New York, London, and Paris

I’m sort of at a crossroads right now. I feel like I have to choose between fashion weeks, when in all honesty they all have their pros and cons. New York, my dream city was the place I escaped to and finally started growing up. London, one of the most creative places on earth, and also home to the world renowned University of Arts London. Paris, the most beautiful and dream-worthy city, also home to my best friend.

How do I choose between the three of them?! That’s my dilemma. I was recently accepted into the London College of Fashion(about 20 days ago), and I’m so happy. I got into my dream foundation course that will lead me to Central Saint Martin’s Communications BA. As happy as I am, there’s a lot to factor into that. On the one hand LCF and UAL would really propel me to the heights that I’m gunning for. I can see a bright future if I were to take that path, but on the other hand, I’d be really far away from home, and since I’m a Cali boy, that’s a long ways away from home. It’s pretty much asking to have to skype my family and friends for the next 3 years. I’ve gotten so close to them and so used to being within the vicinity of people I care about. Also, I have a cat, and I’m pretty damn sure that dorms won’t allow little Spikey to bunk with me. He’s my son, and I refuse to let fashion school get in the way of that bond. I made a promise that he’d be with me every step of the way.

That brings me to Paris. In Paris, I have my best friend who’s practically a sister to me. She’s always been there for me even though we live half way across the world. Another great thing is that I also got accepted into Mod’Art Paris, which she just so happens to matriculate at as well. They focus mainly on management, which is fine, but my real passion is media, editorial and imagery. I’d be able to take advantage of their contacts and definitely excel there, but it’s not my dream job. It’s just, not many people have the opportunity to live in Paris with their best friend-I forgot to mention I can bring my cat!

Last, but not least New York…How I love you. You’ve been the center of my universe and all my decisions have revolved around you. I apologize, I’m having a moment here. As great as you are, and how I love you so, I can’t help but think it’s time to set my sights on Europe. I have to be honest that I am afraid of the natural disasters that keep hitting the east coast, but I almost want to be inaccessible for a period of my life. I want to experience different cultures.

So, New York is my favorite city, London is home to my dream school, and Paris is the home of my best friend and is the most affordable option. Gah!!! I don’t know. I still have to apply to FIT NYC and explore all three of my options.

How Fake is Your Smile?

Notice the tequila shot glass…I’m not that unprofessional, but I’m tempted from time to time

Since I seem to be attracted to the world of retail shopping and customer service jobs, I had to think…How fake is my smile? Is it genuine? Is it escapism from conversation? Is it acceptance? What lies behind those pearly whites?

As I stood outside my porch to light up a tartar-inducing cigarette, it came to my mind that people hide behind their smiles. So what is the mystery behind my semi watt smile? What’s it all about? I hear compliments saying, “You have such a great smile,” or “you had braces huh?” What people don’t know is how much I have to strain to let that smile out. You literally have to pay me to do it. That’s exactly why I work in retail…I get paid to greet and service people regularly whether they deserve my kindness or not.

When a customer trots in; smile and greet. When a customer comes to the register; smile and ask how they are. When they finish the purchase; smile and thank them for coming in. I usually don’t have any hang ups about doing all that, but when I have to fake it for the not-so-friendly persons, I feel like I’m wasting good energy.

Yes, I’m not the first to say, but shoppers can be jerks. I know this is turning into a tirade on manners, but honestly, who raised some of the savages that come slumping into my work? Are they trained to view us blue collared workers as though we’re beneath them?  Since, in their minds they believe that the few measly, crumpled, discolored dollars they lob on the counter is what’s putting food on my table. I don’t think so!

But alas, keep smiling Victor. You’ll need it if you’re going to save up for school. And that means dealing with the annoyance of public optimism. That is my mantra. As real or fake my grin may be, it always seem to remedy any issue and allow me to escape unscathed. How fake is your smile?

Fashion School!!!

Monday, 4th February 2013

I think I deserve a big pat on my back. I interviewed with the University of Arts London in San Francisco and I got into the courses I applied to!

Actually I got into both of the courses, but I’m going to go with the International Preparation for Fashion since it can be covered by Financial Aid.

It’s kind of cool that I got into my dream school. I’ve been contemplating applying since I was 18, but was always afraid of rejection so I waited years and years. I sort of went in just wanting to get some feedback and good critiques in my writing and I was pleasantly surprised that the interviewer thought my posts were funny. She said I need to work on my writing and have a wider context. But yay! I’m glad someone notices my injection of humor!

So now I have to pay for it. That’s the sad thing is I’m glad I got in, but can I afford it? We’ll see. I’m going to start documenting my road to London, or my plane since its overseas. First things first, I already have a second job. Do I need a third? I’m rebuilding my credit so loans will be a breeze, and then I need to get a passport and visa arrangements.

Lets just say I am stoked on life! 2013 is a already starting out amazing.

I love it,
Anthony

The Chanel Games

It’s as if the models were seeing light for the first time. I don’t know if it was the music or the setting, but it felt very ‘Garden of Eden’ or ‘Planet of the Apes.’ As if the humans were the equivalent of a petting zoo showcasing little ‘puppy’ outfits for the apes.

I was awestruck by the runway. Chanel shows have been know to be over the top and the epitome of high fashion, but they completely broke their record. Transforming the Grand Palais into a stretch of forest made it seem that the audience were witnessing the next Hunger Games. Instead they ogled some old and some new Chanel.

Take a look at the Lace Boots and notice that they don’t look street walker whatsoever. Karl has a way of making something so sexy, so chic and classy. The times have changed and Chanel is leading the way. I wonder how they’re going to top this one?

Global Competition - All Expenses Paid Around the World Blogging Trip - Launched Today

Reblogged from Bucket List Publications:

Win Travel's Biggest, Baddest Bucket List with My DestinationGlobal competition to win a six-month all expenses paid trip blogging around the world - plus $50,000 cash

Los Angeles, CA – January 28, 2013 - My Destination, a global travel resource powered by a community of local experts, unleashed travel's Biggest, Baddest, Bucket List offering one lucky person the prize of a lifetime: a six-month, all inclusive blogging trip around the world to a minimum of 25 international destinations and a $50,000 (USD) cash prize upon their return.

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Um...I think everyone should take advantage of this!!!