Exploring the City

I haven't had a post in a while, so I'm going to finally write something down again! Lately for my internship, I've been doing some more buying for the store. I've been going to Salvation Army in Brooklyn, and will be doing so again later this week! I love that part of my job is being able to shop and explore the city! I've also been designing some things in the store as well, so that's always fun as well!

When I'm not working or in class, I usually go out and explore the city with friend Annie! We'll usually just wander about the city, eat some awesome food, and just have fun! The other day, we were walking along the Hudson River by the piers, and saw a sign for free kayaking, so we did that. Yesterday, we did even more exploring. My favorite part of the day was when we were walking on 6th Avenue, (aka Avenue of the Americas), and we went into a trimming store. That place was AMAZING! I have to say, I love using trims and incorporating them into my garments that I design. They can totally make a garment stand out, and make it even more unique. All those trims got me thinking of how I would love to make custom wedding dresses for people some day, or even start a party planning business. ...Or design dresses for celebrities for important events (i.e.- the oscars, the grammys). Now that would be a dream come true!

As of now, I am in a fashion design program at Purdue. However, I think I am going to switch majors into management. All of my dreams incorporate owning a business, and I think this will be a smart choice. Then, after management I can hopefully move back to NY, get a job, and then go to F.I.T. to finally learn more about design and sewing. If I switch to management, I also anticipate having more time for sleep, friends, eating, and working out. Which make me happiest in life! Yes, fashion is what I looove, but at this moment in time (or at least at school), I don't think I am happy. Because with all my time spent on sewing, not only do I not have time to study for other classes (and get bad grades in them), but I don't have time to see the people I care about; I don't have time to focus on what makes me happy and be successful. And from what I hear, it gets even harder and more time consuming! : /

I think I need a break, and learn the basics of management to hopefully start my career out on the right foot. I'll have to wait a few years to learn what I really love to do. But as I switch, I anticipate on still sewing and designing new thing, and hopefully making an etsy.com store for jewelry, and hey! Maybe I can create simple dresses, and sell them there too!

I also plan on getting a job while at school as well, so I can actually pay for all those materials! :) While in New York, and before I leave, I also want to buy a ton of chains and charms to create jewelry to sell on etsy as well! This can be another source of income to start my business! I think management will be a good switch. But first, I'll need to see if it's possible! So today will be a day of work, e-mailing, and writing a paper for class.

As of now, I am working on figuring out what is best for me in terms in my career, switching majors, and just being happy in general. I'm trying to figure out how I can reach Complete. Absolute. Harmony.

Thanks for reading!

Marina Del Monte

Exploring NYC and the Fashion World

So as I'm in New York this summer completing my internship, I've made it a mission to explore all things fashion. So here's my week regarding fashion and all!

Friday - Sunday, I'm working at my internship! I'm super excited!

Monday I am meeting with someone at Dolce Vita. She is going to show me around the shop, the office, and show me the new line. I'm going to use this opportunity to ask her about fashion life, and whether or not I should stay put as a fashion design major, or switch to management. I've learned so far through my internship that I love going out and about throughout the city for my boss and her store. It's awesome being able to shop for the store, and promote it to other companies/stores. I love being able to work behind the scenes, as well as being able to work at the actual store with customer service, etc.

On the other hand, fashion design is so fulfilling. Yes, it is crazy stressful at times, with 20 hr. weeks worth of sleep, but once that design is complete it is all worth it! It is also scary though, because I'm scared all this hard work will lead to nothing (ie-will be living on the streets after college), or that my grades will suffer due to all my sewing.... But fashion design is what I've always wanted to do, and is the one occupation I can imagine myself doing for a long time. I love helping people, and being able to make someone a custom-made garment and seeing the smiles on their faces would mean the world to me! :) Everyone always says, "Follow your dreams", but it's hard when what you love interferes with schoolwork, or isn't what your parents want you to do, or isn't even a guaranteed money maker.

Anyways, on to Tuesday! I am going to visit F.I.T.! I'm hoping that if I stick with fashion design, maybe I can go to F.I.T. after Purdue so I can learn even more about fashion design. This way I can learn more about their program/campus, while I am in New York.

And Wednesday I am going to a reading to see Kelly Cutrone, the queen of fashion PR! Hopefully I can talk to her to gain some more insight, and I'm planning to write her a hand-written letter (from the heart!), and maybe she'll write back?? With her busy schedule, I'm not going to expect anything, but hope for a response!

Then Thursday, I have class again.

Friday, Work.

Saturday, not sure yet. If I have homework I will do that. Or maybe explore all the fabric stores in the garment district to gain some inspiration for the fashion show this year. And if I do stick with fashion design, I'm starting my fashion show pieces ASAP! like the day I get back to school! :) Hopefully some of my sisters will be willing to be my models, or at least someone I know at school!

Sunday, Work again!!

So this is my schedule for the next week or so. I plan on going to visit Parsons School of Design sometime while I'm here, and maybe go to Philly to visit Drexel University, and maybe visit Syracuse University and Marist College! O, and also maybe RISD in Rhode Island as well! :)

Okay, off to being productive today! = buying groceries, getting ready for class, maybe working out, and some laundry!

Marina

Why Complete. Absolute. Harmony.?

This blog is inspired by my friend Carolyn A. Hebson. On June 30, 2006 I experience a tragic loss, in which I learned that Carolyn had been in a car accident and passed away. Through the years, I've been trying to think of ways to incorporate her memory into my business some day. On February 18, 2010, I decided to go down memory lane; I strolled upon one of Carolyn's blogs. In her "About Me" section, she wrote about the acronym P.L.U.R. (Peace. Love. Unity. Respect). Upon reading this, I thought about how Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect are four aspects in life in which the human race strives to achieve; once P.L.U.R. is achieved, we reach Complete. Absolute. Harmony. Coincidentally, these are the same initials as Carolyn.

My goal is to ultimately reach Complete. Absolute. Harmony. And I hope others can use this blog to reach Complete. Absolute. Harmony. as well.

I'll be documenting my life from here on out, and hopefully something will come from it. If not for my sake, hopefully it will be for Carolyn's memory.

Thank you for coming and I hope you all enjoy!

Sincerely,
Marina Del Monte