i'm not trying to impress.

VOTE for MY design on Velvet Brigade

2011-06-04T04:02:00.003+02:00

Click Here
Hi all! :)

Please VOTE for my design on Velvet Brigade. I designed a chic, fashion-forward blazer with an abstract design and I think it should be mass produced :)

That is all for now...

THANKING you in advance,

raena

My New ETSY BOUTIQUE ♥

2011-03-25T06:44:00.004+01:00

Bonsoir!

Tonight I have been working hard on the Grand Opening of my Etsy Online Boutique, named of course " r i c e kisses c o u t u r e " :) So far I have 4 items listed for sale but there will surely be a few more added over the weekend!

So much has gone on in these last 6 months since I've graduated and moved back to So. Cal - I have so much catching up to do! So a long list updates will be here shortly...please bare with me, some of these updates will date back to September of 2010 :/

Well TGTIF!!! I have work in the morning (TGF 1/2 Days)!!

Be back soon with much needed updates - where have you been ALL my life!! :)

spaghetti heels: 4ONESYNDICATE and Katsuya Host the 2011 ONIKAI Run...

2011-03-03T03:21:00.000+01:00

spaghetti heels: 4ONESYNDICATE and Katsuya Host the 2011 ONIKAI Run...: "ONIKAI March 4, 2011 - Glendale, CA The Dragon lounge located upstairs at the newly opened Katsuya in Glendale will provide an uncon..."

2011♥♥

2011-01-09T04:03:00.006+01:00


I'm ready. Let-Go.

2011

A new year

A new "beginning"

The year of the hustle

The year of the climb

The year of the "LION"

2011 will be what I make of it

2011 will be the year of the climb...

Meaning:

2011 is my year of hustling to the tippity TOP

I WILL be successful

I WILL be IN demand

Because I AM a HOT COMMODITY

Whatever "frivolous materialistic"

You want to put the label to

It really doesn't matter

Because against your will,

your Heart will desire!

2011

The year of the Lion

The year of the Shark

The year of THE hustle

The year of THE climb

...of our lives.

Fashion industry - stand up.

USC - stand up.

Be ready for the natural occurrence

of genius & higher thinking

Or don't be...

Whatever. I don't give a damn.

Because whether ♥ it or not,

The Quiet Storm is near.

2011

A new year

A new beginning

The year of the hustle.

♥ -raena

[oct 27 entry] Walk down Memory Lane: Matrix Yoga Back-bend

2010-10-30T22:55:00.000+02:00

On stink bus again...

and listening to a fav jam "letting go" by Sean Kingston ft niki Minaj and I can't help but smile at my memories of Paris...

Stephanie, one of my roomates in Paris would get tipsy and start feeling herself..which meant she was ready for the "matrix yoga back bend." She would go so far that I would always be tempted to catch her...aww fun memories

[oct 19th entry] To do, or Not To Do: Public Outburst

2010-10-30T22:50:00.001+02:00

I discovered from my experiences that day that this outfit - well mainly the shorts and tights (topped off with the high boots) were probably not the best outfit for my Dash commute. Because after I get off at my stop for the internship I have to walk 5-7 blocks on some streets filled with perverted men...
ew.
But I've gotten smarter--I now walk on the main street Pico to get to my internship instead of the little back streets...

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

written october 19th in my Notes... So a jump back into time... >> >>

So I'm on a stink bus..the E Dash to be exact (long story-DMV playing games...etc)

**--[[LONG STORY-SHORT=> My car's registration was suspended due to lack of insurance so I started taking the Dash - a public transportation bus in Downtown LA. I take the Dash to and from my fashion internship. Sometimes I get a ride from the Designer I intern for -- but then there are the many (when I say many, I mean 2 hehe) times that I've rejected the offer in order to actually have the opportunity to take the Dash bus. Sometimes it's just relaxing to be able to ride the bus and just get lost in the iPhone's iPod media world and my wild imagination and thoughts/memories. So anyway, I've been taking the Dash to and from my internship for the past 2-3 weeks.]]]--**

Back to the original matter at hand: I recently found this cool ass Pandora station 'toot it and boot it' station lol who would have known it would have sooo many hits!?! But anyway my original ? Was..has n e ever been on some type of means of public transportation or jus in public period-& u just had the certain urge to belt out the lyrics & back that ass up to one of ya fav jams?? Just had that moment...

Black old shirt; Black shorts (most likely from XXI-super old..who knows..); Drapey vest from a Downtown LA wholesalesman; American Eagle belt; Sexy brown/black leopard scarf from Papyrus; Black sensual zebra print tights; Grey pretty ruffled jacket from Express; Boots from Steve Madden; XXI earrings, Gucci lenses.

GO USC TROJANS!!

2010-05-30T03:13:00.000+02:00

It's official!! Dw got accepted to USC -- so he's now a Trojan man & I'll be his Trojan girl ♥
Also...
I have less than 2 weeks before graduating college! XD

I miss thee.

2010-05-16T06:19:00.002+02:00

I miss Paris.

i ♥ mcQueen

2010-02-14T02:19:00.000+01:00

On February 11th, 2010, the great designer Lee Alexander McQueen suddenly passed away. He and his strong fashion sense and p.o.v. will always be remembered...

❝ Last night, in New York, shortly after 10 o’clock, a spectral figure stepped out of the shadows on West 14th Street, and knelt among the flickering candles and flowers outside the Alexander McQueen store.

She was dressed entirely in black: black leather McQueen tailleur, black platform boots, a black top hat, black mittens. The wind whipped at the yards and yards of black tulle which veiled her from head to foot. Her diamonds and her tears glistened in the night. The woman was Daphne Guinness, friend, client and confidante of the designer who was found dead at his home in London, early yesterday. Ms Guinness was one of many drawn to the tragic memorial on that icy street last night; one of thousands trying to come to terms with the sudden and shocking loss of a man whose magical, often macabre and mind-blowing visions transformed the world of fashion. ❞

♥ mcQueen

But, like, Forreal?

2010-02-13T00:42:00.000+01:00

Today, I was Punk'd. Just waiting for the camera-men to step out from behind a bush...

Sum up of my trip

2009-12-20T22:17:00.001+01:00

I can honestly say that I WENT, SAW, & CONQUERED Paris!!!! =)

It was trully a great experience and I am happy that I was able to experience it!!

to be continued soon....

Farewell Paris

2009-12-20T22:11:00.000+01:00

Yestrday, December 19th, 2009, I spent my last morning in Paris, France.

I boarded a 10 hour flight at 11:40am and did not leave for another 45minutes. After a long and cramped flight, I arrived at Dallas/Ft Worth International Airport where I had a layover of an hour 50min. But after finally getting through customs, re-checking my bags in, then finally going through security again, I had about 40 minutes to use the restroom then board the flight. That flight was 2 hours & 50 minutes.

Dwight and 2 of his cousins picked me up from the airport :)

I am happy to say that I had a safe flight and that I am now back in Los Angeles, CA.

to be continued...

Tour Eiffel ♥ AKAversary ♥ Dinner on the Seine River

2009-12-13T23:54:00.003+01:00

Date: 10 December 2009
Occassion: Last Excursion with my program - "Farewell Excursion & Dinner" + AKAversary Celebration = fun times & great memories.

The last excursion for my program, before heading back to the states, was to the Eiffel Tower.
1 of my favorite pictures...

I can clearly remember back to the summer day sometime in August when my boyfriend and I went to watch "G.I. Joe" at the movie theatre. Apart of the storyline was an objective to release deadly metal-eating organisms onto the Eiffel Tower - as to wipe out some of the human race. I remember while I was watching it, I was pointing and smiling to my boyfriend reminding him that that is where I would be in a matter of weeks...
Another favorite, cool picture..

moving right along...

The Eiffel Tower was built in 1899.

The mastermind behind it: Gustave Eiffel.

The tower is huge. The 1st floor is 57.63m, the 2nd floor is 115.75m high, and the 3rd & last floor is 276.13m high - totaling a tall 324m above ground.

More Fun Facts brought to you by the Eiffel Tower's official website:

Q: Can we go up to the top by the stairs?
A: No. The stairs will take you up to the second floor, but not the top. There are elevators available on the second floor to access the top floor.

Q: How many stairs to get to the top?
A: 1665 from the ground to the top via the east pillar. However, the steps from the second floor to the top are closed to the public.

Q: How many visitors each year?
A: In 1999: 6,368,534 - In 2000: 6,315,324 - In 2001: 6,103,987 - In 2002: 6,157,042 - In 2003: 5,864,969 - In 2004: 6,230,050 - In 2005: 6,428,441 - In 2006: 6,719,200

Q: How many visitors since the Tower was built?
A: At the end of the year 2006 = 229,623,812. In 2002, the Tower has welcomed its 200 millionth visitor.

Q: How much did it cost to build the Eiffel Tower?
A: 7,800,000 gold francs (in 1889).

Q: Does the wind cause the Eiffel Tower to sway?
A: The maximum movement was measured at 9 centimeters in 1999. And that was more caused by the heat that expands the metal.

Q: Is it possible to get married on the Eiffel Tower?
A: Only commercial oriented banquets can be organized on the Tower (with the exception of family receptions). A meal for groups can be reserved in one of the two restaurants on the monument.

Q: Is the Eiffel Tower the highest building in the world?
A: When it was built, it was the highest but that is no longer true.
--------------------
We took a backstage tour of the tower and went up to the 1st floor (ran out of time before being able to get to the 2nd floor). It was so cool. We even went inside the Bunker -- (a basement-like shelter in case of a disaster) and saw some pretty cool historical things...

------------------
As of December 10th of 2009, I have been a proud woman of Alpha Kappa AlphaSorority Incorporated for 2 years & December 10th will always be known as my AKAversary ♡

To sum it up, I happily celebrated my AKAversary in Paris, France at the Eiffel Tower and had dinner on the Seine River on a boat with friends. So, memorable it was indeed :)

Paris will always hold a special place in my ♥ for so many reasons and for so many decades to come...

Je t'aime Paris!!!

Seine River Dinner

Gaby & Steph goofing off before we board the boat...

Aboard the boat...

Dessert...hmmm!

The views from the boat...

Off the boat...on way home...but not before we take a few more pics

Now...we can be on our way home

But not before I pause to take a picture of an ad inside the metro station. I've had my eye on this particular ad for a minute but I was never in the position to whip out my camera and capture it...so I HAD to stop and take it....

Gorgeous, right?

...now that's what you call "sexual chocolate" haha ;)

At home...decided to keep the mood going...

What can I say...it was a FABULOUS day!!!!!!! ♥

♥♥♥♥

Le Roi Lion ◊ The Lion King

2009-12-13T23:27:00.001+01:00

Yes!! "Le Roi Lion" was magical!! I felt like a little kid how excited the event made me. I would point to the right when something popped up on a balcony - then to the left when a different something would appear there.

I've always wanted to go see it live on Broadway so this was just great. Although it was in French, I understod everything that was going on - maybe because I've seen the film many times as a kid (& young adult:) so it helped to know the scenes as they acted them out in French.

It was so cute! Simba was this little, adorable boy who I just wanted kiss on the forhead for such a spectacular performance!

I would still love to see the show live in LA or NY...hopefully I can get the bf to tag along...it'll be fun!!

Along the way to the theatre where Le Roi Lion was being shown...
Galleries LaFayette all lit up and beautified!

but more of that later...i didn't want to miss the beginning of the show!
----------------

"Le Roi Lion"

The Circle Of Life

Below is the field of grass Simba and his father, Mufassa, were runnig through. Peep out the little Simba stuffed animal they used to quickly show that time was passing...

Simba & Mufassa @ the top of the hill..

Lol..the bike helped show the illusion of deers (or whatever type of animal that is) running across the field/stage. adorable.

After the show...walk back to the metro was so breath-taking!!
...in Paris, fashion is EVERYWHERE!! ...I'm missing it already.

I think it so cool how much effort seemed to go into decorating for the holidays...
...the streets were lined with these elaborate lights

Bestie finally turned 21...almost a month ago, that is...

2009-12-13T22:22:00.003+01:00

Bonsoir!!

On November 18th, my best friend Terolyn (aka Bestie) turned 21 on November 18th. Posted below are pictures of her wonderful day...

Adorable, right? (in a sexy way...)
...decided to do this 1 extra large so you could take it all in.. :)

I wasn't able to celebrate with her, seeing as I am in Paris -- plus she lives in Arizona -- but anyway, she had a great time and looked beautiful doing it big on her day.

Now that's wassup.

uhh...Turkey Day in Paris?!

2009-12-04T17:26:00.006+01:00

So. Yea. I'm late. Thanksgiving, which happened a week ago, was fabulous.

Europe does not celebrate Thanksgiving - which makes sense, seeing as the meeting of the pilgrims and Native Americans is not apart of their history.

Two of my roommates and I hosted a big feast at our place in the 11th arrondisement. Each of us made a dish. Nat mustered up the great balls to ask our History of Haute Couture fashion professeur to join us for an American tradition - in which we shared/taught him (for a change) the story behind the American holiday.

We were born Stars

Nat prepared the (oh so delicious) turkey breast - it's hard to come across a whole turkey in Paris, actually is it possible? haha - okay, my own little inside joke.

Moving right along....

So. Nat prepared the turkey breast and glutton-free stuffing w/apples. I had never had stuffing that was made of bread. Nor had I ever tasted apples mixed in with a hot dinner. My family always make "dressing" (as opposed to "stuffing") and it is made of cornbread. So, that, I found to be interesting. However, it was quite delicious and nutritious... hmm hmm!

Gab made tasty mashed potatoes. I made fresh green beans with toasted walnuts sprinkled on top and Ninsterz made gravy and a big salad. Now for the dessert, Steph made two chocolate mousse cakes and homemade whip cream and Sherry made pumpkin pies and an apple pie.

So we were well fed!
My type of party...

Getting prepared...

& goofing around [while still getting prepared]...

Time to eat!

After dinner, we took it back to the good ol' days...

...we made hand turkeys!! =)

here's mine... hehe. She's a star.

Afterward, we had great dessert & a few additional friends joined us.

It was a fabulous and successful Thanksgiving. We chatted about anything and everything - from when I was a little girl wanting to be a pediatrician to Farrah Faucet & Michael Jackson's death. & of course we talked about fashion ♥

Post dinner...

Proffeseur gone. 3 others left. Now what?

Stephanie, are u being studious or are you looking for Aretha Franklin's "Respect" song for karaoke?? :) i wonder...

A word from yours truly...

I must say, this past Thanksgiving was the one of the best I've had in years. It's hard to be away from family on holidays but we rolled up our sleeves and made it work.

I will never forget my Thanksgiving in the beautiful City of Lights. It'll have a special place in my ♥.

Le Roi Lion et Mozart L'Opera Rock

2009-12-04T00:30:00.199+01:00

Bonsoir!!

I am very delighted to announce: I just won tickets to go see "Le Roi Lion" !

It's a Broadway musical, so it's something like a big deal ;)
Ya, I'm oober excited and "I.. just can't wait to be kinggg...!" hehe

The show is on Tuesday, December 8th @ 8pm. I've always wanted to see "Lion King" in the states, so I think it's just magnificent that I am able to go see it here -& for FREE!!!
...that's always a plus in my book.

-------------♡

What's nice is that I had just won tickets last week to "Mozart L'Opera Rock" on Tuesday, November 24th. It was "awesome" - yea. that's right. I said it.
I had a great time with my roommate (& friend) Stephanie, rocking out to the French rock songs. Click here for a preview.

I will post my own video clipping(s) later, but for now, enjoy the pictures!! ♥

I was very excited to go. I am currently working on my debut collection (as I like to call it) in which my inspiration is French royalty: i.e. Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette, Napoleon III, Catherine d'Medinci. I wanted to add a rock element to it - thus creating my collection:

❝ La Princesse Rock ❞

❦

So the tickets came at a great time.

Below are pictures of my mood board for my collection ➧ ➧ w/the FREE tickets also captured ( hehe =)

If nothing else, be intrigued & inspired by the costumes & backdrops.

& The cast...

Bravo!! Encore!!

Modern crinoline dresses. I was in love.

Full house.

Sometimes the rocker in me just unleashes itself...

...what can I say?

l'images d'Rio Lion coming soon!! ♥

-SZ- FASHION FILM

2009-11-29T19:18:00.019+01:00

After having the hour 1/2 rehearsal on November 18th, at 11h51 am today, I was on rue de Rivoli inside the courtyard of an apartment complex in which I was to be inside of by 12h00. I do not know what the problem is with me and directions. I seem to find my way to the destination, however once I'm within feet of the actual door, I become a very simple minded, direction-less little girl. I knocked on two incorrect apartment doors, in which both of the men nicely let me down by telling me I was at the wrong residence.

As my little Nina would say: "Je suis désolé, Je suis américainne..." :)

But after finally finding the correct residence with Ana, the make-up artist and one of the model's*, the -SZ- Fashion Film day officially began...

Saundra Saulnier's got her "game-face" on

Getting prepared...
rearranging the furniture...
Saundra stopped by the bakery before-hand to pick up some croissants w/apple in the middle of them. I must say, they were quite delicious. I didn't have to worry about there not being any left - I actually think the director, Axel, and I may have eaten them all by ourselves :) ...

Axel placed tape on the floor to cue the models on where they should stand

Anna's on the make-up

The owner of the apartment we used for the shoot had a fantastic collection of art. Below is a picture that was originally hanging above the owner's mantle until it got taken down for the SZ shoot. Underneath it is a cool Napoleon piece.

I also loved his library -- I have to have a collection as deep as this! There were books on topics ranging from Bauhaus and L'Art Nouveau to Salvador Dalí and Monet.

He actually had another one of these on the other side of the room as well

Models get directions from Saundra Saulnier

Axel and Saundra, are we ready?

Models begin to rehearse...

I think the camera's ready to shoot

Lights, Camera, FASHION!!

I loved this part! The model bff's were fighting for "mirror" space

View FINISHED VIDEO here!!
* more to come soon: video clips!
stay tuned.

I ♥ NY. I ♥ teenVOGUE.

2009-11-23T21:18:00.002+01:00

There really is not a relevant purpose for this posting other than it just being something that's been on my mind. With being in Paris (& even when I am in Davis attending school there) I sometimes start to reminisce about the good ol' days of high school -- start to really miss my girls. One of whom has moved to New York for college and whom I do not see coming back to California to live for a very long time...

She & I in NY in 2008...

With her in mind, I began thinking about my visit to New York last year. Which brought on a string of memories and desired dreams....

Since I was in the 6th grade, I had always wanted to work in a magazine. But not just any magazine...

I had always wanted to work in Teen Vogue, in its fashion section.
...2 of my favvvvorite young, black & beautiful models

Last October of 2008 I traveled alone to New York (for the very first time) to attend TeenVogue's Fashion U.

Getting ready to head to SMF airport to fly into JFK..

Excited!! =)

I ♥ NY

I ♥ Ugly Betty

At Fashion U, I listened to fabulous designers like Phillip Lim, Peter Som, Torry Burch, and a few others, not to mention I got the opportunity to talk to Teen Vogue's editors and the rest of their team. It was great!

I would have gone this year as well, but as you may have noticed, I've been in Paris since August, thus I missed the event. Designers such as Diane von Furstenberg, Thakoon, Richard Chai and Kimora Lee Simmons (+ many more), were all in attendance at this past October's Teen Vogue U.

Me @ TVFU 2008

...red carpet? :)

The most exciting part for me last year was getting the opportunity to speak with Phillip Lim and learning a little about how he got started. Since then, I have grown to really appreciate Mr. Phillip Lim's clothing and he has become one of my favorites. One day I will be able to afford a pair of his gorgeous pants AND a few of his glamorous dresses. Until then, I will continue to adore from afar...

I submitted my Versace "magazine cover"
...& what do you know a couple months later I saw a magazine (I think it was Vogue, can't quite remember) place images behind their type as I did...maybe a coincidence or something that everyone does or... maybe they got inspiration from me... ??? I will never know...
& it's coming... nearer... &...

BLUFF!! POW!!!
THAT'S MY VERSACE!!! hey Gianni, boo!!! ♥

Say say & I goofing off - waiting for the metro..

On my way home from New York, I had to hurriedly basket weave at the airport and on the plane -- it was due that following morning. Which meant: No Sleep :'(

But it came out pretty magnificent...considering my procrastination, my lack of sleep, and my limited resources (I took two yarn colors which probably should not have been mixed together).

Bye, bye TeenVogue for now..

I shall return to NY someday as a bi-coastal, big-time, magazine exec or something :)

♥

Portfolio 101 + Les Halles = Fashion Marketing FUN!

2009-11-09T15:45:00.011+01:00

Date: 6 November 2009
Event: Portfolio Lesson by THE Saundra Saulnier & Comparison Shopping @ Les Halles
Where: Paris [oui, oui] ♥ Saundra Saulnier's apartment & Les Halles shopping mall

This past Friday I met up with the designer, Saundra Saulnier.

She was so kind as to offer me a Portfolio lesson. We met at 11am at her apartment. I had no problem finding her place, I actually kind of stumbled upon the right streets...
The problem came after getting into the apartment building (tsk, tsk...) I sat there for atleast 30 minutes trying to figure out which apartment she lived in. I kept telling myself that she said she lived on the first floor...yet (embarrassingly) I never actually went to the first floor...
So there I was on the ground door taking turns on the only 2 doors down there - knocking on this door and ringing the doorbell at that door. I kept hearing the clicking of someone's heels walking here and there upstairs. Unfortunately I kept ignoring them and started checking out the apartment's bulletin board and mailboxes, hoping to see her name just as a reassurance that I was in the right place (as if the code given to me that allowed me entry at the front entrance was not enough...tsk, tsk...).

Thankfully, after 30 or so minutes, I finally thought to use my human abilities of thinking logically and my fashionista senses & decided to just follow the clickings of the heels...

Voilà. The clicking of the heels belonged to Saundra on the FIRST floor... tsk. tsk. (i know)
♥ Don't judge me :)

& Moving right along............

Saundra Saulnier gave me many valuable methods & pointers on how to prepare my portfolio(s). I am really thankful for her Portfolio 101 lesson, I extremely needed it - I'm a senior getting ready to be out in the "real" world!!

Only a few of Saundra's portfolios...

Saundra is currently in the process of creating a mini fashion film for her SZ collection that will be directed and produced by Axel, a top director who has experience working for Armani and other top names. Check out his Armani ad here:
Axel - Armani

During the lesson, a model stopped by for a short audition/fitting with Saundra. She came and tried on a top - this trip did not last for more than 10 minutes, very short & sweet. Then we continued with the Portfolio 101 session.

Next we went to Les Halles shopping mall to conduct some marketing research.

We checked out all three H&M's, Zara, Mango, Bershka, Tally Weijl and Pimkie. We analyzed the store's window displays, discussed which trends were prevalent, took note of the color palette and took in the overall environment of the retail stores (i.e. its ambiance, shoppers, and layout, to name a few).

The stores are below.

H&M

& My FAVORITE black dress of the day...

♥ Loving it....!

ZARA

Mango

Bershka

♥ I've found a new love...

Tally Weijl

Pimkie

So, overall I had a very productive and fun Friday. I think it was a fantastic way to start off my Fall Break from school. I even did a write-up after the experience and plan on using it for my fashion marketing & merchandising final project. Smart, right?!? =)

Did I mention my break started November 5th and will be until the 16th?!?

Before I know it, I will be back at LAX waiting for my boyfriend to pick me up. Then 2 weeks later I will be driving back up to Davis to finish off my senior year...

Whew! How time flies when your "having fun"... ♥

Guest Speakers: Jill Cohen & Mark Tungate

2009-11-08T22:49:00.006+01:00

Tuesday morning a friend of my fashion marketing professor came into town from New Jersey. Her name is Jill Cohen.

I enjoy listening to guest speakers, especially if the topic is relevant to something I am working towards & in this case - I really needed to hear all that she had to say. Cohen explained to us how things work in the home furnishings/interior field (which is very similar to the fashion industry).

Jill Cohen is an alumni from Rhode Island School of Design - her degree is in Textiles. Previously, Cohen worked as the VP of Design for a major textile company. She has worked in Hong Kong, India, and China, to name a few. Currently, she is at Artistic Tile as the Design Director -- with 20+ years of sourcing experience under her belt, Cohen finds herself all over the world to source and develop products for Artistic Tile.

www.artistictile.com

Throughout her speech, I jotted down a few pointers and other notes... Wanna hear them? Well hear they go...

☝ When getting an entry-level position (or any position) - obviously - the more knowledge and skills you have, the better
      ☛ These skills should definitely include CAD & Adobe Suite
☝ When working with factories or companies overseas, your product is only as good as the product information you send to them
      ☛ Meaning: articulate exactly what it is that you want - do not make the person on the other end guess
☝ If you are ever given the opportunity to work at the inexpensive end of the industry (i.e. Wal-Mart), take it.
      ☛ By doing this - it will give you a challenge that'll force you to be very creative & innovative due to the lack of funds & other limitations
☝The more you understand the technicalities of things - the better
      ☛ For example, if you understand how to construct a collar, you will have an idea of what is a feasible alteration to make to the product in order to cut its price of production

♥ There were many other notes I took down but I will leave it with these 2 essentials:
      ☝ ALWAYS take notes &
       ✌ ALWAYS know the parameters
-----------------------

Through the same fashion marketing & merchandising course, Mark Tungate also came to speak to my class (book below).

Mark Tungate is a British journalist with more than 20 years of experience. Because he is based out of Paris, his publishers, Kogan Page, wanted him to explore fashion then to write a book about his findings -- which is how Fashion Brands: Branding Style from Armani to Zara came to life.

His wife is actually Géraldine Dormoy, an established fashion journalist who covers big fashion shows and other fashionable socialite events. She also has a huge blog that is well known in Paris, called Café Mode
(SideNote-- it is so fabulous! Although I cannot read it in its entirety since it is in French, I manage to cling on to a few familiar French words and the pictures definitely help =))

But anyway...
Mark Tungate interestingly stated that:

❝ sources estimate that the amount spent on clothes annually tops $1 trillion [in U.S. dollars]... ❞

Which goes to say, Fashion is NOT a trivial industry...
...it's actually something like a BIG DEAL.

*a google image*

He spoke about how unlike mass commodities (like Nike), small fashion houses require personal attention. They do not want agencies conducting their business, they prefer individuals who are able to bring their vision to life, like famous photographers, stylists, and make-up artists. But the problem with this is that the pictures/ads start to look very similar, if not exactly the same. This is because not only is Calvin Klein using Mert & Marcus (for instance) for their Spring '0x ad, but Louis Vuitton and Guess may also be using the same team of experts... Then not only are the same experts used, also the same trends are being translated across brands and its collections.

So why don't fashion companies just go to advertising agencies??

Because the fashion agencies are all about the idea -- they are obsessed with having a storyline. On the other hand, fashion brands are obsessed with their product(s) -- they're aim is to sell the product so why go into extras with the big idea/fantasy??

Have you ever wondered why you do not see commercials for Louis Vuitton handbags and luggage?

*a google image*

☛ Television will over expose the luxury brand. Many clients are loyal to certain luxury brands because they give the client a feeling of exclusivity, since the luxury brand is not advertised to the average citizen who watches television. Besides, printed ads reach many more people in many places in the world who are actually buying the expensive goods.

Fashion blogs now play critical, objective roles that the magazines will never play. Magazines do not dare t criticize a brand because essentially the magazine needs that company to run their ad in the magazine in order to keep the magazine running. Thus, fashion bloggers, like Perez Hilton, have become the real critics of fashion -- up until the blogger starts getting free merchandise and entrances into upscale, socialite events :/

---------------------

Christian Dior

If you know me, then you knew that I had once (not too long ago) wanted to go into the haute couture and/or luxury business. However, after researching and learning different things about the expensive division in fashion, I have changed my mind. In fact, people like Christian Lacroix and Halston aided in my change of desired professions. Lacroix has gone bankrupt and Halston (due to bad marketing and licensing choices) also went under.

Only about 300 women in the world regularly buy haute couture...

---------------------

✰ Interesting Fact ✰
Zara, a large flagship store created by Spanish tycoon Amancio Artega, has NEVER done advertising in a magazine or on billboards like H&M and other retailers. Instead, they use that money - that would have been used to buy ads and space- to put new stores in highly populated areas around the world and advertise on its store own buildings...

Louis Vuitton's fashion director, Daniel Piette, described Zara as

❝ possibly the most innovative and devastating retailer in the world ❞

-- Wikipedia
& CNN called Zara a

❝ Spanish success story ❞

-- Wikipedia
-------------------
So many retail stores are becoming more innovative in how they advertise or appeal more to its tageted customer. For example, H&M is known for bringing on-board known, high-end designers like Karl Lagerfeld to attract more consumers.

Karl Lagerfeld

UNIQULO followed suit...

--------------------

& of course - the easiest way for a brand to get exposure is to get a celebrity or a high-profile person to wear it. >>➠ Below the Line Marketing -- when you get a garment or other product placed in a movie, on a red carpet or other watched event.

Michele Obama in designer, Maria Pinto's, dress

Jennifer Lopez in a Versace gown

Post-French test ♥ Feeling good, feeling gr....Hey!! STREET STYLE!!!

2009-11-04T20:26:00.006+01:00

Today at 14h15 I had a French test. I felt pretty confident about it but then again I still felt like I didn't know how to write a complete French sentence :(

However, after taking the test I felt really great about my answers -- not only did I know the vocabulary but I also was able to form COMPLETE French sentences!! woohoo!! =)

Anyway, I thought that was a wonderful way to end a not-so-good week & an even better way to begin a beautiful week ➲ Fall Break!! I am to not return back to school until November 16th! Ya, I'm happy :)
----------------------

So while walking to the underground metro station & as I was trying to find the right song to groove to, I noticed this peculiar figure in my peripheral vision...

You see, when I looked up I instantly thought B/W!! (Blog/Worthy) So basically, I turned around and stalked her until I finally managed to find my camera hidden under every single layer of junk at the bottom of my big, purple tote.

I ended up following her into a nearby grocery store (totally in the opposite direction of the metro)...

Paris StreetStyle @ its Best .... Or @ its Worst ???

...there is no in between w/her--she's on either extreme side of the spectrum, one or the other. I wish I would have got her from the front...she was wearing this funky blouse that seemed to either tie this look all together -or- to further f* this look up all together...Anyway. What do you think?

Then, as I headed back to the metro, I saw some of the most awesome boots ever...
♥ so Louis XIV-ish

i ♡ them!
Looks good on HER....

Lastly, as I crossed the threshold to get on the metro platform, this little diva (so cute) caught my attention -- no, correction -- she AND her fabulously♥chic parents caught my attention, effortlessly.

I could not quite get a picture of her mother's beautifully studded, deep red flats. However I did get a glimpse of her father's neon Adidas :)

Oh, and that's just me... to feel less awkward and less weirdo-like, I snapped a quick picture of my flats as well hehe =_

& these are just the new ads H&M / Jimmy Choo are putting up ALL over the metro stations...

♥ r i c e kisses c o u t u r e

Halloween

2009-11-01T22:00:00.002+01:00

I have not celebrated Halloween for over 4 years, before lastnight. Mainly because around the 31st of October in Davis, CA, it is usually VERY cold or Raining & VERY cold. Thus, I just stay in the warmth & comfort of my tiny château :)

Lastnight was different though. I AM IN PARIS!! Therefore, regardless of if it was raining or super cold-- I was going out!

As we got prepared, we started our night off with Stephanie's champagne. Next we went to a classmate's party for about 35-45mins.

Then we headed to the bar my roommate works at, The Thistle. I got me a good ol' Tokyo Tea...

Pocahontas ♥ Katy Perry ♥ Lady Gaga ♥ Masquerade-ish

Katy Perry ♥ Masquerade-ish ♥ Marilyn Man.roe

We were suppose to head to Club Gibus before 2am so that we would catch the metro before it stopped running. But, we didn't quite make it :(

Nonetheless, I truly enjoyed my Halloween in Paris, France =)
... what a night ♥

Now who says Paris doesn't do Halloween?!?!

"I kissed a girl & I liked it / Taste of her cherry chapstick..."
I ♡ Katy Perry

Itz Halloween Beetches!! [oui oui, n Paris]!!

2009-10-31T18:21:00.000+01:00

So. it is definitely Halloween in Paris. It is not really celebrated here like it is in the US, but about 3 years ago people started getting into this horror-ific (hehe) celebration.

Then, I hear the American who claims that "Paris doesn't do Halloween..." Hm. Is that so?

I guess we'll see about that, now won't we...

To Be Continued...
muhahahahahaaha =)

Mercerie ♥ Georges Rech

2009-10-28T20:07:00.001+01:00

Bonsoir!

Yesterday I went on an excursion with my fashion illustration instructor and classmates. We went to Le Sentier "garment/fashion prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) district" of Paris; it is devoted entirely to the textile and RTW business. We stopped at a Mercerie shop and a vintage shop, but our ultimate stop was at Georges Rech, a French fashion house--which my fashion illustration instructor worked there before, for 27 years!! Talk about dedication to one's profession...

I don't want to imagine it...

Anyway. My first class of the day was Fashion Marketing & Merchandising. It lasted from 9h30a-11h30a. Fashion illustration was not to begin for another 2½ hours. So, seeing as it was such a beautiful day with nice weather, Stephanie and I decided to walk to the meeting place, which was the metro stop 'Sentier' @ exit 'Petite Carreaux.'

On our walk we ran into a few interesting Parisian buildings and places...
BUT before all that...we ran into a costume shop :) ...
Stephanie ♥ Pre-Katy Perry

Me ♥ Pre-Masquerade/Carnavel...?? Idk yet, I'm working on it :)

Now...for the interesting buildings...

French signs...

Her garment is of hangars...

& then we make it to the Mercerie shop...

A mercerie is a shop that sells buttons, thread, ribbon, fabric, and other things that are needed to create a garment. Rose Bertin in the 18th century, was a popular mercérie. In fact, she was Queen Marie Antoinette's personal mercérie. She was an early couturier, however was not officially the first (Charles-Fredrick Worth is France's official couturier--check out an earlier post for more details by clicking here ♡). Bertin would make around 4 garments a day for the Queen. She was able to bring in more business with Marie Antoinette wearing her garment, her business boomed and sold on the fact that to be fashionable, you must do as the queen of the time. Thus political dress became a hit -- just as the small designers of Michelle Obama are able to get a lot of publicity.

buttons, Buttons, BUTTONS!!

& for the finale...

Georges Rech

The great pattern-maker for Georges Rech

Everyone is working hard to produce a collection for Georges Rech...

My instructor, d'Argoeuves, is back in her element :)

...she was a designer for Georges Rech for 20-odd something years!! ♥

He oversees Georges Rech production... he was so flamboyant & cute... just wanted to hug him :)

Pattern pieces are getting inserted into the computer...it'll soon create that skirt again...

They're large, mean pattern-cutting machine ♥

...check it out in action by clicking here :)

Busy, Busy!! It takes GR 3 months to make a collection...

He's working on next season's jacket...

it's his baby...

...& he's very protective of it...

GR in ELLE

C'est la vie!! ♥♡♥

neglection

2009-10-28T11:31:00.000+01:00

today...
is blogging-catch-up day...

smh..

r i c e kisses c o u t u r e ♥♡

Madeleine Vionnet & more...

2009-10-21T21:45:00.006+02:00

Date: October 14th
Event: Madeline Vionnet exhibit
Where: Le Musée des Arts Décoratifs

I was only allowed to snap a photo of the outside exhibit sign...
...i took the 1st picture and the 2nd is from TravelPod online

The symbol on the left is her logo. It is a sort of androgynous man & woman "lost" in their underpants.

In the 1850's Charles-Fredrick Worth, an Englishman and the first official couturier of France, designed dresses for V.I.P, mainly Empress Eugenie of the Second Empire. He placed crinoline under the garments as a sort of support and way to keep the dome shape of it. The crinoline was made of horse hair and in wet/rainy weather the crinoline could not beautifully support the dress.

Thus, in 1857 Charles-Fredrick Worth sought the Peugot Brothers, famous inventors of the time of things made of metal, wood & iron, like coffee makers and sewing machines. They were asked to help Charles-Fredrick Worth to create a a metal/wood structure that could go under a woman's petticoat to support the crinoline in wet weather.

Voilà.
Being fashionable is made easy again (but of course, at the right price)...

However, the war against Prussia broke out in France in 1870.
= No more crinolines.

& 6 years later...

♥ Madeleine Vionnet was born in le Loiret.

Her mother left her and her father at age 3.
Thus, at a young age she was forced to find a paying job. She became a very talented seamstress through her childhood jobs...but unfortunately her father forced her to marry and have kids at age 18. Vionnet did unto her daughter, as her mother did to her...she left her. She headed to London to learn English and returned to Paris in 1901, determined to make a corset that was more comfortable for women.

❝When a woman smiles, then her dress should smile too...❞

- Wikipedia

She worked hard and diligently to free a woman's curves of the corset's constraint.

The women now must adapt to this new style and slim down...

Madeleine Vionnet came to be a well-known and great designer of the early 20th century. She opened her shop on Rue de Rivoli in Paris in the year 1912 and that same year, she completely suppressed the corset. Although the shop was closed shortly at the break of WWI, she continued with production.

In 1923, she opened her second shop. She was very aware of the changes of fashion and women in general, brought on by the war and America's Hollywood scene.

She used mostly silk fabrics and became especially known for the bias cut. Bias cut is a term used to describe the cutting of a piece of fabric on its 45° angle. At this angle, you will obtain the most stretch out of the fabric -- which is great for a nice silhouetted gown because it is easy to follow the body's curves. Before Vionnet, accessories was a very important aspect of a garment. After Vionnet, the cut and silhouette became the focus.

Vionnet was a very hard-worker. A lot of time and energy went into each 'Vionnet' garment. She would first design a garment on a small doll, and not until after satisfaction and completion of the doll's gown, was the garment put into production for real women.
I was really excited after seeing THE actual doll...

The picture is taken from Wikipedia

The red dress on the left, is the dress I saw on the doll at the exhibit

---------------♥

As you may have noticed, I only took one picture--which was not even taken inside of the actual exhibit. I was unable to take any inside of the exhibit, out of respect for Vionnet and J-P-C. She was very obsessed with keeping her creations original and away from the eyes of copiers. So much so, that she even put her fingerprint somewhere in the inside of the dress so that she was able to identify its authenticity (or lack of).

Thus, the pictures below are all from the internet.
Bon appétit...

The 1st picture below is a rare picture of one of Vionnet's original dresses...
-- J-P-C says that it is "quite Isadora Duncan style."

Click for Madeleine Vionnet's official site

House of CHANEL

2009-10-21T20:29:00.000+02:00

This afternoon Monsieur Constant (or j-p-c, as I like to refer to him as) took us on a little adventure. This adventure took place in the haute couture fashion atmosphere of: The Promenade.

Our main destination was to take a look at Chanel's original boutique in Paris.

He schooled us on many aspects of Chanel's vast history...

Below is the place she often visited to purchase her expensive chocolates...

In Chanel's vintage boutique, I saw the famous staircase that Chanel had her models strut down during fashion shows. Her three slanted mirrors are also still at the top of the staircase -- which she used to keep an eye on all perspectives of her make-up, her garments, and all else that went on inside her fashion house.

Check-out House of Chanel's "MySizeFashionDoll" (I like to call them...)

♥ so jet-setter chic

These bags are made for dancing in the rain...

Et plus.. MySizeFashionDolls

Close-up of the fabulous-ness ♥

♥ Notice that the doll's booties are two-toned. Chanel invented this style. She did not like her feet, she thought they were to long and big. Thus, she did not like to show them. Through 2-toned heels, she successfully created the illusion of the tip being her actual toes. Coco Chanel would use this technique inversely -- sometimes white would be the tip and other time black would be the heel's tip.

Gorgeous.

Adorably-chic.

Lastly...

I found the experience to be very magical and extra-ordinary.

House of Chanel was surrounded by other great fashion houses...
w/great displays...

♥ Didier Ludot

♥ Hugo Boss

♥ Gucci

♥ Miu Miu

♥ Altuza

Beautiful Fountainebleau

2009-10-19T17:15:00.123+02:00

Why, Hello World!! I've been slacking just a bit...but no worries...I shall catch you up with my life in Paris :)

Guess who went on a hike two weekends ago??

Yes. It is true. I went to Fountainebleau's beautiful forest, on October 10th, to be exact.

The terrain...

Different hiking trails

I suppose he is one its founder's...?

Okay...break for picture

....& yea that's right. I went hiking in my comfy UGGs, legwarmers & hoodie. Not only was I comfortable but I styling in the forest, as well ♥ =)

It is definitely a site to see!

Oh, Stephanie! ...her fascination with the squishy green thing wouldn't allow her to continue

"& we're marching...here we go!... here we go!... here we go! here we go!! here we go!!!"

...5th grade Camp Hi-Hill of So. Cal :)

Poor UGGies :(

-------------♥ Hike done. Time to eat!! =)

On way to restaurant...

window "browsing" the lovely purples...

Restaurant

The beautiful chateau and garden!!

Beauty & the Beast's place...

We ♥ jumping

So...since I've been here -- this is the 1st true gas station I have seen thus far

Gas station in Fountainbleau

Gas "stop" in Paris (off to the side of the road)...

Fountainbleau's Train Station -- "let's go home...I'm tired."

- I'm glad I took a picture of it -- I got a little confused on my way back to it :\

PhOtO ♥ ShOoT - oui oui! N Paris!! :]

2009-10-11T17:13:00.026+02:00

It all began around 2pm on the 9th of October.

I met up with the designer, Saundra Saulnier, at a fabulous place on Rue St. Andre des Arts.

♥ Saundra Saulnier

Check out her SZ Collection on her website here!

She showed me a few of her inspirational photos then I aided in laying all the clothes out, brainstorming looks in advance, & preparing for the model's arrival.

The model arrived around 3pm.

Saundra Saulnier and I styled her from head to toe in the SZ signature collection with an extra eye from Ana. As we excelled to the next look, we innovatively put pieces together.

You will find a few trends in the looks, that just hit the Spr '10 runway. For example, draping, sheer, lingerie, metallic and hardcore/rocker-chic. We topped it all off with over-the-knee boots.

We shot at approximately 5 different sites with photographer, Chris Park. One of the locations was a nice distance from the beautifully-lit Eiffel Tower. Unfortunately, not only did I not take pictures of the styling process at the house nor of the 1st two sites, but also my camera's battery totally depleted before I got the chance to capture the last 2 looks at the last site... It was so beautiful...

Where was the paparazzi when I needed them ;)
...actually we did attract an audience of tourist with their cameras...

These are pictures from the styling session (pre-shoot)

Trying to remember the way Saundra Saulnier draped it so when that look was needed for the shoot.
...meaning: picture time! :)

♥ PhOtoS from sites 3 & 4

Saundra Saulnier (SZ), the designer, gives the model some pointers...

Make-up artist, Ana Ambrasaite, touch up the model's make-up a bit...

Model☑ Actor☑ & Martial Arts Instructor☑, Jordan Jones, helps with the PhOtO ♥ ShOoT on his day off by giving the model more light :)

Now she's ready - feeling Simply Sexy & Sleek in Look #3♥

| Sexy | Sleek | Simple |

➠but with an SZ twist ♥

All of the above's location was underneath a tunnel parallel to a nightclub of some sort

Everything necessary ...PhOto ♥ ShOoT on the GO!

Look #4...

I know, not such great picture qualities.

..however, I captured the event nonetheless! =)

PhOtO ♥ ShOot over by 8:30pm.
Home by 10:30pm.

* ☆♥ * Special ❛Thank-You❜ to Ms. Saundra Saulnier for Friday's great & exciting opportunity. Not only did I experience first-hand the whole process of styling and being an assistant on a PhOtO ♥ ShOot, but I also learned a great amount, met new people and had a great time doing it all (in PARIS :) !! I am very grateful for her generosity and for her sharing her knowledge and time with me. So, again, Merci Beaucoup Saundra pour tout!!!

Her website: www.saundrasaulnier.com

❝Today was a GOOD day...❞
- ❤ Ice Cube

Paris Fashion Week ♥ Spring 2010 RTW

2009-10-08T02:20:00.019+02:00

"i'm..."

❝ i'm just a girl...

i'm here in paris, france,
in the midst of fashion week.

i'm here in paris, france,
i want to be at the shows -- in the environment -- in the clothes.

i'm just a girl... ❞

- ❤ r o y a l kisses

-----------------

Rip the Runway.
& The Winners Are:

✉ Coolest Statements Spring 2010 RTW collection
♥ Vivienne Westwood

✉ Coolest Ruffles [trend] Spring 2010 RTW collection
♥ Valentino

Valentino Bonus: Its visual/physical texture intrigues me... it's like a porcupine :>

✉ Coolest Silhouette Spring 2010 RTW [Milan] collection
♥ Versace

❝...[although] the...Versace women [were] still quite a lot thinner than they used to be in Gianni's day...❞ - style.com

✉ Coolest Lady-like/Femininity Spring 2010 RTW Collection
♥ Andrew Gn

✉ Coolest Graphics [trend] Spring 2010 RTW Collection

♥ Givenchy

Givenchy Bonus: Beautiful ruffles and texture

✉ Coolest Theatrical/Hollywood (& craziest :) Spring 2010 RTW Collection
& & &

✉ Healthiest-Looking Models Spring 2010 RTW Collection
♥ John Galliano

✉ Coolest Draping Spring 2010 RTW Collection
♥Roland Mouret

✉ Coolest Spring 2010 RTW Collection!!
♥ Alexander McQueen

Madame Tallien vs. Alexander McQueen

2009-10-07T19:36:00.006+02:00

So. Basically since Paris' Fashion Week began last week, I've been drooling over all (well, the majority) of the designers Spring 2010 Ready-To-Wear (RTW) collections. Some favorites of mine are: Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Andrew Gn, Givenchy and (of course) Versace.

Now, I know this may sound a bit crazy (or more like, lesbian) but I got really excited when I saw a model of Alexander McQueen's wearing a piece that exposed her left breast.

Ok, allow me to explain:

I am currently taking 'Haute Couture in France: History of Style & Fashion' with the oh, so fabulously-chic Monsieur Constant. We've been discussing a very interesting and distinct woman, Madame Tallien. She was known for her strong, resistant character (after all, she did survive the French Revolution). According to Wikipedia (which I'm kind of embarrassed to site such a non-creditable source, but whatever), she was Jean Lambert Tallien's mistress first, for a while before they married (M. Constant, you can correct me if I'm wrong :) Anyway, the point is: she would shock those around her by exposing only 1 breast.

So, that is why after seeing the Alexander McQueen Spr '10 RTW collection, I was so excited to be able to make a connection with something that happened back in 19th century France with something that's happening currently, in the 21st century FRANCE!! =)

This is soo exciting!!

enjoy...

19th century exposed left breast ♥ Madame Tallien

21st century exposed left breast ♥ Alexander McQueen RTW Spring 2010

That is all for now.

Later, I will post a few pictures of my favorite Spring 2010 RTW collections.

Hmmm, yummy! :)

Nuit Blanche & Ethical Fashion Show

2009-10-04T20:59:00.011+02:00

Nuit Blanche

Lastnight, beginning around 7pm, there was a huge celebration, called Nuit Blanche, in different parts of the city. This celebration attracted many, many people unto the streets of Paris. Nuit Blanche is like a cultural holiday or traditon that showcases different artists' work and it happens every year. "Nuit Blanche" translates to White Night or All-Nighter in French, which takes me to my next point of it being a celebration that continues until the next morning -- around 7am.

❝ Its exact beginning is disputed between Paris, St Petersburg, and Berlin, but, taking elements from all of these, the idea of a night-time festival of the arts has spread around the world since 1997, taking hold from Montreal to Madrid and Lima to Leeds. A Nuit Blanche will typically have museums, private and public art galleries, and other cultural institutions open and free of charge, with the centre of the city itself being turned into a de facto art gallery, providing space for art installations, performances (music, film, dance, performance art), themed social gatherings, and other activities. ❞

- Wikipedia
----------------------

Pompidou Center all blurry & lit up

The outside window of a store covered with some type mousse -- that's my "R" =)

Took a step back to enjoy the mousse art...

--------------------♡

Round 1:30am, I ended up getting Gelato ice cream =)
hmm, hmm good!!

more ice cream. yummy!

The purchase...
...cost me 5€. It was worth it -- all 4 different flavors!! =)

----------------♡

Me with a few of Paris Nuit Blanche celebrators...

He thought he was slyly putting bunny ears behind my head--I was aware of them the entire time. I thought I'd let him have his moment :) haha

I wasn't able to stay out until 7am like the rest of Paris because I had to meet up with my Fashion Marketing & Merchandising class the next morning at a trade show at 11am plus I wasn't feeling too well. So, I caught the metro around 1:30am, before it stopped running at 2. Made it back to my flat and curled up in my bed and caught some zZzZzzz...

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Ethical Fashion Show

This morning, after only getting about 4 hours of sleep, I headed to the Ethical Fashion Show located off of Château d'Eauf. It was beautifully set up and the independent designers showed fabulous, eco-friendly pieces.

The banner of the show...

...i ♥ it

Check out the umbrellas...nice touch.

----
The designer (of these innovative designs below) is from Nigeria.

Made of recycled hats & other sustainable materials...

Made of some type of shell and raffia...

Made of a recycled shopping bag and raffia...

Made of synthetic sunflowers and leaves...

& the guy in the background is the designer.

-------------------♡

i ♥ the sleeves

------------------♡

Beautifully hand-made, copper jewelery

-----------------------♡

These ultra sexy & chic clutches are made of recycled soda can openers that [were once] attached to the can
...i don't have a better way to explain it :(

-------------------♡

OMGawd...I instantly was drawn to this piece--it's so modern-chic

...I would love this for my first place - post-college graduation. So beautiful & enticing.

-------------------♡

& on way home...

[check out ad in the back -- angry little kid, isn't he? lol]

------------------♡

♥ pink kisses ♥

Club Gibus ♥

2009-10-03T18:36:00.002+02:00

Lastnight, I and Stephanie went to Club Gibus--finallllyy I have found a cool, hip-hop scene!! Yayy!! :)

It was cool. We left a little after midnight to go and returned around 3:30am or so. Dancing released some tension and I had the second half of my work-out (the first is running up/down the stairs for the metro :).

My night @ Club Gibus ♡♥ Link to video

There was a great variety of music, a lot of old tunes like "hot in here" by nelly and "Yeah" by Usher--I enjoyed the throwbacks but I was also hoping for some Dream, Mullage and other up-to-date music. But I still enjoyed myself a lot. They seem to really like reggae.

For the most part the guys were very respectful and gave you your space. But, there was also a couple who didn't get the hint very well to f* off -- I gave a few of them a good variety of hints: a push to the chest; a nod 'NO' (without a smile - very serious face); a non-responsive, I can't dance so I'll just stand and look cool, stance; and I even said "Non!" However, a couple felt that it was their right or something to take a dance. Then you had those that after the first, initial dance, they wrapped their arms around you so tightly as if to claim you as their property...

I'm not too fond of those...
------------------

I saw this guy at the club with a Long Beach hat on. Like a tourist, I asked him if I could take a picture of IT. I ended up taking a picture with him and it instead. Afterward, he asked me, "You from Long Beach?" I'm like "Yeah, have you visited there before?" Then he replies in broken English and a huge smile, "I just know SNOOP's there!"

...is that so? lol

That makes it the second time a French person has asked me about Long Beach ONLY because of "SNOOP D, O double G" haha. I guess it is safe to say that Snoop may be a favorite in Paris.
-------------------

Also, I'm not sure if I've mentioned it, but lastnight was Lady's Night. So not only did we get in for free but they also hired 2 male *dancers*. Interesting they were. If you checked out the video above, I'm sure you're aware of what I am speaking of. If you missed the video and would like to see it, check it out below...

My night at Club Gibus ♡♥
----------------

Good night it was. On our walk back home, Stephanie bought me a ham & cheese crepe, thanx steph!! It was deee-lish!! =D

The guy making it...

& ME eating it... =P hmm, hmm, good!

The best part was that Club Gibus is located in my district so we were able to walk there. We didn't have to worry about the metro not running, taking a taxi or anything like that.
Oh & not to mention the perk of the free entrance, of course that was also a favorite part! ;)
------------------

All of the possibilities within the 11th district... =)
But so little time... :(

Tonight = CLUB GIBUS babyyyy!!!! ;)

2009-10-02T21:20:00.000+02:00

So it's currently 21h10 (9:10pm) and tonight at Club Gibus it's LADY's NIGHT!!! Woo hoo! All ladies in for free ALL night!! It's supposedly the #1 Hip-Hop club in Paris but I'll be the judge of that.

So we will be heading out around 12am -- the clubs here practically never close(s?). I'll update you on its performance and its given grade (by yours truly, moi) when I return.

The link below is from YouTube, many American rappers like 3 6 Mafia and Lil Jon as well as other singers like Estelle and a variety of DJ's from different places make their way down to Club Gibus...I wonder who'll be there tonight?

Anyway, check it out!
Club Gibus on YouTube

My 1st garment ♥

2009-10-02T13:46:00.015+02:00

I was browsing through my pictures and came across my 1st, real garment I had ever made. It brought a smile to my face.

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

Link to ME on the RUNWAY :)

NOTE: there are more pix at the bottom ♥
☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

Since I have been in Paris, I have constantly been thinking about my collection that I will have to start creating once I get back to UC Davis. I am really excited about it, however, I am really nervous and anxious, as well.

I am continuously told that I have the "strongest disadvantage" of all the students in the collections course for winter '09...

You see, I have taken the least number of design classes than anyone else--and the 1 or 2 who I am tied with are at this very second, back at Davis learning how to print their own fabric, or brainstorming ideas with Suzan (the collection's FAB instructor), or in the process of getting started on making their fabrics, so that when the collection's winter '09 course start, the fabric will be ready then all they'll have to do is cut and sew.

I am a bit disturbed by the fact that I will not have the previous quarter (this current Fall '09 quarter) to work out all of the kinks, prepare the fabric, and further enhance the collection-to-be through communication and collaboration with peers and instructors.

However, Paris is SuPeR!! and a great opportunity that I am ecstatic about; I am happy I was able to snatch it and run off with it. I can honestly say that being here has positively changed me and I have never been this happy for a very long time & I will not trade it for anything. At this time, I know that life as a senior design student is very hectic & stressful at UCD with the Runway Designers Club (we, who plan & organize the fashion show) with the budget cuts, walk-outs, protesting, etc. But here, that is [not at the moment] my reality, so I am thankfully able to concentrate on other things, like ME (for a change). I am eating healthy again (3 meals+/day, fruits/veggies) --I will admit that I may be eating too many carbs--pasta almost everyday and a baguette for sure everyday :(
There is, of course, some level of stress, but since I do not really have a studio course--in terms of hours in class per week and requirements--I am able to get more sleep etc.

But anyway, seeing the picture of my jacket made me think back to the beginning of my pattern-making course when I thought it was impossible for me to make one. I had defeated myself. I had put in my head that I wouldn't be able to make something that was FABULOUS in such a short time. BUT, of course, I DID IT AGAIN... I surprised myself in the best way possible. I created a garment that I was proud of and that I think is a worthy-1st garment. *pat on my back* ← i don't give myself enough of those ;)

Here are a couple other garments I created. I wish I had my portfolio pictures, but unfortunately I haven't been back to school since June, so I have not retrieved them just yet.

[but anyway] enjoy...

Inspiration: pOp ArT & comic strips...

...so the layers are pop art-like fabric (the brightly colored strips) and comic strips from the Sunday's newspapers (the black/white paper)

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Inspiration: Pieced-quilt work...
This project was pretty cool, we were only allowed to use her left-over knit fabrics--which basically were cut-up, small scraps. So, interesting, it was.

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So, the moral(s) of the story:
♡ Don't doubt yourself
♡Only think positive
♡ Keep your eye on the prize
♡ Do your best
♡ Don't listen to the negativity...BELIEVE IN YOURSELF & YOUR ABILITIES!!!

...of course I am also really telling myself that -- with my collection in mind
♥

So, [back to my original point] in winter quarter '08, in my pattern-making course, we made jackets as our final project.

enjoy...

3 lapels and [very long] sleeves w/4 layers...

I am so in ♥ with it...

created and styled by:
♡♥ r i c e kisses co u t u r e ♥ ♡

and me modeling it...

...hey, housefield! =P

♥ Pompidou Studying!!

2009-10-02T00:23:00.008+02:00

Bonjour!!
Today I am happy to announce that I had a productive day. I went to St. Jeanne Elizabeth School (every Thursday) and participated in conversational English with the students. I was told that St. Jeanne Elizabeth is the #1 school in Paris & the #4 school in France, so it's something like a big deal :) I was there around 11am and was expected at 11:20am to speak to my first class. Then after answering a series of questions about America and my thoughts on Paris, it was lunch time (12:30pm). Any interesting questions?? Hmm... well a 17yr old asked me what I thought about French men. But this was nothing compared to last week's questions. Last Thursday was my first time speaking with the students (but that time, I only spoke to the second class that started at 1:20pm). Last Thursday's class asked me questions such as, "Do you like Hannah Montana" asks a 16 year old then a 16 year old girl asked me what type of music did I like, then after I told them that I attended high school in Long Beach,, CA (get this: ) a 16 year old boy asked a few minutes later, "You said you went to school in Long Beach?" I answered "Yes." He then asks innocently, "Do you know SNOOP D. O double G??" I kind of giggled because not only was his accent the cutest thing I've ever heard pronounce Snoop Dogg's name, but also because he was genuinely, wih a straight face, interested in my answer. It's kind of, well, idk, funny that I even get that question outside of the States. I had grown accustomed to the question in the states, I just expected to be asked that, but in France too?!? OK, is that all people "know" about the LBC??

------------- lol.
Anyway, today after the first class, one of the teacher's I work with took me to the teacher's canteen (she called it). There, she and I grabbed ME some lunch. She grabbed me like 5 small rolls lol but I appreciated it, everyone knows of my weakness for bread (and fruity candy :( ). In addition to the rolls, I grabbed chicken (that was so tender that it practically fell off the bone before I had the chance to pile it on my plate), cut up tomatoes and cucumbers, cheese(of course) and a chocolate pudding for desert (I had wanted some pineapple, but didn't want to seem greedy.. :) ). So I happily ate my meal--everything properly with a fork and knife (the French way). Afterward, I had a little time to glance through my magazine -- which I only payed 1€ for!! -- until the next class at 1:20pm. Next class I did my job, spoke and read to them in English, and in the process I learned 3 new words: un médicament = medicine; ordonnance = prescription; & coffre-fort = safe. Time flew... Oh! Did I mention getting invited to go dancing with her & a few colleagues?!? =)
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Afterward (well, about 3-4 hours later) I went to the Pompidou Center to study. It was good. Stephanie (one of my roommate's and colleague from UCD) was already there -- i was suppose to meet her there, probably earlier (??). We excitedly shared ideas for our debut collections and probably joked a little too much to be in a library...but good times :) She left around 8:15pm, I stayed until closing (10pm) and almost finished my chapter :) Today was a good day. Tiring, but good, nonetheless.

The "internal organs" that makes up a building is this building's (the Pompidou Center) exterior. Extraordinary, right?
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While I was reading I came across a fact that I've heard before, but apparently didn't quite remember--or I wouldn't have found it to be so interesting. Anyway, in my fashion marketing & merchandising book, I read,

❝ In the United States, the first sizing studies were done in the mid-1800s as the U.S. government prepared for the Civil War. Measurements of soldiers were taken and evaluated. The review of these measurements showed that some body dimensions were commonly found across numerous men. This information led to the first standardization of sizes and the first sizing charts ("Standardization of women's clothing," 2004) ❞

Instantly, I thought to myself, "BLOG WORTHY (BW)" (haha) and scribbled that in the margin and highlighted the passage...nerdy--i know, & i ♡ it!!

Also, what I found interesting and kind of a "duh!" after reading it and thinking about it is:

❝ ...to attract and maintain a loyal customer, many companies selling women's wear use vanity sizing, or a sizing scale that allows the consumer to buy a size smaller than she might otherwise purchase and get the same fit (Kincade & Gibson 98). ❞

So. Yeah. I thought those were interesting points. i ♥ learning! it's fun! =D

2009-09-30T19:52:00.003+02:00

so. stephanie. brilliant idea. name = r i c e kisses c o u t u r e , right??
right.
so. at the end of each post i will be giving you some type of history...fact(s)...question(s)...pondering thought(s)...etc about couture &/or fashion, period. --> and possibly even about me the *r i c e* &/or some fashion of love *kisses* aspect of my name. brilliant idea, i tell you!!

i ♥ brilliance.

Versailles

2009-09-29T23:43:00.005+02:00

OMGawd!! sooo much has happened, I feel horrible for being so lazy!! :(

I'll start with how dissapointed I am of myself. To all the SMART kids who decided to go to the picnic our school hosted today in conjunction with a french design school -- kudos to you all! I WANT FRENCH FRIENDS TOO!! :(

haha I was just so eager to come home (like a lil brat), to eat then sleep that I ignored a great, FREE opportunity to actually fulfill one of my MAJOR goals while I am here in Paris. I hope for MORE opportunities--PLEASE :(

Now, anyway lol. This past weekend I and others of the same program took the train to Versailles, France. Versailles is where the king and his royal court resided in the centuries of 17th-19th (I'm sure many more as well but I've studied those particular 1's).

my "Monsieur Constant" point and gaze haha

the girlies...cat-a-licious ♥ nina-chic ♥ steph-a-"neenee" ♥ moi

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drawing nearer to the King's palace...

gates of royalty...

aww...getting there-------------------------

Side Note: they were holding a modern art collection exhibit at the palace. Paris is trying to make the palace into a museum-like place. Not only do they want it to be a place tourists come to get a feel for how the king was living, but they're also trying to make it a 'museum-must-stop-n-paris' place for the tourist (kind of like the Louvre). (thanx Stephanie :)

So this next picture is of a sculpture (I guess you can call it) that was right outside of the entrance
beautiful, isn't she?!
it's like a carriage drawn by horses...

& its template below

a smaller version of the palace--make me feel like i'm able to CONQUER it =)

smaller blue-print version of the "kingdom"
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It was amazing! I walked into the actual (well, refurbished) room of the queen of the late 18th century of France (right before the French Revolution), Marie Antoinette.

her bed..

the door on the left in which she escaped out of to flee before the riots of revolutioners made it to her..

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I also saw the king's chamber (Louis XIV)...

I have a video on my camera of the interior space but was unsure how to post here :(

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I also walked through the 'Hall of Mirrors' -- the very place where the Treaty of Versailles (Treaty of Peace) was signed to end WWI.

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We walked through what they called a "garden" but what I think was a frikkin mansion in itself...there was a maze and all types of crazy nooks for "pleasure" for the king and such...

OMGawd...i'm sooo model-chic :)

us "having pleasure" in the garden...gossipping about the king's latest mistress

of course, with our robe à la française (dress with huge hips)-- looking fab!!

be like a tree...and...strike a(n) (everlasting) pose!!

what is-tis i-see? a euro, that darn Louis XIV and his conspicuous consumption :)

painting inside of the King and co. "having pleasure"...

King Louis XIV with the red tights and sceptre (i believe :)

...check out the fab wigs...cravats...elaborate sleeve details...

long walk back to the palace...& i'm not even at the end of the garden... smh... big-tymers is an understatement

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until i make it...

i will continue to imagine&fantasize&ponder&wish&hope for THE best for ME

I'm thinking of my MASTER PLAN -- i call it: Working on "My Master's" =)

still to come...

2009-09-23T03:49:00.000+02:00

Tomorrow i will tell you about today's visit to Prelle's Showroom in Paris!!

in the NUDE!!

2009-09-23T03:45:00.002+02:00

Soooo...On Sept 15th (last Tues), my fashion illustration class and I met up at Académie de la Grande Chaumière, in the 6th district of Paris. There, we were to draw a nude model. I didn't think anything of it, I mean, it wasn't a big deal that she was nude. The whole experience was very interesting. I was surrounded by real artists, these older men and women genuinely enjoyed expressing themselves through a very creative medium. I really enjoyed the experience of quick sketching. The first pose, we were allotted 45 minutes to complete. The 2nd = 25min, the 3rd = 10 min and the last 9 poses were to be done in 5 minutes, yes, 5 minutes! It was all very exciting to me--the environment, the challenge of completing it so that people would actually be able to tell what it was, and my eagerness to see the outcome -- all very exciting to me. Below area few examples...only showed 3 pages of 5 min drawings (but 4 total drawings).

45 minutes...

25 mins...

10 mins...

5 mins...

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Today in class we worked on body proportions. We did a few exercises where we drew where the joints were on a human body (so that's why it may have big dots in certain places). Then we drew models from magazines and also identified their points. The picture of my two models are below.

p.s. I really enjoyed drawing the model on the right. She is the type of model (hairstyle, attitude, fierceness, & everything) that I want to show off & have sale my collection!!

enjoy...

oh & i also had an assignment where I had to go to the Louvre and sketch Venus du Milo, she's below...

merci!

Le Cab + Techno/House = Hella Different!!

2009-09-22T23:18:00.005+02:00

Why, hello there!

So. I along with 3 amies went to one of Paris's "hot spot's," called Le Cab on this past Friday, Sept 18th. Supposedly top models and the works often are seen there...so they say.

my roommate and i about ready to go meet up with the other 2

cuties ♡

First we ate a pretty expensive dinner and cocktails (pre-game anyone? Not quite). Because we ate at the restaurant we didn't have to pay the cover price of 20€ at the door (lucky us--of course--we still made up for it with our dinners).

Ok. So all sarcasm aside...this club played mostly techno & house music, which I am definitely NOT accustomed to. It was a very, VERY interesting experience for me. I can just imagine the way I looked--I'm sure I stood out, not only as an American but also as a "hip-hopper" if you dare to say. I wasn't even sure how to dance to it...so i did the "oompa-loompa" & "mom fingers" =)

check out this short clip I taped at Le Cab of the dancers!! :)

they teased the drunk men...

♥

I would be lying if I said that I hated the experience. Yes, it was certainly not of my norm and out of my comfort zone, however I was kept entertained by the mummy-like, drunken techno lovers. The club itself was beautiful & very spacious. So, if techno/house music is your preferred genres, I HIGHLY reccommend the club. Now me on the other hand...I'm looking forward to "Paris's #1 Hip-Hop club"--> Gibus.

Musée Du Louvre

2009-09-09T22:03:00.025+02:00

ayyeee! deuces.

Today I finally made my way over to the Louvre. It was something special. I was actually sent there on an assignment, but I couldn't have been more happy to do it! Here are the main pieces I focused on:

Corneille De Lyon

La Haye, vers 1500 - Lyon, 1575

Corneille De Lyon

Pierre Aymeric (1534)

Corneille De Lyon (atellier de)

Portrait présumé d'Anne de la Queille (1525-1579)

François Clouet

Eizabeth d'Autriche (1554-1592)

Espouse de Charles IX et reine de France

François Clouet

François de Lorraine (1519-1563)

Ecole De Fontainebleau

Portrait présume de Gabrielle d'Estrées et de sa soeur la duchesse de Villars (1594)

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Musée Du Louvre

the entrance!! Beautiful...

Spiraled Staircase...obviously...

"act interesting, let's take a picture..."

NORMANDY!!

2009-09-07T20:22:00.005+02:00

on saturday september 5, i went on a "mystery tour" with my program. we ended up in normandy at an american film festival!! i got to see the premier of "the traveler's wife." a sure tear jerker it was, but i enjoyed the movie (a little bit too close to home).

but anyway, i enjoyed my weekend!! i am very happy that i chose to go. below are pictures of the trip. enjoy ;)

NORMANDY!!! =)

meeeee....soarrriiinnngggggg highhhhhh..

S T R I K E A P O S E ! !

on the runway...

paparazzi outside waiting for MERYL STREEP!!! (Miranda from the devil wears prada)!!!

lmfao!! looks...peculiar...

it was time to go :(

musée jean moulin

2009-09-07T18:52:00.004+02:00

so. i had a spectacular weekend. on friday, i went to the museum with my fashion marketing & merchandising class. the museum was called "Musée Jean Moulin" and there, i saw an exhibit of paris' fashion during the nazi occupation of 1940-44.

it was really interesting. the exhibition basically showed how the french went on with their daily lives despite the nazi occupation. for example, hitler would not allow the french flag to be seen on any thing, personal nor public, let alone waive high in the sky. so, to work around this restriction, french women would sew a red, white and blue interior inside of their hand bags, symbolizing the french flag.

anyway, it was very interesting and worth my getting up at 8am to prepare to go to the campus to meet the class.

afterwards, i was suppose to go to the bon marché as a part of an assignment. but of course i did not quite make it, i got lost. i ended up at marché st. .... (i forgot the street)

but yea, whatever. getting lost isn't too bad...i know how to make my way back home :)

i did hw for the rest of the day :]

taste the rainbow

2009-09-03T21:21:00.013+02:00

so, my first week of classes in the beautiful city of paris was officially over yesterday (thankfully, i only have classes mon-wed)!! it was a great week. i adore my classes and the professors. MY FAVORITE SEMSTER OF MY ACADEMIC CAREER HAS BEGuN.....
...my heart assures me of this =]

on monday, it was super hot...

on tuesday it rained ='[ ...

on wed, bit of a mixture...

thursday >>

today, i walked long and far...i lost then i found my destinations. i wore brown boots that really hurt my little, baby toey on my left foot =[

i began my day by first going to the campus to get directions and proof of housing for my appt with the bank.

then, after my 10:00am appt with the bank (i openened a new accnt---a french accnt =] )...

i went back to the campus. there, i:
- bought my books from the on-site vendor
- got more directions to Gibert Jeune to buy my 2nd french book
- got more directions to Passage Clout for my fashion illustration supplies

...went home. i thought i could muster carrying the books and continuing on with my journey...but, no. wasn't happening.

back to the mission: finally made my way to bookstore...
--i paused for a sec after i got off the metro to take a pix of this beautiful fountain that stood in the middle of the street, sort of like a divider.

after finally finding the correct bookstore and the art supply store...finally i headed home after being out for hours on my day off.

[metro station] i'm not sure what it's specifically advertising but i know some type of theatre or performance & jus thought it would be cool 2 check it out...

...............

so. as a reward to myself for successfully finding all of my destinations and making it back to my apt well b4 dark..i treated myself to skittles. hmmm!! =]

check out the artwork of the bag...pretty cool.
SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF VOGUE.....CHECK!!
ALL books (so many of them)...........check!
art supplies....................check!
french bank accnt..............check!

MI$$IONS:::::ACCOMPLI$HED!! !! *

l0ve. r0yalty. sm00ches.

r i c e kisses c o u t u r e
.......*smuah!*.......

btw...i reallllyyyyyyy would like to see the movie, "the september issue" based on anna wintour, vogue's editor in chief...super delicious =)

el cumpleanos de mi madre

2009-09-01T22:51:00.003+02:00

today, september 1st, is my mother's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!!

last sunday's open market

2009-09-01T22:18:00.021+02:00

this past weekend on the 30th of august, i went to the fabulous, FRESH, great priced

open market

^SUPER funky FRESH SUNFLOWERS!! ^

^these always brighten up my day!^

awww...

wedged sneakers..now that's the 1st

check out the brand...

is it me - or does it seem like mcdonald's is glamourized in the states??

here, it's not even the focal point..it's like the hole in the wall that they're ashamed of...

...in my opinion

stephanie!!

a close-up of this fairy looking statue -- Bastille

Bastille - looks super cool...

seafood!!

OMG...and the various olives one has the selection of - choices, choices.

choose wisely.

end of market.

au revoir.

a few pix

2009-08-31T23:03:00.006+02:00

centre pompidou museum

freaky | cool | random mural on the side of a restaurant's building

my first meal in paris: raw salmon!
...i didn't know until it was brought out.

...more pix tomorrow. promise.

Summer internship ♥ Bon Voyage à Paris & a little bit of venting..

2009-08-31T23:01:00.003+02:00

So I've really been slacking on my entries. I left off saying that I would elaborate on the last 2 of my list of 4: end of summer internship and voyage to Paris. Long story short: i completed my internship on the 19th of august. It was short and sweet. I did basic things that interns usually do such as organizing, labeling, cutting swatches and samples, tagging clothes and photographing. I loved every minute of it (the majority of the time--other times I may have been a little hungry or tired) I mainly worked under the senior designer and did whatever she needed. I think highly of her because despite the bs politics going around...she kept it positive and with a smile (not to mention she never took it out on me:).

I left there with experience for my resume, a letter of recommendation, and a sense of accomplishment. I had went into this past summer (which is quickly dwindling away) with a few goals in mind: 1) get an internship, 2) take Speech 1 & Spanish 2 so that I won't have to at davis 3) spend more time with brother 4) kick it big time with b.f.f and barbiez, 5) enjoy the days with the boosky, 6) RELAX!!

I can gladly say that I was able to check off 1 (Thank You Lord)!, 2 (omg, i can't believe i finished 2 classes on my "break"), 3 (wasn't much but it was more than usual)...well i guess that's it.

I tried very hard to do 4 but one moved away, one was always in a dilemma with her dude, another never made it to the beach, and lastly, idk...i did get to hang out with ann though!

4--I enjoyed it to the best of my ability...internship during the day and class at night til about 10pm...my best days were Fri-Sun

5--although I did no such thing as study (actually I did a little bout 30mins-hour before thursday's Spanish test) I'm not sure if I would call it very relaxing...NONETHELESS i felt as if i accomplished some great tasks...for example, i was able to squeeze in time to go to the French consulate in LA to apply for my student visa

The part(s) I sort of disliked the most were: 1) not having my mother and older brother (& my father, i suppose) there in arms reach so that I could hang with them as well & 2) i really wished i'd had more time to prepare for my trip...throughout the summer i was going to class/internship...in fact, i officially completed my last class on aug 20th...THREE days before my departure....

Voyage to Paris
The student visa process went well; I recieved my visa in less than a week. HOWEVER...everything from that point was a little bit...lets just say "bizarre and hectic and stressful and OMG! YOU'VE GOT TO BE F'IN KIDDINGME!!"

So, I had originally a one-way flight from LAX (layover for an hour 1/2) into Charles de Gaulle in Paris. My mother plans on visiting towards the end of my stay, thus we wanted to get the same one way ticket back...which i'd planned on probably going to arkansas for the holidays to see my extended family (in which i haven't seen in who knows---but that's another day). So basically, I had a 1 way to get there and was waiting to buy my ticket home with my mother.

SIKE!! that's what United airline should have sneered at me. because that is definitely NOT what happened. After being denied check-in and the viewing of my e-ticket, I decided to call the airline and get more information. The woman tells me that i will NOT be permitted to board the aircraft without a roundtrip ticket--it didn't matter if it was with a different airline or that it would be another 1way ticket--all that mattered was I had proof of a purchase way back to the states. PLEASE DO KEEP IN MIND THAT I AM FINDING OUT ABOUT THIS ALL THE NIGHT BEFORE I AM TO BOARD MY 10:40a flight TO PARIS.

Are you wondering what happened next? What did I do? Etc, etc, etc?? (Probably not-but i'll tell u anyway).

The bf searched the internet for a good price on a one way home...he had to do it because i had declared that i was sleepy, tired, and wanted to wake up from this bad dream--all through my river of tears. please do keep in mind that i do not come from a wealthy family, so this problem to some may have been nothing. but to me...it was a conspiracy!

eventually, with the necessary help and hardwork of the bf, i had a one way ticket from CDG to LAX for dec 19.
OK. sooo, here you go. brother takes a few shirts and put them in his car's front seat.
now i just gave them up, what about this. well i really like that.
i probably won't need those.
that's kinda too small anyway...i think i like it that way :) nahh... here ya go brother. a mini skirt.

i may get cold...whatever. here. a pair of socks. & here. a couple of tank tops. now try it.

62 lbs. WTF, STILL??
OK. 12lbs needs to go.
here. about 12 pairs of panties.
here. about 6 shirts.
here. mouthwash and about 3 bars of soap.
here. 3 pairs of jeans.
here. here...
here..here & here!
now this better work. here! a wife beater to top it all off.

...actually, i'ma need that soap. put those into the smaller luggage's outside zipper part.

weight now: 48lbs!!! that's wassup.

so i am on way inside. brother brings baggages in then he goes back to his car. the line is suppppppppperrrrr long. it's moving along but b/c there were so many ppl and because it was self-check in, it felt like it took forever for me to reach the front. 2 people are in front of me....wait, huh? 45 minute cut-off for check-in??? wait! what time is it? 9:48am. great.

OK. hurry the f* up...black girl on a mission here! move!

MY turn! yay! i input my confirmation number. ERROR on screen. pick up the phone your left and speak with the operator **s h o r t of b r e a t h

Operator: Hello. Confirmation number please.
moi: dkshfergh whatever
O: I am sorry to inform you of this mam, but we can not allow you to check-in. your flight is scheduled to leave in 41 minutes.
moi: sorry. come again. uhhmm, excuse me?
O: you will not be boarding today ma'am, you have the options of looking for a different flight to purchase for today or choosing to do standby.
..........................
s t o p b r e a t h i n g
.........................
O: hello? ma'am? are you there?
....
moi: ....

i will NOT cry, i REFUSE to cry, suck that shit up raena, You're the fuckin best!!*
I had to pump myself up by tooting my own horn to keep myself from buckling at the knees…..

...OK, well i honestly did think about rolling on the floor as if i was a top model told to give them "playful" BUT "angry & wild...letting my inner leo take over, pretend swimming across the tiles as if i was michael phelps, i even thought about shouting as if what i had to say was the most important all awhile doing summersaults. every possible ridiculous, attn-seeking action went through my mind, but wat would that accomplish other than getting me and my bags ushered out of he airport....

i did none of the above.

instead, i collected myself like the young lady my mother raised me to be. took my poise back--threw my shoulders and head back--and replied "yes, OK. how do i do standby and thank you for your patience."

i got a flight...basically the same flight but leaving the next morning (mon) and arriving the morning after that (tues). the lady who worked with me...a true kind-hearted woman. she confirmed me on the flight and everything...i was no one's standby.

brother...sorry, but take me back.

...o how i should have just told him to go park in the structure and just went inside.

i went back. threw on some jeans and took my butt to church. ...only God, his angels and their miracles can help me.

So the next morning i am there bright and early and ready for take off. the lady told me if the lines were long i could come and see her and she would check me in. OK, great. but i was there so early that i didn't think i would need to bother her. WRONG.

i get up to the self check in...guess what?? ERROR; call operator.
i call.
u are scheduled to be on standby, right?
yes, that is correct. (can she hurry up and get to the point!!)
well you're going to need to call your travel agent and have them re-issue the ticket. then check-in.
oh. ok. (this can't be happening). goodbye and thank you.
...i forgot my ticket was not only non-refundable but also non-exchangeable! darn the luck!

long story short. i remained collected and refrained from taking my anger out on the woman who wouldn't stop staring at me.

i eventually boarded the flight and made it to PAris safely the next morning (not before almost missing my flight in Chicago though---my plane to Chicago was late and Chicago's plane was early...the time flew by very swiftly).

All of this happened in such a short period of time.
so my goal is to NO MATTER WHAT, i must enjoy myself to the best of my abilities and not allow the small stuff to get me down. i went through tooooo much stress and teeth-gritting to get where i am...and i'm not leaving until december 19th!!!

saved by the (((( bell ))))

2009-08-28T23:45:00.005+02:00






              E L   C A M I N O   C O L L E G E





          U N O F F I C I A L   T R A N S C R I P T



xxxx, Raena               DOB: xx/xx/xx               August 28 2009

0x3x6xxx                   High School: Wilson Senior High School 2006





_______________________________________________________________________________________________



COURSE     COURSE TITLE                 GRADE   UNITS      UNITS    GRADE   FTNOTE

NUMBER                                        ATTEMPTED  COMPLETED  POINTS   GPA

________________________________________________________________________________________________



---------------------------------- Summer Session 2009 ----------------------------------                               

                                                                                                                     

SPCH 1       Effective Speaking              B          3.00      3.00     9.00                                        

SPAN 2       Elementary Spanish II           A          4.00      4.00    16.00                                        

                                                                                                                     

   SEMESTER TOTAL                           7.00      7.00    25.00    3.571                               

                                                                                                                     

   CUMULATIVE TOTALS                        7.00      7.00    25.00    3.571                               

                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                     

* DEGREE APPLICABLE SUMMARY                   7.00      7.00    25.00    3.571                               

                                                                                                                     

 TRANSFER UNIT SUMMARY                      7.00      7.00    25.00    3.571                               

                                                                                                                     

* Total Units may include CR/NC Courses                                                                          




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Any questions?? =)

very excited that i got 2 classes out of the way...i'm 2
more classes to graduating n june!!

as u can see, summer school went well--had two 5wk courses
& earned 2 wonderful grades (too bad they won't be affecting
gpa:( )

.......anywho

the bad part of attending summer session, 2 at that, is that
1) not much of a summer break
&
2)i finished spanish II on aug 20th...3 days before my trip
and 1 week and 3days before the semester starts

but it was all worth it.
i'm closer to my 2 diplomas.
thus closer to livin life to the fullest with the bf

& especially knowing that i will be super busy working on my
collection upon return to school...now it's a little less
stress to worry about. ...that's always a plus =)

forever XXI

2009-08-28T21:23:00.014+02:00

hmm...a lot has happened in these past 2 weeks.

let's see:
1) i turned 21!!
2) done with summer sessions!!
3) finished my summer internship!!
4) arrived in paris!!

so i will post a couple of postings to cover all of the events.

1) el dia de la reina (i.e. my birthday)

well let me start off by saying that the b.f. did a very VERY extraordinary trabajo with buying me gifts (he knows me o so very well=)
** i took a picture of the majority of his gifts to me. missing are miscellaneous toiletry/school items and accessories that he bought me in preparation of studying abroad.

<> shoes&stilletos. M.A.C lipstick n gloss vvv

close up of fierce stillettos
((funtabulous&GirlAboutTown))

my mother is such a wonderfully, SUPER FIERCE lady. she sent me two boxes filled with accessories (including my fav-costume jewelry), totes, words of wisdom, a beautiful card, a beautiful photo album for my endeavors in paris, a cute little passport cover, an awesome traveling diary to document my stay in france, and lastly, an adorable young-lady teddy ear that sings to me...awww! lol :)

so, i started my satuday birthday morning at the nail shop. i came out looking supppper regular, wishing i'd had taken that trip to leimert park for that good-good.
............
anywho, then after finally getting ready, my boyfriend took me to bj's for lunch. now the waitress KNEW it was my birthday so WHY would she bring out a horribly ugly looking personal pizza to the birthday girl....i am NOT a regular girl!! it had big bubbles of nothing...all of the ingrediantes were in the middle where the slices tips met hmm..not a good look.

& lastly, later that night i, along with dean, kandy, j, the bf, and about 3 of his guy cousins went to the ivar bar/club in hollywood, ca. lucky for me....the security team at the entrance were acting like a*holes and decided to not let the guys in which i didnt realize until 2 1/2 hours later....hey, what can i say? <>...just kinda thought they were in v.i.p or something.
.............
also lucky for lil ol' me...ray j, his last 2 contestents and vh1 decided to bring their behinds to ivar
the same night.... to sum it all up...i was sorrounded by stubby|short|fat lil guys who insisted they needed attn from a 5"6 1/4' girl with 2-3 inch stilletos. the nerve of them!!sheesh!

wat a night?!?

2009-08-13T06:05:00.001+02:00

How can i possibly talk about spanish for 4hours & 15min mon-thurs??? The nerve of them!! Luckily...it's only 5wks long =D
**r i c e kisses c o u t u r e baby!!

2009-08-13T06:00:00.001+02:00

Sitting here impatiently waiting for 9:15p to show its behind...i've been n spanish ii since 5:45p n to think ppl actually expect this class to go from 5:45p-10

2009-08-08T08:47:00.002+02:00

11:48 pm on a lovely friday night.

mood: grateful and happy (but a lil anxious :()

"allow me to introduce myself...my name is [R I C E ki$$es C O U T U R E]..."

my very 1st entry, i feel unstoppable. i've been meaning to do this for a couple+ years now...but i'm not exactly the journal type of girl so things will be kept to a minimum (unless i'm feeling extra-ordinary).

a few rule:

* u may NOT judge me >>if u don't like it..back away and kick rocks

* be positive

* be urself.

^--more rule are subject to appear at a later date--^

i'm a little all over the place.

so much to do in so little time.

i am in southern california on summer break from school.

..some break this is...i am still taking classes even away from my home institution.

i have a very, very long "2 do", aka "2 accomplish", aka "2 succeed" list that i WILL get through...eventually...EACH will be succefully completed and excitedly checked off. (i have to keep telling myself this)

i will be leaving in about 2 weeks to paris, france. so excited.

so...basically this blog is all about experiences, enjoyments, love, and things worth sharing.

they are not meant to please anyone but...

...who knows. hopefully it can bring a smile (or maybe a laugh) to someone

i will be as weird, confusing, and silly as i please w/o any mercy ;)

soooo...lets get started.

** peace. royalty. smooches.

12:07 am

i'm not trying to impress.

VOTE for MY design on Velvet Brigade

My New ETSY BOUTIQUE ♥

spaghetti heels: 4ONESYNDICATE and Katsuya Host the 2011 ONIKAI Run...

2011♥♥

[oct 27 entry] Walk down Memory Lane: Matrix Yoga Back-bend

[oct 19th entry] To do, or Not To Do: Public Outburst

GO USC TROJANS!!

I miss thee.

i ♥ mcQueen

But, like, Forreal?

Sum up of my trip

Farewell Paris

Tour Eiffel ♥ AKAversary ♥ Dinner on the Seine River

Le Roi Lion ◊ The Lion King

Bestie finally turned 21...almost a month ago, that is...

uhh...Turkey Day in Paris?!

Le Roi Lion et Mozart L'Opera Rock

-SZ- FASHION FILM

I ♥ NY. I ♥ teenVOGUE.

Portfolio 101 + Les Halles = Fashion Marketing FUN!

Guest Speakers: Jill Cohen & Mark Tungate

Post-French test ♥ Feeling good, feeling gr....Hey!! STREET STYLE!!!

Halloween

Itz Halloween Beetches!! [oui oui, n Paris]!!

Mercerie ♥ Georges Rech

neglection

Madeleine Vionnet & more...

House of CHANEL

Beautiful Fountainebleau

PhOtO ♥ ShOoT - oui oui! N Paris!! :]

Paris Fashion Week ♥ Spring 2010 RTW

Madame Tallien vs. Alexander McQueen

Nuit Blanche & Ethical Fashion Show

Club Gibus ♥

Tonight = CLUB GIBUS babyyyy!!!! ;)

My 1st garment ♥

♥ Pompidou Studying!!

♡ r i c e kisses c o u t u r e© ♡

Versailles

still to come...

in the NUDE!!

Le Cab + Techno/House = Hella Different!!

Musée Du Louvre

NORMANDY!!

musée jean moulin

taste the rainbow

el cumpleanos de mi madre

last sunday's open market

a few pix

Summer internship ♥ Bon Voyage à Paris & a little bit of venting..

saved by the (((( bell ))))

forever XXI