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?!!