Series: South in the City

I've fallen in love with the city and can't believe I only have 3 weeks left. I'm going to miss it here, but if I've learned anything it's that I can survive here and applying for jobs in New York shouldn't be as terrifying. Currently, I'm living in Stuyvesent Village, on the outskirts of East Village. It's perfect for me because it provides the safe, family environment I enjoy while being a few blocks from the fun and adventure of East Village.

 --uniqlo linen button down-j.crew belt and shorts-converse sneakers- kate spade purse - h&m sunnies--

In the background you can see my beautiful neighborhood. It's some of the most green you'll see in the city unless you're in a park. There's so much to do just on our little square of city including farmer's markets, double features on the lawn, a cafe, chess, basketball, ping pong, volleyball, pet days, etc. There's always something to explore here. I regret not having spent more Saturday mornings seeing what there is to offer here.

Because I Don't Have a Photog in the City...

Hello beautiful followers! I have officially been living in Manhattan for half of my time here. I can't believe it is flying by, but I suppose that's what good food, good shopping, and good friends will do for you. I truly have fallen in love with this city and cannot imagine going back to my small college town. Unfortunately, I don't have much time to keep up with my little blog, but I have taken a couple of instagram selfies of my favorite outfits.

 --old navy dress-jcrew dotted chambray--

 --asos knit tennis dress-madewell star sweater-banana republic shoes--

--asos peplum top-jcrew factory white denim-la mer for target watch--

I love the light that comes into my window in the morning when I take these pictures. It makes my hair look incredibly red! And can you tell I'm trying to bring a little south to the city with the boots in the first photo? People stare, but I love the feeling I get when I strut in those things. That's confidence at it's best.

If you like my outfits, follow me on instagram: dollardje1

Series: South in the City

My new internship has been such a blessing and so has my opportunity to move to the city. Every girl wanting to be in fashion dreams of finding her way to New York City, but I never imagined actually doing it. Last summer, I did an internship local to my hometown. It was with an accessories brand representative and I had the privilege of traveling to the city to assist during market week in the showrooms of the multiple brands we worked with. 

This summer, I knew I wanted to do market week, but on a longer timeline. I so enjoyed accessories so when this internship popped up on my radar, I didn't hesitate to apply. Accessories is what I know, what I appreciate, and what I love. Although i applied for many other internships, I knew I could get a lot out of the accessories-based opportunity.

I emailed, applied, interviewed, and they offered the internship! I didn't hesitate for a second to accept. I've talked and talked about what it is, but haven't mentioned who the designer is. I think for now I will keep that information to myself. The designer, sales, and PR team are all very careful about what information they share and I feel out of respect I should do the same. 

What I can tell you, is that she is a well respected designer and CFDA award winner. She is extremely hands on within her company and what I love about most, is that her accessories are made right in Manhattan! I see this as a unique and honorable aspect and it makes me even more appreciative to intern with her!

If you would like to know more, please don't hesitate to ask! 

classyfromnorthtosouth@gmail.com

Series: South in the City

I don't know about y'all, but I feel as though this summer hasn't been much of a summer. Here in Manhattan, we've had more cold and rainy days than warm and sunny. Because of this, I find myself inside reading blogs, watching documentaries, and curling up with my current book more than enjoying the sun.

Luckily, there are a multitude of places here where I can escape the rain and enjoy my summer all the same. These places include:

-The Metropolitan Museum of Art

-Starbucks

-The Bean (a super cute coffee shop--pictures to come!)

-Any of my favorite stores (where I can spend hours browsing and playing dress up)

-My cozy bed

-The Museum of Natural History

-Any cafe (although I do prefer to sit on a sunny patio with a macchiato)

-cooking in my tiny, yet surprisingly nice kitchen

-visiting friends apartments all around Manhattan

 

and of course..where I spend most of my time: My internship!

(more details on that to come)

Here are some of my recent outfits:

There is nothing I love more than popping my collar. I always feel so smooth when I do it, until it half falls and I just look disheveled. I wore this outfit for a night out in East Village

 --j.crew factory button down, jeans, belt, and wedges--old navy denim jacket--versona scarf--

These shorts are so out of my comfort zone, yet I felt like they fit my personal style so well. I wore this to the office one day after looking at the weather and deciding it would be warm. By the end of the work day it was cold and rainy and I was one miserable intern.

--j.crew factory sweater--ann taylor sleeveless button down--j.crew belt--uniqlo shorts--banana republic sandals--

Waking Up in the City

So it's been a long while since I've had a chance to post on here. I have a very good excuse though or at least I hope you'll think so!

One week ago, I moved to New York City!

Exciting, isn't it?! 

Now it is temporary, think of it as a test run. I moved here for an internship at a designer accessories company doing merchandising. I feel so blessed to have been given this opportunity and I'm working hard to make it the best experience possible.

Hopefully, I'll be able to record some of my outfits from the city. Today though, I thought I'd share this photo of me and my models in my first collection. I designed six looks which were all on the runway for two shows. It was an exhilarating experience and one I look forward to again in my future.

 

These Boots

 

--gap sweater-tommy hilfiger skirt- julie's sunnies- kate spade earrings- the best boots ever--

Got a little bit of that mountain wind in my hair today and I don't hate it!

Porfolio Fun {Part Two}

Skirt design number two of the portfolio. Silk dupioni is my FAVORITE fabric to work with because of how the light plays off of it and the sun was perfect to catch that look.

Classic and preppy. My favorite

Portfolio Fun {Part One}

We've had beautiful weather here in my college town so I took advantage of the beaming sun and took some pictures of my designs for my portfolio on the greenway. My beautiful roommate volunteered to model for me and we had way too much fun acting crazy and getting photographic evidence of it.

See, we had fun! I made this skirt years ago and it was my first design! I absolutely love the print and how it fits. There's some detailing lines on the seams that you can't quite see, but they pull it together perfectly. It was my first experience with a serger and I serged a hole right through the seat of the skirt. Luckily my teacher showed me a trick to fix it up.

What Dreams are Made Of

I'm not sure if I've said, but I'm a apparel design and merchandising major. I've always been scared of pursuing fashion until someone said "think of the regrets if you don't at least try?"

So I've been studying fashion for four years and cannot wait to see what my future holds. This skirt was the first thing I've ever made. I fell in love with the fabric and wanted a simple silhouette. It turned out better than I even thought!

A chair to rest

Yesterday was filled with furniture shopping. Why? No reason. It's not like I need anything. But when you find a new part of your town you've never explored, why not go into every furniture shop and sit in every chair?

And the happiest dog ever.

J.Crew Shopping Event

Last week I had the honor of planning a shopping event at our local J.Crew Factory for the staff and readers of our HerCampus chapter. 

I plan an event once a month and this was hands down the best one yet. I love when stylish people come together and play dress up and shop. 

We ate, we shopped, and we tried EVERYTHING on. It was a night for the books.

A night of shopping and friends was the perfect release from the bad weather and midterms we have going on here. I suppose it's time to start planning the next!

A Classic Combination

I don't think I truly have a certain style..it's just *me*. But when I'm lost and don't know what to wear, I have a few go to combinations. 

--cords and a button down--

--chino shorts and a v-neck tee--

--skinnies and flats--

Another perfect combination?

Stripes and a trench

Krystin pulls it off beautifully.

I'm in love with everything about her outfit!

Spring Break Come and Gone

Spring Break 2013 has officially come and gone. I unfortunately had to work most of the week up at school so in a last minute decision with my sister we were off to the beach for the last few days of the break. We ended up at Myrtle Beach, SC and had a pretty good time for a quick trip!

 delicious breakfast

 Does anyone LOVE my new Kate Spade bag as much as I do?!

 lunch break in the warm sunshine

New friends at the country music bar

        

My new favorite bathing suit top

Stairway to heaven

because life should **shine**

source

Life doesn't always call for sequins, but who ever made that rule is boring. 

enjoy life. make it shine.

Behind the Bleachers

When Haleigh sent me these shots, all I could think was how I look like one of those punks who hang out behind the bleachers in high school. 

I kind of love it though.

--j.crew jacket-j.crew jeans- michael stars tshirt- target sweater- michael shannon boots- h&m scarf- j.crew belt- kate spade earrings--