Self-differentiation

Self-differentiate. [self-dif-uh-ren-shee-eyt]. 

verb (used only with first person pronouns)

1. to form or mark differently from other such things [in terms of the self]; to distinguish [oneself from other human beings].

2. to make a distinction.

 

Source: Dictionary of Naomi's Invented Vocabulary, LLC. Copyright © 2012. All rights reserved. 

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Every person likes to feel as though he or she fits in; as human beings we crave a sense of belonging. 

Towards the end of my time at school I no longer felt this sense of belonging. Don't get me wrong, I adored my time at UW. But I was ready to move on from the college life before I was able to get out. It was definitely a hard feeling to deal with and I felt as though my mood was scrawled across my face; I was upset to say the least. Yet, I knew from my previous summer experience that I'd feel a sense of belonging once I was back in NYC.  I am not exaggerating when I say this was the only thought keeping me going - the light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

 

And I was right - I belong here. 

But now that I feel as though I belong, I find myself looking for ways to be different. Ironic, no?  I have a strong distaste for being just one in a million (or 8+ million, in the case of NYC). Even though I can relate better to people here than I can in other places, I don't want to totally blend in. So I'm on a (potentially never-ending) search to find ways to stand out. Not obnoxiously, of course (don't worry, you won't see me sporting a mohawk and/or creepy spikes any time soon...) but, in a weird not-hipster kind of way, being different is (and always has been) important to me.

In order to be different, to "self-differentiate" as I defined above, and stand out in the masses, I am on a mission to continuously:

1. Be mindful of others. I'm not saying that New Yorkers are mean-spirited people, but they definitely do, at times, seem to live up to the pushy, snobbish stereotype that the rest of the world gives them. I have recently started  to catch (and stop) myself swearing under my breath when people get too close to me on the subway or sidewalks. I've always been a stickler for having my own personal space, but in a city as big as the Big Apple, I have realized I'm not going to get much of it. So I've decided to revel in the rare moments in which I have more than a two-foot circumference around me on the train, and otherwise just get used to the intimate proximity I usually have with pretty much everyone around me. Trust me, it takes a conscious and constant effort to do this.

2. NOT smoke cigarettes. This has not been a hard mission for me to accomplish. In my long 21.75(ish) years of life, I have not once touched a cigarette, let alone smoked one. And I plan to keep it that way. Sometimes I feel as though I might be the only person alive in this city that doesn't smoke. It's pretty easy to think this way when the "oxygen" I'm breathing is most likely composed of (approximately) 89% cigarette smoke, 11% other fumes/city emissions (if I'm lucky a little O2 might be thrown in there somewhere...). 

 

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So there you have it. Pretty anti-climactic, I know. These are not life changing differences, but they are differences non-the-less, and I will continue my search for ways to stand out in a non-material manner. 

 

I'll update this post when more self-differenting thoughts arise, so keep a look out! :)

xo

#FashionInternProblems

If you're wondering what it's like to be an intern in the fashion industry, here's an interesting article for you:

#fashioninternproblems

My favorite quote: "You have to be willing to get your nails dirty, even if the dirt is at a Proenza Schouler fashion show during New York Fashion Week." -- truer words have never been spoken.

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It really is unfortunate, though, that some people have had such negative experiences because, as I'm sure you've noticed from my previous blog posts, Twitter updates, and Facebook statuses, I am completely head-over-heals in love with my internship. 100% - couldn't be happier. I feel bad that I'm having such a great time and learning so much, while other people are doing the most disgusting jobs imaginable. 

But hopefully the industry will get it's shit together ASAP and everyone will feel the same way I do about our internships :)

xo

NYFW Fall 2012

Keep your eyes peeled in front of the Lincoln Center during NYFW! You can be sure to spot a celeb or two ;)

It is officially NYFW. For those of you who might not be as fashionably savvy as others, "NYFW" stands for "New York Fashion Week" and it is one of the busiest weeks of the year for the fashion industry. Every aspiring designer would die to have their clothing shown in one (or all) of the four major fashion hubs of the world: New York, London, Milan, or Paris.

I have had the amazing opportunity to witness the process of preparing for the show unfold while interning for the artist also known as Nicole Miller. Let me just say, it definitely is as crazy, fast-paced, and high stressed as you might have heard. Monday through Wednesday of last week I spent all day with the design team and Nicole herself - guest appearances by Joe Zee (creative director of ELLE Magazine and stylist). I was called in to help with model casting and preparing outfits that would be appearing in the show. I literally spent 8 hours standing 2 out of 3 of the days with very little down time. But I'm not complaining.

It was a learning experience that I'll never forget, and I'm so happy I get to say I helped! By the time Friday rolled around (the day of our show), Nicole and her team had undoubtedly spent many long nights preparing last minute garments and drinking ungodly amounts of caffeinated soda. Yet, as I'm sure this happens ever Fashion Week she's had since she first started almost 30 years ago (!!), the hard work obviously paid off.

[Check out the NM blog to get more behind the "seam" details and pics!]

Since I had experience working with the models in the days leading up to the show, I got to help backstage while the show was happening. Volunteers were assigned to certain models, making sure they were wearing the correct outfits, etc. I can't even believe how fast it went! The moment the model reappeared behind stage after walking in her first look, we frantically dressed her in her second outfit and got her back in line. So much preparation for a final product of about 10 minutes! If you blinked, you missed it.

After the show, VIPs were allowed backstage to speak with Nicole and to enjoy some champagne. High-profile bloggers, socialites, and celebs like Tinsley Mortimer and Mia Moretti were invited to the meet-and-greet. And just like that it was over.

The adorable model I prepped!

Backstage - all models lined up

My fabulous boss, surrounded by press, friends, and fans

This shirt looks oddly familiar...

[see "Random." blog post for reason why I will never wash this shirt...]

To some it may seem as though so much work went into such a small event, but it was not small by any means to the people working it. When all the models were back from the finale, there was a sigh of relief and a definite sense of pride exuding from every person in the room. What an absolutely fantastic experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I really hope I get that chance!

xo

Nail Art 2

Tried a super new style recently. Backwards French, maybe? 

Steps:

1. Clear strengthening bottom coat

2. One layer of Xtreme white - cover entire nail [wait to dry]

3. Paint rest of nail in an "X" design. Fill in tip of nail [wait to dry]

4. Clear strengthening top coat

5. Clear 30 second dry top coat for shine

Very different. It took me a while to get used to. Probably won't use the same combination of colors, but might try the design again!

xo

Random.

What I should be doing right now: sleeping. What I'm doing instead: blogging. 


It's unlike me to sacrifice a good night's sleep for something as seemingly unimportant as blogging. But I just have to type this memory out while it's still fresh in my mind.

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How would I describe today in one word? RANDOM. Random is the only way to describe it. Perfectly random. Random in the sense that today is an excellent example of why I fall in love with NYC over and over again.


I'm not going to lie, today started on an awful note. I woke up at 5, like usual, ready for my routine and ready to go for my morning run. I made the mistake, though, of glancing over at the maintenance request form that is hanging up in the lobby of my building as I was walking out the door. Who would ever need maintenance done on a building as wonderful as the one I live in?! [note: sarcasm, if you couldn't tell by the italicized word 'ever'] Well, apparently this building, being as old as it is, is infested with...ready for it...cockroaches and mice.


COCKROACHES AND MICE.


COCKROACHES.AND.MICE.


I FEEL GROSS JUST TYPING THE WORDS OUT. PLEASE SOMEONE COME FIND ME AND SHOOT ME IN THE FACE RIGHT NOW. 


Upon seeing that FOUR DIFFERENT ROOMS in the building had requested an exterminator for these creatures that don't deserve to exist on this planet, I headed out the door for my run with the absolute most disgusted look on my face. And there was no way for me to hide it. I couldn't help but notice that several people seemed to stare at me as I ran past them...when it comes to expressions like those, I tend to be an open book.


Anyways, I got back from my run and started crying. Yes, I'm a baby. But, NO, I have never had to deal with either of these nasty disgusting hideous things before in my life. Thank you suburbia. Welcome to the city, Naomi. And the thing is I haven't even seen either creature in my apartment [yet], but I wouldn't doubt that they're here, hiding in the cracks in the walls, watching my every move, waiting for me to go to bed so they can come out and make my apartment even more unsanitary than it already is. Yes, I'm bitter. 


At 7am, what else could I do but e-mail my parents to complain? The e-mail went something like this:

Hi,

I just wanted to let you know, I HAVE to look into getting someone to clean the apartment (one time thing, I promise). When I was on my way out for my run this morning I happened to look at the maintenance sheet that's hanging up in the lobby of the building and 4 people have written on it for exterminators to come get rid of COCKROACHES AND MICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LITERALLY ALMOST THREW UP RIGHT THERE - THAT IS NOT AN EXAGGERATION. IF I EVER SAW EITHER OF THOSE THINGS, I WOULD (1) START CRYING (already am), and (2) THROW UP (not helping the dirtiness issue in the apartment). 

Not that I've seen any in my apartment (yet), but I would NOT be surprised if we have both of those disgusting creatures, seeing as my disgusting roommate leaves disgusting food out EVERY SINGLE DAY (again, this is NOT an exaggeration - I wish it was). I hardly see her, so I wrote a note and left it in the kitchen this morning, but I can't live like this. I feel so dirty. I'm sorry to complain, but I've never had to live in such a gross place before (or at least with such a gross person). The thing is, the apartment itself is decent, so I don't want to complain about that, but I can't stand this girl. She's a nice person but just SO unsanitary. I'm literally nauseous typing this. I'm sorry.

I'll look for the cheapest people I can find to clean, but it will make me feel a little better if I can get rid of some of the dirt around this place (I tried sweeping, the dust is literally CAKED onto the floor), ESPECIALLY the kitchen. I've already seen bugs in the kitchen, but if I see anything else, I'm not staying here anymore. I can't.  

Again, I'm sorry to complain, and other than the cleanliness issue I'm still SO happy to be here, but I can't deal with someone this gross. 

I'll talk to you later. Hope you have a good day.

xo

Naomi

Reading that over again, I'm almost embarrassed at how much I sound like a brat, but seriously. Just...no. Absolutely not happening for me. And you can't blame me, right? I mean, it was 7am, and the first thing I see is that there are cockroaches and mice in my building. Not the best way to start my day. You have to understand, and if you know me, then you do. 


To top it off, I was so distracted by the disgustingness of the situation, that I was not at all pleased with my outfit. This in itself had potential to ruin my day (#fashiongirlproblems). I had taken time to write the e-mail to my parents and dwell on how grossed out I was, that I didn't put enough thought (or so I assumed) into what I was wearing. So I didn't take a picture. 


In retrospect, I really wish I did. 


I got to the office and was complimented on my shirt by a few of the girls that work there: a cutoff, fringed gray shirt with a deep crochet-over-cutout V-neckline [I'll post a picture tomorrow - keep reading for the reason why]. I paired this shirt with a skin-tight red and black floral skirt, black tights, and my Steve Madden army boots. It was a decent outfit for not putting much time into it, but I wasn't thrilled by any means.  


But compliments always make me happy, so the day was already off to a better start. I did some work down in my usual office space, and then was called up to the design conference room, where I've been for the last two days, helping Nicole Miller herself (and the main people of the design team) prepare for our New York Fashion Week show on that will be held on Friday at 6pm [shameless self-promoting...WATCH IT]. Joe Zee (fashion editor of Elle Magazine) was also there today and yesterday helping us finalize looks. 

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"Oh my god, Naomi, you're so styled today" - Nicole. 


Yes, that is a real quote. And yes, I almost died a peaceful death right then and there. My day was made right after the words came out of her mouth. Apparently Nicole liked my shirt...and wanted to try it on for a look for one of the models! Before I left, I literally took the shirt off my back (it's ok, I had a cami on under), gave it to Nicole so she could take it overnight and put a similar shirt together for the show, walked out with one of the extra NM shirts in the room, and commenced my search for a friendly yellow car to take me home.


After 20 minutes of walking around the block unsuccessfully hailing for cabs, my prayers (if I believed in that) were answered...tenfold...

Yes, [I think] this is real life

Flashin' lights and bumpin' music

So, this little baby pulled up. The driver rolled down his window and beckoned me over. He claimed he could take me, but I wasn't about to dish out the $100+ that I assumed it would cost. But no. Mr creepy-potentially-hitting-on-me-old-limo-driver gave me quite the deal: the same price it would cost me to take a taxi. Forget creepy, hell YES I would take that deal. Although at one point I thought he might kidnap me (this was after he had asked for my number, I assured him I'd call him since he had given me his card and all...oh and discounts on 10+ people for an hour or two!). 


I pulled up to my local grocery store to pick up my dinner looking like a celeb and amazed and happy beyond belief. After assuring him that it was unnecessary for him to take a picture of me in the stretch since I had already taken plenty on my phone, I thanked him profusely and walked away. How crazy random.


So there you have it. Maybe one day, minor daily details like these won't matter. They'll be insignificant. Maybe Hopefully one day, riding in a stretch limo will be my main form of transportation (haha), and hopefully famous fashion designers will consider me to be their friends (Stac, I'm lookin at you)...But for now, it's a treat. Perfectly random and fabulous. 


Oh New York City, how I adore you.


xo

Photogenic city love.

From now on, I'm going to dedicate this section to pictures of NYC I've found online that I love...I follow a lot of New York twitter accounts, so be ready for tons of pics!

Nail Art

Something you might not know about me:  I am legitimately OCD about my nails. 

The history: This personality quirk manifested itself my senior year of high school around prom time. It was somewhat of a tradition for me to get my nails done around the time of school dances. So senior year I decided to go all-out and get gel nails, French manicure style.  For those of you who aren't quite up to speed on your nail knowledge, gel nails are just that: (fake) nails made of gel. They are thick, shiny, and unchippable. They end up growing out, though, and that is one way nail salons make a lot of money off of customers like me. People like me just need to return time and time again to get them filled so our nails can continue to look fabulous. 

And so started my obsession. A monthly trip to the nail salon was always incorporated into my schedule, however busy I might have been at the time. I continued to get my nails done after I moved up to school, and I spent a good deal of money doing it. The gel nails stayed on for 3 years. 

However, at one of my appointments junior year of college, I realized it was necessary that this habit come to an end. To refill gel nails, the manicurist has to shave down the gel that is already there to put on another layer, otherwise the nails get too bulky and look awkward. So as the woman was prepping to apply a new layer to my nails, I looked down to see my nail bed bleeding. I had gone so many times and had the gel shaved down so much, that my real nails were thin enough to bleed. This disturbing fact, coupled with the sudden awareness that I had spent close to $2000 over the course of 3 years solely on my nails forced the sad sad decision that I had to stop pampering myself with gel manicures for good. 

But I had gone 3 years without seeing my real nails, and when I took the gel nails off for the last time, I was thoroughly disgusted with what I saw. There was NO way I would allow myself to go out in public with my hands looking so unkempt. 

So I became my own manicurist, and got pretty good at it, might I add. After trying out many different polish colors and brands, I finally found what I was looking for - polish that would give me the "gel nail look".  French style, of course.

Here's the routine: 

-1 coat of Sally Hansen clear nail strengthener as a bottom coat (I realized that in order to get my nails back to their natural strength and thickness after abusing them for so long, I needed a bottom coat at the very least);
-1 coat of Sally Hansen "X-treme" white polish, applied to just the tips;
-1 more coat of Sally Hansen nail strengthener as a top coat;
-and 1 coat of Sally Hansen instant-dry top coat to give the nails strength, smoothness, and shine.

The result: 

Not bad for doing it myself, right? People have even asked me if they were gel on several occasions. 

Mission accomplished. The only downside to my new found talent? My obsessive compulsion got to the point where I had to take off all the polish in the middle of the day over the summer because it had been on for too long, and I was legitimately uncomfortable riding the subway home without my nails painted. I felt as though everyone was looking at my hands. I felt naked. Sad, I know.  To this day I haven't gone more than 24 hours without nail polish on, all thanks to that fateful day senior year when I got my first gels put on.

I maintain my nails about once a week, sometimes I can go two without repainting. Since the nail art trend has been picking up recently (beauty blogs are seriously all over it!), I've decided to get creative, break out of my comfort zone, and try some different styles. 

Long story short, this novel of a post will act as a precursor to colors/designs/etc that I'm going to try.

Look nouveau #1:

Deep wine red (sorry, hard to tell) + ring fingers with red stripe and white tip

It's definitely been hard to get used to such a dark color after having the French manicure look going on for so long, but it's finally starting to grow on me. More designs to come :)

xo