A Day in the Life: I Had a Fashion Dream Part Cinq

One thing that people always here when pursuing any dream is that you have to be ambitious, resilient and have passion. When it comes to the fashion industry, that is something that is ALWAYS heard from fashion class, to magazines, to networking to everyone.

Sometimes passion is not all you need when pursuing your dreams, you need to have resilience as well. When going after your dreams, there will be sometimes be unexpected setbacks or complications that don't have your dream working out as perfectly as you might have imagined. The remedy for that? NOT GIVING UP!!! I am writing this because it is important to never give up on your dreams and in my case, my NYC Internship Fashion Dream.

Whenever someone has a personal goal that they would like to achieve it's important to keep their eye on the prize. There may be a few bumps down the road but let me tell you, achieving your dream will make it well worth it.

Amanda

Red Carpet so Bright you have to Wear Shades

The beginning of a new year not only means fulfilling your New Years Resolutions but also enjoying the onslaught of award season. It is a chance to see how Hollywood's talented actresses interpret the designs of fashion's highest talent. The 2010 SAG Awards did not disappoint. Coming down the red carpet was a burst of bright saturated colours. Check it out!

ROYGBIV

Who knew that SAG Awards would bring out the bright side in Hollywood? Each of these stars show that if you want to stand out, colour is the way to go. Bright colours are one of the first things that I think of when choosing an outfit for it is one of the things that can take an outfit from drab to fab!

(Editor's Note: Although this bright red Marchesa Dress worn by Rebecca Gayheart is from the 2008 SAG Awards, I couldn't resist. The ruffle-y details that frame the corseted middle are absolutely beautiful.)

Amanda

A Day in the Life: I Had a Fashion Dream Part Four

"Academia, you lift me up, soothe me with your words, when I need your love"-Sia

As students at fashion school (or any one who has ever wanted an internship in the fashion industry) may know, a large number of companies require that in order to obtain an internship with them, you must be able to receive academic credit.

This is something that I used to not quite understand. I thought that having an on par resume, tons of experience and enough drive should be enough to secure an internship. What difference did it make if someone was not enrolled in a school program that did not require that they receive academic credit? Wasn't passion enough? This hurdle can make it even harder for people to obtain their ideal work placement.

I know first hand, because I have been in that situation. However I did not let that stop me. In search for my dream New York City internship, if I found a job posting that stated for academic credit only I would still apply, because in some cases this means that the company requires that you are a full-time student and can provide documentation of this. Fair enough. Unfortunately, that is not the case with a lot of companies and because I am currently enrolled in a program that does not provide academic credit for work placements, I was in a dilly of a pickle.

What was I to do? I wasn't going to shelve my dream just because I have reached a small stumbling block. I decided that I needed to do some serious research and find a way to overcome this. Through my extensive hunt I was able to discover that several New York City-based schools offer internship programs such as, Fordham University and there are often college programs that offer post-graduate programs that have work placement courses.

Upon discovering this I was overjoyed! This made it possible for me to be one step closer to my dream. I have since enrolled in a program that will provide me with academic credit and this will give me opportunity to get my New York City fashion internship! :) Being enrolled in two programs can be challenging but it will be worth it. Sometimes you have to make small sacrifices to get where you want to be.

New York City fashion world here I come! Stay tuned!

Amanda

Galen Weston Sets His Sights on Barneys New York

Last fall, rumors began to fly stating that CEO of Loblaw Corporation, Galen Weston had the intentions of purchasing America luxury department store, Barney's New York. For those that may be thinking, "What does the owner of a grocery store chain know about fashion?" Well, let me fill you in my dears.

Weston's Loblaw Companies own luxury companies such as, Holt Renfrew, Selfridges in the UK and Brown Thomas in Ireland as well as Loblaws grocery stores that are in partnership with Joseph Mimran & Associates, which runs the affordable, chic Joe Fresh.

For years, Barneys New York has suffered a great deal of financial trouble thanks to the slowing economy and the loss of its current investor Isthithmar, CEO David Jackson, leaving the company without a CEO. If the rumors are true then Mr. Weston will soon be able to add Barneys New York to his list of companies.

As a Canadian fashionista, I have become accustomed to hearing news of American take overs of Canadian fashion companies (Hudson's Bay, anyone?) and to hear this is honestly a breath of fresh air. It is nice to see that a Canadian company has the potential to stand its own overseas.

We will all have to stay tuned to see how this unfolds.

Amanda

Rain or Shine, the Stars Come Out to Play!

This past Sunday we saw the 67th annual Golden Globes. Robert Downey Jr., Avatar and Meryl Streep all walked away with awards, but these ladies will walk away with best dressed. Drew Barrymore, Diane Kruger, Emily Blunt and Cameron Diaz each glamourous-ly made it down the red carpet in floaty feminine gowns to be remembered. Soft nudes, shine and chiffon appeared to be the looks of choice for this rainy evening.

Twinkle, Twinkle

Golden Globe winner, Toni Colette shimmered her way along the red carpet in a gold sparkling stunner. If there is one thing a love it's sequins. If you want to have fun and take centre stage, be sure to shine!

Birds of a Feather

Although this Dolce and Gabbanna gown does not actually have feathers the floaty layers are light as one. This soft pink gown is reminiscent of soft, beautiful wedding gown.

The Little Mermaid

Drew Barrymore's Atelier Versace was beautifully draped emphasizing her small waist. The sea urchin-like details on the shoulder and waist were a unique touch to the pale sparkling gown.

In Full Bloom

Just because it is January, it does not mean that a little nod to flower power is out of order. Diane Kruger's Christian Lacroix gown had a beautiful ruffle detail accented by a waist detail similar to that of a Japanese obi sash.

Lady in Red

Cameron Diaz made her way down the red carpet in a satin Alexander McQueen gown with soft draping in the centre. With the pastels the soft colours that we saw that night Miss Diaz stood out indeed.

Amanda

A Day in the Life: I Had a Fashion Dream Part Three

“I’ve Got a Closet Full of Couture and Nowhere to Live”-Carrie Bradshaw

Alrighty, so now that I know where I plan to apply for my ideal internship, there are a few more details that I need to get ironed most importantly being, HOUSING! Where will I live when I am enjoying my exciting internship? Living in Toronto, I may feel that rent and the general cost of living is bad (especially considering the recent TTC fare hike!) but New York is about 5x that, especially when you are paying for things with Canadian funds.

I have begun my research and I have found some lovely places on Craigslist. One place I found sounded great, it is located in the hip and happening Greenwich Village, close to all major subway lines, a bathtub with waterjets and a rooftop deck! Only problem? It costs $2250 a month! As a full-time student that is not exactly in my price range so, I begin to look elsewhere, mainly local New York universities and colleges that offer summer housing for people in my position. The two top places I have found are New York University Summer Housing and NYCIntern.org. Each offer fully furnished places with air conditioning, internet access and laundry services (woohoo!) each costing under $3000 for about 4 months. Whew! That’s more up my alley.

‘Til next time!

Amanda

Gillian Downes Does it Again: WhoWhatWEARWhenWhy Launch Party!

During the summer we had Frugal Fashion Week, a unique fashion event drawing attention to different fashionable areas of Toronto all while donating the proceeds to Windfall, Canada's new clothing bank. This winter we now have the WhoWhatWEARWhenWhy Launch Party!

Both created by the founder of B Skin beauty products and Impossible Diva, Gillian Downes the WhoWhatWEARWhenWhy Launch Party sets of a series of fashion show fundraisers. Taking place at Nyood at 1096 Queen Street West at 7pm, this event will feature 3 art-inspired fashion shows with a series of guest DJs playing any song you can imagine.

This exciting fashion event costs $10 with proceeds again going to Windfall. For those of you who are interested in attending (I suggest you do!) click here and see you there!

Amanda