What I've Been Up To

Books that rule my life right now.

It's no secret I've been slightly missing in action from the blogosphere. A recent conversation with my girl Christina from Candybox made me aware that I have been neglecting my blog. Truth be told, my life has been super busy; school + Star Intern status = exhaustion. March Madness doesn't only refer to basketball, but also college. It's midterm season and I have been so busy with my extra stuff that I've put my studies on the back burner and now I am backlogged on things I need to study and papers I need to write. Any other college kids feel my pain?

Spring break is next week and the school year is almost over. May be once things calm down, I'll figure out a normal blogging schedule...

Until then, follow me on Twitter!

xoxo

15 Internships in 4 years

Intern Queen say what?!

At the beginning of one of my journalism classes, a classmate of mine pulled up the Ed2010 web page and said out loud, "This girl did 15 internships!" With my eyes wide open and jaw dropped, I said, "WHAT?!" I went on the Ed-site and couldn't believe what I was reading. Lauren Berger, aka, the Intern Queen managed to complete 15 internships in 4 years. I became overwhelmed with a mixture of emotions! I was astonished because seriously, how does someone complete 15 internships in 4 years(?); I was embarrassed because I thought my internship track record was pretty impressive (guess not); I was confused because, I wondered where her college life came in. I know I am a very busy college student. I barely have time to blog anymore! Let me digress. In between school, being a Resident Assistant, my extracurricular activities, internship, and somewhat existing social life, I find myself sleep deprived and relying on my weekends to be the lazy bum I've always wanted to be. But then, to be fooled because my weekends give me a false sense of reality. I wake up at 8am 6 days a week. That's 6 days a week of early days and late nights. Back on topic, I was excited because I think it's pretty cool that someone managed to do that and was turning it into sweet career; she helps young adults get closer to their future with internships.

The Intern Queen offered up some great interning advice! Check it out on Ed2010.com.

Well, please excuse me as I try to get in at least 5 hours of shut eye. Not sure when I'll blog again, but I hope it's... tomorrow!

xoxo

Ask Secretista: What are your wardrobe essentials?

And, I'm back.

I apologize for my blogging absence. For the past couple of weeks, my life has been nothing but Resident Assistant and back-to-school shenanigans. But I'm back and on the blogging attack. I might be speaking too soon though. New York Fashion Week starts on Thursday September 10, 2009, I return to my internship on Friday September 11, 2009, and until NYFW ends, I will be running around like a chicken with its head cutoff in platform heels.

Continuing with my question and answer series, one reader asks, "What are your wardrobe essentials?"

Everyone has a different style, so a person's style has a lot to do with what they consider their wardrobe essentials. Since I consider myself somewhat a person with a crazy/conservative sense of style, I'd say my must-haves include a high waisted skirt, flowy top, jeans and statement shoes.

High Waisted Skirt
A skirt is an easy way to go from casual to dressy. Wear a high waisted skirt and you'll pump up the edge on your girly look! Skirts are also more versatile than pants. I'm in love with these picks from College Candy.

Flowy Top
I'm all about flowy tops. My mid section is one of the areas on my body that I am extremely insecure about. To hide my imperfections, I wear a flowy top. I'm a fan of belting it because it gives me shape while hiding the extra baggage.

Jeans
Sure I've lost all hope in jeans. But when I find a good pair, I wear and tear them to death. Jeans are an essential in my wardrobe simply because the right one can be worn with anything. Enough said.

Statement Shoes
Someone once said, "You can judge a person by the shoes they wear." I happen to agree with that statement. Next time you're out and about, look at the shoes of the people walking past you. A shoe can say a lot about a person. That's why most of the shoes I own are unique and one of a kind. Also, a shoe that makes a statement can save an outfit and turn an outfit from simple to simply chic!

xoxo

Secretista & Teen Vogue

So some of you have been wondering where I am interning this summer. I subtly mentioned it in a previous post, but now I'll let the truth be known. I am interning at TeenVogue. That's right, TeenVogue. I am savoring each moment that I am there, and I could not be happier. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. If I could, I'd pitch a tent in the office at night. But unfortunately, I can't. The deets on me being a TV intern is on the fabulous Web site. If you want to know what I'm doing while I'm there, checkout the Intern Blog.

C'est moi!

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Secretista

An Outfit Post: What's The Point?

I haven't done an outfit post in a while. I started this blog posting my outfits because I was searching for my style, my fashion voice. Over the past year, I grew-up. I became "one" with the person I am. As corny as that may sound, what I mean is that I'm past the stage in my life (at least I hope so) where I am uncomfortable with myself. I am confident in the person I have become, and I am confident in the fashion choices I make. So long are the days where I let my insecurities get the best of me. Well, who am I kidding? Our insecurities will always come up and bite us every now and then; but for now, mine are to the minimum. My point is, I just never see the point in posting my outfits anymore. I'm not sure if they serve as inspiration or as an example of me being narcissistic because I enjoy taking pictures of myself--haha! Whatever the purpose my outfit posts serve as, I may never know. But for now, I'm just sharing my current style.

Mom's chiffon button-down blouse.
Old Navy tunic dress. H&M belt. H&M legging pants.
ALDO over-the-knee boots. Michelle Roy necklace. Dooney & Bourke watch.

I owe this outfit to my current internship. Working in a place where majority of the people look like they stepped out of the pages from the very same magazine they work for is pretty sweet and inspiring.

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Secretista

So Long Sophomore Year!

Two years completed; two years still ahead. As I sit in my room staring at the walls that were once covered in posters, paintings and inspirational words, I can't help but release a bittersweet sigh and reflect on this past school year.

A messy collage of my sophomore year.

This school year--although the Sophomore slump it was--has taught me a lot about myself and others. It caused me to realize that I am attending the right school and that I am picking the right career path. I've met so many amazingly new people and done so many amazingly new things that it boggles my mind. So join me as I reminisce and say so long to my sophomore year.

*I kick started sophomore year with Resident Assistant staff training. Here, I fell in love with the job position and my staff. Becoming a Resident Assistant has so far been one of the highlights of my college career. This job has allowed me to grow as a person in so many ways, and I don't know if I could ever let it go.

*Next, I had two amazing internships:

My internship at Seventeen magazine couldn't have been better. It solidified my dream for working in the fashion and magazine industry. I screeched with joy every time I saw my name in the magazine under interns, attended a couple of fashion week shows and shamelessly showed off the photo shoot I helped style. But most importantly, I met the most amazing people ever: my fellow interns and the editors.

My internship at House Beautiful magazine convinced me that I was made for the web (duh!). Sure I didn't know much about home décor going in, but now I can say I know a little somethin' somethin' about upholstery and reclaimed furniture; only a little. I also learned vital information about managing a magazine's Web site and wrote a couple of things for the site. Not to mention, my editor was the bombdigity. Yes. I said bombdigity.

*After attending Teen Vogue Fashion U with the cute La Petite Fashionista, I knew I had to chase after my dreams of working in the fashion industry with a little more oomph!

*My unhealthy obsession with cupcakes bloomed into something unexplainable.

*I turned 20 and had a mini-breakdown. What do you mean I'm not a teen anymore?

*I came to terms with my personal style: modernly conservative with an edge.

*I decided to try and devote most of my wardrobe to one color: red.

*Pinkrockcandy and I started a fashion club at our school (finally!).

*Last and most importantly, I realized the importance of making time for friends.

Oh sophomore year, where have you gone? Soon I'll be a senior looking for a "real world" job. YIKES!

---
Secretista

17 Minutes of Fame

The May 2009 issue of Seventeen is out and I helped style the Fashion Van story.

Go pick up a copy!

---
Secretista

Giambattista Valli At Bergdorf Goodman

Allergies suck. My nose is extremely stuffy, my eyes are watery and I can't stop sneezing. I hope I make it through this week. I went home early from my internship earlier this week. I went into work because I was DETERMINED to still work even though I felt like (for the lack of a better word) shit.

Anyway, I was getting my daily dose of world and fashion news yesterday when I saw a lovely little advertisement on NY Mag's fashion blog: The Cut. It's like the Web site knew I am obsessed with Giambattista Valli's creations. Now, if only I could afford to shop at Bergdorf Goodman...

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Secretista

A New Semester. A New Internship.

As I had subtly mentioned in my previous post, I've got a new internship. Today was my first day and I love it. Some of you are probably thinking, "Why a home decor magazine?" Well, why not? I love opportunities that can expand my art and especially my magazine horizon--while you know, getting my web 2.0 geek-on!

New semesters are like new years. Oh. Wait. It is the new year, but you know what I mean. Every semester I have a "resolution." This semester's resolution is to budget. I'm a tad-bit low on cash and food is no longer a necessity, but a luxury. I've slipped up a couple of times by giving the hair dresser a too-big of a tip and buying almond M&Ms when I can clearly survive without them (or can I?). And although my internship will beat up my wallet and add to my financial burden, in the long run I think it will be worth it.

So except for my financial state, my semester has been off to a good start. How is everyone else?

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Secretista

Intern and The City: The End (Fall 08)

Well, it's over; for now at least. Today was my last day at Seventeen for the fall 2008 semester. I was the last of the fall interns to leave, but the truth is, I just wasn't ready to let go. I went into the internship looking at it as a job/learning experience, but came out with great friends and a great experience that validated my love for fashion. My internship made truth of the magazine's tag line: "It's fun to be (working at) Seventeen!" I'll miss working in the city for the time being.

Speaking of working in the city, Whitney Ports spin-off of a spin-off (yes, re-read that to get the full effect), "The City," premieres tonight on MTV. I may just watch it to see if the show is worth a minute of my time, but I think it'll just be a fictitious portrayal of what it's like to be living and working in "The City." I'm also sure MTV won't show the struggling side of trying to make ends meet in an expensive city, but wait. I hear MTV pays well and since Miss Port is getting paid to star in the reality show, she probably won't suffer. Eh, either way "The City" might be mildly entertaining because it's being filmed in my soon-to-be home after graduation: New York City. And in New York City, anything can happen because it's filled with different type of characters.

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Secretista

Monday Obsession: Facebook

Facebook is great for connecting to those miles upon miles away, but gosh darn it I am not a fan of the new Facebook layout. I'm getting used to it, but I still don't like it. Well anyway, I'm going to keep this post short and sweet (I have homework to do). If you're interested in what goes on in the Seventeen Magazine Fashion Closet, I suggest you join the fabulous Facebook group: Insider fashion gossip from the 17 mag fashion closet. Why? Oh I don't know... maybe because YOURS TRULY will be updating the group? Yeah, that sounds like a great reason, so stop reading my blog and go. GO!

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Secretista

Monday Obsession: Off Days

What a day! Seriously, today was such an off day. My off day got a running start when I missed the train because my normal route to the train station was blocked by the police. Rushing to find altertative routes, I almost got in accident. Keyword: ALMOST. Nevertheless, I was late for my internship. I anticipated that I would only be 5-10 minutes late, but once I arrived at the subway station, the A train took 30 minutes to arrive. Hmm, let me say that again for dramatic affect. THE A TRAIN TOOK THIRTY MINUTES TO ARRIVE! Darn subway system. Anyway, the scene in the closet today reminded me of Santa's workshop; there was non-stop motion. I was so caught up in the work that I didn't even notice that lunch time swooshed by. Sure I was tired by midday, but once I ate, I was energized and ready to hit the racks. Side note: I love being in the closet; today I touched a John Galliano creation *Angels sing* . By the end of the day, I was exhausted and looked forward to my mini-nap on the train ride back. My off day was over (yay!). But wait. Spotted: a white piece of paper on my windshield. What was this? None other than a parking ticket (GRR)! Apparently, by parking with my backside in, I was violating one of the parking rules. Now I have to fork over $15 to the parking garage. Those hooligans! Well at least I looked cute today. And isn't that all that really matters my fellow fashion lovers? Haha.

As you can see, part of my Monday wasn't so great (mainly the commute part), but oh well, off days happen. You live, you learn, and you move on. Tomorrow's another day. How was your Monday?

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Secretista

Back Into The Swing of Things

Seriously. The past month has been a total whirlwind. From adapting to my new role as a Resident Assistant and balancing my life as a part-intern part-student, my head has been spinning in different directions. But strangely enough, I like it? Ha. Well the other day, my political science professor said something very interesting that couldn't be more than true. She said, "The saying goes, man plans and God laughs." What does this mean? Well my lovelies, it simply means that certain things, no matter how hard we try, cannot be planned. So as I planned to begin my regular posts earlier this week, you can tell that it obviously didn't happen.

Fellow intern hard at work.

Moving on, life as an intern is interesting. Like I said in my previous post, the fellow interns and I work very well together. I honestly expected a competitive atmosphere, but we're all just there to get the experience and learn something new. Usually, people do internships with the intention of getting hired. Don't get me wrong. Working as an editor for a big-time magazine would be fabulous, but HEY, I'm only a Sophomore! I've got plenty of time, ya dig? And as much as I may try to map out my career/future, I can never really plan the future for myself. Things just happen. I think it's called fate.

So yesterday I was graced with the opportunity to attend Tadashi Shoji's fashion show (!!!). Fun fact: he designed my prom skirt. All I can say about the show is that it was uh-mazing. From the music to the clothes, I fell in love with the entire show/collection. OH! And it didn't hurt that I had a seat... in the third row!

It's September and for many of us it means back into the swing of things. You can see my life is a little crazy right now. How's your September going?

---

Secretista

P.S. I let all my comments back up, so I'm slowly weeding my way through all of them. E-mails sent directly to me have priority.

Fashion Week Love

Yesterday was the day. Yesterday was the start of a great opportunity. From 10 in the morning 'til 6 at night, it was non-stop unpacking, organizing and labeling of dresses. Mmm, and I loved every moment of it! Us interns were like a well-oiled machine. We worked very well together; it's as if we had one giant fashion brain. Well, I don't have much to say because I'm really tired. Or, I might actually be really antsy because of the fact that I get to go to a fashion show on Sunday!! The editor had extra Fashion Week show invites and divvied them out to the interns. Of course it came down to an all out blood bath (not really) for the William Rast show, but I'm happy to say I won! I might also be going to Alexandr Terekhov's show, but I don't know if I'm down for spending 12-plus hours in the city. OH yeah. Did I mention that there's an after party for the William Rast show?! I'm just happy that this time I won't have to sneak into the shows. I can actually attend as a LEGITIMATE guest (yay!).

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Secretista

First Day of... Fashion!

Isn't it ironic that my first day in the Seventeen Magazine Fashion Closet is tomorrow, as well as, the start of New York Fashion Week? I think it's God telling me that part of my life should be devoted to fashion. Mhm. I think so!

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Secretista

Intern and The City: The End (Summer 08)

Well. It's over. At 4:30 sharp I deleted all the files on my computer, cleared my desk area, handed in my access card and finished some last minute paperwork. I honestly don't think I could have had a BETTER first internship. It was like God heard me and knew that where I interned would be the perfect place for me to learn what I need to know and much more.

The day started off with me handing out thank you cards and gifts. Wondering what the gifts were? Just one word: elephant. Being that the elephant IS my favorite animal (no surprise there) and is a symbol of good luck (if the trunk is facing upward), I thought that it would be perfect! It was pure luck that I stumbled into a store at my local mall and noticed little elephant statues, for I was looking for them everywhere! Well after that, the day was as normal as it could be and at the end of the day I was surprised with a lovely goodie bag!!

Ugh. Today just reminded of the fact that I am moving back to school on Tuesday to start training as an RA (Resident Assistant). I want the school year to start, but at the same time I don't because I'm going to be in overdrive this fall; I've got so much going on. In between interning at Seventeen Magazine (Woops. I forgot to tell you all that this fall I'll be interning at Seventeen Magazine in the Fashion Closet! AH!) and school work and RA'n, I hope I don't... no, I know I won't burn out (trying to stay positive here).

More about how I got my internship at Seventeen Magazine; I stalked the Fashion Closet Facebook Group. I mean literally. I checked it every day (sometimes multiple times in one day) and when I saw they were accepting apps for the fall, I pounced on the opportunity! After my interview, I was kind of scared I didn't get it. I actually wore this outfit, but with a black jacket over it. I thought the smart idea would be to keep the outfit simple and "normal." No sense in going to an interview in an experimental outfit and end up looking like a buffoon, right? My interview was normal, but I'm usually good at reading interviewers and I know when I did well or not. However, the fab ladies were unreadable, so I was really scared and kept complaining to my mom for a whole week about how I hope I get it while she repeatedly reassured me, "you got it! Stop worrying," but I just brushed her off like another supposed-to-support mother. I start in September. The End.

Summer's coming to an end real soon. How does everyone feel about this?

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Secretista

Intern and The City: Beginning of The End (Summer 08)

That's right. Today marked the beginning of my last week at my internship, and I'm kind of sad. I'm really going to miss my daily routine and of course the fabulous ladies I work with. Sigh. I really can't believe how fast these past two months have gone, but I'll do the whole "end of the internship" entry in two days.

This morning as I sat like a squished pickle in between two fellow train passengers, I managed to read the whole September issue of teenVOGUE. A lot has got me in back-to-school mode, hence, my previous post. It could be because I'm moving back to school in a week, or that I'm watching Britney Spear's Hit Me Baby One More Time music video, but the September issue of teenVOGUE didn't exactly help me in fighting the sudden urge to go shopping--with money that I shouldn't be spending. Well like most magazines they have the horoscope section (duh), and I usually skip over it because I'm a nonbeliever in horoscopes, psychics, etc. Although, I do have a funny story about an incident with the psychic hotline, but that's for another entry. I decided to glance over at what teenVOGUE's horoscope had to say about me, Aquarius--this is the dawning of the age Aquarius, the age of the Aquarius... sorry, I couldn't help--and the horoscope couldn't have been more dead on that it was kind of scary. It read, "School: Write for the school paper or consider starting a campus magazine: You'll thrive in any area that deals with journalism." WHAT?!?! How did they know I would be starting a campus fashion magazine with Homie C?! FAREAKYYYY!

Have any freaky incidents like this before?

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Secretista

Intern and The City: Food For Thought

Today my editor made me realize something; I need to chill the heck out (not her exact words, but my interpretation). Determined to finish whatever I was working on, I ignored my grumbling stomach. It was approaching 1 and while everyone left their desk chairs to go eat, I didn't. Not smart on my part. However, once it turned 1, she made sure I had food in my bellay. She's so darling :).

I sometimes wonder why I submerge myself into my work and forget about the world. I do it during the school year too--neglecting my friends because I have to study or start a project... a month ahead of time? Something about mixing work and play is something I never grasped as a child. I once had a conversation with my best friend about this topic and she reminded me about an incident that happened in 5th grade. She asked, "You want to come over and watch a movie?" My response, "Uh, why? It's Friday. I have to do homework!" 9 years later, I can't help but chuckle at that incident. Nevertheless, amongst other things, I'm learning the importance of fun.

So if I didn't escape out of the office for a little bit, I would have missed the oh-so delicious cupcakes from Crumbs Bake Shop downstairs in the cafeteria. I think I found my new cupcake love affair. Sorry Billy's Bakery, their cupcakes actually stay intact. I think I devoured that cupcake in a matter of seconds. Hoping no one saw me shove it down my throat, I looked over my shoulder and unfortunately saw a co-worker... looking right at me. I hope I didn't have any icing on my face, heh.

My sudden cupcake obsession has got me scoping out all the cupcake shops in Manhattan. After I visit Crumbs Bake Shop, my next stop is sugar Sweet sunshine. I think CosmoGIRL! was on to something about cupcakes being this season’s latest accessory. Do you agree?

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Secretista

Intern and The City: Something Learnt

The lovely Noel @ MissCouturable and I met up for lunch today and shared tidbits about our lovely internships. We hit up this organic? healthy? burger place called Better Burger and then headed to Billy's Bakery! OH MY GAHH--HEAVEN. I love how the cupcakes split easily, so that you can eat the top half and the bottom half separately! However, eating the cupcakes are a little messy (or I just don't know how to eat), but who cares because they taste mighty fine! Hmm. Ya know, it was really nice to finally go out for lunch; sometime I get so caught up in the work I'm doing that I forget to eat. But that's okay because I'm learning so much!

Ultimately, that's what internships are about--learning new things and gaining experience in your field of choice. So far my brain has absorbed knowledge on:

How to write for the web.
How to operate a Mac, better. I'm Pro-computer, but the magazine industry uses Macs, so it's better I learn now than later.
How to edit and research photos.
How to kick a$ in an interview.
OH, and I now know the importance of news.

I wonder what I'll learn next?!
What's something new you've recently learned?

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Secretista

P.S. Check out my update on how to stay healthy at your workplace!

I Promise To Be A Better Intern

This is where I was tonight. This is the reason I came home at 10 PM and am completely exhausted. But, it was all worth it. The panelist gave the non sugar coated stuff about how to be a kick-ass intern. They requested none of us to blog about what happened, so I won't. All I know is that I'm conflicted. Do I want to remain a web-based intern or start committing to print? Before tonight I had my mind made up that I'm never doing web stuff again unless it has to deal with certain publications, but the panelist put it all into perspective. Everything is going viral now, so why not remain on the web? I could work in the web department of most magazines... hmm possible job epiphany? Quite possibly, but we'll have to see. All in all, come Monday I am going to be a kick-a$$ intern, they won't know what hit them!

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Secretista

P.S. I finally made a trip to Billy's Bakery and it was seriously heaven! The icing is just the right amount--it tasted like ice cream! Oh, and the moistness of the cake was absolutely perfect. I think I might make that three avenues over trip on my way home from now on... may be.