No words needed.

Lovelies,

So....this happened.

I think the photos speak for themselves. Rather than provide background information on HOW I was able to land a tour at Teen Vogue, I want to talk about my experience while visiting.
(Sorry this took so long to publish; I wanted it to be extra special and lengthy).

My friend Amanda and I entered the Conde Nast building, only to see Marc Jacobs chatting happily on his cell phone in the lobby. I took mental notes on his outfit (grungy black leather boots, white beanie and skinny jeans even Olivia Newton John couldn't fit into during her Grease days), and continued to security without missing a step. It took quite an effort to avoid staring, but I succeeded at NOT being a fangirl. (After all, Louis Vuitton and MBMJ are two of my favorite brands). We received our guest passes, passed the security gates and boarded the elevator. All the while, panic welled up inside me- What if Anna Wintour, the Editor in Chief of Vogue, boarded the elevator with us?? Would I have to let her ride it alone á la Devil Wears Prada? Should I compliment her shoes? Bag? Hair? Thankfully, the only people riding the elevator besides us included a few GQ and Vanity Fair employees carrying large Jamba Juices. Pas d'Anna. ;) Once we arrived at the 9th floor, I began snapping several photos on my iPhone. Eventually, Alyssa Reeder, the Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief, came to greet Amanda and I in the Teen Vogue lobby. She led us past the glass doors, and the tour began.

A few things about the office stood out to me almost immediately....

1) It was much quieter than I expected. Everyone seemed either engulfed in their work, or quietly discussing upcoming issues with other staff members. However, staff members were also incredibly friendly. I was introduced to around 15-20 different people, all of whom greeted me with a wave or smile.

2) The infamous closet was not as overwhelming as one would think. After inquiring to Alyssa why this was, I learned that most designers send samples to the magazine. Once shot or featured, they are returned promptly to their proper showroom. However, racks of samples DID line the hallways.
So. Much. Clothing. It was ridiculous.

3) When we were ushered into the review room (future issues are assembled here via various magnetic boards), Alyssa mentioned the level of collaboration between Vogue and Teen Vogue. I was surprised to hear that Anna visits Teen Vogue to look over each issue, and give it the stamp of approval before it is submitted for print. Meanwhile, Grace Coddington, the Creative Director at Vogue, occasionally visits the Style Department to see what they're working on.

The tour lasted around twenty minutes. In this time, we visited all major departments, including casting, photography and beauty. Afterwards, Alyssa presented us with copies of the April issue! Super special magazine status. ;) Overall, it was a wonderful experience and I felt so lucky to see the office in action!

Em

The Armory Show

Lovelies,

I was fortunate enough to be in New York City this past weekend to attend the Armory Show. For those of you not familiar with the show, the once-a-year display highlights various artwork from small galleries located across the globe. (A few notable galleries present include the Gagosian Gallery and the Lisson Gallery).  This year's show featured thousands of works, hundreds of which varied in their mediums. I specifically enjoyed the use of film, lighting and recycled material to enhance the gallery experience. I photographed some of my favorite works, which you will find above. It was clear that an exorbitant amount of care was placed in the design of each gallery space (Some of the galleries even had printed wallpaper illustrated by a specific artist!)

Most importantly, the Armory Show cleverly placed several "refreshment stands" along the hallways. I luckily had enough control to stick with one dessert offered at the stands. After sampling a red velvet flavored baked doughnut, I will never be able to eat another doughnut again. Too delicious.

More NYC Posts coming soon!

XOXO,

Em

P.S. I will be hosting a Teen Vogue Girls' Night In 10th Anniversary Celebration tomorrow evening. A new post will follow soon! ;)

769 Madison Ave.

Lovelies,

J. Crew on Madison Ave. has to be one of the best stores I've ever stepped into. The cashmere sweaters on the racks hang in this gorgeous, airy way.... The leather flats are supple and brightly colored.... There's even a whole floor downstairs dedicated to bridesmaid and bridal attire. I honestly don't know how I survived an hour in the store without spazzing like a fool, but it all worked out in the end! ;)


This J. Crew boasts the famed "J. Crew Collection", a higher-end branch-off of the label. Although the shoes and jewelry can be found at other J. Crew's, the clothes are exclusively sold at this store and online. I asked my mom if we could make a quick stop here after we passed it in a taxi a few days earlier. Fortunately, we had a few hours to kill on the last day and I got my wish! Unfortunately, I barely had enough money to buy any article of clothing in the store. (I already did work at Louis Vuitton, Bond no. 9 and Bendel's a day beforehand). Luckily, I had just enough money to purchase a pair of coral classic leather ballet flats.


I. Love. Them.


They're probably the most outlandish impulse buy I've ever made (the color is practically neon), but I surely don't regret buying them. I've already worn them a couple times and have received tons of compliments. So, in the long run, they were worthwhile. :)


XOXO,


em

Rooftops

Lovelies,

J. Crew Belt

Mulberry for Target Bag, J. Crew Dress.

Necklace- Gift from Cousin

Marc Fisher Shoes, Zoya Polish.

 I asked my mom to take a few pictures on the Rooftop Garden at the Surrey Hotel before heading off to see "Death of A Salesman"... I think they turned out excellently! :)


 The J. Crew dress, which I found online, is made out of a lightweight cotton... absolutely perfect for Spring. I surprisingly didn't own a simple little black dress beforehand. Now, my closet finally feels complete! The necklace was a 16th birthday gift from my cousin...I wear it almost every day! I love how simple, modern and elegant it looks with a bare neck. I purchased the Mulberry for Target bag in December '11 for a last minute winter formal detail. I "borrowed" the belt from my mom's closet (I have an underwhelming amount of black pieces in my closet).


On a side note, "Death of a Salesman" absolutely blew me away. I wasn't expecting such a powerful and honest performance from the incredible cast of actors. Although I found myself literally holding back tears at the final scene, it left me with a message that I've been thinking about all this week. If by any chance you find yourself in New York, BUY TICKETS AND GO. I promise you won't regret it! :)


XOXO,


Em

Rooftop

Lovelies! :)

Finally, here's the surprise! I went to New York City! It was such a fabulous trip and I enjoyed every single minute of it. Follow my trip-starting here!

Day One- Listened to the Black Eyed Peas rehearse in Central Park, sat on the steps of the Met, saw the Alexander McQueen exhibit, and just absorbed everything around me.

Forever 21 Blazer, Ray-Ban Wayfarers, Urban Outfitters Headband, Coach Purse.

Abercrombie and Fitch Shirt and Shorts, Juicy Couture Necklace.

 More to come,

Em