Research and Development

So it's been awhile since I've written much of anything on this blog. I decided since I went to Fashion school I should probably post more about fashion than anything else right? So today's post will go hand in hand with my project at work.

Right now we are doing research and development for new fleece styles. I'm now working at Independent Trading Company. We manufacture blanks, as well as custom fleece for many of the leading action sports companies.

So although this will be quite a short post, I just wanted to share a few of MY favorite inspirational pieces and styles of the day.

First, we all know military jackets are in.



This is a Kensie jacket I found that has added a nice flare with the zipper, as opposed to a functional button up. What a way to simplify the typical military coat!

Next is this ADORABLE cowl neck sweater from one of my personal favs... Free People.



The cool thing about this sweater is it turns into a hoodie too!



And last of the day, but definitely not least, is this Kensie sequined blazer.



This has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with fleece inspiration... but I just LOVE it!

So enjoy the rest of your day, and do a little web surfing to get inspired!!!! Maybe even buy yourself a little gift... we can all use a little retail therapy once in awhile!!!!

Finding A Job...

So as I approach my Graduation date the reality finally has begun to settle in...I need to find a job! Going to FIDM, although they continually stress the importance of discovering what exactly it is you want to do and how to find that "perfect" job, really didn't prepare me for the final 9 week wake up call! I've just really begun to push forward seriously, but I figured I'd give everyone a few tips and things to consider when conducting this crucial hunt:

1. Give yourself a variety of options! There may be one job that you really want, but make sure you explore all your options! Being too picky right after graduation could just close doors you really NEED to leave open!

2. Use all your resources! Find all the job sites in your field, collect business cards, meet new people, network, talk with your teachers...anyone can turn out to be a huge help.

3. Don't apply for jobs you're not qualified for! Don't just pump out applications. Make sure to read the requirements...although any connection is positive, you need to look like you actually are listening to what they're asking!

4. Follow up. Make sure you follow up with your submitted applications and interviews.

5. Be positive! Turn all your "negative" qualities into positives!

6. Lastly, be yourself!!!!! Know how to sell yourself and just be real!

These are just a few...but keep your head up because when the time is right you'll find exactly what you're meant to do as long as you keep trying and working hard!

Lend a helping hand...

So this past week has been an absolute nightmare. Exam week at FIDM is always difficult, but I managed to run into every roadblock known to mankind. Luckily I finished finally, and now am sitting at LAX waiting to fly home to Vermont. As I was walking to my gate pondering how I could better manage my stress levels and have more trust that God had a reason for making my journey a little bumpy, I was approached by a lady holding out her boarding pass. She didn’t speak very good English, but as she kept pointing back and forth between her ticket and the Continental sign I realized she couldn’t find her flight. The poor woman was frantic, and no one was there to help her. I was able to figure out she had missed her flight, then flag down someone to actually assist her. She looked at me with such gratitude and appreciation when she thanked me; I was truly touched I could help someone just by doing something as simple as taking a few minutes to help her find an attendant. If everyone could do something this small, just take a few minutes to help someone else in need, wouldn’t we all be less stressed on a daily basis? What we are all guilty of is forgetting to appreciate the simple things we are blessed with in life. Whether it be waking up next to someone special, a smile from a stranger, a sunny day, or just a simple hello... We forget how meaningful these simple pleasures are until we lose them. So take a second out of your hectic lives to just slow down for a minute and appreciate what you’ve been given. I’m pretty sure it would be a much more pleasant existence if we all could do this☺

Patterns, Prayers and Tests

(My w-i-p on the big screen...yea I'm a little tired lol)

So this weekend and the next few days to come have been insanely hectic. Since my last post, I no longer work at La Femme as prom season has ended. It is the last 3 days of Finals at FIDM and still to come is an AMT presentation this evening, an exam and 2 computer marker projects due tomorrow, and Wednesday is do or die! I have a presentation at 8:30 in Costing and Control, A Sourcing and Inventory Management project at 6 pm, and the greatest trial of all is my contemporary women's line of 12 pieces in what will end up being about 100 pages of designs, cost sheets, demographic and company info and color and fabric stories due at 3 pm. I've been working non-stop and although normally I would be frantic and pulling my hair out there has been one thing keeping me sane...

Rachel Ramon introduced me to this book "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. It is about the 40 day path to learning our purpose here during this life. I am only on Chapter 6 now, but this morning's was about trust and tests. I realized that all these obstacles I've faced since moving to LA, and the many years before that were really just part of the small picture. Having money, then losing everything was a test of my strength and responsibility. Love and relationships lost were testing my faith and ability to forgive and keep true to myself.

I guess the point I'm really making to anyone who reads this is when the going gets tough try and remember that this too shall pass (as my wise and wonderful mother always says) and that how we choose to handle these hurdles is what really matters. As a dear friend of mine, Colbie Weaver, always says, when life gives you lemons make lemonade!

Back to work...wish me luck!

Following the Path to Success

(A computer flat sketch assignment for Contemporary Clubwear)

What does the daily life of a FIDM student consist of? Work, stress, work, stress and more work! Today was a usual crazy Wednesday... began with my Costing class at 8:30 am. We gave an oral presentation on budgeting...man do I love group projects! One of my group members tried to say having a positive balance on an Income Statement was a bad thing. I really am convinced they'll let anyone in this school! I was so glad one of my classmates was actually paying attention to point out his error so I didn't have to! We got our exams back...and I got another 100:) It's good to know some of my hard work pays off! Then it was the usual quick lunch before jumping into Illustrator for my Computer Flat Sketch class, and my 6 designs for my Sourcing and Inventory Management class. Unfortunately I lost my flash drive with ALL my work on it so I had to start over...again. I swear I'd lose my head if it weren't attached! After just barely wrapping up my assignments in time, despite having to stand outside FIDM main campus for a fire that apparently never existed, I sat through my last two classes. What was I thinking when I signed up for classes for 12 straight hours? Hahaha. Anyway the day ended on a great note...got an A+ on my Sourcing assignment and midterm!

FIDM in Wonderland

Just for my girl Shannon I thought I'd post a link to the Alice in Wonderland Debut at FIDM... man that movie reminds me of my life here! lol...


http://blogs.fidm.com/my_weblog/2010/05/alice-in-wonderland-fashion-show.html

My Fashion Favs

So since it's my career path and a huge part of my life I figured I should probably talk about my fashion favorites. Designer: by far Marc Jacobs! I love his use of pattern and color. His clothes show the true connection between fashion and art.
My favorite store...Urban Outfitters (Free People, Anthropologie, and Urban.) I know I can always find something that fits, is made well and looks great on me! Plus they have great accessories...


Even though anyone who sees me on a daily basis would never know but I do actually love to dress up! BCBG, Chloe,and Free People are a few of my favorites collecting dust in my closet...


(My big sister Alina and I at the Hard Rock in Ft. Lauderdale...both of us rockin' BCBG from my wardrobe;)


(Free People Vest...another personal frequent fav!)

Do I have one style persay? I don't think so...I dress to match my moods...clothing is a way to express ourselves inside and out!