FIT 4 | NYC Lookbook (Blog Post #10)

I can't believe we're at the end of the semester already! Time really flies. I love school and all, but this girl is ready for the holidays (and a break full of sleep and food and friends). For my final blog post, I wanted to dedicate it to my lovely FIT 4, the 3 ladies I was lucky enough to work with on our final project. We decided to make a video lookbook showcasing our NYC chic outfits for work, school, dinner and brunch. It was so fun to film that it didn't even feel like a school project. I will post the link to the final video down below for all to see. Special thanks to Valentina, Olivia and Sabina for being the most beautiful and kind people and making a great end to this semester. Love you girls <3

https://drive.google.com/a/fitnyc.edu/file/d/0B5SKmh9jvDuTS2k4NDQ5ZkhkZ0E/view?usp=sharing

YouTube Spreads the Word (Blog Post #9)

Social media has quickly become the easiest, fastest and cheapest way to spread the word about, well, anything! Popular YouTubers today reach a few million followers everyday with their new videos showcasing their style, beauty tips and haul videos. Haul videos, whether sponsored by a company or not, are the best way to share a brand all over the world. These videos introduce brands to new customers, sometimes not even costing the company a penny! For example, I watch vlogger Dulce Candy on YouTube, who recently did a haul video from a store called World Market located in California. I had never heard of this brand, since I'm from New York, but after seeing her haul video, I had to do some research on the store! Turns out, they have a location in New Jersey, and also have a website where I could purchase all the same items she did. Without even sponsoring this video, World Market has just received free buzz about their company. Overall, YouTube is a great way for consumers to learn about new brands, and for brands to reach out to new consumers. Here is Dulce Candy's haul video from World Market:

Sprinkle of Glitter: YouTube Lookbook (Blog Post #8)

I love designer lookbooks just as much as the next girl, but hey, who can really afford the things in them? As fun as it is to dream about those expensive threads, its more fun to look at cute things in my price range! That's why I love watching beauty and fashion gurus on YouTube. They have realistic budgets, and realistic waistlines. One vlogger I absolutely adore is Louise, otherwise known as Sprinkle of Glitter. She's from England, has the cutest daughter with blonde curls (and an adorable little British accent!!), is super fashionable and is curvy at size 16-18. I really look up to her and how she makes fashion work for her body, lifestyle and budget. Here are some screenshots from her "Curvy Summer Lookbook" posted back on August 3rd.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0vtKh3w3no&list=UUfAEEhKikW1676DCa_0OWLA

Etsy Trunk Shows! (Blog Post #7)

Are our wildest dreams coming true?!?! Let's be honest, how many of us have spent hours roaming all of the cute online shops on Etsy.com? I know I have! And now, we can take our online shopping addiction to the stores this season with Etsy's new trunk show program, partnered with American Express OPEN. As a part of Small Business Saturday, local retailers will be partnering with Etsy shop owners in their area to bring their products to the stores in the form of a trunk show. This will help Etsy shop owners create a wider customer base and get their products in the front windows of many local stores in a fun, upbeat atmosphere. So, if you survive the crowds at the mall on Black Friday, make sure to stop by some local stores on Saturday, November 29th, and you might see some familiar faces!
Source: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7309-amex-etsy-small-business-saturday.html

(Sayville Main Street, Long Island)

Monique Lhuillier: Spring/Summer 2015 Fashion Show (Blog Post #6)

I was lucky enough to attend Monique Lhuillier's Spring/Summer 2015 fashion show this year, and that is why I'm choosing it as my most inspirational show from this round of fashion week. After years of dreaming of going to a Mercedes-Bens Fashion Week show at Lincoln Center, walking into Lincoln Center felt unimaginable. The rush, the excitement, and most importantly- the fashion, left me with a twinkle in my eye and a desire to attend many more shows. The show itself was absolutely breath taking, starting off with more casual and wearable separates to her infamous stunning ball gowns. The collection was inspired by the sunset of the Caribbean, which inspired me to remember the simple and beautiful things in life, rather than just passing them by. The show ended in a fluttering of confetti, sealing off one of the best experiences of my life. Thanks again to my darling sister who was kind enough to take me along! Here are some photos I took during the show:

Key Colors, Fall 2014 (Blog Post #5)

Although forecasters have tracked these colors for almost two years now, us street fashionistas are seeing these Fall 2014 colors come to stores in just the past few months. One of my favorite colors for this time of year is the cranberry/wine shade. From jackets, to pants, to boots to lipstick, this shade looks good on anyone and will get you in the Fall spirit in no time! Another color I'm loving this Fall is a bright, cobalt blue. This shade adds a bright pop of color to the dark shades of Fall and Winter, and looks great in scarves or statement necklaces.

Photo Credit: forever21.com

More key colors I'm loving for fall are dubbed as "Bright Tones," but i like to describe them as bright colors, deepened for Fall. From orange to a burnt orange, and a bright teal to a darker teal, these shades transfer perfectly into the colder weather.

Photo Credit: www.ivy-thisiswhatwedo.com

Photo Credit: fashionsnoops.com

N.Y Times (Blog Post #4)

The article I read this week was entitled, "Blood and Roses, Circles and Swans," by Vanessa Friedman. It covers Paris fashion week, sharing their experiences at shows such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Céline, Comme des Garçons and more. Here is a breakdown of the fashion reporter's language:

1. Silhouette and Design:
- Cone bra corset dresses
- Insouciant historical shapes
- Stocking tops
- Side tied, leg exposing, tablecloth apron wrap skirts
- Knit tank dresses
- Biased cut dresses
- Odd circular cut-outs on the sides of sleeveless tunics
- Slouchy, silk trouser suits
- Hoop skirts
- Enormously hooded capes
- Halter tops belted into shape
- Ultra mini skorts

2. Details:
- Marinière stripes
- Floral brocades
- Three tiers of fringing
- Three gold locks in place of buttons

3. Color:
- Crayola-bright
- Navy coats
- Crimson strips of leather
- Stippled by splatter
- Dove gray
- Ballet-shoe pink
- Washed-out army green

4. Fabric:
- Pinstripe suiting
- Flattened, plasticized, layered
- 1970's floral
- Horizontal strips of silk
- Red leather
- Basket woven from chiffon
- White vinyl
- Crinolin

5. Creative "Jargon":
- Crystalline Americana
- Gender-bending
- Swirling structured volumes
- Whorls of frills

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/30/fashion/paris-fashion-week-jean-paul-gaultier-celine-phoebe-philo-comme-des-garcons-rei-kawakubo.html?ref=fashion

N.Y Street Style Trend: Midi Skirts! (Blog Post #3)

This week, i headed to Lincoln Center to see what our fellow New Yorkers were wearing during this transition from summer to fall. To no surprise, I found many women wearing a new favorite- midi skirts! Unlike the mini skirt, the midi skirt is much more ladylike, professional and perfect for New York's unpredictable weather around this time! Here are a few photos I snapped at Lincoln Center, plus my own version of the trend:

Perfectly ladylike and chic- black and white goes well in any season!

Summer's not over yet! Her floral patterned midi skirt, white crop top and cute heels keep the summer vibes going.

Her all black ensemble is given a fun edge with her transparent top. The midi skirt balances out her daring look!

Here is my take on this trend! I paired my raspberry-colored midi skirt from F&F with a white leather jacket from Forever 21 and a floral scarf from Wet Seal.

(Don't mind the mess in the background! A fashionista has to have A LOT of options.)

One Key Item for Fall 2015 (Blog Post #2)

Although we are just barely into Fall 2014 (hello apple picking and pumpkin-sceneted everything!), it's never too early to be thinking about our Fall 2015 wardrobes! Designers and trend forecasters would certainly agree, since all designers work at least a year in advance. After looking at the forecasting for Fall 2015, I chose the Cape as my Fall 2015 key item. This look has just begun its turn as a trend, and I think that by Fall 2015, it will have made its way from celebrities and fashionistas to the streets! In a variety of colors, prints and fabrics, this jacket is both practical and chic.

Source: www.fashionsnoop.com

My Favorite Fashion Blogs (Blog Post #1)

3. Michelle Phan

One of my favorite YouTube beauty gurus, Michelle Phan, is truly an inspiration to many young women. Her videos and posts are not just makeup tutorials, but are chock full of helpful tips and boosts of confidence. She's come far since her first video post back in 2007, including creating FAWN (For All Women Network), becoming an ambassador for IPSY's Glam Bag, and finally, launching her own makeup line, EM Michelle Phan in August of 2013 with L'Oreal. Here are some of my favorite Michelle moments:

Source: michellephan.com

2. The Beauty Department: Your Daily Dose of Pretty

Okay, so this may not be a fashion blog, but our outfits certainly wouldn't be complete without fun makeup and a new 'do. This blog posts new hair, makeup and nail looks on a daily basis, so you don't have to look very far for inspiration! They're on top of every new trend, and give you easy to follow instructions so you can do it yourself. Check out some of my fave looks:

With easy to follow written out instructions, plus helpful diagrams, The Beauty Department makes re-creating their nail looks super easy!

Source: thebeautydepartment.com

1. P.S.- I Made This…

P.S. I Made This is my favorite fashion blog of all! With the motto of, "I see it. I like it. I make it," this  blog continues to inspire the fashionista on a budget! Founded by Erica Domesek in 2009, she continues to replicate many expensive pieces with budget-friendly, personalized touches! Here are some of my favorite DIY's…

Source: psimadethis.com