Striped Pants for the Curvy Girl ~

This look comes from my love for stripes! Today was a mixture of temperatures and I wanted to be comfortable yet still my stylish self.

I paired a sequin sleeve blazer with a flows black tank. Very true to my style I made my statement piece (the striped pants) the focal point. My hand bag is the new Coach city tote I have been using for a while now.

I hope you enjoy this post.

Easter 2013!

Hello Adorners!

I hope your enjoying the Easter weekend. I stopped by Target last weekend and fell in love with this Prabal Gurung dress! I am not one to wear lots of color but this dress gave me a balance that I was more than happy with!

Cool Spring OOTD

It's still a bit cold and is fashionista's cannot wait for spring! But until it comes we have to dress for the weather. I kept my look true to my personal style by wearing black.

Jersey Meet & Greet with Naty Michele

I was super excited to attend Naty's event and so blessed to be able to meet her lovely mother.

The Smashbox event was held out at the Short Hills mall this past Saturday. Naty Michele is indeed a fashion inspiration!

OOTN: Spring Day with Fall Weather

This outfit was inspired by the lovely Naty! Thank you for inspiring me to reach for my dreams.

Since it gets a bit colder at night I decided to throw on my tweed jacket to keep me warm on my date! Thanks to my lovely camera man this post is possible! 😘


Jewelry- Simply Vera by Vera Wang and Swarovski
Jacket - Kathy Ireland
Top - Simply Vera by Vera Wang
Jeans - Seven7 Jeans
Shoes - Bongo
Bag - Coach

End of Winter: OOTN

As Winter is melting away I'm finding myself squeezing in those last few warm, layered, cozy OOTD. Last night I paired a black tuxedo style blazer (by Jones NY) with a black perforated faux leather peplum too from Princess by Vera Wang and a crazy pair of wide leg cheetah print pants. I was going to dinner with my three year old godson and the outfit was perfect! I hope you enjoy it!

Top - Princess by Vera Wang

Blazer - Liz Claiborne

Pants - Strawberry

Heels - Steve Madden

Ring - Swarovski Chic Royalty

My Mini Vacation

So with all of the hectic craziness going on in my life, from school work overload to never ending job hunt I decided I needed a vacation.

On my retreat I took the time to refresh my take on wardrobe, make-up, hair and all things beauty. Every once in a while you need to spend a bit of extra time on yourself. Take care of your skin, hair and nails. Before leaving I got a manicure, washed and set my hair and carefully packed my makeup essentials into my juicy couture travel makeup bag.

My outfits were simple yet uniquely me. I chose to wear prices like colored skinny jeans and printed tips with basic blazers. My shoes were designed by dynamic fashion designer Cristian Sciriano.

Top - Kardashian Kollection

Necklace - Simply Vera by Vera Wang

Pants - Seven7 Jeans

Shoes - Cristian Sciriano for Payless

Watch - Macy*s INC

The Struggle Continues

So it's been nine months since graduation and it seems that my job hunt method is becoming redundant. Cold emailing and applying has gotten me nowhere and while interning is strengthening my skills would it be most beneficial to stay at an internship hoping for a spot to open?

As I contemplate my next move to gain employment, I'm stuck. Mentors will tell you that it will get better and that your start is just around the corner. While that's words are nice to say, they are often not encouraging because they are just words. The reality of it all is scary, maybe I won't find that dream job. Can I spend the best years of my life working for free and not feeling like I've grown professionally?

I'm ready to begin my career, but learning patience is important. I've been looking for more internships (though Sallie Mae is knocking) while searching for my first position. Weighing wishful thinking and reality is my current struggle. Each day I get closer to my dreams and that's the thought that gets me through what seems to be endless rejection emails and no replies to my interview follow ups.

I am a PR girl and soon the world will know. I'm going to do great things!

Why I <3 Fashion PR

When I first realized my passion for fashion public relations everything in my life just seemed to click. Years before I discovered my passion I studied design and construction at a private school in Manhattan. I have always been drawn to fashion...it's in my blood.

Many people ask me if getting a degree in fashion design was worth it if I was going to become a publicist. Yes. Understanding the theory, assembly, and labor that goes into creating a collection gives me the ability to translate unspoken words about fashion through my writing. Nothing became more exciting then writing about fashion and telling people how amazing it is beyond the runways and glamour. I began to see the beauty in expressing a designer's vision behind his/her collection. Being a designer myself the expression came naturally, my journalism courses put my words into a PR perspective.

As in search for my first PR position I am constantly reminded of my hunger for this industry. My need to be the voice behind a brand that I have personally fallen in love with. My dream job would be a position that would allow me to do just that. Failing has never been an option and it won't be...ever! I'm pushing forward because having a career in fashion PR is one of my goals.

It's my dream...it will happen.

Best,
Joi-Louise

Fashion Week Fall 2013!

Being an intern pro, fashion week is a bit of a stranger. I have always chosen to stay in the office in order to learn more about my craft and what I need to accomplish in order to bare the name "Coordinator". But as we are smack in the middle of a chaotic fashion week reflect on what the steps are leading up to a four minute fashion show.

Walking around the office during a time like this is an interesting feat. Interns scramble to get Lookbooks printed and get coffee for employees who remain chained to their desks. I try to remain focused on the prize, which is building my skills while balancing the "grunt work"

Fashion week amplifies the stress of the PR world but I only see the finish line.

Photo credit: Vera Wang Fall 2013

What to Do When Your Contacts Can't Find You A Job!

I've come to a roadblock in my quest for Fashion PR employment. Though I have made many connections it seems that my network of professionals just cannot help me find work. At this point (8 months post grad) it may just be entirely up to me to break my way into the industry.

As per advice given by my career mentor,
I have made contact with a few more recruiter agencies here in NYC. Though it is difficult to think of actually putting your job search in someone else's hands it may just do the trick. Many reputable PR firms and fashion houses use agency recruiters to find the best candidates around.

So as I continue to look on my own I am being represented by an agent who knows my career path, where I have been and how I intend to get there. When you network of contacts seem unable to lend a helping hand consider a recruiting agency.

Working My First Sample Sale

I was stationed in the Lobby of the tower in order to mandate the guest list of fashion gods, also known as Editors. As they lined up for the 9:30 sale I thought to myself "This is some crucial semi-networking time". I made it a point to introduce myself where appropriate provide a swift transition from checking in to hitting the sales floor of the sample sale.

Being an intern your not at the top of the priority list but eloquence and organization will often get you noticed. Being in charge of "the list" gave me the power to see who these editors were face to face. I engaged them with small talk about the weather and jokes about the rush that comes with some sample sales. Like the fights that were created for films like 'Confessions of a Shopoholic". I was doing it! And without even trying...I made them smile and a few even laughed and took the time to wish me look with my endeavors as they left the building. To think that I was once a shy girl.

A great quality to have as an intern is pride. Now I don't mean the kind of pride that causes you to be a complete jerk but the kind that is noticed in everything you do around the office. It's seen in the precision that you possess when sending out samples or calling the messenger center to check on a package. Have pride in your work and you'll begin to see the trust that your supervisors develop in your abilities. Some might say that being the door woman at a sample sale isn't a glamorous role. I would have to say that if your going into PR for the glamour...maybe you should choose another career.

My time interning has always been hard work and justly so. You have to put in your time and realize that everyone over you has once been where you are now and no one can respect someone who hasn't paid their dues. From the moment I entered the doors of my last internship I have enjoyed every moment. From the mistakes to this sample sale. Today was a good day! Remember that your dreams are attainable if your willing to get your hands dirty.

Finding a job in New York Public Relations in the Year 2012-2013

Difficult would be an understatement. I have been searching for a job in PR for the past six months. Asking for advice and interning in the process. My desire to be a part of this industry is what keeps me off the ledge. But what are the guidelines to achieving this goal (if any) and how do i follow them in such a competitive environment  inflamed by the recession?

I am a recent college graduate majored in Business Marketing with a second degree in Fashion Design. Yes. I have submerged myself in the world of fashion. However, on this journey I've come across what seems to be nothing but road blocks and a never ending stream of politically correct rejection letters and promises to "keep you on record, should another position open up". At times this was disheartening but what I try to keep in mind is the euphoric vibes I experience every time I enter a showroom or open the pages of a magazine to see an editorial spread that I was a part of creating. That's it! That feeling is all too real. Something I could never see myself trading for a boring life of folding sweaters at the local mall.

But is it enough to get you the job? This is my burning question. I've been able to obtain some of the top in demand internships in the country but have yet to turn those into jobs. Some blame it on the market. I just think its about strategically planning around the loop holes of this industry.

Being in school is what gets you to the internship and maybe even the interview but it often doesn't get you the job. I've found that real world (industry) experience yields returns on interviews that turn into job offers. Experience also gives you room to network and this is equally as important as interning. Speaking to any and everyone has given me so much insight on the industry and contacts to people who could possible help me obtain my first job in fashion PR.

So what is this purpose of this blog Joi?

Even though you may be frustrated with your job hunt regardless of the industry. Determination and persistence will yield returns. I have created this particular article as the beginning of a documentation of my journey through my career in fashion PR. Come along for the ride!