2005; I get the internship (PAID internship) of a lifetime, working with Kellwood and Phat Fashions. It was so incredibly exciting. After dreaming of it for so many years, I had finally landed at LaGuardia Airport for the first time. FYI, everything that you see on Law and Order and New York Undercover about the big Apple is 100% true. My first day at the office, I walk in wearing a caramel colored blazer and dress pants, courtesy of H&M, gold pumps, and a cutsie little top that was right on schedule in turning heads. I walk in to the sweet sounds of the Jay Z's Hola Ovito. Everyone looks so different from me. I look silly! This girl's wearing a Baby Phat tube top with denim capris and aqua flip flops. That girl's wearing a halter maxi dress with strappy flats. That guy's wearing an over-sized t-shirt bearing spray paint splotches and distressed true religions. What the HELL! But hey.....
Summer Internship=my girl Niecy=my first trip to the Hamptons=40/40 club, Lotus, PM=Sun-Sun partying=a lasting network=THE BEST TIME OF MY LIFE
2006; I make Brooklyn my home and somehow manage to get Perry Ellis International to pay for it; in my strategic plot to pressure some victim of a company to find me worthy of a decent salary and benefits. My personal style flourishes. I mean, pencil skirts, dramatic necklines, Red patent pumps, and a tiny waist line c/o Billy Blanks. Mid 2006, I initiate my career as a personal shopper and personal stylist. Talk about a hustle. I get a whiff of the city spirit and go crazy, SON!!! Now its on; I start writing a fashion column, I have consistent clients, a Publicist is spreading rumor
s about me (yes; this definitely means I'm worthy), I meet one of my sheros (Miss June Ambrose), fall in love with an EIC (name will remain anonymous), break the bank for my first Nicole Miller, cry on a solo visit to the opening of Devil Wears Prada, walk 5th Avenue wearing DVF with a bank account sadly but proudly in the RED, and get my purse ganked by a couple of Spanish kids. I get my network on, my Bryant Park on, my After Party on, not to mention (but I will) date the occasional actor, basketball player, or Wall Street buff on. It's official, I'm becoming a New Yorker.Ummmm not quite.
2007; I get my dream job as a Visual Stylist for one of my favorite Designers, I have the perfect salary for a PYT in her mid-20's, I'm on a plane bi-monthly(both for work and play), and I deplete my clothing allowance in a weeks time. I'm jaded. Blinded by the beautiful textiles, the sexy fashion shows, and the snotty attitudes. Its all too exciting. I mean for 2 years I've tried to break into the BCBG show and now an invitation has been placed on my desk. I'm addicted, Herve Leger in-house, WHAT, are you serious!! Oh I feel right at home people. City society has graciously accepted me as somewhat of a commodity, much appreciation to the company title on my business card, and my personal style continues to flourish. I've officially been defined by my job (the city runs a muck). I'm hot *ish and I finally network my way into a tour of Essence Magazine Publishing offices. JACKPOT.
Ummmmmmm not quite.
2008; all of theses city dreams live on, until my boss, out of nowhere, makes it plain that he doesn't fancy me too much and he can't guarantee that I'll continue to have a place on his team. I write my friends off thanks to 8am-1am office hours and a ridiculously hectic schedule. I sit at a sewing machine with the flu (and I'd do it again), my creative freedom slowly diminishes, and forget my Daddy's birthday (which might I add NEVER happens).
I think I'm becoming a robot.
Ummmm not quite.
Mid 2008; I acknowledge my dreams and I continue to shoot for the Moon, however I start to dislike my life. I'm very unhappy, I miss my family, and I can't stomach the idea of having an incompetent boss, let alone a boss at all. I initiate my plan of attack for change. I'm wearing an Alice & Olivia dress with beaded sleeves and wooden platform pumps. LOVEY!
My Point:
Ummmm not quite sure but I will say this. Don't be afraid to be proud and build on all of your experiences. We are BLESSED with specific skills and talent. Capitalize people! Be confident in your investment and CAPITALIZE. You know exactly what you want so just do it and don't be afraid. Too many moments of our lives we analyze and eventually talk ourselves out of amazing dreams, brilliant ideas, and true self fulfilment. How about we start talking ourselves out of busy schedules and high salaries. Just do what you want to do.
I've always followed a structure that mercied my true skills to an individual's instructions that usually had absolutely nothing to do with the actual job at hand. Organized hidden talent? I'd say so. I grew accustomed to leaning on and trusting in a higher figure as a crutch until my crutch purposely gave out. Now what. Its scary but you must plan for self. Always! Bottom line, changes arose that forced me to initiate my happiness. Swooshes baby, just fricken do it.
Wearing a LBD, sheer tights, leather boots, and a rustic burgundy sweater coat. I think I look cute.
PLS
