on lafayette

African-Love-You

Stephanie S. — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:50:19 +0000

Someone said that to me this past weekend when I told them I was leaving for Africa in a week. Clever. African LOVE the fact that I leave for Ghana, Africa in six short days, though. I have no idea what to expect. I’ve decided that since the summer of 2013 is bound to be an eventful one, I wanted to not only document it but also make a bucket list. So, here’s what I have so far. Let me know if you have any good ideas!

Summer 2013

-Document Ghana with photos, letters, and journals

-Design a piece of clothing in Ghana

-Bring home an awesome leather bag!

-Bring home some piece of jewelry!

-Emerse myself in Ghanian culture. Live, breathe, and love Ghana will all that I have. I don’t want to look back and think “I should’ve done that.” Instead I’m going to try the weird foods, talk to the locals, and dance to the African dances like I was born to. And of course, laugh hysterically along the way.

-Move to NYC for the 4th time!

I’ll work on my NYC bucket list before I get there. You’d think I would’ve done everything there is to do, but I’m far from completing the list!

Aprils Showers

Stephanie S. — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:41:59 +0000

Although, down here in Georgia, it couldn’t be sunnier. The showers I’m surrounded with are showers of good news. That’s right. It’s closing in on summer after all. If you know anything about me, summer means that I will be obtaining another NYC internship. Where will this one be??

I will be at Elle Magazine! I could not be more ecstatic. My mentor and boss is an incredible person and I have no doubt that the experience will be just as fantastic and rewarding. However, I’m taking a slight detour prior to moving back to NYC…

This would be Ghana…Africa. I’ll be going on a month long excursion to Ghana, Africa to partake in a retail development course. I’ll be working with local retailers and designers to design something and sell in a store back in my school’s town. I’ll be having frequent posts of my travels. While there, we will be working directly with Ghanian women to learn how to weave, make beads, batik printing, and various other trades. It will be an unforgettable trip to say the least.

Until my departure date of May 14th, I’m trying my best to be a student. No more trips to fashion week or the beaches of Florida. I’ll be attending class, taking finals, and volunteering a lot of my time at the local humane shelter. Yay for puppies!

No More Nemo

Stephanie S. — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 21:26:34 +0000

Since when is naming a blizzard a thing? I guess I can’t really say I’ve experienced a lot of blizzards so maybe it’s always been a thing. You would think that after having spent the coldest (or so I thought) months in NYC, I would have experienced snow. Flurries, inches, whatever. Of course not. Not until fashion week. Not until the day before my flight to Las Vegas for the premiere of 21 & Over. Of course not.

Either way, here I am. This morning I worked the Project Runway show. Legally, all I can tell you is that is was amazing and you should continue to watch the rest of the season to see who makes it to the finale! I’ve come to the conclusion that the new judge, Zac Posen, is one of the most adorable men ever. No offense, Michael Kors.

That 4:30 am start time came all too quickly. Mostly because I stayed up until 2am. It’s now 4pm and you’d think I would be fast asleep and having the best nap ever. Instead, I’m writing to you all from the windowsill of my hotel room. Looking over 10 very high stories and watching the flurries pile up into destruction.

I love snow, don’t get me wrong. Just don’t. ruin. my. plans. Thanks! Anyway, back to the reason why I’m here other than to complain about mother nature, yes?

Fashion week! So the first show was more than a success. Being able to see Heidi and Tim in person?! I’ve watched them for 10 years. It was incredible. Watch the season!!

My next shifts are for Mercedes Benz. I’m working Monday-Thursday next week at all sporadic times for many different designers. I can’t wait to be back under the tents and shadowing some of NY’s finest! Being in the tents themselves was exciting enough. Freshman year I had to make a goal list. One of my goals was to work at New York Fashion Week. Today, that goal became a reality. Next time? I’d like to be attending a show, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I’m a serial intern who is used to filling gift bags, not getting one.

Part-Time Student, Full-Time Fashion Enthusiast

Stephanie S. — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 19:58:54 +0000

I’ve officially been back at school for 10 days and I am 5 days away from leaving, again. Between my winter internship and the activities taking place over the next 2 weeks, it’s hard to imagine I’m even a student anymore. I’ll all for learning about bones and dirt in my anthropology class, but I’d much rather be a self-proclaimed jet setter.

My winter internship at Women’s Wear Daily was my absolute best internship experience so far. I learned more than I ever have at an internship and I felt like I was valued for my work. If you’ve been an unpaid intern in the fashion industry, you know how much a simple thank you can even mean, ha!

For the next two weeks I will be in New York City, Las Vegas, and then back in New York City. I’m beyond excited to become sleep deprived and surround myself with fashion week activities. Not to mention, a solid weekend at the Palms in Las Vegas. Luckily my teachers understand the opportunity I’ve been given and are working with me to miss yet another week of classes. It’s time to pack a suitcase full of black clothes and refill my Starbucks gold card to prepare for the early mornings and late nights that are FASHION WEEK!

Highest Highs, Lowest Lows

Stephanie S. — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:28:38 +0000

2012 was quite a year. It didn’t have the best beginning, you could say. It did, however, evolve into one of the most amazing years I’ve had in my life so far.

I had the most amazing internships at People’s Revolution and Chris Benz. While in NYC I met some of the most incredible people that I am sure to be friends with for the years to come!

I transferred to a new school to study my true passions of journalism and fashion. While there, I have become manager of the Rent the Runway team, became a Madewell intern, and was published in the schools fashion magazine! It was one of the best decisions I could have made, and only great things continue to come of it.

And NOW, I am spending my winter break in NYC once again and interning at Women’s Wear Daily. I am ecstatic and cannot wait to excel at my ninth internship!

Overall, everything has come full circle and I couldn’t be happier.

I move up to the city on Sunday and begin my month long journey at WWD on Monday. I’ll be blogging for my school’s internship course, so updates will be often and extensive!

Check out my latest College Candy posts here!

Weeklies.

Stephanie S. — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 03:04:46 +0000

As you may or may not know, I’m a busy gal. I spend majority of my time working at both of my internships, but I also am a contributing writer for 4 different publications. That’s why I feel compelled to share all of my work with you guys! So here are this week’s:

College Candy

College Fashionista

Rent the Runway

That’s all that’s gone live this week. Thank you all for the support! Follow me on twitter for the most recent updates: @stephschmidit

and another one bites the dust.

Stephanie S. — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 02:51:19 +0000

Week two is done, over, gone. I’m glad because working so many hours a week (say, 55+) is exhausting. I’m not glad because I can’t imagine leaving this city. I’ve completely fallen in love with it and the idea of going home this weekend is upsetting. Okay, I sound really dramatic, but really, Delaware vs. NYC. What would you choose? (Update: I went home this past weekend and it wasn’t all that dreadful. Spending time with family is always a great time!)

My week was the same as last week, busy and full of coffee runs, delivery/pickups, and long nights. I also managed to attend my first sample sale and get ombre hair this week! I ventured to the YSL Sample Sale earlier in the week and it was definitely eventful. I managed to get a gorgeous tote so I consider my 6am wakeup call worth it. As for the ombre hair, it was completely spontaneous. My hair has been dark brown and straight for so long that I’ve gotten bored and ombre hair was instantly the first thing I thought of. 5 days later and I’m at the Bumble and Bumble salon in Meatpacking District.

There are a few pictures from brunch since moving in. You should know from my last post how people are about their brunches around here! Also, my room is up there! My very hot room- we have a heat advisory today and they are even offering people to sleep in cots on the top floor.

My barely-noticaeable-not-drastic-at-all ombre hair! I’m told it gets lighter with time. Only time shall tell, I suppose.

A few of this weeks outfits because I’m sure you’re dying to see what I manage to put together at 6am every morning, no?

Check out the new tote- heeey. YSL.

Un.

Stephanie S. — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 17:08:28 +0000

Un is one for French incase you were unsure. I’m supposed to be working on bettering my French with the Rosetta Stone I received for Christmas, but that just does not seem to be working out well. Mostly because I work 11 hours a day and then work more when I get home. Week one has now come to an end, though. How will I be spending my first weekend? Sleeping sounds ideal. I’ll probably eat, too. It’s weird, I have hardly eaten a thing since being in the city. I get too wound up in my daily activities that eating just seems to be too large of a time commitment. I know NYC has some wonderful food options, though, so I’ll do my best to experience them all. I’ll also be trying to have a little fun this weekend and SHOP. I’m a shopaholic and I have yet to walk in a store since I’ve been here. Yes, I do know it’s only been 6 days.

So how was the first week? Exhausting, obviously. It was enjoyable. It’s a great experience to be learning from some of the best people in the fashion industry and also be surrounded by such motivated people like myself. I’m also completely and entirely in love with this city. I know I lived here last year but this year is such an improvement. I can travel the subways without getting lost. I know the streets and can correctly give directions. And I can tell you where the closet Starbucks is no matter where I am. These have to be qualities of a New Yorker, right?

I’ve been really surprised by people’s reactions when I tell them I’ve had previously internships (In NYC) and that I have two this summer. Isn’t having two internships in five days the same as working five days at one practically? I’m ambitious, though. If I could have three internships I would.

My first Saturday in the city was well spent. I was so excited to finally do nothing and be able to sleep in. Well, I woke up at 7:30am thanks to my handy dandy mental alarm. I decided to go to the gym (arrived 40 minutes prior to it opening) and then planned to grab coffee and do work all day. Instead, I was invited to my first NYC brunch. I had to go, obviously. If you’ve ever seen the girls from Sex and the City grab brunch on the show then you have no idea what this brunch was like. Crazy music, free drinks, and a dance party that started at 4. They took out all of the tables and had exotic dancers. So much for my plate of french toast and relaxing Saturday morning. It was such a fun experience and I definitely want to go again next Saturday and every Saturday hereafter. If you’re in the city then I recommend checking Pranna out!

After my mid-day nap (thanks to a tiring brunch), I met up with some friends and went out again. It was an enjoyable, busy, Saturday and a great one to kick off summer with!

I’ve decided to make Sunday my relaxing day. I finally peeled myself out of bed long enough to find a fantastic bagel place. Bob’s Bagels was a great choice. Now I’m back in bed and have no intentions to spend my time doing anything but lying around or possibly hit up Soho to shop! It’s been a long week and I’m anxious to see what week two has in store.

What I learned this week:

Being nice is always the right answer.

Don’t wear a blazer and jeans on an 88 degree day.

Working five days a week is more tiring than I thought.

Brunch is the best “meal.”

Free time?

Stephanie S. — Tue, 29 May 2012 03:22:41 +0000

It’s summer and I’ve posted once, which must mean I’m taking full advantage of my summer. Right? That’s for sure. I just moved into my NYC apartment yesterday and I start one of my internships tomorrow! I’ve already done so much for being here a little over 24 hours. I have a lot to do to prepare for tomorrow. I feel like a little kid getting ready to go back to school. Outfit is picked out and bag is packed. Of course, my outfit and bag are bound to change before I walk out the door tomorrow. I’ll be sure to update you soon! For now, check out some of my other posts that have been consuming my “free time.”

Intern Queen: 7 Sites to Shop at This Summer

College Candy: 8 Skirts to Wear This Summer

PS: GIVEAWAY SOON!

Red Carpet Roundup

Stephanie S. — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:38:50 +0000

Incase you couldn’t keep up with the various live-streams and overreactive twitter streams surrounding the ever-anticipated Met Gala, you’re in luck. (I couldn’t either). I did however round up all of my favorite and not do favorite looks of the night. What was on the red carpet? Pink hair, peplums, and prints!

The party hostess herself, Anna Wintour decked out in a Prada lobster dress.

Top 10

Camille Belle, Ralph Lauren

Solange Knowles, Rachel Roy

Amber Heard and Zac Posen, Zac Posen

Amy Poehler, Fotini

Jessica Alba, Michael Kors

Rooney Mara, Givenchy

Dianna Argon, Carolina Herrera

Gweneth Paltrow, Prada

Rihanna, Tom Ford

Giselle Bundchen, Givenchy

Bottom 5

I’m a huge fan of prints, don’t get me wrong. The only thing wrong, are these prints. And that suit catastrophe sported by Kristen…

Elizabeth Banks, Mary Kantrantzou

Tory Burch, Tory Burch

Shailene Woodley, Christopher Kane

Kristen Stewart, Balenciaga

Kristen Dunst, Rodarte

Who are your best and worst of the night? Check out all the photos of attendees at the Huffington Post!