Marjaneh is back... well almost

Hi Friends!!
It's Marjaneh.. I know it's been a while, right?? I've been M.I.A. for good reasons. Besides spending countless hours applying to the endless (or they say) jobs in NYC from my desk in LA, I've also been fighting to become Sunglass Hut's Next Fabulous Fashion Blogger.

I've been working hard to get to the top for 3 weeks and I need your help!

If you want to see a fellow FIDM Alum go far and accomplish her dreams, then please take the two seconds (no joke) to vote for me!

It's not too late!! Voting ends TONIGHT (Nov. 17th) at 11:59 PM EST and every vote counts. Make your parents, friends and classmates vote. Re-post this on your Twitter and Facebook pages and even use that email you created to stalk your ex ;) haha jk.

It's real simple. Here's what you have to do.

Go to:
http://fulltimefabulous.com/video/view.aspx?vid=x_dLVDqIOGY
To the RIGHT of my video there will be a VOTING SECTION (refer to image below)

-Enter First Name Only
-Enter Email Address
-Confirm Email Address
Once you do that you will receive an email verification from techsupport@fulltimefabulous.com (either in your spam box or inbox, depending on your settings).

There will be a link in the email that reads... "Yes! Give them my vote!" all you have to do is click on that link and your vote will be submitted.

You also receive an instant coupon for $20 off an online or in store purchase at Sunglass Hut. So go out and buy those cute pair of shades you've been eying all year... who says the holidays can't come sooner than they're supposed to?

It's one vote per email and the more votes I get the better my chances will be.

I greatly appreciate all your support =)

Thank you,

Marjaneh

get inspired.

"I've never had a job. I've always had a passion. The fact of the matter is I have the same passion about business that I had when I started in 1968. And I think that's what it's about. If you can't get up in the morning and be excited about what you're doing then you better figure out something else. So, what's your passion? Stop and think about it."

--Michael Gould, President & CEO of Bloomingdales

2010 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists Head to Los Angeles for a Fashion Show

FIDM ALUM... so JUICY.

I think I failed my first exam at FIT...

I couldn't concentrate! I was so tired. I got through the multiple choice questions and towards the end where we had to write "short answer" essays, my eye-lids couldn't stay up. My brain seriously stopped working. I decided to put my head down for just a second... and guess what happened next. I fell asleep. Well, not completely... but you know when your eyes are closed, your mind is drifting away slowly and you feel like you're completely somewhere else? Well, I was already dreaming... dreaming I was up and out, anywhere but in that chair! I woke up after a student next to me got up to turn her test in. After looking around, I realize I only dozed off for about 10 minutes. By then, I was feeling what felt like the worst hangover in the world. I didn't want to stay to finish the test. I figured I would get them all wrong even if I tried. So I tiredly BS my way through the short answers, turned in my exam, and packed my things to go home. As I walked out of the building, I woke myself up a little more, regained my thoughts... and realized what I had just done. There I was walking out of my first big exam at FIT.... and now fully awake, all I could think was: F.M.L.

I love Fashion September

...in New York City!

In a matter of 3 weeks, I've had the honor of meeting some of my favorite people in fashion and seeing in person some of the greatest, iconic fashion idols EVER.


That honor came a couple weeks back when I met Nina Garcia, Fashion Director of Marie Claire magazine. I didn't tell you all this before but I actually interviewed with MC for a fashion editorial internship--one that I had to turn down because I couldn't dedicate more than 3 days due to a full time job. However, I loved meeting Nina. Despite her catty, zero-tolerance attitude on Project Runway, this woman is so charming and sweet in person. She's so modest, too. I'm so much of a bigger fan today after meeting her!

Then Fashion's Night Out in September: I was a lucky attendee of FNO: The Show--an event that took place at Lincoln Center and brought out some of the biggest names in fashion. It was the night I stood next to Anna Wintour. Yes, THEE Anna Wintour and I nearly fell over. There was a single, special moment when she looked over at me and I swear I was going to DIE. I could almost feel her death stare literally piercing through her dark Chanel shades. After mingling with other fashion aficionados, I had the privilege of meeting so many great industry insiders including: the fantastic Grace Cottington, the very cute designers of Proenza Schouler, Michael Kors, Jason Wu, Style.com's Candy Pratts Price, and Diane von Furstenberg. It was a night to remember and a FIDM girl's dream...The runway show itself, if you saw in live-streaming, was just AMAZING. Sorry, I have no other words to describe it. Every key trend for fall was right on the beat. Hats off to Anna and the Vogue team. My jaw was on the floor outfit after outfit.

Then came New York Fashion Week: Although I wasn't exactly in the tents (or the "studio" / "theater" now that it's been moved to Lincoln Center), when FASHION WEEK is going on in your city, how could you not stop by and watch? :) I sure did!

It was such a surreal moment for me... just people-watching. I couldn't help but think to myself: Here is where it all happens! Fashion is so alive here. I was so inspired. I felt like I was in fashion heaven!! Fashionistas wearing Balenciaga, Balmain, Celine, Louboutins, Birkins... all walked by as eye-candies for me.
Then I spotted Sarah Rutson walking out. Sarah is the Fashion Director of Lane Crawford, a store in Hong Kong that I've admired, researched, and studied thoroughly and did countless projects on during my FIDM years. Of course, my immediate reaction is "OMG OMG OMG! Is that...?! STFU! NO WAY!" But instinctively, I got up and ran after her. I didn't know what to say when I reached her but thankfully she was sweet enough to stop and talk to me. AHHHHH!!! :)

You know the feeling of not wanting to meet an idol or a celebrity because of fear that they won't be as pleasant in person as they are in your head? Well, this wasn't the case. Sarah was genuinely kind and as I stupidly ranted about her career and blah blah blah blah... she stopped to ask me my name, what I wanted to do, and if I'm studying fashion. Trust me, I'm still dying. What a DREAM!

Others spotted at Lincoln Center: Rachel Zoe (celebrity stylist), Linda Fargo (Berdorf Goodman), Robbie Myers & Joe Zee (Editors of ELLE), Joanne Coles (Marie Claire), Simon Doonan (Barney's), Carine Roitfeld (Paris Vogue), Virgina Smith (Vogue), Miss Jay (ANTM), Karl Lagerfeld, and Daphne Guinness (she almost gave me a heart-attack...I LOVE her).

As I'm still living off this Fashion Week's high, I'll tell you this much... Don't sit around waiting for things to happen. They call it "chasing your dreams" for a reason. For me, it was a dream come true to be in the presence of many fashion's greatness. But you won't be seeing me holding my breath or waiting for something big to happen next. If I want to get to where I want to be, I have a lot of work to do. The best is yet to come because I'm still very new in this industry and there's still SO MUCH to learn. In the meantime, with all my new material, I'm able to keep my style blog up again!

Until next time.
xoxo,
FIDM Blog Girl from thefidmlife
(& FIDM grad!)

new kid on the block

Tomorrow is my first day as a student at F.I.T. and oddly enough, I'm not as nervous as I thought I'd be. I haven't even gone to the store to buy school supplies or books... all I can think about tonight is WHAT TO WEAR for class tomorrow!

This NY heat wave isn't helping either. It's about 97 degrees outside, plus the humidity--making it feel like 120 degrees in Vegas. I hate it so much. I have all my fall clothes ready, but all the colors and layers and furs are too much for this ridiculous weather.

That's all for now. I'm going to bury myself in my clothes until the sun is GONE.

Don't Give Up.

I don't have time to write much, but I just wanted to stop in to say one thing: Don't Give Up.
It's been months since graduation, I know. You want something to work out, I know. I've been there... trust me. But hear me when I say this... If there's more fight left in you, don't you dare give up.

I had a nice long break for lunch today and decided to take a walk to Bryant Park. In that time to myself, I reflected on all the things I've gone through in the last couple of years. It only made me smile. Those things--good, bad, painful, and ugly--have been the very things that led me to where I am today. If you're not happy with where you are, do something about it. Seriously. Life is not going to just come to you. And life, real life... is hard. That's just the truth. Sometimes it's much easier to give up, lose the faith, and completely throw in the towel when we feel like nothing is ever going to work out... you know what, that's where you're wrong. If you really want something, then my only advice is to go after it wholeheartedly.... & Don't give up. I'm a believer of dreams... you'll hear more from me. Until then, keep on keepin' on.

Good night.

Overqualified?

Is there such a thing? Or is that the "nice" way of saying, "Sorry babe, we just don't LIKE you!"? I have sent out thousands (no joke) of my resumes, but I'm not giving up! I know that I will be successful, I know that I have what it takes. I know that my dreams of being a Fashion Journalist won't end and I will not, and I repeat WILL NOT settle. I may only have a degree from FIDM and I have been donned "The Forever Intern" but I will break that curse and I will become someone.. I will prove that I'm meant to be the next Anna Wintour, Joe Zee, Kelly Cutrone... ME!

I've received more "Overqualified" emails than "Let's talk"... okay I lied... I haven't had one "Let's talk"/"When's the best time to set up an interview" email... ZERO!... I've sent continuous follow up emails, probably about the same amount of Resumes I've sent.

Just recently I received one of these...

Dear Marjaneh,

Thank you for your interest in the position of ____________ in Soho, New York, NY.

We have carefully reviewed your skills and qualifications. Unfortunately, we do not have an appropriate job opportunity for you.

We thank you again for your interest in exploring employment opportunities with us, and wish you much success in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Human Resources

Okay, thanks for being honest sir. Here is a better one...

Dear Marjaneh,

Thank you for your interest in ________ Group, Inc. and applying for the following position:

______________________

We have reviewed your qualifications and background and were impressed with your accomplishments. However, we regret that to inform you that we are pursuing other candidates who more closely fit our needs.

Thank you for considering ___________ Group, Inc. You have our best wishes for success.

Sincerely,

Human Resources

or how about this cute one...

Dear Marjaneh:

Thank you for expressing an interest in the________ position. While it is never an easy
decision, we have decided to consider other candidates whose qualifications more closely
matched the needs of this position.

Sincerely,

__________ Team

Thanks for being "impressed" enough to say no... Really? How much work experience does one person need to make the cut? Isn't working endless hours as a FREE intern enough experience? Even if you've stayed a loyal intern 30+ hours a week for 2-3 years enough "experience". Try juggling that plus a paid part time job and being a full time student who lives 3 hours away! Yeah! If I can manage that... I can conquer the world SIRS!

Okay... now I'm sounding bitter huh? No, that's not what I'm trying to show you all. Be positive Marjaneh... Be positive! God has a better plan for you... YOU have a better plan for you...

Until next time,

XOXO


M

NY it is!

After my first entry, I had a revelation. I AM going to NYC and I am going to follow my dreams! Being 24 and done with school, no kids, not married, nothing but a degree. I have no chain holding me down!

Step numero uno is complete. Now about the job part... hmm? I'm not going to lie to you. I think all of New York has been flooded by my resumes and clever cover letters. I have researched each and every job so that I could relate myself to them in my personal statements. I pretty much think that 1- New York probably has a hit out for me because they're tired of seeing my continuous emails/faxes OR 2- I can create my OWN company with every detail I've learned from each business/company I've applied to. Haha jk! No no no, I'm not quite there yet with the "Being My Own Boss" venture.

Recently, I've applied to People's Revolution in NYC. No I don't think Kelly Cutrone is a B*tch nor do I think she is evil. I think, scratch that, KNOW she is a business woman. Her business is her baby and for people to expect her to be "nice", to sometimes incompetent workers is TOO much to ask for. She is, after all, paying her employees bills, so to say. So YES, she has a right to yell and YES she has a right to fire. If you can't make the cut, then sayonara dolls!

I feel that I am CUT out to work for her. I need and want that brutally honest, down right "mean" behavior from a boss. In this industry, you can't play nice and get results. I want to enroll in the Kelly Cutrone Boot Camp and I believe that I have all the qualities that she is looking for.

I like criticism, I like brashness. Call me weird or call me a future Entrepreneur. But I KNOW that you won't be successful in a industry or even a city, for that matter, without understanding that Nice guys DO finish last. I'm not saying go out and make enemies and I'm definitely not implying backstabbing friends or coworkers to get to the top. I'm just stating that you can't allow harsh words to get in the way. Take every word as a lesson from a teacher.

Have you ever had a "hard" or "mean" instructor, and hated every minute you had to endure their lesson plans? Well think back to now. Have you become stronger? do you have a thicker skin? do you REMEMBER what was taught? Most of you probably said NO, and for those that did, your stubborn and haven't opened your eyes. For those who said YES, bravo!

I have sat in front of my computer for the last few weeks trying to contact Kelly. I have sent emails to her generic email address and have even tried playing as a Private Investigator and tampering with the generic email address and sticking KellyCutrone@peoplesrevolution or KCutrone@peoplesrevolution and so on, but alas I keep getting an email from my Best Friend, Delivery Message Failed. Yeah he and I go WAY back haha.

So FIDM Alum, join me on my new adventure "Get Hired by Kelly Cutrone!" Until next time.

XOXO,

M

LA or NY?

Post Numero Uno- for the POST FIDM life. Let me tell you, being "done" with school isn't a whole bunch of twinkly Hollywood or New York lights. The Pap have other hot messes to worry about and you, a straight A, student council, Mode Magazine contributing alum is sitting in a cubicle, in a job you don't like, making only enough to fill your gas tank. Not you? Yeah, that's because this is me. Precisely 8 months of being a FIDM alumni and 1 month from turning my tassel I am here, square -1 with 60 Thousand in school debt, making the same, if not, a tad less than the 18 year old, who took down my lunch order, at the fast food joint in Santa Monica. Interning has gotten me no where but alas, my heart is dreaming my next scheme. Am I cut out to rub elbows (or in some instances rub lotion on the legs of the models for the magazine I interned for) with LA celebs? Or am I the same 17 year old with the Big Apple shining through my eyes, hoping and envisioning my life as the next Anna Wintour? Who am I kidding? I'm now 24 with just a FIDM degree and a pocket full of fairy dust and dreams.

As I saw myself board the plane 2 months after my 18th birthday from NY back to OC (where I'm born and raised) I made a vow to return one day with a better plan.

Maybe I should begin this first entry with an intro on why FIDM? Growing up where most girls saw the fashion industry portrayed in the glam life, living in SoHo or Beverly Hills, I saw Karl Lagerfeld, a then husky yet intriguing Chanel mastermind. I too, wanted to rule the scene, not just the front page of every glossy magazine. Mix in my Rolling Stone Magazine Editor of an aunt and Marjaneh, fashion journalist was born. I wanted to portray the fashion in WORDS, where you saw and felt the glamour in a different way, than a price tag or hung as decoration on the frail bodies of models. I read books on Anna Wintour's life, where most girls where flipping the pages of her magazines. I was going to work for Vogue, I told myself that everyday. Packing just a suit case I moved to New York, to study journalism and learn fashion the amateur way, through the many racks at Bergdorf Goodman. After 3 months and ONLY ancient literature being taught, I realized this path wasn't as "creative" as I had hoped. Returning to Orange County, I enrolled at FIDM. Mind you, this was about the same time the infamous 'Hills' began and every where I went I was being compared to Lauren Conrad. Sorry but no! If you knew me, you'd know that wouldn't fly. Being neighbors with that girl was enough, but being compared? No thanks.

When MTV decided reality was better than music, a whole generation of culture died. Please don't chime a Hillary Duff or Natasha Bedingfield tune my way sister. If I had a "show" based on my life, I'd choose a better theme song like Gwen Stefani's Tic Toc. Yeah, that'd be perfect. Time was ticking and so was my career. Now here I am, done with FIDM, a decision I don't regret. I've learned the aesthetics, the business, the marketing, the definition of fashion, this is what and all I needed.

Now enter 2010. Recession, lay offs and people closing their wallets and even their subscriptions to Fashion Bibles, such as: Vogue, Bazaar, and WWD. The pages were now more of a high end JCPenny catalogue, than a 'Voice of Fashion.' The most words you could find, were the tag lines of an advertisement. Now what FIDM? Where do I go from here? I've done the styling, the event planning but what about my dream? What's next?

Here my friend Tharry and I (along with other Alums) give you a chance to follow our "Pursuit to Happiness" and our versions of the Post FIDM life. Welcome and enjoy.

XOXO,

M