Blessed

Sometimes, I still can't believe I'm actually here. I will be walking through the subway with my headphones in, listening to my iPod, when it hits me- I'm in New York City. I'm actually doing this. Sometimes the tasks I'm given as an intern are less than glamorous, but honestly I'm just so grateful to be here. I thought for sure I would be working retail again this summer before I got the call for an interview. I'm just feeling blessed to have this opportunity. Although it can get a little lonely, I'm also enjoying my complete independence. When I'm not working, I can literally do whatever I want. I go shopping, eat where I want to eat, go sightseeing; I do whatever I feel like doing at that moment. I have been taking time to do things for myself like read and watch movies on netflix. Its a nice way to unwind after the long days at work.

Occasion: Work
What I'm wearing: Ann Taylor Loft top, Forever 21 skirt, Forever 21 necklace, Vintage ring via Talk of the Town Vintage, Tiffany's bracelet (gift from Mom and Dad)

I have already learned so much from blogging. Like that when it comes to clothes, I literally have a photographic memory and can tell you exactly when and where I got an item. Or that skirts and dresses are infinitely more flattering on me than pants and shorts. Or that my closet has been completely overrun by Forever 21-something I hadn't really noticed before. I also now am much more concious of the items I am wearing, and I hope that this blog will help me get better at remixing. I wish I was brave enough to try Kendi's 30 for 30 challenege, but I don't think I'm quite ready for something like that yet. In other news, today I got to see the direct impact of the trend research I have been doing. The senior designer sat down with me today and showed me the sketches she had made using inspiration from my tear sheets. It was very cool to see that I actually get to influence what garments are being designed. It was probably one of the high points of my internship so far!

Self-Control

I finally got a chance to explore the area where I am living , and it did not disappoint. I love having so many different places within walking distance. Plus all this walking is good for me, since I have been avoiding the gym like the plague (next week I will start going...at least that is what I'm telling myself). Today's adventures started with a stop at Ann Taylor Loft where everything in the store was 40%, even sale items. I walked away with shorts for $20 which I was pretty excited about. Then I stopped at the famous Strand bookstore.

I'm a big fan of the Gossip Girl book series, and this was where the character Dan Humphrey worked. It was really cool to see it in person. That place is FILLED with books. They have a whole big shelf of fashion books which is right up my alley; I almost bought a biography of Anna Wintour but decided to wait. I will definitely be going back there to get some books for fun summer reading. Next I stopped at Starbucks to cool off for a few minutes since it was sweltering outside again.

Iced Vanilla Latte...yum!

Next, I headed to the Forever 21 at Union Square to return a dress I had bought at home. I received store credit, so I think tomorrow I'm going to brave the crowds and go check out the new store in Times Square. After Forever 21, I continued to shop around in stores like H&M, J.Crew, Anthropologie, and Banana Republic, but I walked away empty-handed. I'm trying to practice this thing called self-control, plus most of the stores were overcrowded, and I wasn't sure if I had the patience to stand in the lines at the dressing rooms and cash registers. The one shopping rule I have set for myself while I am here is:I'm only buying things I'm completely in love with or absolutely need. I'm hoping following this rule will keep my spending under control.

Speaking of self-control, I have to practice it every single time I walk past one of these Crumbs bake shops. I was introduced to this delicious bakery when I was in New York in May, and their cupcakes are delicious. Expensive, but so yummy. I passed this one at the end of my outing, but I didn't give in. Here is what I wore for my shopping excursion:

What I'm wearing: Gap sunkissed tee, Gap Always Skinny jeans, H&M scarf, J.Crew tote, Urban Outfitters sunglasses

I wasn't planning on doing an outfit post today, but I took two quick photos before I left and this one turned out okay. For shopping, I always like to wear something comfy. I almost always wear jeans because when I'm trying tops on, I want to see what they are going to look like with jeans, since they are the bottoms I wear the most. This outfit was a bit warm for the sunny weather, but it worked out okay.I hope everyone else had a good day, too!