NYC-PR-INTERNSHIP-JOB HUNT-where am I heading?

For my friends who have followed my blog - Thank You! Honestly, I haven't been busy. But if I can sum it up, life in NYC (since my move in September from Florence, Italy) has been internship, gym, shopping, new family, new friends, walking in the cold, and job hunting.

I want to try to keep this post short but I think I'm gonna have to divide into personal and fashion student related.

On the personal side, my move here wasn't as scary or terrible as Florence. I feel safer and jollier when I walk the streets here and now with snow I feel romantic and nostalgic because I have no love interest but thats ok I'm heading back home soon ;) It's all party there. Finding an apartment in Manhattan was pretty much luck! My boss recommended me her friends apartment, where I now live with 2 other roommates. The roommates have been great. They are hardworking women and we all try to keep the apartment nice and clean. I have no complaints about them! Which is weird. The only complaint is about my apartment - the surrounding is damn loud! But hey that's NYC for you. Most of the noise are the loud ass fire trucks 24/7! and it used to be people bar hopping but now that its cold no one stays outside and its quieter. Before finding a place, I was living with some family. 

Family I had never met. It was weird at first but they were so welcoming and sweet that it was never too awkward. My move here has also been easy because my old friend Maria who used to live in Nicaragua. Unfortunately, she felt a certain pressure to make me feel at home or busy with dinner and party plans. Eventually, we had the talk. So now there is no pressure to go out every single night or weekend. and for the final touch, my very good friend and classmate from Polimoda moved to NYC (technically NJ) for her fashion internship! and my cousin also set me up a friendship blind date with her college buddy who is also new to NYC and we have also become friends and because of her I've met a diverse group of people, who I think I can eventually call friends.

The only issue that brought me a little down was the fact that my "friends" from back home that have been living in NYC for a while have failed to appear. They have either stopped answering my emails or say "yeah, I'll call you later this week for drinks". People have told me "That's NYC for you - people completely change face" ...... All I'm thinking now is that I hope not to bump into you back home cause I don't wanna hear your lame ass excuse! ..... As a friend, you should have welcomed me, tried to help me around the subways, finding a place, or at least had 1 cup of coffee with me! Is that really a lot to ask for?

On a Fashion Student side ..... My internship wasn't what I expected. No glitz, no glam, no office. It was basically me and the founder and since she just launched in January 2010 - she is still starting and had no office. We basically worked out of a coffee shop and creative lounge. At 1st it was all cold calling and email pitching. Eventually, I got bored and asked her for more. I also started reading about 'What really PR is' and the answer was "Email All Day" and that's exactly what I did. I was in a rot for a bit but then I started to enjoy it again. I saw the Communications side of PR - I blogged, created lookbooks, wrote my 1st press release, pitched stylists, editors, and stores and of course I was a messenger girl but just a few times.

What happens now? Well I started applying to jobs in November and December. Jobs in PR. Entry-level positions. I've had 2 nervous breakdowns already. Why? Well I believe I have a good resume but it's just not fashion related and I have no fashion or PR names (LV, Gucci, Lacoste, People's Revolution) on it. My 1st internship was this new PR firm. However, this was my decision! I turned down Product Development for BE&D, never heard back from 7th House PR, and shot down a possibility at Starworks. Maybe I should have waited for something good but something told me to take this internship. I don't regret it but maybe I should have picked a name since I'm 25 years and desperately searching for a paying job. I realized late in the game that I wanted to pursue Fashion and now Fashion PR. My suggestion to those who are young .... INTERN! As much as you can! .... Anyways, after applying to jobs and getting NO answer! I last minute decided to intern yet again! This time for PR big timers ;) ..... I'll be there for 4 months and hopefully after that I'll be able to get a paying job somewhere in PR!

It's definitely tough here in NYC but I'm confident. I know who I am, hard-working, and optimistic ..... I guess it just takes time .... a lot of PATIENCE!

P.S. There's a lot of drama in PR! It's high school all over again but I like it ;)

Dear NYC PR,

I hope all is good cause I'm here to stay ;)

Best,

  

Trend Report: Resort "Faux" Turban

I like to think of it as thee perfect accessory for a bad hair day or too add a lil luxe into my beach attire. I'm heading back to paradise (aka Nicaragua) in a week and will definitely be spending some time at the pool and beach with my Pucci scarfs molded into "faux" turbans. 


A fellow fashion blogger, The Glamourai, has a great slideshow of "How to Tie your Own Turban" http://www.theglamourai.com/2010/10/how-to-tie-your-own-turban.html - I've also seen some great videos on YouTube. Enjoy! ;)

I'd also like to send a lil hello to my turban ladies, Mom & Crystal. My artsy mother loves them & so does my favorite fashionista new yorker.

** Pictures from Monica Rose, The Glamourai, Sea of Shoes, and The Satorialist blogs ** 

  

Holiday Gift Guide: Inspired by Scott Disick

If you watch Keeping up with Kardashians, you know who Scott Disick is. He has impeccable style, suave, and is my real life straight Christian (Cher's gay boyfriend in Clueless). Soooooo hot! Such great style! [Sigh]


Anyways, when I find my boyfriend of this type I will definitely try to get him the following gifts. Living in Florence, I was introduced to men's luxury swimwear brand, Vilebrequin. They have amazing cuts, styles, and color patterns. Prices start at $200 for the Master Paradise style of these St. Tropez trunks. http://www.vilebrequinonlinestore.com/


Marc Jacobs always has an amazing array of special items from MJ Sharpies to MJ condoms, but following our style inspiration I came across the cutest bow tie - only for $25. http://www.marcjacobs.com/special-items/view-all-special-items/0cb2c477-05f0-45bb-be91-ab90fdd1c977/bowtie--25


Before creating this gift guide, I asked my long time best guy where he likes to shop. He said Polo (by Ralph Lauren I assume), J. Crew, and Gilt.com. J. Crew was perfect for this guide! Therefore, I am showing a look pulled from their Resort Collection. While looking around I also stumbled upon Ray Bans at J. Crew. I don't think you can ever go wrong with Ray Bans! Who doesn't love Ray Bans? Classic!! http://www.jcrew.com/mens_special_shops/theresortshop.jsp


CK Obsession cologne is a gift I am actually buying my father. He doesn't exactly have this particular style but I had to pay homage to him. I also don't have a clue what men's cologne is IN right now. All I know about men's cologne is Cool Water - I think all the guys were wearing it back in 6th grade and Axe - because of their commercials and it smells soooooooooo sooooooooooo bad! Therefore, make sure you know about cologne and that he actually wears cologne. Some guys don't wear anything and smell so manly like Aiden from Sex and the City (so said Carrie).


I almost thought about gifting my man with a subscription to GQ but do people still subscribe now that we can read it online? So instead GQ gave me a gift idea. A book - I know I know ... a book? But if the book is good - he'll love it! I have recently been gifted amazing fashion books. So why not? Take Ivy by Powerhouse Books is a book that takes a look into the culture of Ivy League Anglo style from it's roots in the 1950s and 1960s. The book shows students on campus wearing skinny plaid shorts, slim oxford cloth shirts and ubiquitous penny loafers. I think I might actually buy it!! http://www.gq.com/how-to/rest-of-your-life/201011/gq-gift-guide-2010-books-for-men#ixzz17xmLp6Jz


And last but not least - a video game. I think my girlfriends would kill me for recommending this but if you really love him - you gotta get him what he wants. After all he is a child and it's the holiday toy of the year.


Happy Holidays! XoXo

Shantall Lacayo: Finalista para Project Runway!

Nicaraguan pride & designer, Shantall Lacayo is one of the Top 3 finalist of Project Runway Latinoamerica!!! Watch the finale on Monday, December 13th on Fashion TV. She is facing it off Argentinean, Catalina Rautemberg and Colombian, Jorge Duque. Unfortunately for me - I can't see it! My damn cable doesn't have FTV and my only YouTube blogger was blocked - however my words to Shantall are: 

"Shantall estoy contigo, Nicaragua esta contigo, creemos en ti, te apoyamos ahora y siempre, disfruta el momento!"

Orgullo y diseñadora Nicaragüense, Shantall Lacayo ha llegada a ser una de las 3 finalistas para Project Runway Latinoamérica! La final será televisada Lunes, 13 de diciembre en Fashion TV. Sus competidores seran, la argentina, Catalina Rautemberg y el Colombiano, Jorge Duque. Desafortunadamente, No puedo verlo! - mi cable no tiene FTV y la única persona que lo transmitió en YouTube fue desactivada - sin embargo mis palabras para Shantall son: 

"Shantall estoy contigo, Nicaragua esta contigo, creemos en ti, te apoyamos ahora y siempre, disfruta el momento!"

** Image Credits ** from: http://forums.thefashionspot.com/f51/project-runway-latinoam-rica-109799.html ** 

Almost Home ....

I'm so sorry I've been away. It's not that I'm not inspired but my days have been sleep-work-job applications-gym-sleep. I'll be back this week - you'll see... for now enjoy my December mood board... My inspirations are: Nicaragua, friends, NYE parties, and happiness!

December 2010 Mood Board

I'm so sorry I've been away. It's not that I'm not inspired but my days have been sleep-work-job applications-gym-sleep. I'll be back this week - you'll see... for now enjoy my December mood board... My inspirations are: Nicaragua, friends, NYE parties, and happiness!

Meatpacking District : Modern Dandy

DANDY (also known as a beau, gallant, or hipster) is a man who places particular importance upon physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies, pursued with the appearance of nonchalance in a cult of Self. Historically, especially in late 18th- and early 19th-century Britain, a DANDY, who was self-made, often strove to imitate an aristocratic style of life despite coming from a middle-class background.

Chillin' like a Villian

I always see her when I walk to work around 2nd Ave. This time my camera was charged. Very coo chick.

PR Fashion 2.0

Columbus Circle

East Village

Who is She?

Lady Rizo

What Does She Do?

She has a Caburlesque Spectacular, Lady Rizo & the Assettes

Visit:

www.ladyrizoandtheassettes.com

My Fall Favorite: Velvet Blazer - Always a Favorite: Sequin Jacket 

Coffee Break at 2nd Ave Park

East Village Radio Style Duo

Fall 'Minimalist' Inspirations

Black Blazers and/or White Blazers. Army Laced-up Booties in Cream, Olive Green, Tan Brown, or Black. Leather (or pleather) Leggings & Jackets. Sparkly basic tops. Over-sized Sweaters to create a Prep Look. Quilted fabric. A touch of Leopard. High or mid thigh socks.

** Images Courtesy of The Sartorialist, LookBook, People **

December-Where-Wear

Last Sunday, I went strolling through Soho and went to every store and art gallery I could. First of all, I don't think I've ever enjoyed Soho so much like I did on Sunday - although there was a ton of people, I had a great time checking out the new holiday and resort collections. The 1st store I hit was French Connection (Fcuk). I've always always thought Fcuk was not for me, but a camel coat caught my attention - so I went in. and O-M-G! I love Fcuk now! They have amazing beautiful dresses and coats! I loved it so much, I'm pretty sure I'm going to get my NYE (new years eve) dress there. They were sexy, shimmery, and attention getting - exactly what I need for NYE. - Now I know its barely even November but I plan. I plan my outfits for big events (birthday, graduation, weddings, NYE, and Fridays). I didn't mention Christmas because my family and I don't exactly dress up ... it's just us at home waiting for midnight chicken ... anywayssss ... for everyone else planning what to wear and where you're gonna wear it in December matters! It's the last month, it's a beautiful family time, walking through the Christmas decked halls .. sighhh! I can't wait! The perfect dress is a must (cause you will be heavily photographed as well!)

Here are some Runway Resort-Wear 2010 Looks: The 1st 4 are all monotone sexy yet borderline glam. The second half, is all DVF. DVF = Resort Holiday Getaway Perfection. One of my personal favorite designers. Now, I didn't add Pucci (another favorite of mine) because I loved the DVF 2010 show. However Resort 2010 and S/S 2012 have been all about color. During the holidays, we should try to stop using Christmas red and LBD because we have other colors in the world that look amazing on all types of skin. So don't be afraid! Fashion is Fun! Holidays are Fun!

Here are some Runway Resort-Wear 2011 Looks: I didn't love love the Chanel 2011 show but it had a 1970s feel to it - full of ease, softness and bohemian love at St. Tropez. - While walking around in Soho, I walked into BCBG, and most of their holiday collection (and as you can see in Chanel & Alice & Olivia) it was all about Black & White. with B&W you will never go wrong. Simply Elegant. 

                   

Here are some Celebrity 2010 Ideas: Dualities: Bedazzled Armor. Orange Simplicity. Rock Chic & Gold Sequin.

The only recommendations for holiday wear are:

1. Remember it's probably going to be a long night - so wear very comfy heels.

2. If your holiday party is going to be outdoors you might wanna re-consider the maxi dress. I wore a maxi dress 3 years ago and by the end of the night, it was gross! it was dragged everywhere and filled with everything :S

3. Don't take a purse or wear a purse with a long strap and strong clasp! - you'll be having the time of your life and the last thing you want is noticing your purse has been stolen because you left it at the table while you went off dancing.

4. We want to wear and look our best - but again, you'll be dancing up a storm so try to avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

5. Have Fun! Don't let anyone ruin your Fun! :) 

*pictures from People.com & Style.com

For my 25th

I don't have big birthday plans but I have style inspirations from the Kardashians and their stylist, Monica Rose. I tried to find a red dress but they were either Herve Leger knockoffs or too structured. I also tried to fine amazing colorful shoes like Khloes but all I keep finding is black, brown, and tan for Fall. ugh! I wish I had Khloe's hair...I miss my long hair! I need a shampoo to add length asap! As for the green tulip skirt - I found it! and bought it! jejejeje 

S/S 2011

It's just starting to get cold here in NY but I can't wait for S/S 2011. Prada surprised me. a lot! i didn't expect this from them. Prada is actually fun! (the pics are from Milan Fashion Week 2010; but I'm posting them now, because I'm cleaning out my computer's fashion file) - if you have me on facebook, you'll know I was excited about Prada when I 1st saw the runway pictures.

Jonathan Saunders 

Sophisticated Spring 2011...I see myself wearing this while frolicking through daisies in a walk to remember

Jil Sander

My new favorite S/S designer. Color! Boldness! Beautiful!

** pictures from The Satorialist, NY Mag, Style.com **

The Uniform Project

My first PR event was for the UNIFORM PROJECT at International Playground. A project I have grown to know and appreciate. It's a truly unique and magnificent mesh of fashion and 

social consciousness that we should all be in tuned to.

Their Mission

Raising ethical fashion awareness. Placing social responsibility on mass fashion consumer culture. Using fashion to make acts of charity while highlighting creative styling, individuals, sustainability, and social consciousness. 

What is the Uniform Project? 

Sheena Matheiken founded the U.P. back in 2009, with the idea of wearing the same LBD for 365 days to raise money to send underprivileged kids living in Indian slums to school. Her cause was called Akanksha Foundation and by the end of the year, she had raised over $100k. She didn't just wear the simple LBD but she styled it differently every single day with homemade, vintage, donated, or reused accessories. The project was a big hit and Sheena was named ELLE Magazine's Woman of the Year for 2009.

Year 2: 1 Dress. 1 Month. 1 Cause.

With last years amazing success all around - the U.P. decided to launch Year 2. This year, there will be a different girl every month, with a custom LBD made to her liking, and she will decide the cause. 

The month of August was played by India Salvor Menuez, 16-year old student, who raised funds for Our School at Blair Grocery in New Orleans.

The month of September starred Lesly Arfin, the author of Dear Diary, who raised funds for Phoenix House which helps people overcome drug addiction. (left picture)

And the current pilot for October is Isis Salam, former front woman of the Canadian duo Thunderheist, who is currently putting the finishing touches on her debut solo album. Isis is raising money for the One Laptop Per Child cause, which provides rugged, low-cost, low power XO laptops to children in developing countries.

The Dresses

Last years dress and the monthly dresses are available on the U.P. online store. The monthly dresses are pre-ordered in order to manufacture the exact amount only. The fabric and dress details are all eco-friendly! The fabric is a 75% organic cotton and 25% silk blend that was spun, dyed and woven in India especially for this dress. The buttons are made of corozo, a natural material produced from the Tagua nut of a tropical palm tree. Both the dress and fabric are produced at the same ethically certified factory in Bangalore, India.

Website: http://theuniformprojectblog.com/

Follow Isis (October pilot; a few pictures below): https://theuniformproject.com/#!pilotmonth?OLPC

Buy the dress(es): https://theuniformproject.com/#!store

The 90s

I loved this guy's look - it brought me back to the 90s. Save by the Bell meets Fresh Prince of BelAir

Winter Essentials: NYC

When I was headed to Florence, I had no idea what kind of weather to expect. All I knew I was headed towards cold weather and needed the basics - so I bought 1 black and white coat from Macys, a couple of gloves from Burlington Coat Factory, simple long sleeve tops from Wet Seal and some lightweight scarves from Forever 21. As you can see I didn't want to invest in clothes I knew I'd wear for a couple months or never wear again. So, I basically wore the sameeee thing everyday in winter but I don't think people noticed cause we were all bundled up. However, now I'm in NYC to stay and I need to invest in some serious, quality, long lasting winter goods. So here is my Winter Wish List/Essentials:

Isabel Marant black suede & shearling-lined biker jacket. For F/W 2010 your jacket needs some shearling. I feel like this could be the perfect all day jacket that could give me that cool Joan Jett feel. Price Tag: $3,125

Paul & Joe's black mongolie shearling coat. This is the updated and luxurious oversized coat in comparison to my simple wool vest from Zara, which is still my favorite purchase from last F/W. You can dress as simple as you want but once you throw this on - you own the room you walk into! Price Tag: $2,175

Miu Miu's light-brown shearling suede jacket. Have you noticed that these last 3 pieces are 60s inspired? I've said it and I'll say it again - I was supposed to be born in the 60s! Price Tag: $3,655

When I think winter, I think Burberry! Burberry gray cashmere fingerless gloves make a perfect accessory to hold a strong grip onto the subway poles. Price Tag: $175

Definitely my next purchase! Well not these to be exact. I wish I had the money. Buckled, strapped, belted boats are this winter's must shoe! Alexander McQueen's mahogany shearling leather boots. 

Heel measures approximately 6 inches with 1.5 inch platform. Hello, Royal Highness! 

Price Tag: $1,695

Now I can't forget the LEOPARD! hahahahha Miu Miu again with its black leather gloves with leopard-print shearling cuffs (Shearling, Shearling, Shearling - all over this winter!). Price Tag: $540

Missoni oversized cashmere cardigan. Cashmere will keep you warm like an unborn chick in its egg and this oversized cardigan just looks winter yummy, I'd probably sleep in it! I'd throw this on with my Old Navy black leggings and be good to go. Price Tag: $2,980

NYC like Florence has unpredictable weather. I remember SJP advising me about that on Sex & the City too! Remember the episode, when she visits the gallery but it ends up being closed, then out of no where it was so windy her dress flew up! After that it started pouring rain and the poor girl was soaked and talking about her ex to a strange hottie. What a mess! Anywayssss ... I need some Wellington boats. I've noticed a lot of Hunter Wellington boats but I'm posting these Burberry Wellingtons from their 

Winter Storms line, a capsule collection of classic pieces with a modern twist. Price Tag: $395

and last but not least an umbrella. but not just any umbrella - a clear BUBBLE umbrella. if you watch Gossip Girl, did you see Serena's clear umbrella while at campus? I loved it! I'm pretty sure you can avoid getting wet or having it turn inside out. Urban Outfitters. Price Tag: $18