Looking Forward - 2010

Looking back on 2009, disappointment and frustration mostly consumes me even though there were many accomplishments and good memories made. I started the year off with this blog mainly to chronicle my journey of pursuing fashion design/marketing. Today is the anniversary of this blog, and I'm sitting in the exact same spot when I embarked on my journey - under the covers in my bed in Sedona, Arizona.

Though I was accepted to FIDM, a definite accomplishment, I haven't moved an inch forward. The economy was the biggest factor being that jobs were pretty much non existent in California. So, I'm still here in Arizona, and I don't know if FIDM will even be possible 2010. The unemployment rate is slowly diminishing, but we won't see a correction for awhile. So, feeling stuck and trapped, I feel this desire to just stop trying, but after reading my first blog post and going back to the purpose of why I'm pursuing this dream - God - I am pressing forward with a different strategy.

I'm considering Parson's online fashion marketing program. It just depends on whether we can afford tuition. It would be a great solution to furthering my education, but being able to continue gaining experience in the communications and public relations realm. Of course, I'll be keeping my eyes open for other opportunities where I can head straight into the industry and bypass school, which would save us a ton of money.

Meanwhile, in 2010, I'm going to continue to sew, although I need to work more with my sewing machine, sketch, blog and try my very best to win the IIDA Couture Competition this February! Until God takes this passion and conviction away from my heart I will continue pursue this industry. God's timing is confusing in the midst of all of this, but He knows what is best. So, I'll cling tightly to Him, as He does to me, and serve Him the best that I can.

Designer Spotlight - Lela Rose

lelaroseclothesBesides having a great name, Lela Rose has fantastic style. A graduate of Parsons, Lela Rose has quickly risen to the top in the fashion world. I'd say her style is high fashion preppy. She describes it as "classical...with whimsical twists." lelaroseclotheslelaroseclothes2lelaroseclothes3lelaroseclothes4

Left, are some of her creations from her  Fall 2009 line.

Recently, she collaborated with Payless to design cute, affordable shoes. I haven't been in Payless in awhile, but I may just peak my head in there soon! Check out some of the shoes...

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Which School Should I Go To?

To get any where in the fashion world you either have to some sweet connections and get an apprenticeship or you need to have some type of formal training/education. I have my bachelor's degree from Arizona State University (GO DEVILS) in business and communications, but nothing that really qualifies me to do fashion marketing / PR / design. So, I've begun researching programs that will suit my life stage and give me credibility for the industry. This means that I'm either moving to NYC or California. There are some other options such as Savannah, GA or Providence, RI; however, I'd have to stay in school for three years. FIDM and Parsons offer two year degrees for those that have already achieved their bachelor's and are looking to make a career change (BINGO)! That's more of what I'm looking for. I also have to be able to work while I go to school to continue my professional career in PR and to afford to live in those states (haha).

What do you think? Any comments or stories about the following schools?

1. Fashion Institue of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) Location: San Francisco | Los Angeles Programs of Interest: Fashion Design | Product Development and Merchandising

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2. Parsons New School for Design Location: New York City Program of Interest: AAS Fashion Marketing | AAS Fashion Design

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3. Academy of Art University Location: San Francisco Program of Interest: Associates of Fashion Online

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4. Fashion Insitute of Technology (FIT) Location: New York City Program of Interest: Fashion Design

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5. Savannah College of Art and Design Location: Savannah | Atlanta Program of Interest: Fashion Design | Fashion Marketing & Management

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6.Rhode Island School of Design Location: Providence Program of Interest: Apparel Design

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