Why I'm Proud to be a fashion blogger!

Last week IFB posted a great article titled, What makes you proud to be a fashion blogger?  and it got me thinking..... 

The article by contributor Jess Estrada, starts out with a convo she had with a "fashion industry star" that turned unexpectedly, making her think a lot harder about the term "blogger" vs writer or journalist.... “It’s okay to call you a blogger, right? Because sometimes I've met bloggers who get offended if we don’t call them ‘writers’ or ‘journalists."

When I get called a blogger, writer, journalist - whatever it may be, it makes me proud to know I'm being recognized for my writing. If I'm recognized for my writing, it means my voice is being heard. 

When I think of the term blogger, I put in the same category as writer or journalist. Some may disagree with the comparison, because as a journalism alumni, we were taught to write following journalism ethics BUT from there I think it's the individual's decision on where to take their writing.

Getting a degree in communication, I did "all of the above." I created Tickle Me Chic in college so I could strengthen my skills and get my writing out there more. I also created the fashion column at my college newspaper, working in WordPress. From there I wrote everything from newsworthy pieces to personal style posts. I even did video pieces. Once I graduated, I created a blog for a wedding planner whom I've written for, for over 2 & 1/2 years. I was also the Conscious Fashion Editor for Modern Hippie Mag for a year and half, using WordPress to create, edit and manage content as. Now as a Brand Marketing Manager, I'm constantly blogging, creating content, and being the voice behind the brand. So when I look back at my experience with writing, blogging has had a huge, positive impact on my life. 

While in college, I even wrote a guest post for IFB titled,  

Should Bloggers Adopt a Code of Ethics? In the post, I describe bloggers as citizen journalists, because, that's what they really are. Bloggers can post directly, in real time while journalists usually have to research, interview, photograph etc. I believe bloggers are a one stop shop! Bloggers have created a new approach to writing, allowing the tone to be more personal.

photo from Independent Fashion Blogger post I wrote

What makes me most proud to be a fashion blogger is you create your own destiny. YOU are your own boss, you choose the content to write about and you edit the material - the freedom is amazing! I love focusing on the "controversial" topics in the fashion industry.... it gives me a voice to get those "sticky" topics out there more, like the portrayal of plus-size women or the photo-manipulation epidemic. 

Personally, I think if more people focus on breaking the misconception of these "taboos," maybe the fashion industry will hear us and start changing the way some do business. I honestly think that it's happening as we speak.... the more bloggers who focus on the tough fashion topics, the more changes we will see. 

I think the biggest difference from blogging to writing is you have an OPINION! When writing news, you're supposed to hide opinion and stay "unbiased" but that's something I love about blogging.... You're able to speak your mind and share your voice! That's why I love being part of Independent Fashion Bloggers..... You have a huge community where you can connect, share, ask questions, get opinions and interact with other bloggers.

Writing is what I love to do. That's why I pursued a communication degree and created Tickle Me Chic. Writing is an outlet for me... when I'm sad, frustrated, happy, excited, I turn to blogging. Even if I don't publish the piece, blogging is my release. Whether it's a controversial piece or a Bloggers Do It Better piece, I'm very proud to be a fashion blogger!

Links à la Mode: Making the Effort

Making the Effort

Making the effort every day has been on my mind lately. It's fall, the typical time for dressing up. Fashion Month opens the floodgates to trendy people. And while, life may have other things in store for you: unusually warm October, working at home, not working at all... etc, making an effort still matters. Yesterday I was just talking about how making an effort doesn't have to be too much work. It's just a matter of planning things a little. That's what the links this week tell me, they peek into trends for next year, they organize the trends this year, and give a little inspiration for the upcoming holiday we all love: Halloween!

Links à la Mode: October 10th

• Attire Club: Connecting Fashion And Music
• Beauty and Sass: spring 2014 fashion week runway makeup trends
• Burgundy Whispers: Fashion Icon, Lianne La Havas
• CherieLaMode: Halloween Look: Broken Porcelain Witch
• Confessions of a Style Cookie: PFW : Chanel Spring 2014
• Dresscode:HighFashion: Backstage at Jil Sander F/W 13/14
• Eight Days a Week: 10 reasons to love Marc Jacobs' job for Louis Vuitton
• Inspirations and Celebrations: High-End vs. Affordable Fashion - Military Trend
• Katie Like Me: How to Style Plaid for the Fall Season
• Lara Lizard: Perks of being a 1990's kid
• Ms. Fabulous: Style Secrets from Dancing with the Stars
• Nothing 2 Wear: In Case You Couldnt Make It To Fashion Week
• Rising Colors: How to Avoid and Lose Post-Marriage Weight Gain
• Rose & Pine: The Non-Costumey Costume Series: Regina George
• Sobbing on Fifth: New York Girl Street Style Inspo
• The Fluff Report: The Fluff Report Color Trend: Paprika
• Tickle Me Chic: From Runways To Beach Days Mi Ola Has You Covered
• Two Kids NYC: White Lies: When is it okay to tell a lie?
• Undercover Dress-Up Lover: Making the effort: why to dress up every day
• Wild Beauty World: Cole Haan Born in 1928

SPONSOR: Eastdane Anonymousism, Aerin, Nudie Jeans, Sperry, 1000 Mile, APC Jeans, Micah Cohen, Wax + Cruz, SunPocket, CKU, & Shopbop

From runways to beach days, Mi Ola swimwear has you covered

Trading her fashion plated high heels in NYC for flip flops on the beaches of Costa Rica, designer Helena Fogarty is creating luxury swimwear for chic, active women. 

 Photo cred:Dusty Hale

After graduating college, Fogarty moved to NYC to pursue a career in fashion. She worked for companies including Bloomingdale's, Avon, the Vanity Fair Corp, Hearst, Zac Posen, Ferragamo, "and finally - the pinnacle - Chanel." On a visit to Costa Rica, Fogarty learned to surf. She couldn't get the sandy, salt water out of her head. Becoming completely obsessed with surfing, she left her NYC Fashion Executive background, and moved to the beaches of Costa Rica. 

"I visited first to surf. And then I came back and came back and came back. Finally in 2009, I left my fancy job in NYC and sold a bunch of my Chanel shoes and moved down to surf every day," Fogarty said. As she got acclimated to her new surroundings, Helena struggled to find better swimwear. That's when Mi Ola was born.....

"When I moved to Costa Rica, I was surfing 4 hours a day, every day, and I went through probably 200 bikinis - without finding what I needed. Expensive bikinis, cheap bikinis... it didn't matter, they all fell off when I was active, and they all fell apart pretty quickly," she said. Fogarty's designs are for happy, healthy and active women who have trouble finding suits that stay put. "She wants to look great and feel great. To be present and enjoy her day at the beach, without adjusting her suit every few minutes."

Creating sexy, wearable swimwear with durability and comfort, the collection offers tops and bottoms as well as rash guards, in a variety of colors and patterns. 

I had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Fogarty and dive into the idea behind Mi Ola. 

Jody Marich: What does Mi Ola mean? More importantly what does it mean to you and why did you choose the name?

Helena Fogarty: Mi Ola means 'My Wave' in Spanish. I chose this name for a few reasons:

- Every wave is unique, and like life, only you can surf the wave the way you do.  I left a career in high fashion in NYC and a life of glamour, high consumption and excitement, for a more simple life.  That choice made sense to me and it's "my wave."  But everyone's got to find their own.  

- It's a nod to the genesis of the brand being in Costa Rica

- It's doesn't sound like a cheap SURFING BRAND... because that's far from what we are.   Mi Ola is a premium brand of chic swimwear, with added functionality. It's designed to sell at high end department stores, boutiques and well-curated surf shops. What woman doesn't need a great bikini that stays on?

- Lastly, surfing can get a little macho and competitive ... and sometimes men will drop in on you or snake you (surfing terms!), because they don't believe you can surf. So this is my inner way of saying "hey buddy, get off my wave!" You can imagine me saying that while I'm shaking my fist like an angry old man.

JM: How are the suits different?

HF: Every style is engineered to stay on, built to last and still make you look great.

We use a variety of tools do this on each style, using drawstrings, tension, silicon elastic, and different types of construction. Our suits are made of a substantial swim material - which we've tested in salt water and chlorine to make sure it doesn't fade or stretch out.  And we line them with the same fabric, which makes for a very sturdy garment.  You can feel the difference in our suits when you touch them. They are built to last.

JM: What process do you go through to test the suits for wearing?

HF: We go out and play! We surf in them. We do yoga in them. We do stand up paddling. We play with our kids in them.  

And if any of the seams are chafing, or the straps are not working, or the suits are not staying on, we go back to the drawing board. We do the same if the suit is not flattering, as well.

JM: Does the fabric matter when designing suits?

HF: Absolutely! I once got a suit from a surf brand. SUPER CUTE. I loved the fabric. It was a serape knit fabric. Best bikini ever. UNTIL I WORE IT.

The fabric did not stretch or support. When it got wet, it sagged AND the super cute fabric chafed my cheeks when I walked.  Seriously. It was like sand paper. That's a crime. Bikinis should be a force of good, not evil!

So, these are the things that I think about....as someone obsessed with bikinis. We use soft, and yet sturdy fabrics that hold up. No chafed hineys here!

JM: What is your favorite suit and why?

HF: My favorite combo is our Pin-up Top and the Doublestring Bottom - for me. I surf in this combo and never have to adjust while I'm in the water. I like the way it looks.  And the bottom is adjustable, so I can tighten it when I'm being active in the water and loosen it a bit when I'm out.

JM: What inspires you?

HF: When I'm in Costa Rica, I'm constantly inspired by nature...whether it's Sting Rays in the ocean, little crab babies that are rustling around, or the flowers and palm trees.  I was out doing yoga today surrounded by butterflies.  And when I walked home, I saw the family of monkeys that lives across from our house. This season, we have a print called Medusa (inspired by jellyfish),  another called Plumas (inspired by birds in the area) and an amazing Palm print, all inspired by my "backyard."

I'm also still obsessed with high fashion and city life style and that inspires me. 1 of our new metallic rash guards is inspired by all the sequin tanks that I don't have occasion to wear in Costa Rica.  It's my little way of bringing the city to the beach.

Helena on the beach with her daughter.

Fogarty took a leap of faith leaving almost everything she knew behind. Little did she know, her knowledge from working in fashion for over 15 years would lead her to her true passion, designing high quality swimwear.

 "I found my calling: Making the beach better for women, one bikini at a time"
-Helena Fogarty

For more information on the sexy bikinis that stay on, check out Mi Ola. 

Hello, October!

Can you believe its October 1st already!?! Me either! BUT I welcome it with open arms.

It's the start of the most fabulous time of year, where the weather is a cooler, your hair stays put a little better, you can add layers upon layers and of course.... wear SCARVES & BOOTS! Oh and let's not forget to mention there is pumpkin EVERYTHING!!! Here's a little humor for ya.... 

There is no escape. Behold the seasonal flavor/terror in Pumpkin Spice: Official Movie Trailer.

With a nickname like "Pumpkin" --given to me because of my love for everything pumpkin-- I found the trailer to be hilarious yet scarily on point! 

And even though the high is supposed to be around 90 today in sunny Florida, I had to celebrate my excitement for my favorite month -which includes our anniversary:} - with my favorite scarf and a piece of pumpkin cream pie!! Yummmm!

So as October officially starts (Rabbits!), here's to cold weather, scarves, boots, comfy sweaters and everything wonderful in the world of Fall! 

XO 

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup - Transitions

Transitions

September is always weird. The leaves start changing colors, the sweaters and coats are in the stores, we're back to school, summer's over... but it's still stupidly hot! I've always been so excited about fall, I'd be sweating in my boots, and wearing sweaters anyway. What a girl does for fashion, right? Well, this week, we have all kinds of transitional posts. Transitioning from teenager to adult, summer to fall, day to night, and the call for fashion week to transition to the next level. We also have a hilarious post about 20th century fashion as predicted in the 19th century, it's so spot on--not. Either way, pull up a tall iced-tea (remember, it's hot out!) and take a look through these links.

Links à la Mode: September 12th

1. Attire Club: Discussions On India’s Obsession With Fair Skin
2. Beauty & Sass: take your summer dresses into fall with these essentials
3. Chicisms: How to Dress Business Casual & Go from Work to a Night Out
4. Corals and Cognacs: A Love Letter to New York City (in the wake of 9/11)
5. Fashion Moriarty: Recurring Images: Combat
6. Fleur d'Elise: 6 Un-Boring Coats forFall
7. Foxie Oxie Supernova: Paris Photo Diary: An Open Letter to My 18-Year-Old Self
8. Girl in Betsey: Diane Von Furstenburg NYFW Review
9. Happy Pretty Sweet: A Brief History of the Dirndl
10. Lara Lizard: 1893 and predictions of 20th century fashion
11. Runway to Style Freaks: The Top Men's Fall 2013 Must Have Trends
12. See Lark!: Easy DIY: Graffiti Dress
13. Skye Charlie Show: Consignment Vs. Thrift Store
14. Stilettos and Tequila: Behind The Scene: How To Be A Better Writer And More
15. Style Bizarre: Say no to Style Labels
16. The Girl With The Bun: 3 ways to dress for fall (when it still feels like summer)
17. Tickle Me Chic: Does Fashion Week Need To Be Revamped?
18. Undercover Dress-Up Lover: How to wear high-waisted shorts
19. We Are Ready Made: A Pair of Shoes Everybody Should Own
20. Wild Beauty: Beauty Archetypes: Whores

SPONSOR: Eastdane Stutterheim, CKU, M Nii, Generic Man, Tretorn, JW Hulme, McNairy, Diemme, Canada Goose, Haerfest, & Lofuff Leather

The world of Tadashi Shoji

This year I was able to pay a lot more attention to NYFW as it was happening. Working at a busy office,  I would secretly tune into live stream whenever I could. The first day of Fashion Week I was lucky enough to catch designer, Tadashi Shoji's collection & OMG, it was fabulous!

Being a Social Media Director, I manage Facebook , Twitter, Google +, etc  for my company so it's easy to sneak into my personal profiles every once in a while & take a peek. I signed into Twitter & saw MBFW tweet "ladies in lace." That was enough to catch my eye. I clicked the live stream link & I was immediately sucked in. I had to watch this show. 

Being down a girl last week, I kept the live stream music bumpin' while I worked away on projects but couldn't help myself when I discovered the world of Tadashi Shoji. His designs were so soft. Lace, pastels, light layers, sparkle details & sheer fabrics created a beautiful world of ethereal elegance. 

Here's some of my favorite pieces from the Sweet Liberation collection: 

photos from MBFW facebook 

It's wonderful having social media to show you as it's happening. I would have never discovered this designer if I hadn't hopped on Twitter. Now, I'm in love.

 Showing his collection the first day of Fashion Week set up the SS 2014 runways well. The pieces were a great way to introduce what trends are going to be prominent for next Spring.

And it doesn't hurt to see Tadashi Shoji tweet back to me... it makes anybody a happy camper, when a designer recognizes his fans! Even if it was just someone who maintains the social media (like me) it's still a nice touch as customers love to interact with brands. 

I have to say his collection was breathtaking. It was a fresh look into a designer I hadn't heard of & now, he has a new fan! 

Be sure to check out other amazing posts of NYFW from Independent Fashion Bloggers!

Does Fashion Week need to be revamped?

Your heart beats faster, you dress a little better and you have this excitement that won't go away. Sound familiar?! 

I know for me, that's what happens the week of MBFW... I can't imagine what would happen if I was actually attending one!

ThatsHeart Facebook page

The fashion, the fabrics, the details, the SHOES, the music (I blast the live stream at work), it all creates this excitement for the new season to come. Even though we are just going into the season before, you still have the chance to scope out new trends and figure out how to incorporate your style into the mix... but does that actually decrease our excitement once the pieces are released? 

I've seen many articles indicating Fashion Week is out of control or needs to reshape the way things are set up, but with the introduction of a plus-sized runway show, that tells me we're making some strides! 

The article, Is New York Fashion Week Near the End of the Runway? by Eric Wilson of The New York Times, sheds light on what goes through the heads of people involved in fashion "month."  With an ever expanding group of "the in crowd" needing to be at all shows, from NY to Paris, Fashion Week is getting overloaded with coverage/opinions/& people. Some designers are even pulling out of FW all together. Tamara Mellon is a perfect example. “I, for one, hate to buy a coat and not wear it for four or five months,” Mellon said. “And my customer doesn't care about Fashion Week.”

 With so many shows and people working the events, designers and models are being thrown to the curb faster than ever to get ready for the next show. If Fashion Week is seriously going to change, they first need to sit down and figure out what doesn't work. 

According to Fashionista's post Industry Insiders Agree: ‘Fashion Week Needs To Be Rethought’, the move from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center was an epic fail. Angry residents, lack of architectural appeal, the overpopulation of paparazzi, and the increased traffic from street style junkies has created a disconnect from what Fashion Week is all about: Allowing designers to promote collections to editors/buyers/industry professionals a few months before pieces are available to the public.

 

 

Oscar de la Renta has the right idea. He is scaling back his guest list to include only certain industry professionals who need to see the clothes before being released. 

"When you do megashows, it loses the reason of why we’re showing,” he said. “It’s important for [certain industry professionals] to look at the clothes and see them. They shouldn't have to go through 30,000 people, and 10,000 who are trying to take pictures of all of those people who are totally unrelated to the clothes." - Fashionista

More designers need to scale back on who is invited. The people who need to be there, should include: buyers, editors, and industry professionals who can display the pieces and interpret the trends. Live streaming should still continue so bloggers, interns, and society can have a view into the next season but the overexposure of Fashion Week has created a huge lack of excitement for trends when available in store. Without some major changes, I agree with these posts, Fashion Week might disappear sooner than we think. 

Personally, I love being able to watch the MBFW live stream. I like to watch shows and determine what the trends are before reading write-ups. It helps me understand what to look for and to see if collections accurately display the trends the designers are going for. 

I love fashion and always have. I don't want to model or design, I want to understand the big, crazy world of fashion. That's why I love Fashion Week. It shows all aspects of fashion. Here's hoping to see some solid changes so Fashion Week can stay amazing in an ever changing industry.

Helllooooo New York Fashion Week!

Every year, twice a year, I crave to be in New York City! As Mercedes-Benz Fashion week kicks off the Spring 2014 collections today, I sit, waiting to read articles, shuffle through the runway photos and take in all the information I can on trends to look forward to or stay away from ;) 

ThatsHeart Facebook page

One of my lifelong goals is to attend a MBFW. I was lucky enough to attend Istanbul Fashion Week 2 years ago while visiting the mega-city and it was the most exhilarating experience! I had an amazing time taking it all in and seeing the fashion trends of another country, but it made my craving even bigger.

If you're a fashion junkie like me, the week before Fashion Week you usually reflect on last season's trends and welcome the new season with open arms. For me, I also get a little wistful, wondering when it will be my turn and how have I not yet made it to where I want to be? 

I thought this quote by Estee Lauder was very apropos

A career in fashion is insanely hard to break into but it doesn't stop me from continuing my journey. Now, with Fashion Week well under way, I'm excited to see what Spring collections have in store! Can't wait to get my creative juices flowing with all the new inspiration!

HAPPY NEW YORK FASHION WEEK!
Xo

Links à la Mode: “But if fashion were easy, wouldn’t everybody look great?” ~Tim Gunn

"But if fashion were easy, wouldn't everybody look great?" ~Tim Gunn

I usually open with a title for Links à la Mode.. but this week, it's a quote found in one of our links. Tim Gunn did say it best, if fashion were EASY, everyone would look great! But alas it's not. It's tricky, specific, fickle, and highly personal. We all spend our entire lives getting dressed, but how many truly have style? This week we have a mix of the things you need to find your own personal way to fashion. So grab your cuppa and read these links!

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

• A la Modest: Chelsea Boots: From Victorians to Mods to You
• Al-Balsam Life: Tim Gunn's 60th Birthday: His Memorable Quotes
• Arash Mazinani: Are you searching for a style magic pill?
• Beauty and Sass: marc the many moments
• Burgundy Whispers: Best Fictional Boyfriends
• Catching Flight: eBay Finds 6 eBay Shopping Tips
• Dresss:Code: Wearable Avantgarde: Salvatore Ferragamo F/W 13/14
• Fashion is Evolution: 3.How to DIY tie-dyed distressed cutoffs
• Healthy Fashionista: Healthyfashionista's Guide To Naturally Perfect Skin
• Inexpensive Chic: Pantone's Fall Colors '13
• Inspirations & Celebrations: The Best White Jeans For Your Body Type - Style Guide
• Little J Style: Do's and Don'ts for Clear Skin!
• My Style Vita: Accounting 101 for Bloggers
• Rose & Pine: Do You Have The Time?
• Stilettos & Tequila: How To Haggle Like A Pro In 11 Easy Steps
• Style Bizzare: How to Find Your Personal Crystal
• Style for the Seasons: 10 Essential Items for an Overnight Work Trip
• Style Vanity: Mixing Prints Guide For Men
• Tickle Me Chic: Who's to blame?
• Wild Beauty: Wild Beauty Places: Bite Beauty Lip Lab

  SPONSOR: Shopbop Men's Morning Warrior, RVN, d.Ra, Velvet, Ohne Titel, Isa Tapia, EastDane, Notte, Casadei, Clo Intimo, & Paris House Wallets

Who's to blame?

In a recent interview with the always bold, sometimes a little too honest, Kelly Cutrone, The Fashion Spot gathered some interesting answers from the brazen PR mogul.

photo cred: levoleague.com

Cutrone believes it's the consumers fault for the way the fashion industry is portraying thinness.... "Society has a hyper emphasis on thin and that trend comes from the consumers — it does not come from the fashion industry. The fashion industry needs to make money, that's what we do. If people said, 'we want a 300 pound purple person,' the first industry to do it would be fashion," Cutrone said. She goes on to give advice for modeling.

1. If you're 5'6", just stay home. Don't pretend you're 5'8" or 5'9". 
2. If you're over 29 — 26 even — I would suggest you work regionally and not try to work nationally.
   -Kelly Cutrone, The Fashion Spot interview

These are the things that no one ever wants to hear or even acknowledge, but her "I-don't-give-a-fuck-what-you-think" attitude {pardon my french} has increased the saucy PR exec's fame. 

But let's look at the finger pointing a little more closely. Yes, consumers want to look beautiful, be stylish, etc but, the fashion industry hasn't budged much on the idea of expanding the look for models or allowed for more diversity for sizing. 

As I always say, there are those brave souls out there that don't conform. They try to make a change for a better image but there needs to be more voices. The way magazines portray fashion is very different from the every day girl. The magazines and designers want to create a sense of high fashion, understandably so, because let's be honest, everyone wants to be high fashion , but most of society cannot afford to have a $1000+ bag or $150+ pair of jeans... So is it really the consumer that is creating this false sense of what is beautiful?

Personally, I think both are to blame. Consumers constantly try to look a certain way or have this perception, "if I'm thin, then I'm beautiful" but the fashion industry is JUST as guilty, maybe even a little more so. You don't see many size 4+ models strutting their stuff on the runways. People have got to understand looks are just a superficial thing... it goes much deeper than skin. Dustin Hoffman's interview about his character Dorothy Michaels is the perfect example of this blurred perception everyone has on beauty: 

Hoffman tears up as he realizes how many good people he might have passed up because they weren't "beautiful" enough.

"And I know that if I met myself at a party, I would never talk to that character because she doesn't fulfill physically the demands that we're brought up to think women have to have in order to ask them out.' She says, 'What are you saying?' And I said, 'There's too many interesting women I have...not had the experience to know in this life because I have been brainwashed."

While Cutrone could be right, maybe we as the consumer need to stop feeding into the "thin" trend, but the fashion industry needs to shrink the gap between thin and "plus-size" and treat all consumers more equally.

People continually strive to be something they're not. There's so many people out there that have body image issues and there's many culprits that increase the worry surrounding what you're supposed to look like... learn to be comfortable in your own skin. 

Everyone deserves to be heard, and everyone will have an opinion when it comes to the ongoing "who's to blame" issues in the fashion industry. 

What's your thoughts? Do you fall in the same category as Cutrone?

Jill of all trades

Want to know the girl behind Tickle Me Chic?!

Meet Jody: 

Not only do I LOVE me some fashion, I also love to shoot video! My fiancé is into drifting so we go to as many events as possible. Here's the latest video I did for CFRC's, The Aftermath:

Aftermath 2013 from Jody Marich on Vimeo.

If that isn't enough, I just got back from a work trip to the BVI. As Social Media Director of Virgin Island Sailing, I constantly interact with users and build rapports to create lasting relationships. Traveling down to the BVI, we met with all of our bareboat companies and shot video of each base, for our website. Once the work was over, we had some fun, sailing the beautiful waters of the BVI! 

In my spare time I love to write. I went to school for communication and focused on multimedia journalism. With my passion for fashion and writing, I created the fashion column at Flagler and continued to write as Conscious Fashion Editor of Modern Hippie Mag. Unfortunately, MHM, closed at the beginning of the year, but I still try to keep up with my blogging. It brings me back to me. 

Anything else you want to know, just ask :)