Fashionably Late

There is one picture that was entered into the Summer Lovin' contest that I thought deserved it's own post because of the story that was sent with it. My dear friend and cousin, Kaitlin (fashion merchandising major), got to spend her summer working towards her dream in the fashion world. Kait, I'm proud of you and how hard you're working towards your goal. Love ya, girl!

From Kaitlin:

"A little background on what got me to this point would be .....

Ever since I was a little girl I've dreamed of what it would be like to be in this industry. I used to draw each item of clothing in my closet on little pieces of paper, and then tack them to this cork board in my room. I would spend hours trying to think of different combinations of my outfits...rearranging my closet...and would track what outfits I'd already worn. I wanted the best and most unique things. Not because I wanted to stand out, but because I thought clothing was more of art and expression of who you are.

Growing up my parents made me start paying for my clothes...I'm thankful now that I had to purchase all my own clothes, because it made me appreciate shopping so much more. I took time to look at items for a long peice of time, considering them more like investment pieces rather than a shirt or a necklace. I shopped at a lot of thrift stores to find these small treasures I knew no one else would have. My sophmore year of high school for my school picture, my whole outfit was probably 6 dollars, but i felt unique.

My senior year prom dress was a Laundry by Shelly Segal, long sleeved floral shift dress. It was mid thigh and stretchy lycra material. I wore my hair in a huge buffaunt side pony tail with chandelier earrings, and extreme winged eyeliner. I was obsessed with the 60's and wanted to be just like Twiggy and Bridget Bardot. (still do). I looked SO different than everyone else at prom, but i didn't care because I loved what I was wearing.

...I constantly wore things that I felt made me look like I stuck out like a sore thumb...I feel like everyone should feel comfortable in wearing what makes them feel the most themselves. The way people express themselves through clothing is actually really beautiful. I think someone's personality really shines through their clothing. I don't know how or why this is my passion but I know its something about me that will never change.

I can never describe how much that day meant to me. It was my first taste into the real fashion world. I saw how fast paced things were, and how the cordinators organized the whole show, and how the crowd responded to the show. The whole thing was extremely exciting and so fascinating to me. I took every free moment to pick the fashion directors brains of how she got to that point so that I could someday have her job :). I asked tons of models questions about their job, and what the industry means to them.

This day so far was probably one of the best days of my life. Even though i was doing brunt work like taping the heels of a shoe, or helping a model into a dress, or cleaning up trash, it was a dream come true. I know how silly this all sounds but this day meant the world to me.

This picture is a memory I will always look back on and cherish. I will never forget this day."

Kait has agreed to do a post with me where she's going to give us some fun fashion tips, so be on the lookout into getting some fun and inexpensive ideas!