Sketching, Roommates, and Subways, Oh My!

So my "daily" post has turned into a hopefully weekly post. Boy did I underestimate the amount of time I would have to sit down and update my blog. First of all the homework is heavy and difficult, especially since drawing doesn't come naturally to me. We rushed through designing a collection in a week and a half and are on to a new project this week. But on the bright side, I've improved somewhat on my sketching and my fashion concepts teacher seems to like my designs. I still feel completely out of place but this experience is helping me realize what I want in a college experience, in a career and life in general. I've confirmed that I love New York City. It's an amazing city with diverse people and always interesting. I also confirmed that I don't want to be a designer, I think it's extremely intriguing of course but it's not something I see myself doing everyday as a career. It's a challenging experience but then again I can tell I'm going to walk away with so much more knowledge about art and fashion than I had before.

My paper drape outfit

Sketch of my paper drape

The final presentation of my collection

Day 2

Monday was the first day of actual classes. I woke up at about 6 am because my roommate from France was jet lagged and could not sleep in any later, convenient I know, but I made the most of it and took a leisurely shower while the rest of the building slept. I put on my outfit which of course was picked out the night before and then laid back in bed, almost falling back asleep. If this was how tired I was in the morning, how would I make it through the entire day? There was a mandatory orientation scheduled for that morning so everyone in the 'pre-college program' met at one of the buildings, received schedules, and then proceeded to an auditorium. I was so close to falling asleep during orientation. Between my lack of sleep and the boring orientation, I had to fidget in my seat every so often to keep from actually dosing off. After this everyone in the fashion design program met in the lobby of the building because in order to get to our classes we have to take a subway and someone needed to teach us how. I really appreciate the program for not just leaving us to fend for ourselves but the supervision got a little excessive. I felt like we were at a day camp not at a college program and we were all so obviously not from New York City. That is my biggest pet peeve, when I travel somewhere and I just absolutely reek tourist. Yes I know I would probably look out of place without the tour guides but they certainly did not help. We then got to our building which is not the usual building that the summer programs take place at because Project Runway is being filmed there. Thanks Heidi Klum (kidding). My class that day was model sketching. I was incredibly nervous because yesterday did not prove that I had hidden artistry talents like I was hoping. But our teacher is the nicest woman and gave us clear instructions and tricks to help us learn how to. I noticed my sketches becoming increasingly better than they had ever been before and I was so happy. We only had one class that day due to orientation so afterwards we went back to our dorms. There's a lot of nice people in my classes and I'm looking forward to get to know them better, I'm still not an amazing artist or designer for that matter, but hopefully I'll learn.

Day 1

Today my mom and I left the beautiful hotel we stayed the night at and lugged my gigantic bag into a cab. In this such cab, I have never been so scared for my life. I live in a town where cabs are scarce so yes I am a total taxi rookie. But this was by far the scariest. After recovering from the taxi trauma we arrived at the residence hall. My mom and I got to the residence building at the earliest hour we could possibly go and checked me in. I got to my room and it was incredibly nice, equipped with desks for each of us (three other girls and me). Since I was the first one there I got the best pick and quickly staked my claim by unpacking, almost my entire closet from home. Except for of course no one thought to bring bedding so mom and I visited Bed Bath & Beyond and clothed my bed with, yes, all purple bedding. We spent the rest of the day picking up extra things I needed, and prepping me for the next month. Finally I met my roommates. I have four of them and they are all extremely nice and polite. Then the time came when I had to say goodbye to my mom, the moment I has been dreading the entire day, I held back my tears, it felt like I was going off to college, when in reality I'm only going to be gone a month. But I kept my composure and returned to my roommates. There were a series of bonding events involving ice cream after that and I met an extreme amount of people from so many different places. The whole day I was smiling and introducing myself to random girls and some guys in an efforts to make friends. It felt like six grade all over again. For example; it's amazing how mature I can think I am and then I'm put into different situations where I have to make new friends, and instantly I become a follower and cling to the girls who seem to have the most leadership skills, aka "the cool girls" and all I want is for them to like me (horrible I know). I met many girls from my program also, some just as nervous as I was, and others who had been "making garments since" they were little (oh goodness). Afterwards one of my roommates, another girl we met, and I walked to dinner and I realized that I really did have things in common with some of these girls, yes some I won't be able to relate to, but I'm starting to feel a little more hopeful. Now I just have to worry about the actual classes part.

Stepping into the Unknown

In early October I decided that I want to take part in a summer fashion program. I researched and found one at Parson's New School for Design. The title of the program read "fashion design", which I'm not exactly interested in, I would like to be more in the merchandise and marketing part of the fashion world. But nevertheless it said that I would get to experience what the fashion world was like, visit fashion hotspots etc. So I signed up, hoping that the actual design aspect was minimal. As it got closer to the date when I would be leaving for New York, the program sent me information such as housing, schedule, and supply list. Then it hit me, what in the world had I gotten myself into? I can't draw, I don't know how to make clothes! What's a kneaded eraser or charcoal pencils and why do I need them? But I've looked forward to this for so long, I can't turn back now. So here I am, on a flight to New York City, I've decided to make the most out of it, because after all it is an amazing opportunity and it really can't hurt to have that kind of experience under my belt. I'll try to post daily and keep you updated on the embarrassing, exciting, and surprising events that occur throughout my time there. Wish me luck!

In the Summer Spirit

I have been taking full advantage of the beautiful weather that California has had this summer, especially with my awesome new accessories. I recently purchased this sun hat at Forever 21, sun protective as well stylish, and paired with my favorite oversized sunglasses by Cole Hann, sandals, and a light summer dress (LF), makes for the perfect summer outfit.

Friends with Style

My friend Rachel owns this adorable pair of red cowboy boots. I've seen her pair then with an all black outfit and simple accessories which I think is a perfect way to wear the boots, letting them be the centerpiece of your outfit. But you could also have some fun by pairing them with brightly colored tops and bottoms. The choice is yours.

Object of Desire

I created this outfit around my leopard print oxford-like shoes (Urban Outfitters), a periwinkle skirt (UO), a dark gray t-shirt (Delia's), and a light gray sweater (H&M).