Firenze Girono 20

Tonight was Notte Bianca (white night)- the whole city centre comes alive with art installations and outdoor concerts. Some museums have free entry but for the most part stay open until the late hours of the morning. Random street corners turned into clubs and people were singing and dancing, I even got to hear some opera being preformed in the middle of a busy street.

Firenze Girono 19

The picture above is one of the exercises that I did today in my fashion graphics class. We took a stock image and had to transform it however we liked....and I am pretty happy with the turn out! I think I will start to use photoshop more to make patterns and designs for material, and eventually get some fabric done (another thing on my endless list of things to do..)

Easter break is tomorrow and I am off to Munich around noon, however I have to take the train from Florence to Pisa (about an hour away) to catch my flight. As I am not really one for trains and the most trains that I have experienced in my life are the subways in NYC...this is a bit different. I am pretty sure the train station hates me already. Before my afternoon class I decided to take a trip over to the train station to purchase my ticket in advance and figure out the station. Well upon arriving at the self checkout booth, I couldn't understand how to select my ticket- as there was no date displayed for the train times. Slightly getting frustrated, I decided to give up and return later.

I returned with my friend Caro. We made our way to the self checkout booth, first one- jammed, second one-jammed...third one- took my money.

lovely!

So we had to stand inline for almost an hour to get a refund and purchase the ticket behind the counter. Finally I got my ticket for tomorrow, and with my luck the trains are going to strike or something...

I am not bringing my computer, so until the 30th of April- there isn't going to be any new posts :)

happy easter to everyone!

Acne F/W

via- The Wake Up Call

Firenze Girono 18

Since I only got about 6 hours of sleep- getting up this morning was a bit of a tough task- luckily I have the 30min walk to wake me up....The photos posted above were taken on my way to school, I love the reflections of the houses in the water and the mist in the distance. Florence is really gorgeous in the early morning and just before the sun sets for the evening.

Classes were quite long today- 9-6, so on top of being tired already it just made the day drag on. However the classes were enjoyable and got me thinking about ideas for the future. My production management class is still my favourite (perhaps because its taught by a designer?), it really gets me thinking about everything involved in production- timing, delivery, research, and the trends. The professor told us about a trend store that is in the Centre called, The Fashion Room- somewhere I will be going once back from vacation.

My second class, trademarking got me thinking about what I would want to call my brand (even though I have a couple ideas, I am sure my mind will change), I am at a slight in between stage. I have my logo set, but the name is the thing that I am on the fence about. Luckily my professor said that we can contact her if we have any questions, so I plan on sending her my ideas to see what she says.

This Wednesday, I am leaving for Munich to visit a very good friend for 10 days. Its out Easter break and I hope that there will be a lot of chocolate rabbits involved!

Kayne....in Celine?

During Kayne West's closing performance at Coachella-he decided to wear a silk shirt from the Celine S/S '11 collection. This isn't the first time that Kayne has given attention to the label. Phobe Philo (designer for Celine) was mentioned in his song, "Dark Fantasy", and I guess he likes the label so much- he decided to wear it! My personal opinion is that yes, he looks better in it- but its not the most attractive shirt either...

Givenchy "Iris" Clutch

What I do when I cant sleep- Sunday Nights

Palm Beach, FL- 1905

"Bringing Up Bobbie"- 1908

"Color in the Water" (Colorized)- shot by fashion photographer Toni Frissell for Hapers Bazaar- Dec 1947

via- Shorpy

As usual, on Sunday nights I cannot seem to fall asleep at a reasonable hour...therefore I am often up late looking at old photos on the internet. I came across this awesome site called Shorpy. com, you can find vintage photos by searching key terms or browsing genres. They often have little write up about the photos and quirky tidbits

Here are some of my favourite old photos that I've taken from some family albums that I found on my computer- I would really like to get my hands on a vintage camera...

Firenze Girono 17

If you know me well, you might know how much I love IKEA....(strange? yes, it can be)

Some classmates and I made our way to IKEA today, hoping on the free shuttle bus from the main train station. Luckily surviving the trip, (the driver was slightly either in a rush, or partially blind) we managed to get off the bus in one piece and find ourselves in the parking lot in-front of IKEA. Very excited and slightly taken aback by the view (not of the building, even though it is amazing ;p ), the countryside and the hills made me think that I was somewhere other than Italy, perhaps Switzerland or British Columbia. We made our way inside and headed to the cafe, where I was eagerly hoping to get some swedish meatballs and lingonberry sauce..until I saw the price. It was waaay more than I was used to, so I opted for dessert instead (another typical Amy move). After we all ate or drank something, we walked around and gathered what we needed. I needed a pillow- as I have been sleeping on towels since I got here (could lead to my sleeping problem here, maybe?!). Completely happy with my 1.50 euro pillow I met up with some of the girls and we made our way to the Swedish market, where I had round two of desserts- gingersnap cookies, chocolates, and some sweet apple juice. Oh how I love IKEA :)

Unfortunately we couldn't take any pictures inside (lame..)

Tom Binns

I love these necklaces by Tom Binns.

Lately I haven't been wearing much jewellery- however I would like to get my hands of one of these!

I have found that rhinestone jewellery has really got a grandma look to it, but these colourful and fun designs don't remind me of anything grandma-chic. They would look great with a solid colour t-shirt and jeans, either to be dressed up or down

Gestuz High Summer '11

Danish label Gestuz is known for their mix of rock and minimalism. This collection features leather, light silks, and flowy dresses- perfect for taking things from day to night

Firenze Girono 16

Unfortunately yesterday morning, a friend of mine passed away in horrible motorcycle accident. He was such a wonderful person and made everyone around him smile- r.i.p Billy Moore

CHLOÉ 2011

This video was shot for Block Magazine featuring dancers Justin Peck and Janie Taylor (NY Ballet Prima Ballerina). Its absolutely gorgeous

Firenze Girono 15

Since it was Friday I decided to take to opportunity to relax a bit and walk around the Centre, I made my way back to LuisaViaRoma and tried on the dress (see previous post about Giambattista Valli-as I couldn't wait any longer). Lets just say it looked way better on the hanger than on. First of all it had way to much happening, I slightly felt like I has silk flowers blooming everywhere and it was awkward to even put my arms down.- you can see from my face how I felt...

We all decided to meet up for apertivo at Dolce Vita, I didn't end up staying long because I had previous plans to meet up with my roommate at another restaurant- Moyo, to celebrate a friends birthday. However we were all going to meet at this place called- the Eskimo Club after apertivo and catch the happy hour going on there.So I ended up at Moyo were I had multiple servings of their barley salad- highly recommend- and other delicious food. Then I made my way to the Eskimo Club, luckily I had ran into everyone on the way, so we all ventured together to try and find this place....well we found it......closed! There was a lock on the door and it looked like it had been closed for quite some time.....does'nt really make sense to me to market a place that is closed? But perhaps thats Italy for you :P

Just down the block there were people standing outside of a pub, so we decided to just hang out there and see what happens. We were greeted by the very friendly doorman, who ended up being our bartender in the end. As there was a large group of us, it was tough to find seating in this little place, but we managed. I turned and asked if there was any specials going on, unfortunately the happy hour had just ended but I was told that I could get a special. Slightly intrigued I agreed to this...then I was told- but you know you have to take this drink how I request you take it. Slightly scared, I once again agreed and was then given a flaming shot. Basically you had to light it on fire, shake it up, and then take a deep breath- or so that was my instructions. It was highly stressed that I needed to breathe in deeply- slightly puzzled I asked why and was told- well it could be slightly dangerous if you don't

-oh lord, I don't know what im getting myself into here-

In my mind, I wasn't sure what was going to happen, maybe I would breathe fire or something? I don't know?! So I followed the instructions and what happens is when you take a deep breath your throat feels like ice. After I took the shot I was kinda disappointed, I mean, I was expecting something crazy to happen but it was still cool none the less. Afterwards, the doorman made us drinks to test out, a mojito and his special (mix between peach and orange)- delicious! We ended up getting a round of both. I turned to him and inquired about any jobs that they might have available- he said that the owner would be there in 40mins or so and he would be the better person to ask, but he did say I could come and dj there and host an evening. I laughed because- of all people- me to dj? I thought- hhmm well ok this could work...then after I ended up going behind the bar and playing songs from my ipod. The owner showed up and we talked, he was fascinated at the fact I was from the Caribbean and he couldn't get over that I was from there. He told me to come back tomorrow night and we can talk more about it- so I might have a job! Which is great because it will give me a little extra spending money to travel and what not.

After the pub, which is called- The Joshua Tree Pub, some of us headed back to Dolce Vita. Everyone there was dancing and having a good time. Funny enough the music that they were playing reminded of 50's style music, it was something that I really wouldn't expect to be dancing to in Italy. It was great fun, and definitely a workout (from dancing so much)- I never knew that Italian people liked to dance to that kind of music, they also like to twirl you a lot too...?

Lace by Saskia Diez

This collection entitled, Lace by Saskia Diez is based around 4 basic geometric patterns. The pieces are to be worn either casual with a t-shirt or can be elegant with a cocktail dress. Each necklace is made from lacquered wood beads from local German maple trees strung on a nylon thread. And if you are thinking what I am thinking- it would be a great d.i.y project!

"Lace is between clothing and jewellery. I love lace and how it decorates you with transparency"

Saskia Diez

Firenze Girono 14

So these pictures above are from previous days because too be honest, the weather was horrible today and I had a full day of classes 9-6pm (fashion history, fashion economics, and a discussion class). Nothing really exciting happened today as most of us were trying to stay warm and dodge the rain.

However when I was walking back from my apt to school I saw this boy on a motorcycle look back at me, I noticed, he looked again and almost ran into the back of a nice mercedes in front of him- and that was the highlight of my day :p

I had Fashion Economics today, and me and economics don't really mix- so I was a bit hesitant on how to view the class. Luckily it turned out a lot better than what I had envisioned. The professor really made the class interesting and one of my favourite quotes from him was- " never trust a person who is tanned all year long". He then further elaborated on how you shouldn't trust males who paint their fingers with clear polish/well kept hands. Sometimes the topics we talk about are very interesting and oddly he went on to talk about industry people he has met and how they fit this stereotype.

So far, I haven't any plans for the weekend really, there might be a possible IKEA (!!!) trip on sunday, and tomorrow evening all the girls in my class are getting together for a bbq. Its going to be potluck style, and I decided to bring the dessert- there is going to be chinese and japanese food as well as pizza- lots to choose from!

Giambattista Valli Dress

I went into LuisaViaRoma the other day and almost cried- for three reasons:

a) the clothing was so beautiful.

b) depression set in, as everything was so expensive.

c) I just so happen find and fall in love with the most expensive dress in the store...
€ 7830.00 ($11,386 usd)

(and yes, I am planning on going back this weekend to try it on)

Pucci Pre-Spring 2011