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A letter from the
Design Director: t
o me, the transition from summer to fall marks the start of a new year. I get excited for the fashion, weather, and flavors of the season ahead (and secretly wish I could go back to school shopping). Fall is when I always look forward to the amazing things to come, but it’s also the time where I look back on all that I’ve accomplished and experienced throughout the past year.
Sweet Lemon Magazine debuted last October, and I’m so proud of all that we’ve accomplished since. I feel so lucky to have worked so closely with so many passionate and up-and-coming women across so many different fields.This mag-
azine has become such an amazing network of talent, and looking back, I’m so happy to have been a part of it.
This issue is bursting at the seams with goodies; from stand-out young entrepreneurs and bloggers, to one of my very favorite illustrators (who served as original inspiration for the magazine!), to some sound (but not boring!) advice from our resident finance gal. So go read it over a freshly brewed pumpkin spiced latte. I hope you’ll leave prepared, excited and looking forward to taking on all of the new adventures this next season brings you.
Melissa Noucas Design Director @mnouc // www.theatelierblog.com NO.2
Meet the SLM Team:
Carly Heitlinger, Editor-in-Chief
@collegeprepster www.thecollegeprepster.com
Carly is a quirky, Type A workaholic with a passion for all things prep. Her closet is filled with collared shirts and ballet flats. She alwasy has a stash of Band-Aids and multiple flavors of lip balm tucked into her bag. She wouldn’t be caught dead without her pearls on and thinks you should live your dreams.
Paris Rouzati, Creative Director
@parisrouzati www.chicamoo.com
Paris is a charming southern girl. She’s a bookworm, lame joke connoisseur, and Whole Foods-oholic. She has an unrivaled argyle sock collection and can’t go a day without eating ice cream. If Vogue and The Economist had a love child, it would be Paris. She’s always there to make you laugh and smile, and believes in spreading love everywhere she goes.
Melissa Noucas, Design Director
@mnouc www.theatelierblog.com
Melissa is a perpetual hostess, shopaholic, and stationery lover. She has a knack for purchasing too many striped shirts and wishes peony season was year-round. She goes weak in the knees for old Hollywood glamour (if she could, she’d host a Great Gatsby-style lawn party every day), but still enjoys the little luxuries of city living like taxi rides and coffee dates. NO.3
Sweet Lemon issue no. 6 contributors
design team:
Meghan Lynch Head Contributing Designer
Megan Chandler Contributing Designer @megachand
Alyssa Greenberg Photographer @aegphoto
Naomi Huober Contributing Designer @fpnaomi
Alexandra Johnston Photographer @StyleIsForever
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editorial team:
Nicole Botsaris PR Director @nicolebotsaris
Hanna Howard Copy Editor @_hannahoward
Kara Landsman Contributing Author @kalands
Sarah Solomon Contributing Author @urbanjap
Carleton English Contributing Author @carletonenglish
Evann Clingan Contributing Author @evannclingan
Laura DiLibero Contributing Author @lndilibero
Sarah Watson Contributing Author @sarahannewatson
Michaela Warner Contributing Author @michaela_noelle
Lauren Kreinik Contributing Author @lkrein
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Your
Complete Guide to
#shoparound 8. We’re Sweet On 10. WoMen’s Wear 12. Back to School, 14. Cosy Up 16. Fall Polish 17. Calendar
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#puckerup 18. 32. 42. 56.
Inspiration By Inslee Fall LookBook: Speak Easy Bloggers Across Borders Alexandra Taylor Collections
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#zestyliving 60. Building a Brand 73. Back to School
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Issue No. 6 #lemonaid
77. Avoiding the monday morning Financial Hangover 80. 5 Minute Braids 85. Splash of Color: DIY Projects to Inspire
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#sweetlife
89. A Local’s Guide to New York City 95. Culinary Hotrods and theiR Groupies
#lemonlove NO.87
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#shoparound
we’re sweet on From Atlanta to New York. Champagne to Soda. Carly, Paris, & Melissa pick their fall faves
carly who > editor in chief where < new york
Lilly Pulitzer Charmed Bracelet
Kate Spade iPad Sleeve
Tarte Lip Surgence
Design Darling To Do List Urban Outfitters Applique Flat NO.8
Zoe Karssen Oh La La Sweater
who > creative director where < atlanta
paris
Ettika Pretty Please Stack
Stila Liquid Lipstick in Biso
3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel
melissa
“The Casual Vacancy” by J.K. Rowling
Tory Burch Belt Jacquie Aiche Ring
White + Warren Cashmere Wrap
who > design director where < philadelphia
Kate Spade Heels
Smythson Journal NO.9
menswea menswea menswea menswea menswea menswea menswea menswea
TopShop Bib Blouse
Miu Miu Velvet Slippers
Jeffrey Campbell Zone booties
Toni Tassel Loafers
J.Crew Red Edie Purse
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Dodo iPad Case Miansai Hook Bracelet
Wide Leather Belt
Zara Mustache Slipper
Warby Parker Preston Glasses
J.Crew Wooden Rubber iPhone case
Saint James Espadrilles NO.11
woMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wear curated by Paris
Knock Knock Mousepad
Elephant Pillow See Jane Work Pencil Cup
Memo Board
The North Face Backpack
Lilly Pulitzer Agenda
Elizabeth and James Eyeglasses
Jonathan Adler On the Go Coffee Mug
Urban Outfitters Headphones Dream Cardigan Brita Pitcher
Le Pen
Marc by Marc Jacobs Laptop SleevE Loafers
// curated by carly
back to school
Diptyque Amber Candle
West Elm Souk Rug
J.Crew Yoga Sweater
Anthropologie Wooden Frame
Essie Yogaga Polish
Eberjey Robe Twoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Company Covered Lantern
cozy
up
West Elm Chunky Knit Tassel Throw
:: curated by melissa :: NO.14
Target Elephant Tea Pot
Donna Hay Seasons
Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish
Anthropologie Zinc Letters
Jonathan Adler Needlepoint Chevron Pillow
Harney & Sons Chamomile Tea NO.15
realdly re
Butter Lonon Old Blighty
Sephora by OPI Caffeine Fix
Nars Jungle Red
Zoya Pinta
YSL Rouge Pop Art
FAVE FALL POLISH
Essie Lacque red
Essie Brooch the Subject
-
y melissa b d e t a r u c
-
Julep Pippa
New s l a r t u e N
Butter London Old Bill
Essie Armed and Ready NO.16
Illamasqua Pure Black
mark your calendar: Note worthy dates in September & October 2012
sept.
Perfect Purple
Rachel Zoe’s Bir thday & Carly’s Bir thday!! 1 Skyscraper Day 3
Illamasqua Velocity
Be Late For Something Day 5 ESPN made its debut on cable television (1979) 7 Patriot Day 11 International Chocolate Day 13 Prince Harry’s Bir thday 15
Essie Lilacism
New York Times first Published (1851) 18 National Pancake Day 26 Rosh Hashanah 28 National Coffee Day 29
oct.
Julep Whitney
D a r k Sephora + by OPI Stormy
Chanel Black Pearl
World Smile Day 1
Sputnik Launched in 1957 4 Yale University was founded 9 Canadian Thanksgiving Day 11 MLK Jr. Awarded with Nobel Peace Prize (1964) 14 SWEET LEMON MAGAZINE’s FIRST BIRTHDAY! 15 Rita Haywor th’s Bir thday! 17 Jaclyn Kennedy becomes Jackie O. 19 Melissa’s Bir thday! 21 Crayola Crayons first sold (1903) 23 Halloween 31 NO.17
#puckerup
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inspiration by By Kara Landsman Photography By Melanie Landsman
Anyone who’s been working on a seemingly casual side project, think about the possibility of it becoming something more. And look to fashion illustrator Inslee Haynes as your inspiration. Inslee grew up in Leesburg, Virginia and can’t remember a time when she wasn’t drawing. “My parents always had paper, crayons and markers out on the floor,” she said. “There are all these pictures of me drawing in a diaper, drawing things that actually looked like real things.” Inslee always loved art in high school, but her first professional training came during a summer in high school where she traveled to Chicago to participate in a fashion illustration program at The Art Institute of Chicago. NO.19
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“My art teacher was the first person to see that I liked drawing girls,” she said. “I really credit him for realizing that this didn’t have to be just something fun to do for my friends during lunch.” That teacher has been part of her life ever since, acting both as a great cheerleader and supporter.
“Friends are such an important source of confidence,” she said. “Things can be kind of a secret until someone says ‘this is awesome.’” The business truly began after her sophomore year, when she was home relaxing for the summer. She started drawing her sketches on note cards for fun to see if she could really sell them. “It was a bored project,” she laughs.
Friends are such an important source of confidence.
“In high school it’s pretty rare to find such a niche of art- it’s so cool that he made this connection,” she said. “It was what I always wanted to do and it was so exciting to learn techniques.”
She was hooked ever since the course. Although it was her only formal training in fashion illustration, Inslee is a firm believer that when you find something you really love, it’s always all around you. After high school, she went to Washington & Lee University where she majored in art history and studio art. Inslee credits her college life as an important factor in her art career, especially her sorority sisters- who inspired her to really start her business.
She sent the cards to her friends that summer and asked them to write notes, send them out, and then report back on the reactions. It turned out to be a great response, but she still didn’t think it would become a job after graduation. “I really didn’t have any intention of this becoming a real company, just some extra spending money,” she said. “The first year or two the orders were always from someone I knew or my friends knew.” Inslee graduated in 2008, and then interned in the creative department of an ad agency in DC. Even though she enjoyed the internship, at the end she decided she was ready to be her own person.
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“I decided that this silly little website with 4 note cards could actually become something bigger,” she said. At the time, Inslee was living in DC with a friend from school, and began to work full force to create the company. She rebuilt the website, started blogging, and offering more products. Once the prints started selling, the momentum really grew. At the same time though, Inslee felt like DC wasn’t really growing with her and started to consider moving to New York City. She came to visit a few times to ask herself if it could really be her home base. On July 4, 2011, she decided to take the plunge, and moved to New York with her boyfriend Anderson. “In terms of inspiration there’s no place like New York,” she said. “It felt so much more exciting and what I needed to breathe new life into what I was doing.” To get her feet wet, she started her NYC adventure interning at a fashion house. “Doing a fashion internship as an adult is unusual- everyone else was a junior in college and was excited to get coffee,” she said.
“But it was so cool for me to see the energy, and getting a bird’s eye view into the fashion world fueled my excitement about being here.” Since then, Inslee by Design had been headquartered in Inslee’s East Village apartment, and just recently moved into a studio that’s walking distance from the apartment. The office exudes inspiration, whether it’s the sparkly magenta unicorn protruding from the wall or the huge mirror covered in magazine cut outs. As Inslee’s surroundings change, she’s hoping her business changes with it. “I’m trying to become more of an artist and a brand rather than a freelancer,” she said. “I’m hoping someone would want an Inslee and that I won’t necessarily be an artist that molds for hire.” But even as she makes this transition, Inslee really doesn’t find any cons with the way her company has turned out. “It’s been a very organic, unintentional path. I’m doing these things before I realize I’m doing them, but I’m in a place where I want to be.”
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In terms of inspiration there is no place like New York.
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instant
INslee Favorite Projects. I recently did a wine label that I’m really proud of for an American man who moved to Burgundy, France to start producing wine. He wanted to create a specific label for an important wine from an 800-year-old vineyard.
Upcoming Projects. I just started partnering with a shoe designer, Coye Nokes, she actually went to Washington & Lee. It was fun to connect with her- I’m doing some live illustration stuff for her designs- I think she’s about to become really big.
Beauty Must Have. YSL Touche Clot Click Pen. I think you’re only supposed to put it in on your eyes but I put it on my whole face. It makes you look awake.
Favorite NYC Shops. I’m still figuring it out, but there’s a strip of shops of 9’th Street that I’m obsessed with. There’s the cutest Antique Store, boutiques, and stationery stores. I also love Jon Duran and Company- they have beautiful home items. And I love Jessie James in the West Village for clothes.
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info: Best Recent Read.
Blood, Bones and Butter by East Village chef Gabrielle Hamilton- she owns Prune on 1’st St. It’s an amazing story of her life and so inspiring. I don’t know what to do now because nothing will ever be good enough.
Favorite Coffee Place. Abraco on 7’th and 1’st. It’s the best coffee ever- I’m almost afraid to tell people about it because I don’t want it to get overcrowded.
Fun Fact. My name is my great grandfather’s name. He was a bishop and it’s a Scottish name. It’s a girly word but fun that it’s the masculine form. The bar is so high now for me to name my kids anything cool. I also talk to my mother like 4 times a day and sometimes talk to her dogs too.
Sunday Routine. It has to involve coffee and croissants. And yoga if I don’t have too many croissants. I just love relaxing around New York- I always end up with my boyfriend in a wine store. He’ll read the labels and I’ll read Twitter and Instagram.
- Shop Inslee’s designs at www.inslee.net -
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Speak Easy Fall LOOKBOOK
mODEL: lauren lisle Photography & styling by: paris rouzati @parisrouzati
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: Channel an era. Add a glitzy tipâ&#x20AC;&#x2030; headband & try velvet this fall.
Green Top: DVF Suede Leggings: Theory Headband: Anthropologie Bracelet: Hermes Watch: Black MKors Purse: Proenza Schouler PS1 Shoes: Christian Louboutin
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Tank: J.Crew Statement Necklace: J.Crew Leather Studded Jacket: DVF Velvet Denim: J.Brand Shoes: Urban Outfitters Lipstick: Nars Jungle Red
: Be daring, don’t be afraid of studs & a Tip bold red lipstick! Stand out. You don’t have to be a rockstar to rock a leather jacket.
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Dress: DVF Dress Blazer: Alice & Olivia Shoes: Betsey Johnson Bag: Proenza Schouler PS1 Watch: Rose Gold Michael Kors
: Spruce up your basic shift dress with a colorful blazer. Tip Try a new hairdo, and don’t leave your dancing shoes at home. NO.41
Bloggers
across
Borders By Paris Rouzati // @parisrouzati // Chicamoo.com
For centuries, fashion has connected people across the world. The global fashion market has brought fashionistas together as new trends rise every season, and as people show off their personal style. So, let’s travel to Europe where we meet two emerging bloggers. From Geneva, meet Soraya Bakhtiar, a blogger and grad student currently living in London. Her travels and experience working for Elle UK & Olivia Palermo’s blog (just to name a couple), give her readers a unique perspective. Next, enter the world of Malin Richardson, a full time blogger and jewelry designer living in Stockholm (one of fashion’s sleekest rising cities). Malin has been sharing her passion for clothes, travel and food for almost six years! Add some spice to your Google Reader, branch out to different parts of the blogosphere, and check out these two lovely ladies.
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SORAYA BAKHTIAR NO.43
Photography By Yasaman Bakhtiar
SORAYA BAKHTIAR // GENEVA & LONDON Where did you grow up and where have you lived? I was born and raised in Geneva, Switzerland. A small town with which I had a love/hate relationship, but now that I live in London most of the time, it really feels like home to me. Tell us about your childhood. I’m half Iranian and half Egyptian and I grew up in a very liberal household. I was a very ordinary child and very quiet (that
changed along the way). I could sit in my playroom alone for hours and I would fall asleep anywhere. I was a bit of a tomboy then grew up to be very girly. I would play with my mother’s shoes and jewelry and loved to play dress-up. I was an only child and when I turned 10, my mom gave birth to my little sister, who’s 13 today. It’s probably the best thing that happened to me. She’s very into fashion and beauty and she’s a great photographer (on holidays, she takes pictures of my outfits).
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How did those places influence your style? I moved to London last September to pursue a Masters in Fashion Journalism at London College of Fashion. It has been a fantastic experience that opened many, many doors for me and the industry I want to work in. I’d say that my style has completely changed, for the better I’d like to think, it’s a little edgier and definitely more daring. Who is your style icon and why? I think that Audrey Hepburn is the ultimate fashion icon. I just love her chicness and grace. I watched all her movies, I’m a big fan. Today, I like Olivia Palermo’s sophistication, and how she mixes high-street items with designer items but her style remains very classic. Additionally, I think I’d pick Rachel Zoe and Kate Moss. My style is a mix of all four. How is the fashion in your area different from everywhere else? What’s the fashion scene like? While Geneva has an incredible quality of life, it’s very quiet and nothing like New York or London. People are very conservative. In terms of fashion, there’s not many things happening but things are starting to change. Geneva’s going through a transition, and hopefully it will be as avant-garde as Zurich.
What’s your must have handbag and shoe? Any bag from Celine and must-have shoe would have to be Isabel Marant’s cowboy boots. Favorite food and why? Do you cook or are you a dine out kind of person? When people ask me what I love most in life I always say fashion and food. My instagram is the living proof. I just love to eat, and there’s nothing more convivial than sharing a meal with people you love. Unfortunately i’m not a good cook ( I do the basics, and by basics I mean pasta or microwave!), I need to take some classes, it’s on my bucket list. I have a wonderful boyfriend who cooks for me, so what else could I ask for ? Times have changed ! But most of the time, I’m out and about. London is such a lively city and it’s very easy to grab a bite and not spend too much. Where did you go to school and what did you study? How did that help you with what you’re doing now? + How did style/fashion come into play during your education? I went to an American University back home, I did a double major in Psychology and Media Communications. Once I discovered the world and the power of the media,
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it really made me want to be part of this industry, but in a creative manner and since I always loved fashion, it only seemed natural for me to pursue a masters and career in fashion journalism. Today, aside from my blog, I work as a freelance writer and fashion consultant. Many people ask me for styling advice and I love to meet new people and style them for an event or update their wardrobe. Tell us about your blog? How did you get started? Who do you draw inspiration from? What’s the message/purpose of your blog? I started my eponymous blog in May 2012, not so long ago. My blog is mostly a compilation of my outfits and I wanted to find a way to put myself forward along with my vision about styling. My blog emphasizes on mixing designer brands with high-street brands. You can look good for less and that’s what I strongly believe in.
I’d like to think that my sense of style is unique, even though I draw inspiration from different things such as photography, music, and magazines (and bloggers) I try to keep it real to my own aesthetic. I believe that a woman should wear what she’s comfortable in and in what she feels beautiful in because it will show, trust me. My most popular outfit pictures are when I was wearing something I felt confident in. All in all, my blogging experience has been a very rewarding and fulfilling experience and I love every moments of it. What other ventures are you involved in? Maybe designing? PR? I’d love to get more involved in editorial styling and perhaps a little bit of PR or consultant. As a blogger you kind of are all these things at once. You really have to know how to multi-task. You’re a writer, a PR person and a stylist, and the list goes on. How do you juggle a blog, working...etc? I post once a day from Monday to Friday and sometimes on weekends. It’s important for me to be diligent and disciplined with this schedule. It also allows me to engage more with my readers. When I was a non-blogger, I was so frustrated to look at blogs that were not updated for days (sometimes even weeks), it’s such a turn off and eventually, people lose interest. NO.46
“ A woman should wear what she’s comfortable in and in what she feels beautiful in because it will show
” what Soraya is wearing jeans // Current Elliott jacket // Etoile by Isabel Marant Bag // PS11 - proenza schouler Top // KAIN Sunglasses // Thierry Lasry slippers // topshop Bracelet // Cartier watch // Rolex NO.47
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Have you ever thought of having your own clothing line? I have. But to be honest, I don’t know what it would look like because I’m many things at once and my style varies from day to day and throughout the seasons. Sometimes I happen to be more playful with prints and texture while others I like to dress more minimally. But if I ever had to launch my own line, it would be focused on shoes and accessories, because they’re key pieces to any wardrobe.
it really comes down to doing what you love and what you’re good at
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What’s your day job? At the moment, my day job is being a student, blogger and freelance writer. Upon my graduation, I’d like to stay in London and experience to work life. What’s your advice to young entrepreneurs like yourself? It really comes down to doing what you love and what you’re good at. When life gives you lemons.... You get an amazing detox juice! Add a few mint leaves, water and ice cubes!
- sorayabakhtiar.com -
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MALIN RICHARDSON // STOCKHOLM Photography By Carin Olsson Where did you grow up and where have you lived? I grew up in France, Italy and Belgium, all due to my father’s work! I loved living abroad, especially in Paris! But most of my childhood was spent living in Stockholm; this city is my home! Tell us about your childhood. I loved to play! We live next to a forest so I spent a lot of time running around with my friends, playing with cone! It feels like I grew up in the 17th century! I had a great childhood, my parents love to travel so we travelled a lot! How did those places influence your style? Growing up I didn’t really care about what I wore so my mum dressed me pretty much. It was when we moved to Paris when I was 12 that I started to open up my eyes to fashion a bit more, spending a lot of time in Galleries Lafayette and Printemps during the weekends! Who is your style icon and why? I love Olivia Palermo’s style and it was so much fun to meet her at the NO.50
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Bloglovin Awards in New York earlier this year. She has inspired me a lot! I love Kate Middleton too, I love the fine balance she has managed to create between classic and chic. I am still dreaming about her wedding dress from Alexander McQueen; I want to get married in something similar for sure!
buy something classic that will last you a lifetime
How is the fashion in your area different from everywhere else? What’s the fashion scene like? The fashion scene in Stockholm and Sweden in general is very minimalistic and a lot of down to earth colors. I, on the other hand, have been very influenced by the time I lived in France and Italy so I love bright, vivid colors, patterns and statement jewelry.
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What’s your must have handbag and shoe? I love a classic leather handbag. I bought a Prada Galleria bag in London a year ago and it is such a great bag, it works with everything! So that would have to be my advice, buy something classic that will last you a lifetime. Regarding shoes I would have to say ballerina flats! I am very tall so I don’t really feel the urge to wear heels, I like comfy and cute ballerinas. Favorite food and why? Do you cook or are you a dine out kind of person? I love food and I love to dine out as you get to experience food made by professionals and that’s always an experience I treasure. And you don’t have to deal with the dishes afterwards! But I try to make it 50/50, I like to stay in and cook with my boyfriend - it is much more relaxed and you can lie down and relax on the sofa if you eat too much. That’s not an option in a restaurant! NO.51
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Where did you go to school and what did you study? How did that help you with what you’re doing now? I went to high school in Paris which gave me a great start in my education. I learned how to speak French fluently after two years. I also studied Italian, Latin, and English - all in French! I remember I started to dream in french after a year, I had too many active languages in my head at once!
I am so thankful I got the opportunity to learn all those languages back in high school. It truly has helped me as I work with a lot of international brands and companies, by knowing their language you connect on a whole new level! I started my own company after I graduated high school so that’s what has kept me busy the last few years! How did style/fashion come into play during your education? Not that much, I was always very focused on studying while in school! My passion for clothes got the opportunity to evolve after I finished high school. Tell us about your blog? How did you get started? Who do you draw inspiration from? What’s the message/purpose of your blog? I started six years ago, when I was 17. In the beginning it was much more like a journal where I wrote about school and what I did throughout the day. But as the blog started to grow I started to put more focus on my passion for clothes, food and traveling, so that’s the main focus of my blog now. I What malin Wearing: want to inspire my readers, put a smile Fur // Meteo by Yves Salomon on their lips and give them joy by Bag // Prada reading my entries! Bracelet // Aurelie Bidermann NO.53
I draw inspiration mostly from my travels, I was in the Maldives for two weeks earlier this year and that was so inspiring! My boyfriend and I went snorkeling out in the beautiful coral reefs and that was one of the most breathtaking experiences of my entire life, all the beauty that lies underneath us! I can’t wait to get a diving license.
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STAY FOCUSSED AND SET UP GOALS YOU WANT TO ATTAIN
What other ventures are you involved in? I have designed my own jewelry collection, Syster P by Mogi! I launched the collection last year and it retails in Scandinavia, England, Schweiz and all the way over in Los Angeles! I love all the creative aspects of life, I would love to design more and get involved with styling! But I am only 23 so I don’t have to decide quite yet!
What is your advice to young entrepreneurs like yourself? It is a lot of hard work and it’s not going to be a blossoming success from day one. You have to stay How do you juggle a blog, working... focused and set up goals you want to attain! That will keep you motivated. etc? I started my company two and a half years When life gives you lemons.... ago so my blog has been my full time job Learn how to make a delicious lemonade! since then! I started writing in english just eight months ago, and it has been a lot of fun to launch the blog internationally! What malin is Wearing:
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Sweater // Brunello Cucinelli
Have you ever thought of having your own clothing line? That would be a lot of fun but I see that as something I might do in the future, not right now, I am not ready! I need to learn more and evolve as a person!
Jeans // Joe's jeans Ballet flats // Malina Sunglasses // Prada
- www.mogis.se NO.54
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Alexandra Taylor Collections Combining a passion for fashion and philanthropy
S eldom are the words, “kind, philanthropic and genuine” strung together when describing someone in the fashion industry. It’s usually a mixture of, “malnourished, high-strung and so, so hungry” – but 24-year-old Alexandra Taylor of Alexandra Taylor Collections is the former. She threw herself into creating a company that donates to developing companies struggling with malaria, and was rewarded with partnerships with the UN and growing affiliations with Saks Fifth Avenue, the CFDA and Italian Vogue to name a few. Her work is not only beneficial to the countries that receive part of the profit from her line of charitable accessories, but her sacrifices and hard work are demonstrative of what a young social entrepreneur is capable of – even in this economy. NO.56
After graduating from Parsons in 2010, Alexandra decided to take the road less traveled and build her own brand rather than take a less fulfilling full-time job in a stagnant market. Spurred by a successful senior thesis based on the work of the United Nations Foundation’s ‘Nothing But Nets’ campaign, she chose to develop the idea of merging fashion and philanthropy into something tangible to raise awareness about malaria. This expanded into a line of beautiful and originally printed scarves and ties made in NYC -- and with the support of the UN Foundation and the backing of a small group of financial investors Alexandra took a chance and devoted herself to the cause.
“Behold I do not give lectures or a little charity, When I give I give myself. ” Walt Whitman
After a year of living off freelance work, foregoing sleep and a normal 22-year-old schedule, the production, marketing and traveling to various trade shows began to pay off. Recognition for Alexandra’s work began to trickle in as the media took a shine to her ambition, good will and talent. Lo and behold the ultimate gamble - the one on herself - paid off. This September, Alexandra will celebrate two years as a business owner and launch her collaborative scarves with Fashion 4 Development on Fashion’s Night Out at the Plaza Hotel. NO.57
To quote Alexandra, “Though it may be rare for young companies to succeed, I believe the tools to do so begin with choosing something you are passionate about and looking for that untapped niche market. As a young entrepreneur you can’t be afraid to take risks, be innovative and stick to what you know, as well as what you believe in.”
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At a time when people are less than thrilled with us so-called ‘millenials’ and our supposed “lack of drive”, Alexandra’s success is proof that living your dreams is still a possibility.
WRITTEN BY SARAH SOLOMON @urbanJAP www.sarah-sol.com
FOLLOW ALEXANDRA’S JOURNEY AND SEE WHERE IT TAKES HER
photos by alyssa greenburg @aegphoto www.al yssag reenbergphotog ra phy.com
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@atcollections alexandrataylor.net
#zestyliving
Building a Brand TWO twenty-something entrepreneurs tell their stories & TALK TO THE PROS about BUILDING A BRAND FROM THE GROUND UP by Sarah Watson & Laura DiLibero Photography by Katie Santmyer
Sarah Watson, 23 is a graduate of the University of Florida. She works in Tampa, Florida as a designer at a local marketing agency and dance teacher and is the creative director of Sarah Anne Watson Design.
@sarahannewatson NO.60
sarah’s story
On the day of my graduation, as a 22-year-old alumna of one of the biggest universities in the Southeast, I was ready to go out and conquer the world. I was one of the lucky few with a signed contract and a start date on a J-O-B that had a salary and benefits. Nine days after graduation, I sat down at my desk ready and excited to start learning from established and well-respected career creatives and marketing-types. I don’t take a single day of work for granted, but somewhere along the line, I started to feel the tug at my heartstrings to start designing for people and life instead of companies and their business. Having a long-established love for weddings and parties, I set my sights on designing custom invitations, announcements and holiday cards -- something I’d already done quite a bit when a friend or family member asked me for a favor -- but I knew that I wanted to be taken seriously as a designer and establish an authenticity and reputation in the “biz.” I knew what I wanted was to build a brand -- a company that had my name on it, but where the work would speak for itself in evoking exactly the lifestyle I’ve always aimed at building for myself. Thus, Sarah Anne Watson Design was born. I just had to do the work to keep it alive. NO.61
Laura DiLibero, 25 is a graduate of the University of Richmond. She lives and works in Washington, D.C. Laura is the founder of York Design Company – a custom needlepoint jewelry brand.
@lndilibero
Laura’s Story
I think I was born with arts and crafts supplies in my hands. From as far back as I can remember, I have always loved to create. I started needlepointing at a young age but took a break during my high school and college years. Recently, I started making cuff bracelets because they were fun and easy projects that could be done in just a few hours. After work, I’d stitch in front of the TV (thanks to my boyfriend’s MLB package - go Phillies!) and a little on the weekends. Before I knew it, I had a whole collection. Soon enough my friends started asking for them. I was absolutely thrilled! Now my creative outlet had become an opportunity to establish a brand. I viewed this as a way to make personalized treasures for others while doing something colorful that I love. NO.62
our story
SW: First you need some background,
one day, out of the blue I sent Carly Heitlinger (Yes, that Carly Heitlinger.) an email pitching the idea to do a giveaway of three custom graduation announcements on The College Prepster. She said yes, and the rest is history.
LD: So much of what’s in the market today looks overly commercialized. When I came across Sarah’s giveaway on The College Prepster, I was really, really impressed with its designs and style. It spoke to me.
SW: All I thought I’d done was offer up
free graduation announcements! When Laura contacted me and asked if I would help her brand her business, I was absolutely flabbergasted. I knew I could do it, but I was shocked that someone who didn’t even know me would trust me with their brand. Not only has Laura trusted me to help build her brand, all the while she’s been building mine as well. It’s funny how collaborative this process has become and how mutually beneficial our business relationship is - I like to think we’ve moved past the client relationship into the friend zone.
LD: Absolutely. After we spoke on the phone I knew it was a good fit. I loved Sarah’s designs but it was her bubbly personality, professionalism and creativity NO.63
Lara Casey is the founder of Southern Weddings Magazine, the Making Things Happen intensive, Lara Casey Reps and Making Brands Happen. Lara has traveled the United States spreading her knowledge, sharing her story and offering encouragement to people who want to make their dreams happen. Her catchphrase is “You know all those things you’ve always wanted to do? You should go do them.” Here are her top five pieces of advice for young entrepreneurs as written for the readers of Sweet Lemon Magazine:
1. Focus on what matters. For me, when I think of glorifying God and not myself, all of a sudden I take a deep breath and I see the bigger picture. Suddenly all the trivial details don’t matter anymore and I find the energy to do what needs to be done. 2. Use what you have. Do your best with what you have and forget that magical list in your mind of “All the things I would do if I had the best website, blog, equipment”. You can do a whole lot with just passion and talent. Every “great” started somewhere. with your family. Get sleep. Take care of yourself. It will make your work so much better.
I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t consider what I do business. I love what I do too much to reduce it to numbers and earnings and statistics. NO.64
that made it work. We seemed to be on the same page about branding techniques and we have been able to bounce ideas off of each other throughout the process. It’s been fun to work with her. We’re both just getting our starts and it’s refreshing to have someone in a similar situation. It’s also been nice to have someone to chat with about the balance between starting your own brand and working full-time. I have really enjoyed getting to know Sarah on a personal level, and I have loved watching her brand grow!
doing the work that I love and doing it well.
LD: Building a brand is hard work.
Researching and brainstorming to develop your mission, colors, logo, messaging, audiences and tactics takes time. It’s also about digging deep down inside yourself to find what’s at your core. I asked myself questions like, “What do I want people to feel when they come in contact with my brand?” For me, I wanted people to feel that they’re part of something special. A brand When we decided to tell our story, our tells a story and I want my customers to be a motivation was to help others who are in the part of my story. same position.
2. Why start your own Starting your own business can be a brand/business? Why not treacherous path financially, emotionally and just work in your day job? socially. I’m a strong believer in passing on advice that I’ve received in order to help others. A lot of times people HAVE the answers and just don’t realize it. You have to TRUST in yourself and seek help from people who’ve been there.
1. What does it mean to “Build a Brand”? SW: I don’t consider what I do business. I
SW: For me, the reason I started my business is because the work I do in my job isn’t exactly the kind of work that I have always wanted to do. I have loved weddings, parties and events most of my life, but I don’t get to design for those in my day job. At the end of the day, the hard truth is that your agency’s clients aren’t always going to ask for what you want to design -- by starting a company that specializes in personalized stationery design, I combated that dynamic by offering only the goods that I was passionate about creating.
love what I do too much to reduce it to numbers and earnings and statistics. I am my brand. My brand and my identity as an artist are best when they are one and the same. I have always aimed to conduct myself authentically, so building a brand meant LD: I graduated at the beginning of the NO.65
I needed something that challenged me and allowed me to express my artistic abilities. I needed color. NO.66
economic recession. I was grateful to have a job, period! While I appreciate my job, it leaves very little room for me to be creative. I needed something that challenged me and allowed me to express my artistic abilities. I needed color. That’s where York Designs came into the picture. I channeled all of my creative efforts in that direction.
3. What’s the hardest part? SW: For me, one of the hardest parts is managing my time and working in a way that is efficient. You can’t rush creativity and you certainly can’t force it. But with a full-time job, and a business on the side, I can’t afford to waste any time.
LD: The most challenging aspect has been navigating the business side of things. There is so much to manage and oversee from creating a website, to purchase orders, tracking financials, drafting agreements, etc. My background is in communications and marketing, so I try to get my hands on anything that will help me understand business better. My sister has a business background so I lean on her for business and consumer advice a lot.
4. What’s the most exciting or fun part? SW: The most exciting part for me is my client’s reactions when they truly love what I’ve created for them. One of my absolute favorite moments to date was when I was working on Laura’s website for York Designs and I texted her a picture for a sneak peek. She responded in all caps: “OHHHHHH MYYYYYYY GODDDDDDD.” I took an instagram of my phone’s screen, and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face for a NO.67
3. Break the rules and make your own. I’m pretty sure I’ve broken every publishing rule at least twice, if not a dozen times. Pave your own path. 4. Celebrate your mistakes. “Failures” are what teach us and make us stronger. I’m 100x more grateful for the times I fell flat on my face than the times I succeeded without effort. I learned in those times and I built a stronger heart to withstand the challenges ahead. 5. Rest. Working 24/7 will not get you farther ahead. It will run you straight into the ground. Working 24/7 is not a requirement for success and I truly don’t believe you have to go through the “trenches” in order to “make it”. Getting true rest will make your working hours more productive and focused. Besides, as creatives, our best creativity comes from a place of stillness and that comes from being centered and rested. Spend time with your family. Get sleep. Take care of yourself. It will make your work so much better.
solid hour. I was so glad to know she liked it, needlepointing. In my mind, what I was but even more, I was glad to have gotten to developing was unique, and I was already seeing the market. share the moment of her reaction.
LD: Agreed. Creating something for other As far as practical first steps, start with to-do
lists. Each morning I outline what I need to achieve. It feels really good to check things off of my list before I end the day. It means I have accomplished my short-term goals. It also gives me a sense of momentum. That really may be the most important thing. It’s easy to get off track and discouraged. By checking off your to-do list items, you feel a sense of progress and momentum. I build on that little by little everyday. Before you know it, you have a business and clients. It’s 5. What’s the first step? awesome.
people that they love and appreciate is so rewarding. Similarly, I love interacting with customers. It’s been fun to meet new people, collaborate with them on choosing colors and designs, and see their ideas come to life. I also get a kick out of picking out my supplies to make new projects. All of the different materials (especially fibers that sparkle!) make me really excited to work.
What do I do first?
SW: Not to steal from Nike, but I think the first step is to just do it. In April 2011, I designed my own graduation announcement because no one made what I really wanted. In Spring 2012, I designed 30 graduation announcements mostly for strangers. A lot of that can all be tracked back to the fact that I sent Carly an email on a whim.
LD: As I mentioned, I first started building
6. What inspires you? SW: It may sound cheesy, but I find
inspiration in pretty much everything I do, everywhere I go. I think much of being a creative person is the fact that your eyes are always open to new inspiration. If I could give one piece of advice to budding designers it would be to keep your eyes open for new ideas at all times. It ensures that you will really see the world around you and be inspired by beauty in unpredictable places and moments. I also really love inspirational and encouraging quotes. I have prints and post-its all over with my favorite messages of encouragement.
my brand by making cuffs for my family and friends. Once my friends - who have great fashion sense - started asking me for cuffs, I knew I had something. When you think of needlepoint designs, it almost sounds oldfashioned. Once I started to see my work LD: Inspiration comes to me in a variety of come to life, I stopped worrying about perceptions and connotations associated with ways. Being at the beach, listening to music, going for a run, flipping through design NO.68
m snaps a r g a t ins + LD from SW
magazines on the metro, reading fashion blogs...those are a lot of my sources. It’s also the people I surround myself with -- my friends and family. They inspire me to create from within and trust my instincts. The positive reinforcement they provide me every day helps me create many of my custom pieces.
7. Who do you look up to professionally? Whose career do you watch? SW: I don’t have to think very long on this one - the big names are Oprah, Bethenny Frankel, and Brad Goreski. There was this moment on Oprah’s last episode, where she said “It is no coincidence... that you and this show are the great love of my life.” It was in that moment that it truly clicked with me that your career and the work that you do in your life can be immensely fulfilling in a manner that you only know once you’ve experienced it. Mostly I look up to the three of them because of their drive and their passion for what they do, and the fact that they built insanely successful careers from nothing. On a more personal level, I have an immense respect for Lara Casey of Southern Weddings, Emily Ley of Emily Ley Creative, Natalie Norton and Gina Zeidler of Making Things Happen, Kelly Cummings of Spindle Photography, and Jessica Constable of Jess LC Designs and Makeunder My Life. I have an insane appreciation for women who balance an impressive career with a personal life, and who operate under the assumption that everything they do will be done NO.69
with intention and according to what aligns with lot of the time, a walk on the Bayshore is my cure-all. Something about getting outside and their core purpose. getting fresh air clears my brain and sets me up LD: Diana Vreeland is my role model for all for success. things design. She turned aspiration into reality and revolutionized the way women express themselves. She celebrated the uniqueness and individuality of women and made it relevant across generations. From the work she did at Vogue, to her work with MoMA, she’s definitely a role model in the industry. I mean, she was Jackie Kennedy’s personal stylist. Enough said.
LD: When I hit a creative block, it’s usually at
the end of a very long day. Like everyone else who feels they have a ton of balls in the air to juggle, sometimes I get home and my head is absolutely spinning. My cure-all is sleep. If it’s late and I just can’t anymore, I drop everything and go to bed. I almost always feel totally revived and ready to create after a full night of rest. If My mother also inspires me on a daily basis. Her that doesn’t work immediately, hitting the snooze ability to balance family and career while always button twice and a big cup of coffee will usually keeping family first has been amazing. When we do the trick for me. were growing up, she was a teacher and now she’s a wonderful children’s author and illustrator. SW: Ditto on the sleep. Sleep is good. She inspired me by following her professional dreams, but spent time lots of time at home with 9. What’s the best piece us as well. It was the time we spent together of advice you’ve ever crafting that led me to my passion. gotten?
8. What do you do when SW: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” When I you hit a roadblock? think this to myself, I hear it in Lara Casey’s Creative block? Business voice. (She knows this, too!) block? LD: “Attitude means everything.” SW: I often have to remind myself that we work to live, we do not live to work. At times, 10. What’s the best our work cannot and does not need to come first business decision you’ve in our time. When I can’t focus, or I can’t figure out what to do with a certain job, or I can’t come made so far? up with the idea that I need, I just stop working on it. Usually, it only takes me walking away SW: In May, I took a major leap of faith and from a project to get back what I really need. A decided to participate in the Making Things NO.70
where Lara, Gina and Emily ask you to envision the life of your dreams. I can’t remember which one of them said the next part, but they said, “What is it going to take to make it come true? You didn’t come here to stay the same.” Much of the progress I (and the 20-some-odd other women) made in that room is deeply personal. But what I found through that experience is that building a brand is deeply personal. I learned that my dreams, my heart, my logic and my talent cannot and should not be separated from one another. Not everyone is the intensive type - me, I like to cry in public and talk about my feelings (Wait, not everyone feels this way?) - some are more the networking convention or mass education type, but whatever type you are, whatever works for you, the best business decision I think anyone can make in the process of building a brand, is to build a community of people around you who know your core, know your dreams and know your capabilities - to the extent that they can remind you of them when you forget, hold you accountable to them when you lapse and celebrate them with you when you triumph.
“gilding
by hand
” – SW
LD: I recently finished graduate school and I think that was one of the best business decisions I will ever make. The investment gave me the confidence to reach beyond what I was doing from 9-5 and push my boundaries professionally. Ilearnedsomuchaboutbranding,communications, and exercising my own creativity. I will take the lessons I learned from professors and peers with me wherever I go in business.
“Cuf
fs!”
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– LD
k e l ly l i l i e n
K e l ly C u m m i n g s
All I can say to those with burning creative passions - is to seize what lights your fire, put your head down, work hard, and savor the magic that happens. There’s really no secret to pursuing your creative destiny - when you do what you love and you do it well, success just happens accidentally. learned in those times and I built a stronger heart to withstand the challenges ahead.
If you do what you love and put it out there for the world to see, they will start wanting it! People love passion and people want to feel something, so you need to seriously pour yourself into your products.
(@Mrs_Lilien)
– Blog and Book Author, Mrs. Lilien’s Styling House & Mrs. Lilien’s Cocktail Swatchbook
N ata l i e C l ot f e lt e (@CoolersByDesign) I love this saying from Oprah: “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” Be sure to surround yourself with the best passengers possible because once you arrive everyone will want to know & walk the red carpet with you. If you feel that you have an amazing idea just go for it - at this age you have nothing to lose! – Founder/Owner, Coolers By Design, LaRobe Boutique
Jennifer Blair (@jennifer_blair_) Don’t let fear hold you back. Learn to see yourself for what you could be. If you only look at where you are now, you’ll get discouraged. Stop comparing yourself and your work to your peers and don’t be afraid to dream big. – Photographer, Jennifer Blair Photography NO.72
( @ k e l ly m e r r i l l )
– Photographer, Spindle Photography
sarah gonzalez Your career path may take many different turns, both in your favor and ones that take you off your planned route. Understand this is simply part of the growing process. Learn to lean into the turns, especially the ones that sneak up on you, and embrace challenge. In the end, it will only help you fully unveil your authentic business vision. – Graphic Designer & Marketing Consultant, Sarah Louise Design
ebone smiley Be prepared to have cheerleaders in your friends but do not expect them to also be supportive with their wallets. Sometimes the closest people in your life won’t be as supportive financially as you hope them to be. Always network to continue to build your brand awareness and meet other womenpreneurs that could be a great reference/sounding board/customer/ connector/professional friend. – Stylist for Stella & Dot
E ry n E r i c k s o n
@soworthloving, @eryneddy) Everyone is going to have an opinion in what you do; be confident in your own. – Founder, So Worth Loving
back to
school A c l e a n s l at e & yo u r b e s t y e a r y e t
HAVE YOUR BEST YEAR YET with TIPS FROM THE COLLEGE PREPSTER NO.73
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his is the first year since the early ‘90s that I am not going back to school. At times, I am very excited by this. No more real tests, no more lectures that I can’t keep my eyes open in, no more grades (and the accompanying stress and pressure). I feel differently other times. I miss that excited feeling when I find out my schedule and which teachers or professors I will get to have! I miss getting to see old friends that I haven’t seen all summer long. And I definitely miss picking out that first week’s worth of outfits.
slate too. This is another semester and you can use what happened in the previous ones (either good or bad) to remind yourself what needs to be done.
- make resolutions Just like how you set resolutions on January 1, I recommend always starting off with resolutions for the school year. The best way to go about this is to think of previous semesters and see what could have been done better. Did you show up to class late more often
yo u h ave b r a i n s i n yo u r h e a d . yo u h ave f e e t i n yo u r s h o e s. yo u c a n s t e e r yo u r s e l f i n a ny d i r e c t i o n yo u ch o o s e. y o u ’ r e o n y o u r o w n . a n d y o u k n o w w h a t y o u k n o w. a n d y o u a r e t h e o n e w h o ’ l l d e c i d e w h e r e t o g o. . . DR . S UE S S I’ve been dreaming of the year when I finally didn’t have to go “back to school,” but naturally now that it’s here I’m wishing I could go back... just one more time. (The grass is always greener, right?) There are a lot of things to look forward to whether you are actually headed back to school or you are, like me, starting your first day of work.
than you wished to? Make a resolution to wake up fifteen minutes earlier. Were your papers emailed in a mere minute or two before the deadline causing unnecessary stress? Make a resolution to plan ahead for papers. Maybe you indulged in too many post-midnight fourth meals. Make a resolution to eat healthier... or at least stop eating pizza at 2 a.m.
This may not be the typical New Year’s celebration, but it definitely (in my humble opinion) qualifies as a new year. Think of it as a truly fresh start. If things didn’t go quite as planned last semester, you can start anew with a pristine slate. Even if things went perfectly last semester, you get a pristine
Do a brainstorm to figure out what you want your resolutions to be. Try to keep the final number reasonable; I think somewhere in the ballpark of four or five is good. Once you have your resolutions set, write them in a prominent place. I kept mine taped to one of my drawers I used often, but not overly
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frequently. I liked the reminder every now and then and it made me check to make sure I was staying on track. Another good place is to tape the list to your mirror!
- meet with professors Even though I graduated about five months ago, I think one of the biggest lessons I learned was to meet with and truly get to know the professors. Knowing a professor on a personal level can be one of the most valuable decisions you make. And, it’s really simple to do. All it takes is a little bit of courage to set up that meeting. Most professors have predetermined Office Hours, but see if you can schedule a meeting with her outside of those hours. Offer to buy her a cup of coffee. Before going into the meeting (Office Hours or otherwise), do your homework. Look up her most recently published papers, find out where she went to school, figure out if she teaches any other courses or leads a specific student group on campus! Professors will be very impressed to know you did your research and it will make for easier conversation. Knowing your professors is great for a few reasons. The most obvious is that they are the ones who ultimately determine your grade. If you’re on the border of an A and an A minus, having them in your corner with surely come in handy. But, grades aside, professors are extremely
knowledgeable. If you’re struggling with a paper (for their class or even another class), sitting down with her will bring incredible insight that Google and Wikipedia could never provide. They also know the ins and outs of what’s going on with the administration and other professors. Meaning, they can recommend you for scholarships, awards, special programs, and (!!!) coveted internships... without you having to ask.
E x t r a C r e d i t : You can meet with a professor even if you are not enrolled in her class. Ask a familiar professor to make the introduction, or simply look her up in the school directory. If you’re interested in a particular subject, it is a great way to get some one on one time without having to take the exam.
- set new goals Your goals should be different than your resolutions. Have you heard of SMART Goals? They are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. They should also be different from your resolutions in that where resolutions are based off of things you want to do better, goals should pick up on previous achievement. While grades really aren’t everything (despite what we Type A-ers think), they are at the very least good indications of success. Look at where you left off last semester and even go back a semester before. Measure your improvement and note what you think would be another reasonable gain.
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You may even have goals that aren’t class related. Maybe you want to get involved with a new organization, or you want to lock down an internship or leadership position in a club. Make the goal for the beginning of the semester.
a few tasks for a goal of getting an internship
Once you know what you want to achieve, you have to figure out what it is going to take to get you there. Break it up into monthly and then weekly tasks. This will keep you on track and make the goal more attainable. You don’t want to end up in the last week of school and trying to scramble to reach your goal. Making the most of the new year begins with you and a fresh attitude! School, as I learned, is a lot more than a grade on a report card. It’s about making lasting friendships (cliché, but true), learning about yourself and finding independence. Making and sticking to resolutions, learning everything you can from professors, and setting and ultimately reaching new goals is just the beginning.
@ c o l l e g e p r e ps t e r
b y S ta c y Heitlinger
+ Make a list of types of internships you think you’re interested in. + Research companies that offer the kind of internship you are most interested in. + Work on your résumé. + Network with friends, family members, and professors to find out about internship opportunities. + Meet with career counselor again to finalize résumé. + Begin drafting cover letters. + Meet with career counselor again to go through cover letters. + Send out cover letters and and résumés.
b y c a r ly H e i t l i n g e r
p h oto s
+ Meet with a career counselor to get résumé tips and learn about different ways to find an internship.
ILLU S TRATION
+ Follow up via email and telephone calls.
BY M EGAN
+ Interview for internship.
C HANDLER
+ Land internship!!!
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#lemonaid
AVOIDING THE MONDAY MORNING FINANCIAL HANGOVER
If you’re like me, the Monday morning financial hangover rivals any of the dirty Bombay Sapphire martini-induced hangovers I had in my younger years. We’re talking headaches, an uneasy stomach and a strong desire to call in sick, curl up on the couch and watch “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” on repeat while eating Thai Kitchen noodle soup. Of course I would never advise foregoing the fabulous, but if you’re looking to spend less and break out of the rut of $12 cocktails, there are cost effective ways to spice up your social life.
It happens to the best of us, we skimp and save diligently and come Monday morning receive a rude awakening when checking our bank account balance online. Surely we didn’t spend $500 in one weekend!? After scouring the transaction history for a bank error, the reality slowly creeps in: happy hour cocktails on Friday followed by a late dinner, a leisurely shopping trip on Saturday to find a dress for a friend’s birthday party that night, said birthday dinner in which some deep-pocketed genius suggests splitting the tab at a sushi restaurant even though you only had miso soup, more cocktails and then of course the Sunday brunch to rehash the weekend with your besties.
D I N E & D RI N K LI KE A D IVA A lot of articles will suggest having a potluck dinner in order to save on going out. While dinner parties are fun, in my experience, they have never cost less than going to a restaurant. Especially when you factor in a sink full of dirty dishes at the end of the night. Gross. Instead, look for ways to maximize your dollars when you do go out. Cook yourself a quick, light dinner at home and meet your friends at a tapas restaurant where you can share an appetizer and pitcher of sangria. Another option is to look for parties at art galleries. Many cities host monthly First Friday events
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where the galleries stay open late and the wine actually does flow freely. Also some wineries and specialty food shops will host evening tastings where you can sample numerous wines for as little as $5. As an added bonus, should you find yourself on the prowl, wine tastings provide an ideal venue for striking up conversation with nearby bachelors who may know their way around a kitchen.
SPLURGE WITH OUT SPEN D I N G In 2008 I was three years out of college and felt like I finally figured out the post-college life. I worked at a wealth management firm and was about to get my first big annual bonus. Just as I began strutting around with a little swagger the “greatest financial crisis since ever” struck. I reluctantly waved goodbye to bonuses and generous expense accounts and shuddered as my compensation went down and my cost of living went up. Retail therapy was not an option as every drop in the S&P 500 meant that my job may not exist much longer. In order to still feel the rush of a new something my friends and I started doing clothing swaps.
It started informally after a book club (read: afternoon drinking wine) but soon enough it became a permanent part of our monthly meetings. We would each bring a shopping bag of seldom worn, mostly forgotten dresses, jewelry, scarves and handbags. Even when the clothing swaps didn’t yield much, it was still fun creating outfits from our mix-match of clothing as though we were in a fashion montage of an 80s movie which is almost as therapeutic as a shopping bag full of new J. Crew cashmere sweaters.
BEAUTI FY WITH OUT GOI N G BAN KRU PT Okay, be honest, how many unused Sephora samples are sitting in your medicine cabinet? While we all deserve to be pampered, too much of it can leave you as more of a pauper than a princess. The next time you feel the need to pay for a mani/pedi or facial, take a quick inventory of some of your forgotten samples and plan a mini-spa evening. While little can rival the power of the massage chair at the nail salon, a free mini facial should give you enough of a pick me up until your next treatment before a big event.
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Finally, I will admit that fitness is the first area I skimp on when I face personal budget woes, unless of course we are talking about Lululemon apparel. I have never been one for gyms which means that exercise for me means yoga or Physio57 classes. With most classes starting at $20, the classes thin out my wallet way before I notice a difference in my waistline. Instead of foregoing exercise completely, I plan my paid workouts strategically and choose the most interesting classes with the most challenging instructors. In between classes I rely on yoga videos from Netflix and YouTube to give me ideas for workouts. For added motivation, push your furniture against the walls and invite friends to your own personal yoga studio!
th e han gover cu re As with any hangover, the true cure is prevention and moderation. There will always be that dinner or weekend away that will leave both you and your wallet feeling spent, but knowing where to cut back and still have a good time will mean success for both your liver and your favorite Kate Spade clutch!
About the authOr:
Carleton English is a Philadelphian working for a medical device start-up. She spent five years in Seattle where she worked as a Client Associate with a wealth management firm serving high net worth clients and leading financial literac y seminars for teens and young adults. She is an active member of the Junior League of Philadelphia and a former Treasurer of the Junior League of Seattle. When she is not reviewing spreadsheets and watching the Dow Jones, Carleton enjoys tango dancing, classic movies and finding good food. Carleton is a graduate of the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. Feel free to ask her any financial questions: Twitter: @carletonenglish Website: www.carletonenglish.com
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minute braids
hanks to the super stylish Lauren Conrad, braids are no longer only for the six and under crowd. Whipping up a quick braid in your hair is a simple way to hide bedhead (or even unwashed hair) on mornings when you need a few more minutes of sleep. They even work for nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out with friends.
Getting the hang of braiding takes some practice, but soon enough you will be the By Carly Heitlinger girl that all your friends go to for hair braid@collegeprepster ing.
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super simple side braid (best for long hair)
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weep hair to one side of your neck. Divide hair into three sections and braid from below your ear. Continue to desired length of braid. Secure with a ponytail holder.
Bonus: Before braiding the main braid, take a small section of hair at the base of your neck and create a tiny, long braid. Secure with a skinny holder. As you braid the main braid, weave the skinny braid along with one section of hair. NO.80
Braided Headband I
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f you’ve mastered the art of French braiding, this is a cute upgrade. Determine where you want the braid to start and part your hair. It’s easiest to start where your hair naturally parts. (Off-centered looks the best.) Begin French braiding from the part towards your ears. For a “flat” braid, twist the sections over one another. For added dimension, twist the sections under one another. Continue French braiding until you’ve reached the desired point and then switch to a regular braid. You can pin the braid back with a bobby pin, or you can secure the end with a ponytail holder and tuck behind your ear.
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center fishtail
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- Tips - It helps if you watch a video online of someone doing it to understand exactly how to cross the sections of hair. - Keep the size of the tiny sections consistent from the top of the braid to the bottom. - Once you have secured the braid, you can loosen up the fishtail to create a messy, thicker look.
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his is a braid that looks tricky, but is actually easier than a French. The hardest part is starting the braid, but after a few tries youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get the hang of it. Pull your hair into a low ponytail at the base of your neck. Divide the ponytail into two sections. Grab a tiny section of hair from the far side of the right section and cross it over to the left side. Now, take a tiny section of hair from the far side of the left section and cross it over to the right side. Repeat until you reach the desired length and secure with a ponytail holder.
classic french braid
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ry a classic French braid if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a lot of time, but want a put-together look. Pull your hair back as if you are going to create a half-up/half-down. Divide the â&#x20AC;&#x153;half-upâ&#x20AC;? section into three separate sections. Begin the braid by crossing the right section over to the center and then the left section over to the center. From here, you will be crossing the right section over to the center, but this time take an additional chunk of hair to add thickness. Again, cross the left section over to the center also taking an additional chunk of hair. Continue until you have collected all the hair into the three sections. At this point, regularly braid down to the desired length and secure. NO.83
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side braid into side pony
ind your natural part. Begin to braid as you would a French braid, but only grab new chunks of hair when you cross the outside (closest to your face) section into the center. Braid from your part to your ear. Continue the same braid behind your ear and circle the braid following your natural hairline. Once you have reached the other side of your head underneath the ear, stop braiding. Gather any remaining hair, add the hair from the braid, and secure with a ponytail holder.
Find more tutorials & inspiration at Kayley Cromwellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s YouTube channel: LetsMakeitUp1
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Splash of Color: DIY Projects to Inspire By Michaela Warner // @michaela_noelle Photography by Stephanie Court
I’m not sure about you, but a quick and easy Do It Yourself project makes me smile from ear to ear. Summer is drawing to a close, but that shouldn’t stop you from adding a splash of color to your decor! Today I’m sharing two projects that involve pretty paint colors. I hope you will have some time to create art of your own and beautify your home; one color at a time!
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swirl paint mason jar materials: Mason Jar - Acrylic Paint one. Pour a quarter-sized amount of paint in your mason jar. You can do this with two or three colors two. Begin to turn the jar upside down and swirl the paint down the mason jar. If the paint isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t moving, add more paint to the jar or tap the top of the mason jar to encourage the paint down the jar. three. Let the jar dry upside down, allowing paint to drip into a plastic cup. Use this colorful jar as a vase, pencil holder, or bookend.
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Abstract Art Technique 1
materials: Canvas - Paint - Paint Brushes - Water one. Paint a border in the color of your choice. two. Fill in the middle of the canvas with blocks of color. My moto is “a little here, a little there”! three. Add lines and shapes in different colors. four. Paint white and gold on the border to create a “layered” effect. five. Splatter Paint to give it a textured look. six. Paint the edges. NO.87
materials: Canvas - Paint - Paint Brushes - Water one. With a light color paint, create lines and squiggles. two. Fill in the different shapes you created with different color paints. Be sure to strategically place the colors to create balance. Do this by painting a large shape of a color in one corner, and painting three smaller shapes the same color in a different corner. This look can also be achieved by being sure to incorporate both light and dark colors. In my example, the darker gray is really what â&#x20AC;&#x153;poppedâ&#x20AC;? this painting! three. Paint the edges.
Abstract Art Technique 2 For more project ideas and inspiration visit - michaelanoelledesigns.blogspot.com NO.88
A L o c a l’ s G u i d e to
#sweetlife
New York City
b y e va n n c l i n g a n | @ e va n n c l i n g a n p h o t o g r a p h y b y A l e x a n d r a J o h n s t o n | @ S t y l e Is F o r e v e r
Now that I’ve lived in Manhattan for over a year, I sometimes forget that I’m in the middle of a popular tourist destination. That is, until I find myself weaving through a crowded sidewalk of lost tourists. To be fair, the same city that I visited every Christmas during high school is now the one that I call home and share with visiting family and friends. When I ask visitors about their trip itinerary, I always get a similar response—Times Square, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center. I’m not saying those attractions shouldn’t make the list, especially for a first-time visitor, but they won’t offer a true New York experience. Ask anyone who’s spent a lot of time here. If you’re planning a trip to the city, keep some of the popular tourist destinations on your list. I mean, everyone should stand in the middle of Times Square at night at least once. However, I encourage you to leave room on that list for some non-touristy favorites. Those who live here slowly develop a list of personal favorite places based on word-of-mouth recommendations from friends, coworkers and even complete strangers. Typically, the less touristy, the better. This list has been compiled with help from some of my favorite New York City ladies (ID’d by their Twitter handles below). We’re now sharing our favorites with you. NO.89
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d e l i c o u s d i nn e r s
b r u nch sp o ts
M y P i ck – B a r e b u r g e r
M y P i ck – M u d ( 3 0 7 E a s t
( 1 0 NY C L o c a t i o n s ) – It’s
9 t h S t r e e t ) – Brunch is a New
not a secret that I’m a sucker for a great cheeseburger. During a trip to Manhattan, most tourists opt for fussy meals. Bareburger, an organic burger joint that partners with local artisans and sustainable farmers, offers an innovative menu, minus the fuss. Don’t like beef ? You can also choose from veggie, turkey, chicken, wild boar, elk, ostrich...the list goes on. Pair with organic toppings and a bun or lettuce wrap. Don’t skip the fries. Bareburger also offers a list of microbrews, handcrafted sodas and organic milkshakes. There are 10 locations around the city, but my favorite is in Greenwich Village (535 Laguardia Place), a few blocks from NYU and Washington Square Park. Request a seat on the patio.
York City staple. From about 11 am-2 pm (or later) on weekend mornings, New Yorkers meet one another to relax, catch up, and enjoy sweet and savory favorites. It seems to be one of the only times during the week that everyone routinely slows down. For $15 at Mud, you get coffee or tea, champagne or a mimosa, and an entrée. I often order an omelet, but Mud’s specials are always tempting. Think stuffed French toast and pancakes with whacky toppings. You must also try the iced coffee—says the girl who doesn’t even drink coffee. While the shop is small, the wait is worth it, especially for the greenhouse-esque back room. And as with many brunch spots, make sure you bring cash.
@ N i c o l e B ot s a r i s – C a f e t e r i a
@mumelanielou – Penelo-
( 1 1 9 7 t h Av e n u e )
p e ( 1 5 9 L e x i n g to n Av e n u e )
@ i l i v e i n y e l l o w – M e at b a l l
@ j w e i ss 9 0 – T h e S m i t h ( 5 5
S h o p ( 8 4 S ta n t o n S t r e e t ;
3 r d Av e n u e ; 9 5 6 2 n d Av e n u e )
6 4 G r e e n w i c h Av e n u e ) @ S a w r y msj a cks o n a n d @ @ j w e i ss 9 0 – S o n s o f Ess e x
e l p a ss o 8 9 – J o s e p h L e o n -
( 1 3 3 Ess e x S t r e e t )
a r d ( 1 7 0 W a v e r ly P l a c e ) NO.91
d e l i c o u s d i nn e r s
sw e e t t r e ats M y P i ck – T w o L i t t l e R e d H e n s ( 1 6 5 2 2 n d A v e n u e ) – While I
mentioned loving cheeseburgers, my feelings about cupcakes probably border on obsession. Thankfully, Manhattan is filled with incredible bakeries. Before moving to the East Village, I lived blocks away from Two Little Red Hens in the Upper East Side. This tiny shop makes you feel like you're walking into a Southern kitchen, which is fitting because people say they bake the best red velvet cupcake in the city. If you’re a chocolate lover, the Brooklyn Bomb is to die for. Aside from cupcakes, Two Little Red Hens offers cookies, pies, tarts, full cakes and coffee. After a long day, I used to love visiting the friendly staff and enjoying a treat at the small table in the shop window. @ j a sm i n e b o a l e r a n d @ S a m a n t h a J a c e y – 1 6 H a n d l e s ( T o o m a n y l o c at i o n s t o c o u n t ! ) @ i l i v e i n y e l l o w – B i l ly ’ s B a k e r y ( 1 8 4 9 t h Av e n u e ; 2 6 8 E l i z a b e t h S t r e e t ; 7 5 F r a n k l i n S t r e e t ) @ N i c o l e B ot s a r i s – D o u g h n u t P l a n t (379 Grand Street; 220 West 23rd Street) NO.92
ta ll d r i nks M y P i ck – T h e F r y i n g P a n ( P i e r 6 6 at W e s t 2 6 t h S t r e e t ) –
Whether you’re looking for a wild night out with friends or simply need a strong drink after a day of sightseeing, Manhattan has no shortage of great drinking spots. One of my favorites, especially for a weekend afternoon, is the Frying Pan, which is actually a historic lightship that was salvaged from the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay and transformed into a dive bar. It’s like drinking on a pirate ship docked on the Hudson, crowded with 20-somethings drinking buckets of beer and pitchers of sangria. The Frying Pan also boasts a great view of the West Side. You’ll have to act fast if you want to visit, though. It will likely close at the end of October as the weather gets colder. @ Am a n d a _ K u ss – T h e B e l f r y ( 2 2 2 E a s t 1 4 t h S t r e e t ) @ m u m e l a n i e l o u – S e c o n d o n S e c o n d ( 2 7 2 n d Av e n u e ) @ j w e i ss 9 0 – B B a r ( 4 0 E a s t 4 t h S t r e e t )
s e r i o u s sh o pp i ng
M y P i ck – J o e
F r e s h ( 5 1 0 5 t h Av e n u e ; 1 1 0 5 t h Av e n u e ; 2 1 5 W e s t 3 4 t h S t r e e t ; 1 0 5 5 M a d i s o n Av e n u e ) – I
honestly can’t remember the first time I walked into Joe Fresh, but it has become my go-to for cute and affordable basics. In fact, I bought my first chambray shirt there. That’s pretty major, considering recent trends. While designer Joe Mimran launched the brand in Canada in 2006, Joe Fresh didn’t expand to the U.S. until 2011. Joe Fresh now has four locations in Manhattan, including the flagship store on 5th Avenue. If you’re looking for quality basics in a rainbow of colors that won’t kill your wallet, this is the place to come. I find that Joe Fresh clothes easily transition from the office to a night out. This fall, I’m coveting the jewel-toned Coloured Denim and the cozy Pullover Sweater. @ S a m a n t h a J ac e y a n d @ j w e i ss 9 0 – Y u m i K i m ( 1 0 5 S ta n to n S t r e e t ) @ i l i v e i n y e l l o w – J . C r e w C o l l e c t i o n ( 1 0 3 5 M a d i s o n Av e n u e ) @ Am a n d a _ K u ss – Z a r a ( N i n e NY C L o c at i o n s )
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c i ty e x p e r i e nc e s M y P i ck – T h e H i g h l i n e ( G a n s e v o o r t S t r e e t- W e s t 3 4 t h S t r e e t b e t w e e n 1 0 t h a n d 1 1 t h A v e n u e s ) – New York City is,
of course, not limited to eating, drinking and shopping, though would it honestly be terrible if it were? One of my favorite experiences that doesn’t fit into any of those categories is taking a walk on The Highline, a public park built on an historic freight rail line elevated above the streets of Manhattan. The old tracks, modern skyscrapers, and lush plants contrast beautifully. Unlike most parks in the city, you can’t walk your dog or ride a bike at the Highline. It’s mainly reserved for leisurely walks with a great view of the Hudson River to the West and Chelsea to the East. Along the railway, there are bleachers and benches made from distressed wood that make perfect reading spots if you need a break from sightseeing. @ S a m a n t h a J a c e y – Op e n - a i r yo g a c l a ss e s i n C e n t r a l Pa r k @ mc g a r d e l l – W a i t i n g i n l i n e f o r B r o a d w ay s h o w t i ck e t s a t T K T S @ Am a n d a _ K u ss a n d @ m u m e l a n i e l o u – B r u n c h ( S e e w h at I mean?)
I h o p e t h e s e t r i e d a n d t r u e fav o r i t e s f ro m m y f r i e n d s a n d I a d d a l i t t l e e x t r a N e w Yo r k f l av o r to yo u r n e x t t r i p t o t h e c i t y. A l s o , d o n ’ t b e a f r a i d to e x p l o r e o u t s i d e M i d tow n w h i l e yo u ’ r e h e r e . I ’ d l o v e to a d d s o m e o f yo u r f i n d s to m y p e r s o n a l l i s t o f m u s t- t ry s .
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C ULINA R Y H O T R O D S AND
TH E I R G R O UPI E S written by laure N Kreinik @lkrein
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one are the days when fine dining consisted of a 5-star restaurant, complete with snooty crowds, small portions and outrageous prices. Entrepreneurial restaurateurs have found a new stage on which to present their mouthwatering creations; they have taken their talents to the streets. Literally. A delicious meal no longer requires the restaurant experience. In lieu of waiters, waitresses, tables and chairs we find lines that wrap around a block, park benches and stoops. If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite figured out that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m talking about food trucks, then shame on you. Critics and foodies alike will tell you that these culinary hotrods are not only the biggest fad right now but also act as delectable oasis in many a concrete jungle. Just like us, food trucks come in many shapes and sizes, except substitute shapes and sizes for cuisines and client bases. But the one thing they all have in common? Every food truck has its groupies. NO.95
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walk downtown, you’re always bound to find a truck in Midtown. What’s the easiest way to do this? Obviously by following your favorite trucks on Twitter.
ome people would give these groupies another name, foodies, but it’s more than that. There are people out there who live for their favorite truck. They’ll start by stumbling upon a truck one day and become hooked. They’ll soon become regulars, stopping at the truck whenever its route is closest to their location. Then things get serious; they’ll start to follow the truck on Twitter, venturing to new locations to get their fix and bringing friends along. “Foodies” doesn’t quite capture the culture the trucks evoke. The term “groupies”, on the other hand, captures it adequately enough.
In this age of social media, it’s not hard for these mobile hotspots to gain a loyal fan base. In my expert opinion, (which isn’t very expert but I like to think it’s pretty accurate) it is their social media presence that makes them so successful in the first place. Take my favorite truck, Wafels & Dinges (www.wafelsanddinges. com) who occupy the Twitter handle @waffeltruck. Everyday they tweet the daily locations of their Belgium themed waffle truck, as well as a way to get a free dinge (topping). They interact with their audience, which consists of 20,000+ followers, by engaging in Twitter conversation and retweeting praise they receive. Their interactions personalize the experience for people, creating a sense of loyalty to the truck. And they aren’t alone in this - almost all trucks have some sort of social media presence, even the smaller trucks such as the Fud Truk (@fudtruk), a local truck on Lehigh University’s campus.
you don’t believe me, take a nice I fstroll through the lovely city of New York. On any given day, you’ll find a nice assortment of food trucks scattered around the streets. Are you a newbie at this and don’t quite know where to look? To start, you’re guaranteed a delicious lunch at any of the trucks at the World Financial Lot, located downtown. A bevy of customers surround the trucks, which rotate daily, each offering up a spectacular meal on wheels. If you’re like me, and the subway scares you and you’re too lazy to
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then delicately spitting it into the napkin at a restaurant.) Regardless of the personal brand imaging the truck takes, the bond between the staff and the customers usually doesn’t change; a sense of loyalty is evoked and everyone walks (or drives) away happy, satisfied and full.
hat makes these trucks truly spectacular is that customers buy into the persona each truck crafts for itself. Customers wait in long lines on the street for their food, sometimes finding themselves in extreme weather conditions. They don’t balk, they rarely renege, instead these loyal customers remain steadfast because the trucks offer up delicious fare that seems as if it was made from the heart. Sappy as it sounds, there is something about the workers’ dedication, tirelessly standing in those trucks making you some grub that makes the whole scene seem very personal And if that doesn’t tug a heartstring, many customers also feel as if they are doing right by society by eating at an independently owned business, rather than buying into corporate food chains. Other trucks play on the community aspect by advertising locally grown ingredients. Then there are the trucks that try to bring a slice of home to the states, offering up foreign cuisine in an approachable setting. (For picky eaters like myself, this takes away the pressure of trying new food because if it isn’t up to par it’s far less embarrassing tossing it out a block away
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on’t get me wrong, I love Il Mulino and Nobu as much as the next New Yorker. I love the feeling of getting your water glass refilled and having someone dote on you while you scarf down your dessert. All I’m saying is that food trucks have weaseled their way into foodie stardom. Even Zagat rates them, so they’re kind of a big deal now. Give them a chance and don’t write them off. Just stay alert when you roam the streets looking for someplace to eat. Who knows what deliciousness will be parked around the corner . Oh, and if you happen to be getting some Wafels & Dinges on Friday, say hi to my father for me- he’s one of those regulars I wrote about.
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#LEMONLOVE
a lemon-inspired fall cocktail
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WHAT you'll need 1-2 black tea bags + water bourbon honey fresh lemon (for juice + garnish) cinnamon stick (for garnish) MIX IT UP one. drizzle honey to coat bottom of mug, add freshly squeezed lemon juice. two. add one shot of bourbon. three. bring water to boil over stove. four. add tea bag to mug, pour hot water over + steap. five. stir with cinnamon stick and garnish with a lemon wedge. enjoy!
zappos
anthropologie
sur la table west elm target NO.99
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- xo,â&#x20AC;&#x2020;the Sweet Lemon Mag Team ^