The Girl With The Purple Pen

So I’ve Been Thinking…

I want to start using Tumblr more. Like a second Twitter. 

Anyway, I’m working on overhauling my blog. First off, the title. I’m thinking about knocking off, “The Girl With” and make it, “The Purple Pen.” Simple and a little more sophisticated. 

Thoughts? Any would be appreciated!

Lipstick and Revelations

The best Sephora I’ve ever shopped at was in Nice, France.

Nearing the end of our senior class trip to Europe last spring, my friend Gina and I headed straight toward Avenue Jean Médecin during one of the rare breaks in our jam-packed schedule. Located in the heart of Nice, The Avenue, as it is known by residents, houses the main shops of the city. I was Holly Golightly, staring longingly into the windows of outlets to the likes of Hermès. Down the line we found ourselves in front of Sephora, and well, we just couldn’t resist.

I felt like a child walking into a candy store. I know that’s an awful cliché, but with all the different products, brands and colors, Sephora really is a divine, tempting store to me and FIT-student Gina. We were playing amongst the makeup until we came across the Dior Addict lipstick collection. Brand new at the time, it was advertised on Kate Moss’s perfect pout. Typically I don’t spend too much on makeup; I love it, but with my limited budget, I tend to splurge on clothes and accessories. But I was drawn to Riviera, a gorgeous coral fit for every occasion. Gina and I each walked away with the $30 tube.

As silly as it might sound, I felt powerful and glamorous purchasing the new Dior shade. Yet for some reason I couldn’t bring myself to take it out of its shiny black case.

Fast forward a year to this past Saturday. As I was getting ready to go to a Gainesville Fashion Week event downtown, my friend Jenny assured me that my all black outfit (read more on my blog post) looked chic and Carrie Bradshaw-esque, but it was missing something, even after accessorizing with a chunky citrine necklace. I froze when she suggested I swipe on my prized Dior lipstick. It was just lipstick; what was the big deal?

This made me look at the bigger picture. To me, the lipstick represented the life I always dreamed of. A wonderful, exciting life in the fashion industry where I could express myself artistically with writing in addition to clothes and makeup. To do this, you have to be bold and take risks.

It was time to be honest with myself: I was scared. I was afraid to continue with this blog for fear that it wasn’t relevant or interesting. I was afraid of participating in class for fear of looking stupid. I was afraid to run outside for fear that it would hurt too much. And I became afraid of speaking to new people, especially guys, for fear of rejection.

I don’t know where this crummy attitude came from! It’s just not me. I must have realized this subconsciously because I had already begun making adjustments. Last week I largely contributed to my group discussions. I started running outside a few mornings a week and finished 5k Saturday afternoon. I mingled with other interns throughout the entire Gainesville Fashion Week event and even got up the nerve to invite the attractive bartender to our modeling casting call. And clearly I’ve come back to the blog, deciding that I need to find my voice again. Get excited for pretty spring posts!

If you have big plans, you need to act big. There’s no reason to hide behind the scenes.

As I smoothly applied the Dior lipstick yesterday afternoon, something clicked. I’ll be the first to admit that this connection is strange. How does lipstick make one realize that they’ve been shriveling up? I haven’t a clue, but I’m done questioning it. It’s time to enjoy the rest of the semester – my last of freshman year.

I’m just thrilled that I’m not too much of a cliché and reevaluated my life after Jan. 1.

Renovation: New Blog Site!

While I love Tumblr, it’s definitely not the place to house a professional blog. So now I’m on WordPress. 

I’m still working on the page, but bear with me. It will be a cool, classic blog in no time.

Make sure to keep up with The Girl with the Purple Pen! 

Shutter, Aperture and ISO, Oh My!

After complaining for months that I wanted to learn more about photography, I dusted off my Cannon Rebel T3 Thursday night and went to my first photography class with my friend Lauren. 

Photography has always been a hobby of mine, but I know that in order to be the best journalist possible, I have to be well rounded (thanks, Cherubs!). 

For the next eight weeks, I will be learning everything from color, composition, pre-processing images, abstraction to something called “neon fun.” Even though Lauren and I are clearly the youngest in the class, I couldn’t be more excited to get started.

For now, I’m just happy I learned how to use my camera. 

Here are a few of my favorites from Thursday (Don’t judge: it was only my first class!):

^ It just looks so weird and creepy. I love it!

^ This was taken without flash at 8:00 at night!

A DIY Day To Remember

Fast forwarding through calculus, college applications and newsmagazine pressure, I’m finally a second semester senior. Though, I don’t have to wait the five months until graduation to get more experience in fashion or journalism. 

I’ve learned in the past few weeks that connections are everywhere, even in the most unlikely of places. I met Olivia Smalley while she teased my hair to perfection for a prom-themed fashion show at my high school on January 12. As I sat in her chair, I watched my avant-garde look come together, prompting me to gush over my love for editorial fashion. This eventually led me to mention my dream of becoming a fashion journalist, something Olivia took interest in. Long story short, I’m the new blogger for OMG! Artistry.

We were perfect for each other: She was a makeup artist/hair stylist looking for a blogger/stylist and I was the Editor in Chief of my high school’s newsmagazine who was looking for some styling experience and clips. Now I’ve joined her team, where I tag along on photo shoots, do a little styling and tell all of you about it after. You can check out my posts at http://www.omgartistry.com/blog. 

Things have been happening pretty quickly. I went to my first photo shoot Friday, where I met the beautiful and talented photographer, Erika Delgado (http://www.erikadelgadophoto.com/). The DIY bridal-themed shoot made me rethink the wedding plans I’ve had since I was a little girl. Erika manipulated the hard, rocky field and to look like the model was getting married in the romantic wheat field in the Estée Lauder commercial. Holding a handmade bouquet of baby’s breath and wheat-like plants from the field, the model smiled playfully at the camera, looking stunning in a vintage-inspired Francesca’s thigh-length ivory dress with embellished petal sleeves. The whole effect was simple and intimate yet elegant and special. For even more details on the photo shoot, check out OMG! Artistry’s website.

The afternoon wrapped up with glitter and a golden setting sun. I had a blast being a part of it all and meeting such talented people who’s dreams were as big as mine. Now I can’t wait to see what Olivia and I are going to do next!

Photo by Olivia Smalley

Behind The Scenes:

 

(1)

(2) 

(1) Model Naomi in the boots she “never takes off.” They worked well with the shoot’s natural vibe.

(2) Erika used many unique, rugged accessories like the chest as little details to inspire those who want an intimate, DIY wedding.