Fashion Show in L.A. Showcases Students' Hardwork and Dedication to Fashion

All of those who have worked in the fashion industry know how grueling the long hours, harsh criticisms, and intense workload are, but for students at Otis College in California are among the future fashion designers who experience one of the hardest fashion curriculums in the country. Students in the fashion design program go through a four-year degree program and those who actually make it through with blood, sweat, and tears are some of the luckiest design students in the country.

Students in this program have visiting mentors like Isaac Mizrahi, Bob Mackie, Francisco Costa, Varvatos, and Isabel Toledo. This year had an exceptionally amazing cast of mentor designers including Monique Lhuiller, Badgley Mischka, and Todd Oldham. During the fashion designers' visits to Otis College, they create a project for the students that has them create a garment that would match the designers' asethetics and ideas for each of their lines. Senior Ila Erickson created a 1940s inspired gown for Lhuiller with intricate strips of individually sewn fabric draped all over the intricate dress. This dress was one of the favorite among the judges and fashion mavens attending the fashion show that showcased the students' talent.

Professors at Otis teach the students to be well-rounded in their designs and to be able to really forecast what the hottest trends will be for the next season. Also, students are told to understand the lines of the body and look at what shapes flatter and compliment each person's shape. At the end of the school year, 175 out of the 200 garments created by the students are showcased in a fashion show that many say is the biggest fashion show of the year in L.A. After the show, these 175 designs are displayed at the Beverly Hills Hilton for a scholarship auction. Students who get more than a few designs at this event are some of the luckiest students in the country and have an amazingly bright future ahead of them.

This article can be found at http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-ig-runway26-2009apr26,0,6910218.story

Tween Styles Becoming More Modest

In the past 5-10 years, tween clothing of popular celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Britney Spears, and others, have been provocative and inappropriate for younger people. Parents are often the most concerned with their daughters idolize these celebrities and feel that it's okay to dress sexy and provocative, wear loads of make-up, and try to grow up quick, but when a 12 year old girl wants a mini skirt, stilletto heals, and a tummy baring top, there are concerns of sex and acting too old. But the newest trend among tween celebs is to go back to a more conservative look, fashionable but not sexual in nature.

Miley Cyrus is one of the most popular girls in the entertainment industry today. Not only is she an idol to girls everywhere who are addicted to her media empire, but she shows a simpler way of life. Cyrus has been very open and public with her devotion to her parent's respect and approval of her lifestyle. In a recent Glamour article I read about the pressures of Hollywood on the young starlet, she said, "The last thing I ever want to do is disappoint my parents. My mom’s dad died when she was 18, and if something ever happened to one of my parents, I’d want them to go knowing I made them proud. I think it’s selfish to go out partying all the time, especially if you have little ones [in your family]. I have a nine-year-old sister, and I don’t want her to go to school and have people make fun of her for it." Now, that sounds like a good role model for her young female audience.

Miley isn't the only one becoming more modest and seeking parental approval, but it seems to be the newest fad hitting tween celebs. But don't necessarily blame the celebs, because clothing stores like Abercrombie & Fitch are known to protray the sexy vibe with sexy clothes and the loud music, dark lights, and shirtless pictures in the store don't help the "sexifying" of tweens. Although the more modest look is taking hold to many tweens, they will still shop at places like A&F, but layering pieces and making them their own is becoming much more popular. Plus, kids are starting to realize their parents actually do know what they're talking about when they say to be more modest, and for now, parents can sit back and smile at the turn for tween fashion modesty.


Article avabile at:
http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-ig-mileside5-2009apr05,0,6651552.story

Saving Money a New Fad???

Who knew that saving money in a time of recession would become almost a fashionable way to live and a trendy new idea? A recent article in the L.A. Times talks about people who are doing just that. People across the U.S. are becoming extra thrifty in this time of lost jobs, failing economy, and declining stock market, but there are ways many have found to fight the recession while being cool and trend forward. Here are a few ways to cut back and save money from those who have been living with shallower pockets:

1. Check-out movies from a local library instead of renting them from the store or online sites.
2. If you have the space in your yard, grow your own fruits and vegetables. Not only is this a way to save money, but kids often enjoy helping out and it's a great habit to start when children are young.
3. Cut down on spending on credit cards, hair cuts, magazine subscriptions, fancy coffee drinks, and eating out.
4. Use free websites to find the cheapest gas, even if it means driving a little out of the way to get it.....it will be worth it.
5. Stop using paper plates, napkins, cups, and serving ware. Even though it takes a few more minutes to wash the dishes, this saves money and the environment.
6. Repeat this with me....car pool, car pool, car pool.
7. Drink filtered water from the faucet with a system such as Brita instead of constantly buying bottled water.

There are also some websites and out there to help with advice of ways to cut back, including: www.stretcher.com, www.allthingsfrugal.com, and www.frugalmom.net. Clothings swaps are another way for people to find something new they like and trade out something they don't need and www.clothingswaps.com.

I've already taken a few of these things and applied them to my own life and I highly reccommend others to do the same.


This article can be found at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/11/business/economy/11cheap.html?_r=1&ref=business

Creating a Resume to Grab Employers' Attention

In a time where it is very hard to find the perfect job for you, it is important to make a resume that will stand out from all of the job seekers in the job market. Employers are still hiring and want to find the perfect candidate to fit the job but you need to make yourself that person that really sticks out. An LA Times article gives ways to make you get that job you want.

1. Be a Profit Center. Many companies right now are losing money or at least slowing in their profits and potential employers want to see that you have what it takes to make them money. Focus on your accomplishments and what you've done for other companies to get them what they needed. Mention negotiations you've made to increase profits, not necessarily on your responsibilities in past jobs.

2. Go Digital. In the day of technology leading the world, it is important to show you are competent in technological aspects. Posting your resume online starts this process to show you are savvy enough to get started on the job. Also, using sites such as LinkedIn to be introduced to potential employers through other contacts shows networking abilities through technology. Online websites for resumes and portfolios is another great thing to do.

3. Be Creative. An example of creativity mentioned in the article, said that some Graphic Designers will have their resumes screenprinted in creative ways onto t-shirts. Be creative to show self-expression but don't cross over that cutesy line. Employers want professional creative people, not emoticons and smiley faces in your cover letter.

4. Get to the Point. Don't use things that employers find a nuance and a waste of their time. Many times when employers look at hundreds of resumes, all they do is a quick scan and having too much useless information can make them bored and could eventually make them skip over your resume all together.

The importance of standing out in a recession where its hard to find a job starts with first impressions, and a resume is a great way to make yours. This article does a great job of outlining important things you can do and after reading this, I will be making some revisions to my own resume.

Consumer Prices Rise on Gasoline and Clothing

Normally in the U.S. economy, many people hear the word "inflation" and wonder how much prices will go up again....but this hasn't been the case in the recent economic situation. Deflation, or the fall of prices, is occuring more than ever and in the last months of 2008, financial analysts saw the prices going down and saw a higher risk for deflation. But, according to the Consumer Price Index, the 0.4 percent in February and 0.3 percent in January, and the core index at at a 0.2 percent increase. This applies to all things other than gas and clothing related goods, so that leaves us thinking, how will our fuel and apparel prices change in the near future?

Gas prices have recently risen 8.3 percent after a steady decrease at the end of 2008 and prices seem to possibly continue increasing in the future. Although the average price of gas right now is down to $1.92 per gallon compared to $3.28 a year ago, compared to other prices in the economy, gas is on the rise. Apparel products is the other category seeing inflation, and the apparel index rose 1.3 percent, probably from the deep discounts offered by retailers after the holidays.

Many analysts say that consumers shouldn't worry, despite the U.S. economy being at the lowest in history since the Great Depression and many think that the inflation rates will rise 0.3 to 1 percent over the next year while the economy searches for a low-point that will be the bottom of our current version of the Depression.

So what will happen to our prices in the future? Don't expect too much of a change in prices at the grocery store or at your local Wal-Mart, but as always, don't be suprised by the price at the gas pump that make make one think again about the benefits of using a bicycle.

This article can be found at : http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/19/business/economy/19econ.html?_r=1&ref=business

Unemployment Rates Growing

The current economic situations has a lot of people shaken up and wondering if their jobs will be the next to go. According to an article in the NY Times today, men are actually feeling the unemployment hit more than women. Men's unemployment rate is starting to grow more than women's and at a much faster rate. Although unemployment rates for both men and women continues to grow, women seem to be holding on more than men.

Another reasons people are losing their jobs is not having a college degree. Many have said in recent years how vital it is for young adults to get their higher education degrees, and those who haven't went to college are feeling the burden. Although the unemployment rate for college grads is still at a slight increase, those without degrees are still being hit the hardest.

It's hard to find something good with the current economic situation in the U.S., but the good news is that there hasn't been an increase of jobs lost in the past few months. In January, 655,00 lost their jobs, compared with 651,000 in February, and hopefully the numbers for March will continue to go down. Also, people who still have their jobs have continued to get pay raises because they are most likely do more work than they were prior to all the layoffs due to employees jobs being cut. These employees say the extra money in a hard economy means a lot, even if it means doing more work.

As a senior who will graduate in May, I have been on the search for a job for the last few months and without a whole lot of progress being made. Having said this, I am still optimistic that something will work out and with my experience and academic achievements, I will obtain a job that will help me someday get to where I want to be in a great company.

Wal-Mart....Saving the Retail Recession??

Wal-Mart has long been the choice for those wanting to save money on anything from toilet paper, to groceries, clothing, some household appliances, and much more, and with the economy in a constant downfall it is actually saving some of the recession numbers. Compared to January 2008, retailers sales have declined by 1.6 %, but without Wal-Mart's sales included in that number, the decline would have fallen by a staggering 5.6%. Wal-Mart has often had competitors such as Target and K-mart, but Wal-Mart has always had the winning hand with it's everyday low prices strategy and as the world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart has no need to worry about it's sales.

In the past, some of the middle class and wealthier Americans, have bought cars, large appliances, and vacations like most people shop for groceries, but lately people have been buying groceries with the thoughoutful consideration of how people buy a luxury car. With this said, since Wal-Mart has the cheapest prices for almost all grocery items and most other shopping products, it has become a normal stomping ground for Americans feeling the recession. Many retail stores have beat their low expectation sales goals, but have still experienced double digit percentages of sales declines. Wal-Mart says that they give a large amount of their success during these times to an increase in customer traffic. This helps Wal-Mart stay on top of the retail game.

This article relates to me because although I do not really like shopping at Wal-Mart, I like many other Americans, have succombed to the Wal-Mart scene. The aesthetics of the store, crowded interior, traffic jams in the parking lot, and overall store personality, just aren't something that I enjoy or want to deal with when I need basic living products. Normally, Target is my store of choice, but the recession has definitely hit me and going to Wal-Mart has been something that isn't much of a choice but more of a need.

This article can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/06/business/06retail.html?ref=business.

Scary Economy Makes Some Need to Appear to be Busy

In a recent article online on nytimes.com, author Jan Hoffman elaborates on the ever infamous topic of the failing U.S. economy. Retailers across the country are feeling the burden of the hard financial times for many Americans, especially those who work within the retail store setting. Hoffman writes of one woman who works at a small chain store in downtown Manhatten and how she must do busy work to make her look like she has something to do. Carolyn Bailey, an employee at NoLIta, is the supervisor that Hoffman interviews, of which Bailey says she often does things like space out the hangers, move displays around aimlessly, and even mentions mopping just for the purpose of making herself busy; at the chance of a corporate employee walking into the store, Bailey makes sure she always appears to have things to do.

I completely understand how Bailey feels in this situation. In my last retail job, I had the need to look busy at all times, not only for the fear of corporate visiting the store and find the employees standing around, but to pass the time and not fall victim to boredom. I'd find myself doing unusual and timely cleaning tasks and rearranging displays to keep me busy. Many companies, especially retailers, are feeling the burden of the suffering economy and even if employees are bored at their current job because it may be a slow flow of customers, it has been recommended by a lot of people that people keep the job they have. This is a very intelligent thing to do and I follow this advice.

In the months to follow, while Americans watch what our new President will attempt to do with the failing economy (which is a man that I have great trust in), workers must be cautious and hard working to keep their incomes in their pockets.

This article can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/fashion/25busy.html?scp=3&sq=retail&st=cse