Full & Floral
Posted on October 27, 2014 Leave a Comment
Get The Look
On Sarah – similar styles | Skirt – Belt – Top – Hat – Necklace – Shoes
| RELAUNCH GIVEAWAY |
To celebrate the relaunch of the blog, I am having a giveaway! One lucky winner will get my two favorite cosmetic items. These are great for everyday use and perfect to accomplish the “cat eye” look – tutorial soon to come!
How to participate :
1. “Like” The Lovely Thread on Facebook
2. “Share” this post on Facebook – tag The Lovely Thread
or Twitter @lovely_thread
Contest begins October 23rd and ends October 31. One winner will be selected at random of those who participate. Enter as many times as you wish, one share per day, per social media site.
I’m Back!
Posted on October 26, 2014 Leave a Comment
From 14 floors up, I hear honking and the sounds of vehicles navigating the streets, as I lay falling asleep at night. While walking the sidewalks, racing from here to there, peering in some of the coolest storefront windows, I find myself constantly playing a game of people dodging. I love living in a city where you truly feel you are in the center of the world, listening to all different accents and languages, wondering if that girl is European, or if that man is from South America, or if that cute guy is an international student at one of many colleges here in the city. You may have guessed by now, but I am living loud in New York City! As I mentioned in my first blog post, I am attending the Fashion Institute of Technology, studying fashion merchandising management. These past two months have been unreal. They way surpassed my expectations!!
My days have been full since mid-August, after a week of college orientation, which was really helpful in learning my way around Manhattan and our neighborhood of Chelsea, meeting friends and learning about F.I.T. My college classes mostly revolve around the fashion industry and the business of fashion, and I have the privilege of studying in parks around the city like Madison Square Park. Or I can study and go get away from the chaos of the city, by studying in our very quiet, resourceful library, right next door to my dorm. Speaking of parks, they are everywhere. Almost out my back door is the High Line – beauty on top of an old railroad track, peering into the backside of apartment buildings, providing canvases for murals by talented artists, and views looking down on the designer shops of the meatpacking district. A short subway ride away is Central Park, where entertainment is year around. I have to mention Bryant Park too, for those who watch Project Runway!
Central Park with the roomies!
The opportunities I have experienced over just the past two months have been amazing! One of the most incredible was getting to volunteer during New York Fashion Week. Yes, THE Fashion Week. Designers from all over the world come to introduce their newest fashion collections for the upcoming seasons. Speaking of newest, I was fortunate enough to get to volunteer at Serena William’s first fashion show! To add to her many successes, she had just played in, and won, the U.S. Open tennis tournament just days before. Can you imagine that pressure – trying to win one of the most competitive sports competitions, while making decisions about your first ever fashion show for your own clothing line! It was chaotic and exciting to watch the fast pace and high adrenaline that goes on behind the scenes of a runway show, followed by the calm and beautiful way the models walk out on the runway modeling some of the most fantastic pieces. I would not have had this opportunity without being a student at F.I.T.
Outside of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center!
Let me quickly tell you about some other fun experiences I have had. My friends and I waited in line for over an hour to drink free coffee from the temporary replica of Central Perk, the coffee shop so familiar in many scenes of the sitcom, “Friends” (yes, the one starring Jennifer Aniston!). It was the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the show. I was lucky enough to sit in the audience watching live filming of “America’s Got Talent” starring Heidi Klum, Howard Stern, Mel B, and Howie Mandel. It was so interesting witnessing behind the scenes looks at make-up touch ups, off camera discussions between the judges, and participating in directions given to the audience from the producer. Thanks to my roommate’s Mom for this so cool opportunity! There is a cultural event going on most weekends, in all parts of the city (or “the island” as it is commonly called by the locals). My friends and I took advantage of the fantastic food and music offered at the San Gennaro festival in Little Italy last month. Speaking of food and music, both are offered everywhere in this city, and some of the best I’ve eaten and heard. Hey, shout out to Austin, Texas!! You and New York City are tied as the musical and food capitals of the world.
A little selfie never hurts in front of Central Perk with some new friends!
Woops, I am here for college, so let me get back to F.I.T. It gets visits from staff from some of the most sought after clothing lines in the country like Michael Kors and Tory Burch. I try to never miss one of these visits! My teachers are required to have worked at least ten years in the specific industry that they teach. So yes, we have some of the best to learn from! There is a museum on the first floor of my college, opened to the public, which has ever changing, really cool displays from famous designers or from our very own talented students. Whenever you are in New York, definitely drop by to see the exhibits there. Also, I am excited to have recently gotten a position as the Treasurer with a new club being started at F.I.T. The club is called FIT Models and Stylists Association and I plan to write more about it in future blog posts.
My spectacular view!!
Oh my gosh, speaking of blog posts! I have to apologize for my absence the last couple of months, but now you know why! I will be talking to you from “Sophia’s Corner” more frequently, now that I have adjusted to life in “the city”. I will be sharing dorm room tips from my room, which BTW has an awesome city view, which includes the Empire State Building! How awesome is that?! I can’t wait to compare the preppy, traditional styles of my hometown in Virginia, with the crazy, anything goes styles of Manhattan and living amongst college students who absolutely crave everything and anything fashion. Life here is crazy, fun, interesting, stimulating, educational and non-stop! I can’t wait to share more with you!
More coming from my corner soon…leaving you with love,
Sophia
“Every year the women of New York leave the past behind and look forward to the future…this is known as fashion week. – Carrie Bradshaw Sex in the CityHow to participate:
1. “Like” The Lovely Thread on Facebook
2. “Share” this post on Facebook – tag The Lovely Thread or Twitter @lovely_thread
Contest begins October 23rd and ends October 31. One winner will be selected at random of those who participate. Enter as many times as you wish, one share per day, per social media site.
The Relaunch of The Lovely Thread
Posted on October 23, 2014 6 Comments
Over the past couple months I’ve done some soul searching. I looked into different career avenues as well as taking on more side projects. My photography has taken off over the past couple months and I came to realize, I’m right were I need to be. At times, I can be very self critical. Constantly, I challenge myself to “be comfortable with the uncomfortable”. Though this is a great mindset, there are times life gets a little overwhelming and re-grounding to the basics becomes necessary. Through yoga practices and the help of family and friends, I have finally come to a point of ending the self criticizing. I’ve found that every morning I awake with a more positive attitude and I’m able to accomplish so much more when I’m not comparing myself to others. So, what does this mean for my future? I’m going to enjoy life, enjoy my awesome job, enjoy writing this blog and most of all enjoy and accept myself for who I am.
I’m so excited to share my fall fashions with you. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be posting tutorials for everything from make-up to how to wear boots for the season. One of my favorite cold weather fashions is the wrap sweater. Any outfit that I can incorporate comfort, warmth and still be chic is a win in my book.
| The Wrap Sweater |
| RELAUNCH GIVEAWAY |
To celebrate the relaunch of the blog, I am having a giveaway! One lucky winner will get my two favorite cosmetic items. These are great for everyday use and perfect to accomplish the “cat eye” look – tutorial soon to come!
How to participate :
1. “Like” The Lovely Thread on Facebook
2. “Share” this post on Facebook – tag The Lovely Thread
or Twitter @lovely_thread
Contest begins October 23rd and ends October 31. One winner will be selected at random of those who participate. Enter as many times as you wish, one share per day, per social media site.
Maine Getaway
Posted on August 7, 2014 Leave a Comment
This month, once again, has been a busy one. Brian, my wonderful in-laws & I spent a little over a week in Maine. This was my first time to the New England area of the country. The weather was incredible and the views breathtaking. We drove through the night on a Wednesday and arrived at Old Orchard beach early Thursday morning. Here’s the scene we experienced when we arrived.
We stayed at a lovely cabin right on Great Pond, part of the Belgrade lakes in Rome Maine. While we were there we kayaked, jumped in the lake, ate great food and laughed until our sides hurt. Here’s the week in pictures.
Our home for the week
Acadia State Park – Cadillac Mountain
Bar Harbor
Brian having a great time with Memere
Fashion Post – Orange Sunrise
Of course, while I was there, I had to take advantage of the beautiful scenery! I love maxi dresses, they are the perfect choice for travel attire. Brian and I enjoy camping for vacations. However, that means amenities are limited – little or no hot water, limited power and bugs. Fortunately, this camp was the Ritz Carlton of cabins. We had every appliance needed, hot water, electricity – it was amazing. However, should you not be this lucky, maxi dresses provide coverage for unshaven legs, protection from mosquito, and ultimate comfort while looking chic.
That is how I spent my July – settling into my new home, relaxing and spending time with great company. August will be an another exciting month for us here at The Lovely Thread. Sophia is moving to NYC and will be starting classes in late August – keep an eye out for her blog posts from the big apple!
Jewelry Organization 101
Posted on June 29, 2014 Leave a Comment
Are your necklaces always tangled at the bottom of your jewelry box? Are your bracelets buried beneath a mound of necklaces, bracelets, or watches? To deal with this chaos, I have turned an open shelf into a jewelry display!
Tiered black velvet jewelry organizers create satisfaction.
I purchased these lovely jewelry stands at my local Bed Bath and Beyond store. (I absolutely love this store!!! It has everything you need to organize!) The 3 tiered stand in the middle cost me $19.99 and the 2 smaller tiered ones cost me $14.99 each. Okay, they may seem a little pricey, but in the end you are saving money. Consider the cost of a jewelry box. They can cost between $20-$100. These three stands together were about $50. Using a jewelry box, or throwing your jewelry in a bag or on top of your dresser, will most likely cause you to end up losing much more money than the cost of these stands. You will lose money because many of the jewels will end up breaking due to the tumbleweed if a mess they are in or you may never ever wear some of them again because they are impossible to untangle!
The best part about this organization technic is that it looks fabulous! Of course, I had to color coordinated my necklaces and bracelets. I also separated most of my pieces by gold and silver. In the end, my project looks like a jewelry display at a store. I love looking at it! I’m excited to pick out a statement necklace or accessory to go with my outfit in the morning. It makes getting ready at the crack of dawn less miserable!
FUN FACT: I get much of my jewelry from fashion wholesale jewelry stores in NYC. The jewelry is dirt-cheap. I can leave the store with five necklaces, six bracelets, a couple rings and a few pairs of earrings for under $50. You would never know they are not top of the line. Sometimes these stores have a minimum-purchasing price of $100. If so, move on, because chances are you will find many of the same pieces at the next store that does not have the $100 spending requirement. In Chelsea, a couple blocks from the flower district, between 5th and 6th avenues, on 27th and 28th streets, you can find plenty of these wholesale jewelry stores. So, next time you are there you must check them out!
I hope this post helps those of you suffering from a case of disorganized, tangled, jewelry mess blues! Jewelry is an important part of your outfit and not just because it is fun or pretty. Famous figure skater and film star, Sonja Henie once said, “Jewelry takes people’s minds off your wrinkles”!
