So the Sexy Summer Soiree at the Identity Bar & lounge was a huge success! All the comedians were hilarious! And the musicians were really talented as well! All the musicians, authors, and comedians were wearing AuH2O Designs, and some of them even wore some clothing that I designed!
So before I leave this city, I'm going to write down all the cool stores that I've visited, along with what's good about them, and what I intend to do with those stores as I head back home.
My main goal is to start buying merchandise so I can create jewelry/clothing/accessories to create a web page where people can buy the merchandise!
So here we go:
1. Metalliferous - This store has TONS of charms, chains, earrings, etc.! I'll use this store to buy some cool charms/chains (kind of like what my boss does), and sell it online. What I want to do is first buy some of these charms/chains, and ask people to rank what they like best, and why they do. (This will probably be an online quiz, or I may even make a small pamphlet).
So what do I need to learn/get better at? Taking professional-looking photographs, and find a site where I can create the online quiz. (I may just create a photo on facebook where I compile all of the items together, and then tag a bunch of people).
2. NY Beads - This store also had a lot of charms, lockets, chains, etc. So I would do something similar as with metalliferous with selling items online, as well as the online quiz where people rank their items from most favorite to least favorite. (I may have to do this while I am in New York, because they don't sell items online) - Or, I will have to check out Vons at Purdue to see if they have cameos, etc.
3. In terms of selling my items, I'm thinking of either using Etsy, Sense of Fashion.com, or some other site. I still need to do some more research so I can get the best usage out of it! Sense of Fashion is good, because it helps with free promotion, which is always good! I'm also thinking of using Burdastyle.com for some promotion as well.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Happiness, Health, and Fitness
So I'm pretty sure I have decided on retail management as my new major! :) My good friend Becky raised my confidence in it! She is currently working for the government this summer on an internship. She, like me, is interested in helping others and living that sort of lifestyle. I was talking to her about all my dreams in life. My first dream has always been working in the fashion industry, or opening up a store being able to design custom clothing for people. Since college, I have gained an increasing interest in the health care industry, and especially in helping others. In high school, I didn't live a healthy lifestyle; as I matured and became a college student, I realized the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and how it can truly affect one's health (obviously), and happiness in a positive manner.
I have always known I've wanted to open up a business of some sort, or maybe even several within my lifetime. But I would love to incorporate being able to help people live a healthy lifestyle, whether it be eating a healthy diet, exercising, and even community service. Hopefully someday I will be able to incorporate fashion into this idea as well. Wouldn't it be amazing if I could mix everything that I love into one organization?? Maybe even a non-profit organization to raise funds for children or third-world countries?? Who knows what it may be, but this is why I'm hoping retail management will be useful in gaining experience in several different fields; not only fashion.
Wouldn't that be great, huh?? A company that promotes all that I love and makes me happy... It would be Complete. Absolute. Harmony.
Gosh, I love that phrase! Although, now that I think about it, I do love the phrase: Seek Complete. Absolute. Harmony. I think Ernesto helped come up with that idea. But now that I think about, it totally works out not only in the store name/company sense, but in relating to my friend Carolyn.
Love you guys!!
Marina Del Monte
I have always known I've wanted to open up a business of some sort, or maybe even several within my lifetime. But I would love to incorporate being able to help people live a healthy lifestyle, whether it be eating a healthy diet, exercising, and even community service. Hopefully someday I will be able to incorporate fashion into this idea as well. Wouldn't it be amazing if I could mix everything that I love into one organization?? Maybe even a non-profit organization to raise funds for children or third-world countries?? Who knows what it may be, but this is why I'm hoping retail management will be useful in gaining experience in several different fields; not only fashion.
Wouldn't that be great, huh?? A company that promotes all that I love and makes me happy... It would be Complete. Absolute. Harmony.
Gosh, I love that phrase! Although, now that I think about it, I do love the phrase: Seek Complete. Absolute. Harmony. I think Ernesto helped come up with that idea. But now that I think about, it totally works out not only in the store name/company sense, but in relating to my friend Carolyn.
Love you guys!!
Marina Del Monte
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
More Fun in the City!
So work has been eventful and fun again! I made a flyer for an event we are helping host at a bar on July 24! I am familiar with Adobe Illustrator, and haven't used it for a couple years or so, since freshman year. My boss wanted me to use Adobe Photoshop, so I was nervous about my abilities to make it look nice, but it turned out really well, and am happy with the final result!
I also sold a second item of mine that I designed! Yay, so I'll get $12 again!
The other day I talked to a guy in charge of an event, called the Green City Challenge. It's an event where people sign up to race all around New York, and complete certain tasks. The store is planning on participating in it, so I talked to the guy in charge of the event and told my boss all about the event! We're going to talk about it on Friday at work to discuss what type of things we want people doing at the store for the event! It'll be fun, and I'm hoping I'll get an e-mail soon from a lady in charge of helping all the stores on 7th street for a Fashion Week event!
In other news, I saw a friend from high school that I haven't seen in a while. She goes to Columbia University, so after we met up I decided to visit the campus; it was GORGEOUS! So now I really want to go there for graduate school. I think I have a shot if I keep up all my grades from now until graduation!
And I think I am coming close to a decision in switching my major to retail management! I'm still not 100% sure, so I think I am going to talk to the career center at school right when I get back!! :)
I also made an AMAZING dinner last night for Annie and I. It was sooo good!! Probably the most appetizing meal I've had in a loong time!
Marina
I also sold a second item of mine that I designed! Yay, so I'll get $12 again!
The other day I talked to a guy in charge of an event, called the Green City Challenge. It's an event where people sign up to race all around New York, and complete certain tasks. The store is planning on participating in it, so I talked to the guy in charge of the event and told my boss all about the event! We're going to talk about it on Friday at work to discuss what type of things we want people doing at the store for the event! It'll be fun, and I'm hoping I'll get an e-mail soon from a lady in charge of helping all the stores on 7th street for a Fashion Week event!
In other news, I saw a friend from high school that I haven't seen in a while. She goes to Columbia University, so after we met up I decided to visit the campus; it was GORGEOUS! So now I really want to go there for graduate school. I think I have a shot if I keep up all my grades from now until graduation!
And I think I am coming close to a decision in switching my major to retail management! I'm still not 100% sure, so I think I am going to talk to the career center at school right when I get back!! :)
I also made an AMAZING dinner last night for Annie and I. It was sooo good!! Probably the most appetizing meal I've had in a loong time!
Marina
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
More Fun at Work
So I haven't written in a while, but here is what I have been doing at my internship lately. I haven't gone out to do any buying in a while. My last time I went to Salvation Army in Brooklyn. But lately I have been doing research to help the store! So lately, I've searched different green blogs, DIY crafting blogs, and DIY sewing blogs. It's been fun to look at all the different blogs, because not only will it help the store and give my boss ideas, but it gives me ideas as well!
My boss also wanted me to apply for a free bike rack to be placed right outside the store, so it promotes being green and using bicycles to get around rather than say a bus.
I also researched some "green" seminars and workshops going on throughout the city for my boss and I to go to. So far, there's one that she definitely wants to go to; it's to learn how to plant trees, and you would be given a tree kit, and would be able to plant a free tree right outside your store. I really want to go to that workshop, but I have class! :( But, there is another workshop that my boss and I will be going to! It's more like a meeting and seminar where CEO's and entrepreneurs of green businesses will be talking and giving ideas for other entrepreneurs! I am really excited to go to this one because I'm a big supporter of being green, and I hope to some day open up a business of my own!
At work I've also been sewing of course! I'm in the process of making a cute summer dress made from a mens buttondown shirt, the top of a dress, and the sleeves of a shirt. I'm almost done. I'm super excited to finish it!
For work, I am also supposed to get an e-mail from a lady to help set up and figure out plans for fashion week for the store, along with other stores on the street. I'm excited to hear back from the lady!
As for the city, I've been exploring with my friend Annie again. We went to Coney Island the other day; it was amazing! I love it! It is such a relaxing place, which is a nice change from city life where people are always moving, and always in a rush. I actually went there again the other day. It was soo nice!
Tonight I am going to watch "The Hangover" at Pier 54 for free! This will all be after Annie and I go to Chipotle of course! Despite it being a chain, we have had the biggest craving for it!
And as for school, I'm still a little confused as to what I should major in. I'm currently in Apparel Design & Technology right now. I love, love, love it! But because I love it so much, my grades in my non-fashion design courses are suffering a lot! So, if I do end up switching majors, I plan of graduating from Purdue, finding a job (hopefully in New York), and taking classes at F.I.T. to get a degree in fashion design there. So far, I have been thinking of a lot of random and different majors. Ranging from retail management to teaching, dietetics, statistics, actuarial science, environmental science, or just something in the health field. As I said, I'm a little confused, but I'm hoping to talk to the career services place at Purdue to figure out my life, and hopefully not be an undergrad for 6+ years. I know I do eventually want to go to graduate school as well, and I don't want to work 24/7. I do want to have a life, and have time for my family. I know I'm thinking way ahead, but I don't want to be one of those people who a) hate their job, b) never sees or supports their children/family, or c) be broke the rest of my life. I'm a hard worker, and I know once I find something else that I love and can see myself doing for a long time, that I will succeed. I definitely see fashion design as one of those things, but my dream will have to wait for now. (At least 2 or 3 years). Because after all, I do have to do well in school! :)
Okay, I will be back later, and write what I've been up to with my job, and just exploring New York City!
Marina Del Monte
-Complete. Absolute. Harmony.
My boss also wanted me to apply for a free bike rack to be placed right outside the store, so it promotes being green and using bicycles to get around rather than say a bus.
I also researched some "green" seminars and workshops going on throughout the city for my boss and I to go to. So far, there's one that she definitely wants to go to; it's to learn how to plant trees, and you would be given a tree kit, and would be able to plant a free tree right outside your store. I really want to go to that workshop, but I have class! :( But, there is another workshop that my boss and I will be going to! It's more like a meeting and seminar where CEO's and entrepreneurs of green businesses will be talking and giving ideas for other entrepreneurs! I am really excited to go to this one because I'm a big supporter of being green, and I hope to some day open up a business of my own!
At work I've also been sewing of course! I'm in the process of making a cute summer dress made from a mens buttondown shirt, the top of a dress, and the sleeves of a shirt. I'm almost done. I'm super excited to finish it!
For work, I am also supposed to get an e-mail from a lady to help set up and figure out plans for fashion week for the store, along with other stores on the street. I'm excited to hear back from the lady!
As for the city, I've been exploring with my friend Annie again. We went to Coney Island the other day; it was amazing! I love it! It is such a relaxing place, which is a nice change from city life where people are always moving, and always in a rush. I actually went there again the other day. It was soo nice!
Tonight I am going to watch "The Hangover" at Pier 54 for free! This will all be after Annie and I go to Chipotle of course! Despite it being a chain, we have had the biggest craving for it!
And as for school, I'm still a little confused as to what I should major in. I'm currently in Apparel Design & Technology right now. I love, love, love it! But because I love it so much, my grades in my non-fashion design courses are suffering a lot! So, if I do end up switching majors, I plan of graduating from Purdue, finding a job (hopefully in New York), and taking classes at F.I.T. to get a degree in fashion design there. So far, I have been thinking of a lot of random and different majors. Ranging from retail management to teaching, dietetics, statistics, actuarial science, environmental science, or just something in the health field. As I said, I'm a little confused, but I'm hoping to talk to the career services place at Purdue to figure out my life, and hopefully not be an undergrad for 6+ years. I know I do eventually want to go to graduate school as well, and I don't want to work 24/7. I do want to have a life, and have time for my family. I know I'm thinking way ahead, but I don't want to be one of those people who a) hate their job, b) never sees or supports their children/family, or c) be broke the rest of my life. I'm a hard worker, and I know once I find something else that I love and can see myself doing for a long time, that I will succeed. I definitely see fashion design as one of those things, but my dream will have to wait for now. (At least 2 or 3 years). Because after all, I do have to do well in school! :)
Okay, I will be back later, and write what I've been up to with my job, and just exploring New York City!
Marina Del Monte
-Complete. Absolute. Harmony.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
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
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
Thursday, June 10, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
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
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
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