Today is Springfest at Fontbonne. I spent most of today helping the fashion merchandising promotions class with their fashion show. I did odd jobs and helped dress models. Although I was backstage for most of the show, I think it was pretty amazing! I know I have a lot to live up to when I’m in the class next year!

After the fashion show I went and mingled with some of the incoming freshman for next year, and watched the Live Band Karaoke. After a brief dinner break, I’m about to go back for the concert tonight. Ryan Cabrera and Tyler Hilton are performing. I have never heard any of their music, but it will still be an experience!

It’s hard to believe that there’s only a couple more weeks left until summer. I have so much to do until then. It’s a little overwhelming. It will sure be nice when summer arrives and I don’t have to worry about homework or studying! I’m hoping for warm summer weather soon. I just have to make it until May 13th!

Thanks for reading..

It’s almost here! The plane for my class trip to New York City leaves in only a couple days! Naturally, I am extremely excited for this upcoming adventure and very grateful for this opportunity that Fontbonne has provided. Twelve fashion merchandising students and four faculty members are attending, which is Wednesday through Tuesday. Three of those days will be spent as a group, visiting various companies for exclusive industry tours. The other days and each night students have to themselves. My roommate and I have done a lot of research and planning together and came up with a very busy agenda. We are scheduled to visit multiple museums, see a Broadway show, dine at amazing restaurants, walk the Brooklyn Bridge, stroll around Central Park, and do lots of shopping, of course! (Considering where we will be, “shopping” will require more looking than actual buying). It has been a bit exhausting preparing for the trip and making up my school work on time. However, I know that this fun and amazing experience will definitely be worth it.

Today I was able to incorporate the two things I enjoy most in my life: dance and fashion. As a fashion merchandising student in HES205: Apparel, Production, and Evaluation, I got the opportunity go to Weissman. Weissman is a dance costume and dancewear company with headquarters located right here in St. Louis. My class used today to visit Weissman, and offer a real-life application to what we have been learning in class. I have worn Weissman costumes in the past, and own a few pieces from their dancewear brand Balera.

I have been dancing since I was five years old, and continue to dance today on the Griffin Girls dance team. I am used to dancing year round, and absolutely love it. I was initially so excited to visit the company, but did not know exactly what to expect.

My excitement for Weissman’s only grew upon visiting the company. I cannot express how I felt. It was a perfect combination of what I love most, and really got me thinking that this is something I could do with my degree. I have often thought of how sad I will be when I do decide to stop dancing, but working with a dance costume and dancewear company like Weissman would fill that void in my life. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about their inventory and design departments, and touring the headquarters. I was able to see meeting rooms, photoshoot locations, the warehouse where they sew and cut garments, and the place where they evaluate finished sample garments. All the colors, sequins, and textures kept my eyes busy the entire time. I was really interested in learning that not only does Weissman go to competitions to gain inspiration, but also to trade shows. A dance costume/dancewear company combines everything I love about fashion and everything I love about dance!

This visit really got me thinking that I might try to intern at Weissman in the future. They have marketing, merchandising, and product development internships available. If I could live my life with both dance and fashion I would be so incredibly happy. I think that this is definitely an area I understand and have experience in. I left the visit so elated, but only time will tell if this is really for me. If not, today was still an experience I will cherish.

Until next week..

Remember when you were in elementary school and how excited you would get when going on field trips? The whole class would count down the days in anticipation of getting out of the classroom for one day. Well, I experienced all these good childhood feelings again when I went on a class trip this morning. This field trip was not to the Magic House or zoo, but to a dancewear company called Weissman. This may not sound exciting to some, but to a fashion merchandising student like me, it was a big deal. My class met with numerous employees and we got a tour of the building, enabling us to see the design, product development, trend forecasting, marketing, and production departments in action.

In the classroom, we have learned about such careers, so it was eye-opening to witness the real thing. Luckily, Weissman in based right in St. Louis, so the field trip was very convenient. Also, it was a rare opportunity to have seen all the steps that go into the development, production, and selling of a product all in one place. So, just because I’m not a grade-schooler anymore, that doesn’t mean I don’t have any field trips to look forward to. Not only are they fun, but it is a great way to break up the monotony of the classroom and see the real world go to work.

I have yet to announce this in my blog, but I will be going to New York City soon! Actually, very soon, 20 days to be exact. My roommate and I are going along with other fashion merchandising student here at Fontbonne, and have been counting down since the beginning of the semester. It’s great that Fontbonne University gives us these wonderful opportunities to see and experience our major in the workforce.  It just feels like yesterday when Carly was saying to me, “57 days!”, and I would think, “Okay, I’ve got plenty of time to prepare”. I have to say it’s 20 days until NYC and I have a lot of preparing still to do.

I am an organized person, and because of my previous travels where my mom would map out everything we would do the entire trip, I feel that I have to know everything Carly and I will be doing during our massive amount of free time. We plan on visiting a lot of museums, parks, and other sights of New York. Contrary to what some might believe, we are more interested in the sights of NYC than the shopping, but will be stopping by Michael Kors’s favorite restaurant and Tim Gunn’s apartment building!

Anxiety over this encroaching deadline is taking over, but I cannot seem to find the time to research and plan our trip. I’ll be in NYC in 20 days and I couldn’t tell you the first place I was planning on going. Yikes! Twenty days is still enough to get sufficient preparation done though, and I think that 20 days from now I will be ready to be NYC bound!

I cannot wait for this trip. I have never been to New York, but have always wanted to go. The fact that I get to spend 6 days in NYC with one of my best friends is also a plus. We are going to make so many fabulous memories together exploring the city. New York City, see you in 20 days!

Until next week..

This past weekend was fairly simple. I worked, babysat, and did homework. I also went shopping for a little bit at The Children’s Place, which was the most significant part of my weekend (well, except for watching Justin Bieber perform on Saturday Night Live). You can laugh, but I still purchase some of my clothes from the children’s section of stores and shop at stores especially for kids (i.e. Justice). I light up more when I walk into The Children’s Place opposed to, let’s say, a Forever 21 and other similar retailers. By incorporating bright colors and shiny details, the design in kid’s clothing is so full of life, fun, and happiness. Considering I love these attributes, it hit me this weekend that I maybe should go into children’s wear as a career. I’ve already known for years that I wanted to work in the fashion industry, but not exactly what specifically. There are so many options, but I may have found my niche.

In one of my fashion classes, HES205: Apparel Production and Evaluation, we are working on a major project right now. Students have to develop the concept and production steps for five garments. While my classmates are working with expensive designer looks (not that they’re wrong in doing so), I have been inspired to do children’s wear. I think I see a pattern here…

We’ll see what the next couple years at Fontbonne will bring me. I am always open to a variety of opportunities and seeing what’s out there!

Happy St. Louis Fashion Week! This week is a chance for St. Louis to celebrate its vibrant fashion scene. All this week, many exciting fashion events are occurring at various local retailers. One of the events I went to was called Project: Design! Six local fashion designers showcased their collection in a runway show that took place in the amazing Exploradome at the St. Louis Science Center. Each of the designers have a very different aesthetic, so a wide variety of fashions were found.

First, Jessica Affsprung made some cool velvet blazers and dresses. Then, Lauren Bander (whom was the winner) showed a collection full of gold and purple flowing silhouettes. Next, Michelle Sansone put fiercely tailored jackets down the runway and was the only one to feature menswear. Following was Ashley Ulicni, whose collection consisted of poofy, bedazzled ballgowns. After that came Elise Lammert, whom was voted “fan favorite” via Twitter that night. She created outstanding pieces by using odd recycled materials, such as coffee filters. Lastly, Whitney Manney ended the show by bringing the audience back to the ’80s with neon and acid-wash apparel. Personally, she was my favorite, for I love mixing patterns and wearing bright colors year-round. In fashion, it’s very important to take risks!

I loved seeing some of the talent that St. Louis has to offer. I am very glad that I attended this event. It made for a fun night out, a break from school work, and inspiration to follow a dream (just like the featured designers). Each of them stuck to their unique personal style, which is a trait I admire and aspire to.

“In a world where you can be anything, be yourself. “

Hello! My real name is Carlyn, but most people call me Carly. Either one is fine. This is my first year blogging for Fontbonne. Here’s a brief description of my life. You’ll learn much more about me and my quirkiness as the year progresses.

I am a sophomore majoring in fashion merchandising. The clubs that I’m involved in include Environmental Club, SHESA (Student Human Environmental Sciences Association), Fontbonne Student Ambassadors, Alpha Lambda Delta, and Worship Group. I am also an intern for Janelle Densberger, the director of student activities. For fun and exercise, I am signed up for a Zumba class. I also am interested in  joining the Quidittich team. How awesome would that be?!

I chose to go to Fontbonne for many reasons. One, they offered my desired major. It has been a hobby of mine to put outfits together since I was 11 years old. I still can’t believe I get to study that kind of stuff and the fashion industry now at school! I have worked at Gordmans since my sophomore year of high school and just have a blast doing the displays and mannequins there. Anyway, I also chose Fontbonne because of its location. I love that I can live on campus and experience the dorm/college life and still be close to my family in St. Peters, Missouri. Plus, St. Louis has some awesome places to shop! Additionally, I love that Fontbonne is very small and a Catholic school. It’s great to personally get to know your teachers. Last, but not least, my grandma attended Fontbonne in the 1950s, so I have a family connection here.

I think I’ve done enough blabbing for now. I’ll save some more exciting stories for later!

One of the most important decisions you can make in your life is what you decide to study in college. This may be what one would think at the ripe old age of seventeen or eighteen, but in reality, it isn’t. Nevertheless, it is a choice that has to be made, and mine was particularly easy.

I decided to major in Fashion Merchandising because I love fashion, and I know if my career relates in any way to fashion, I would be happy. There are a numerous amount of career opportunities and different avenues offered with a major in Fashion Merchandising. Fashion Merchandising is so much more than fashion design, and that’s what I love about it. As my Fashion Industry instructor Rogene Nelsen said this morning, “Fashion is a business.”

This past week has been one of great importance for Fashion Merchandising majors. It’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City! This is a week where designers, new and old, can show their designs for the upcoming season, in this case, Fall 2012. Today is the last day for designers to show their Fall 2012 collections on the runway for buyers, celebrities, and other influential people in the business. For the past week, I have been reviewing what’s happened on the runway. Yesterday I watched Michael Kors’s runway show, and I have to say I am really impressed! Kors showed a lot of pieces in fur, leather, and lace. Shades of red, black, beige, gold, and silver dominated the runway. My favorite part of the 12 minute show were the gowns shown at the end. I would highly recommend checking them out online! Kors has planned to expand his business and add stores here in the United States, as well as in Europe and Japan, so this could be a big year for him in the fashion industry.

Being a Fashion Merchandising major at Fontbonne University has allowed me to have access to fashion related websites, publications, and information I would not get elsewhere. I am extremely grateful for the program, especially during Fashion Week. Fashion Merchandising combined with Fontbonne University is the best combination for me in my life at this moment. Fashion is incorporated into the university’s classes to form something as perfect as incorporating peanut butter with jelly!

Hello everyone! This is the first blog I’ve ever written, so you may be asking, “Who are you?”. Well, this is my first year at Fontbonne University. I’m a fashion merchandising student and loving every minute of it! I love to shop, dance, cuddle with my cat Coco, and just live life! My hometown is a small town in Southern Illinois about two hours from campus. So why did I choose Fontbonne? Looking back on my senior year of high school, I had absolutely no idea where I wanted to be the next year, but I did know what I wanted to be doing; studying fashion merchandising. After a quick search in the Google machine and a campus tour I knew where I wanted to be–Fontbonne University. It was not a difficult decision for me to make.

After just a few months here, all I had once thought about FBU had been confirmed. The fashion merchandising program here is amazing. It has given me opportunities that I would not have been offered had I been anywhere else. Every day is a new lesson I learn that relates to my field of study, and I’m never bored with the program. Fontbonne is a relatively small university, and as soon as one steps onto campus you feel a sense of community, which is one of my favorite things about Fontbonne. You don’t feel like one in a million wandering around campus, you feel like yourself!

Overall, I chose Fontbonne because of the opportunities it provides me, the distance from my hometown and my twin’s chosen college, and because at Fontbonne I feel like they truly care about each and every one of their students. Life at Fontbonne is new and exciting every day. Whether you choose to go shopping, take a trip to the zoo, study, attend a campus event or game, or just spend quality time in the dorms, college life at FBU is an extremely enjoyable and rewarding experience!