Season Finale Part Trois: Mixed Feelings

From the Left:

1. My cubicle buddies (i.e. the two other fashion interns and the beauty intern) - the most epic girl talks went on right here.

2. Nous sommes les fashionistas! I'll definitely will miss our skylight and airiness of the floor - definitely the feeling of what I want my future home to be.

3. Our internship bracelets I bought from CM. Each of us has a different colour. - some added sparkle for the holidays :)

** Mission accomplished - the Creative Director / the Editor that does all the editorial photoshoots finally complimented on something I wore. The pleated shorts - that looks like a skirt that I bought from CM. Everyone was raving over it in the office. :D

Is it the end? My darn heart won't tell me.

These three statements continued to play in my mind these past four months:

1. luck is when preparation meets opportunity - I always think about this. Whenever something spectacular happens, I think of this.

2. you got to have the drive to survive - When things get tough, when I almost can't handle it and want to cry, I think of this.

3. you won't know until you try - Whenever I feel like I doubt my decision to have come here, I've thought of this. I'm stubborn, whether that be good or bad, so I usually stick to what I've committed myself to.

I tried packing things in my two suitcases a few days ahead of my departure. I didn't finish packing up until the end - like 3 am the morning of. I even slept in a suitcase for a little bit, so I could try and compress my clothes and fit more. One of my roommates kept asking me what was wrong a few days before I had to leave. I didn't think anything was really bothering me - but somehow he could tell.

I've always known that I'm a passionate person - in life, love, in everything I do. When I like something, I love it and it's hard to let go. People may see me as a person who lacks focus, and maybe I do... I'm a bit all over the place. But, I see it as discovering who I am through the things I try, and since I try with all my might, I have no doubts to not being a half-ass and not taking things seriously. Why does life make us choose to be one person? Couldn't I be everything at once? Well... this weird feeling has developed in me - a feeling of what's next? I've gotten a taste of what it's like to be in the fashion industry.. and not sure what to do with it. Loving things so hard makes them so much more difficult to let go - I've opened these doors and don't know which ones to close. That's what I find is the real downfall of being passionate.

So living in Toronto for four months, I'm bound to develop a new wardrobe - even if I don't get paid. A fashionista will always find a way to get clothes. Try to imagine hauling 2 large suitcases, each about 80lbs, a 50 lb backpack, and a gift bag that needs to remain upright since there's pastries in it out of the condo, into the metro, out of the metro, and a 7-minute walk to work. I had 4 people help me along the journey. Who wouldn't stop to help a tiny girl, who could literally fit in one of those suitcases. I was carrying twice almost three-times my weight. Boy, I don't think I'll try that again. Don't worry, I took the taxi from work to the train station after.

The talk. I finally had a chance to talk to the editors about my future prospects in the industry. They both were very kind in saying that I was an "intern superstar". They felt that I did extremely well. I mentioned to them that I was interested in doing possibly fashion week organization - scheduling, behind the scenes, and such. And, they could not have thought of a better fit. After requesting tickets for both cities, Paris & New York (interns usually just do one), they could see how meticulous, organized, and persistent I was. I have to say, sitting at the desk and calling people internationally isn't the most glamourous or exciting thing, but possibly working for a PR firm and planning shows and actually seeing the work come alive would give me chills. The editor said I would go far in the industry and suggested I stay in Toronto.

I didn't get a chance to make that many friends beyond those I worked with while I was here. But, with those that I did work with I made some close relationships - they were the ones who I talked to about my troubles and their troubles. We became a close-knit familia.

The train ride home. I didn't know how attached I had been getting to this big city - that doesn't seem to be that big anymore. As the train left the station, I couldn't help but let my eyes well-up as I saw the big skyscrapers and bustling city move further and further from my reach. Even though I felt pretty alone here, sometimes the city would surprise me making me feel like it was keeping me company. This dream, this reality - it wasn't all perfect, fun, and dandy. It was hard work and realization that I needed to grow up. But, this internship taught me so much about myself and really was my little miracle. Both of the other interns got in through networks while I did it all by myself. In this industry, I could have never fathomed.

It's time to come home. And, as the editor said, "regroup".

Ah.. Dundas Square. This place I'll miss a lot - late nights coming from work, and bustling times filled with shoppers, performers, and events. This place always makes me feel like I'm doing something spectacular and that something out there is waiting for me...

Enjoy the holidays everyone! :)

Season Finale Part Deux: Last Weekend

One of My Uncles :)

Family Dinner. So I'm lucky to have a few relatives who live in Toronto that I can visit. They were kind enough to have an early Christmas dinner since my cousin just got back from a 10-day meditation camp and since I was leaving soon. (Yes...10-days of silence that she asked me to come along with too...) They have a 2-day kids one.. I think max I could go for that. Haha. My thoughts can be deadly sometimes - I think it has to do with the creative juices. Can't be creative without being a little insane. So yes, dinner was delicious. My uncle is a wonderful chef. I even got into a fight with my dad when I was little about how delicious my uncle's rice is. (My dad drove me to the airport saying I should fly to Toronto and go have my uncle's rice.) Haha. My uncle is such a sweet man - my aunt and him have this apartment and they have family pictures EVERYWHERE, i.e. kitchen cupboards, fridge, tv, anywhere you could fit a photo - like a family gallery.

BABYFACE

Babyface. Instead of going downtown clubbing, my roommate wanted to go to this Asian club. First time ever - there's parking for a club. As if? There was also an open-fire pit to keep people in line warm...but only the people at the front of the line! And to make things even more funny.. there was a separate line for karaoke! Well.. eventually, we convinced the bouncer after what seemed like an hour of waiting to let us three girls in, since "we drove all the way from Ottawa to get there.." (like 4 months ago! haha). So what I've realized was that Asians don't dance. Most of them just stare. We tried to have as much fun as we could nonetheless. Random people danced with us... some dude danced with me who apparently had a gf, which this other girl made blatantly obvious to him after dancing with me. (I had no clue until my friends told me after). After some guy got bashed in the head with a beer bottle and a pool of blood spilled on the ground, we left. Definitely not an epic night.

Fancy Farewell Dinner @ Trios

Farewell Dinner @ Trios. I wanted to have a fancy dinner before I left. No one seemed up to go downtown, so I found something nearby our place. Turns out this restaurant was in a hotel. There was barely anyone there.. kinda bummed out about that. But, the food was good anyways. My friend and I tried these tasters, where you can select things of the menu that are appetizer/bite-size. We had risotto (yum.. I had this on my birthday when I was in Italy earlier this year), a goat cheese dish, and calamari. My two roommates got into a fight in the middle of dinner, so that was sort of upsetting as it was my farewell dinner.. but eh.. our roommate dynamic will always be like that. I've learned to love and forgive.

This was at Pacific Mall. I haven't had sticker pictures for SO long. It's when you get the most Asian out of me - when I take these photos. Haha.

Dessert w/ Roomies @ Cafe Princess

Season Finale - Part 1: Peace Out Club

Last Shift? @ the Eaton Center

The end to extremely late night work at a mall I go in/see almost everyday since I've been here. This last shift wasn't the best note I could end on. It was a downright upsetting last note to end on. The manager was picking on me all night. One, saying I wasn't loud enough to greet the customers. Two, she was surprised that I asked to be transferred...she thought I was just leaving. Three, at close, she asked me, "Do you call this clean?" and nit-picked on everything I did. She didn't know it was my final shift.. but I don't think it would have made a difference. I don't know if she was upset that I was leaving at a busy time at the largest Club Monaco store in Canada, or that she was just having one of those days. But, boy.. was I ever glad to have finished and jetted out of there at 11:30pm. You'd think I've learned to toughen my "shell" by now...with the industry that I'm currently in, but no... it still gets to me. And yes, I did cry a little when I got home.

On a better note, the other manager - who is extremely nice, transferred me to the Club Monaco back home.

Despite all this, I'm going to bring a box of chocolates to share amongst the 100 employees that work there.

I'll definitely miss their amazing visual displays of clothes and special third-party items that only the Eaton Center carries. I'll miss the odd customer that would let me pick out outfits for them that they'd actually buy - those baller customers. And, last but not least...some of the coolest cats there are - my co-workers.

I've learned to hate selling based on productivity. But, I love when I get the chance to give my opinion on how something is worn, or what to wear with items, and picking out outfits.

Being only my second retail job, the first being the Bay in the Menswear... where I didn't necessarily have things I could buy for myself to wear, Club Monaco - I've learned the retail woes of working in a store with great clothing. You go broke. You work for your clothes. Good or bad - depends how you see it.

Let's see what CM has in store back home...

Day 76: I Feel So Bundled Up

Snow has finally reach Toronto and is here to stay for the winter! The first snowfall is always the best. Living on the 10th floor of this condo building, I get a spectacular view of the snow falling, falling, falling. Sometimes the wind blows so hard that the snow even flies upward - what a magical sight. We have a tunnel system through the underground parking lot, but I always skip it when it's fun weather like this.

Time to pull out the winter jacket, cozy sweaters, and warm boots. It's a great time to layer, but the vast difference in weather between the subway station and outside compares to being a hot spring in the subway while being all bundled up. That's why we just sit there like melting snowmen until the stop comes. Have I ever been so excited to run outside in the freezing cold...

Speaking of cold weather... our editor is leaving for Miami in a few days. I wonder what she'll bring to wear. ~~~ Parkas or bikinis!

My nice Japanese phone, which is white, which is the reason why I bought it has finally met it's last call/text message. Great...JUST before my internship ends, and when the white iPhone4 hasn't come out yet.. which I doubt will (it'd be a waste of effort since iPhone5 is only to come out in another 6 months). So, I have to cave in and get the black iPhone4, but there aren't any even available at Fido Stores for the past half week.

After being upset at getting a $350 phone bill for the past month, I got fed up and called customer service. Originally, this mean lady only gave me a $30 credit, and the next day the retention dude said he couldn't reopen it. Today, I got another $50 credit, but I think that's all I'll be able to get. Never have I ever gotten such attitude and poor service from a company. 1. They're inconsistent from agent to agent as to what the rules are. 2. They don't clarify things - and expect you to know the rules right off the bat. 3. They don't understand the motto "Customers are always right." Anywho, I hate negotiating things, but I think that's substantial to help me out. Both my roommates said I didn't sound angry enough - but I thought I sounded PRETTY irate. Gonna work on that... I also negotiated a 3-year contract in advance for the iPhone4 I want to purchase. Here's the plan:

Voice - $25

• 200 daytime minutes
• Unlimited Evening (starting at 5pm) & Unlimited Weekends
• Unlimited Fido-to-Fido calling --> I hope there's a lot of you out there...
• 2500 text messages
• Caller ID & Voicemail (a must have for some reason since I got my first phone)

Data - $30

• 6 GB (not offered to new customers)

What do you think? Did I rob a bank? Or just stole a candy?

_______________

Last weekend:

One-of-a-Kind Show. My roommate and I went to this artisan event held at the Exhibition Place. The best part of it was actually the ride there (you have to take a streetcar from Union Station but it goes underground... so cool!) and the food. There was lots of jewelry, furs, wacky clothing (which the model intern did runway shows for, for the whole week), and art. But, the food was great to try - especially when it was getting to dinner time, and I was super hungry.

Black Swan. This movie sucked the life out of me. SO INTENSE! It originally played at the TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival). My roommate really wanted to see it, and it was only playing in ONE theatre in all of Toronto for a limited release. The Saturday show was sold out, so we went to see it on Sunday. It was one of the most amazing, dark, suspenseful, and disturbing yet beautiful movies I've seen. Natalie Portman really shines in comparison to the minor characters in the movie. I couldn't help but fall in love with the dress she wears to the party where they announce her as the main role. All the costumes were done by Rodarte - bravo! At the end of the movie, you'll want to wear cashmere everything AND you'll want to kill yourself. Haha.

Day 73: Perfection on a Budget

Black, Black, Black, Black

TGIF. I was pretty much on my own today at the office. So, with all our duties complete, I cleaned this area in front of my cubicle. The editor-in-chief of our magazine asked me to move all the archived magazines at the corner of her area to that section. But how to organize all the magazines with no shelving system available and a zero-dollar budget? Easy-peasy.. I found those cardboard boxes that you buy bulk computer paper in. And since you know those boxes fit letter size, it was perfect for the magazine! And somehow I arranged them so that it would fit PERFECTLY in the little nook on top of the drawer unit. How lucky is that? I felt so proud of my little cleaning project... haha. silly of me, neh?

Today was the photography intern's last day. He has a happy ending - leaving to Holland to join the photography team from our magazine. How great is that? Congrats to him. Though I didn't get to know him that well, we had a jolly good time emailing about contacts together.

Club Encounter. Yet another man approached me on my Wednesday shift of greeting. At least this time he wasn't as serious and didn't get all up in my face. I'm glad I'm so tired by the time I work at Club ... that way half the time I'm not even listening/caring about what he has to say. Though, he did blurt racial and sexual remarks. Why me...

Wen-Do. This week was my last class of self-defence. As our finale, we had the option of breaking a board. How could I pass this up? Here's the result of my hammerfist (Hiyah!):

Imagine This Was Your Face

I really hope I don't have to ever use what I've learned, but if I do, I hope I still remember and that it actually works. >.<>

I Want to Be Your Rocketeer

On Saturday, I worked at Club Monaco for their morning to afternoon shift. It's been a while since I've worked a full 5 hours on the floor. And, this time it was the craziest busy, and I was placed at the front (which I feel is a prestigious role since you're with all the new merchandise) for the whole time. EXCEPT for the first hour - I was engaging, i.e. greeting people. So, I really enjoy greeting people because 1. I get to people watch outside the store, 2. Be alone with my thoughts when there's nothing to do because otherwise I'd just be standing there, and 3. I get to see what people are wearing when they enter the store. Well, NOT this time. This time, YES at 10 AM in the morning, a.. most likely drunken scary looking man approached me and started talking about the most vulgar, sexual things. I thought he'd eventually back off but came closer and closer. He asked for my number and when I was working next. OBVIOUSLY, I didn't tell him anything.. but as he left he asked for a hug and I took a huge step back and he went to slap me on the bum but missed and hit me on the thigh. NEVER have I felt so violated before. Men can be such creeps sometimes. He left and then came back later looking for me, but no real harm was done. The rest of the day was filled with busy American Thanksgiving discount shoppers. The mall was packed! Glad I was going home before the mad mad rush.

My brother was in town. So he came to visit me. We went to Yorkdale Mall - which has the most AWESOME christmas light display. I took a video. Post it soon~ And, then we had dinner @ Ten Ren on HW7. It's the biggest in Toronto? All their food is made with tea, ex. tea drenched chicken. Food was pretty good. I really liked the soup. I'm starting to love soup - because my parents make soup all the time. I used to complain about drinking it... but now I know what's good has always been there.

Raptors Vs Hawks @ ACC

Today, I went to the Raptors vs. Atlanta basketball game @ the ACC (Air Canada Centre). My friend's friend won tickets for the executive suite box seats! Besides have a really good private view and private bathroom, the suite included: all you can eat catering, snacks, AND open bar. They EVEN had dragon fruit. They also had this menu with JUST ice cream (Hagen Daaz & Drumsticks). HEAVEN! Don't worry.. when I got home, I went to the gym for an hour. Though, that didn't help much because the HD ice cream cone was 340 calories. D:

Only 3 weekends left before my internship ends.

We finally got some snow in Toronto <3.

Next week, holiday hours start, so I'll be working at Club Monaco until 11:30 instead of 11pm. Zonk.

Day 66: Home Early for Once

Perks of working until 11pm @ the Eaton Center

(I got a secret preview of the famous Christmas tree; carolers were rehearsing for the Santa Claus parade too - like a private performance. How lovely~)

Work is per usual. We gettin' our shatz done. We're getting speedier and speedier every issue. And, I actually enjoy emailing the PR people for things and putting in some personal comments here and there that go beyond work. Our cubicle really has become our own; it's going to feel weird to pass it along to another three interns in a matter of a month.

So since I wasn't in Toronto over the weekend, I missed a bunch of fun events. There was the Santa Claus parade...The one I actually really wanted to be at was the Lanvin for H&M launch. Every so often, H&M does a collaboration with high-end designers to make a select few pieces for an affordable price that everyday people can purchase. Mind you, Lanvin dresses go for a few thousand. These pieces were priced at around $200-400? Here's a promo video of the collection that was launched (and probably sold in seconds):

Day 64: Finally Hailed a Cab

Ode Club Monaco Outfits

From left to right:

Look 1: Iman shirt, Fabian chinos

Look 2: Devon shirt (yes, this was from the men's side...but it's so soft!)

Look 3: Nina scoop back top (one of my faves)

Look 4: Julie turtleneck (part of my gifted outfit), last year's skirt

Over the weekend, I discovered wine & beer make me drowsy. It's been the first experience I've had where things get blurry and I can't walk in a straight line. I FINALLY understand that MADD commercial where they use those wine glasses to impair the driver's vision to show you what it looks like through a drunk person's eyes. I have never felt so drowsy after drinking alcohol. It's like I was in a random state of existence. Trippy.

I went back to Ottawa... it was sort of a last minute thing. I didn't tell anyone that I was going back, so those who did see me - you should feel special. And, those who didn't see me, you're still special - but I'm sad I didn't get to see you. One of the reasons I went back is because I was inducted to the International Golden Key Honour Society. Wasnt' that big of a deal... but I paide $100 for the lifetime membership, so I figured I'd and grace them with my attendance... jkjk. It turned out to be only a 10 minute gathering. Waste. There was also a Begin2Believe event that I was helping with photography. I've been so lucrative with my leave Ottawa for Toronto, that some old friends didn't even know until now. My bad. Ottawa was chilly, but still the place I love.

The magazine cycle is starting to pick up now. Slowly but surely. I started the day by packing last minute things for the editorial 17-page spread photoshoot that's going on for the next two days. The shoot is being spread throughout Toronto and the GTA. We took a taxi to the trailer to pass along stuff. It was a nice break from sitting in the office all the time. Later on in the day, they needed some things to be packed up for a local designer, so again, hit the taxis and head over to a new location, packed things up, and headed to the designer's studio. First time being in a designer's studio... kind of fun. We actually got to meet the designer, which was super awesome. I didn't know what to say...the other intern said, "Hey, nice to meet you. I really like your clothes." And, all I said was, "Hi, we talked on the phone..." Oh god...how embarrassing. Ah well. I really want to be on set for one of the editorial shoots before my internship is done. Please?

So pretty much, I'm scheduled every week on Monday nights at Club Monaco guaranteed. This week, maybe they put me on a Sat instead of the Wed because I sold like $500 worth of clothes to this lady last week. I'm starting to get the hang of their sales tactics (i.e. sweet talking). I sealed the deal for a scarf this man wanted by : a)mentioning it as a sale item b) the colour complimenting both his hair and eyes. Haha. Oh this feels wrong.~ But I was telling the truth. Anywho... I think this manager has beef with me ever since I asked him about my gifted outfit and he snapped at me saying, "Kristy, not to be disrespectful, but this is the least of my problems." Sigh. I don't like being on people's bad side. And today, he forgot about my half hour break, and made me take it after close (meaning I had no where to go but stay in the breakroom). Adding Club Monaco to my plate has really made me test myself as to whether I can handle stress, fatigue, and stamina. I feel like I'm subconsciously testing myself to see where my limits are. We'll see if I go crazy soon enough.

Looking forward to the Pandora event going on later this week. :)

More Than Half Way Mark

Publication for the winter issue has been long done. We pretty have been sitting and doing nothing for the past month. But, it's given me time to reflect and think about the future.

Should I:

1. Go back to Ottawa (start my masters research)
2. Apply to UBC for their Operations Research masters?
3. Stay in Toronto - try to assist a stylist (no clue how to start there)
4. New York? I saw some postings for finance jobs in clothing companies
5. Try another internship? - probably not since I'd have no money left
6. Find a job in Toronto (this man I met in a carpool said he'd try to help me find one)

I don't really know if I love fashion as much to make it a career. It's hard to say with the internship since the tasks we've been doing aren't really what I'd be doing for a career. I haven't decided if it's that I really just like buying clothes OR I really just love clothes? The events are glamorous no doubt. And what better things to get for free, but clothes, bags, and accessories? One thing I'm sure of: I'm glad I picked this internship. It hasn't been as much as I've expected, but I've taken it as something that's made me live my life a little bit more than I could have before. I'm still that naive Ottawa-ian but more stylish and confident in who I am.

So far, it's looks as if the end date will be Dec 23. Bummer.

Last Week's Busiest Week So Far Recap

On Sunday. I finally met up with my friend who really made me start this all - an opportunity in the fashion industry. We were coworkers back in Ottawa. One day, when the store was dead, he asked me: "Why aren't you in fashion? Every time I see you on the computer, you're looking at clothes." That's what kind of gave a nudge into the direction of where I am now. How crazy is that? That I was going to just randomly apply for the internship and actually get in. Weird how the world works. So yah, it was great to catch up with him and see where he was at in terms of his aspirations.

Day 45. I couldn't remember much more than just keeping my eyes open as I folded clothes and cleaned at Club Monaco that night after my internship. But somehow I made it through. I usually can't sleep for another hour or so when I get home from outside... so it felt even longer. Thank goodness, the magazine let me come in at noon, since the week has been pretty dead in terms of things to do. The thing that sucked was because I left so late from work, the subway only ran northbound halfway to where I needed to be. The manager at Club said it should be still running, and if anything they would pay for a taxi ride home. Well no, it wasn't running all the way up... I ended up taking a shuttle bus half way, which took a long ass time. Not only that, there was a creepazoid man that just HAD to sit beside me out of all the empty seats. Bummer.

Day 46. I'm still pretty tired at this point, but I promised my niece (my cousin's daughter) to this self-defence class at night. They told some pretty empowering stories that I think will stick with me for the rest of my life. And, so womanly defence moves. (I tried this later on my brother... and it didn't work. -.-)

Day 47. Today at Club, the regional manager was coming. I was given warning during orientation that you need to look your best when they come, i.e. girls need to wear heels. So being a tiring week already, I was looking forward to standing in heels for 3 hours after 7 hours of work. Great. Turns out? I was assigned to back stock. Bahaha. It was fun. Met some new characters for sure.

Day 48. I left work early! My roommate's friend was in town and was leaving that day. Who wouldn't take an offer for a ride! We got home just in time for me to have dinner with the fam. And rejoice in my much missed room for some long awaited sleep.

Level 3 Spookifier

Halloween Haunt @ Wonderland

Halloween Haunt @ Wonderland. I've never gone to the haunt at Wonderland - I had to...even in the pouring rain. Luckily, the fog from the park protected us from the rain? because it subsided by the time we got in the park. The closest thing to a haunt I've been on is the CHILLS for CHEO, where a CHEO dream home is decorated to spook and scare. I was pretty hyped up for the event and ready to hear my heart pump faster. Wonderland is changed into a ghoulish atmosphere by changing their water fountains into eerie red liquid (via cool lighting) and is decorated with webs, cemeteries, and spooky monsters lurking all over. *Yawn* My rating for the scare factor was a 3 out of 10. There were so many people lined up that sometimes you would know what to expect from the people screaming in front of you... but I tried to leave a longer gap between the people in front and I. No matter, it wasn't scary. Weird thing was each maze we went into a monster would always try to follow me at some point. Guess I know the kind of people I attract...

Beyond the haunted mazes, we couldn't pass up going on the infamous Wonderland rides. If it wasn't spooky fright, then why not try some "heighted-fear." Behemoth - the largest and tallest ride in Canada. We had to crack this whip first. It was definitely the best fun and fear of the night. Even though it says it closes at midnight, we didn't leave until 12:30 - 1am. Guess the park knew that everyone was delayed because of the rain. We drove to MacDonald's because we were oh so hungry... and ended up waiting in line there LONGER than any of the rides/mazes. Ironic.

Upcoming next week...

Monday - having a 15-hour work day. 10-5 internship; 5-1am Club Monaco. (can you believe it? ... it's called a "power close".)

Tuesday - I registered for Wendo: a self-defence workshop for women my cousin referred me to

Wednesday - 13-hour work day. 10-5 internship; 6-11pm Club Monaco

Thursday - heading home at night; got Friday off.

Friday - partying in big O!

**P.S. those partying in da club... try to find me! bet you can't ;) I'm not giving any clues on my costume.

Day 43: We Don't Belong In Here...

LG Fashion Week

So yesterday, when we (the fashion interns) were leaving the LG Fashion Week venue, the photography intern just happened to be outside. He took our photo (how nice). Unexpectedly, this morning, we receive and email from him with the photo attached AND notifying us that it's also on a blog in Holland called Team Peter Stigter. We appear in both the main revolving photo screen on the homepage and also in the Toronto Streetwear Day 3 category. (Try and find us!) I couldn't have worn the plainest thing that day... and we seriously don't belong in either of the sections (just look at the previous photo and photo after ours... it becomes really evident). We had a good laugh about it.

At night, my older cousin invited me over to her place for dinner. She's super vegan and has a holistic lifestyle. I prepared myself with the lack of meat by eating leftover Bulgogi from yesterday's Korean dinner I had with my other cousin. Meal was delicious and not quite as extreme as I had envisioned. My older cousin then took me to a meditation talk. It was in a little store that sold things for spirtuality, like books, cd's, scents... The talk was about different types of meditation and how it can better yourself in becoming more you. A little strange to say/think about, but it made sense. The speaker talked about how we get so caught up with the hustle & bustle of life that we become distant with our conscious selves. We did a little group mini meditation in our circle. It was interesting to learn about but there was so much to absorb that I got lost near the end. My cousin plans to do a meditation excursion for 10 days, where you eat vegan and meditate for 10-days straight. You can't move either... only during breaks and for eating your 2 meals a day. That means... no washroom .. only during breaks!

After that, we got a message from my younger cousin that her fiancee got a free night at the Hyatt on King Street West. So, my older cousin, her family, and I went to go snoop this place out. It was SO modern/classy. And, the view was spectacular. My cousin had some troubles adding her name to the guest reservation because it was under financee's. He told them about their difficulties and upgraded them to the DIRECTOR Suite on the highest floor - 20th!! So how much would you say a director suite in downtown core of Toronto could go for? $1200 smackeroos. The showers even have power jets from the sides. I think I'd take a chair and just sit in there for a few hours.

From Left to Right: view / cool floating couch / the suite / the lobby or lounge area

Day 42: The House of Groves

It was one of the editor's birthday today. I went an another errand adventure and bought her a birthday card + present. The other editor gave me some money and off I went. She told me to buy a card and cookies from Mrs. Fields. Buying a card for someone I don't really know - not as hard as I thought. Since we are in a fashion magazine, I just found a card that had a jacket on it with a price tag that said $Yikes. When you open it, it says "Not a day to be practical. Happy birthday." I totally agree...haha. As for the cookies, turns out Mrs. Fields sells cookie cakes. These large cookies that can be personalized. I got a cookie card for her and a few cookies. No clue what kind of cookie she likes, so hopefully she's not picky. Oh, and since the spelling of her name isn't the usual way, I called our reception to double-check. Wouldn't that be horrible as an intern to mispell the editor's name? What a nightmare that would be...

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Our days this past week have slowed down for sure. We've finished most of our tasks for the Winter issue, so all that is left is some maintenance work, i.e. cleaning the closet and filing lookbooks. Lucky enough, Toronto LG Fashion Week is this week for Spring 2011 collections. I wanted to volunteer for the event, but by the time I thought of it, it was too late to register. The two editors we work under though, gave us their media passes to go see a show and take notes. We took a taxi to the Heritage Court at the Exhibition Place (where the CNE is held and other entertainment venues year-round) and saw The House of Groves by Jennifer Waters. It was a presentation, but great nonetheless. The clothes were neutral tones and seer-sucker with splashes of coral for daywear and black intricate designs of classics for evening. All hair was done so it looked naturally windblown with moderate volume. Natural makeup. A well, put-together show for an LG Fashion first-timer.

Day 40: First Day at Club Monaco

What a long day that was. I had 13-hour workday. 10-5 fashion internship, and then 6-11pm Club Monaco.

What I wore:

- Julie grey turtleneck

- CM gold ring

- Bianca black/white checkered skirt

- thigh high black socks

- black flats

(I wasn't sure if I could wear the skirt, since it was last winter Club Monaco, but they seemed fine with it)

I was a bit worried with what I wore. They're strict on things like, you have to wear flats that are plain, i.e. no bows, no sequins, no studs. The visual manager even said I can't wear patent, which is a shiny black.

Men's Back. I spent a good portion of my shift there - folding clothes and helping customers, per usual in a retail setting. There database system for looking up clothing stock in other stores is pretty neat too. I spent my 15 min break eating what I had brought as my dinner. This was probably 7 hours after my last meal.

Engaging. This is what they call the greeter. You stand at the front of the store, and make conversation/greet entering customers. I liked looking across the hall into other stores and seeing passer-byers. I had a big smile, so most people smiled back. I got a few hi's even though they weren't going in. But then!!!.... from a distance, I saw a familiar face. Could it be? But, an Ottawian. Yes! I was kind of having a stressful first day.. trying to learn the ropes, so it was definitely nice to see that surprise. Turns out he is here for the week for some consulting @ Deloitte. The company flew him over and he's staying @ the Mariott downtown. How lucky is he? I want to be able to fly around the world on business trips too. Too bad though, thought I'd have some more friends in Toronto to hang out with. I really wish I could just move all of Ottawa into Toronto for 4 months. I'd be good after that.

Closing. My shift ended at 11pm, but Eaton Center closes at 9pm, which means we closed for 2 hours. We tried to refold everything and sized (put piles of clothes from XS in order to XL), and spaced (moved the hangers on the rack so they were evenly spaced). As if, a store needs to be that perfect. But anywho, I was pretty beat after that. One of the other employees ended up taking the same subway back towards north, and he chatted with me telling me a few things to watch out for. The employees are all really nice... managers on the other hand.. a few to watch out for.

Day 35: Home Sweet Home

Hello Ottawa! Thanksgiving weekend = I get off work at 1pm. Originally, I wanted to come back to Ottawa on Thursday night, but they couldn't let me take Friday off since the other intern is still in Spain (by the way, I got a postcard from her! Espana~ Wish I was there, too). I'm looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and of course, TURKEY DINNER!

I took a carpool back to Ottawa. But, this carpool was pretty legit since it was my dad's friend who organizes it with some other people who have family back in Ottawa that visit them every weekend or so. So remember when Nortel was super big in Ottawa, but then it's stocks turned to pennies and a bunch of people got laid-off? Have you ever wondered what happened to all these engineers? --- They all went to AMD in Toronto. That's where my dad's friend went along with a hundred and some other Ottawian Nortel workers. So there seems to be a lot of AMD people who commute back and forth from Ottawa. Good for me. The ride was LONG though. They wanted to take the shortest distance, HWY 7, but it took longer because the speed limit is lower. How long did it take? 5 FREAKING hours... and a bit. I told them I could drive back to Toronto on Monday if they wanted... and told them it takes me 3.5 hours to get to downtown Toronto. Haha.

Look for updates for my adventures back home! And those of you reading this now and want to hang out with me/see me, please call me! You know my number ;).

Day 33: Clubbing In & Out

So we're down to two women on this fashion internSHIP. Hoohaa.. what a horrible pun. But anyways, this week, our editor, whom we get instructed from took the week off and the other intern is still in Spain. Not to worry though, we're getting our stuff done like speedy little beavers.

Besides work, I've become a stylist... for Club Monaco! Yesterday we had our "on-boarding", which is basically orientation. I've never had to fill out so many papers for a job.. I think there were 30! After filling the papers, we watched a 30 minute (but felt like 1 hour) long video about AP (Asset Protection) and prevention. By then, it was 9:00PM. (And remember.. I'm in for work at 9AM). After that, we had to help out for the FLIP, which is when the store changes their layout for new merchandise. The new staff all went to help re-organize the sale section - what a nightmare! It looked just like our 3 merchandise closets in the magazine when all sample requests have arrived. I met a few rad people there. There was also this other guy that was in my group interview that made it - not the really cool stylish Asian guy - this British hair stylist.

Some things I found out about CM:

1. Ralph Lauren tookover in 1999
2. There's things called Chat-ins where you are tested at the start of each shift your knowledge of promotions/sales/new info
3. Appearance is really strict. (neutral nail polish for girls, must be approved for wearing things that aren't CM, only allowed riding boots that are all black if you choose to wear boots... etc.)
4. Toronto CM has 3rd items - like Ray Bans, Belle Sigerson flats... and more to come.
5. Some great perks for employee discount/benefits.

Day 29: Friday / Scotiabank Nuit Blanche

Friday. Another Friday gone. This Friday, we were rewarded some goodies. Our supervisors/the editors thought that since we working so hard that we deserved some appreciation. The other intern (the 3rd intern is still away in Spain) and I split the bag of randos. Here's what I ended up with:

• Lancome - tresor eau de parfum 50mL
• Cromweel Cruthers - shaving oil for sensitive skin 15mL
• Dermatologica - precleanse 150mL
• Hot Paws - black toque
• Aya Accessories - eagle with wing purple sunglasses by Corrine Hunt
• Banana Republic - tie dye short sleeve open cardigan with 2 front pockets (barley+cream)
• Sugarlime - sterling silver & Swarovski crystal necklace
• Sugarlime - sterling silver earring and necklace set
• Sugarlime - 14kt gold earring and necklace set
• Sugarlime - 14 kt gold triple hoop earrings
• Sugarlime - sterling silver crop Swarovski crystal earrings
• Sugarlime - $10 off your next purchase of $50 x 3

>>> Zone B Exhibit 1: Later That Night At the Drive-In @ Nathan Philips Square<<<

On Saturday, a few of us went to the Scotiabank Nuit Blanche event. This event displays all sorts of different art all around downtown for the WHOLE night. The event starts at 7PM and ends at sunrise. The downtown core was FILLED with people... like Ottawa's Canada Day. Some streets were blocked off and some dumb cars dared to drive downtown. Though, I tried to yell at those drivers who had their windows down to tell them that there was no point of waiting and to just turn around. There was lots of different sorts of art I saw, like chess being played with sound effects/music in the background in an auditorium, random couples dancing by feeling the music on Dundas square, a firefly-like light display, film projections... but my favourite was the overhead images/graphics displayed on screens that were upside-down, right-side up, sideways... any which way you would have to position your body to view them in the right orientation. They had music playing to this too. This display was at the Nathan Phillips Square. I would highly recommend you explore some new art and try this event if you ever happened to be in the neighbourhood. It was fun to try...though the night got pretty cold. We were lucky enough to catch the last subway going home.

>>> Red Pepper, Mushroom, and Salmon Alfredo Pasta a la Kristy <<<

Day 28: Food and Shopping Day

>>> Lunch @ Six Steps <<<

Yesterday, I went into work and broke my fever there. I also cut my finger on a shard of glass that came from my roommate's plate that I dropped by accident and tried to pick up since we have no broom...but a Swiffer. Today, I'm feeling a bit better... but the pseudo hacking cough is starting. The day was CRAZY filled and busy. The sales intern, whom I met at the Nine West event, helped me come up for air by bringing me to Six Steps Restaurant at Church & Colbourne. It was a tres fancy place for us youngins, but we had this gift card for the place..s'all good. We didn't know how much it was, but we bought enough for lunch. I had sweet peppers & sausage on flatbread, and she had a pita. Oh yah, and my dish came with fries, and they had the MOST AWESOME fries.. they were extra crispy.. and somehow the oil tasted real good. We didn't end up finishing it all, so we got these dainty Chinese take-out boxes! But, since we didnt' know how much was on the gift card, they said they couldn't give us back the money OR give us another gift card..???... so we ended up tipping them like a good $16 for a $35 meal. Wish I was the server getting that tip!

So, the second half of the day, I FINALLY got to go for a pull. One of the editors needed some pieces for a web shoot tomorrow. There was no time to go to the regular stores on Bloor, so she asked one of us interns to go get some items she described on a list at the Eaton Center (it's like a 5-6 min walk from our building). She wanted to do some pulls from BCBG & Townshoes. Well, with BCBG, they required a credit card to put the items on loan on... but I went wild! I found 7 hot dresses... that I hope she'll pick a few from. As for Townshoes, it was easy enough to get everything... I especially like the navy ankle boots I got. Oh MAN, if that was only my purchases. The dresses had to be in a size 2... that's TOTALLY my size..! haha. Well.. one of these days when I hit it big, maybe? Some people were staring at the amount of shopping bags I was carrying, as if I was some loaded shopaholic, but no... just an intern. Hehe.

>>> Salade a la Kristy <<<

My gourmet salad for dinner!

PS. My two supervisors left a bag of goodies for the other intern and I for all the hard work we've done. I've yet to check it out, as the day was too busy! Keep you guys updated tomorrow, as to what may lie inside! Stay tuned...

Day 26: My name in lights... I mean on glossy paper.

Woke up sick with a cold. Yesterday, I thought I just had a frog in my throat, but it turned out worse than I thought. Well, this will be the real challenge being away from home - taking care of myself while I'm sick. Sigh. Growing up is overrated. Things weren't panning out today...and that definitely kept in correspondence to the weather:

1. I am sick.
2. It rained all day.
3. It rained especially hard walking to my interview; there were peaks of sunshine when I got back...
4. Some more denials from Paris FW offices for ticket requests.
5. The headphones I delivered yesterday were not delivered until today...and I had to re-route the shipper.
6. A company that was supposed to receive an issue of the magazine for the past two months had yet to receive their copy.
7. My lunch spilled out.

Out of all the drabbiness of the day, I left it on a high. Check it out everyone - the November Issue:

Here's an update on how my life has changed since I moved away from home.

Things I've learned so far:
> eating healthier
> the ability to sleep in public settings (i.e the subway)

> not being afraid of exploring new things.

Day 24: Work to Play

>>> Hot Day, Hotter Night <<<

Another long day before...at work super tired. Even worse, one of the interns got sick, so we were down one woman. Not to worry, everything still got done nonetheless. Friday was supa hot! My one last chance to wear sandals out! Paris PR's are liars! They told me seat confirmations would be ready for Friday, but now they're pushing it back once again till Monday. I gotta go in early on Monday again... darn that time difference. On my break, I called Club Monaco. I've got a second interview Tuesday @ noon. Meanwhile, I tried to look for a top for clubbing since I have no clubbing clothes. I didn't end up getting any clubbing tops, but I did find a nice floral jacket. I was tempted to buy a black lace skirt with nude undertone - I have this lace and nude phase craze.

Purchase List

Forever21 - floral 3/4 length jacket with rusted gold sequins $35.90

HOOKMEUP.TO presents: College/University Party @ XS Shock Fridays. My first clubbing experience in Toronto. I went with my friend and friends of a friend. I don't know... it's not really what it's hyped up to be. The most amazing clubs/house mix I've seen/heard was in Vegas. Hard to top that, eh? Well still...XS had two large lines, one for bottle service and one for not. Luckily my friend new someone there and we got free VIP bracelets to this upstairs room. (Even so, the upstairs room STANK..it was full of leather coaches, but the floors looked SO dirty and I'm pretty sure someone puked on the ground). And...one of the washrooms was a sight for sore eyes! The door swung open and brace yourselves ... I saw like red/orange stuff splattered all over the toilet bowl. I'm surprised that didn't make me vomit then and there. I saw this really hot girl in a high school costume (one of the paid dancers). I saw a lot of Asian guys but not many girls... weird. I met up with the promoter I met in Ottawa, too. He said, "You're too cute to have a boyfriend." What's that supposed to mean? Anyways, best part of the night? I'd say my skirt. I just got it in the mail. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. I think I'll wear it to the interview. Were you guys expecting any other answer?...this is a fashion blog don't forget! I didn't get home until around 3:30AM and woke up at 7:30AM. Weird. My body is playin' with me.