Something to BLOG about: October I

Last month was so hectic with trying to get everything ready for school, I was unable to put up as many posts as I would have liked. Because of this, I am doing two entries of "Something to BLOG about" in October. The first entry spotlights fashionable ladies all across the country, from Los Angeles to Florida.

1. From the block- Jenny lives in Los Angeles and has that hip and carefree California style that I really like. Her posts are filled with numerous pictures of her outfits and life, and her entries are enjoyable and interesting to read. This blog is refreshing and a must follow!

2. Stripes and Sequins- Grace is the Director of Social Media for BaubleBar, a fabulous online shopping site for amazing jewelery and accessories. Her personal blog is fashionably well-rounded; containing posts about her very own D.I.Y's to her favorite key wardrobe pieces. I personally love the variety of her posts, because you never know what she is going to write about next! This creates some excitement every time I visit her website.

3. This last one is a budget-friendly blog I have discovered recently. Jennifer of The Looks for Less is a lady who has a serious passion for fashion. Like many of us however, she can't always afford the real thing. Her site is like my "In My Dreams, In My Closet" segment, but times 10! Any designer piece that you are lusting after either worn by a celebrity or right off the runway seems to exist in a parallel universe that is much more budget friendly, and Jennifer has found it. She even has a tab called "Manicure Mondays", which just adds to the many reasons why you should check out her website!

I also officially start classes today and can't wait to tell you all about them!

-M<3

First weekend in LA

So much has happened since arriving to LA on Wednesday. I've officially moved in to my new apartment and registered for my classes. I love the place, my schedule, and just everything about this city! So in a nutshell, here's what I've been up to lately:

View from our apartment

Me and Christian Siriano! I ended up winning one of the $50 gift cards they were raffling off at the event.

Bought this at the Christian Siriano event.

I love going here! So much to do.

I also met Steve Madden at The Grove in Nordstrom. Everyone received a free tshirt and tote bag, which he signed. Mine reads, "Be where your feet are." They also gave away a bunch of free shoes, but unfortunately I wasn't as lucky this time around.

Tomorrow is orientation all day, then a job fair Tuesday, and classes start Wednesday! Can't wait to meet more people and start learning about all kinds of things.

-M<3

A Rose By Any Other Name

I know it has been a while since I last did an outfit post, but hopefully now that the move is over with I can start doing them more regularly.

Top, skirt, belt, and blazer: All XXI. Shoes: Nine West.

I haven't worn this skirt in almost two years, and I'm not really sure why. I'm glad I've brought it out from my closet and wear it more often!

-M<3

In My Dreams, In My Closet

During this past week I have been spotting a lot of buzz about a particular Alexander Wang bag. From Tumblr to the streets, I have seen it rise in popularity recently, even though it debuted almost two years ago.

He is commonly known for his classic black bags with multiple rows of studs lined on the bottom, and this one is no different.

In my dreams:

Retail price: $899

His Coco Duffle bag has been spotted on the arms of Hollywood's starlets, such as Kristin Cavallari, Ashley Tisdale, and Mary-Kate Olsen. Now, you can own your very own look alike bag!

In my closet:



Retail price: $32



I stumbled upon this bag on Polyvore, and is available for purchase on YESSTYLE.

-M<3

All about FIDM

As indicated in my last post, I went up to LA on Thursday and Friday to get a preview of what I will be experiencing this week when I officially move in. I found out a lot of helpful information about the area, the school, and the apartments.

Hopefully the information below will answer a lot of FIDM students that will be attending the school in the future!

The school:

The school is located in downtown LA. When you first arrive, you'll see an atrium with multiple elevators and a front desk. Also at this level is the FIDM library and cafe. Once you check in at the desk, you can then take the elevators up into the school. There are multiple levels; one floor for registration, counselor, and other business offices. Another is for a variety of classes, the library, and a lounge area. The basement houses the museum and all of the exhibits. Right next door is the FIDM scholarship store(which I can't wait to check out more of!), and nearby is the Annex, the Met, and 15 minutes away is the Loft. I wasn't able to explore those other areas, but the Annex is what has the modern computer/study area seen below.

The school also has a nice park that students can relax at in between classes.

 Nearby is a Coffee and Tea cafe, a Panini restaurant, Ralph's, Quiznos, and more.

Park La Brea:

If you'll be living at these apartments, here is what I found out. There are 18 different towers(above) on the complex, along with two cafes, a workout gym, a pool and hot tub, a salon, dry cleaners, and more. All and any towers house FIDM students, and on any floor. Each tower has their own laundry facility in the basement. The washers and dryers each cost under $2, and the washers lock so no clothes can be taken out, but the dryers do not. Right now, they are trying to install Wifi in each of the towers, so students won't have to purchase their own device. You can also hang things up on the walls with small tacks only, no tape! Visitors are not allowed past midnight, and need to be called into the office each day they visit.

Views from the model apartment I was shown. Yes, that is the Hollywood sign in the second picture!

Across the street is The Grove. If you've never been here, it is basically an outdoor entertainment center that has shops, dining, its own theatre, and performances. Right down the street is a Ross, Little Caeser's, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Pinkberry, Nordstrom, and so much more!

Transportation:

Many students on the FIDM FB page had a lot of questions about transportation and how to get around the city. If you aren't bringing a car, the Metro will be your best friend. This is LA's public bus system and only costs $1.50 to ride each time. Directions to and from FIDM via Park La Brea are as follows:

Park La Brea to FIDM:

1. Go to the SOUTHWEST corner of 3rd Street and Hauser Blvd
2. Board MTA Bus Line 16 Eastbound, with the head sign reading DOWNTOWN LA - 6TH- LOS ANGELES. The one way bus fare is $1.50. Exact change is required.
3. The closest bus stop to FIDM is on 6th Street, between Hope St and Grand Ave. Once there, you can walk to either Hope St or Grand Ave and head SOUTH. FIDM is on 9th Street, between Hope St and Grand Ave.

FIDM to Park La Brea: Go to the NORTHEAST corner of 5th Street and Flower Street (You may choose to have the FIDM shuttle drop you off there or you can walk there) Board MTA Bus Line 16 Westbound, with the head sign reading CEDARS-SINAI. The one way bus fare is $1.50. Exact change is required. The closest bus stop to Park La Brea is on 3rd Street and Martel Avenue (NORTHEAST corner). It is about a 30-45 bus ride to and from the school, and makes multiple stops a long the way. Students can get a monthly pass for only $36, which will allow unlimited rides during that time period. I am still somewhat confused about the FIDM shuttle. Here is what the website says about it: For the convenience and safety of our students, FIDM provides free shuttle service, day and evening. The shuttle runs continuously Monday through Friday. From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.(Mon.-Fri.), the shuttle makes stops at The Loft, the Jewelry Design Studio, and the Main Campus. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Mon.-Thurs.), the stops include the Annex, the Metro Train Station at 7th & Figueroa, the Medici Apartments at 6th & Bixel, outlying parking lots, and the Main Campus. It does not mention Park La Brea, but the girl who gave us a tour of the school did mention it took an 8 mile trip and dropped off students at all of the areas. This will be something that we will need to talk to our RA's about on Thursday! Also, the shuttle picks students up every 15 minutes at the angel statue right out front by the atrium(below).

 I hope this has answered some, or all, of your questions about FIDM! If you have any more, please feel free to comment and I will try to help, or you can find out the rest later this week. Can't wait to meet all of you!

-M<3

The time has come!

Hello everyone! I know it's been a while since my last post, but life has gotten pretty hectic lately. My application process to FIDM is officially complete and I am preparing to move to LA in just over a week! Before that however, I will be going up there this week to check out the school, the apartment complex I will be staying at, and the surrounding area just to get a feel for things before the actual move-in next week. In the meantime, if you are a current FIDM student or are planning to attend any of the campuses, here are a few things that I have stumbled upon recently that have really helped answer a lot of my questions(and raised some more!):

If you have a Facebook, check out the two groups FIDM and FIDM Dolls. You can talk to current and future students and get to know them before starting school. You can also find people who are living in the same housing complex as you if you are going through school housing, or for possible roommates. Everyone that is apart of these groups is super nice and are probably in a very similar situation as you!

The next is a Youtube Vlog from the user allthingsbeautifulll. She had the brilliant idea(though probably isn't the first) to document the key parts of her process of attending FIDM(before and after acceptance). I learned a few things from her, maybe you can too! Don't forget to look for other Vlog's from students that are the same major so that they can be even more useful to you. If you can't make it out to the campus/area that you are planning to move to before hand, I found a couple videos of the apartments I will be living at just to get a sneek peak.

I hope to be posting more regularly once I get situated in California, and incorporate more posts about FIDM to try to help future students out.

-M<3

In My Dreams, In My Closet

I have decided to start a new series of posts called "In My Dreams, In My Closet". This series is just like those that you see in many magazines and on various blogs. It compares an item by a famous designer that most of us would love to own(in our dreams!), but simply can't afford it, and showcases a similar, and much cheaper option that people can actually afford(and put it in our closets!). For today's post, I am comparing the famous Mui Mui sparkly boots.

These blingin' booties retail for $890.00 at Nordstrom.

These from Lulu's are only $45! I love the designer pair, but these are much more practical, and just as sparkly, for a much more reasonable price.

-M<3

Thrift Store Finds-August 27, 2011

Once a month, I like to go out and test my luck at the few thrift stores we have in town. This past Saturday happened to be 50% off everything at Goodwill, and since we have two locations, I was able to find a couple great pieces to add to my wardrobe.

Simple, black, sheer blouse with ruffles in the front.

A Lauren Ralph Lauren blazer. It's a bit boyish-looking on me, but for only $4, I couldn't pass this up!

This long sleeve blouse is a great transitional piece, and the polka dots are very Stella McCartney Fall 2011-eqsue!

Thick shorts with mini hounds tooth print. Can't wait to wear them with tights!

This dress doesn't have much hanger appeal, but it looks SO cute on! I was surprised at how it really flatters my small frame.

Front close-up of teal Forever 21 dress.

Patent black heels from Nine West.

I was able to purchase all of these items (with the help of the 50% off promotion) for under $30!

What have been some of your best thrift store finds?

-M<3

Something to BLOG about: August

It is that time to share some of my new favorite fashion bloggers with you! I have discovered these over the past month, and have been reading up on each weekly. I will be adding the links to the left-hand side under "What I'm looking at lately" shortly.

• First is Keiko Lynn. She's quirky, she's stylish, she's down to earth...and she's gorgeous! Keiko mixes up her weekly blogging with outfit posts, makeup tutorials, and of course, giveaways. There is always something interesting up on her site, so go check her out!
• For those who enjoy a little alternative style of blogging, Audrey Kitching's blog is right up your alley. This LA resident doesn't just stick to the wilder side of fashion. With posts about makeup, celebrities, music, and her own budding career, there is something for everyone to read.
• Amanda Del Duca of Capture Fashion is one of the few people on Lookbook to constantly post amazing outfit after amazing outfit. Her personal blog is equally impressive. Her outfit posts are extra-special, and each looks like a professional shoot out of a catalog which I really admire.You can tell Capture Fashion is created with hardwork, dedication, and love. With the hopes of someday working at Vogue, there is certainly no stopping Amanda!
• You might have seen this next blogger in magazines such as Teen Vogue and Seventeen. LA based Shea Marie of Cheyenne meets Chanel is a strong force in the online blogging world. Coming from a small town and now living in the big city, Shea still remains true to her roots all the while adapting to the fast-paced, designer-wearing life she has now.

-M<3

Feening for Fall: Accessories

Now that you've seen(and possibly purchased) a few of my winter wish list items, it's time to conclude this shopping spree and tie our outfits together with some great accessories!

-M<3