True Life: Miami PR Girl

don't even look at the date of my last post. i know it's been crazy. i moved to miami mid-january and it's already july (ahem) #MBFWSwim Week 2014 to be exact. so i will take a little lunch break and write a little update post on my PR life to talk to you my interview process and a little about what i am doing now.

back in january i noticed some pretty good job opportunities on linkedin and mediabistro. however, unlike NY, Miami would offer 2 new job opportunities per week compared to NY's 20-40 per week. i also noticed none of these fashion/lifestyle pr agencies post their job opportunities on these sites but on their facebook fan pages. in that case, i called them all to ask for the right HR contact to send my resume to and emailed them all immediately. thanks to NY, my internships and freelance clients - my resume is not too shabby and within my 1st week of being in miami, i had 8 interviews lined up.

long story short, i was able to secure freelance work with 2 pr agencies and my previously NY agency allowed me to work with them remotely for a few weeks. all was working out perfectly meanwhile i interviewed for the 'perfect full-time' job.

so what happened? after numerous interviews i was turned down for 'too much fashion' or because they were a 45-1 hour commute and wanted someone closer to the office.

right before my current job. i gave a random pr firm a chance. it worked out for 1 day. the owner, offered me the job on the spot and they were only my 3rd interview. and i declined. a month later, i was still looking and she called back again with the offer. since i hadn't found the 'perfect full-time' opportunity, i decided to give them a chance. why was i so hesitant? 1. it was only my 3rd interview 2. i found a rip-off report 3. a couple contacts told me not to work for them. 4. my gut kept saying NO! (you have to follow that gut feeling!) that one day, i 'worked' was a complete shit storm. whoa! never ever did i experience such terrible vibes, presentation, ambiance and much more. and i don't need that in my life and for my pr rep. before i left that day, i asked the team if it was like that everyday and they just looked away...it was very sad. i'll spare the details and would just like to say: no good pr person should work there. i wouldn't even recommend this agency to my worst enemy.

thank God, the day before this, I went on an interview with a beauty school. after 4 interviews, i've been chilling as their new pr, social media and events coordinator. i'm happy, work with an amazing events team, great schedule and fun events.

now i must go...my hair & makeup team and i will be killing #MBFWSwim and tonight is our first event with Miami Magazine .... yeppp, not too shabby.

Good Luck to all the Miami PR girls in the making!

My Top 5: 2013 Moments

Top 5: Nicaragua Diseña 2013

so much work, drama, talent, and fun. one of my favorite projects and a growing design incubator that will surely keep getting bigger and better each year. 

Top 4: Shantall Lacayo

this year we participated in events and meetings in Panama, Dominican Republic, New York, Mexico and obviously Nicaragua. it will take many more years to get to where we want to go...we are constantly inspired by Karl Lagerfeld's insatiable drive of ever changing work and in my case, women like Jenna Lyons and Aliza Licht inspire me to stay focused.

Top 3: Pre-Fall 2014 - Chanel

Honestly, I don't understand the negative hoopla around this collection. I don't identify myself as a potential Chanel customer but I appreciate the Cowboy/Indian inspiration and their outrageous set. I'm sure I can find a budget friendly high neck prairie blouse somewhere...

Top 2: Queen B

All hail 'Yonce and her dope album.
'Nuf said.




TOP 1: Me, Myself, and I

Despite losing my best friend to a drunk driver in New York in July. I returned to NY with a heavy heart in August after ND13 for SL's first NY show. While my bff's mom and brother wished me well, they also wished me safety. I was afraid and felt alone. But I kept my head up and worked hard - because I know she would have wanted that. She never wanted me to give up - more over, be happy. And NY in some twisted way made me happy. The hustle & lights motivate me to keep going and shine on - from the quick steps New Yorkers take everyday to and from work in chilling weather, to running along the Hudson and leaving it all behind for a drink or two at happy hour at the irish pub next to the office building. I have no doubt I'm built to make it in NY but I can't stop to think, Family First. Although, I was offered a temp job late Sept. and was given the chance to experience food, wine and spirits public relations - I'll be taking my talents to South Beach to be closer to home & family. I live and love my life but I love my family even more. 2013 gave me strength .... I wonder what I'll get in 2014.

NY Fashion Week 2013: Jimmy Kimmel

back on september 12th, on the last day of NYFW my friend sent me this Jimmy Kimmel clip called "Lie Witness News - Fashion Week 2013". 

what a coincidence! I was actually there and noticed a film crew interviewing 

the posers standing outside Lincoln Center.

it was Sunday, say about 3pm and I stopped by to take a few picsof the 

nobodies that stop and want photog attention. but sometimes an actual celebrity will walk by.

it really is turning into a Circus of Fashion. now i don't mind actual editors, models,
and stylists dressing to impress but these other people,
not only are they dying to be "fashion famous" but have no clue of the industry itself.

smh. watch the video and you'll understand.

Photographer Crush: Adam Katz Sinding

Joanna Hillman - SENIOR FASHION MARKET EDITOR, HARPER'S BAZAAR. NEW YORK

Photographer: Adam Katz Sinding

Website: http://le-21eme.com

Street Style: NY Fashion Week 2013

Parallel Universe: Eddie Borgo and Karla Castillo

Eddie Borgo Tassel Drop Earring ($320)

Eddie Borgo Pave Cone Tassel Necklace ($315)

Eddie Borgo's Accomplishments:

In 2010 Eddie Borgo was awarded runner up in the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and in 2011, Eddie Borgo won the CFDA Swarovski Award for innovation in accessory design.

Shop Eddie Borgo > http://www.kirnazabete.com/designers/eddie-borgo

Karla Castillo Tassel Drop Black Floral Earring (price upon request)

Karla Castillo Tassel "Spanish Dancer" Necklace (price upon request)

Karla Castillo's Accomplishments:

In 2012 Karla Castillo participated in the first edition of Nicaragua Diseña and presented her "On The Rocks" collection to the Nicaraguan public. In 2013, along with new Nicaraguan (Miami based) fashion designer, Marynes Arguello - they successfully held their first trunk show at The Hangar in Miami, Florida.

Shop Karla Castillo > https://www.facebook.com/KCjoyeria

I Want: Summer 2013 by Forever 21

Floral Blouse for $23

Scarf Print Shorts for $18

Wayfarers for $6

Oh Snap! Tank for $15

Rose Head Wrap for $5

and if i could, i'd buy a TON of tropical printed bustiers but i got body issues. specially after spending spring break in nicaragua - no gym, just beer. therefore, my lil beer belly will not be out n about in a bustier.

every time i'm bored i check out forever 21 online and my mouth always drops, it's so damn cheap! so when i need a new wardrobe i walk in right before i hit the gym. however, i feel like everything is so much better 'quality' when i look at it online. once i'm at the store, i'm like 'eeh' (shrug)..(walk out the store). once it gets warmer in nyc, i'll check out these pieces n maybe i'll buy them.

forever 21 also has a cute indie 'festival' capsule collection featuring Sky Ferreira, just in case you are headed to Coachella, u lucky bitch!

Fashion Shoot: Neon Planet for Veux magazine

About a month ago, my former public relations co-intern and NY fashion blogger (A Hit from Sarah), Sarah texted me at 12:30am asking if I could last minute assist her for a top secret fashion shoot out in Islip, New York. I said "why not?!" It's Sunday, and I have nothing to do. I was up at 5am, at Columbus Circle at 8am and fell asleep on the way there. The photo shoot took place at magical residential area with a team of 10 up and coming über fashionistas like Jillian Mercado and Brian McGuffog. Honestly, I really didn't do much, but eat because the family that hosted the  space served an incredible vegan buffet and freeze to death because I never wear warm leggings. I pretty much packed the clothes, made sure Sarah didn't pass out since she was no sleep after working the night shift at The Clock at the MOMA and yey or nay'ed some of the looks. Finally, the editorial is out and can be seen on the closing pages of Canadian VEUX magazine's 10th issue ALCHEMY as "Neon Planet". Therefore, I can now post my backstage photos. Enjoy!

adorable dog at Islip home

Credits:

Music Monday: Motivation

"The strong will continue to survive and the weak will eventually begin to weed off."

- The Man Repellar [responds to Suzy Menkes "The Circus of Fashion" article]

Damian Marley & Nas - Only Strong Will Continue

Must Have Accessory: The Book Clutch

Noor Al-Sabah, Kuwaiti fashion icon and Buyer for A10thman boutique

Street Style photo by NY Mag / The Cut

New York Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

I first noticed the book clutch when Nicaragua designer, Estefania Lacayo for ESTEFAN showcased them at Nicaragua Diseña 2012 in October. The only books I have are fashion or public relations related - and this clutch would be a perfect addition to both my book and handbag collection. Quirky celebs like Michelle Williams and Natalie Portman have been carrying Olympia Le-Tan book clutches at red carpets but they are way out of my budget. Like seriously? 1,200 euros for an empty book which I can DIY? That's just cray. Therefore, I have found 4 different prices for you! ;) Happy Book Clutch Shopping!

Get the Book Clutch!

Super Splurge with Olympia Le Tan 1,200 euros

Splurge with Kate Spade $325

Steal with Estefan $60

On a Budget with Asos $43.85

ESTEFAN, Nicaraguan designer

KATE SPADE, New York Designer

Olympia Le-Tan, British Designer

Michelle Williams carrying Olympia Le-Tan book clutch