treasures

Going to Pratt is definitely something I take pride in. I may get frustrated with many aspects of the school but in the end, there's a strange, almost disturbing, swelling within oneself when you can say you go to one of the top-if not the top-art schools in the country.

I Wish I Had a Crystal Ball

UHHHHHHHHHHH

Today is the 18th. December 18th. As my departure from NYC draws closer (AKA a day away), I'm driven further into insanity. I have no classes, no care in the world until March 11th. It feels really unnatural to me to feel like I'm heading into the unknown. All my classmates have said their goodbyes and are giddy to begin another semester that will be much like the past two-and-a-half years. I, on the other hand, will be heading to a foreign country almost completely unarmed for the reality that is the next semester. Sure, I know that I'm taking a handful of carefully selected classes, however who knows whether I'll be able to handle the work load or make friends or...who knows. It's kind of unnerving but also satisfying to know I get to take a much-needed break from the institution I've grown to, to put it bluntly, dislike.

But it's also so weird because this semester has been my favorite of the five I have taken part in. I've loved being on OStaff-I love being able to interact with the kids in my group and be the cool upperclassmen who they look up to, I've loved taking a studio class that really encourages me to go outside my comfort zone and explore-designing coat bustiers and Snuffy bras and pubic panties AND creating them has been a dream come true, I've loved learning to knit, I've loved interning for a household name, and I've loved being able to FOCUS. I don't think I've ever really encountered that at Pratt; we've been pushed to create and create and create but not think or think or think. And we've been punished for not thinking. "You haven't thought your concept through". How could I when I'm "conceptualizing" for 7 other classes and only have two weeks time to complete any given project. If I'm not inspired, I'm sure as hell not going to be thinking about what I'm creating and I sure as hell won't enjoy it. I guess that's what separates us from the underclassmen, we're privileged with the ability to spend a little time on an idea. Expand on it. Thank goodness because I don't think I could spend another semester having to madlib an apparel project. "This is my (insert market) project based on (insert country or culture) using (insert media)." Childrenswear, Russia, Colored Pencil. Accessories, US Army, Marker. FUCK, THIS, SHIT. Ripped that band-aid off.

No G line for a semester? NO PROBLEM.
Live will be 10000000x better...clearly
map from http://subway.umka.org

But now that I feel like I'm on the upturn, I'm leaving. I'm packing my stuff, shoving it in a 5x5 closet, and leaving. It's really quite surreal. But at least if I have an amazing time I can look back at this semester and say "well, ok, I guess it's almost alright if I go back to the States..." almost.

Pencil Me In

I thought I should share some progress photos on what I've been working on. I've been so inspired an excited lately; it's so exciting to actually be creating, designing, and having fun all at the same time. I've never found myself choosing to stay in an work when the option to go out and party also presents itself. In fact, I spent all of Halloween knitting my pencil bag...and I loved it.

It's crazy to think that I've never knit before. I definitely consider it to be one of my new favorite passtimes and the class feels  surprisingly unlike a chore. I've always been afraid of attempting knitting because I always feel like I'm inadequate at learning new skills and I lean toward the lazy side. When I was a child I picked up so many random creative skills; I made myself mini carpets. It's surprising that I never really picked up knitting needles or even my mom's weapon of choice,  a crochet hook.

I've also found my new muse during the whole pencil-knitting process: the pencil, what a beautiful woman she is. I've chosen to extend my inspiration into the next knitwear project and create a pencil-inspired dress and possibly even a pair of pants. And not only knitwear, but the inspiration has hijacked my Jewelry I project--I'm making a pencil ring--and my Shape and Form Design class--we were assigned to design a collection for second semester and mine is centered around the good ole' number 2 pencil.

As much as I hate to admit, I feel like I'm following Christian's creative footsteps a little more closely that I'd like. He and I had a lot in common (I mean, we're the same age mentally) and it's pretty silly when I start designing and then look at a dress he made in the 90s and realize that I had unknowingly stolen his idea. Goes to show you how creative my mind is...or his...or both.

It's kind of funny, though, because the same day as this presentation I was wearing a Christian dress, his designs were splattered on my inspiration boards and then I ran into him on the subway after months of no contact. Coincidences are meant to remind us of our place in the world. Dearly noted, Fate.

Making a Pencil Scarf while watching the President get re-elected

October Is For Lovers

What a month!

It's weird to think about how quickly this month has gone by: Midterms, Hurricanes, Halloween, Interning, Projects, Weekly Drunk Brunches, Voting, and cans upon cans of whipped cream (Hot Cocoa-mania). It's definitely been nothing short of hectic but I think it's been one of the best months in my Pratt career. I think that scheduling in two days in a row to leave Brooklyn and spend working in Manhattan has really made a beneficial impact on my life, especially now that I don't have to go out of my way to shop in the garment district (fashion...).

It's rather scary leaving the safety of October and realizing how close November is to our final semester bow. It's especially terrifying for me because I'll be leaving Pratt for the semester and still have so much to plan; Milan is an exciting venture yet is insanely intimidating. Finally when I feel like I own the school do I decide to take a break. But I suppose life is full of exciting new beginnings so it's just practice and an opportunity to improve myself.

Every step toward exchange is becoming more and more sobering: I haven't had to register for classes (a huge stresser to many of my classmates), I've begun to re-pack my belongings, I've been attempting to tie up loose ends with my apartment, and I've admitted to my classmates and professor that I won't be here next semester during a design presentation. Weird. But liberating.

Junior

I kinda have an obsession with Christian's old school dresses, it seems...

I feel like I've been constantly churning out bullshit creativity these past few years and it's been difficult to be in love with my work. It's funny because suddenly everything is really clicking inside me. Maybe it's been the internships I've had or the past two years of constant conditioning, but I feel like I may have conquered a mountain within myself to understanding where my life is going. Yesterday alone I worked on two projects that I've been really excited about; in my time at Pratt I don't think I full-heartedly have really thrown myself into my work. Maybe I'm changing or maybe I'm finding that I have less time to lose to apathy. It's exciting.

It's also really exciting to find that next semester I may be somewhere else, somewhere new to me. Lately, I've been spending a lot of time with my Italian exchange student friends and have really realized even moreso my need to leave the states for a bit. They're two of the most adorable, friendly, and wonderful people I've ever gotten to know. It's silly because I feel like I'm in puppy love with them (in the least creepy way possible, promise). Every time I say goodbye to them, I leave starry-eyed and Cheshire grinning thinking, "Did that really happen? Do they really exist?" It's amazing how people can have such profound effects on your psyche by being themselves... I hope that I can be that kind of person; I would love to leave someone breathless, speechless, and absolutely in friend-love.

Fall(ing) Leaves

A/W childrenswear project from Apparel Design I last year

It's the most wonderful time of the year! In only a few hours it'll be October and I will finally be able to relax in the fact that it's nearly Halloween. I recently dyed my hair bright orange-based red and hope the leaves on the trees will start to match me. And I'm slowly transitioning into wearing long sleeves! Autumn in New York is also the most interesting season, fashion-wise. On the train you will see all stages of bundling up: from the brave t-shirt-and-shorts wearer to the puffer and fur coat clad bunch. Get ready!

Red Head

Also, embarrassing fact: I could not understand why in fashion lingo, Fall/Winter was abbreviated to A/W...Autumn....wow

Welcome to the Jungle

NYFW with my fashionably unfashionable Colorado friend

It's been a busy few weeks and there's been so many things I've wanted to update about but somehow none of it manifested in blog form. With how many great things are happening to me, it's hard to sort out what I most want to share. I've been beyond overwhelmed so it's a lot to take in and process, I suppose.

This has been the first fashion week I really participated in and it's crazy to be able to actually hold a conversation about the clothes sent down the runways. As the runway shows move "across the pond" I can feel NYC take a big gasp of breathe: the season-showing finish line has almost been reached. Coterie, one of the biggest trade shows, ends today and I know that Christian will have a big sigh of relief after all is over. I am insanely happy that I have not been his studio for the past few weeks-I'm sure it's been mayhem trying to complete the spring collection. Though, it's sad I wasn't able to see it all the way through.

Which brings me to another topic: although I decided last year that I would save my interning credits until senior year, I stumbled upon a few amazing opportunities that I couldn't pass up. Well, unfortunately, I actually did have to pass up a few...BUT, I can proudly announce I am officially an intern at Calvin Klein. It's weird but I've never really had any need to strive to create my own name in the industry, I've always wanted to just work under somebody. That's why it's so exciting to me to be able to be a part of a massive company. Working for Christian, although very hands-on and intimate, was not exactly where I view myself in ten years. I'm still really trying to find where I want to be in the future, but I think that something completely out of my comfort zone will really benefit me. I mean, Calvin Klein, wow!

strange coincidences of my life:
This was the model I dressed for the Duckie Brown fashion show
Also, when I went in for an interview at Marc Jacobs, his walk was on the TV in the reception area
...male models, nbd

But even with being surrounded by fifty shades of gray at all times in that office environment, I'm still managing to keep my aesthetic as bright and obnoxious as ever. Today was our first big critique in our studio class and, although I was at a loss as to the direction of my project, I managed to finish it enough for me to be satisfied. I'll share the galactic lace monstrosity in another post, but it's been a huge sigh of relief to get the first project out of the way and realize: YES I CAN. Yes we can. Junior year is not as impossible as I had expected and is, in fact, liberating. Being off campus with my internship almost a third of the week and having the freedom and ability to design and manipulate my garments however I choose really gives me incentive to actual get out of bed in the morning. Thank goodness...

Also, tumblr... I have no camwhoring shame

Late Bloomer

a sneak peak of how boring my tumblr is gonna be
xoxo, Gossip Girl

So, I can officially say that I've suffered through championed two years of fashion design-y goodness in the great city of New York. However, I cannot say that I've ever really experienced fashion week; instead, I have experienced the softness of my bed. (to be fair, freshman year I tried to sneak into Betsey Johnson's show but was discouraged by a slight chance of thunder storms but...who's counting!) Well, I say to this: NO MORE! and I vow to make it outside my quarters into the city every chance I get until fashion week is over. I've even created a tumblr that I plan on update daily with outfit posts and iphone pics. I'm very original and am probably the first to think of this idea (HAHAHAHAHAHA) but I think it will be a beneficial way to keep myself from throwing on the same thing every single day of my life....I'm talkin to you, denim shorts and generic band tees!!

Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen/Pratt Student

So, I read this little piece on the Fashionista and thought, hey, why should FIT have all the fun?! Here's my
"Fashion Art School (Pratt specifically) Confidential: 10 Lessons I Learned as a Fashion Student":

1. There are cats...lots of them. And naked people. Prepare.

2. The only almost-straight boy that's in your year that you TOTALLY dug the first week of school....yeah, the one that smells like a dead animal and smokes more than a muffler...will have slept with every straight female in your grade, as well as perhaps a fifth of the guys.

3. Your hair will end up a different color.

4. You will eat the same thing every day at some point in time because it will be the only thing you deem edible from the cafeteria.

5. You will lose and find friends like socks: some you will lose forever, some you will find in really weird places, and some you will buy (some cheaper than others).

6. You will forget what a shower is.

7. You will become a pro at looking like a hobo. An expensively dressed hobo.

8. Pierce. Everything.

9. After orientation, architecture majors are no longer your friend. They are robots, they are isolationists, and they probably drink blood.

10. It's not what you thought it would be: it's better/worse depending on the day. Especially if that day is Saturday.

True Life:

I'm a manic pixie dream girl.

Welcome back, school! It's been a week and I'm already more excited for this semester than I have been for  the whole summer. Now that I'm actually in classes I'm realizing how far I've come and how close I am to what I came here for. Life is exciting again.

Here are the classes I'm taking:

• Ecology for Fashion (sustainability...aka yoga class)
• Computer Aided Illustration
• Shape and Form (lingerie!)
• Knitwear
• Jewelry (metalworking!)
• Italian
• World Civilization (history)
• AND.......................................................................internship! I've been hearing back from a few of my "reach" internships so I'm insanely ecstatic to even get an interview.

So anyway, I figured it would be fitting to share this video (something I've been meaning to do since the first time I saw it):

 I PAID THE CAB DRIVER IN BUTTONS!

Introverts Anonymous

As Orientation is reaching it's end, I am both forlorn and ecstatic for the days ahead and the memories I have accumulated. I feel like this week every year really is a learning experience for all those who take part; being surrounded by so many new people really makes you re-evaluate your outward facade and how you present yourself as well as makes you realize how valuable your free time is. I've taken numerous leadership courses here and am proud to be a thread in the tapestry that is Pratt's community. I've known since elementary school that I'm an introvert: I am naturally shy, reserved, and often find myself feeling inferior to those around me; my alone time is insanely important for me to recover my energy and I struggle to function and find my voice in large groups (and the same goes for one-on-ones).

Growing up, I definitely found my introversion to be a disadvantage. But now that I'm surrounded by a handful of peers and superiors that align with introversion it's become less of an obstacle and has helped me with my empathetic appeal to people. Although it may not necessarily be the "favored" personality of a "leader" it is surely not without it's strengths. I live very actively in my head and I think that's why I've channeled my work so well into art. Although I can't express myself too eloquently through words (I spend hours trying to form a sentence in my mind) my mind is full of pictures. I sometimes wonder how closely my mind works compared to those around me. High school was definitely a different beast but I think that a lot of kids at Pratt struggle with the same problems as I do. I guess that's a little bit of why I've charged into leadership positions. I want to set an example for those who are like me and bring out a little bit of personality from those who may be a little to reserved to express themselves without coaxing.

Either way, I've tried to open up and be a more outgoing person. Many people are even surprised when I mention that I'm an introvert; my very best friend from high school even refused to accept it and in fact told me the other day I was a "perfectvert". I push myself far past my comfort zone every day and it's becoming a little more manageable every itty bitty step of the way. Today was the first day of school and I found myself feeling less lost than I did even last year. I can't wait to plow into my design courses and explore my artistic self deeper. I had a very small friend group in high school so it's been so exciting to be able to walk onto campus and instantly want to talk to a handful of friends.

Welcome Back to Pratt
This Year's Resolution is the same as always: Try to express yourself truer than the day before and then the day before that.

Orientation: Bring It

We've got our smiles on and are ready to orient some froshes!

It has been another insane few days; I've devoted this past and upcoming week to Pratt's Orientation program. This is probably my favorite time of the school year because, besides copious amounts of free food, students are full of excitement and don't quite have the post-apocolyptic zombie-glow that Pratt bestows upon its naive students a few weeks into the semester. Not only that but I'm cocky enough to think that I do a fine job of representing Pratt and leave a good first impression on students and parents alike. Unfortunately, I always forget how introverted I am until I enroll myself into rigorous social situations. Although I crash when I get into my bed at night evening after a long day of acting peppy, it's also pretty rewarding knowing that I'm, like, actually doing something to improve some else's experience at Pratt.

So I'm kind of excited that Barney's on my nametag...

So far everything has just been preparation for tomorrow. Although the new international students have moved in, tomorrow is when the flood of freshmen find their way to their new home. Up to this point I have been having so much fun. As I was walking to Pratt yesterday, two extremely energetic exchange students asked for directions. As I escorted them I realized they were from the school in Milan I am planning on attending in the spring. It's so funny how coincidences like that happen. So far I have had some pretty lively conversations with those two-it's getting me really pumped for the spring! I couldn't have asked for a more perfect kickoff to orientation. Of course I have a long way to go and I can only put on my Outback-hostess-smile for so long...BUT at least I'll be too preoccupied to think about fashion for a little bit. I'm happy to clear my head a bit before launching back into my studies.

Irony of a Breakup Song

 I know it's rather childish but I consider Taylor Swift one of my favorite music artists-I've seen her twice live and even got to give her an awkward hug! When I heard her new single yesterday I found it instantly stuck in my head and according to iTunes, I've listened to it over 70 times already (I listen to the same song on repeat until I hate it). That being said, the theme of the song came at an ironic point in my life.

Today was the last day of my internship and it was a "breakup" of sorts. Granted I definitely was not dissatisfied with my experience-quite the opposite actually-I just know it's time to move on with my life. And by move on I mean forced back into my responsibilities at school. Orientation Staff's first meeting was tonight so I've found myself reconciling my relationship with Pratt. This is our third year in this tumultuous relationship and I'm more hesitant than ever to jump back on this pony. But on the flip side I am so honored to go to such a prestigious school and be surrounded by such amazing minds.

Quick sketch of some of the Francis Resort dresses

If you haven't listened to the song yet....you're missing out!:

Oh, and...

just like my semester
ended and my internship began:
 with the completion of these shorts.
Christian said they were "chic"
...one of my favorite compliments, like, ever
(ignore the gross mirror stain)

Fast Times at Pratt Institute

Here comes another transition period; this weekend is the final weekend of summer for me. As I transition out of my internship I'll find myself helping the incoming freshman transition into their life at Pratt. In two weeks and some days I'll find my life once again revolving around the 2nd floor of Steuben Hall in the recently-renovated, blindingly white fashion studios. It's a pretty horrifying thought seeing as this past year has been difficult to endure but at the same time I know it's time to come to terms with my studio-phobia and see what a new year holds. If my experience at Francis has taught me anything it's that I have so much left to learn.

Last night I decided to enjoy the night with Nathan. He and I are constantly enjoying eachothers' company but yesterday was a little different; we both felt the impending end to our pleasant, low-key summer.

"dinner?"
"Shake Shack?" (our go-to)
"yeah"
"Brooklyn Bridge?"
"YEAH. Meet at 9!"

...and some how a trip to McDonalds and the Staten Island Ferry got thrown in there.

During our carefree adventure we discussed our insecurities about the future and our ambitions for life after Pratt. Graduation is closer than we ever imagined so reality is starting to kick in. Who will we still be in contact with in the coming years? Where will we be living? How will we progress as artists? as humans? as friends? I wish the future was as easy as opening a dictionary but our world is not so clearly defined. Luckily we are living in a city where dreams come true and, if all else fails, we have each other and our commitment to our crafts.

I'm almost ready for another new beginning.

Intern-al Conflict

What a week! Today has been the seventh day in a row that Christian has been blessed by my presence, lucky him. We've been working hard on completing everything for Resort 2013 before the trade show started today and in the end I've gotta say, we done good...in the end. When I visited our booth today it was FILLED with people: something I definitely was not expecting. When I finally found a quick moment to greet Christian, the first words out of his mouth was something along the lines of, "this has been the best trade show so far." I guess this is the reason we try so hard, it feels good when your efforts pay off.

busy busy busy!
guess who's idea the benches were
from Francis' fb page (because I'm awkward and didn't want to take a picture)

And when I say efforts, I mean efforts. This week I left Manhattan three times to go to the far reaches of hell Queens and Jersey, two of those times completely on my own. Last night I was verging on a breakdown because not only was my trip to Ikea a nightmare (which included a bus breakdown, a maze of children, taking the wrong bus back, a grand tour of Newark NJ, getting lost, and a cab ride from hell) but I didn't get the correct number of rugs because of a miscommunication. It was worked out but Christian oftentimes lacks a disappointment filter when he's under pressure. I'm not a dog so it should be assumed that I don't play fetch very well. That being said at least it livened up my day a little. You can't learn if you don't make mistakes!

I almost feel like my internship has come "full circle"; it started with a trade show and now it's practically ending with a trade show. Granted there is so much more I could learn but school is starting up soon and I'm going to have to resume my responsibilities at Pratt as an orientation leader, peer advisor, and above all else, a full-time student.

Pretending to be a Fashion Blogger

Being in Colorado for a little over a week meant packing a suitcase (groan). That being said I could only bring so much with me-which primarily involved dirty laundry (because I don't really enjoy putting things that touch my crotch in washing machines used by people that aren't related to me....jk, that's just my excuse for being lazy). I'd also like to note that I packed maybe 20 minutes before I had to run out of my apartment. I guess sometimes limited resources lead to great success! Here I will explain the 3 dresses that were my stand-out pieces back home.

This dress is from my internship-a sad little article of clothing that was waiting in a pile of poorly folded (by me) clothing for someone to love it . If there's one thing that I've really come to appreciate during my internship it has been craftsmanship. My wardrobe is filled with Forever 21, H&M, and sprinkled with "brand"s which are primarily known for their name and not their quality. Although I enjoy my sense of style and love all my clothes in an unhealthy, obsessive-boyfriend kind of way, I've come to find that some clothes just....feel good. I don't have to fiddle with this dress all day long-she does what she's supposed to. Just sit there and act pretty. I guess that's what you get for $350 retail.

As the Betsey Johnson ship was sinking I gathered up my hard-earned cash and headed to the sample sale. I definitely do not do this dress justice; it is absolutely precious. I could barely get the zipper up but I had to have and how perfect is it for attending a wedding rehearsal. I'm like the weird daughter my Dad's new wife never wanted. Surprise! I guess that's what you get for $350 retail.

This last dress I really am not too fond of. I hemmed it the night before the wedding and did a less than stellar job - but then again, hey! It's not like I'm the one getting married. It was, however, perfect for my position in the wedding. I was chucking flower petals as if it were a fuckin internship. Yeah, internship, not job, because more ass-kissing than money-making was involved in this endeavor. Nonetheless, at least I got to wear a bra. Long live strap-ful dresses! And check out that cowl....mmmmmm, gurrrrrrl.


As for the rest of my time, this is what I looked like...

Back in the City - Back to Reality

big city, small connections

Living in NYC, I've come to realize how strange people are. Everyone has a story. Growing up in Denver I think that it was difficult for me to realize this because people living in the west don't like to admit their insecurites, not to mention we have way less contact with eachother. When you take away subways, rows and rows of busy streets, and mixed residential/commercial neighborhoods it's easy to see how easy it is to emit a Stepford apearance.

But I suppose the beauty of NYC's individuality comes at a price: anonymity. Everyday I interact with hundreds of different people. I've gotten to know such a little fraction of them and make up back stories for the rest. But the ones you truly get to know, get to understand, get to empathize with are precious, amazing, wonderful, and rare. Even if their story is bleak, even if they've found themselves in a rut, even if they're a shity human being, I think it's important to listen. Americans avoid revelations; they see their worlds in black and white and often prefer not to deviate from their core values. I think this is because they refuse to listen. Everyone's reality is different but they're all intermingling, entangled, and ultimately effect one-another.

I write all this because I've come across quite a few people who have opened up to me recently. One person I'd consider myself fairly close to told me about their somewhat disturbing childhood. Another confidant opened up about how s/he has a partner on the side of his/her serious relationship to help improve his/her self worth (and the significant other being ok with and even encouraging the situation). When I came back from Colorado I had the chance to meet a close acquaintance's friends, something I never thought would happen.  And in reality I've shared a lot about myself with others as well; I refused to welcome one friend into my room until fairly recently because I knew of their obsession with cleanliness and order. I've told a handful about some "secrets" I've been harboring (but honestly wish I could just treat as normal facts of life). I've even come to realize one of my biggest faults through an intimate conversation with someone I am fairly close to yet very different from: my inability to formulate questions. I live in my own little bubble and it's amazing to me when people make an effort to penetrate it-and over all it's something that I can't help but appreciate.

I guess it's rare to be able to find someone you trust enough to talk candidly about abnormalities of life but it is essential. Otherwise we'd all just be anonymous anomalies to one another.

the family I've made for myself

Aarati and Nina: I love you!

Lately, I've gotten into the habit of starting blog post and never finishing them for various reasons. In the past few weeks I've found myself in a darker place than I'd prefer to be and I'd rather not spread negativity on my blog so I figured I'd find something that brings me great joy to write about. While looking through pictures on my phone I came across a picture of the two people who I am lucky enough to share an apartment with.

As some of you may know, I have traveled back to the motherland (Coloradooooo!) for a week and have found myself very homesick....homesick for my apartment and the two wonderful girls who I share it with. Granted, I love being home and I love being surrounded by people who love me and I love (and miss), but with that also comes stress. At my Brooklyn home I feel like I can be whoever I want to be and can be as candid as I need. Many of my friends have had roommate troubles but I've never even encountered anything like that. The few year I've spent at Pratt I've been blessed with amazing roommates and suitemates, really. In fact, these two shared the suite with me freshman year.

I've spent way too much time watching Sex and the City; there's a specific quote that has always stuck with me and is perhaps one of the reasons why the show resonates so well with me.:
"The most important thing in life is your family. There are days you love them, and others you don't, but in the end they're the people you always come home to. Sometimes it's the family you're born into and sometimes it's the one you make for yourself."

I love my mother, my father, my brothers, aunts and uncles but at this time in my life friendship really seems key. It's difficult living so far away from family but I'm lucky to be able to find a different one in New York.

"God Done You Good" -- #homelessmanquotes

Walking around New York, especially my hood, you hear the most interesting compliments. The quote from above was said to me by a gentleman on my walk home last night around midnight. He followed it up by telling me about how he would need to follow me eight (yes, 8!!) whole blocks in order to list all the ways God has done me good. Yes, indeed, God has blessed me with my body, mister, thanks for noticing! Now please don't follow me home because I clearly don't have enough to feed myself, let alone you.

In other news, I had a song dedicated to me at a concert Monday. I'm so happy I had the chance to catch two of my favorite bands live. I mentioned States, a band formed from Lydia and Copeland, before on this blog but this is my first time mentioning my great love for the Scene Aesthetic. Although I've seen both live before it was still amazing to be able to see them again. Especially back to back. My day was nothing short of miserable but being able to see the three people below really had a way of uplifting my day before I ultimately crashed at home.

I feel like I talk about how inspired or uplifted I am by music way too often. In high school going to concerts was one of my few obsessions-I'm sure I have well over 100 band teeshirts hiding in my basement in Colorado. Concerts reminds me I'm alive and I fell into a bit of a crisis when I started college because my tastes had shifted off course as well as my income. The Scene Aesthetic (the two fellows above) was one of the few bands I left my dorm-cave to see that year-I even brought Andrew De Torres a bottle of Musinex. And States just brings back memories of the beginning of sophomore year.

As for my story about having a song dedicated to me....Well, States was the opener and everybody was kind of cheering but not really during their set. The lead singer, Mindy, was doing the normal lead singer jibber-jabber introducing a song and after "Captivating Me", one of my favorite songs, left her lips I screamed my usual howl. But, no one else did. Awkward. A good deal of people turned around to look at me. That loud and out of place. And so Mindy just went along and was like "this song goes out to that person!"

I'm that person. God done me good.

Vacation...A(bridge)d

Living in such a tourist-centric city is very funny because you quickly learn to hate tourists. I've seen some of the darker parts of living in the city and it's funny how cynical I've found myself after only being here, off and on, for 2 years. Thus, I've concluded that being in Brooklyn for an extended period of time is unhealthy and needs to be broken up with at least a few out-of-normal-city-life experiences.

This weekend was the perfect escape. Although I missed the mermaid parade at Coney Island (barf), I got to spend time at one of my good friends' homes in Connecticut (can you say "homemade meal"?!) with a handful of my favorite people. Although it was just a two day and two night trip, I've come back feeling insanely refreshed.

My homestate of Colorado, although known for it's wildlife, is very brown compared to the lushness of the east. It's always a treat to drive around seeing trees, trees, and houses encased in trees; it's like something out of an old book of fables. And besides the trees that, as one friend so eloquently described them, "don't smell like dog piss", we had the pleasure of relaxing in a private family friend's pool and watching old home movies. It was a perfect way of taking our collective minds off interning, city life, homeless people, and above all else, dog piss.

Thank you for being such a kind and caring host, Anna!!

Move Along

The other day I was in a pretty bad mood and thus could barely get out of bed. The only time I left my apartment that day was to pick up some comfort food at the local grocery store. It's funny to me because after perusing for a little this song came on, instantly conjuring up middle school memories. This has gotten me through so much and it's funny that it came back into the light at that instant. I think it still will always be one of my favorite songs.

And to make this post a little more interesting, here's a picture I made is middle school........yeahhhh

Moving Along.

When I decided to become a Pratt Peer Advisor last year I didn't know what I was in for. It's funny to think that I was one of the 7 first to test pilot the new baby program from Pratt's Office of Student Involvement. Last August we had the most awkward training imaginable; none of us were very familiar with each other and training consisted of us sharing our opinions on vague topics such as "leadership" and "ethics" and "bullshit." It was kind of a train wreck... But since then I've made some of the most amazing friends.

June 2nd (last Saturday!) was one of the most fun days I've had this summer. Four of us spent the whole day  eating waffles, exploring central park, eating candy from FAO Schwarts and burgers from popburger, trying on perfumes that smelled like "funeral home" and "leather" (mmm), swinging, and complaining about our food babies.

It's rare that I have such a close group of friends so it's been really crazy the way things have turned out. I'm so excited to have the rest of the summer to enjoy everyone's company before another semester is upon us.

"They're in the Tubes"

The Bottle Cap Coat

Francis Studio, waddup

So, I kind of really love my boss and what he does...if you haven't figured that out already. So when I received this jacket in the mail from my mom I was absolutely delighted. Of course, it's a little too late 80s shoulderpaded and not hot pink enough for my taste, but it's fuckin beautiful and fun to wear. And, surprisingly, I fit into a size 6!


Anyway, funny story: I wore it to work a few days ago. He didn't notice. I was kinda bummed and embarrassed so I didn't bring it up.

So, on Monday we were talking about motifs we could use in the upcoming S/S collection and he mentioned something about bottle caps and then said "oh, I've done a jacket with that before, let me show you a picture" and I stated "I have that jacket" to which he replied "you don't know what you're talking about, let me show you." I subsiquently brought out my iphone to prove him wrong, to which he argued with me about how I could not have worn that to work. "I would have NOTICED if someone wore that jacket to the studio!" ...wrong.

So anyway, I wore the jacket Wednesday to which he relived the memories of his couture days. Apparently the jacket retailed for about $1,500 and only 40 or 50 were made. Crazy. He complimented the way I styled myself (which, honestly, was much better than my first attempt. Also, Diane von Furstenburg belt, heeyyyy)


I'm an awesome intern, what can I say?

Fashionable Summer

So, school has been over for a whole four weeks now! That means I've been interning for a month now and have achieved "rockstar intern" status (though I thought an Iron Maiden song was by Blondie...Yeah, I lost a few brownie points). Time has really been flying this summer but I'm so happy I still have so much to look forward to.

Recently we've been wrapping up what remains to be done with the Fall/Winter 2012 collection and starting on Spring/Summer. The other interns and I have let our imagination kind of run free within the guidelines that is Francis. I never realized how tricky it is to nail down someone else's customer. In school we're taught how to bullshit, internships are our chance to actually find out what does and doesn't work in a real life situation. I feel like a complete idiot when it comes to this because my eyes are complete virgins to what real fashion encompasses. Trying to nail down a simple color palette is nearly impossible; I've been asked to compare color dips that all look the same. I feel like it's that part of The Devil Wears Prada where Anne Hathaway's character is giggling at the two almost-identical blue belts. I put my fist to my chin, grimace, squint, and make  my life-or-death color decision.

But, honestly, I've found a way to laugh at everything. Even when times get tense someone comes up with something to joke about. Christian has a very school-boy sense of humor that I can appreciate.

Memorial Day weekend, Christian invited the other intern and me over to his house for a BBQ. It's really awesome knowing that he trusts me enough to invite me over to a casual-ish dinner. And I got to meet his little stinker. Who thought skunks could be household pets?!

my so called social life

night at the museum

Summer is in full swing-finally, when I have a little time to actually have fun and not worry about grades. Granted I miss being surrounded by the amazing people on Steuben's second floor but I think I can cope with getting 9 hours of sleep every night instead.

Week 1 (5/8-5/13)

the box read "infinite pleasure"
Happy birthday, broseph!

There were a lot of parties this week. We had our housewarming party (that I slept through part of), a birthday party for my best friend Nathan, and I said a final farewell to my best friend from Colorado (he's interning in Germany for the summer!).

Week 2 (5/14-5/20)

This was a jam-packed week.

an ocean of hipsters

It all started out on Tuesday with an evening event at the Metropolitan Museum that brought together loads of college students to party and enjoy the Schiaparelli(one of my favorite designers!) and Prada exhibit. It was super crowded and but still rather fun. Nathan and I were playing the "I wonder where s/he got her/his clothes" game a lot....neither of us won. I even saw one of my teachers there.

Leighton <3 I'm in no way attracted to you but DAT VOICE

Wednesday night I went to see The Maine and Lydia play. I left before The Maine but Lydia was really a spiritual experience. Listen to their music, it's amazing.

Central Park is almost like real wildlife...only not

Thursday after my boss and I rendezvoused at the museum, my friend Clarissa came over and she and I explored Central PArk and ended up at the Wafels and Dinges truck. Much pocketfrogs was played.

captivating me

Friday I got to see the lead singer of my favorite (defunct) band. William Beckett of The Academy Is... really has a soft spot in my heart. I reverted back to my young to mid-teenage self when he took the stage. I've seen him play at least 7 or 8 times but I just can't get over him...I've got the fever.

Week 3 (this week)

I've finally got to relax a little. My fellow peer advisors Nathan, Caleb, and I went to Shake Shack to fill our arteries with pure happiness. Other than that, I've gotten to take it easy.

I can't believe how quickly this summer has picked up! Weeks really do move faster when you grow older. My bed is still waiting to be assembled... Where does the time go and how can I get it back?