behind the bars

Upon hearing my newest photography class prompt, "behind the bars", my mind immediately went to the most literal translation: actual bars, fences, etc. However, once I had taken pictures of countless rails, fences, and blocked doors I realized that these images lacked another component, or layer. I began thinking about other ways to interpret this prompt, and came up with a more creative definition. "Behind the bars" means something illegal. Something that puts you behind the bars: graffiti. Of course, I didn't want to throw out my original images, so I found a way to incorporate them together. Anyway, here's how they turned out!

10.20.13

Well, unfortunately this post symbolizes my last day in the mesmerizingly perfect new york city. I'm a little late posting it (try a whole week?) oops. Nevertheless, these moments needed to be documented. It was the last tay of TVFU, so we had our graduation, but first we had two incredible speakers. We heard Eve MacSweeney interview Phyllis Posnick after watching Vogue's film, The Editor's Eye. It was truly inspiring and I now have an overwhelming desire to take over Phyllis' career.. hey, a girl can dream. After finishing seminars, my mom and I hopped on a cab to Brooklyn and hung out with my uncle, and two adorable little cousins. To my last classes at Teen Vogue, I offset my vintage, feminine tutu skirt with a graphic sweater from Forever 21. I wore my pink Kate Spade purse and my black ankle-strap ballet flats. I made a necessary change of outfits when heading off to Brooklyn, and wore a plaid jcrew button down with a H&M sweater over it, along with high-waisted acid wash American Apparel jeans and a Free People beanie. 

a very happy nyc birthday (and classes at teen vogue!)

Not many people can claim that on their birthday they got to be in the best city on the planet surrounded by amazing people. Not only was I with my incredible mom (i love ya momma!), but I also got to spend my birthday with so many people in the fashion industry that I look up to. The day consisted of seminars, and ended with an event at TopShop in SoHo (my new favorite place ever.) I got to attend seminars with the Teen Vogue editors (including Amy Astley, Andrew Bevan, Elaine Welteworth, and many others who are so inspirational), Joseph Altuzarra, Nanette Lepore, Jessie Randall, and Kate Phelan. I have to say, it really doesn't get much better. Andrew Bevan took a selfie with me after answering one of my questions, Nanette Lepore took a picture with me, Jessie Randall gave me incredible advice about college and how to decide what I want to do with my future, and Kate Phelan (and Amy Astley!) talked to me about her amazing job as TopShop's creative director. I took a picture with Kate, and talked with her a little more and ultimately decided that she is my role model. Anyway, Amy Astley also tweeted at me, so I do admit to a bit of a fangirl attack.. I just admire her so much it was bound to happen. Nevertheless, incredible birthday this Saturday, and the TopShop event followed by dinner at a cute Italian place made it perfect. To classes, I wore a cream colored studded sweater tucked into a forest green skater skirt with black cheetah patterned tights and Steve Madden brown suede wedge booties. That night, I wore an oxblood colored leather dress with fishnet tights and Oxford heels from Francesca's along with a vintage gold evening bag and a Free People necklace.

becoming a true new yorker (or so i'd like to think..)

New York City really is quite unlike any other place in the country, especially Oklahoma City (where I'm from.) Most people will probably tell you the generic reason: New York is busier, there's more people, bigger building blah blah. That's not it though! It's not the aesthetic of the city that's kind of given me culture shock, it's the nature of the people. As I politely decline an offer to take a picture with Spiderman in the middle of Time's Square, I get weird looks from everyone around me. My mom must've noticed my confused expression, and explained that people in NYC don't talk to each other unless absolutely necessary. I guess I've learned today that it's best to just keep walking past some people in this city.. especially if it's a grown man dressed as a baby.
Okay, well without further insight on the people of New York, here are my day and night outfits from yesterday (10/18). During the day, while hanging out at the MET and shopping around Madison Ave. I wore a purple crop top from Nordstrom's Rack, a J.Crew plaid shirt tied around high-waisted Forever21 jean shorts with black tights, blue Doc Martens, an orange fuzzy sweater from Anthropologie, a vintage black embroidered bag and a grey beanie. It felt very city-cool, so I was happy. At night, I had my first Teen Vogue Fashion University event at Express, and wore a vintage beaded tank top with black American Eagle jeans, a Philip Lim mini black handbag and black Prabal Gurung heels.

new york state of mind

good morningggg new york city! haha okay I won't be cheesey right now even though I want to be. Anyway, I got to NYC yesterday morning for Teen Vogue Fashion University, and had the best day hanging out in SoHo. My mom and I went to lunch at Balthazar, went shopping aroung Spring St., then went to dinner at Candle79. Needless to say, it was an incredible day. There's something about being in this city that just makes me incredibly happy. During the day I wore a Forever21 black bodycon dress, paired with a loose grey cardigan (also from F21), brown BCBG over the knee boots, a bright beaded necklace and a Louis Vuitton bag. At night, I wore a striped and beaded Free People dress, with a leather jacket, black Prabal Gurung shoes, and a mini 3.1 Philip Lim bag.