someone like you

This sums up how I was feeling yesterday. Todays another day so is tomorrow and I am more than ready for it. I can't wait for Adele's new album.. just another day. 

xx

AW '11

Its that time of year. New York Fashion week was last week. Which had amazing coverage. It made me miss New York even more. But, this past Friday was the start of London Fashion Week A/W 2011. Can I just say, amazing?! I was able to see Christopher Beales (head cutter of Alexander McQueen...love) and his exhibition of his A/W '11 collection. I also found time to see the Belle Savauge show. I wanted to share a link with you- Burberry A/W 2011. THey played this fashion show on a huge screen in Picadilly Circus today for everyone to see. It is quite beautiful. Its sums up every reason why I love fashion. Amazing work! 

Click for Autumn/Winter 2011 Trends

Click for a little about Burberry's Christopher Bailey

Click for Burberry A/W 2011 

Music credit for Burberry Show:

"You Don't Own Me" Performed by Dusty Springfield

"It's A Hard Life" Performed by Roger Daltrey

"Someone Like You" Performed by Adele

light

Exciting news! Definitely something I needed to add to ALL THINGS PRETTY. As many of you know, I am interning here in London. Bright Light has taught me how to work in publicity in another country- London. Many feel that the internship can be lame, and back tracking compared to our experiences we've many of us have had in New York. I agree, don't get me wrong, some days I would like to stop boxing up samples and actually work with editors and stylists just like my time at Benetton. However, for me, I have learned a lot... a little... but a lot. Patience and hard work pays off eventually. Like any experiences of hard work and facing uncomfortable challenges... theres nothing more rewarding than seeing YOUR work on a publication. Whether its you're selected samples you sent to GLAMOUR or LOOK, or Magazine clippings posted on a company's website, or YOUR PRESS RELEASES on the company's BLOG!

Check out a few of my press releases on our blog at my internship. 

Click here for BRIGHT LIGHT's Blog

thinking

Good song. Transylvania anyone?

speak

"Real life is a funny thing, you know. In real life, saying the right thing at the right moment is beyond crucial. So crucial, in fact, that most of us start to hesitate, for dear of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. But lately what I've begun to dear more than that is letting the moment pass without saying anything."

- Taylor Swift

Berlin

This past weekend was spent in Germany with one of my good friends Nick. It was quite the experience trying to get to Heathrow airport... but I would rather not dwell. Longest story super short- not one person at the airport knew what they were talking about, we missed our flight and I lost my cell-phone. Our trip could only get better! Of course... it did. 

We stayed at St. Christopher's hostel and it was better than any 2-star international hotel; bar, restaurant, own living room, kitchen, bathroom... not your average hostel. Traveling around on the U-bahn was simple, which is a nice relief. We met up with Nick's family friend Robert who showed us a great time. He showed us great night life, amazing vintage shops and parts of the city tourist never see. Each part of everyday was like living in another persons shoes which was nice. Now more than ever am I determined to learn some new languages and German is on the top of that list. I was able to figure out a lot of how words are used and pronounced. Which was very satisfying. I missed walking around trying to pronoune new words and speaking with fluent locals. We also visited all the historical sights and ate at such amazing restaurants. Overall, I enjoyed each part of our trip, and could not let go of my camera. My favorite photos are of the Berlin Wall East Side Gallery(which you can probably tell from the collection of pictures I posted and on my facebook page). Its amazing how miles of a wall that divided so many people, painted with each artists interpretations of life, was breathtaking. Each piece had its own story. It was even more  interesting to see what other visitors have left on the walls as well. Berlin, is a beautiful, enchanting city. Quiet, romantic, and fun. The Berliners and others that lived there were all so polite, nice, and friendly. As an added bonus to the cheap... lots of sun.

change.

Germany is one of the many places I've wanted to see. Mainly because of their history. If you can't remember from history (social studies) in middle or high school, go ahead an use a internet search engine or encyclopedia. I am one to dislike change. If you've read previous blog posts of mine, I talk about it a lot: how it hurts, how its confusing and how it determines so much for you. But, we live it everyday and its always for the better. There is almost always, something or a bunch of things that will tear you down. Setting you back and back to square one. You're thinking, "this is not fair," or "I'm happy the way things were." However, if you haven't noticed, there is also so much good that comes along, more to out number it whether you notice those little things or not. Embrace change, evening if you're still learning how to. Like me, if I could have it my way all the time, a lot of things I would not change. But then I think about how far I've come, to the person that I am today and the people and places that are in my life, I am more appreciative of change. Like the city of Berlin, the locals are the way they are simply because they embrace change. Fallen, but together as a country.. what a pleasant city to live in. Thank you Germany for reminding me even more that change is inevitable and that its not always bad. We can only accept the things that come our way, and then its on to the next one. 

From London to Berlin.

I love Germany.

living

simon

This past week I found out a life was lost. This may not come of as "pleasant" or "pretty" but I wanted to tell you about him. He was caring, loving, protective, grateful, smart, strong, and happy. His life was saved by six amazing people. They took him in when he needed it the most and ever since then, he couldn't have been happier. I was told he had cancer for about two months now, I wish there was something I could do, even if its too late. So instead I wrote this little bit for him. He deserves the world like anyone... I am so glad he had a second chance and a great life. He always had and always will have a place in my heart.

Rest Peacfully

Simon

Do or don't

Two weekends ago we ventured out to at Portobello Road located in Notting Hill. Portobello Road has a variety of antique and vintage shops also little restaurants and a cute neighborhood. It was amazing. I say that a lot but it really is! Compared to Camden Market, which I felt was similar to Canal St. in New York, Portobello Road was like Greenwich Village or Soho, with a hampton village twist. This was also the location for Notting Hill, a film that came out in 1999. We had lunch at a really good pizza shop then headed home. Today we spent the whole day visiting Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath. Breathtaking. Surreal. Epic. Wild. Definitely won't forget any minute of my first experience outside of Central London. I kept (or keep) saying was "Wow, we've actually made it. We are living the dream." Which is very true, however its not over yet. But (theres always a but)  even though I got to see such beautiful places, everyday I think about home, it makes me sad because I wish everyone can see these places. Some people may live their entire lives and never see such historical, amazing, stunning places. It makes me sad. I also kept saying, "I wish my parents could see this, I hope they come." I meant that, and I mean it still... for everyone. Being here without my family makes me miss them even more, and just home in general (but not home sick, yet) because like me, most of us spend our whole lives in one place, living life and re-living it. You make memories with all the same people because you love them and thats what we do. So doing it alone and with a few friends you're just getting to know gets rough. Regardless, money or time... nothing should hold any person back. Not one person, not one job, pet, boyfriend, girlfriend, nothing should hold anyone back from traveling or just living their dream. Travelling for one, maybe its not for everyone, but seriously?? Who doesn't want to see the Eiffel Tower or The London Eye? Often times I think about some of my friends or old friends... will they ever get to come and see the world? Do they want to? Do or don't, I wish them the opportunity.  Life changing... we have to live with it.

Windsor Castle 

Stonehenge

Roman Bath, Bath, UK

baxter

"Life is going to give you just what you put into it. Put your whole heart in everything you do."

-Vivian Baxter

Reality

Tube Station to get to BLPR.

This week is a bit of a 'wake-up call' for me. Monday, was the first day of school; the first day back since after Thanksgiving plus, it was the first day at the Uni. of Westminster. No complaints really, just that I was sick, exhausted from getting no sleep, and that I am still angry that LIM placed us in housing that is an hour and a half away from campus! Haha, yeah it was a pretty interesting first day. Tuesday, yesterday, was my first day at my internship. I am interning at Bright Light Public Relations. The company is really cool, and specialize in PR for celebrities, skin care and of course... fashion! It was a great start; 10 am hands on tasks already for me to do until about 11:30am when the building supervisor warned us that the power would be off for a few ours. We had no electricity for four hours that we got to leave early. So, it was a quiet day and pretty boring actually. Everyone who works that is super nice and I am really excited to be working with them at the new offices in two weeks! The location of my internship is southwest of central London. It is still a pretty amazing city though- quiet, cute, characteristic and quaint. Today, Wednesday, I was running a bit late to my internship only because I was posting the last blog post (oops!) but it was not a problem. We had electricity and so many things to do. I can't say I have the most exciting and "cool" internship just yet, but I know that the experiences and education I will learn while being here will definitely pay off. I am already seeing the differences and similarities of an international company. I am even beginning to sound like I have an English accent of something. It catches on when you're the only one without an accent, you begin to feel like the outcast! All in all, its been a good few days (minus the fact that I have been sick). My friends that are here with me got to sight see and do fun things today which made me a bit jealous, thats alright though, they'll just have to come with me to see the same places again. =]

maps

There are many places to see here in London. I haven't done them all yet, but I already want to venture out. Yes, I can't wait to travel to various countries but want I am really intrigued to seeing are places that you see in the movies such as Harry Potter, The Secret Garden and even The Holiday.

1. Allerton Park-

      The Secret Garden was filmed here.

http://www.imdb.com/search/title?locations=Allerton%20Park,%20Knaresborough,%20North%20Yorkshire,%20England,%20UK

2. Fountains Abbey-

The Secret Garden was Filmed here 

along with out various films and TV series.

http://www.imdb.com/search/title?locations=Fountains%20Abbey,%20Studley%20Royal,%20Ripon,%20North%20Yorkshire,%20England,%20UK

3.  Harrow School-

The Secret Garden, Harry Potter, and 

other films and TV films were filmed here.

http://www.imdb.com/search/title?locations=Harrow%20School,%20Harrow,%20Middlesex,%20England,%20UK

4.  Shere, Surrey, England

The Holiday, The Wedding Date, Bridget 

Jones' Diary and other films were filmed here.

http://www.imdb.com/search/title?locations=Shere,%20Surrey,%20England,%20UK

5. Grosvenor Chapel, South Audley

Love Actually was filmed here.

http://www.imdb.com/search/title?locations=Grosvenor%20Chapel,%20South%20Audley%20Street,%20Mayfair,%20London,%20England,%20UK

My only issue with visiting all these places is traveling alone. I'm not sure anyone else would be interested in seeing these places, so I'll have to ask around. 

There are more places I'd love to see in general and from films. One place that is on my mind everytime I'm walking around London?

Liverpool.

queen

lullabies

If I ever leave this world alive I`ll thank ya for the things you did in my life If I ever leave this world alive I`ll come back down and sit beside your feet tonight Where ever I am you`ll always be More than just a memory If I ever leave this world alive If I ever leave this world alive I`ll take on all the sadness That I left behind If I ever leave this world alive The madness that you feel will soon subside So in a word don`t shed a tear I`ll be here when it all gets weird If I ever leave this world alive So when in doubt just call my name Just before you go insane If I ever leave this world Hey I may never leave this world But if I ever leave this world alive She says I`m okay; I`m all right, Though you have gone from my life You said that it would Now everything should be alright She says I`m okay; I`m all right, Though you have gone from my life You said that it would Now everything should be alright Yeah should be alright

The time is now.

I don't mean to keep everyone waiting!

I have arrived in London on Saturday January 8th... just a few days ago. I am studying abroad at the University of Westminster for those who did not know with 11 other students from LIM. All I can really say is I cannot believe I am actually here. All my life I have dreamed of traveling and studying abroad... and I am doing it. No if's, and's or but's, I was going to study/travel abroad. An amazing thing happened the day I left though. It started when the night before, it was the night of my sister's 25th birthday dinner. It was wild. I think that's the best way to describe it. I got to spend my last night with the people i love and have fun-- stress free (minus the nauseating car ride). But after a little too much fun, it was the next morning and I still needed to finish packing. After quite the morning of being hungover and still packing for five months, it was finally done, and it was finally 2pm. Time to leave for the airport. I could not think about the fact that I had to say goodbye. Saying goodbye to my sister was real hard, that I tried to pretend like it was another weekend where I may see her the next one or two after. Quick and easy... or even worse, saying goodbye at security... now that was by far the hardest part. Saying goodbye to the two people who I love (whether I show it or not) who brought me to America almost 21 years ago for my sister and I to have a good life in the U.S., my parents. Not only that, I was also saying goodbye to friends, childhood, normalcy... my life. So, on the six hour airplane ride to the UK, I decided that this trip was going to be all about me. I have been through a lot of personal things that involved relationships and perhaps the wrong people. My twenty years I have had people come and go, acquaintances to people I would die for no matter what, and this was the time where I could take everything that each person has taught me or shown me and grow up-- be mature, and just live life freely. All drama, nonsense, grudges that I had, everything was thrown out the window. Unfortunately I can only speak for myself (thats all that matters now). Overall, I am just so proud of myself for this next step. I have so far checked off so much on my "bucket-list," "Goals/Dreams" list, this another learning experience, one of the greatest ones.  

London, United Kingdom... 2011

I love this city. I'm studying in one of the most amazing places with a good handful of some of my greatest friends and new ones to come.  As easy as it has been, adjusting to the culture shock and being alone and in a foreign country, I know sometime down the road, perhaps the middle of my term here, I am going to get homesick. But until then, I've been fine. More excited, anxious, and curious. The first day was rough. We were all tired, cranky and just trying to avoid jet lag. So far, it hasn't really worked, still so tired! We spent most of the day shopping for our new five month homes purchasing sheets, comforters and groceries. We also figured out the Tube system and visited Oxford Circus.  Which by the way is AMAZING. Shop-a-holic's heaven (or hell). Day two was about the same. We all slept in, grabbed a quick snack, went back to Oxford Circus and bought some more necessities and did touristy things. We had dinner at Hog in the Pound, had our first drinks, and met our friends friend... Eros. He was our bartender and server who ended his shift early and had a cider (cider beer) with us as he told us the Do's and Don'ts'. He also gave us great advice and of course talked about himself. That night we were delighted with two other friends that had just arrived from NY. They actually live across the hall from me which is nice. They're great and super down to earth. Today, day three, (Monday January 10th) We met up with everyone from LIM and headed to our friend day of Westminster of Orientation. Nick and I made friends with some pretty cool people. Cynthia is from Caribbean and spoke french. Olga is from Russia and wants to speak French and English fluently. Lastly, we met Raneshma she is from he Netherlands. We met them through an orientation Ice-Breaker. I learned a few new things and words in French! Afterwards, we spent the rest of the day shopping and browsing back in Oxford Circus for the last time this week. Chrissy and I had wine and a cheeseboard to end off at Selfridges (which is amazing however way out of my budget).

Now we are back and resting up. We all have been having a hard time sleeping and getting up. Tomorrow is our Induction and then we plan on doing some more sight-seeing. Super excited. Well I am off. I will post photos soon! xo

Sunscreen

"Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of
fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the
ugly parts and recycling it for more than
it’s worth."

hope

Hope lives on. 

This word means more to me than anything. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. This whole time I thought I wanted closure, and friendship, and to be civil with the one person who I also thought would never hurt me, lie to me or lose trust in. I was completely wrong. I tried another "method" I guess you can say and had the best last few days of summer. I fixed broken ties with the one person I disliked, saved a dear friendship of mine, realized the real ones, and enjoyed every bit of this gorgeous island. I hope this means a great new beginning, and hope for an amazing future ahead.

As for the one burden, the weight that heavily sat on my shoulders (and heart), this one person who I had so much faith in, who I dedicated this blog to initially... I still want the best for you and that your future is filled with all that you want in life, not what is expected of you. I hope you realize a lot the next few years and you finally let go of whatever grudge was held on me. I know one day you mature but it certainly won't be anytime soon. 

Take care please, even if you completely denied even that.

Hope will always live on for me, and  am so grateful to have at least that.

all mixed up

greatest

Happy Birthday to the Greatest Mommy Ever. <3

chicago

My kind of town...

Recently, as a family "vacation" (I guess you can call it), or a trip as a birthday trip for my parents, which was also a visit to see some family, we travelled to the near by city of Chicago. Without getting too involved into details of the reason and trip, I can really only tell you what I learned. "Seize the day/Carpe Diem" or "Live everyday day as if it were your last," or the one thats the hardest to confront, "live life with no regrets." For about two years, I have tried to live by these life sayings as if I really knew what they meant, or that I had the epiphany of a lifetime. In all honesty, I've been through a lot and have lost so many people in my life in so many ways, and fear change like its my job, but it was not up until this very three day- two night stay in Chicago, IL, that I really understood any of it. Or at least, even more than I did, because I know for sure that theres will be plenty more life learning moments to come.

My parents, sister and close aunt flew to Chicago on a Thursday morning. Now that was an entertaining adventure. We "missed" our flight all because we had one suit case to check in and it HAD to be done 45 minutes before departure. (Delta, you suck, what would be the difference?!) Luckily, we were able to catch the next flight and still arrive on time. We were reunited with my Aunt, Uncle, cousins and second cousins. Its been too many years to count, but it felt like we have seen each other every day. We spent most of our time at the home, spending quality time with each other, catching up and of course, cooking and eating. We also had a few hours to spare exploring the "Windy City." I loved every part of that city. I could move there right now, in a heart beat, if I could. Below, you will find some of the photos that I had taken from the whole trip and I hope you get to enjoy them as much as I do.

Leaving Chicago was terrible. It felt as if we had just got there and had to leave. I enjoyed silence but not the awkward kind, the friendly atmosphere in the house or Chi- town streets, and story telling of old memories. Saying goodbye was not simple. Life's too short. Seeing my family, that I never grew up with or get to visit often, and even being with my immediate family for the weekend was refreshing, and strengthening. Real people. People that truly love one another, and people who feel. If you knew me, you would know that on one side of my family, communicating and love is not easy to find, especially when they are so close. Even more of a reason why I have never felt so much. There is nothing better than to know you're loved, wanted, and imperfect is perfect. To be in a room filled with so many emotions that last hour in Illinois, made me feel good even though there were one too many tears, both happy and sad. It has been some time since I had felt this way and certainly not the first time I had to let go in order to move forward.

Sometimes the ugly truth of saying "good bye" or "see you later" is that what if its the last time. I know this sounds a bit morbid, but it is the truth, and these people that are real, that love and that feel, grew stronger, smarter and love even more. We learned that life is too short. No matter what is going on, never take a single breath for granted and that is the honest truth. Who cares about the things you did or didn't do. Who cares if you made mistakes or couldn't visit like you said you would. Who really cares? Because in the end, what really matters is everything that has happened, what you now have, and what you could only hope for in the future. The present is a gift and I really hope that everyone can one day just take a step back from life, just like I did. Maybe you won't fly to another city and visit relatives, but maybe you'll spend the night at home for once instead of out partying, or even just walking to your car. Cherish every moment-- what you've got and how you got there. Let go of grudges, let go of anger, let go of those broken pieces that just keep on cutting you. Life is too short to stand in the rain and be mad that it is raining.

--

I wrote this from the heart, probably one of the most deep things I have written in a while and for the public. I am not a hippie, nor am I completely 100% free of all burdens, but I am getting there and each day is even better than the last even if it is a bad one. Its a new day, and thats all that matters.

Stay Strong Aunt Josie

...Chicago is