The Weekender: February 28th - March 2nd

How is it already March? We aren't sure, but it sure is cold outside, and we aren't very happy about it. However, here are some fun things to do around the city if you can stand these arctic temps!

February 28th: Visit the SoHo pop-up store featuring SJP's debut line with Manolo Blahnik for Nordstrom! 

A decade after Carrie Bradshaw declared a woman’s right to expensive stilettos, Sarah Jessica Parker has teamed with Manolo Blahnik’s chief executive, George Malkemus, on SJP Collection, a line for Nordstrom. It includes black patent Mary Janes ($365) and purple leather T-strap cage pumps (the Carrie, $355) and will be available Friday at a SoHo pop-up at 372 West Broadway.

March 1st: Go to the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden!

This year, the New York Botanical Garden’s Orchid Show (the largest of its kind in the country) looks to the Sunshine State. Dubbed "Key West Contemporary," the 12th annual show is inspired by a modernist estate garden on the semitropical isle. Expect thousands of brilliantly colored orchids and plenty of cultural events keyed to express life in the Keys, as well as Q&A sessions with experts, musical entertainment, lectures and guided tours. For more information, visit nybg.org. 

Perhaps all of the gorgeous flowers will get you inspired and excited by spring!

March 2nd: Pop some popcorn and relax while watching the Academy Awards!! Tweet us your favorite and least favorite looks! @fitmerchsociety

Next week, we will also have a bake sale on Tuesday in the Dubinsky Lobby!!
nytimes
nycgo

WWD Wednesday: Designers' Oscar Favorites

The Oscars are airing this Sunday at 7! So, WWD took the opportunity to ask some footwear designers the burning question: "Who will be taking home the Academy Award?" 

REBECCA MINKOFF, designer
Best picture: "'Her.' Spike Jonze did an amazing job of creating a realistic future and telling a beautiful love story."
Best actress: "Cate Blanchett. Her character in 'Blue Jasmine' was so complex, I can't imagine anyone else in that role."
Best actor: "Matthew McConaughey. He was brilliant in 'Dallas Buyer's Club.'"
Best supporting actress: "Jennifer Lawrence. Sometimes I forget how good an actress Jennifer Lawrence is, but while I was watching 'American Hustle,' I fell in love with her all over again. She killed it!"

VINCE CAMUTO, designer

Best picture: "American Hustle"

Best actress: "Cate Blanchett"

Best actor: "Christian Bale"

SAM EDELMAN, founder & president, Sam Edelman shoes
Best picture: "The Wolf of Wall Street"
Best actress: "Cate Blanchett"
Best actor: "Leonardo DiCaprio"

MANOLO BLAHNIK, designer
Best actress: "Cate Blanchett in 'Blue Jasmine.'" "She is such an amazing actress."
Best supporting actress: "Julia Roberts in 'August Osage County.'" "I didn't really like the movie, but she was divine. I still remember her in 'Steel Magnolias.' I met her around that time. She's brilliant."

DAVID KAHAN, CEO, Birkenstock

Best picture: "American Hustle." "It has a great ensemble cast and captures the time warp of the 1970s."

Best actress: "Cate Blanchett was magnificent in 'Blue Jasmine.' From the moment the film starts, she captures you. One of the best performances I've ever seen."

Read more designer's picks here: 

http://www.wwd.com/footwear-news/people/fn-spy-oscar-picks-madden-taps-jenner-girls-7502394?module=more_on

http://www.wwd.com/footwear-news/people/fn-spy-more-designers-pick-oscar-winners-7510852

Tuesday Street Style: Stylin' Sneakers

Hey Everybody!
With the athletic trend going strong, we figured we would feature some awesome sneakers on the blog today! All of these sneakers have been worn during fashion month, from New York to London to Milan. Metallics and platforms were among the most popular styles. Be sure to let us know which one is your fave!

www.nymag.com

Guest Speaker Knowledge: Kohl's

An introduction to the internship program from the Kohl's website:

"At Kohl’s, we don’t want interns or trainees to blend in — we challenge them to stand out and make a difference. With a team and results-driven culture, we are dedicated to supporting growth through training and hands-on experience. During our 10-week internship or full-time trainee program, we do not waste time. You will hit the ground running on day one. Throughout your time with Kohl’s, you will learn to understand the fast-paced nature of retail and be trusted as a contributing member of the Kohl’s team. So if you like a challenge, some serious responsibility and a lot of fun, come check us out!”

And here are some key points from each program:

Stores:

• 10-week program with realistic retail management experience
• Learn how to manage a team, run a department in a store, work on a project to impact a $10-$16 million business, and present to senior leaders
• At the end of the of the program students know what it takes to run a Kohl’s store

Corporate:

• At the Kohl's headquarters based outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Housing in downtown Milwaukee and transportation to and from work is provided 
• Many opportunities for exposure to senior management
• Classroom training and the ability to work on projects that could affect all of Kohl’s stores
• Opportunities include: Buying, Product Development, Design, Textiles, Technical Design, IT-Business Analyst, IT-Programmer, e-Commerce, Finance, Marketing, Logistics, Purchasing and Human Resources

Distribution Centers:

• A challenging 10-week program to prepare you to take on the role of operations supervisor
• Learn day-to-day operations to gain an understanding of what it takes to manage, motivate and lead people in a Distribution Center
• Opportunity to attend a conference to learn about Kohl’s global logistics process and meet other distribution interns from across the country
• At the end of the program interns have an opportunity to present project findings to senior leaders

Contact Centers:

• 10-week program to prepare students to take on the role of supervisor in a contact center
• Spend time learning day-to-day operations to gain an understanding of what it takes to manage motivate and lead people

All of this and more information can be found on the company's website: http://kohlscareers.com/our-jobs/internships/

The Weekender: Feb. 21st - Feb. 23rd

Happy Weekend!

This edition of The Weekender is going to focus on theater and arts! Of course, browsing the MoMA, the Met, the Museum of Natural History, the Frick, the Museum of Art and Design, and our school's museum is always a good time, but here are a few other options!

1.) See "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk"  

Brooklyn Museum

200 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, New York 11238-6052

The exhibition is open until 8 p.m. on Sunday, February 23. On-site ticket sales end 5 p.m. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and 9 p.m. Thursday. Tickets are $15.00.
This multimedia exhibition is organized around seven themes tracing the influences on Gaultier's development—from the streets of Paris to the cinema—since he emerged as a designer in the 1970s. It features approximately 140 haute couture and prêt-à-porter ensembles, from the designer’s earliest to his most recent collections, many of which are displayed on custom mannequins with interactive faces created by high-definition audiovisual projections. Accessories, sketches, stage costumes, excerpts from films, and documentation of runway shows, concerts, and dance performances, as well as photographs by fashion photographers and contemporary artists who stepped into Gaultier’s world, explore how his avant-garde designs challenge societal, gender, and aesthetic codes in unexpected ways. 
Visit: https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/jean_paul_gaultier/ for more information.
*check out the promo video we posted!

2.) Enjoy a dance performance at the Joyce Theater

The Joyce Theater
175 Eighth Ave. (8 Av/19 St)
Manhattan, NY 10011

The Joyce starts 2014 with a bang-including companies making their Joyce debut (Restless Creature and Cuba's MalPaso Dance Company) and the return of audience favorites (Pilobolus, the Stephen Petronio Company, Ballet Hispanico, and Savion Glover).
Visit: www.joyce.org for a complete list of shows and ticket prices 

3.) See an Off-Broadway play: Kung Fu
 
An exhilarating portrait of international icon Bruce Lee's journey from troubled Hong Kong youth to martial arts legend, KUNG FU blends dance, Chinese opera, martial arts and drama into a bold new theatrical form. This world premiere production follows Lee in America as he struggles to prove himself as a fighter, a husband, a father, and a man.

Featuring Cole Horibe (So You Think You Can Dance) as Bruce Lee!

Visit: http://www.signaturetheatre.org/shows-and-events/index.aspx
*I saw this show for a Presidential Scholars event, and actually really enjoyed it. If you are a fan of martial arts, dance, or comedy, there is a chance that you will also enjoy this performance!
* Tickets are $25 until March 16th, and will be $75 starting March 18th.
 

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier at the Brooklyn Museum (directed...

Tuesday Street Style: London Fashion Week!

Ello there 'ol chap!
Today's street style post is all about London Fashion Week. We have been noticing some recurring trends as we sift through all of the fabulous photos, including cuffed jeans, animal print, the ever-so-popular athletic trend, and blue coats! In the U.S., pink seemed to be all the rage, but baby blue is dominating the fashion scene in London. Which color do you prefer for your outerwear? Let us know!

 Pictures courtesy of: http://metro.co.uk, vanityfair.com, and elle.com

The Weekender: February 14th - February 16th

Hi Everyone!

We hope that you are braving the weather and staying warm and safe inside. Although you may not want to venture out, here are some events going on this weekend if you are getting cabin fever!

 Tis the month of chocolate! Visit some of these hot spots below to get your fix!

Dylan's Candy Bar: 1011 3rd Ave. New York, NY

Lindt Flagship Store: The Rolex Building, 665 Fifth Ave. Manhattan, NY 10022

Max Brenner: 841 Broadway, New York, 10003

Jacques Torres Chocolates: visit mrchocolate.com for locations.

Godiva: visit www.godiva.com for locations.

Hershey's: 1593 Broadway, New York, NY 10019

M&M's World: 1600 Broadway New York, NY

Don't forget that we will be meeting at the bake sale table in the A Building at 6 pm on Tuesday for a trip to City Bakery for the richest hot chocolate you will ever taste! 


Also, check out this Valentine's Day deal from Starbucks!

WWD Wednesday: NYFW Backstage Beauty

WWD's backstage features are your ticket to all of the behind-the-scenes action at fashion week. Here are some of our picks from this week's shows:

Marc by Marc Jacobs made dark eyeliner, barrettes, headbands, and pigtail braids look so much better than our middle school attempts.

A gold pop of color on the eyes, nude lips, and the softest of waves at Badgely Mischka.

Tory Burch chose a barely-there makeup look to compliment the great details of her armor inspired collection.

All the makings of a modern silver smoky eye and topknot hairstyle could be found at Donna Karan.

Derek Lam's models looked scary strong with deep green shadow and ponytails full of volume.

Be sure to check out WWD.com for full coverage of all the shows!

What were some of your favorite NYFW beauty looks or backstage moments?

Tuesday Street Style: Street Style from NYFW!

Hi all,
As I am sure you all know, Fashion Week is in full swing! While the looks on the runway are the main event, everyone knows that people watching is also quite the experience. Enjoy!!

Pictures Courtesy of refinery29.com, whowhatwear.com, thefashionspot.com, nytimes.com, and nymag.com

Guest Speaker Knowledge: Dr. Jays

Company Background:

“DrJays.com was created in 1999 to enable us to share our passion for the urban lifestyle with millions of customers in the US and abroad. DrJays.com is an integral part of DJ Networks, a bi-coastal company with headquarters in New York and San Diego that also owns and operates DJPremium.com, DJ Agency and upcoming social networking site StreetStyle.com. DrJays.com is a privately held, profitable, stable organization growing exponentially since its creation.

The Dr. Jay's legacy began in 1975 with the opening of our first store, in the South Bronx section of New York. Not coincidentally, hip-hop had its origins in the same neighborhood around the same time that Dr. Jay's opened its first doors. The urban landscape was changing, and with the new music came a new fashion sensibility. Dr. Jay's has been a pioneer in providing these urban fashions ever since, growing to 19 stores throughout the New York Metro area.

In the same way that our New York and New Jersey stores serve countless out-of-state and international visitors, our DrJays.com internet store now enables us to share our passion for urban fashion with millions of consumers around the world. Dr. Jay's has built its success over the last 25 years by offering the latest styles from the leading brands, while continually discovering new brands to bring to our shoppers. Dr. Jay's was there as urban fashion was born in the inner-city, and continues to expand today both online and offline, as urban fashion breaks free of all geographic and cultural boundaries.”

 - via the Dr. Jays LinkedIn Profile

Dr. Jays currently has 20 selling locations in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and New Jersey. Some of the women’s brands carried online and in-store include Rocawear, Southpole, Nike, and North Face. Some of the brands offered for men include New Era, Akademiks, Adidas and Timberland. The DJPremium shop offers higher end brands such as Joyrich, Billionaire Boys Club, and True Religion.

Check out some of their merchandise and learn more about the business on their websites:

http://www.drjays.com

http://www.djpremium.com

or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DrJays

The Weekender: February 7th - 9th

TGIF (well almost...)
AND HAPPY NYFW!

Here are the happenings for this weekend!

Feb. 7th: Special Event: We've all heard of fighting fire with fire. But we're going to fight the cold with frozen yogurt and waffles at Toppings. Meet us at 6pm in the Feldman Lobby near the Cafe. It's a great way to unwind after a long week, catch up with friends, and meet new ones! 

As you know, NYFW started today!! If you are in the mood for stalking out your fashion faves, click the link below to access the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week schedule!

http://www.mbfashionweek.com/home

Saturday, February 8
Front/Row Stage: Bubble Do The Beatles
Where: Fulton Street (between Water and South Streets)
When: 2pm and 4pm
The Beatles first arrived in America 50 years ago this month for a performance on The Ed Sullivan Show that altered the course of music history. The family-friendly band Bubble will mark the golden anniversary of that stateside introduction with two concerts of hits from early Beatles albums, running from A Hard Day’s Night through Rubber Soul. The show, which requires an RSVP, will happen inside a temporary (heated) venue.

http://www.nycgo.com/freeweekly

CHANEL NATIONAL MAKEUP ARTISTRY EVENT

February 8, 2014, 11am - 7pm

Chanel Makeup. A Style. Your Style.
Define the style that's truly unique: your own. Visit the Chanel counter for an expert consultation with a National Makeup Artist, and express you individuality with a beauty look tailored to you. Please call 212-705-3440 to reserve your space.

Bloomingdale's 59th St.

 

 

Have a great weekend! And don't forget that the Style Shop Opening is this Wednesday from 5-9 pm!

 

 

WWD Wednesday: Designer Inspiration

WWD Wednesday: Designer Inspiration

The WWD pre-fashion week series, including inspiration images from various designers, is an exciting introduction to the upcoming shows and events.

What’s better than seeing what inspires the people that inspire you with their work?

Alexander Wang – “Survival”

Mark Badgley and James Mischka – “Beech forest.”

Diane von Furstenberg - "Les Ballets Russes...that moment in history when Paris and Berlin became a vibrant intersection of art, music, dance and culture.”

 

Nanette Lepore – “Local craftsmen everywhere.”

Michael Kors – “American journey.”

 

Oscar de la Renta – “Where’s my Uber?”

Tory Burch – “As a backdrop: armor.”

 

These were just a few of our favorites, but check out all 3 designer inspiration editions on the WWD website and comment with your picks!

http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/new-york-designer-inspirations-part-three-7409080?navSection=fashion-features&offset=24