BTW: By The Way....

Holy Toledo!!!!

I have hyped up this new Hurley job, and I've never told you the outcome. Gees. I am such a slacker. Actually ... no, I'm just WAY busy!

So, I have decided to not accept the offer with Hurley. Was it an amazing job opportunity? Yes. Would I have been living the best lifestyle ever? Yes. Would I be working a dream job? Yes. Would I have probably met 12 pro surfer future husbands, absolutely. 

I had such a short amount of time (3 weeks, to be exact) from when the job was offered, to when I would have to literally be in my apartment, totally moved in and actually starting work. It was a a tough situation, but I figured, if I'm supposed to be there, it'll work out. Everything worked out amazingly, UNTIL, I had to get a new car in order to work there, and I had to get an apartment down there, the two most vital things that I needed. I couldn't get a new car, it's just not happening right now, and every single email/phone call I made about apartments down there, went in the opposite direction than I had hoped it would go. I was only looking for a 1 bedroom, 1 bath, not-so-amazing apartment, when all I was falling into was either "garden apartment", which, apparently, in Virginia Beach, means you own a piece of a garden, or something? (I'm still not totally sure), or a 2 bedroom apartment for way more than I was willing to spend. All I could do was pray about where God wanted me. Clearly, He does not want me in Virginia Beach. 

Do I regret saying no? Kind of. But I am completely, 100% realizing all of the things that I would have been leaving behind if I did go. My family, the few friends that matter, my church, and all of the people in it, being close to my partner of my clothing line, being able to drive an hour and 10 minutes to get to Philly, an hour and a half to get to NY, or 10 minutes to my favorite beach, my favorite places to shop, the little farm market where I get all of my veggies and fruits for dirt cheap, my neighbors dog - who I'm secretly obsessed with, the fact that I can see any family member within a bike ride's distance, MY DOG (I literally cried every single time I thought about leaving him), having mom turn my coffee pot off when I forgot to on my way out for work, bumping into all of the people that I grew to know that work at the stores I visit way too often, all of the little local spots that you just can't get anywhere else. There's SO MUCH that I'd miss. And being an adult, the most surprising thing was that the things at the top of my list that kept me here, were family, my dog, my partner of my clothing line, and the silliest of things.

They say you don't realize what you've got until it's gone. Here, that's not the case. I was about to let go of everything that I've got, until I realized that it's all I've got. Yea, maybe I don't belong in Jackson, NJ, maybe I'd fit in a little better in Manhattan or Brooklyn. Maybe I won't live here for the rest of my life, but to give up everything I've got now, for a future that nobody knows what holds, would just be plain silly. I would rather wait a little longer on the future, than have to pick of the pieces of what I've lost.

I'm happy to still be in NJ.....even though I'd be packing right now to leave for California to work the US Open of Pro Surfing. ::I will not kick myself:: 

The lesson learned? Appreciate everything that you have, because everything can be taken away, or changed in the blink of an eye. 

Hot Child In The City

My closet has a bad case of stealing my clothes ... and never giving them back. If it weren't for photographic opportunities, I would never even remember that I owned some of these pieces. For instance, I stumbled across a photo of me wearing this great linen 3/4 sleeve, drapy linen sheer top with denim cut offs. I had no idea I "lost" this top. But I want it back. It was a really good find that doesn't exist anymore. Give it back, vicious closet. 

In amidst of creating clothing, I found myself playing with much different pieces than I usually play with. Playing stylist is my favorite past time, there is no doubt about that. In fact, I'd rather find new ways to wear the clothes in my closet, than go out with my friends on a friday night. Pathetic? No. I call it motivation. Drinking at a bar will get you a big sloppy hangover in the morning, but playing stylist will give you an outfit that turns heads/inspire someone else to experiment in their own closet the next morning. I choose the latter. Much more rewarding. I've been insanely into the vintage style of the 40's and 50's. Incidentally, that's what my clothing line is based off of. I can not get enough. Is it possibly to be born in the wrong era? Or maybe I'm just the one responsible for bringing this era back. I'll totally take on that responsibility ... hell, I think I'm the best woman for the job anyways!

How can you not love the 40's and 50's fashion? High waisted everythings, headpieces, bolero jackets, cinched waists, outrageous hats and ladies starting to wear menswear prints. And for men, incredible vests, fedora hats, patterned suits, long, double breasted suit jackets, and the the best part, the Zoot Suit. I think fashion actually started in the 1940's. Think about it. That's when The Depression was at it's end, and substance mattered much more than style did. Clothing had to be practical and sturdy. All of the good fabrics, which was all of the natural fibers, were being used for the soldiers in the war. Can you imagine a solder running through the battle field, and then his pants rip in half because of the not-so-awesome 50% cotton, 50% rayon blended fabric that they were made from? Not cool. But, Italy and Europe were the "fashion leaders" (in my opinion, they will always  be the fashion leaders), so to wear something "too flashy", meaning bright colors, bold print, or just too ... fashiony, would result in you being a traitor to your own country. Ouch.

It was actually at the end of the first world war when American started showing it's individuality, strutting bright colors and bolder outfits. Hello Swing Era. Double breasted suits and bright colors. Awesome. Kind of reminds me of the emo/punk kids I see today...just....a little backwards. 

I wish I could go back to school, just to take fashion history classes. I'd enjoy that way too much. Oh, and maybe a sketching class too, so I can sketch like Karl Lagerfeld (the designer ... eh hem ... genius behind Chanel). I can't imagine calling sketching and art history a "class", that makes it sound so .... terrible.

Random, off topic, fun fact: I heard "Hot Child In The City" by Nick Gilder, and was instantly sucked in and obsessed. Now I'm convinced that Nick Gilder wrote that song specifically for me. Love it. 

Well, it's back to work for me, babies! 

Toodles!