found one that was open and got seated. Five girls, five glasses of wine and delicious native Italian cuisine later we were stuffed and ready for bed.
The next few days were full of mandatory orientation classes that covered some BS and blah blah blah, cut us a break were 20 years old and know how to take care of ourselves (well most of us do). We were so ready to explore the beautiful city, unfortunately were were drained and jet lagged and the only thing that we wanted to do for the first few days were to craw in bed and sleep...which we did.
But today was the first day of class, reality struck and now I need to pull myself together and put the bottle of wine down and really focus this semester as I am not in New York anymore and where class didn't really exist and living a hungover life everyday was acceptable and expected after awhile.

Truly this is not my first rodeo being outside my comfort zone, especially living in suburbia Pittsburgh, going to school in Ohio - but then spending five months in the middle of Manhattan and now another five months in Florence, Italy. I am so fortunate to have this year abroad, time to travel the world, see things that I might never see again, see things I read in books and dreamed of seeing, experienced and dove right into a culture completely unlike my own. New York City is the mecca of fashion and the fast pace life, Italy is the mecca of traveling, tranquility and culture. This is the start of a beautiful love affair, an city with so much liveliness and a city with so much heritage. I cannot wait to see what this semester will bring me; will I find my Italian stallion, my one true love (if you're out there, hit me up), will I find a hidden Picasso, climb the highest mountain in the world, swim the deepest parts of the sea? We can only hope.

An almost Goodbye

2015-01-02T21:32:00.000-08:00

There is nothing more romantic than a city full of life.

Full of spirit, pride, joy and love.

New York City has captured the essence of the greatest city in my books so far. Everything about New York is alluring, the sounds that I hear on my commute to work or to class during the weekday. The lights that are constantly on, racking up a mad electricity bill, but the lights that light up the brightest city in the world. The smells, oh I will miss the smells, well some of the smells to say the least. The smells of the cinnamon peanuts that are sold on the streets, the smells of the pizza shops and coffee shops that I crave every day and sometimes when I go back to Pittsburgh I miss the smells of the garbage piled up three feet high because Pittsburgh never has garbage piled three feet high (or higher).

The five months that I spent in New York City were the best five months of my life. Every moment in the city I had I cherished and enjoyed to the fullest, it is what you make of the time that you have to enjoy. I am young, 20 years old to be exact and I am so lucky to have been able to spend my semester here in New York City. Unlike many others, I wish my semester would never end, yeah sure maybe I could survive without the class and homework but between my job that I loved, the friends that I made here and the wild and spontaneous life that I had, I never want it to end.

Many of my friends back at home would ask me asking me what exactly am I doing in New York, I tell them that I am going to class taking a full 14 credit hours and interning three days a week busting my balls to get the grades and to impress and prove to my coworkers that I can survive and be successful in this industry. As most of my friends believed I just lived in New York spending thousands of dollars, going out to clubs doing absolutely nothing with my time here. Well they are half right, I do go out more than I should but I still wake up at 9am and am out of the door and on time to make it to work at 10am...sometimes extremely hungover but I deal with it.

I kicked ass in this city.

If anybody were to second guess me just watch me in an environment that I truly strive in. There is nothing more invigorating than to be around people who share the same interests and passions that I have.

There are so many things that I have learned about myself in these five short months. I learned that I do not want to be a retail buyer, something that I thought I wanted to be my whole life. But that I want to be a writer, no David Sedaris or Maya Angelou, but a writer that travels all around the world to experience things that others may never be able to, I want to let them know what it is like on the other side of the fence. I want to tell people my visions and dreams and opinions through my writing Sure they make crap money but hell when did I ever think I would get a job that I would make bank - never.(But let me remind you that this is simply a blog post and does not reflect the skills that I have, I'm writing this late at night and without my glasses on so cut me a break).

I learned that I truly work well with people, strangers or people I have known for years, I simply love socializing with others. Learned that I am really good at small talk and that it is truly necessary to have the ability to pull shit out of your ass just to spark a conversation with someone who might become a friend for a lifetime. I learned that it is sometimes better to listen than to speak. You find out a lot about people if you just listen to them, what their interests, problems, life stories, ideas versus telling them yours. Sometimes you hear something from somebody and it sparks an idea in your own head, or a cord that makes you realize that you have been doing nothing but talking your whole life and it is nice to not talk and to listen for just a moment.

Today I went to Union Square, back to my stomping grounds. I had no plans for the day, it was one of the most gorgeous days that I have seen in the city in awhile. Got a cup of coffee and walked around for a little until I decided that all I want to do for the day is to sit on a park bench, without my earphones or my phone in my face, and just watch people. Breath in the fresh air, have the sun shining on my face, watch the others around me. New York is a busy city, sometimes there is no time to stop and smell the roses. In the five months of living here not once did I take a walk to a park and just sit alone and breath. We forget to, we get so caught up in other things and we always ask ourselves where the time went and weeks, months, years roll bye and we ask ourselves what did we do? We can't remember because we didn't step back and evaluate what we did. That is exactly what I did today. I took a moment to look back and think about what I have done while I have stayed in this marvelous city. I learned that I have done so many amazing things, met so many amazing people and made connections that I will have for the rest of my life.

This surly is not the most 'fashionable' blog post I have ever done. But it probably is the most heartfelt one I have written.

There is not one thing that I have done in this city that I regret doing, or not doing. This is not a goodbye, this is a 'I will see you later'.

In a few short days I will be heading to Florence, Italy to continue my schooling and traveling and spending money that I don't have for the remaining five months of the semester. Not quite sure what trouble I can cause over there. Frolic in fields of lavender, champagne toasts onto of a mountain somewhere in Greece (maybe), spending my mornings waking up watching the sun rise on this side of the world and before bed watching it set and the stars to come out and the moon to take the suns place, letting it sleep just like everybody else. It was a wild ride New York, it sure as hell was one wild ride.

An afternoon in the Showroom

2014-12-09T19:24:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I just can't seem to get away from showrooms, working in a showroom three times a week can be all I need. But a change of environment - showroom wise - is nice to mix things up. For class we took a trip to a blooming designer, Daniel Silverstein. Starting his career at a young age, actually a recent FIT graduate age. He landed a spot on the TV show, Fashion Stars where he was one of the youngest in the bunch, working side by side with the equally amazing and notorious fashion icon Nicole Richie.

Daniel is such an inspiring designer, he started working as a knitwear designer at Victorias Secret where he came to realize how much waste there was in the fashion industry. We waste so much without even knowing because we ate so naive and just want those damn clothes.

He wanted to change the way we looked at clothes, wanting us to appreciate the beauty that clothes have, but also the beauty of the environment and that we are in control of it.

He is such an aspirational designer, wanting to change the world, one dress at a time. He also knows so much about the industry from the design, to the aspect of the fashion, just the industry as a whole.

In his showroom which doubles as his design studio, I cannot imaging working in such a small studio but in the Garment District you work with what you have and make do and he does. whether he is working out of his small studio with only 6 other employees, or working out of his apartment in Brooklyn, he makes it work and in the fashion industry that is all you have to do.

A day at Opening Ceremony

2014-12-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

Going home for Thanksgiving is cool, but leaving my queen size bed with a 6" mattress pad isn't cool. Also what is not cool is missing class in which happened to be at trip to Opening Ceremony in SoHo. Fortunately I ended up going by myself to write this lovely blog post for all of you to read.

Opening Ceremony unfortunately didn't allow me to take any pictures, probably because they thought I was going to steal all of their intellectual property, or something like that. The atmosphere was so different from many other stores I've been in. It is quirky, random, high end, sophisticated, chic, messy all rolled into one store that carries an amazing array of equally random clothes. From the notorious staircase, to the the displays and the way the clothes are being hung.

The founders,Carol and Humberto, based Opening Ceremony off the principle as mixed ethnicity and multi cultured. Howard street where OC is located is so notorious for being the home of so many brands like Rodarte, Alexander Wang, Band of Outsiders, Proenza, and man many more.

Being in OC made me feel like I was in my zen. I felt comfortable being in a place that is so imperfect, its beautiful.

A day at Dover

2014-11-25T20:43:00.001-08:00

For those who have never been, the notorious Dover Street Market is a fashion and fun filled shoppig environment. You can sometimes question whether you are at a museum or a retail store holding exquisite pieces by designers from Alexander Wang to Supreme and Prada.

Dover Street Market is such a different shopping experience like what you might get at Barney's or Bergdorfs because they showcase the designers in collections that invites you to interact and really get a feel for the clothes in the way the designer intended you to. Each floor has a different vibe and each designer section had a different theme. From the bright lights and sophistication from Louis Vuitton to the ultra modern theme at Thom Brown. It really puts forth what the designer invisioned the collections to be presented.

Of course I was making a very extensive shopping list while I was touring the showrooms from the beautiful pearl and diamond ring (must have but probably never will own...sad) to the adorable little Comme Des Garçons teddy bears and colorful coin purses. I love the mix DSM has, one section has Vans and Converse tennis shoes while being on the same floor as designers that have prices of their shoes tripple what Vans would price their shoes at. DSM blends together the high and lows so well because they know what is funky and cool and what works in the current trends and pairs them together without worrying about the price range because the DSM customer is much different then the Barney's customer who is looking for a chic and sophisticated environment and presentation. Not a place that displays their clothes in a museum like atmosphere that someone like Jeff Koons would gain inspiration from.

I'm so excited to go back and see what Dover Street Market has to offer next season and to see how they decorated each floor. I truly do prefer the atheistic and environment that Dover offers much more than other equally high end department stores as it makes me feel like I'm not competing for the most expensive Lanvin or Balenciaga bag, I'm buying for myself and the love of fashion as a whole.

Around NYC: a trip to Doneger

2014-11-18T20:57:00.001-08:00

There are some places one never thinks of going to in New York. One place for example would be Doneger Creative services, the forecasters of the fashion industry and thanks to them we in the fashion industry are always (well almost always up to date) on the newest trend, color and textile.

On our visit to Doneger in Midtown Manhattan was so informative. We were introduced by the sweetest instructor, Michele who walked us through the daily routine of Doneger. From the sourcing to the selection of colors and textiles to marketing the books they send to their clients and so many other services they offer. As of now Doneger has a womenswear book but are soon launching their menswear book as there as menswear is increasing in popularity and acceptance.

Doneger has been around for years and is known and welcomed by so many creative and fashion moguls from Stella McCartney to Wal-Mart. Using their services has the upper hand as they have full access all the time to all the employees in all different departments (if they have the premium package that is) while others can use other parts of their services without having full access but equal customer services.

I have never been interested in fashion forecasting or even knew what it really is but after the introduction and walk through I realized it is essential to the industry. It is easy to take inspiration from others but nearly impossible to create something that has truly never been done before, and that is what they offer. Inspiration from the past and blending and transferring it to create something new and innovative.

Killer Heels

2014-11-11T09:25:00.001-08:00

Traveling around NYC when you have a job, take a full load of classes and have somewhat of a social life can get pretty challenging. Fortunately I have a pretty awesome teacher who takes us to some equally awesome places around New York. The Brooklyn Museum was the most recent study tour to see the current exhibition, Killer Heels: The Art of the High-Heeled Shoe.

As a high heel fanatic myself and advid shoe collector I appreciate the love for high heels and the art that they really are. It takes a skill to be able to treck around an office, club, restaurant or whatever wearing shoes that make your toes cringe but gives you that sexy arch and the height increase is also a major plus. High heels are a major piece of fashion, they contribute to the looks of the garments making them truly one of a kind. Designers collaborate with other designers to product collections that work together literally, head to toe.

From Christian Louboutin to Brian Atwood and Salvador Ferragamo the shoes that have been the foundation of fashion and the front runners of popularity. They have rocked the fun way hundreds of times and the streets of affluent and stylish celebs or above average women and men. They have influenced so many other designers.

Experiencing all aspects of fashion is constantly inspiring as I truly learn and appreciate the industry that I strive to learn in.

An Evening at the Museum

2014-11-04T18:32:00.001-08:00

The MET: so grandiose and notorious for its wide range of exhibits, parties and fundraisers. It keeps our history alive and is a fixture of New York City and the upper east side.

Not only is the MET a fixture to New York City but it is also a fixture to the fashion industry for its ever so popular events and historical fashion exhibits that are so beautifully curated to truly showcase the history, beauty and essence of fashion. The current exhibit that is being showcased is called "Death Becomes Her: A Century of Mourning Attire". It showcases women's funeral attire, dating back to the 1800's, it truly started the all black as an acceptable trend. Today you may walk down any street in any city and see women in full black attire, many might think she is sad or "emo" but really it is just fashion, she can showcase her style without any use of color as black is a neutral. I found one look quite spectacular and beautiful as there were two detailed gowns, they were very unexpected as it was a sea of black but it brought some light into the room. The room had the whole Edgar Allen Poe x The Raven look, dark and mysterious. It of course had that feel as they were mourning gowns.

History evolves constantly and it is so nice to have a resource right in the city to look back and see what has been created in the past that has influenced life today. The MET is a fascinating museum and I highly recommend it to anyone who takes a trip to New York. Whether they are interested in fashion, Egyptian history to the renaissance era.

Till next time. Xx

Around NYC: International Playground

2014-10-28T17:13:00.001-07:00

Spunky yet sporty, classy, not trashy but flashy. Pretty much sums up the style and theme of the well known domestic and international based warehouse/retailer International Playground.

International Playground is founded on the fundamental blend of fashion, art, music and lifestyle with designers like Mary Meyers, Chromat and so many more international and American based designers. Each have their own unique spin on fashion, Chromat with their intricate swimsuit and body cages that can be seen on sites like Nasty Gal.

Many designers that International Playground do business with are ones that are either ermerging or have already established themselves in the fashion industry. Some may be more established in other countries like Finland or Germany where they have great recognition when foreigners travel to International Playground's Broome Street location in SoHo.

As in intern at a PR agency I have came to learn that there are so many different faucets in the fashion industry, some well known and some people don't even think exist. The fact that International Playground have became a retailer with a brick and mortar location and online site and the wholesaler and PR firm; they do everything. It's nice for them do a lot for their clients because they build a strong bond. Also having a strong bond allows them to voice their opinion on the collections as they are the retailer and they know what sells and what doesn't sell as they are aware of the market and they can guide their clients in a direction that is more wearable for their target market.

International Playground was so much fun being able to take a look behind the scenes, Jonny the co-founder is great as he truly knows what he is talking about and he really is passionate about his job and it is really nice to see someone who enjoys their job. Not to mention the fact that he personally knows Erin, my boss at Agentry. It truly is a small world.

Till next time. Xx

Scatter my ashes in Bergdorfs

2014-10-23T21:11:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite places in the world, Bergdorf Goodman, so magical; rows and rows of beautifully lit jewelry cases filled with shines objects, rooms and rooms filled with pointy high heels with red soles and racks of delicate silks and tough leathers. A place so magical that it could move me to tears. On my 16 birthday my mom took me to New York for the very first time, I was in complete awe of the entire city and instantly fell in love. While on my trip she took me to the three B's: Bergdorf, Barneys and Bendel, and of course my favorite was Bergdorf Goodman. Much hasn't changed in the past four years since I was there last, the rooms are still romantically lit and the sales associates are still impeccably groomed and full of knowledge and ready to sell.

This trip we were required to look at a few well known designers, Prada, Alexander Wang, Thom Brown, Alaïa, etc. each designer has their own room and their own take on visuals, but each and every will was beautifully presented.

Bergdorf is the epitome of luxury fashion are is always on top of its game when it comes to marketing and positioning whether it be their online site or their hefty magazine that I grabbed while I was there. If your product is carried in Bergdorf then you know you have made it in the fashion industry as you are in a store where the biggest names are being carried and hundreds of socialites and celebrities and other notable people in the fashion industry go quite often. They see your product there and from that they give you so much street credit and help rep your brand.

KSU around NYC: Tenant Museum

2014-10-14T18:26:00.001-07:00

Last week the group and I traveled to a very interesting place in New York, a tenant museum. At first I didn't know what to even think because frankly, I've never heard of a tenant museum. Located in the lower east side, the Tenant Museum is known as a very historical faucet in the fashion industry. Years ago when the fashion industry started booming in New York City, the lower east side was a very popular place for immigrants to come and work and live all in the same location. Immigrants from Russia, Prague, Germany, Polish and so many more countries around the would would come to the states to take refugee and have the ability to start a new life and take care of their family. From mothers and father, their children, grandparents and strangers, they would all work and live in the same spot. I could never imagine working in such a tight area with people I really don't know, especially if there is no AC, proper plumbing and running water, not many windows and not to mention the constant fear of disease and infection as there is no proper medical facilities or proper way to care for wounds or illnesses.

Tenants were the old school sweatshops as most of them got shut down due to the New Yorkers from the west side and wealthier areas of town realizing that many people were becoming ill with polio or tuberculosis and the fear that the clothes being sold to stores like Macy's and Brooks Brothers would contain the disease. We needed these tenant workshops because the products were being made domestically and there was a fast turn over as they were being created and sold all in the same city. Workers would be doing things on the product line from putting the patterns together, to the trims and finished to the ironing. Workers from all ages were working on the product line starting at children old enough to do small projects to help their parents, potential owners or workers, out.

Unfortunately I was not able to see the full museum as a fellow classmate got extremely ill during the tour, I still found it extremely informative and it is such a large part of the fashion industry's history. We have the production line process and now because of what we learned from the tenant workshops. Personally I believe that it was wise for the government to shut down many of the tenant workshops because the workers were living and working in such an un livable environment. It wasn't fair for workers to work and live with strangers and working hours and hours in such poor conditions. We have learned from our past mistakes and now are enforcing the bring down of sweatshops around the world and are promoting products being created domestically because we have stricter laws and regulations versus sweatshops in countries like China and Bangladesh where a few years ago a sweatshop collapsed killing hundreds of innocent workers. If only that factory was properly maintained thousands of lives would be saved. The fashion industry is constantly evolving and all we need to do to keep it evolving is to listen and grow.

Till next time, cheers xx

A night at FIT

2014-10-07T18:52:00.001-07:00

Tonight my roommates and I traveled to the FIT museum where they were featuring an exhibit that focuses on the pairing of fashion and dance. From George Balanchine to Martha Graham and Leon Bakst. Notable dance influencers that have changed the way dance will be performed then, now and the years to come. The pairing of fashion and dance are such a likely combination as the two focus on the body and movement and accentuating the body's silhouette. Creating lines that create an allusion of elongating the neck arms and legs, mimicking shapes and patterns of animals and other creatures to bringing back century old uniforms and costumes. So many designers over the years have been influenced by dance and they have used their imaginations to create dance costumes themselves. Working with The Ballet Russe or The New York City Ballet for shows like Rubies to The Nutcracker. Designers like Dior, Balenciaga, Prada, Rodarte and so many others have created one of a kind tutus, leotards, pointe shoes, etc to be showcased on the wonderful and magical stage.

Walking into the museum, you could instantly get a feel for the dance passion, the hallway with still pictures of a male and female dancer in the mist of performing a contemporary piece. On the other walk they had a video of multiple dance performances like Swan Lake. Then walking into the room itself was so grandiose. So many mannequins dressed in impeccable pieces. My personal favorite were the pieces that George Balanchine used for his shows. They are really the quintessential dance pieces I would as a little girl dream of wearing. As a dancer for the past 12 years I have worn hundreds of different costumes and I always appreciated a well tailored and designed costume. They not only caught the audiences and judges attention but they made the dance and me feel important and beautiful.

Dance and fashion will always be a common pairing and I'm so excited to see what designers can come up with for the years to come to really emphasis on the beauty that dance brings.

KSU Around NYC

2014-10-01T20:04:00.001-07:00

Last week we had the opportunity to go to such a cool place-- a marking company where they make the markings for designers like Rag & Bone, Ralph Lauren, etc. Make a Marker is in New York city and has made their 'mark' in the fashion industry for many years especially as a new CFDA member. We need companies like this because they don't become attached to the product like other companies in the fashion industry could. Also it's great to have a company in local New York because of a pattern maker is confused on a design for let's say a striped shirt then they can easily go to the actually location versus having to make multiple phone called to places over seas or in another state. What markers do is take the pattern that is sent from the pattern maker and cut the pattern, they ensure that the notches are all in line with each other along with the pattern being symetrical. Last thing a designer wants is to have a striped sweater not be straight. They also adjust the sizes of the garment to ensure that the fabric will have proper stretch and shape when it is cut for production. This process is so important because it saves the designer time to use a subcontractor to do the cutting and layout work so their garments are produced in a timely manner. Don't mind the car, lollipop in the picture, she just wanted to hang out.

Till next time. Cheers. Xx

Daytime Inspo: M&S Schmalberg

2014-09-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

M&S Schmalberg is a 4th generation shop that offers a very unique and individual experience; they hand craft flowers out of different materials such as leather, cotton, velvet, etc for clients around the world. Creating flowers for designers such as Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta (take a look at the flower on the dress that Carrie Bradshaw wore on S&TC) to dresses that celebs wore on the red carpet. Visiting their shop that is located on W36th in the heart of the fashion district was an amazing experience. Their shop is so unique and it displays most of their proudest creations, such as the notorious leather flower used by Chanel. While we were touring the shop they took us into the back where the flowers are made, there they showed us some samples that they are currently creating for Ralph Lauren's children's wear. Adorable little flowers that will be used as sashes, or to decorate the dresses for little girls.

We have unique business in the fashion industry for a reason, they first create accesses that are necessary for designers because they truly do complete the looks and embellish garments. They are also necessary because having people create these pieces domestically which causes competition. As a nation that is trying to create products domestically it is nice to see people still afloat and succeeding.

Till next week. Cheers xx

Recap: New York Fashion Week (take me back)

2014-09-17T06:14:00.001-07:00

Aahhh... New York Fashion Week; only comes twice a year and is where designers from around the world come together to showcase their creations that they have worked on for months and months on end. Spending countless hours piecing together looks and thousands of dollars producing shows and marketing for a show that lasts only 20 minutes. But hell those 20 minutes are breathtaking and worth the long wait.

À Moi

This year I was grateful enough to experience first handily what goes on during Fashion Week. From working and checking people in, to being checked in as a guest at a show. My week started when I was working New York Mens Day with the company that I intern for, Agentry PR who produced the whole event. It was an amazing experience and you can read more about my NYMD day here.

To kick off the womenswear collections I worked with a new and upcoming womenswear brand À Moi which was absolutely amazing, the designer Alejandra (Alex) Alonso who is such an inspiring and creative designer. You can view her whole collection here, I can't wait for next season to see what intricate designs she can come up with.

Cristian Siriano

Up next I was able to work/ attend the infamous Christian Siriano fashion show. I knew that this would be an exciting event because of the crowd that it attracts from likes of Coco Rocha to Jada Pinkett Smith to famous bloggers that I have grown to love. The whole day was amazing, I was able to see Christian while we were setting up the seating assignments and he really is fully involved with his work and collections. I think it is so important for a designer to be fully emerged in what they are creating because in the end it is their name on the label, not their assistant designer or PR firms. Once we finished checking guests in my boss grabbed those who she could find to fill in the unattended seats, I was so excited because it was my first real life fashion show that I was actually able to see from the guests point of view. And the collection was absolutely amazing per usual. Stop over to Style.com to view the whole collection, you will be in awe just like I was.

Also don't mind the poor quality of the pictures and the video.

The Art Institute Show

And last but not least I was able to attend the amazing Art Institute Show that happened at Lincoln Center. It was such an amazing show which showcased designers that I know will be huge in a few years.

My roommate Alexa and I had a long day so we needed to take a little break on the steps of Lincoln Center.

Cheers xx

Daytime & Nighttime Inspo: NYMD & Flaunt/ Siwy

2014-09-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.ruelala.com/blog/

#NYMD

New York Men's Day: what a success. As my first time working a major show I believe it went off without a hitch. New York Men's Day was founded by Erin Hawker (my amazing boss) in 2013. This year we showcased 10 menswear designers from David Hart to Lucio Castro to Gents (just a few of our clients) to other brands to Stephen F and Antonio Azzulo (not our clients but equally amazing menswear designers). It was an amazing experience because first Cadillac sponsored the event, also the amount of people that showed up to the event was something I would want to do 1,000 times over again. I was working the front door with a few other interns checking in people on the guest list, it was a crazy day but like I said I would do it over again 1,000 times. After the event ended we went right to the after for Flaunt and Siwy denim. It was so much fun, I was again working the door but this time it was an even wilder crowd.

Overall it was an amazing experience, sure I missed class and was completely exhausted but I loved every bit of it. I got to work with the people from work, got to meet some people that I can network with for the rest of my life, and learned so much about the fashion industry. After living in New York for just a month, I realized that I never want to leave, I want to so badly come back next year to work New York Men's Day again because I know that if I don't I'll miss out on so much.

Cheers. xx

Full speed Ahead: NYC Livin

2014-08-27T20:07:00.002-07:00

A cute little snack my roomie Alexa prepared for me.

Hotel Hugo rooftop bar

Balade

My girl crushes, Bambi & Alex from 4th and Bleeker

Philip Marie brunch (bottomless mimosas & bloody marys...oh my god)

Here is a taste of what I have on Instagram of my experience here in NYC. I post a ton so make sure to keep up!

It is pretty easy to say that I am LOVING my life right now. New York is practically my soul twin, there's so much to do without ever getting bored. Thank god because my severe ADD/ADHD disables me from living anywhere else because how bored I get. The food is amazing (and expensive) the clothes are amazing (and expensive) the atmosphere is amazing (and smelly) but I love it all.

Keep up because you never know what I could do next... like going to the US Open. Oh wait, I am going to the US Open (heheh).

Daytime Inspo: Textile Day KSU Style

2014-08-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

School has officially started and to kick off the new school year I am doing a post. For the remaining time in NYC I will be doing posts on not only my travels around the city, but I will also be doing posts for my class, NY Field Experience: Study Tour. The class is awesome because it involves us taking trips to either textile studios or to have others in the industry come in and tell us what it is like to work for the company.

So today, it was a scorcher out (like 90*) but it was a great day. We went to multiple areas around the Garment District which was amazing because the KSU NYC Studio is right in the center of all the action as it is located on W 39th & 8th ave. Places we went to included the infamous Mood, which is one of the most renown fabric stores thanks to Project Runway. We also went to Elegant and Paron fabrics which are smaller fabric stores but equally amazing. We also took a trip over to, "The Button" which is the kiosk for info about the Garment District. They have so much info that you can go in and ask who makes taffeta or silk and they can put together a list of fabric stores or factories in the area that create those textiles. To end the tour we went to the most amazing magazine store, as an avid magazine enthusiast and future journalist; I died and went to heaven. The magazine store was called Around the World and they literally had magazines from around the world, from American Vogue to Russian Vogue to Carine Roitfeld's book which included Kim K on the cover.

The importance of these stores in reference to the fashion industry is absolutely curtail. Sure these stores were not necessarily the largest of carried the fanciest fabrics and trims but they gave us an overview of what designers need to create the garment. Each store had its own jazz, one had amazing faux furs while the other had an amazing array of tweeds, each fabrics that are constantly being shot on the runways and infamous people in the industry. It is great to see that we have great fabric stores so close to us because it makes it accessible to learn about different fabrics and materials than having to spend so much money importing them from other places around the world and not knowing what exactly that fabric is created with.

Till next time... xx

Pearls and Tattoos

2014-06-21T12:13:00.000-07:00

Sitting in my room watching Blackhawk Down and realizing how attractive all these men are. On another note, I have taken a selfie, ate some avocados with grapefruit and bought this Kate Moss x Playboy x Marc Jacobs shirt and wore it last night (I had to take a Snapchat of it). My dad looked at me as I left the house as if I was promoting naked people. But I mean it's Kate Moss how could I not promote her half naked on my shirt.

As I continue my search for the perfect internship for the fall I cannot stop thinking of what I would wear to either the interview or my first day on the job. Personally, I would wear this shirt, unfortunately most people would not approve quite yet. Although I would easily wear this shirt with a white blazer and leather pants in the fall with some killer booties.

I am constantly trying to figure out what 'style' I have. Am I a rocker type person, or a girly girl? Frankly I believe a I am the perfect mix of both; one day I will wear the cutest floral dress and the next I would wear my Pink Floyd shirt with my tattoos showing and my hair all messy as I haven't washed it or brushed it in a few days. I don't really think anybody needs to determine what style they have, style is just a term to describe someone quickly, it isn't a term to determine what type of person they are or their personality. Yes I have tattoos, but I also like to wear colorful gems and pearls. Does that necessarily mean anything? I think not.