Teen Vogue Fashion University Featuring Executive Fashion Editor of Vogue, Phyllis Posnick

My diploma for "graduating" from TVFU

           This past weekend I attended Teen Vogue Fashion University for the third time. Teen Vogue holds Fashion University annually in October since 2006. Amy Astley, the founding Editor in Chief of Teen Vogue started the program and has continued to oversee it as it has grown over the past seven years. Teen Vogue University (TVFU) is an opportunity for high school and college students alike to hear the stories and get advice from some of the fashion industry’s most inspirational and successful designers, bloggers, innovators and more.

            Each year, there is a different keynote speaker or panel and then the fashionistas in training emerge from the Hudson Theater in Manhattan to go to their respective destinations located on various floors of the Conde Nast Building at 4 Times Square. Over the past three years, I have seen Michael Kors, Grace Coddington, Nicole Richie and many more. Each year I am inspired by the stories told and I leave feeling more enthusiastic about the fashion industry than I ever thought I could be.

Me outside the Teen Vogue offices at the Conde Nast Building

            This year I was lucky enough to see Phyllis Posnick, Executive Fashion Editor of Vogue and get the insider scoop on what it is like to work there and constantly try to reinvent the wheel with photo spreads. Posnick primarily works with beauty and health images and rather than do photo shoots with the products, she has a more artful approach. Posnick has had a decade long collaboration with photographer, Irving Penn. In beauty, she said, "there are only so many subjects that can be remade over and over again." In regards to a Brazil spa trip with model Karli Kloss, she said, “Normally the picture would be a clay mask in a spa, but you’ve seen that a million times so this shoot is more of a fantasyland. I try to take exercise out of the gym and into the real world.” At this point, they showed another image of Kloss but in a pose of her standing on a tree stump, wearing only heels, with her arms up and it is supposed to suggest the action of lifting weights. Posnick’s photo ideas all have this fantasy element in them. Posnick was also involved with In Vogue: The Editor's Eye documentary and hearing her speak firsthand about her experiences was both insightful and informative.

Eve MacSweeney with Phyllis Posnick

            After a brief background of what her career at Vogue has entailed, Eve MacSweeney, Features Director at Vogue who was conducting the conversation with Phyllis, opened it up to the audience of TVFU students to ask questions. The following are a few that stood out to me.

Q: Your images are so provocative and inspiring does it take a certain person to work with you?

A: It's important that the model is smart and has a sense of humor. She should move well and be graceful. A small movement can make a huge difference between a good and bad picture. I like dancers or athletic girls who can do things. They can't take themselves to seriously...they need to take themselves with a wink.

Q: Do you think social media harms the way we look at the beauty and fashion industries?

A: When the Kardashians are the standard of beauty or fashion, I think we're in big trouble. I like images that show people a dream and I don't think the Internet has done that.

Q: What advice would you give anyone who wants to be a fashion editor?

A: Don't give up. It's very tough. All of us like Grace (Coddington), Camilla (Nickerson) and Tonne (Goodman), we all tell a story. If you're not successful the first time, just keep trying. A lot of it is luck.

Q: Is there a specific moment that you knew you wanted to be a fashion editor?

A: When I was in high school I was obsessed with magazines. I looked at pictures and knew I wanted to be there. It was the places and the fantasy.

Q: When you're coming up with an idea for a photograph what is your process?

A: First I obsess about it. My process, I think it's the same for all of us...you just have the subject, it's not an idea, it's a subject. I think about it, and then I talk to Steven Klein (photographer) about it. Usually I'm not the only one with an idea. It's collaboration. It's a process and we build on it. I'm a romantic and he tends to like things with blood…we come together and come up with it. You can only work it out ahead of time to a point. Sometimes it just turns into something else.

            My favorite part of Teen Vogue University is really getting to see people such as Phyllis Posnick who are so talented and successful, but yet also so humble and willing to share their experiences. I have picked up some great advice over the past three years and I keep it in mind always when it comes to making decisions for my future. I feel privileged to have had this opportunity the past three years and hope to take what I have learned and apply that to my own career in the fashion industry.

A Night With Victoria Beckham

"If I set my mind to something I do it. My biggest wish for all of us is that we are happy, successful, and that we stay true to ourselves." This quote by Victoria Beckham is a driving force in my life. It has been my bio on both Twitter and Instagram since I created my accounts and I feel that it describes who I am to a "T." In life and in fashion, we have to push ourselves in order to succeed and I have noticed all too frequently that when we are striving so hard to make something of ourselves, we tend to neglect others. Victoria Beckham is a style icon, a singer from the 90s girl group the Spice Girls, wife to People Magazine's 2009 runner up of the Sexiest Man Alive (in my opinion, he was robbed), a mother of four and most important of all attributes, she is an absolute inspiration to many. 

A beautiful table setting featuring Victoria Beckham's iconic brand logo (note the "As" are upside down "Vs", it's all a part of her aesthetic.

On September 10th, I had the opportunity of the lifetime not only to meet Victoria Beckham but also to have a private viewing of her latest S/S 14 collection that had only been shown days earlier at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. This all took place at a beautiful Manhattan mansion that was actually the unforgettable location of Big and Carrie's penthouse in the Sex and the City movie. Trust me, the beautiful windows and high ceilings are nothing to be joked about; the atmosphere was stunning! Of course, Victoria Beckham could make any room feel that way but the whole experience was completed by the ambience of the location.
Victoria was accompanied by the Executive Editor of Harper's Bazaar, the brilliant Laura Brown; together they narrated the mini fashion show that was put on for us. It was unlike any other fashion show I've been to because Victoria was right there giving her input. This really tied the whole collection together and it really talked to the fact that VB is 110% involved in both the design and execution process of her line. This was quite refreshing to me because it seems like every celebrity dabbles in fashion nowadays whether they start as a singer, actress or even an heiress (you know who I'm referring to...) The real talent and dedication of Victoria Beckham on all of her collections came through in the way that she passionately described each garment down to what the pieces were made of. 

Victoria's 2002 Autobiography that she signed for me! (At the point it was written, she only had her first son!)

I was blown away by how down to earth and so very humble Victoria is. There were quite a few mothers in the audience who remarked on how incredible she is in that she has such an empire in the fashion industry and yet has such a beautiful and functional family which is all to rare on the celebrity scene. She said a few things that stood out to me and struck me as very inspirational and unique as a celebrity of such stature. She said, " I wake up every morning and I say thank you." What a refreshing statement to hear come from the mouth of Victoria Beckham AKA Posh Spice. As a very dedicated fan of hers, I have known that she has a side other than the very sharp and quite intimidating persona that she is portrayed as in the media, but I am sure there are people out there that think that her concerns fall short at which "little Gucci dress" she should wear. Victoria is so much more than that and after being personally greeted by her and being able to really talk to her, this fact is all the more apparent to me.
Talking about her very blunt exterior, I must mention another quote from her that really resonated with me and that is, "I think you should laugh everyday. Enjoy yourself." A very simple statement, but coming from Victoria's perfectly pursed lips said in her cool British accent, it really makes sense and kind of made me rethink how I live my life and whether or not I laugh and enjoy myself enough. Who would've thought that Mrs. Beckham would be the one to make me think about laughing. She said this in response to a question by a fellow audience member who asked if Victoria ever completely "cracks under pressure" and if there were moments where she just laughs. Victoria also mentioned that it is laughing that keeps her sane. I mean come on, how much more perfect could this woman get?!

Me with the two of fashion's most talented gals, Victoria Beckham & Laura Brown.

After the fashion show, we were able to browse the latest collection and pre-order pieces that won't be available to others until February. I bought a very sharp pair of eyeglasses that can be described as nothing less than collegiate. They have little gold "Vs" on the sides that stand for none other than Victoria. This latest collection features many triangles that also closely resemble a "V." Victoria made it clear that "squares and polka dots are very out this season" and triangles are where its at. 
To say that I enjoyed myself at this event would be an understatement. Laura Brown was definitely the perfect person to accompany Victoria. The whole exterior of both the fashion industry and Victoria were both softened by Laura's commentary and personality. There was an ease about the conversation between the two that showed the passion that they both have for the industry and I was proven right about the fact that the industry does have a soul. I have said it before and I will say it again, although the fashion industry is "cut throat," there are still women and men that make me feel that I am not pursuing this career to be let down; I am in it because I love it.  I can see that those who get to positions that they want to be in have gotten there not only by fighting for it but by having the love for the industry that fuels them.

Where Am I Going, What Am I Doing?

I am all to aware that I have neglected this blog a wee bit and in all honesty it is because I am trying to answer the questions in the title of this post. Although they seem a bit dramatic, it is where I am at right now. I am feeling a bit like Jenna Hamilton in Awkward turning to a blog to sort out what is going on in my life. I just started my senior year of college, yesterday was my first day of classes and I have been confronted with the fact that my graduation day is right around the corner. This summer has been nothing but eye opening and thought provoking for me and I feel that my possibilities for the future are endless...a little too endless if you ask me.
Yesterday, I met with my advisor to discuss my current schedule as a Design & Merchandising student with a minor in Communications. She made me all too aware that I could actually graduate a term earlier than expected. After leaving her office, I began to think, "What now?" I have explored the possibilities of moving cross country or even across the world to either continue my studies or pursue a career in fashion, but I am not so sure that anything has been decided just yet. I know that I love fashion and that is really where my head and my heart are at, but I just don't know what I am supposed to do. After talking to some friends, I have realized that I am trying to get a lot of questions answered that can really only be answered by time and experiences but being the Aries that I am, I want to know now.

It Starts With An Idea

"Let fashion be a reflection of who you are. Don't copy others. You'll spend your childhood trying to be the same and your adulthood trying to be different. So embrace being different now." If that's not advice to live by, I don't know what is. Caggie Dunlop, who captured our hearts and gave us closet envy on Made In Chelsea is an innovator and an inspiration. Her clothing brand, ISWAI (It Starts With An Idea) is an outlet for fresh designs by designers with an eye for fashion as well as an edge that I feel is lacking in other clothing collections. I was lucky enough to score a spot at ISWAI's launch party last night in the posh neighborhood of Chelsea where I got to rub elbows with some of the line's designers as well as other Made in Chelsea stars.

This is my last week in London as I'm sure pretty much everyone knows by now, but going to launch party for Caggie's pop up shop definitely tops the charts of my time here thus for. Little did I know that when I started watching the show that not only would I be frequenting the spots that the cast dined and clubbed at, but I would also have a chance to see what they're like when the cameras aren't rolling. I have been a Caggie fan from the start, with her charm and good natured personality, who wouldn't be? But honestly, she may be one of the nicest people I have ever encountered.

My girl Caggie Dunlop and i

I arrived to 261 Kings Road at 6:15, I had gotten my hair blown out earlier that day at Hersheson's and I picked out a romper that I thought could work its way to either a casual or cocktail event (luckily I fit right in and was not too over or under dressed, I was freaking out before I got there!) As the cab drove up to the pop up shop venue, I got a little bit nervous about the fact that I was alone, but all of that went out the window once I stepped foot inside. I was greeted by someone checking the guest list and when she heard that I won the invite on Twitter, Caggie's mom came right over to say hello, Caggie's charming personality definitely runs in the family. Her mom was so inviting and brought me right over to see Caggie, when she hugged me, I thought "this can't be real," it was as if we were lifelong friends!
The ISWAI collection was displayed on turquoise hangers around the room; my favorite color!
I managed to make a few friends throughout the night who are from England, another accomplishment that I thought I was going to leave London without achieving but all in one night I was able to make friends and meet one of my style icons! Shortly after arriving, Proudlock, another MIC cast mate came and after that a few more strolled in. First was Hugo and then Spencer came with Stephanie Pratt! As an avid fan of Laguna Beach and then The Hills, seeing She Pratt was definitely an added bonus.

My new friends and I with Oliver Proudlock (wearing his iconic cross earring of course)

Me with Stephanie Pratt and Hugo Taylor

Spencer Matthews and I

A little bit later on, I had some one on one time with Caggie where she revealed that she wanted everyone to have a good time and there I was, reassuring Caggie Dunlop that her launch party would be a success. She said, "well as long as people keep drinking." I swear, I felt as though I had known her forever. She asked where I was from and that gave way to a conversation about her time in New York and how it made her more aggressive but then she spent time in Australia that softened her up again. We agreed that maybe it was time for her to come back to NYC. She inquired about my time here and whether or not I would ever live here, if we were friends, I definitely think my permanent residence could be a possibility!

I joked saying I was going to buy this. If I didn't have to take a plane on Monday, I might actually be serious...

Cags singing with boyfriend Nicky on guitar

Never did I think that I would see/meet Caggie, but not only that, I got to hear her sing! She performed an acoustic song called "Latch" with her boyfriend playing the guitar. It's completely unfair how this girl has so much talent! But now that I have met her and have seen that she is a normal, compassionate person, I am happy for her and impressed that a girl who has so much going for her is still just a person who wants to succeed.

Enough about her personality, and quite frankly I think I have made it clear to see I have a bit of a girl crush on her now. Onto the ISWAI products! I have my eye on one specific t-shirt, it is a white oversized crop top with a line drawing of a skull on it appropriately labeled, Rebellion. I'm either going to go back to the pop up shop before it closes on Saturday, or I am going to order it online. Other pieces include distressed overalls that are not online, which Caggie was wearing in an ever so fashionable way with her Religion tshirt that has a bunch of crosses on it and a blazer with cut outs on the arms. The ISWAI jewelry is very cool and I also would love to get my hands on the ear cuff with the dangling crosses. We all received goody bags with ISWAI flip flops, I will definitely be wearing mine and remembering what an amazing night I had. Maybe I will even wear them on the plane home! When I said goodbye and thank you to Caggie, she wished me a safe flight back, seriously, WHAT A SWEETHEART! As if London didn't already have enough brownie points in my book...

Caggie told us, "Do the Miley," referring to her VMA performance where her tongue was out the entire time.

Some of ISWAI's beautiful jewelry.

Me and my new friends Sophie and Eleni. Eleni is a designer of one of ISWAI's tshirts.

 

Amy, Hannah and Eleni with their tshirt designs!

Always Choose Paris

I’ve been a little bit lax with this blog because I was in Paris for the weekend and then had to move from my other flat in London to a new one. I have a little bit less than two weeks left here, but first I am going to Amsterdam tomorrow! Paris was everything I could have wanted and more! The shopping is unbelievable and the whole city is absolutely gorgeous. Sure, I’ve seen pictures of the Eiffel Tower, but pictures are nothing compared to being there in person and seeing it light up at night.

My first time at the Eiffel Tower- so beautiful!

One day, that luggage will be mine!

The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is the mecca of shopping. We started off by going to the Louis Vuitton flagship where I had to use an immense amount of self control to not buy a trunk, I have long lusted after Vuitton’s iconic luggage and trunks. There is just something about the LV print on a suitcase or even a hat box, for some reason I have an affinity for hat boxes and yet I don’t even wear hats! Maybe if I had a Louis hat box, I would start! I left the store with three DVDs and a book. I just couldn’t go on if I left empty handed. The book is called Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange which features a drawing of a Parisian girl; the color of the book is red and that was also a selling point for me. Fressange is a French model, aristocrat, fashion designer, and perfumer. She was named to the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame in 1998. I trust that once I am done with the book, I will be ready for my next trip to Paris which is inevitably going to happen sooner rather than later!

New book to get me on the fast track to becoming a chic Parisian!

I am an avid fan of firstly Laguna Beach and later on, The Hills. When Lauren chose to stay with Jason rather than go to Paris, every girl watching reacted with a sigh. Sure, love is amazing but in my own experiences and after being to Paris, I would say that “The City of Love” is even more amazing than love itself. We saw how Lauren regretted her decision later on and that is one driving force that has always inspired me to go to Paris; however I can’t say that LC was my only inspiration, it all goes back to my girls Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Passport to Paris is up there with my fave MKA movies and I went to Paris hoping to find my Vespa riding boyfriend to show me the sites. Although that didn’t quite pan out, I still had a blast and even reenacted the infamous, “The America Girls, they are like this: Bonjour! Bonjour! Bonjour! Oh My God!” scene. 

The Olsens and I at their Elizabeth & James pop up store in NYC. 2010.

Inside the Hermes store.

Other stores that I went to while in Paris include the Chanel, Hermes, and Christian Louboutin flagship stores. Trust me, if the conversion rate wasn't so high between the Euro and U.S. dollar, I probably would have come home with more than just a book and some DVDs! Regardless of my lack of purchases, I know that I will be back to Paris someday and at that point, I plan to make a nice dent in my bank account (this will be when I have a job and I'm not a poor college student). As it is, I've bought enough during my past eight weeks here in London that I needed to buy another suitcase and my move from my last flat to where I am staying currently was less than pleasant. 

 

Nothing like those interlocking Cs!

Oh hey, Moschino! (significant because I spent my whole last term at school working on a project that featured an imaginary Moschino for Kohl's collection.)

                                        

No explanation needed. Red Soles.

I Like Chelsea Boys

My girl, Michaela!

This past weekend, one of my best friends from high school came to London to visit me. Michaela is pictured above with her latest purchase, a crop top from Jamie Laing's Candy Kittens pop up shop.I very recently got addicted to the show Made in Chelsea, thanks to Michaela actually. Made in Chelsea for those of you who haven't seen it follows a group of London's privileged socialites who live in the Royal borough of Chelsea. Jamie Laing is one of the guys on the show and he had the brilliant idea to have a candy store that hot girls work at...I imagine that's some sort of fantasy for guys. I just went because I'm a bit addicted to the show and thought that maybe I'd catch a glimpse of one of the show's cast. The pop up shop was located on none other than the show's infamous stomping ground, Kings Road. This is also where Bluebird cafe is (the MIC crew constantly dine there.) The above shirt is an adorable pop shop that clearly doesn't make the boys of the show seem conceited at all...

Although we didn't see any of the MIC boys (or girls) at the pop shop, I happened to run into Binky (Alexandra Felstead) this past Thursday at a bar. I swear it was a complete cooincidence! The bar is called Ping and it is the Brit's idea of what a frat party is like because there are a bunch of ping pong tables set up for the patrons to play beer pong and flip cup. The walls were decorated with American flags and the fact that everyone was drinking out of red cups has proven to be a big deal to Brits. I can't even begin to tell you how many British people have asked me if we really drink out of "those red cups." The atmosphere was pretty cool other than that, there were pictures of famous celebrities playing ping pong such as Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn, I would've loved to see them interact/play pong with the crowd that was there Thursday night...

Casual Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn playing ping pong.

Made in Chelsea's Binky and I.

The show has more to offer than hot Chelsea boys and their love woes, I am becoming more and more obsessed with what they all wear! In the first episode, Caggie Dunlop and Millie Mackintosh are at a bar and there is dialogue between two of the boys, Francis, the young entrepreneur says about Millie, " There's nothing more beautiful than a beautiful girl in fur. She’s wearing a great outfit."  Frederick, a young hot model replies, "It looks endangered." This is a perfect example to prove that the girls pull out all the stops when it comes to dressing and their male counterparts love it (and/or make fun of it.) I have always personally found myself thinking about how others will perceive me when I wear certain things, but after this experience in London and after watching MIC, it is abundantly clear that fashion is about self expression and even though I may not be able to afford the wardrobe of Rosie Fortescue or Millie Mackintosh, I can still choose the pieces that I want and if I wear the, confidently then I am essentially no different from the likes of the Chelsea crew.

On Saturday, we went to Topshop in Oxford Circus and although I was  a little bit overwhelmed, I just had to purchase the below sweater (or like they say in London, jumper.) It is a distressed piece by the brand Religion and it reminded me greatly of Ollie Locke's style, he's always rockin in Union Jack adorned pieces. I have noticed that many people here will wear American flag pieces, so I figure that I can bring a little bit of Britain back to America with me and represent my mates from across the pond. Since I am on the topic of flags and clothes, I should also tell you that I bought an American flag "Chanel" shirt at Camden market. I didn't know how I felt about it at first, but with a bright red lip and a denim jacket or black blazer over it, I think it could be a very cool look. Take a look at it below!

Distressed Union Jack sweater by Religion from Topshop.

"Chanel" logo American flag tank from Camden Market.

I am going to keep up the stalking of MIC members as well as shopping, duh! I am hoping to see Caggie in a few weeks at another pop up shop event. Until then, I will continue reading all of the cast members tweets and trying to figure out if where they are is near where I am! In the mean time, enjoy this image taken from Channel 4, oh what a glamorous existence!

Made in Chelsea Cast, channel 4.

What is a Fashion Slave? Who am I?

"Fashion slave"may sometimes have a negative connotation, but I like to think of it in terms of being completely and utterly obsessed with fashion. I am constantly trying new trends and the saying that beauty is pain is most definitely true. No matter how uncomfortable a garment may be, it is always worth the sacrifice in order to make a fashion statement; in summation, that's what makes me a fashion slave. I truly believe that fashion is a universal language. The way that a person dresses says so much about their personality and I have come to learn that it is worth being a slave to fashion because people do notice when someone puts in the extra effort. Take it from someone who strategically takes in every passerbys ensembles, there is always someone watching and probably wondering why you chose to wear what you did. I understand that we all have our own taste and style but c'mon, you all know that a line has to be drawn somewhere. I am all about that line and figuring out how far boundaries can be pushed before clothing choices are unacceptable.

The fab Brad Goreski after a show at Lincoln Center in February 2012.

I'd love to tell you a little bit about myself and my time as a fashion slave. I am twenty-one years old and I am in college studying Design & Merchandising (perfect for a fashion slave, I know.) As far back as I can remember I have always been interested in fashion and willing to do essentially anything to get my hands on the latest trends. In some ways, I could probably be referred to as the world's youngest hoarder because I started saving all of my fashion magazines at about age 11. Originally my mom would tell me that buying magazines was a waste of time...now she asks me which ones I want and continues to subscribe to all of my favorites (thanks mom!)

The immensely talented designer Erin Fetherston at her F/W 12 presentation at MILK studios.

When I was a little girl, I played with dolls purely for the fact that I could change their outfits. I would address certain professions to each doll, they were mostly teachers and retail employees but let me tell you they would throw some pretty kickass parties and for those special occasions I would break out their best ensembles. I vividly remember a fantastic hairstyle that I did on my American girl doll, not a single butterfly clip went unused. I do have to admit though, when I personally got clothes for Christmas and birthdays I wasn't unlike other children who throw the clothes to the side but in about sixth grade that all changed. I must disclose the fact that I went to private school and so I was in a uniform from first grade to my senior year of high school, but let me tell you, I took full advantage of any dress down day that was offered.

Diane von Furstenberg and I this past March at an event at her Meatpacking District store. What an inspiration!

Over the past few years, I have attended several fashion week shows, even enjoying the enormous privilege of sitting front row at a Cushnie et Ochs show. My picture later showed on the CFDA Instagram and I was absolutely ecstatic! The first show that I went to was The Academy of Art fashion show and it was in the tents at Bryant Park. That experience absolutely changed my life; I saw Nigel Barker sitting front row and at that moment I promised myself that one day I would be invited to a show and sit front row. I know that the road to that seat is a long one that requires hard work, but I have the determination to travel that road and enjoy my seat ever that much more when I get there.

Courtesy of CFDA Instagram. There I am on the left!

I have written a number of blogs, but found now to be the appropriate time to really launch a blog of my very own. I have worked in Public Relations for three different companies and through those experiences, I know that I want nothing more than to work in the fashion industry. I have worked both in New York and in Philadelphia. I am currently studying abroad in London and I have added this city to my list of possible places to live. This experience has been so rewarding for me, from street style to all of the fabulous stores here; I have completely fallen in love. On my first day of classes I even saw Kate Moss shooting a commercial for Stewart Weitzman. Having things like that happen to me reinforce the fact that I want to be around fashion because it makes me happy and feel so accomplished. That infamous saying "do what you love so that you never really work a day in your life," although corny and completely overused most definitely applies to me and my work in fashion. I love the fast paced lifestlye that comes along with a job in fashion and I know that it is more than attending events and living lavishly. In fact, I feel that I understand the working aspect even more than most and I have no hesitation in throwing myself into the industry for twenty hour days and constant running for meetings or interviews or fashion shoots, etc. To stick with the cliches, I believe that "variety is the spice of life" and I look forward to having that variety.

The infamous and incredibly beautiful Kate Moss. Photo taken on June 24th in South Kensington, London.

Check out those thigh high Stuart Weitzman boots!!

Until next time, keep on keepin on! I'll be in London, waiting for the rain to finally fall...