The Most Important Tip in Working in the Fashion Industry!!

NETWORKING!!!!!!!!!!!

Some may or may not agree with me, but I honestly believe networking will get you farther then you believe! Many people get to wear they are because of who they know, and lets be honest here, it does make life easier. So make sure you're signed up for websites like- fashionindustrynetwork.com or modelmayhem.com. It is a great way to network and find out information about upcoming network events! Here's one listed on both websites:



Grandeur Events holds two fashion networking connections a year and they are a great way to meet others in the industry. Always bring business cards by the way! Even if you are just a student, just write your name and contact info. Having a business card for yourself is just a way to get theirs! Make sure your card is memorable as well as your presentation of yourself to them leaves a lasting impression! To get a cheap and memorable business card, sign up for vistaprints.com- they have great deals! Afterwards make sure you contact them... a simple e-mail saying it was a pleasure to meet them and remind them of what you are looking to do. Another piece of advice, sometimes some are unsure of what to wear.... but there is no need to get suited up! Dress your style in a professional manner! Make sure you express your style, so they know what you're looking for!

Lastly, be confident! Everyone is looking to meet someone... its a networking event, why else would they attend?? They're looking for people to work with and you're looking to work (or vice-versa). So be confident!

geraldine*jane

my 5 loves for fall 2009

...Its still September and its only a month away when you have to stop shopping for yourself and buy for someone else. I thought it was about time to blog about my 5 loves for this fall season, so here they are:

BROOCHES!! This is definately the must-have accessory for the season. Brooches have been in and out of season, but they are the perfect touch-up to any outfit this season.

(ash&dans.com)

It's the return of the '80s with sequins this fall. Sequins have been around throughout the year, but besides in shirts, accessories and jackets.. I think they are the perfect mini-dresses this season.

(oasis-stores.com)

If you have not heard already (you probably have), but white is the new black! It's so clean and fresh...I love it. I have always preferred white outfits over black, because they stand out so much better. So for the holiday season... get rid of those black cocktail dresses and get a white one!

(bluefly.com)

Boots, boots, boots... you can't ever have enough. So this season instead of buying your 100th pair of high boots with the skinny heel. Change it up and get some military or riding boots. Bakers have alot of styles for under $100.

(bakers.com)

Soo we chose accessories, clothes and shoes... why not think about a change in hair? This Fall cut it all off! Best way to get the edgy look and draw more attention to those eyes.

(thefashionablehousewife.com)

...and those are my 5 loves for fall 2009. I know brooches and sequins are soooo whatever years ago... but branch out a little, because they are the perfect to add a little glam to an outfit!

geraldine*jane

Fashion Night Out.. In Philly?

Yeah, yeah... fashion night out is glitz and glamour in LA, Milan, Paris and NYC... but what'd u do when you're in school and you can't go to any of the cities for one night?? Do what I did, last Wednesday, 9/10/09, I found my local Fashion Night Out hotspot. I went to King of Prussia Mall in Pennsylvania and I still loved it. Of course, I would not compare it to NYC, but it satisfied my fashion refill for the day! So I did get to meet jam*rock there, because she unfortunately couldn't go to NYC either, but we had fun scoring the free giveaways and free sushi and drinks! However, my loves for the night...:

The Magic of Hollywood Collection by Gene London:



By the way to see more, if you're in the area, the Reading Museum has the collection on display from October 2009 to May 2010!

Free Make-Up Consultation:

Everyone loves free makeovers!... Sephora had great consultations!

Audrey Hepburn's actual dress and necklace from the movie on display at Tiffany's:

"Let me tell you something, Mister. If I had her money, I'd be richer than she is."

Sooo those were my loves for the night. Later, I'll post what I found as my top 5 must-haves for Fall 2009... I promise they'll be different from jams!

~geraldine*jane

wishing i was in nyc.

it's 12:01am, which means today is fashion's night out! the global event brought to you by vogue, CFDA, and nycgo.com! over 800 stores are planning on staying up late so fashionistas can shop until 11PM. word on the street is mary-kate will be bartending at Bergdorfs and Alexander Wang is giving runway lessons but as it turns out i have work in 10 hours. as much as i'd like a drink from MK and learn how to walk down the runway from Mr. Wang--i can't skip work (because i'm planning on missing school and work next week-- more about that later)!! getting a drink and model lesson is great and all but according to yahoo.com there will be free manicures at Chanel and makeovers at Betsey's!! i need to be pampered-- school and work wears me down!! i look a hot mess by the time i get home from morning/day of work and then night class!

anyways i wish i was in nyc!! in due time-- which is Monday & Tuesday!! more on this later :-p!! Just know that it's exciting and i can't wait! updates will be up soon! hopefully i can take pictures! oh and i need to figure out what to wear!

my top 5 things to Fall in love with.

summer is coming to an end!! i'm already well into my 3rd week of classes. this will be my last-- or this has been my last 3 month summer vacation! by next summer (*crosses finger*) i'll be in the real world, hopefully the fashion world. this is my last summer going into fall as a student, and it feels good/scary at the same! anyways...summer's out and fall's in! fall is one of my favorite seasons-- weather and fashion wise. i love the temperate weather and the ability to layer light pieces together or wear boots, hats, and put on a thin jacket that will tie your whole look together.

my fall looks will consist of one of the following:

1. color on my lips! i LOVE, LOVE, LOVE wearing lipstick. 9 times out 10 i will be wearing lipstick. my favorite for fall will be my NARS lip stain in Dare Devil ($22 @ Sephora).

2. thigh-high boots! this summer i scored a pair of sam edelman thigh high boots (in black). i'm usually a heels type of girl but $40 for a pair of boots?! i just couldn't resist! i'm short but i'm fortunate enough to have the appearance of long legs.

3. my i heart ronson bf jacket-- when i saw this jacket i just knew i had to grab it!! i'm a big fan of charlotte ronson's line for j.c. penney!! this jacket paired with the most simplest of garments-- either a plain LBD, regular black jeans, or short mini skirt, is going to look cute!! grab it now...it's on sale at j.c. penney's for less than $72!!!

4. a knotted button-up -- i have definitely acquired an appreciation for button-ups. i used to think button-ups were so boring but i found out that a knot can transform a plain white one!! now i can't stop knotting my button ups! on top of that when i run out of my own button ups i grab my bf's, my dad's, or my brothers'-- fitted or loose, a simple knot can do a button up good!

5. my jackie O inspired sunglasses w/ chain-- my friend calls this my granny glasses. while other people may find these glasses dated, i find them to be timeless. the tortoise print, the shape, and the chain make these sunglasses a classic.

The REAL Devil Wears Prada Documentary

Hello everyone, it has been awhile since jam and I have written... but the fashion world is crazy and well be back on track. Anyway I had a few minutes before class and I wanted to share something important with all of you. Remember that movie released with Meryl Streep... The Devil Wears Prada?? Well, if you haven't seen it... go immediately before reading the rest of this blog entry!

The movie was based off a book of the former assistant of the editor-in-chief of American Vogue. Streep was supposed to be an exaggerated version of Anna Wintour... the editor-in-chief of American Vogue. Since the release of the movie, Ms. Wintour has agreed for a film crew to document her daily life for nine months. During this period, her and her team are working on the September 2007 edition. It took 2 years to release this documentary, but it is because there is alot of footage to work with and edit. You can read the article about what the documentary has been described... and so far Meryl Streep's character seems like an angel compared to her! What do I know... I have not seen it yet but it sounds interesting to see. The link is at the bottom.. and for all the fashion lovers.. this documentary is more a must-see then the actual movie itself!

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/women/2009/08/27/anna-wintour-the-most-powerful-woman-in-fashion-86908-21628226/

geraldine*jane

the go-to guy!

hi all. i haven't done this in a long while!


hope everything is going great for you! both in the blogging world and in reality! i know i haven't been holding onto my end of the of bargain (writing 2 blogs/wk) but i'm doing 3 internships this summer. i'm excited to tell you that i am interning for Brian Reyes, LLC. Brian is a young but very talented designer (check out his latest Resort collection-- http://www.brianreyes.com/)!! a lot of young starlets are falling in love with his designs! i predict he will be the go-to designer for celebrities looking to find red carpet looks.



unfortunately, red carpet looks means needing a red carpet budget. BUT-- next week, JULY 20th, gilt.com (the website that brings sample sales to you) will give you a chance to buy his garments for a fraction of the retail price!! as a fan of both gilt.coma and Brian Reyes i begged our sales team to give me a sneak peak at what i should expect to see...here they are! enjoy!




































































































































































less than 3,
jam


p.s.- sign up for the Brian Reyes e-mail list @ http://brianreyes.com/html/registration.html
fill out your info and put Jamaila in the Referral box. then use this link to sign up with gilt groupe
http://www.giltgroupe.com/invite/lbms

HAPPY SPENDING!!!

Michael Jackson: Fashion Icon

Life has been crazy, but I have finally found sometime to write a blog about the King of Pop's passing, Michael Jackson. Everyone knows the impact he has made in the music industry, but his memory does not only exist in music. Michael Jackson has made a strong impact in the world of fashion, from the sequin glove to the military uniforms.

Michael Jackson never feared to take risks, but his style showed that any outfit can be fashionable...if you work it right. My favorite MJ fashion moment (this might be bias because of the song) is the looks in the "Beat It" music video.

Who could seriously resist that bad boy leather jacket? The main reason I love it... its different. Unlike other bad boy looks, its a red leather jacket and has the MJ touch of the military inspired looks. To top it off, that belt is nuts! The double belt with chains completely sharpens the look. The "Beat It" video also, contains the fashionable fedora hat with the fashionable large black sunglasses. MJ did not just assist in making these items fashionable, but making them "cool" during a time when bad was popular. I decided, in his memory, to use this video's theme as my inspiration for the photo shoot I am doing for Paws Model and Talent next week.

That's my favorite MJ fashion moment... share yours.

~geraldine*jane

Exposing Less Skin Is In?

1970s (courtesy of Vogue)

2009 (courtesy of imageandstyle.com)

In the search for the perfect summer bathing suit, I was expecting to find the same teeni-tiny bikinis that show way too much for my liking. Through the past couple years, I have seen the one-pieces evolve into a more chic look, but to me it just means weird, awkward tan lines. However, this season is different. Usually I skim through uncountable tiny bikinis and then a variety of stylish one-pieces, then I pick the one that covers up the most for myself...it may not always be stylish, but its comfortable to go out in. However this season, as more one-pieces are showing a little bit more skin... two-pieces are showing less. The vintage look is becoming a strong appeal among consumers, and who can help it? This is a style that can flatter a size 2 model and us, curvy girls. With swimsuits, its hard to find (not impossible) a bathing suit that can flatter a variety of body shapes, but designers have done it again and with more style in their patterns. With ideas in American marketing of "Sex sells," and all the nude beaches in Europe... who would have thought that eventually less skin would be in? Obviously, I can not say that it is in completely... but we got a start on it. Sexy is finally meaning that you do not have to "flaunt it, if you got it," but that the less skin you show... the more of tease it is.

~geraldine*jane

always be prepared should be a stylist's motto

..I can not sleep and I am up way too early so I figured to write another blog, because I have been leaving jamrocks hanging to do this on her own! Anyway, I have various experience in styling, but most of them are at live events. I have recently been working on photoshoots to help build my portfolio and one thing I have learned that is extremely crucial is always be prepared. By the way, this is not what I worked on (clearly) but you really can not take photos of yourself at photoshoots.

When I took "fashion stylist" sessions in Philadelphia, I learn to create my own "styling kit." This consisted of jewerly, sewing supplies, scotch and masking tape, fashion tape, hair and make-up supplies, fabric, clothing, shoes and alot more. I never really thought I would use many of these items most of the time, since the photoshoots I started to work on already provided the clothing, shoes and accessories. I decided to play it safe and bring my kit with me...just in case. I will never forgive myself if I didn't. I worked on 3 female models, each with 4 outfits. I sewed and pinned at least 5 outfits to adjust the fitting to the model. Previous fittings are done, before the shoot but somehow.. threads were loose, zippers falling apart, and models were not fitting perfectly as the photographer demanded.

Also, while the photographer was reviewing pictures midway through a shoot.. the jewerly, he decided, did not look good in camera. I ran through the jewerly collection provided, but the earrings the model had on seemed the best fit out of the collection. I went through my kit and I was lucky to have a pair of green gemmed earrings that matched the outfit better on film and in person.

The one mishap that was harder for me to comeback on was the hair. I had hair supplies, but it was really just if the hair stylist needed extra supplies. One of the hair stylists requested that I assist her in sewing the models weave in. I do not even know if I spelled it right, let alone state even now with confidence that I knew what I was doing. I probably got scoffed at a few times, but I did warn her I had no clue about weaves, even when she stated that she really needed the help. I never knew weaves had so much work put into it.

..In the end, I realized it could have been alot worse if I was not prepared at all anyway, so I did look to the weave as a turn for the worse.

Anyway, I wanted to just state that one of the models had this dress on that I have been dying to have... but I settled for the tube top version at macy*s by Apple Bottoms.. I love this dress... slimming even for us curvy girls. One thing this fashion season- its even better now to be curvy!

~geraldine*jane

Ahh..Mistakes in fashion and networking

Yay! My first blog post!

Hey everyone its geraldine*jane.. my wonderful partner ms. jamaila has been running the posts because I have some trouble managing time.. but I'm back!

Anyway.. over the past month I have been networking and traveling around delaware, pa, ny and nj.. trying to network and get my name out there. I have attended a few seminars and events that have really helped. I have crossed over many mistakes and learned many lessons when it comes to networking.. that you really wouldn't think twice about. So I composed a list of things to do (no particular order) or not to do when you're at an event or even a fashion seminar:

1. Business Cards
- As a student, I had no idea what to put on a business card... but the main purpose is to use yours to get theirs (obviously). However, if you are a student, a common mistake I have heard complaints about is that students mention what field they are trying to enter as their title.
i.e:

Geraldine Jane

Fashion Stylist

You do not want to place that there no matter the experience you have.. if you are a student put student.. if youre working at the Gap put Retail Associate.. do not put what job you want in place! Put your current job, because if they ask for your card.. the conversation should have gone far enough for them to know what field you want to enter.

- After receiving their card.. e-mail within 2-3 days. I met a photographer in NY and after doing a photoshoot, he has told me that a major mistake is waiting for them to e-mail/call you. Seems like an obvious thing to do... but apparently not many realize it.

-*Bring those cards everywhere...you never know who you'll meet.. *sigh* I learned that the hard way.

2. Question??

- Its true you go to networking events to get a job (hopefully), so you talk about yourself most of the time right? Makes sense? ...I learned that was wrong a few years ago...but I just recently stop doing it. Ask questions and relate to the answers. If the person you are talking to is in your desired field.. they are more pleased when you can relate to it.

- Seminar events.. no matter what.. I dont care if you can not think of any.. ask a question. Even if you know the answer to it.. it will make you stand out. You only remember those faces you speak to.

3. Sounds better than you think...

- I have worked in retail as a sales associate and a visual merchandiser, and I did the basics (register, fitting rooms, store layouts, dressing mannequins, etc.). Now it may seem like I want to stray from it when I want to talk to someone in the styling field, and just talk about the fashion shows and photoshoots I worked at. Makes sense.. but its easier to up your game by making it sound better than it really is. 2 examples:

* Fitting Rooms:

Reality- I cleaned the fitting rooms and got the sizes and various clothes for customers.

New Words- During one of my previous jobs, I assisted in styling various customers. I provided a better fit for their body and helped coordinate their outfits.

* Mannequins:

Reality- I undressed and redressed mannequins weekly according to store manual.

New Words- I styled the mannequins with various shoes, accessories, and clothing based on the fashion season and theme of the store.

4. Stand out

- May seem like dumb advice.. but really think about it. do you look like every girl in the mall carrying a Coach purse? If you have an outfit that you like, but doesnt really work with trends right now.. just do it. create your own trends.. at any event youre more likely to stand out and be remembered if its an outfit thats your own trend and not teen vogues.

5. KNOW CURRENT EVENTS

- I just want to say when I was at a networking event.. I easily outshone two people only because they had no idea about some current events. It is important to keep up with fashion news.. but keep up with general news. Subscribe style.com and cnn.com, just know your basic stuff at least!

**Theres more mistakes and mishaps I'm bound to come upon, so I'll update this list later. But these 5 things were what I have heard and followed within the past month, and I have been alot more successful. Some of you may disagree, but its what I have learned from experience. Everyone makes mistakes.. but in fashion...no threads can be hanging out at anytime.

busy bee!

i know, i know...it's been awhile! my apologies for not updating for what feels like light years! i've been busy splitting my time doing two internships! BUT-- that's no excuse! from here on out I promise to do a post at least 3x a week and work my way up to doing one everyday!

one of the companies I intern for does a bi-monthly online fashion magazine, and in this month's issue I got to do the one thing I love to do: pick out clothes/accessories. last Friday I got to style my first photo shoot. nothing big but it is definitely a start. every issue we feature the "designer of the month," and for this month i choose to use La Rok-- their clothes are just so flirty and fun! I had free reign on how i wanted to accessorize-- the shoes, the bag, the jewelry! This is the layout of the photo shoot featured in the magazine:


i also got to do two other sections...
the "how to look like a celebrity"-- where I got to choose merchandise from our site that a celebrity might wear. this month we did "blonde ambition" and focused on: Cameron D, JT, Gwen, and MK/Ash. I think these are some of the most fashionable people, if not the most fashionable! check out the items I chose...do you think i did a fairly good job pinpointing the style of each celebrity?! Lastly, I had to come up with 4 summer outfits that couldn't be more than $200! who wants to be spending all their money on clothes anyways?!!

Anna Sui is Target(ed)

this spring seaon, target has brought Alexander McQueen to the masses. come october, Anna Sui will be available to thrifty girls, like myself, who can't afford to spend $300-$700 on a piece of clothing. as much as I'd like to spend $700 on an Anna Sui dress, I have to pay for school! that's why I was so excited when WWD reported that Anna Sui signed on to do a collaboration with target. according to WWD, Anna Sui's line is inspired by gossip girl. I can't wait to see what she comes up with! her clothes are usually so ecclectic-- full of color, embellishments, patterns, and other details. countdown is on-- 5 more months!

less than 3,
jam rock

i.m. backstage

this past wednesday I got the chance to be a backstage dresser for a showing of Isaac Mizrahi's Fall 2009 RTW hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue! it was very crowded and tight in the back with all the models, other backstage dressers, stylist, event managers, and ISAAC!...i could hardly move..and of course, the racks and racks of amazing clothes. everything from the fabric choices, trimmings, notions-- i loved it all! i was just in awe of all the garments and accessories! oh, to be the person who had the duty to put the outfits together!!! the hectic atmosphere that is backstage-- gave me an amazing rush. you know, trying to get the dress, the shoes, and small accessories on the model in under a minute got my heart pumping and my adrenaline rushing! here are some pictures i took from my phone:

my model, annie, is the one in the orange hat. by the way, you need to check that outfit out on style.com-- my camera phone does not do it justice!

a quick shot right before they walked onto the runway! i was on my tippy toes, and i was still not tall enough! oh, to be able to view the world from up there!


less than 3,
jam rock

fashion junkie suppliers.

we know all you fashion junkies can't get enough of fashion blogs so here's one that will give you the ultimate high!

we know you people think that philly people dont' know jack about fashion, but we're philly people who do know jack about fashion.

3 things to know about us:
1. we're both fashion majors at Philly U (no, we don't mean Temple or Drexel or UPENN)
2. we're addicted to fashion-- we'll have the latest trends, give you fashion advice, find you retail hot spots, and updates on fashion events.
3. (saved the best for last)



i'm jamaila-- i got style for days.







and...i'm geraldine*jane-- i make trends.