Post-Grad

The summer after graduation was an amazing time. I was lucky my parents weren't pushing me to find a job so I got to go see Aaron Tveit play softball several Thursdays, go home to visit, and just concentrate on the interviewing process. Interesting, where I landed up didn't involve me submitting an application....

I keep in touch with my friends I made during my Marie Claire interning days and we try to go out to dinner every month or so. Two of them are still there, but with actual jobs now. We had gone to dinner in the middle of August and they knew I was starting to get serious about my job hunting. That Friday afternoon, I was sitting on my couch watching Netflix at about 5:30PM. I got a text form my one friend from MC asking what I was doing and if I wanted to interview for a freelance position. It was only through the end of September, so I figured why not. I automatically got the position with 2 days of unpaid learning and then I jumped right into NYFW. I got extended through October and then two weeks in November. Now, I'm going to be off a month and then come back, at least that's what they're saying.

I never thought I would be back at MC or that I would assist, but here I am. I have some crazy stories, but I'm ready to have sometime off. I made my Thanksgiving flight, but am changing it so I'm going to be home longer. This two and a half months has shown me how strong of a person I am. I'm amazed and proud of myself, but if it ends up that I'm done I had an amazing experience.

Running in Heels...

Life is crazy- a lot has happened since January! Obviously- it should have, or it wouldn't be my life. Let me run down some of the major things that I've accomplished or have happened to me!

• I interned for Valentino in the Accessories Sales Department from January to a few weeks ago. I'm currently still on call with them, but am in the process of finding a job. I haven't been in much since Market because we only have two computers and they haven't fired the one intern I wanted to get fired before I left... It was a crazy, amazing experience. I wouldn't have traded it for anything. I was basically a Junior Account Executive. I got to meet and see some amazing people from both independent accounts to some of the major department stores. 
• I'm still working at Georgetown Cupcake- many of the original people have left, but it's a good job and I know how to do it. It isn't hard, is in a good location, pretty good perks, and I get the hours I want each week. 
• Theater wise, I'm doing well. I've seen almost every show on Broadway-- some recent highlights include Lindsay Mendez as Elphaba in Wicked, Matilda, Pippin, Kinky Boots, and some old favorites such as Book of Mormon and Newsies. I have ventured outside of the city to get some theater including seeing friends in The Little Mermaid at Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey and Wicked First National Tour in Philadelphia. I'm slightly amazed that I have some awesomely talented friends!
• I graduated and am now on the search for a real job! It's slightly harder than I thought it would be, but I'm pressing on. I'm lucky to have a part time job, savings, and supportive parents. 

As I look back to where I was four or even two years ago, I can't believe it. I've come so far from where I was. I couldn't even have imagined where I would be a few years ago and now I'm living beyond my dream. A million girls would kill for my apartment or experiences. I am thankful for my experiences, life, friends, family, and really everything. 

Always something...

Coming back to the city is always a bitter sweet experience. Being at home is so nice and relaxing. I have my own room with a big flat screen TV, plenty of closet space, Nordstrom, my puppy, family, etc. But, I miss the city and the craziness that life exerts it here. So if only my family and puppy could move up here (especially, my little Belle)-- life would be better!

I jumped right back into the interning world. I landed about 7:45 pm on Saturday and was at my internship at 9 am Sunday morning. Needless to say- I've been going non-stop since I've landed. I was supposed to work both Saturday and Sunday this weekend, but after consideration, dropped my Sunday shift so I can do some stuff for me. 

My internship at Valentino is with the Wholesale division, so a totally different side and experience than a fashion magazine! We're the ones picking what you'll see in the stores come summer/early fall (currently selling the fall/winter collection). There is a bag and a pair of rainboots that are both brand new for fall that I'm DYING to have already. Based on orders, I know I'm not the only one who likes these items! 

Today I wanted to get opinions on comfy flats. During market (which is now when stores pick what to sell), I'm on my feet pretty much the whole day. We have to wear plain black shoes, so I've been alternating between these two: 

AGL Ballet Flat, $298

I had been debating getting these for my magazine internship. Everyone at Nordstrom wore them and said they were crazy comfortable. I was able to get them at Nordstrom Rack for less, which I was glad. They are pretty comfortable, but not my favorite. Maybe it's just the way I walk- but I keep hitting the inside of my one ankle with the heel and have a bruise and cut on it now. Not exactly fun or pretty. 

and my other pair: 

 

 

Cole Haan - Marie Sharapova Ballet Flat- $158

These are a bit better as they don't cause bruising. But they're still not the most comfortable for being on my feet 10 hours or so at a time. 

So, I bought these Me Toos at Nordstrom Rack: 

 

But in black-- so hopefully they'll be more comfortable! My mom also called and suggested to get a pair of  French Soles. I had a pair years and years ago and remember them being comfy- but just walking around high school wasn't anything compared to all the running around I've been doing this week! 

 

I could add in gel inserts too to try and make them a lot more comfy! Plus they're way more affordable than the AGLs at only $120! They kind of remind me of a more affordable pair of Repettos. I'm going to use my day off to go up to their store and try them on. I love a great black suede shoe and currently don't have any- so maybe this will be my pair! 

Black flats are a must for any wardrobe-- but how many is too many? I have the first two at my apartment in NYC along with a pair of Prada flats from at least 6 years ago and a pair of Tory Burch that are super worn and starting to show it, back in Pittsburgh.  I don't think you can have too many choices, especially in neutral colors.