New York Warp Speed

Photo by the lovely Leyla.

With only 9 more days left in NYC, I find myself appreciating all of the little things that this city and my life here have to offer. I take an extra deep breath when walking past my favorite corner flower stand. I smile smugly to myself when I run for the train and jump through the doors right before they close on me. I'm even enjoying some of my final projects (well, really just one and it's only because I'm really nerdy). In my last social commerce class yesterday, our prof had us think of a mentor we have had and then on a piece of paper write down the qualities this person possesses. After a few minutes, she told us to flip the paper over and write down what this person has taught us. Now, I'm not going to lie, there was a lot of eye rolling going on in the room during this exercise, especially because it wasn't to be handed in and rather just for us to keep. But being the goody goody I am, I obliged and started jotting down what my mentor (who I met at Parsons) has taught me. There are only a few people I've met in my life that I felt the need to impress, and maybe that's not quite the right word. Perhaps more accurately, they have inspired me to do my best work and then some. From the moment I met this person, I had this feeling. He imparted a fraction of his knowledge and experience onto me and because of this allowed me to grow in ways I never thought imaginable. His confidence in my skills and collaborative critiques have given me the ability to think that much further outside the box and push that much harder against what I thought I could do or become.

He led me to my current internship at a PR agency where I have had the most rewarding experience. Even though I have only been at this agency for four months, I feel like I have learned more than most people learn after years at a job. It's like I've all of a sudden realized just how far I've come and how much I've grown over the past year and a half in this city. What could have taken years and years at a mediocre job (and maybe not even!) to achieve has happened to me here, in this short time. I feel confident in the direction I want my life to go and I have a much clearer picture of what I want my career to look like. I owe that to a lot of people, including myself for taking this chance, but I also owe it to this city and the warp speed that it runs at.

j.

You Know You're a Parsons (or Other Fashion School) Student When...

1. If you didn't already have one, you have developed a serious shopping addiction but you tell yourself it's okay because it's research. Casually buying something online from your iPhone during class is not an uncommon occurrence.

2. You describe colors in terms of hue and chroma now and get offended when someone compliments you on your 'blue' shoes. They're actually aquamarine with more green than blue, but thanks. (True story: my friend Leyla texted me the other day because she described something as a shade of elephant and the person she was talking to was like...you mean grey?)

3. You spend so much time at the cafe next door that you have friends at each station (panini guy, coffee guy, cashier lady) who ask where you've been if you only see them once a day. They've all taken to calling you 'sweetheart' or 'honey' and that's okay with you. 

 
4. Phrases like 'totes amaze' and 'I used the Valencia filter' are not only often overheard but a part of your regular vocabulary. 

 
5. When in a store, you absolutely must feel each and every article of clothing. Before buying something you inspect the tag to find out the fiber content, care instructions and country of origin, because it matters people.

6. You spend so much time with your classmates that you pass colds around like mono at summer camp. When your closest friends are sick it's better to just accept the inevitable and share a drink with them to get it over with. 

 
7. Carrying at least 2 bags loaded with essential supplies like scissors, double sided tape, an extra pair of shoes and a small selection of magazines is basically a requirement. If you don't need to see a chiropractor on the regular than you've clearly been doing something wrong.

8. You only have female and gay friends so bitchiness and cattiness are about as common as breathing. When you do come into contact with the (straight) opposite sex, it's like a scene out of one of those daily planet DVDs. Let the best woman win.

9. If you're running late for class, wearing sweatpants is NOT an option. Staying home because you couldn't find something cute to wear in time is not only acceptable but strongly encouraged because you will be judged by your outfit by a minimum of 3 classmates in every class.

10. You're willing to work 12 hour days for literally no money if it means getting to see that show/work at that agency or for that designer because at the end of the day, you live, breathe, sleep and (don't) eat for fashion. 

j.

Living Like a Nomad

jacket {Aritizia} - sweater {Jacob} - polka-dot skinnies {Gap} - leopard print shoes {Toms} - purse {vintage Dooney & Bourke} - 

sunnies {Forever 21} - key necklace {flea market}

Every semester Parsons hosts a trend presentation by Trend Union, a Paris based company and one of the world's most renowned trend forecasters. This afternoon was the presentation for Spring/Summer 2014 and I had the privilege of guest tweeting for Parsons during it. This season's theme was titled Nomadism and in a nutshell, it was all about roaming the globe, connecting with nature and basically living a nomadic lifestyle. Inspiration was drawn from the earth and the different cultures that live on it. I thought it was a great presentation and I was loving many of the forecasted trends. If you're interested to hear more about those trends, check out the Parsons twitter account here!

It really got me thinking about the whole notion of living life out of a suitcase and having so few personal belongings that you're able to pick up and move on to the next place should the mood strike you. This lifestyle is basically the antithesis of mine. I collect belongings, crave stability, reject change and usually need a solid few months to wrap my head around a new beginning. As I was sitting in this presentation and seeing beautiful imagery of hippies and gypsies, I realized that I have always been envious of the free spirited. To have the ability to go with the flow and not only be okay with it, but thrive from it, is truly a remarkable quality. 

After an entire life of accumulating 'stuff', I'm beginning to realize that maybe having less things, but with more meaning is better than having just a bunch of meaningless things. Obviously, this can be applied to all of one's possessions but for me it really applies to my closet. I'm not going to make some big (unrealistic) declaration that from now on, I won't buy clothes. I am going to say that I will strive to put more thought into my purchases. I mean, really think about what it is I want, if I have something similar to it already hanging in the back of my closet. I think I should challenge myself to mentally come up with at least five different ways I could wear this new item with my current wardrobe before making the purchase. I love the idea of being able to mix and match the majority of one's clothes with one another.

While I know that the nomad life is not for me, I wouldn't mind borrowing from it from time to time. Living in the moment, allowing freedom to take over and just letting go (both mentally and physically) are not the worst philosophies I've ever heard.

j.

Chambray + Polka Dots

polka-dot chambray shirt {Macy's} - belt {Old Navy} - black maxi skirt {Joe Fresh} - 

tan boots {The Bay} - photo cred {Kiki, as always!}

I finished my first week of classes and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. There were a few classes that, based solely on their titles and heresay, I was not looking forward to. After attending them myself, I am feeling a bit better about them. There are two classes, in particular, that I am most excited about: social commerce and merchandising workshop. In social commerce, we get to learn all about social media and how it applies to businesses. In merch workshop, we basically get to create a brand and take it through all of the steps from inception to right before creation. 

This is a big week for fashion folk in NYC. Of course, it's the start of NYFW and it's also the IFBCon (Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference). I was lucky enough to be given tickets from my social commerce prof, so expect a little recap later on in the week...or next week if we're being realistic.

On a quick note about the above outfit I'm wearing. Is it possible to be wearing too many trends at one time? The answer is probably yes and I am probably guilty. Chambray, polka-dots AND a maxi skirt. Although I don't think I consider maxi skirts as much of a trend as the other two, so maybe I'm safe. What's definitely not safe, however, is wearing a maxi skirt sans leggings in the middle of winter in NYC. Just sayin.

j.   

Be Back Soon

 

Image via Pinterest

 

So sorry for the radio silence, friends. I'm afraid it's going to be quiet for the next two weeks as well. Finals are here. Barely alive. Wish me luck to get me through these last few classes. I'm going to need it. And a whole lot of caffeine.

Until then,

j.

Polka Dots & Indigo Pants

polka-dot sweater {Old Navy} - white blouse {Loft} - indigo pants {Gap} - black booties {Top Shop} - 

black leather tote {Banana Republic} - bracelet {Smart Set} - arrow earrings {cheap jewelry store who's name escapes me every time}

I seem to be at a loss for words tonight. Maybe because I am officially in the middle of midterms at Parsons. So that means that my brain's capacity to form coherent thoughts, let alone sentences, is currently maxed out. I've been thinking a lot about the future lately. And by future, I really just mean May, which is when I will graduate from school. I've been thinking about what I want to do and where I want to live and it's all just sort of jumbled right now. Maybe I've been having these thoughts because of midterms, because that means that I'm mid-way through my second semester. And I only have three semesters. Time just seems to be flying. I met with my advisor this week to make sure I was on track for my May graduation and to talk about registering for my third and final semester. My final semester...but this one just started. I guess not so much. Eeeesh. Anyways, I better wrap this up here before my soul searching and lack of sleep start to get weird.

j.

My Homework Is Kinda Awesome

In case you were wondering the kinds of things I have to do for class. This is a small part of a big PR project that I'm working on right now. Now, I'm no cinematographer but...enjoy!

 

j.

Stripes, Specs & School

striped shirt {gift from Kiki} - beige maxi skirt {Joe Fresh} - Harry Potter glasses {Toronto boutique} - 

chain necklace {DIY} - gold watch {Target} - bracelets {Etsy} - color block tote {Gap}

I wore this outfit on the first day of classes. Because I don't think anything says first day of fashion school quite like stripes and Harry Potter glasses. Plus the glasses make me look real. smart. That's smarter than I already am, naturally. Can we just talk about my schooling for a quick sec? Today I bought a fashion magazine, which was actually a legit school supply purchase. I've had two assignments already. One was a shopping report which meant I had to pick a designer, visit their store, then answer some questions. The second was my Branding homework where I had to declare my favorite brand and explain why. So basically my schoolwork is to go shopping and write love letters to my favorite store, Jacob. Sheesh, a girl could get used to this (someone please tell me I wrote this in about a month...). 

j.

Pointing Fingers

You know how sometimes you will make a clothing purchase a little too hastily and that item ends up sitting in your closet for months on end? I've been making a real effort lately to minimize the amount that this happens to my purchases. On the other hand, there are times when you make a real solid purchase decision and that item finds it way into your regular rotation of clothing. This blue skirt is one of those real good purchase decisions. Every time I wear it, I am so happy I bought it. And I may be a bit of a weirdo but to me there is hardly anything better than having your shopping habits validated in this way.

black tank {Victoria's Secret} - blue skirt {Zara} - belt {Loft} - sunnies {H&M} - bronze gladiator sandals {Steve Madden via Century 21}

I have officially been to each of my classes now and met all of my profs. I can tell you that I am happy with five out of seven of my profs, and to be fair the other two aren't horrible just....what's the word, perhaps eccentric...each in their own way. I am most excited for photoshop and retailing because the former will allow me to use my creativity and the latter will be most beneficial to what I'm interested in pursuing as a career.

I hope you're all having a great long weekend!

j.

Birthday Suit

I celebrated my birthday yesterday. I wasn't expecting much of anything since I knew I had two classes in the later afternoon and evening. My really good friend, Sesame, invited me to meet her for tea in the morning at this tea shop (that hails from my home and native land) that she had been wanting to show me for a while. This sounded like the perfect way to start out my 27th and that was just the beginning. Thanks to Sesame for making my day really special!!!

Some serious tea business going on up there. When I walked in, we had the whole place to ourselves and the lady working there also wished me a happy birthday. She had already pulled their selection of earl greys and had a sample of a delicious hibiscus iced tea waiting for me. Sesame had clearly laid the ground work. Most people do shots of alcohol on their birthday, I do shots of tea. I'm hardcore like that.

The fun didn't stop there. Next, we found our way to a great little restaurant called The Hummus Place. We ordered a bunch of dishes and shared.

Last but certainly not least, we ended with a red velvet cupcake from Molly's Cupcakes (who won Cupcake Wars btw...).

black tee {Zara} - necklace {Banana Republic} - grey skirt {Mexx} - black leather bracelet {NYC Chinatown} -

 beaded bracelet {gift via Victoria Chinatown} - NYC clutch {gift} - silver gladiators {Aldo}

It was a really great way to spend my day before having to go to two classes. Although, after going to Photoshop I was so excited to start the projects that it felt like another birthday gift of it's own. I'm a nerd like that. Ending the night with Fashion History, which I am least excited about this semester. I just find it a bit heavy and dry, although I should mention that my prof is the wackiest, most eccentric lady I have ever seen. So that should make for some interesting stories at the very least.

A quick thank you to my Mom for that amazing NYC clutch you see above. She very stealthily went back and bought it for me after I drooled over it in a store while she was here visiting. And one last thank you to my bestie, Sasha Rae, for my bracelet that came in my amazing birthday package. You know me too well...I love it.

j.

Black, White & Potter Specs

If you've been reading this blog for a while now...congratulations on making it this far. No, I kid, I kid. What I meant to say was that you may have noticed my love for graffiti or as I prefer to call it, street art. During my stay in Toronto, Ky lived in an alley that was filled with the stuff. We're talking one masterpiece after another for blocks on end. It was magical. Also, speaking of magic, I should mention another love of mine: Harry Potter. So, when I found a pair of over-sized HP frames in a little Toronto boutique, there was zero question that they would be coming home with me.

"Harry Potter" glasses {Toronto boutique} - black tee {Aritzia} - gold watch {Target} - 

 white distressed pants & color block tote {The Gap} -  gladiator sandals {Steve Madden via Century 21}

In other news, I started classes again yesterday. I decided that I didn't have enough meltdowns while taking five classes last semester so I threw in an extra two for the fall. Oh yeah, and I thought it would be a real kick to stay on at Bloomingdale's to intern on the two days a week I don't have class. So, here's to a meltdown-ridden four months!

All meltdown talk aside, I am super excited about the courses I've had so far. But I am even more excited about staying on as an intern in Bloomie's Fashion Office. I should have the chance to take on meatier projects while I'm there, which gives me more experience and allows me to build a legit portfolio. Sounds like a win to me!

Last but certainly not least...a quick shout-out to my girl Ky for catching on real. quick. with the whole outfit photography business. You, my friend, are a natural. If this whole teaching thing doesn't work out, you should really consider going into iPhoneography.

j.

Up, Up & Away

{photo via Pinterest}

On Wednesday, I'm heading up to the ol' homeland. Specifically, I'm going to Toronto to visit one of my dearest. I haven't seen this girl in two years, since our 25th birthday trip to Vegas. I can not even begin to describe just how excited I am to see her face. There will be lots of screeching and squeezing going on in the Toronto airport on Wednesday morning. I won't be posting again until next week, once classes start up again. I was getting real excited for class until I received an email today from one of my profs with a reading assignment for the first class. What's even worse than having to do homework before school even starts? Having said homework due in your evening class on your day of birth. Happy birthday to me.

Have a good week and weekend all!

j.

P.S. Feel free to follow me on Pinterest! All the cool kids are doing it. Just kidding, they're not. If they were, I wouldn't be shamelessly asking you to follow me...but I pin pretty things so that's something.

Concrete Safari

I'm going to be honest and admit that I have been a bit down on NYC lately. I was letting the city get the better of me but I'm finally starting to snap out of it. I think it's the summer. This probably sounds a bit strange but someone described NYC in the summer as gritty and I can't think of a more fitting adjective. It's hot, humid and sticky, smells of baking garbage and is ridiculously crowded. Not crowded with New Yorkers though, crowded with "middle of the sidewalk stopping" tourists. I was missing the sky, greenery, houses with yards and layered clothing, among other things. While I still do miss most of those things, I gave myself a stern talking to, told myself to stop being a baby and enjoy living in one of the coolest cities of all time. The little visit from my mom definitely helped too!

 

  

tan safari dress {BCBG Max Azria via Century 21} - necklace {Loft} - bronze gladiator sandals {Steve Madden via Century 21}

Adding to my summer despair was my anxiety about what happens after graduation from Parsons, which I talked about in this post. Since then, I have learned a few things, had a great week at my Bloomingdale's internship, become inspired about a potential career goal and planned a few end of summer adventures. 

I learned that, with my student visa, I qualify for something called OPT (Optional Practical Training). This allows me to work in the States for up to one year after graduating, in a job directly related to my degree. This is great news and takes a huge weight off my shoulders.

Last week at Bloomie's I further developed relationships with a few of the Fashion Directors, learning how they made it to the positions they have now. I was also given the privilege of going to the Alice + Olivia and Marc Jacobs showrooms - arguably the coolest thing I have gotten to do since coming to NYC thus far.

I recently heard that my bestie from Calgary is coming to NYC at the end of August for a conference and she will try and arrive a few days early to spend time with me. Exciting! I also booked a ticket to Toronto for a mini getaway before classes start to visit one of my Victoria besties and a few other friends. I am insanely excited about this since I haven't seen this friend in two years!

I have a busy month ahead of me and before I know it classes will start again (the nerd in me is very excited about that). I have lots to do and look forward to and I will try and grin and bear my way through one more month of gritty New York because I have been told that the fall here will make up for it.

j.

P.S. Yes, I purposefully didn't tell you about my newest career idea, because I don't want to jinx things and I want to flesh it out some more before I go all cyberspace on it.

Summer Shopping

Hi Friends! I'm back, I've survived finals, finished my first semester at Parsons and moved into a sexy new apartment. Sorry for my lack of posting but moving plus finals equals crazy town. I am on a little Canadian vacation right now, visiting family and friends and it could not be more needed. As much as I'm loving NYC, I really do miss seeing the sky and green grass on the daily. With finals behind me, my shopping senses are feeling pretty tingly right about now. I did a little perusing online and wanted to share what I'm drooling over at the moment. Best part of all? With the exception of one pair of shoes, everything is under $40! Enjoy...

Summer Sandals:

1) Target

2) Target

3) Old Navy

4) Sam Edelman via Bloomingdale's

Stripes, Stripes & More Stripes:

1) Joe Fresh
2) Joe Fresh
3) Joe Fresh
4) Joe Fresh

Maxi Skirts:

1) Topshop
2) Old Navy
3) Target
4) Target

Printed Shorts:

1) Forever 21
2) Forever 21
3) Forever 21
4) Target
5) Target

I have a serious obsession with Joe Fresh and stripes, so naturally stripes from Joe Fresh rank high on my drool-o-meter. I'm pretty happy to report that I did visit Superstore today (which, granted, is not as cool as the Joe Fresh stores in NYC, but they have a much better selection and better prices so it wins first place in my books). Sadly nothing striped came home with me, but I did find the most comfortable black jersey maxi skirt.

I will try and post a few times while I'm in greener pastures.

j.

Reptile Chic

Long time no talk type. It's been a while, I know. The past week has been more than the word busy can even describe. The second to last week of classes plus moving in NYC equals crazy town. I have only four days left of my first semester, which is crazy in and of itself, but then when I stop to think of all that has to be done in the next four days, tears start forming in my eyeballs, I break into a cold sweat and find myself short of breath. A wee bit dramatic but sadly somewhat accurate. I did have a pretty cool experience last week though that I wanted to share with you. So, the first few photos are what I looked like when I started the day. I had a couple classes and then I was off to an interview at a production studio.

long black rain jacket {Target} - gold tote {Indigo} - reptile blouse {Zara} - white belt {Uniqlo} -

dark denim skinnies {Flying Monkey via Century 21} - tan pointy flats {Aldo} 

Yep, that's me above, pretending to be a model. I even had my hair and make-up done. So, how does one have their hair and make-up done professionally during an interview, you ask? Well, I arrived at Image Powerhouse studios and my interview turned into "stay for the photoshoot happening tonight". I thought that was pretty cool so, of course, I said yes. Then, when a few of the models were running late, they wanted to keep the stylists busy and have them practice getting consecutive girls ready. Enter, me. It was awesome getting doted on like that for a little bit. Then the real models arrived and the shoot got going. It was an amazing experience to help style the girls and keep the shoot running smoothly and on time.

Thanks to Image Powerhouse for the incredible "behind-the-scenes" experience!

j.

Stripes, Gingham & Nonsense

I really shouldn't post when I am this tired and have a head full of homework done and homework still to do. Mostly homework still to do but let's be honest it's a nice little procrastination tool distraction study break. I do worry about what sort of nonsensical garbage my over tired brain is going to come up with though, so my sincerest apologies if I'm not making any sense at all.

striped blazer {Gap} - navy & white gingham blouse {Banana Republic} -

dark denim skinnies {Flying Monkey via Century 21} - tan riding-inspired boots {The Bay}

Currently I ride the subway to and from class. If I'm lucky, I get serenaded by some pretty rad musicians. Did I really just use the word "rad"? Yep. Sure did. Almost always, I get asked for money from someone who just lost their job/got evicted/caught their wife cheating/you get the idea. And it's pretty much certain that I'll see some sort of crazy. The most recent being two passengers who starting yelling at eachother because the intercom volume when the guy announces what stop we're at was very loud. I'll admit it was very loud. Startling really. The poor guy announcing each stop popped his head out at one point and apologized for it. One man did not accept this apology and started making a bit of a fuss. Then the lady across from this man who complained started laying into him. Next thing I know, these two complete strangers are yelling at one another. It was comical really. And the announcer was looong gone by that point.

My favorite is when the musicians jump on and play music or sing a song for a stop or two. If you want a little taste of the New York metro, take a listen below!

j.

Pleasant Peasant

Things are getting a bit crazy around here. Only three weeks left of school. Which is the procrastinator's code for mental breakdown. So. Much. Homework. If I post a little bit less in the next couple weeks, this is why. My apologies in advance.

coral earrings, peasant blouse and nude heels {Kiki} - floral tank {Old Navy} -

dark denim skinnies {Flying Monkey via Century 21} - photo credit {Kiki}

A few pleasants, as of late:

•  Kiki and I are the proud renters of the sexiest two bedroom apartment Manhattan has to offer. Can an apartment really be sexy, you ask? My exposed brick wall and heated bathroom floor say YES!
• Helping a nice couple find their way on the subway. Then being told that they think New Yorkers are nice. Ha! I fooled them with my impressive subway skills (I use the term "impressive" loosely...).
• Tart frozen yogurt. With blackberries. The only thing better would've been raspberries, but I'll take what I can get.

And the Not So Pleasant:

•  The subway I instructed the nice couple mentioned above to get on deciding to become a different train altogether. Oh...umm, excuse me, this train is now headed to Brooklyn. No. Big. Deal. I did help them get turned around again since I also ended up in Brooklyn...
• Me, just straight up, getting on the subway headed in entirely the wrong direction. Oh, hello Brooklyn, again. I've missed you terribly, since yesterday.
• Waiting to hear about a summer internship. For two and a half weeks. I'm patient, I really am. Not so much.
• Jumping in heels. Ha. Ha. Ha. (And by jumping, I mean hardly getting one foot off the ground, let alone both at the same time).
• Being told, and I quote, that "I will die" in my new bedroom this summer if I don't have an A/C installed. Big ugly A/C that costs hundreds of dollars versus my certain death.....I may take my chances. Any wagers on how long I'll last?

 

That's about it for now, friends. Until next time...

j.

Rainbow Suede

There's nothing like a pair of fuschia/melon/turquoise suede shoes to get you pumped to kick some interview booty. Which hopefully I did yesterday. I'll find out in a week or so. In the meantime, my fingers and toes are crossed because the internship sounded ah-may-zing!

navy button-up, navy skirt & fuschia belt {Loft} - turquoise earrings {etsy} - white purse {Coach} -

gold cuff {thrifted at VV Boutique} - rainbow suede flats {Zara}

So, I know I usually find a pretty wall to pose in front of (and by pretty, I mean either brick, grafitti covered or garage). I decided to switch things up a bit to show you just what my daily view consists of. This is right outside Guy and Gallard (also known as my favorite coffee shop, some may call our relationship co-dependent...). Just steps away from one of two Parsons buildings where half my classes take place. I spend a great deal of time either, in Guy or out on this street, so I thought it only fitting to snap a few pics amidst the New York chaos. Sorry, random guy, you walked by at just the wrong moment. Were you the one who gave me the very creepy, drawn out "Verrrrrry Niiiiice"? Or was that the white haired gentleman in front of you?

As per usual, a big shout-out to my girl Kiki for her always impressive iphonography.

j.