New York, New York

A lot can change within a few months.

Last spring, I was set on completing my graduate degree at Bangor University in Wales and making multiple side trips to London, Ireland and the surrounding UK highlights. But, as fate would have it, I chose not to go to Wales and am instead writing fashion reviews from my apartment in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Sometimes I really wish I had taken a chance, come up with the money and gone to Bangor. Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but after looking into the program I realize that an MA won't be enough to pursue my goal to teach university. And if I hadn't been freaking out over the fact that I wasn't in school and desperately in need of writing experience I wouldn't have been applying to high profile fashion publications...to cut it short, I wouldn't be where I am today, and that's something I wouldn't change for the world.

Having said that, I don't want to stay in the Valley (Shenandoah Valley; my boyfriend loves to call me a Valley girl, but a lot of people read that as being from California, myself included). At least not long term. And being in a serious relationship, I don't relish the idea of relocating abroad where I'll at best see my guy four times a year and face a 5+ hour time difference. (que tears)

So, I've set my sights on a city a little closer to home. Where the lights are brighter, the fashion industry is literally) right at my doorstep, and there is a chance to take my cat without a 6 month quarantine period.



Yes, I'm perfectly aware that life in the Big Apple is no Friends or How I Met Your Mother, and certainly it's no Gossip Girl. But I also know that New York is the biggest spot in America for the fashion industry and for writers (double score!). Of course, a lot of this decision will be made on the Creative and Professional Writing MFA at William Paterson in New Jersey (which I'll be going to check out in two weeks).

I'll be honest, the idea of relocating to a huge metropolis scares me. A lot. But I'm in my twenties, and this is the time for me to take risks in life. I've always wanted the experience of living in the city before having children, and discovering my passion for fashion (sorry, had to use it) has made me think more seriously about taking the step towards NYC Life.

New Yorkers (and any of my lovely readers) - any thoughts?? Comment below!

Cheers,
Victoria

The Fashionista Perspective

Hello friends!

First news: after an exhilarating Fashion Month, featuring fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris, my internship has been extended for another two months!!! Three of my pieces from the end of the month were just published on Deux Hommes' site, and you can find them along with the rest of my portfolio here. :)

As I'm sure you have experienced, whatever you work in - politics, teaching, business administration - it usually spills over into the rest of your life. As a fashion writer, this couldn't be more true. And although the process might start at the root of fashion it quickly begins to promote changes which don't seem related to clothing or style at all.

Take today's schedule for example: I woke up at 6:30 to go for a brisk walk with my roommate, Caroline. (Walk, because being out in sub-freezing temperatures feels like we're burning calories just standing still, and because it's a great way to connect before starting on our respective schedules.) We stopped at a Starbucks before heading back, and then I showered and changed (belted wrap cardigan over a corduroy pencil skirt with black riding boots) before heading downtown for a coffee date with a friend of my mom's. After reconnecting for two hours or so, I went back home and looked over the images from a London Fashion Week show, as well as the designer's bio, for a review due this afternoon. On this evening's schedule is wardrobe organization and putting together the beginning elements of a fashion blog (which is how my editor at DH got her start in the fashion industry; you learn from the best, right?). 

Yes, this is probably fashion overload, and that's not even bringing into account my hour-long makeover/beauty instruction. It sucks you in, whether that job is fashion or any other profession. Personally, I wouldn't have it any other way. I love my internship (think Emily Blunt in the Devil Wears Prada "I love my job, I love my job, I love my job" minus the crazy hours and emancipation diet) and I love how it motivates me to work towards a future in the industry. I love that it's motivated me to work out and play around with different styles in my wardrobe.

But honestly, the best part of being a fashion writer is the ability to compose a review to further enhance each designer's creation. With each review, I have the opportunity to get inside the mind of the designer and put words to their designs that will spark the imagination of the reader. Describing Sandy Liang's line as "Wonderland spiced with a dash of NYC grit" or relating Honor Fitzsimmon's collection of knits to the Tunit people is something I never thought I could do with creative writing, and I love it!

October Weather and Fall Adventures

Hello readers!

So, I've been a little tied up lately. My internship with Deux Hommes ended with a four-article-deadline last Wednesday which left me exhausted for the next several days. But here it is October already, and I have yet to enjoy the standard fall things like hiking, apple picking and sipping Pumpkin Spice Lattes while exploring the downtown. (Actually I have had a PSL, though not downtown, and discovered that a chai latte with shot of pumpkin is even spicier and therefore, better.)

I love October. I love the colors, the chilly temperatures and the way everything looks before day light savings time ruins all our lives (seriously, someone should have figured this out already). I love how I have this whole beautiful month to reconcile with turning another year older because it's impossible for anyone not to feel like a child again when one of those breezes tosses the fallen leaves into a Disney-worthy whirlwind. Or not to feel awe-inspired when driving through the mountains and catch a glimpse of color-touched hills in the distance.



For me, the best thing about October is wanderlust. I experience chronic wanderlust all the time, but it's heightened in the fall. Maybe it's the unquestionable beauty of autumn that makes me want to just pack my bags and head off on an adventure. I'm not sure, but October makes me want to turn on a U2 soundtrack, featuring their song October, and drive across the country.

Which I'm planning on doing. Not right this minute, but I've always wanted to do a road trip from the East Coast to the Pacific, and now that I've roped a few friends into doing this with me I've started planning out a rough map based on different sites I want to see with my own eyes:

Chicago, IL



 To meet up with my bestie :) and to experience some fun night life

Omaha, NE



My boyfriend and I have joked so much about going that we can't not go at this point.

Yellow Stone National Park, MT



It's not all geysers apparently...

Glacier National Park, MT

 

Because how can you not?

Pacific Coast Highway, OR



The most beautiful first glimpse of the Pacific.

San Francisco, CA



To satisfy my longtime fascination and terror of Hitchcock's Vertigo. Giant sequoias are also mandatory.

Joshua Tree National Park, CA



Because U2 WAS HERE!!! And turn up the volume to blast The Joshua Tree while looking at this gorgeous landscape.

Any place I missed? Comment below!