One of the Boys

by Alexis Michaelides

My friends say that I have three trademarks:

1) perfected, black-as-night eyebrows,
2) a voice that’s a mix of Marisa Tomei, Fran Drescher, and an Italian mother who was born and raised in NYC
3) a supposedly unhealthy obsession with the New York Rangers (that’s NYC’s hockey team for all of you non-sports enthusiasts).

The eyebrows and the voice are obvious traits; the second you see me or the second I open my big mouth you’ll notice them. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much longer for someone to recognize my passion for New York Rangers’ hockey, either. You might be thinking, “How could this girl possibly work hockey into a conversation with a stranger?” Well, I don’t have to TALK about my enthusiasm for this team because the gold New York Rangers’ emblem hanging around my neck speaks for itself. When I do talk about the sport, though, I become instantly excited; I’m pretty sure that you can see the happiness in my eyes. I love the thrill of the game, the brisk air in an arena, the history of my team, the players, the rivalries, and the camaraderie of the fans. Put me in Madison Square Garden, and I feel like I’m in my second home and the boys on the ice are my brothers. Ask me if the Rangers won last night and I’ll tell you, “yes, WE won,” not “yes, THEY won.” If we lost, forget about it. Don’t even mention there was a game last night unless for some unfathomable reason you want me to give you a dirty look or impolitely gesture at you. Sad? Maybe. Irrational? Another maybe. But, New York Rangers’ hockey is one of the few things that I really, truly am passionate about, and that passion is reflected in my opinions and actions. That said, I can’t wait to see how my boys finish the 2011-2012 season to begin. Let’s Go Rangers!

Signature Style: Candice Hufler

My style signature is a bright rose blush. I started wearing blush when I was about 12-13 years old after I read a magazine article that said that blush is the only thing one needs to look fresh, bright, and happy. I always like to look this way because that is usually how I feel. I like to project my happiness on others and I feel that blush and a smile help me to do so.

I use two different types of blush to give me my signature flushed pink cheek. The first is Maybelline Fit Me Blush in “Blushing”. It’s light pink that works for any skin tone and has a subtle crystallization effect that creates a natural glow. On top of that I use NYC Color Wheel blush which has multiple shades of pink and rose that give the perfect amount of color when combined. My trick to a natural-looking blush is smiling while applying. This allows me to get the right amount of blush on my cheeks in the right area without over applying. Another benefit to my smiling trick is that it starts my day off with a smile, and I keep it on my face all day.

Where's Audrey? At the Assembled Fashion Conference.

On Nov. 12, 2011, blogger, Audrey Ong attended the Assembled Fashion Conference. It was a day filled with panels featuring speakers from major companies like the NY Times, Ideeli, Rent the Runway, Birchbox, and Proper Cloth. The panels discussed a variety of topics about the business of fashion business, ranging from social media branding to great start-up tech companies. Let Audrey give you a first-hand look here, at Audrey Allure.

*From Content to Commerce, moderated by editor-in-chief of Time Out NY, Michael Martin

What's Your NON-FASHION Signature?

by Getteline Rene

It was hard narrowing it down to one, but I must say that my non-fashion signature is definitely something that I often say that gets me into trouble. It is my signature phrase, "Sorry, there are no reruns in life."

Let's say that you’re walking down the street with 2 friends. You and Friend 1 witness a woman in Jeffrey Campbell Lita's trip, fall, and bust her butt on the cobblestones of Soho. You and Friend 1 proceed to "LMAO" as Friend 2, completely oblivious to what just happened, asks for a recap. You, trying hard to control your laughter, reply, "Naw, there are no reruns in life." You and Friend 1 proceed to laugh in Friend 2's face and crack inside jokes on what occurred during the entire outing.

And that my friends, is my non-fashion signature.

What? You didn't get the example? Want me to repeat it? Haha, sorry -- there are no reruns in life.

Signature Style Series -- Jennifer Ortiz

For those who don’t know me, I am the girl who has about 5 pairs of jeans and 5 t-shirts that she wears over and over again. I have a laid back fashion sense, and I tend to rely on my signature t-shirt and jeans look six days out of the week.

I developed this style in high school and have kept it mostly because it helped me to get to my first class on time. It defines me because I don’t over emphasize much in my life, just as I don’t over emphasize my wardrobe; I value a person’s thoughts more than their appearance. I would rather be chosen for a job due to my intelligence, hard work and strong work ethic than for wearing an incredible outfit with a pair of killer heels.


Since enrolling in LIM, I have altered my wardrobe slightly (I've invested in higher quality jeans and t-shirts) but I still prefer the simplicity of my style. I find it easier to just get up and go; also I work a lot better when I’m comfortable, and I’m comfortable in my style. Plus it never hurts that my style never breaks my tight college budget!

Where's Audrey? At Lucky Shops 2011!

Lucky Magazine held its fourth annual Lucky Shops event this year on Novemeber 4th through 6th. LIM College's very own Audrey Ong was chosen as one of Lucky's VIP Bloggers and was paired with designer, Rachel Roy, with whom she is pictured below.


Check out Audrey's other pictures from Lucky Shops and the exclusive after-party at her blog, Audrey Allure.

LIM PR Girl: So You Want to be a Fashion Publicist?

Have you been thinking about a career in public relations? LIM PR Girl gives you a little insight into this high-paced field.

“Fashion PR” is a shortcut to saying “Fashion Publicist.” Publicists know the importance of communication and branding. We produce fashion shows, dress celebrities, and push content and products to the media that all of you religiously follow. Fashion publicists get paid for contacts and the relationships they are able to foster to enhance a brands image in the public eye. We make brands famous and there are no set hours on such a task.

Caution: Sleeping with blackberry on your pillow or clutched to your heart is a normal occurrence.

Days are filled with meetings, reports, and pitching to editors. On our downtime, we are tweeting, texting, posting, blogging and practically screaming about how great our client is. Some have even been known to sleep-talk about their clients. (Not that I would know that person or anything…)

PR is so successful because a third-party endorsement is more powerful than an advertisement any day. You see ads all the time and they become boring and lose their impact. On the contrary, when your girlfriend tells you about this hot new yoga mat she saw on her favorite blog, you have to have it. You become prepared to kill for that mat, and you don’t even do yoga. That’s the power of PR.

A career in PR should come with a disclaimer: NOT FOR THE WEAK (or individuals
afraid of chipping a nail). Are you sensitive? Cry outside: as PR goddess, Kelly Cutrone, would say. Are you lazy? The door is to your left. You may look oh-so-glam gallivanting in your stilettos, screaming into your headset, but if there are no brains under that ill-fitting head gear, you’ve already lost the battle. A publicist is smart, confident, resourceful, enthusiastic, quick to action and understands the power of being nice yet assertive. Above all, a Fashion PR is well-rounded and knows topics beyond fashion. #Shocking

You never know when Stylist X needs to dress Celebrity Y. But will Celebrity X fit the demographic of your brand? Decisions, decisions. Obviously, we aren’t performing brain surgery or saving a life on the regular. However, fashion affects everyone and being able to direct how such a powerful aspect unfolds is pretty rewarding.

Sure, as a public relations professional, you’ll be rewarded with free gifts, cocktails and the opportunity to mingle with some of the industry’s most influential and inspiring people. Nonetheless, PR is tough work. If you can’t handle the flames, stay out of the kitchen. For those of you throwing on your designer flame-resistant jeans to tackle the mess, welcome.

Welcome to a world of glamour and stress and stay tuned. :)

It’s been real,

LIM PR Girl

Signature Style -- Kathryn L. White

Movies have held a special place in my heart. Most of my childhood memories have The Wizard of Oz playing in the background; Breakfast at Tiffany’s sparked my love for New York and fashion; Titanic gave me my ultimate childhood crush, Leo. A movie has the ability to inspire in so many ways. I appreciate the amount of creative and artistic ability that goes into making movies, as well as the effect they can have on an audience. A movie can make us laugh and cry, as well as leave us feeling challenged and motivated.

Here are some of my must-see movies:

1. (500) Days of Summer- A great, unconventional break-up movie that is both visually creative and witty.
2. Gone with the Wind - A classic romance that takes place during the Civil War. Scarlett O’Hara is a strong, stubborn character who inspires women to fight and succeed through the most traumatic of circumstances.
3. Bonnie and Clyde - A fun, fast paced crime movie made in 1967. The thrilling chase scenes combined with the violence made for a fairly controversial film in the ‘70s.

4. When Harry Met Sally -A simple movie about friendship and romance, but the script is fantastic. It’s the perfect romantic comedy.

The Devil Drinks Coffee

Jenna Guyer channels a fashion stereotype:

Living in New York City is always all about being on the go twenty four hours, seven days a week. Coming from a small town, I had to work extra hard to achieve my goals and to land my dream career. Look at me now; I am an editor for one of the most well established fashion based magazines. Now, don’t get me wrong, although it is an amazing career, it still has its downfalls. For instance, one of the interns took FOREVER to get me my coffee this morning! I mean it’s really not that difficult of a task. Life is just so hectic; I need to keep things moving at a fast pace since I have a million and one things to get done and the last thing I need is my coffee given to me an hour late. As if that wasn’t enough, if wasn’t even the right type of coffee! I drink my coffee black and what do I get? I get decaf. I better get going....how much you want to bet another intern messes another simple task up before this day is over.

Twitterature: Catcher in the Rye

Forget about SparkNotes. Alyssa Coscarelli sums up the classic novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, for you... in tweets from protagonist, Holden Caulfield.

***

Failed four out of five classes. **** you Pencey Prep. #sooverit #peaceout

Dude @Ackley392 get your sh*t together #itscalledproactiv #takeashower

Where the hell do all the ducks in Central Park go in the winter? #confused

Thinkin about calling up that girl that used to be a burlesque stripper or something. I think I still have her number… #hopefully

Just thinking of @Janegirl13 and our times together this summer….

Called Sally and made a date for this afternoon #wishmeluck

Dammit I only have 10 bucks. RT if you agree that all money does is make people depressed

Movie and ice skating with Sally! #happytweet

**** man all I did was tell Sally about how I thought we should just get the hell outta here and she got all pissy #mystupidmouth

At the bar ithink I’m gonnancall Sallyyy #drunk

#Damnit Pheobe just told me I had those lyrics to that @RobertBurns song wrong this whole time

Told Pheobe bout my plan to leave NY and go out west. She gave me some money so I left her my hunting hat

Uh I went and talked to Mr. Antolini and slept there and then I coulda sworn I woke up to him stroking my head or some ****?WTF #soawkward

Sleeping at Grand Central tonight….

Just walkin up and down 5th ave feeling more ****** every time I step off the curb #missingmybrother #helpme

Taking Phoebe to the zoo to cheer her up. I kinda want her to come with me but she shouldn’t. #sigh

Just sittin here in the park watching Phoebe on the carousel. She’s wearing my red hat. IDK why I kinda wanna cry… #happyagain

At First I Thought...

by Becka Gross

I used to think that true love only happened on a front porch, in a rocking chair, or during romantic and comfortable silence enjoyed by two aged lovebirds. That kind of love can seem unattainable until you grow older. But then I found out that true love could happen to me.

Love shouldn’t be something we stress about. I think it simply happens. The definition of true love is different for everybody and every relationship. But for me, the phrase “I would jump off a cliff for you (but not really)” holds true. A true love feels like a better version of oneself, an inspiration to strive to be all one can be, and someone for whom you would do anything to keep those things true.


My guy first entered my life at my very first place of employment. Side by side, we made pizzas. He would stay late while I closed and chit chat with me about our interests, our favorite books, Catcher in the Rye and On the Road, and keep me company. Friends first, he taught me how to skip rocks and long-board. In return I introduced him to a wardrobe beyond corduroys and skate shoes. Eventually, he dropped everything and moved across the country with me. We had the time of our lives. In NYC, most of the time, that adventure is maintained in the expensive but worthy things we do together.


Love may seem like it is a faraway state of being. It is often put on people’s to do list in a way that creates certain limitations: marriage by 25, house 26, and two kids by 28. That seems like too many restrictions. I didn’t plan it. I’m only 20 years old and in no rush for what comes next. Love also isn’t easy. If it’s true love, the lover will stick around through hard times. I think true love enters lives at various ages, 16-60. If it’s the right one, you probably didn’t see it coming -- and won’t be the same without it.

Nolcha Helps Designers Break In

by Bethany Rubin

As most of us can imagine, first entering the design world is one of the most challenging aspects to a career in fashion. Can't there be an easier way to get started than winning Project Runway or having a godsend connection to the fashion industry?

That's where Nolcha comes in, assisting independent designers with a stepping stone into the New York and London Fashion Week realm. Nolcha is a fashion entity that promotes new and independent designers. It exposes them to the public by allowing multiple designers to show their collections in a pop-up runway show.

This season's New York fashion show was an all day event consisting of three different shows and showcasing 10 different designers. Accessory designers also had the opportunity to set up booths for the audience to browse before and after the show. The audience held friends and family, as well as fashion industry professionals from magazines, retailers, and other designers.

Nolcha was started in 2006 by Kerry Bannigan, a British marketing and PR specialist. Nolcha has grown tremendously and has received several awards. Clothing and accessories are available for purchase via their website as well: http://nolcha.com/.

Fashion Week is Here Again

by Audrey Ong

The tents. The designers. The clothes. The celebrities. We know you miss Fashion Week. Get your fix all over again with reviews of SS12 shows from our girl about town, Audrey Ong.

***

Lyn Devon/Marlon Gobel SS12 Collections

Bright pops of color were prominent in Lyn Devon's and Marlon's Gobel spring/summer collections. Lyn Devon was inspired by sunny picnics while Marlon Gobel was inspired by supermarket aisles. It seems like food was on their minds as well.

Honor/4 Corners of a Circle

Honor designer Giovanna Randall kept it chic & girly with peter pan collars, sheer fabrics, and lots of full skirts. Natsuko Kanno of 4 Corners of a Circle was very much intrigued with Akira Kurosawa's Dream and expressed the boldness of the Japanese aesthetic.

Lela Rose/Daryl K/Parkchoonmoo

Lela Rose presented one of my personal favorite collections during NYFW. Drawing inspiration from the neon signs in Las Vegas and Cone Island, she created whimsical, colorful, and fun pieces. Daryl K took on a bolder, edgier approach to prints and color. Demi Park of Parkchoonmoo was very moved by Korea's beauty & worked it in the collection with flowing garments.

Betsey Johnson SS12 Show

Betsey's show exuded excitement & energy with wild, flirty dresses. Inspired by Brigette Bardot and the Burlesque dancer of the 40s, Betsey tiptoes between innocent and sexy by taking flirty silk pieces and contrasting them against vibrant patterns with peek-a-boo surprises.

Siki Im/Final Notes on NYFW

Siki Im introduces denim in 3 different silhouettes that come in self engineered hand dyed, produced & fabricated in the US. The washes of the jeans and print of the fabrics were inspired by the deteriorated environments affected by war in the Middle East. Some major roundup of trends include: sheer fabrics, Peter Pan collars, Asian inspired garments, bright colored shoes, and many more.

Signature Style -- Getteline Rene

They say fashion is feeling and when it comes to my wardrobe, I must have items that cater to the 8 million and one moods I go through from Monday to Sunday. But if I really had to choose one garment, accessory, cosmetic, and pair of shoes, it would be as follows:

Garment: Megadeth 1995 World Tour Tee and The Furies T-shirt dress to wear underneath it

Accessory: Braided tribal necklace that I pretty much wear every day

Cosmetic: Eyeliner in every form -- I’m talkin’ gel, pencil, liquid, eye kohl, the whole shebang

Shoes: Groove Combat boots with heart details on the back

As I re-read my list, I realize all I need is extra pink lipstick and a flannel to possibly be the bass guitarist for a Hole cover band. What does that say about me? It says I absolutely reek of teen spirit and 90's angst, but in the most fashionable way possible. I think I’m ok with that.

We Made Fashion “Art” -- Chrome & Couture at the Mattatuck Museum

by Alexis Michaelides

Some say fashion is art; some say not. But this past spring, I was one of seven LIM College students whose fashion project became a successful art museum exhibition.

Our project definitely had its beginning in a “trade” show rather than an “art” venue. The National Stationery Show challenged LIM visual merchandising students to make art from paper to be featured in a contest at the show called “Paper Runway.” (Vendors donated the paper materials.) The industry experts, trade leaders, and vendors who attended voted on the best design. My collaboration with Margie Carroll, “Feather Fantasy,” was lucky enough to be chosen the winner.

That led to another success. Sydney Voghel-Ochs, Director of Development for the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, Connecticut, saw “Paper Runway” and loved it. Her museum—which for more than a century has collected American art and history with a focus on local artists—was working hard to create edgier exhibits. She found our paper fashion concepts unique, the colors bold, and the details of our creation just what the museum needed.

The business of fashion has to work hand in hand with innovation and imagination. Although in the eco-fashion movement a few paper garments have been successfully marketed, it takes an extra spark and a bit of whimsy to transform a stiff and unyielding material into something fluid, beautiful, and inspiring.

When I helped Professor Woo and my classmates create our first paper fashions for the 2010 National Stationery Show, I had no idea how our designs would be received. Would they get a quick glance, like a craft project, or be seen as an intriguing fashion statement? With Professor Woo’s guidance, the audience responded to our designs as fashion and art. I felt honored when Sydney, a museum professional, also reacted that way to our work. We were even more gratified when she invited our team to create a special exhibit for the museum.

On October 1, 2011, the fashions from the “Paper Runway” were featured in the Mattatuck Museum’s “Chrome & Couture – Say ‘Yes’ to the Paper Dress” exhibit. It will be on display for the rest of this year.

The exhibit pairs LIM student and faculty fashion designs with collectible items from Doc’s Motorcycle Superstore in line with the museum’s focus on local artwork. Our designs were presented along with Harley-Davidson’s from World War I, scooters from the 1950s, and high-tech bikes just brought to market.

That was on-trend with contemporary androgynous fashion—such as male models like Andrej Pejic being used to sell women’s clothing. The mix of powerful and masculine motorcycles with feminine and delicate as paper dresses was thoughtfully bold. The stark contrast highlighted what was distinctly masculine and feminine about each piece. I was glad to see visitors of the exhibit’s launch marvel equally at the intricacies of the motorcycle engines and the gentle folds of the paper fashions. 

They may also have been thinking about the artificiality not just of gender stereotypes, but the weakness of the divisions between fashion, beautiful industrially produced machines like motorcycles, and “art.”

“Newsworthy” hat by Professor Marjorie Lee Woo; Engine of 1996 Sportster 1200, FAT Tire Drag Style Custom