Oh Summer 2010

So I have been blessed with an amazing opportunity of studying abroad in London for the Spring 2010 semester. Along with that, I've done some minor travelling with the intent of visiting more countries in the upcoming weeks. The semester is about halfway complete, I am having a blast and could not ask for more but here I am, stressing out over summer 2010 and it isn't even here yet!! I'm most worried about obtaining an internship and actually, my future in fashion. Many ask, what type of career do I want and I simply say "Fashion." I'm not too picky or specific because I am interested in pretty much all areas. I suppose that my ultimate goal is to become a personal celebrity stylist but with that, a repertoire must be established.



Therefore, I'm right back at square one: stressing out over summer 2010 and my future in fashion! Ideally, Maryland is not the best location for a budding fashion fanatic as everyone is driven by desires but none have actually been successful. I have considered staying in New York for the summer so that I can apply for internships in Manhattan but with that option, I need a place to stay and money for transportation and living expenses. So once again, I have to bite the bullet and pass on another amazing opportunity until next summer.

Because I reside in Maryland, finding fashion internships here are ridiculous! Therefore, I have applied to ONE internship - at Buckle in Columbia Mall and I am PRAYING that they do accept me. If not, I will be contained within my little circle at the Eppley Recreation Center, greeting every patron with a warm smile, "Hi, how are you?" followed by swiping their student or membership ID, hoping that I made their day a little brighter, and making $9.95 an hour. It's not too shabby but it isn't fashion. It isn't the city hustle and bustle that I yearn for. In fact, it is quite tedious, repetitive and slow. I envision myself having the summer of a lifetime learning about the industry - hands on. My only preference is to not be behind my computer screen as I have been for the past 2 years or so searching for trends, fashion weeks, designers, etc.

Indeed, I have high hopes and ambitions in mind and though I may not be 100% qualified - who is anyway - I definitely possess the skills in mastering any task given to me. Do you need me to pull looks? Just tell me about the client's concept and perhaps the event they plan to attend and BAM, I am at the nearest showroom pulling outfits. Do you need coffee? Put in your request and I'll be at Starbucks. Not a fan of starbucks? I'll find the best, local coffee shop. Do you need me to take calls, create and organize databases, maintain an inventory of shoes, accessories and other clothing items? I can do that. Do you need me to run ten to twenty blocks in heels? Ok, I may cheat with this one and pull a pair of flats out of my purse but I WILL run!

Fact is, I am highly motivated and passionate about fashion. I love shopping but it doesn't stop there. Fashion is an art. It expresses one's individuality, mood, and ideas on what looks good or makes them happy. I love how a combination of elements such as color, shape, fit and material can spark an immediate response - whether it is good or bad. Fashion is a feeling. It could completely transform one's confidence or internal mood; they look better, they feel better. Fashion is transforming oneself whether it is for a moment or a lifetime. I am aware that I must work my way from the absolute bottom to the top and I am here to do that at all costs because it is my passion, it's what's on my mind everyday.

It's what makes me happy.

A-Dam Love

So, I touched down in Amsterdam on the 26th at the beautiful Schiphol Airport and for some reason, I am intrigued by airports and their grand sizes. Anyway, I'm here visiting my best friend as she is studying abroad here. Because her program has made arrangements for her, she lives with a Dutch host family: a mom, dad, daughter and son, all who have welcomed me with open arms. We took the train and the tram home from the airport and that was an experience in itself but I did have an opportunity to see some of the city at night. We got home, settled in and came up with a list of things to do and see. You know, Red Light District, the I am Amsterdam sign, museums, markets, clubs, blah blah!

Well, because the Leidseplein is the hub for tourists, shoppers, club goers and those who just want to have a great time, I spend a majority of my time here since it's about a 10-15 minute walk from the host family's house. Frugality has become my middle name so I decided to just sightsee and get to know the city a bit. As a result, I can navigate around a little and I must say, the independence rocks! It's so cute here. The architecture is amazing and I'm falling in love with all of its quaint little alleys filled with hidden treasures such as boutiques, Thai restaurants and Coffee shops! Walking along the three canals, acronym HKP, you're surely in for a treat! Because the city is quite small, everyone rides bikes; adults, children, even grandparents!

As for nightlife, there were a couple of options and my best friend and I guestlisted any option we could come across. Unfortunately, guestlist doesn't equal free so we still wound up paying 10 euro to attend Club Home. We arrived around 11pm which is early for Dutch clubbers as the DJ himself hadn't even arrived! We walked around for a bit and headed back around midnight. All wasn't bad as we did get complimentary shots on the house and I'm pretty sure my best friend enjoyed drinking both since I don't drink. LOL. The club was pretty comfortable and the music is well, typical European club mixes. Occasionally there was a little E-V-E "Who's that girl?" and Snoop Dogg "Drop it like it's Hot" but the remainder of the night was devoted to techno and house music. Creepy men seem to follow me (and the company I keep) ANYWHERE we go and this club was no different. I always seem to get the foreign men and this time, they were Dominicans! Once I was able to break free of his conversation, I proceeded to dance the night away and before I knew it, it was 5 am and time to go home.



Of course the tourist in me reared its ugly head and I wound up visiting the I am Amsterdam sign. After walking around, my best friend and I actually discovered that there were TWO signs in different locations! Aside from that, of course I had to visit the Red Light District. Unfortunately I don't have any other picture than this one because it has been rumoured that people will take your camera and throw it into the canal soo I decided against taking my precious camera! It was pretty interesting. There were women in window displays, scantily clad, vying for men's attention and most importantly, their money.


Then there is the sex museum. It was .. interesting! The figures were a little distorted and scary looking but a lot of the artifacts - yes - real artifacts were cool! There was a Greek (possibly Italian) plate found in Pompeii that depicted a Greek man and woman doing the dirty. I thought it may have been a phony BUT I have seen similar artwork techniques and styles in art history books or museums but none like this. I'm a little big on art history so the geek in me came out for a few! LOL. Other than that, there was a replica of the most well known sex symbol, Marilyn Monroe. The display included a recording from Monroe's "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" performance and also a written biography of her many affairs and marriages including Marlon Brando and Arthur Miller. She was so GORGEOUS yet scandalous! There were some cool, hands on exhibits and two statues of a large penises and a butt mold. I had a blast at the sex museum and it was also cool to learn about the history of sex through sculptures, videos, photographs and paintings.

Oh yeah, here's the answer for the million dollar question: no. No I did not smoke any marijuana but I did smell a little as I ventured through the city. Most of it was contained in local coffee shops. I didn't visit any museums because I feel like the Brits stole all of the good stuff and I have access to it all in London but there was the ... sex museum. Hehe. My experience was very personal due to my personal tour guide best friend and host family's amazing hospitality. All in all, I had a great time but there's nothing like the big city. After all, I am a big city girl - always have been, always will be!

A-Dam, I bid you adieu but I will be back to visit you <3

A Quickie

OK.

So, I haven't written here in over a month. I get it. I suck.
Well, what do I have to report from my one month hiatus? Uhm.
Much hasn't changed except for more work being done in terms of knocking out papers for classes. I just finished a 3,000 word essay aka TEN pages that counts for my ENTIRE grade!! Wish me luck. The work keeps coming in and these professors are ruining my study abroad. OK - maybe not, but you know what I mean! LOL. I've continued my weekly shopping trips. I'm pretty pleased with a lot of the items that I've purchased. They're really key and essential to any wardrobe and can be paired with virtually anything!

I've also attended London Fashion Weekend since I couldn't snag tickets to the actual Fashion Week. The event was AMAZING. That's an experience all its own so be on the lookout for that one. I also attended "The World's Greatest Fashion Show" at Westfield London. It was short and sweet - 30 minutes - and featured a raffle for a Vivienne Westwood t-shirt signed by Naomi Campbell! I'll probably blog about that separately as well and link it as soon as possible.

Most recently, one of my best friends, specifically the one studying in Amsterdam, came to visit me. It was nice seeing a familiar face and just having someone that knows you and is on the same page. It was a MUCH needed visit and we had a great time from attempting to sightsee TWICE, eating Nando's, shopping sprees, The World's Greatest Fashion Show, and ZooBar. We'll definitely plan for more during her next visit and actually get it done! LOL. Nonetheless, we covered a substantial amount of things for such a short noticed trip.

But OMG, I am off to Amsterdam after classes. I'll be there for SIX days and I plan to take the Netherlands by storm. Hopefully I'll be discovered or something. If not, I'll be fine with going to Jimmy Whoo, checking out the markets, doing some more damage to my bank account and meeting her host family - the Hallams. Hehee.

Sorry for how sporadic and quick this was but I have class in a few hours and ought to be asleep as I sit here and type. I just wanted to let you guys how about the happeningggs. I'll be back soon!