The City of Lights.

my thoughts as we were on the plane coming back from Paris. (only 3 days late)

Being in Paris the last 5 days has been a truly life-changing experience. It was more incredible than I ever could have anticipated. I am returning to Florence more inspired, more driven & more wonder-filled. I think I'm starting to feel the gravity of my semester in Europe; how truly blessed I am to have this opportunity. I am choosing to humbly call myself one of the fortunate few. I don't want to take any of this for granted, I don't want to waste a single moment. I am so grateful for our trip to Paris.

I think the biggest take-away from this trip has been inspiration. I am learning to look at everything as potential. Seeing all of the different facets of the world with open eyes and remembering to take it all in. Take notes, take pictures. Capture everything that captivates you.

All of the different things we did contribute to my new awe-filled perspective. Premiere Vision & Trend Union were obviously astounding and gave me more information than I can even hope to process. Being able to see & touch the fabrics and colors and trends for Autumn/Winter 2014/15 was a treat, and seeing the images that reflect where style is heading in Spring 2015 was just freaking awesome.The exhibit of discovering the inner parts of costume & textiles was fascinating and it was so amazing to see the way current designers are portraying the inspiration. The demonstration on Grès technique was not only informative, but flooring. The true talent that goes into the art of fashion is quite incredible.

Outside of the group visits, I am also blessed to have been able to take in so many other bits & pieces unique to this magnificent city. People-watching and taking street-style photos was more satisfying than anywhere else I've ever been. Seeing the way people interact & express themselves is quite wonderful in Paris. Musèe Branly provoked me to think about textiles as a craft; something that is not new but merely redeveloped. Seeing the unique African antiques was a privilege. The boat tour we took on the first day we got there prompted me to think about the strong ties between a city's architecture & the culture of its people. Parisian facades are more astounding that any picture could dare to reproduce. Then being able to actually walk around Champs Elysèes and climb the Arc de Triomphe gave me an entirely new prospective. What a view! Picnicking at the park at the foot of the Eiffel Tower was so sweet! Then experiencing the City of Lights in the night hours was phenomenal. I absolutely adore city lights in the evening and that was the icing on the cake of a very long, yet worthwhile, second day! Figuring out the metro system on my own fills me with contentment. Very simple for the most part, with some patience-testing moments here and there, I feel like I definitely refined my directional skills. I am accomplished! Being able to briskly walk through the Louvre was nice. I was on my own schedule, I saw what I went there to see. Honestly, sitting on a bench across from the seated scribe was one of my favorite moments. One of the most prominent & influential Egyptian sculptures (and my personal favorite) left me so fulfilled. My heart was an overflow of joy and contentment. However, it's definitely necessary to plan another trip here someday. It would have been nice to take my time the Italian Renaissance paintings. And finally, Versailles. The Palace is immensely ornate. And oh, how I do love floral prints! Seeing the Queen's room was the ultimate for fellow lovers of intricate, delicate floral tapestry. The gardens were stunning! And the light pale blue & white color scheme of Marie Antoinette's cottage inspired me so much. I was awestruck at the attention to detail - especially when thinking about the preservation. The mere fact that these works were up kept for me to experience is something I marvel at.

In short, I could not have dreamt up a better way to spend these past 5 days in Paris! I am truly looking forward to sketching new ideas & dreaming bigger dreams upon my return to Florence. Bonsoir, au revoir!!!

Of course, I've been flooded with school work since returning to Florence. I haven't posted any pictures yet, but keep refreshing Facebook for a new album! (it's gonna be big guys... I took SO MANY pictures!)

xox

a wandering heart

I feel like I'm struggling to know whats real truth and what this world is telling me. It started with this post I saw on Pinterest yesterday (yes I'm aware I go on that website far too often). "Your 20s are your selfish years...fall in and out of love just because you can." Boy doesn't that just sound wonderful. To be selfish and to live for yourself and to make your own mistakes simply because they're the mistakes you need to make. To be foolish instead of wise, to live freely abandoning all regard for the world. 

But who the hell actually wants to live like that? Who wants to be selfish and only concerned about their next move or their next tomorrow? Who wants to live in a way where they're not going to learn from the mistakes they make? Instead of really letting each lesson soak in, it would be better to keep making the same mistakes? Who wants to live without being merely aware of their neighbor? Forget the fact that there's close to 8 billion people on this planet, each with their own stories and struggles, at least have some concern for your neighbor! 

We gotta starting living like we're dying. We need to soak in each day and each moment and be a people who are loving towards everyone just as much as we love ourselves. As far as I'm concerned, each of us only have one life. What a waste it would be to only care about yourself.

I definitely think there is a time and place to act freely. I know I'm definitely more of a planner. Not a control freak, but I like plans and organized schedules. I like having an outline to follow. So it's hard for me to think in this concept of freedom, just letting things be as they are. But I do believe there is a time and place for everything. Even Ecclesiastes 3 talks about this topic. Since I've only recently allowed myself to explore this concept of living without so much analysis, I've stumbled into a situation that I've found myself lingering on. It's something I would definitely say I regret. I think we all know the phrase that goes something like "live without regrets because at the time it was exactly what you wanted." Well that's never been my philosophy. I constantly feel the need to think with a futuristic (and eternal) mindset. Which, my friends, is a gift that I treasure. Many people my age (like the aforementioned Pinterest quote) are too concerned about the present moment and their current desires. However, my friend Cassie spoke this simple little truth into my life the other night and it's shattering my visions and ideas. I think it's something good for us all to here.

Nothing is not a waste of time. The time you invest in a person that doesn't end up working out only solidifies what you do believe and where you do stand. Each person from your romantic past is a lesson. Bitterness and anger aside, each attempted partner gives you an image of what you DO want instead of what you've experienced that you don't like. My future husband is going to be a perfect fit for me because I have a better idea of who I'm looking for. 

No one is a waste of time. 

I'm learning not to be bitter. Not to be so concerned with the details that I can't enjoy simplicity anymore. Gosh I sound like such a seven but its true. I plan things to a tee, with so much technicality in my thought process that I just don't enjoy life's small pleasures anymore. Yet I'm learning a good discipline: be a wanderer. Take it slow and really experience everything. Walk fast, drink your coffee slower, really listen to who you're having a conversation with. Ask questions simply because you're curious. Be fascinated, be captivated. Never be afraid to hit pause. Of all people, trust me when I say that I understand how hard that is. Slowing down is not my forte. Especially looking to start a career in fast fashion, putting on the breaks really seems like the opposite of what I should be doing. However, I do know that there are so many rewards awaiting me if I can just find a way to yield. And since I started with a Pinterest quote, I have to end with a Pinterest quote.

"Once she stopped rushing through life, she was amazed how much more life she had time for."

<3

Tre Settimane in Europa!!!

Well here we are, folks. The middle of my third week in Italy in the midst of the second week of classes. It is so difficult to think that I've only been here for such a short amount of time. It feels as if we have already become locals- although I'm sure the true Italians would beg to differ. It already seems like second nature to go to the mercato centrale every 3 days, and finding our way through the city is a breeze. This city feels so small already; once you know the main streets you can really find your way anywhere without a map. And I'm pretty sure I'm never coming home. I could eat pasta and mozzarella and fresh tomatoes and gelato and canoli and drink wine all day, every day. And it would never get old. Ever.

I want to give you a quick update on the many unique places I've already been and the upcoming trips I'll be taking! The very first Sunday we were here (think back to August 25) we were already off to our first exciting destination! This breathtaking place is called Cinque Terre, literally meaning five lands in Italian. A lot of us from the fashion school went with a group called Florence for Fun, an organization that plans trips and tours around Europe for students or anyone who is abroad to get as much out of their European adventure as possible! The trip to Cinque Terre is by far the best deal they offer, it's super inexpensive when considering all that's included and is a really easy day trip to fit into a hectic schedule! We went on guided tours and then had free time in each of these 5 coastal escapes, each humble paradise with it's own unique characteristics. While certain parts of Cinque Terre weren't possible for our trip, I so loved taking pictures of colorful buildings on cliffs and hiking through probably the most beautiful place I've ever experienced. I've met some truly incredible people and made new international friends! Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

This last weekend, I found myself at a beach in a town called Viareggio, if I am not mistaken. It was absolutely gorgeous! While the bus ticket was a little more expensive than anticipated, it was worth every cent! We planned on going to the free beach to save a euro or two, but we immediately realized the benefits of paying a little extra. Not only did they have someone available to watch our belongings if needed, but the sand was softer and our beach chairs were expertly positioned to help us soak up the gorgeous Italian sunlight. That day was quite a perfect retreat!

Coming up: Paris in 2 weeks, Milan in 5 weeks, and London in 7 weeks!!! The fashion school is taking us to Premiere Vision, Trend Union, and Wicked just to name a few activities!!! My roommates, some friends, and I are also planning our own trips to a European chocolate festival in Perugia, Oktoberfest in Munich, Barcelona, Dublin, and I'll be making another visit to Amsterdam!!! I am so excited not only to experience different cultures and amazing cities, but also bask in all of the amazing fashions that will be presented!!!! Just today, a group that I'm in for one of my studio projects spent over an hour and a half talking about fabrics and yarns and color schemes and illustrations. It was one of my favorite studio days! 

Which brings me to a funny place. Sometimes, people discourage what I'm trying to do. They think fashion design is something you do when you have no "real" options, or when you just like clothes. Well, friends, in case you've never heard my side of the story, I'll lay it down. I'm about to go on a tangent/rant, so feel free to skip ahead if you're easily offended by opinionated people.

Fashion is about more than clothes. Fashion is about more than the "trends" you find on Pinterest and Tumblr and things that you think look cool. Fashion is about innovation and interpretation. It's about taking nothing and making it something worth remembering. One of my new friends taught me a word for this in German; the word for "strange" literally means "worthy of remembering". And fashion is strange. It's quirky and weird and if you look at runways sometimes it doesn't really appear to make sense. But that's the love of my life. The way you can look at something and admire it for it's fresh take and its beautiful construction and elegant craftsmanship. The fact that someone spent hours deciding not only the color, but the very fibers that would be woven. So today, when I say that I spent an hour an a half on fabrics and yarns, I'm saying I ONLY spent an hour and a half. I would have loved to spend the whole day, given the opportunity! It's about taking your vision from inspiration to reality, from lofty concept to something tangible. And then, we, as designers, have to consider not just what works with our vision, but what works within our price point, environmental standpoint, etc. So I work DAMN hard. That's right. DAMN hard. I've gone without sleep more nights than people who work the third shift. I've literally poured our my blood, sweat, and many, many tears for this major. And excuse me for sounding like Miranda from Devil Wears Prada, but you picking out your clothes from a pile of stuff based on what's offered at your favorite store does NOT constitute the type of work I do. And now I thank you, because I know no one who reads this would think, in any mindset, to make a comment so foolish as to call fashion, "fluff". That's like making medical school out to be something you can do in your spare time when you're bored. You attempt at understanding Kent State University Fashion Design is comforting to my soul.

Now that I've gotten that off my chest, I'm going to turn the conversation around. While living in a European city is absolutely fantastic, everyday my list of obstacles is being redefined. I'm pushing myself farther and farther, not only in my classes but in my tolerance level. You see, when I'm at home, things follow an order. It's more like a general outline, but nevertheless there is a relatively black and white definition of things that I either can or can't handle. I feel like I'm pushing myself to the limits being here. Five very different girls living under one roof definitely isn't making life easy. But I'm finding the biggest challenge is honestly dealing with my own issues. I'm definitely seeing the ugliest sides of myself come out with the small things I get annoyed by. I'm realizing I have a lot more growing to do and God's nowhere near done with me. It's also been extremely hard to have quiet times; there isn't a single church here like there is at home. I've gone to Catholic mass in Italian at the Duomo and am still looking forward to attending English mass, but I find myself missing my home with Willow Creek and h2o on campus. I know I'll be home soon, but all of this longing is starting to feel lonely.

I encourage you to comment, ask questions, and join me in praying for myself as well as all of us on this indescribable journey. Also, follow me on social media accounts and keep checking my Facebook Photos since I won't be uploading any pictures to my blog for the time being! Sending lots of Florentine love your way, and I hope to hear from you all soon- no matter where your corner of this grand Earth is! Ciao <3