Second Time's a Charm

Today I am beginning my third week interning with the visual merchandising team for Tommy Hilfiger. After previously completing my co-op last year in public relations in a major fashion house, I realized I needed to expose myself to a more creative department of the fashion industry...and I could not be happier with my decision! I have been working at Gap for two years helping with visuals, so it is extremely interesting to see the back-end perspective that goes into visual merchandising.

I cannot believe the amount that I have already learned and have been exposed to just in my first two weeks I have completed. During my first week of my internship, I began working on a still shoot that would be used in the directives that are sent out to stores around the country, instructing them of the garments that should be merchandised together. I started working on this project with just steaming for the stylist, and progressed to having the responsibility of styling the garments. It was the most incredible feeling when the stylist said in amazement to me, "You've never done this before?! It looks like you've found your calling!"

Moving onto my second week at Tommy, I was told that I would have to travel to Secaucus, NJ for another still shoot, but this time would involve mannequins. The first day was filled with prepping all the clothing by organizing looks and steaming individual pieces. The following day consisted of helping dress and undress mannequins for the stylists. For my last day of week 2, I returned to work back in Manhattan and was assigned a new type of work. I began working in InDesign to edit the placement, sizing, text, and resolution of the CADs and style information in the merchandising directives for children's Tommy Hilfiger store locations. As if I was not excited enough to have the responsibility of editing, I was next assigned to work in the visual merchandising program, Visual Retailing, where I actually had to work with store design and product placement! It is so incredible to be using skill sets that I have learned within my studies in Drexel's D&M program, and even better that my supervisor is surprised that I already know how to use these programs! I am so anxious to see what this week has in store for me!!

Chelsea

New York I Love You

I’ve been in NYC for two weeks now and already never want to leave. I can already tell it’s going to be impossible to leave come this March. The city is full of life and there’s always something to do. I love just walking around the city. I put in my headphones in and just immerse myself in everything around me. There’s always someone interesting to see and beautiful window displays to admire. My roommate Ashley Uzer and I live near Columbus Circle, Central Park and 5^th Ave. Living near 5^th Ave and Madison Ave is dangerous because I want to buy everything in the window just from observing the gorgeous window displays. We have explored the city and finally gotten a hang of using the subway. The subway was a little daunting at first and I might have asked some people for help but now I finally feel comfortable using it. 

Last weekend Ashley, Sam Eisenstat and I went to an amazing dinner the other weekend at this restaurant across from Lincoln Center called The Smith. We shared a bunch of appetizers including the restaurant’s famous mac and cheese. I strongly recommend going and trying the mac and cheese because it’s one of the best I’ve ever had. I also recommend the kale and quinoa salad, which was paired to perfection with sun-dried cranberries, almonds and ricotta salata and the brussels sprouts, which were crispy and delicious! I also went to an incredible Italian restaurant in Soho/Village area called Rubirosa. I’m a big foodie and this was honestly one of the best pizzas I’ve had in my life. My aunt, two cousins and me split this vodka pizza with vodka sauce and fresh mozzarella. It was amazing and I still cannot stop thinking about it. Since I’ve already been to so many restaurants and other place, I’ve decided to write down every place I go in the city, including restaurants, shops and bars. This way I’ll always remember the place I’ve been to these next six months. I cannot wait to see what fun places I'll find and go to this week. 

Empire State Of Mind

The first few days living in New York felt like a dream. Since I moved into my apartment a week early, my first few days in New York were spent exploring, running errands, and trying to make sense of the Subway routes. For at least three days, I felt like I was on vacation, that in a couple days I would be back at Drexel headed to class at the Urbn Center.

Me and Olivia Anton, my roommate. Definitely lucked out with our apartment, a reasonably priced one bedroom right by Columbus Circle. We were within walking distance of multiple pharmacies, grocery stores, subway stops, and the most important; TJ Maxx. For the first three months, I would be taking the bedroom and Olivia would be sleeping on the pull-out couch in the living room, then we would switch.

(My Room... for now)

After those three days, I had my first official day of work at Galore Magazine, located in Bushwick, Brooklyn. It's a 30-40 minute commute on the Subway, but Michael Kors (my other internship) is only a mere 9 minute commute, so it evens out for the most part. I was surprised at how small the studio was, and how relaxed the environment was, I definitely liked it.

 (Bushwick, Brooklyn)

When the weekend came, I was introduced to my third job while living in New York, working at a bar/nightclub in Hell's Kitchen. While the first night was hectic, I met a lot of nice co-workers, and realized that this was one of the best ways to make some sort of income while juggling two unpaid internships. On Saturday, Olivia and I were so exhausted that after a nice dinner at Giorgio's of Gramercy that we were in bed by around nine o'clock (So much for the city that never sleeps). I seem to not realize how tired I am during the week because of how busy I am, but once the weekend rolls around I do some major catching up and am amazed at how much I can sleep. 

The next week was the first week that I was working both internships and my third job at night. Like I said, the adrenaline seemed to keep me through the week and even through Friday night after some caffeine. Needless to say Saturday morning I woke up at noon, had brunch like a true New Yorker, and promptly went back to bed.

 (The Smith)

Once I awakened from my coma-like slumber on Saturday evening, I took a stroll to Barnes & Noble and eventually did make it out to the meat-packing district with two other D & M students. Sunday was filled with all the errands I didn't have time to do during the week, and preparation for another busy work week. 

 (PhD Lounge @ The Dream Hotel)

Lost in a Pile of Press Clippings

What do I wear? That was my biggest concern the night before my first day of co-op at Cashman and Associates. For those of you who don’t know, Cashman and Associates is a PR and event-planning firm in Philadelphia. They deal with various clients ranging from the fashion industry to food and beverage. Having already volunteered for the Philadelphia Collection Kickoff party that Cashman organized a few weeks ago, I knew these women (and men) were stylish and I really wanted to make a good impression on my first day. I pick out a simple, yet cool and professional, outfit that I felt confident in.

As I walked to the subway the next morning, I was growing more and more nervous. I’m not sure why, considering my best friend had worked there over the summer and filled me in on all of the office expectations, and was fully prepared for the fast pace world of PR. Yet, I wasn’t really sure what to expect from the woman I report to, Michelle, and what type of work I was going to be doing.

When I arrived, I was greeted by a very friendly Michelle, which put me at ease right away. She told me where to sit and where I could put all of my things, and told me Steven would fill me in on how everything worked in the office. Steven had held a orientation in early September, which I attended, where he explained most of the office details. Steven eventually came over and explained all of the work I was going to be doing: press clippings, event listings, recaps, deliveries (if Michelle needed me to), etc.  After a quick walk through with Michelle, I went to work on press clippings for her clients. Press clippings are for the client to see that Cashman is doing their job in getting these clients PR, basically to show results. Press clippings are not hard, just tedious. Since it was my first day, I was a little overwhelmed by the amount of press clippings and how fast I was supposed to be getting them done. I had to do various clippings for multiple clients, plus the clippings Michelle was finding and sending to me. Now that I have been at Cashman for a week, I think I got the hang of press clippings. I found out the hard way that those are the easy part.

On Wednesday, Michelle sent Gabby, a fellow intern, and I out to hand deliver invitations for an event that one of Michelle's clients were having. The locations of these places ranged from the Mainline to South Philly. It took us four and a half hours driving all over Philadelphia to 15+ locations… We were exhausted by the time we got back to Cashman. Since it was 5:00, we got to leave for the day. Overall, I am excited to see what this co-op has in store for me!

Emma 

Stop to Smell the Roses

As the summer winds down and I begin to wrap up my co-op at Nicole Miller, I thought it would be nice to "stop and smell the roses" so to speak.  I have just a few short weeks left before I begin my rigorous athletics schedule and take on the responsibilities of being a Senior in the D&M program.  It's hard to wrap my head around how I have to return to class as I feel as though I have been out of school for way more than just six months.  Time flies at Drexel but the amount that I have been able to accomplish during my time on co-op has shown me how much I have learned and still need to learn before I graduate.  A full course load awaits me but I am better prepared to take on such tasks with the experience that I have gained at Nicole Miller.  The multitasking, communicating and organizational skills that I have developed will carry me through my last year at Drexel.  I am very fortunate to have been mentored by such an amazing team and am looking forward to the success that they achieve in the near future.  Keep an eye for Nicole Miller Philadelphia and Mary K. Dougherty & Associates as they fashionably forge forward in their bright futures.

#NMWarrior

http://mkdandassociates.com/bellevue-store/

Working Woman

   As Drexel's summer quarter comes to a close this late Thursday night--or early Friday morning--of finals week, more than just the summer quarter is coming to a close in my life.  Tomorrow is my last day at Loft until the New Year.  Not only is this the end of a period in my life, but it is also the beginning of a new one.

   Due to studying abroad in Florence beginning this Monday, I am taking a leave of absence from Loft until January.  While I am beyond excited and lucky to embark on new experiences and get a break from my work, I am also slightly devastated.  As much stress Loft may induce, I love my job an extreme amount.  It is my escape, my passion, and my home away from home.  It provides me a balance in life by keeping me busy, focused, and on task.  

   Working in general has been a major part of who I am for six years.  Having a job since the age of 14, years before any of my peers, I was quick to learn responsibility, financial skills, and other crucial skills involved in holding a job.  It has made me the well-rounded person with a strong drive and work ethic that I am today.  Although these past six years have ingrained these qualities in me, it makes me nervous to think of not having a job.  Will I have a successful balanced life in Italy?  Will I get bored?  Will I run out of money?  All of these, I realize, are absurd fears to have.  I am going to be living in Florence for four months, experiencing the traveling of my dreams!  I am beyond fortunate to get an experience like this while getting a break from working in the first time since I began high school.

   Other apprehensions include my relationship with my Loft team.  Over the past year, I have found myself shocked at the close relationships I have built with my coworkers.  In addition, the past year has provided a great and fast turnover in team members.  Two managers left abruptly with little to no notice, sales associates graduated from college and moved on, and others left for separate reasons.  This past summer has provided an especially great loss in coworkers, leaving us extremely understaffed.  So while I am adding to one more missing team member beginning Sunday, my managers are in the midst of building almost an entirely new team.  My manager even bluntly stated to me today, "you will have an entirely new team to work with when you return."

   So as I approach my final shift for four months tomorrow, I have a great deal to reflect upon: my amazing past year as a team member at Loft, the wonderful relationships I have built, and finally a break from having a job, something I am sure I will convince myself to be a wonderful thing as soon as I land in Italy.

Spring/Summer Co-op 2014

The past sixth month has consisted of two amazing experiences that have shaped my future goals. I have learned what I want to do and what I definitely do not want to apply my Drexel University Design and Merchandising degree to. I have identified stregnths and weaknesses that have allowed me to become a better employee. Our D&M curriculum is an essential prerequiste to surviving a co-op in the fashion industry. I have applied the learned knowledge on a daily basis during both job opportunities.
Taking the Communications route, I was a Marketing and Public Relations intern in order to further gain experience on the media aspect of the industry. Some days, I loved my jobs and other days I was contemplating if this was my path. I am still figuring out exactly where I will be after graduation. In the meantime, I am very excited to start Fall term in the Urban Center.
See everyone soon!

Labor Day Weekend

For most people who live in Monmouth County, New Jersey like myself, LDW is the day to soak up as much beach as possible for it is the last day of the season. The weather held out this long weekend to give the loyal beach club members a gorgeous last day. I, however, sweat through three shirts while working the annual Labor Day Pier Village Sidewalk Sale. This past weekend was my personal nightmare. As a sales associate during this bargain hunter's dream, I have to wheel seven overly stocked racks into the sun and watch women and children dig through every item to find the perfect match for their "2 for $15" sale. Then I have to try and maintain some kind of order amongst the hundreds of plastic hangers holding last season's crop tops.
Turns out, my part time retail job is way more demanding than my big PR internship. I am enjoying the new responsibilities that my managers have put of my plate such as manning the register. Although the sidewalk sale is the most exhausting weekend, I do not mind being outside people watching for twelve hours. It is comical to watch woman in bathing suits try on pieces on the sidewalk. At 6 O'clock sharp on Monday, we lowered the final sale price of everything on the sidewalk to one dollar. This is when the real entertainment starts. We ended up selling every single summer item we had in inventory.
In addition to selling items from our sale, this attention to our inside new Fall pieces gave us a head start for the Fall sales goal. The intricate way this  boutique is merchandised, makes it hard for customers to walk by without stopping and shopping.
I know I can cross retail off my career list but for a part time job, it is worth it. And now that summer is over and the busiest season is another year away.
Ready for Fall 2014!

Celebrity/VIP Intern for the day

At Krupp Group, there is a total of twenty rotating interns in the office everyday. Amongst us are Media interns, Jewelry interns, Accessories interns, Fashion interns (me) and VIP interns.
Today at the NYFW show, I was in the Celebrity/VIP category. They definitely do not know that I am the biggest #fangirl when it comes to the rich and famous. Unfortunately for me but  fortunately for KG, this was a smaller show and there were not any A-Listers. But I did see Zosia Mamet or as I refer her as Shoshana from the HBO series, Girls.
Specifically, I was in charge of making sure DJ Chelsea Leyland had her black Suburban when she decided it was time to leave. Prior to assisting the semi-famous personnel, I taped numbered cards down to benches for these oblivious people to neglect. But that is just the intern duties that come along with the territory. I am ready for the day where I make the decisions and voice the final say.
Paying dues for now! 

First Taste and I want the whole Krupp Cake

That is what they refer to the Krupp Group employees as...does that make me a Mini Krupp Cake?

Today, I experienced my first presentation of a Spring 2015 collection. Officially, I was the Fashion Intern for Krupp Group. My job was not all that exciting but it was amazing to watch the production process into the finished product. I was in charge of a sliding door and had to show people an alternate route backstage. This presentation took place in a studio style apartment turned design house. The door I was in charge of was an entrance into the kitchen that had frosted sliding glass doors. This ultra modern kitchen was turned into backstage for the show. Through that glass door, there were models, dressers, make up artists, hair stylists, photographers, etc. Extremely crowded and loud. This action is my favorite part of New York Fashion Week. I love watching backstage exclusives and now I am asked to experience it. Live. 
A unique part of this presentation (and my favorite part) was a sketch artist set up with an easel creating party favors for each guest. She did an amazing job two dimensionally representing each girl for an hour straight. I was curious to know whether she was hired by the designer regularly or just for the big unveiling of the new collection.
Prior to the presentation, the new look-book was shot which cut their preparations for the Spring Collection in half. Soon after today's productive morning, Krupp Group will receive their line-sheets and then pieces. As soon as we record inventory, my supervisors can offer the pieces for editorial pulls. Fashion Public Relations covers all bases. The process fascinates me and an added perk, I know all of the upcoming covers of every major magazine coming soon: Fall 2014.
I have a packed Fashion Week ahead. Stay tuned. 

New York Fashion Week

This is the very week Krupp Group has been focused on since I stepped into their sleek office three months ago. Prepping clients, fittings, and set mapping has been on the agenda everyday in order to make these shows perfect. I have learned that the smallest details, such as organizing and finger spacing the showroom racks, are just as important as ensuring the represented celebs have their complete looks. It is an extremely high paced environment and any hiccup can potentially ruin a million dollar show. I have witnessed meltdowns but at the end of the day, everyone wants a successful show, everyone has the same end goal.
In Design and Merchandising Seminar, we studied office culture and work environment, the employees of KG are a unit come show time. Everyone on the team has a balance of work separated from play. The office provides a treat everyday of fashion week to make sure there is a special break amongst the craziness.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

  If there is one thing society can agree on, it is what we want to do when clouds roll in and rain pours out--crawl up and get cozy in bed.

   Like anyone else, I used to believe that it was me personally that felt drawn in, unmotivated, and sleepy during an overcast day, but after going to college, I realized that no one really actually feels chipper on a rainy day.  This type of weather is proven to affect mood, which is why it is normal among all.  In addition to overlooking its effect on others, I have never thought about this behavior's effect on retail.

   This weather and effect on shopping behavior really stunned me a few weeks ago during an overcast day with sporadic drizzling.  It was not a particularly awful day but it sure was not desirable.    It did not take long that day for me to draw the connection between the weather and consumers' unwillingness to leave their beds to shop.  However, in terms of how long I have been with Loft, it did take me almost 9 months to consider this.  In retrospect, I have worked slow days due to weather, especially during our atrocious winter storms, but I always just attributed that to safety being that the roads were unmanageable and sidewalks were icy.

   So a few Tuesdays back, this overcast day got me thinking and analyzing the effect of weather as a whole on shopping behavior.  I especially had time to do this since the store was absolutely vacant and I was begging the managers for any sort of tasks so I did not have to stand with no purpose for six hours.

   As I mentioned, less than desirable weather has a direct effect on behavior, influencing people to be in similarly less than desirable moods.  The same goes with beautiful weather.  When the sun is shining and the temperature is at its prime, people are typically happier, more outgoing, and more motivated.  Over my last ten months at Loft, I have seen these patterns with weather and human behavior have a direct effect on shopping behavior (despite just picking up on it).

  These patterns affect retail in multiple ways.  The most significant being that weather is unpredictable, meaning shopping behavior is also unpredictable.  During these slow days due to weather, we typically fall extremely short of our goal and our numbers overall are difficult to look at. Again, as mentioned throughout multiple posts, I love numbers and statistics, but this goes to show that these numbers are nothing without analyses.

   With all of these unpredictable forces, it is hard to really know until the day of if it is even realistic to reach or surpass our goal.  Like with anything else, Mother Nature sure has a way of putting a spin on things and surely succeeds at creating rain delays in multiple areas of life.