All About NYFW

Foreign Exchange floral top, H&M shorts and necklace, Madewell belt, Zara heels

There are absurd amounts of color bursts all over this ensemble, but I want to say that the clean black lines pull everything together. Though in retrospect, perhaps the black belt was a smidgen unnecessary -- the shorts stayed up just fine. Jk we all know that accessory > utility. Sometimes.

I also realize I'm a little late to the floral print party as we're ushering out the summer and welcoming the fall with open arms, but something about this top beckons me to wear it long into the season. Ah, and my modest arm candy (arm parties are really not ideal under the sweltering sun -- makes for all sorts of unsightly tan lines) consists of a gold bangle gifted by my godmother and a woven bracelet I bought from Somaly Mam made by survivors of modern day slavery.

Now, onto some serious stuff!

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NYFW

It's amazing how with hard work, a wee bit o' a luck, and a giant leap of faith, circumstances have led me from LA to NYC for the most incredible summer of my life. Interning without pay (trust me, my bank account cries every day) is a small price I pay for the insane amount of self-discovery and personal growth I've experienced. I took a huge risk by throwing myself into this crazy, bustling city, but I'm here because this is the fashion capital of the US. This is where I need to be -- where I want to be -- and I've been loving every second of it.

As loud and clear as my passion for fashion rings true, I'm not going to pretend like I have an extensive grasp on the industry, because I don't. Let's be real here -- UCLA is no Parsons, and seeing as how the majority of my friends work in finance, I'm pretty much on my own. So far, my independent research and late nights spent perusing print and online editorials have brought me to the cusp of distinguishing between fashion as a hobby and as a lifelong dedication.

But living a fashion life through glossy pages and pixelated screens only goes so far -- nothing quite equates to being physically present at a show among some of fashion's elite. It's remarkable how much of the intricate detailing of the garments and even hair and makeup is lost in the lenses. You have to see these shows in person. Moreover, being able to fully witness and absorb the art that is fashion while surrounded by the industry's influencers is a once in a lifetime experience in and of itself.

 Despite my current residence in the heart of Manhattan, NYFW remains so close yet so far. I am but a few connections and credentials shy of access to the runway shows of some of the most remarkable designers of the century. Everyone speaks of the glitz! The glamour! The sparkle and shine of NYFW! I, of course, cannot attest to this, having never been present in NYC at this time of year, but I am aware of the nitty gritty of it all. These extravagant productions are born from hours of toil and labor and stress and sweat and love and tears. And sheer brilliance.

There's so much more for me to learn. So much to take in and digest. I can hand you a copy of my resume and tell you how I accomplished this and that, which landed me such position at x company and consequently, such position at y company. I can tell you how everything in my professional life worked out systematically as a direct result of what preceded it. However, when it comes to telling you why I decided to come out The Big Apple for free, I'm unable to intellectually articulate my feelings into well-strung sentences. Intuition. Passion. Fulfillment. What more can I say?

(via Tumblr)