People + Differences = The World

Just a great humorous meme I found on a friend's facebook page.

Normally, I don't post about politics but tonight I felt compelled to do so. The great thing about the world is that there lies differences amongst people. It's all in the way we handle those differences that makes the situation. The world is a huge melting pot of people from a plethora of different ethnicities, religions, beliefs, political parties and creeds. If we were all the same then the world would be quite boring and mundane. Frankly, I love myself but I wouldn't want to have 5 other billion Melissa's walking around. I enjoy holding intelligent conversations with people about life and what their beliefs are, it's quite interesting. That being said, I find it humorous that a "facebook friend" defriended me and all the other people posting about the election after Obama was declared to be re-elected. She obviously didn't care for Obama by what she was posting during the entire 2012 campaign. It didn't bother me because everybody has the right to have their own opinions about what they believe. Who am I to judge? Nobody!

What's so baffling about this is that throughout the campaign she is posting demeaning, childlike and negative posts about Obama, but not once has she made an intelligent thought, conversation or post about why she feels that Romney is the better candidate. I am open to hearing and being apart of an intelligent debate. This just shows you that some people no matter how much education a person may have they still need to learn how to converse with people who have different views on life. I am proud that in 2008 I voted during my first presidential election and now in 2012 I have been apart of re-electing Obama for 2 terms. There is absolutely nothing wrong with stating how you feel but do the world a favor and learn to back your opinions with facts and learn how to hold insightful conversations about life and whatever subject you choose to speak upon.

New York to San Francisco

I have officially started a new chapter 1. moving to San Francisco and 2. pursuing my masters in Fashion Journalism. The process of moving is not something that only happens over the course of a few days, but I started my preparation over the past several months. I am a very impulsive person and lives life every day as if it were my last. Life is too short to have regrets on the shoulda, coulda woulda's. That is why I was so set on moving to San Francisco. It was something that spoke to me in a dream and ever since then I couldn't get the idea of moving there out of my mind. I would have sincerely regretted not even trying to move to San Francisco.

As I started to pack my life away I started thinking about what I needed as I tend to really over pack. This of course took me forever to decipher what I wanted to bring from what I really needed. I then took several trips up to my alma mater Syracuse University and sat there for a couple of hours and watched the sunset. I guess over the years of growing up on SU and SUNY ESF's campus I took the beauty for granted. I really appreciate each and every building, dorm and setting that holds history, memories and stories. It sort of became a routine this summer every Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday I would head up to campus around 7 pm and leave around 9 pm. As I watched the sunset I was left alone with my thoughts. My last trip was definitely the one I reminisced the most. I walked over by the College of Law and watched the sunset as I overlooked Lawrinson dormitory standing 20 stories tall. I should know because I once inhabited Lawrinson's 20th floor along with the rest of the 20th floor chicas of Summer College 2004.

Crouse College: VPA Administration building.
Had many chats with Martha Sutter in there as well as my
first photo shoot on those steps with some fabulous friends.

This really gave me all the more reason to reminisce on what an unforgettable summer it was really was. I can truly say I met some of the most amazing people ever that summer and had a great time with them. As I reflected back on some of these memories I couldn't help but smile to myself. Those memories were only the beginning of all of the great ones to follow. I have so many stories ready to be unfolded that was staged on Syracuse's campus. Some involve the ER, wigs and stitches others have an irate roommate, spiked bubble tea, red cups and reggaetone while lots include a blue house on Madison.  I appreciate each and every memory and friend I have ever made on this campus. Many of you not only know the stories but were with me and that makes it all the better.

As the summer started to come to a close I wanted to leave 'Cuse the best way I knew how with a bang. I did just that over the course of a weekend at Chuck's and Lava I had an amazing time with some crazy people who helped my celebrate this new chapter. Believe me I have plenty more stories and could and probably should write a book of these crazy adventures I have.

Portrait of my family the way I want to remember them.
As my brother bites me I scream in agony and my dad sticks
out his tongue as my mom is laughing hysterically.

My last night had approached and my family was finally in the same room so it was time for some family bonding with my photobooth. Although leaving them and Syracuse was hard I do not regret a single thing. As 4:30 am approached I arrived at the airport and the very thing I tried to avoid happened. Last thing I wanted, was to be the person at the airport having to unpack their luggage because it weighed too much. That is exactly what happened not only did one weigh too much, but I had to furiously take out clothes and items in both bags. My farewell was short and sweet as the only thing on my mind was catching my flight. Needless to say I almost missed it.

The weird thing is I haven't once felt sad about leaving. The reason being is in some weird way this is where I was meant to be. I have already learned a couple things about myself on this journey and look forward to learning more. My motto: Embrace change and be open to new adventures. More adventures in San Francisco to follow!

Summer Bliss

Last summer- 2011 in South Beach Miami!

I love summertime and everything that comes with it the sun, beach, relaxing, beautiful sunsets, being lazy, tanning, weddings and more. Being that this is one of my last summers in my hometown I will be definitely be making classic memories.  I live in a college town so usually in the summer there is not a lot to do. So I have to make these memories...crazy, enjoyable and most importantly unforgettable.

1. Travel, travel and travel - it's going to be really hard with my schedule but even small days trips will be good. At least one trip to the Adirondacks!
2. Walks- I have a favorite trail I love to walk around to clear my head and take in the summer weather.
3. painting outside-I love to just lay canvas down on the pavement and paint with my hearts desire.
4. Snap pictures-a picture retains more than people or a place it holds memories

Onondagan Tribe-dancing earlier this month. I learned how to do the Cherokee circle dance... Yeahhhh  Native pride :)

5. Festivals and fairs- the summer means culture and art fests downtown. Time to be artsy
6. Dance, dance- I want to dance in the middle of the street.
7. Love- there's nothing like a summer romance ;)

Let the festivities begin!

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

During Spring 2011 The Costume Institute of Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibited Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty; an amazing archive exhibit featuring some of McQueen's earliest work from 1994-2010. Creative Director Sarah Burton unmasked Savage Beauty showing Lee Alexander McQueen life's work in such a meaningful exhibition never failing to keep his style and signature in mind. The depth and innovativeness of his ingeniousness cannot be taught nor compared. This exhibit shows his interests with polar opposites life and death, dark and light, angel and demon and his extreme fascination with art historic era of the Gothic Period. Curated by Andrew Bolton the house of McQueen showcased seven chapters: The Romantic Mind, Romantic Gothic, Romantic Nationalism, Romantic Exoticism, Romantic Primitivism, Romantic Naturalism and Cabinet of Curiosities. Throughout each section of the exhibit the natural expression, romanticism,culture and juxtaposed opposites remain. The Metropolitan Museum of Art published the ultimate exhibit archival book of Alexander McQueen's Savage Beauty. After viewing this book in a store I knew immediately that I had to purchase this glorious book of such an innovative designer.

Below is a synopsis of Savage Beauty Exhibit:

Combining the methodologies of art history, fashion and form is what makes someone great. Alexander McQueen was not only great but he is a true and rare genius. Turning fashion into wearable art through Alexander McQueen's expression of the Romantic Gothic period. McQueen's fascination with the Romantic Gothic period of art and fashion could be acquired by his perception of love itself. The act of simply falling in love makes his heart skip a beat as he stated in an interview. I took very keenly to his style and being a lover and artist myself I favorite the Gothic Period. When I fall in love its with the person's mind and soul. The feeling I get when starring in their eyes; it feels like I can see their soul. True love lies within the story of two minds connecting. Love is rare; almost magical in it's rawest form. As I'm writing about love I feel the passion flowing through me and it takes me away. Love is the most powerful emotion and that is probably why Alexander McQueen used it so much.

 McQueen's work makes the audience evoke emotion and that creates a rare and unique experience through fashion. His fashion shows are more like performance art and live exhibitions than any other runway show and this excites me. Throughout Alexander McQueen's runway shows the storyline concept is so detailed it brings the audience to another era. The house of McQueen is inspired by eras in art history; Alexander McQueen always made each collection modern and innovative. A storyteller in its true form by way of bringing fashion to life. Known as the rebel of the fashion industry he truly made a mark on this industry. The level of Alexander McQueen's free expression and creative imagination is something I can only strive to meet. 

Below is a narration from curator Andrew Bolton of the Savage Beauty exhibit:

Unfortunately I was unable to attend the Savage Beauty exhibit and the book and synopsis and narration is as close I could come. I am determined to see a show from the infamous house of Alexander McQueen.

Vera Wang on Weddings

Where to begin with Vera Wang let alone her wedding gowns?! When it comes to wedding gowns her name is synonymous. Vera Wang has earned the respect of critics, readers and fashionistas alike. Her respected opinion can be due to the fact she was the youngest Vogue Editor ever.

At the age of 13 I told my mother, "I'm getting married in a Vera Wang wedding gown." I had fell head over heels in love with Vera Wang wedding gowns. In 2001 when Vera Wang came out with her book Vera Wang on Weddings I was taking a glimpse at books in the library and came across this glorious book. I borrowed this book and read it from front to back about a hundred times. Vera Wang has an elegance and grace in her style. The dresses she designs are ornate with feminine details. When wearing one you feel like a woman. The book address several categories within weddings from photography to invitations almost an overview from an editors point of view. The overview makes you think of processional and recessional and the grooms cake and types of wedding gowns.

In her book she states that women dream about this stage in their lives and before it happens its a fairytale. Every woman deserves to have their fantasies about their big day come true. All the dreams, hopes and fantasies all rely on the dress, the perfect gown makes you glow and enhances your true beauty; it embodies the brides individuality. As 13 year old me said, "I am getting married in a Vera Wang wedding gown." I realize that now more than ever her aesthetic and style spoke volumes to me as a child and still does eleven years later.


Here is a sneak peak at her latest bridal collection Witchcraft for Fall/Winter 2012-2013:

Vera Wang's Witchcraft collection is more about fashion than about bridal; it gives an interesting twist to what it means for bridal. She wanted the collection to be sensuous by using undergarment colors (nude and black). The fact that it is sensual without being overtly sexual and revealing is the power of color. The idea of witchcraft breathes an ire of mystery without being dark it still has an light and airy feeling.  The overlapping and careful placement of tulle adds elegant touches and allows the gowns to be feminine.

Vera Wang is forever evolving. No matter how many collections I have seen of hers, she still remains on trend and relevant. Looking forward to seeing more from the great mind of Vera Wang!

Bohemian Chic

Hey Loves,



My name is Mel and I’m pursing an exciting career in the Fashion industry to be more specific fashion journalism. Before I go and start rattling off blog entries about my favorite designers, make-up artists, runway shows and so on and so forth I thought I should tell you about my own style. My style is forever evolving.

Some of my latest magazine faves.

 My style is bohemian chic. I love the style I just adapt it to my curvy body type. Incorporating natural materials like wood, flowers, and feathers into my wardrobe allows me to carry my native culture with me. I am proud to be part Native American and it is therefore reflected in my style along with earth-tone colors (muted tones of grays, browns, orange, mustard, beige, and etc.) I’m attracted to clothing that is made up of mixed materials particularly a mix of lace, rayon or metal hardware. My closet is like my interests, very eclectic. It represents my laid back personality :) 

A flea market in bellisimo Firenze

The places I like to shop the most are vintage shops, flea markets, consignment shops and boutique stores. The neighborhood I reside in has quite a few of consignment and boutique stores, so I am there quite often. You have to search but it’s definitely worth the effort to get a great find. :) Each place has something special to offer; vintage shops you can definitely find something rare, flea markets there are authentic handmade products, consignment shops are the epitome of someone's trash is the next person's treasures and boutiques give you that unique find. The array of great clothing, accessories and shoes you could  find is endless and that is exactly why I spend half of my waking hours shopping. Well I gotta go, but hey that’s the life of a Fashionista on the Run.

<3, peace and harmony,

Mel