I tried to schedule another shoot with a model, and because of a last minute cancellation I forced Ian to let me take his picture instead! I only got one nice shot, and although he refused to wear makeup, I wanted to achieve a feeling of being wrapped, in the headpiece. I am considering taking color photos next, I want to put a little more thought into the styling and sites for shooting. I hope you like them!
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Banana Republic dress, American Apparel thigh highs, Frye Clogs.
Recently at the MFA, I experienced a magnificent Richard Avedon exhibit! Avedon shot fashion photos that appeared on the pages of vogue amongst other major fashion publications, but beyond the fashion world, his work possessed an element of intrigue, his photos showed active moments in fashion. I decided to use his work as an inspiration for my second shoot of this series that critiques the ridiculousness of fashion.
Avedon's photos not only effectively captured movement, but they also relied heavily on obscurity, and as many of us know, obscurity is what fashion is all about, it is what prompts me to buy the real thing instead of the cheap imitation of a trend. I tried to mirror his sense of obscurity by encouraging the model to contort her body as much as she could for the shot.
Inspiration for my personal style has always come from something like the provacative theatrics of McQueen, or the active photos of Avedon that force the viewer to want to live in this fabricated world. Enjoy the photos, more to come!
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Vintage wool faux fur walker, Citizen Ava denim, Frye Harness boots, Louis Vuitton Speedy 25, Chanel nails in Black Pearl.
I woke up early on Saturday with a pleasant Valentines day surprise–a day trip to the city! Ian and I barely made it to the bus, and slept until we arrived around 10am. I have to say, it was nice to not arrive in nasty times square at 2am for a change! We dined at a fancy brunch place opposite Bryant Park, and then decided to explore some unfamiliar areas before going to Lincoln Center.
The weather was perfect to say the least, and I was so comfortable in my latest purchase, ($10 from second time around), and blue Chanel nails. We mainly hung around Greenwich, and window shopped on Bleeker street. It was my first time at Bookmarc, the new Marc Jacobs bookstore, which was a bit of a disappointment–I mean urban has a better book selection, and from what I saw, they pretty much moved all the crap from the Marc by Marc store, you know the keychains and shit and stashed it in whatever space was available. I guess I was disappointed because I had always imagined it like a coffee shop on capital hill, where you could stay a while? There was no place to stay here.. too many people (asians).
We continued to window shop around fifth avenue, and took many photos, it was so great to just see display done well for a change. People were actually crowded outside of Louis Vuitton, it was pure madness but still really awesome. I want to work on displays that attract people like that.. the whole spectacle of display is what interests me the most. We finally made it to Lincoln center, (we didn't see any celebrities) and we ate dinner at a hotdog stand! It was a nice relaxing day off of work, and I was so happy to spend it with Ian.
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Anthropologie faux fur coat, Forever 21 button down, Citizen Ava denim, Free People covered wedge booties, RIP my favorite MJ sunglasses.
I haven't posted in a while.. (an awful way to start a post i know) regardless, I wanted to use this post not only as an obvious transition between seasons, but also to give explanation to some major life changes that will come into play this summer and after I finish school. In two months I will be having my final review, and although I have had many great reviews in the past, I am most apprehensive about this coming review. I am both eager and nervous to talk about my work, because I see it as something that I am beginning to enjoy making and presenting for the first time in my art practice.
I am eager to share with whoever actually reads this, my deep connection to fashion as art. In my work I am interested in critiquing the ridiulousness of fashion in terms of display, and advertising. My internship at Anthropologie is nearing an end, and perhaps a new season as well. I am waiting to hear back from the hiring coordinator in New York about a potential summer position. In the meantime, I feel that through my art I have only begun to explore my deep connection to display and develop a position that I want to express going forward professionally.
My boyfriend who will be graduating this June, has been offered a position at a design firm in the city. He has accomplished so much through persistence, passion and constant hard work, and I only hope that I can mirror his drive as I start my final year in school. I have always dreamed about, and pictured a busy life in the city and I am eager to start living. In the future, I hope to post more images of my work, including creative influences and bits and pieces of inspiration.
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MAC Fluid Line in Rich Ground, Givenchy Colorblock blush, Elizabeth and James top.
This photo I recovered from a previous shoot, but it totally captures the way that I'm feeling this week. I typically go in and out of being health conscious and this week I'm just feeling like I need more energy to get through the day. I started making time to go to the gym and eat healthier.. (less coffee and croissants) adding more fresh fruits to my diet, and making time to take care of myself in general.
I noticed an immediate overall better mood, and better skin! I can't thank my Chanel Hydramax Serum for that! I hope that this post encourages my readers to take a moment for themselves and get back on track. Also I titled this post Fresh Cuts because I just learned that it is a term used for new sale items (my favorite) at Anthro! Have a great week and be inspired to take care of yourself!
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Zac Posen dress, Vintage denim Jacket, & Steve Madden oxfords.
You can tell a lot about someone when you look inside their closet. You would be surprised that some girls actually buy designer fashion, but never wear it. For this shoot, I wanted to put a look together that really stayed true to the model's personal style. For me, this vintage Posen really fit in with the styling for Chanel's spring 11 runway. I re-invented the look by adding serious body to her hair, and duplicating a heavy eye, similar to the black pearl eyeshadow used on the runway.
Its still winter here, so we wanted to definitely stay inside for the shoot. We wandered around the college building at school and stumbled upon this space. The windows reflected light from the brick building behind it, creating this metallic pink light, which also emanated from the dress.
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These photos were taken a couple weeks ago, where I was given the opportunity to merchandise most of the day. I started out merchandising accessories, I mainly cleaned everything up and re-organized items in order of color and size. We also got in a few new cuffs that I added to the display. After the store opened, I worked on the bath shelves, and focused on keeping them balanced and neat. I don't have any pics of them, because I found it really difficult to take my camera on the floor. The past few weeks I've been fabricating Spring displays, and I intend to take more photos behind the scenes, that unfortunately I will not be able to post.. at least not until they are up for everyone to see.
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Groovin mens fedora, Vintage blazer, belt & black crochet tunic, black express tights, Chelsea Crew oxfords, MAC lipstick in media & Marc by Marc vintage timepiece.
Shooting in the snow is extremely difficult. I am so thankful that this time I didn't have to brave the cold, but instead I had a beautiful model, and good friend Shani do it for me. Besides having the most gorgeous natural disco inspired curls, Shani also had so many cool pieces in her closet, most of which used to be worn by her Mom. I hope to shoot her again, because we didn't get to try as many looks as we had hoped. For this shoot, I really wanted to juxtapose black against white.. and use the snow to my advantage for once. I hope you all enjoy the shots, there are definitely more to come.
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I think that everybody lusts after Anthro's displays, because they are fully developed stories executed to perfection. Each area within the store is designated an element, color or theme, which narrates the most unique experience for each visitor. For the Spring season, I found that the colors play an integral part to each visit. I worked mainly in the front section, which is one of the most cared for places in the store. The lush greenery and heavy print are used to beguile the customer, as well as a very specific set of colors including cobalt, fuschia and a light hue of sap green. I spent a lot of time admiring the front this morning, probably because I kept having to re-set the front table (above). It was difficult to set because it is the most important, but also because I'm not use to having to integrate home decor.
Anyway, in between taking photos, I mainly folded down the remaining tables and pranced around in my DVF (which everyone LOVED) and listened in on my two managers tactful deliberation. The second half of the day was more eventful. First I changed into my asymetrical flounce top and repotted some plants, painted some wood that will serve as spacers for the front display, and for the rest of the day I took down an old display hanging upstairs with the other intern. It took a lot longer than I thought, but it was cool because SO MANY customers told us how talented we were and asked if they could have the display that we were taking down--that we didn't make..but took credit for. At the end of the day, I found out that we hired a few more interns because we have a lot more work for the next few months.. I can't wait!
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Anyway, in between taking photos, I mainly folded down the remaining tables and pranced around in my DVF (which everyone LOVED) and listened in on my two managers tactful deliberation. The second half of the day was more eventful. First I changed into my asymetrical flounce top and repotted some plants, painted some wood that will serve as spacers for the front display, and for the rest of the day I took down an old display hanging upstairs with the other intern. It took a lot longer than I thought, but it was cool because SO MANY customers told us how talented we were and asked if they could have the display that we were taking down--that we didn't make..but took credit for. At the end of the day, I found out that we hired a few more interns because we have a lot more work for the next few months.. I can't wait!
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I haven't posted in a while, so I'm forcing myself to post on my break from my first day of the internship. I found out that I can document my progress each day (pics to come!) which makes me even more stoked for this! I'm really pleased with how they are concerned with what my experience is like.. that said, I can't believe that they actually let me do stuff!
This morning I worked with the merchandisers a bit, I folded a million shirts, perfected some table settings, and mainly observed from a far, still.. it was awesome! This afternoon I get to work on a display that we will put in the front entrance of the store. The display is made up of slats of stained wood, it will also have eye hooks attached, which will be used to hang merchandise. I am so glad that I get to work on something that will turn out cool.. At Nordstrom I decorated an entire forest and came home with fake snow in my underwear every single day. I don't know, although today seemed pretty uneventful, I am probably just excited that we aren't working on christmas?
So again, more photos to come.. And lastly, all day I've been dreaming about wearing my new j-brand flares and my anthro white flowy top--this morning we got so many cute 70's inspired pieces in, that have been on my mind for the past few hours. I am going crazy. The weather is awful and I can't stop convincing myself why I need this caftan that we just got in. I can't wait for Spring!
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HM puff sleeve top, HM tiered skirt, Hue leggings, Steve Madden Maryn boots, Louis Vuitton Speedy 25, Nordstrom teal necklace, Vintage Marc by Marc Jacobs mens timepiece, Banana Republic mood ring, & MAC nails in Beyond envy.
The best way to recover an outfit from looking low is to mix in some high-end pieces. I'm always looking for clothes that look like one of a kind, but I just can't afford to be outfitted in head to toe designer wear everyday. By investing in timeless pieces that can translate into many looks, you can instantly make your look expensive. I often add a designer bag or timepiece to a simple outfit, while also styling the look so that it is fresh off of the runway. In this photo I tried out more wearable Guido Palau curls from Marc Jacobs.
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MAC: Glitter pigment in Gold, Lip liner in nightmoth, Lipstick in media & nails are beyond envy, B.P necklace & Banana Republic mood ring.
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Dolce Vita ryan cape, Flounce top, Citizen Ava denim, Urban knit hat, Marc by Marc Jacobs watch, Free people covered wedge bootie.
Can you believe that Nordstrom is closed??? Apparently last weeks blizzard pales in comparison to this weeks mere 6 inches and counting. Whatever. I was able to take advantage of my day off, and Ian was granted freedom from risd as well, so we took the opportunity to shoot. Surprisingly, Free People blew my mind today, and although I couldn’t feel my toes most of the day, the booties had no problem in the snow. I have to tell you though, I really lovemy cape, and despite the fact that every time I wear it people always say, “I love that!! but I would never buy it…” I think it photographs beautifully, I can’t decide if I like the black or white side better? Anyway, we stumbled upon a deserted church on benefit, and got some great shots in front of the doors. Enjoy!
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Diane von Furstenberg Justin wrap dress, Marc by Marc Jacobs: sunglasses, saddlery perfect purse, cocktail ring, vintage mens watch, & MAC nails in Vintage Vamp.I have fond memories about the time when I first started working for Nordstrom in downtown Seattle. I moved into my first apartment, and it was the first year that I wasn’t in school. This was the year that I fell in love with fashion. I bought this DVF wrap dress, which is apart of her vintage print line, where she revisited textiles that were featured in her dossier from the seventies! This print is just incredible! By the time I got it home to my apartment, I realized that I couldn’t keep it.. and never saw it again. This last Christmas, by boyfriend gifted this dress to me, its like it never left my closet.
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I’ve been waiting for christmas to be over..but being greeted back home by blanketed train tracks, ice cold cappuccinos and my favorite: nordstroms winter storm hotline—hardly tells me that the holidays will ever end. All of this aside, I have braved the weather in my silk Elizabeth and James top, and just today I almost left the house without my winter cape. The truth is, and my parents can attest to this, that I love doing whatever I’m told that I shouldn’t, and this includes dressing for spring during a blizzard. There’s something about the polemic season in between winter and spring that is begging me to disobey, oh and also my actions are heavily inspired by Julia in Eat Pray Love, moral of the story, do what makes you happy, always, and listen to Julia.
xxo
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Elizabeth and James top, Target faux fur vest, Citizen slick denim, Free People covered wedge bootie.
One of the reasons that I invest in designer wear isn’t only because of the great quality, but also because each garment feels like one of a kind (even though I know that its not). A stylist I knew in the Savvy department at Nordstrom in Seattle showed me a great trick to getting more wear out of designer tops—get ready—this is awesome: wearing a top both frontwards and backwards completely changes the look, and most of the time it works! In this shoot I wore the Elizabeth and James top backwards and tied in the front. try it yourself and good luck!
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MAC eyeshadow in green smoke.
I found this top on my hunt for a bed frame at a junk shop in Alston. I’m always looking for great designer finds and at this point I don’t even care where it has been.. its fucking Dior for $4!
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My first fashion obsession was a Marc by Marc Jacobs faux fur lined hoodie, then a one of a kind time piece, followed by a pair of black knit ponte pants.. and many handbags to follow. Marc is my favorite designer, these clothes have brought an alter ego out of me—the ability to be someone else wherever I go. Giving in to this presence builds confidence. and this is what fashion is all about.
xxo
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