I'm Back!

 

I've been back in New York this week for work...
and again, I've been reminded of how happy I am when I'm here in the city.

My amazing boss and I have accomplished so much in just a few days;
the energy of this city is just infectious. I can never get enough of it.

Walking through the West Village last night,
I thought about how I wish I could always feel the way that I do when I'm here.

Maybe it's something I need to carry with me when I'm not in this amazing place.
Maybe the magic of New York is in me all along.

Jon Connor's "Scriptures"

MAC Making Pretty Holiday 2012

 Totally blown away by MAC's Making Pretty holiday collection this year.
If packaging could resemble a person, I'm pretty positive this collection screams me. ;)

What It's Like to Be a Motherless Daughter

For the most part, I'm just like any other girl that's just starting out in life. But then there are moments- random ones, usually- that will occasionally hit me. Times like now, at 1:41 AM on a random rainy Tuesday that I can't sleep. I don't really talk about it... I pride myself on being strong and capable, the girl that takes care of everyone else.
But sometimes I just need my mom.

Picking out pots and pans (and everything else) for my first place. Having someone tell me I'm ridiculous for buying the 4" Louboutins that I clearly can't walk in. Trying to figure out how to NOT burn cookies in an oven that undoubtedly burns everything. It's the little things. I want to know what she would think of where I'm at in this stage of my life. Did she feel the same uncertainty that I feel at this age? I want to share with her how excited I was when I got back from New York, or how it felt the first time I saw my design work in print. I'd want to see her reaction to seeing me in the music video. I know she'd be so excited to hear about an amazing deal I got at TJ Maxx, or the details of a great date, or a gorgeous lip color I'd finally found. It just seems that the loss becomes more apparent as I grow older... and it seems to me that her absence will be felt even more as I grow up, get married and have my babies. What advice would she give me? What would she want me to know? And truthfully, how the hell am I supposed to figure this all out on my own?

For the most part, I have learned how to figure it out on my own... which has made me a stronger, wiser person. But I'd be lying if I said it's been easy. I have friends who barely know how to do laundry; I've been a pro since I was 12. I worry about my dad eating properly. Yet I feel things in a way that most people my age don't; giving me a sensitivity and compassion that I am grateful for. I've also been blessed with amazing family and friends that have become like family to me. But I'm not going to sugarcoat the truth: the occasional moments of realization of what I'm missing... what she's missing makes me sad. A mother can never be replaced; not at age 3. Not at age 24.

No silver lining in this post. No cute little inspirational quote. Just truth.

My First Music Video: Jon Connor's "Missing You"

Despite the crazy, unexpected nature of my life... I guess I never expected I would be in a rap video. Never say never, clearly, because here I am in one. haha. When Jon Connor asked me to be the lead girl in "Missing You," I was a bit surprised- how often do you get asked something like that? I always say that life is short and I want to truly soak in every opportunity... so I did, and I had such a great time. The entire experience was so fun and such a cool process.

Please check out Jon's music, because he truly is such a talented lyricist. Before I was even involved in the "Missing You" project, I was already a big fan of this song. I think the lyrics are definitely something that most people can relate to... whether you've ever missed someone, or you're "the one that got away." More so, Jon is one of the nicest people around, and deserves all of the notoriety he has gotten lately. Always enjoy being around good, genuine people.

Download Jon Connor's recent mixtape, "While You Were Sleeping," for free here.

P.S. The bow made it into the video. Beauty with a Bow. Always. ;)

NYFW Runway Photos

Having been amidst work and the hunt for a perfect condo (YES! My FIRST place!), I just haven't had much time to devote to this blog. My apologies, because I have so much I want to share from my amazing week in New York for the collections of S/S '13. It truly was an amazing, amazing experience and a moment that will stick in my memory for years to come. For now, here are a few runway shots I captured from J. Mendel, Milly, Whitney Eve, and Anna Sui.

All my best,

Official Taylorism

Love,

 

Video Blog: September 2012

 

 

Why Hello, Anna

Any guesses as to who I was just feet away from at the J. Mendel show yesterday afternoon?

Anna Wintour.

THE Anna Wintour.

Editor-in-Chief at Vogue.

I have a week's worth of posts, videos, photos, and stories from this trip to New York... and I'll get to that in the coming days. Don't you worry, dolls. ;) But for now, I'll just say that yesterday was quite possibly one of the most magical, memorable days of my life thus far. Karen and I were whisked past the lines and security at Lincoln Center, our security guard taking us through a private glass tunnel to escort us to the front. The velvet rope was literally lifted for us at the J. Mendel, Milly, Whitney Eve, and Anna Sui shows... it felt like something straight out of a movie. I felt every bit like Cinderella; although trade the glass slipper for a pair of camel-colored 100mm Loubs. Heh.

Second Row at Whitney Eve

I am still amazed... and excited... and inspired.

Welcome to Fashion Week!

   

 

  

Never looking down,

I'm just in awe of what's in front of me...

A Random Thought

 

Sometimes, especially lately, I find myself in awe of the world around me. Don't get me wrong, I worked really hard to be where I am today... personally, professionally, academically. It was all for a purpose; to build a life that I enjoy and was created out of goodness. Isn't that what we all want?

But then I notice this life that surrounds me, and I can't feel anything but absolute gratefulness. I feel so exceptionally blessed. The people and opportunities that have come into my life have been nothing short of amazing, and it's something that I could never take for granted. Taking in each and every moment, feeling the magic of every experience, and simply feeling ALIVE.

Life is a journey, not a destination.

P.S. This cute little guy has been my co-pilot for six years today. :)

Big Lights Will Inspire You

Any guesses as to where I'm headed for work this week?!

Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York...