I’ve tried this before.  And then I let it go.  And then I tried it again.  And then I forgot about it.  And then the show I worked on got cancelled (I love The Seven) and all of my (now) former teammates started blogging.  So now I’m regretting not keeping up with my blog attempts before.

So I’m on tumblr now in hopes of starting anew (again).  Leaving blogger behind. Trying to get over the end of The Seven (it’s seriously like a really bad breakup).  And I’m hoping to document all the amazing things that happen, that have happened (I’m way too sentimental to let go so you’ll witness my has-been moments here) and that I know WILL happen.

I was the fashion segment producer on The Seven.  Oy, me and fashion.  I love clothes, I love dressing up, I love the craft, I love the art.  But I hate the hoity toity.  As though just because a girl works for Lucky Magazine or Calvin Klein that means you or I couldn’t be just as fashionable.  But producing fashion segments on The Seven were the perfect balance for me.  I could produce those, have an affair with the fashion world and still produce other pieces without having to say bullshit like “I have a passion for fashion.”

Enter this new beginning.  ”Crashin’ Fashion.”  My rise and fall from fashion producer to unemployed.  Ironically enough, yesterday was the first time I was actually walking the streets of New York long enough to have my photo taken for a fashion blog.  And I was wearing leftovers from my fashion closet at my now-defunct fashion segments!  Oy, me and fashion.

The unemployed former Seveners Jerah, Cory and Gigi spend a day in the park.

Me:  Cory, why you taking a crotch shot?

Cory:  It’s okay, there’s no vag.

It’s gonna be a looooong summer.

Swingers.  A classic, we all know this.  It’s been relevant the last few days for many reasons.  

First, I was chatting with a Seven-mate a few days after cancellation and he was listing off the reasons I needed to join him for a movie - he was lonely, depressed, broke; a real catch.  I told him he was “so money” and he didn’t even know it.  

Then (second), I realized how much I needed a Trent in my life to tell me that too (instead I’m blogging in hopes that one day I can look back and see just how “money” this honey baby actually is; you know what I’m talking about).  

Another: whenever prospects look dim, I always consider moving back to LA, the homeland (save the emails, phone calls, text messages from friends and family all telling me to do so) and the opening montage of Swingers makes it that much more enticing.

Another: fashion.  (The reason for this blog in the first place, right?)  I’ve always been a retro girl and I thank the lord that high-waist, wide-leg pants are everywhere for my consumption right now.  Blouses are actually made of real silk these days (not the polyester of yesteryear).  Break out the red lipstick; make use of my mother’s discards that I’ve been hoarding in my closet waiting for the right complimentary piece to make it work.  It works!  And as much as I hate a midtown suit and tie, you really cannot deny the young Vince Vaughn’s Vegas get up; especially not in that ride.

Lastly, freshman year of high school, my two BFF forevers and I bonded over the infamous scene, when Mike leaves too many messages, after one of us had received a chain of these from a potential boyfriend.  Swinger chicks, for life!  How could I ever forget about this?

Today would have been “How-To” Fashion Friday on The Seven: how to wear denim on denim; how to wear high-waist pants; how-to mix prints and patterns; etc, and I was going to dole that out here today.  But an interview came through late yesterday afternoon so I thought “Dressing For an Interview” would be more appropriate.  

In the creative professions, an interview outfit isn’t as simple as throwing on a suit - you’ll look like an ass.  And since I didn’t get the last two gigs I interviewed for wearing pants and blouses, I sought the Internet for a remedy.

Enter Lucky Magazine’s video: Foolproof Interview Outfits.  I’d first like to say that my fashion segments on The Seven were way more entertaining, useful and beautifully produced than these, but we never dove into interview outfits (when your audience is 18- to 24-year-olds, count your blessings if you can, at the very least, get them to stop wearing Uggs).  But Lucky has some useful tips, especially for interviews in warm weather.

First, for the corporate candidates, a light blazer, polished blouse, cropped trousers and standard t-strap heels.  (Too structured for the television industry.)  Then, for those in the non-profit or education sectors, light colors and sweet pieces like a cardigan and a skirt no higher than two-inches above the knee.  (Too conservative for the television industry.)  Finally, for those in creative fields, a structured, still conservative dress in an unexpected color, with accessories that give a nod to individual creativity.  Bingo.

My attempts (after realizing that I don’t own a structured, still conservative dress in an unexpected color):

(First: silk dress by Dolce Vita via Gilt, white and gold belt from H&M (from pants), beaded necklace from Anthropologie. Second: dress from ModCloth.com; my mother’s belt; necklace from Forever 21. Third: dress by Eskell via Gilt; blazer by Taikonhu via Anthropologie; necklace from Forever 21. Fourth: dress by To the Max via Macy’s; vintage belt from Zachary Smile; necklace from Forever 21. Shoes from J. Crew.)

The light blue suede and patent pumps are all I have so I’m working outfits around them.

First, a silky navy blue, double-breasted, collared dress (that’s a little too big for me) with a fun colored and patterned beaded necklace and a white belt with gold buckle that I swiped off a pair of pants (I usually hate when belts come with the pants but I actually really dig this one).  That necklace falls nicely in the picture but not on my body in this dress so I moved on.

Second, a more structured navy blue dress (why do I have so many navy blue dresses?) with pleated silky sash, vintage black belt with gold buckle and a multi-strand metal necklace.  I’m really into this outfit but I’m scared the sash screams “cocktail party.”  A possibility.

Third, a simple (not navy) blue dress that’s cut-out in the back so I thought I’d throw the blazer over it and spruce it up with the metal necklace but the dress and blazer action felt a little too Kate Middleton (see: Royal Fashion Friday.  I took those pictures and shopped for those outfits and dressed those models and basically killed myself for that piece).  Moving on.

Fourth, a mauve, drapey, Grecian feeling dress tied in by a creme elastic cord belt and gold bow buckle, with a colorful multi-strand necklace.  Pushes the boundaries a bit paired with the blue pumps but I like to push boundaries and I like unexpected color combos.  I’m feeling this.

I have about half an hour to decide between options two and four and to really convince myself why I shouldn’t wear shorts, no matter how much I want to.

This morning was rough.  I woke up at 7am (usual get-ready-for-The-Seven-morning-meeting-time that I’ve been waking up every day for the last 10 months) and there were lingering thoughts.  Anxiety kicked in.  Despite a gig offer coming through last night, I postponed accepting it - they wanted me to start this morning (about 12 hours notice) but I’m actually really feeling this opportunity to work for the production company that produces “Man vs. Food.”  (Man, I’ll do anything that involves food.)  So I wanted to explore my options.

That anxiety aside, I had a lunch date with the producer that got me into this unstable freelance television business to begin with (man, I love that guy) and on my way there I was stopped to be photographed for a fashion blog (again - twice in two weeks, I must’ve been a fashion segment producer in my past life).  They asked me questions, which forced me to hide my tail between my legs and admit that I’m “in between things right now” as I asked the camera guy about his lens.  That really got me motivated to spruce this blog up.  And then I really made myself believe I need a camera.

Eventually, I had myself a pina colada (Texas size from Dallas BBQ, what other kind is there?), grabbed my tail between my legs, and forced my ass to Best Buy to buy a camera.  I have a camera; like a real camera.

On my way home, I kept telling myself that I need a bag to carry the thing, so I stopped by the Village Tannery and hung out there for a bit trying on all the bags they have.  They have a lot.  And they’re really nice.  And even though I was walking out the store to “think about it,” somehow, I walked out with a fucking kick-ass leather backpack with one-of-a-kind leather that my camera fits in perfectly, I swear!  TJ, the owner, is really nice.  He made me a happy woman.

The end…of the beginning.

When I was a kid, all I watched was Friends.  I’d watch every episode Thursdays at 8pm whilst recording it (on VHS) and then I’d watch them over and over again.  I knew the lines word for word and I converted everyone I knew into avid Friends watchers.  All the live long day, Friends.  Every episode was so applicable and they’re even more hilarious now that I’ve been living in New York City the past few years realizing that every joke was a mockery of the different types of New Yorkers you meet along the way.  These days, I’m the mocked New Yorker.  

Joey [wearing a funny hat]: Seriously, you like it?  This guy was selling them on 8th Ave and I looked at him and I thought, “You know what I don’t have?”

Monica: A mirror?

J: Fine, make fun.  I think It’s jaunty.

M: Wow, for a guy who’s recently lost his job, you’re in an awfully good mood.

J: Hey, I’ll be alright.  I mean, it’s not like I’m starting from square one.  I was Dr. Drake Ramoray on “Days of Our Lives.”  I mean, that’s gotta have some kind of cache.

M: Cache?  Jaunty?

J: Chandler gave me word of the day toilet paper.

That was me the other day jauntily walking around (slightly intoxicated) with a new leather backpack and a camera in it.  ”I’m alright.  I’m not starting from square one.  I was a fashion segment producer on MTV’s The Seven.  That’s gotta have some impact?”  It’s gotta, right?  I really hope it does because I’ve lost one gig, passed on another, and waiting word on a third that, to be honest, also feels like a step back.

Estelle [Joey’s agent]: Don’t worry about it already.  Things happen.

Joey: So, you’re not mad at me for getting fired and everything?

[…]

E: Look honey, people get fired left and right in this business.  I already got you an audition for “Another World.”

J: Alright!  [Looking over script] Cab driver number two?

E: You’re welcome!

J: But I was Dr. Drake Ramoray.  How can I go from being a neurosurgeon to driving a cab?

E: Things change, roll with ‘em!

J:  But this is a two-line part.  It’s like taking a step backwards, I’m not gonna do this.

E:  Joey, I’m gonna tell you the same thing I told Al Minzer and his pyramid of dogs - Take any job you can get and don’t make on the floor.

“Take any job you can get.”  It’s great advice in show business.  (“Don’t make on the floor.”  That’s just common sense, especially in New York!)  At this rate, if the third show is offered to me, I’ll probably have to take it.  I have a camera and a leather bag sitting on plastic as I wait for unemployment check one to come through.

[Joey opens envelope one of two of his Visa bill.]

Ross: What, whoa, whoa, $3500 at Porcelain Safari?

J: My animals.  The guy said they suited me, he spoke with an accent, I was all confused.  I don’t know what I’m gonna do.

R: Well, I guess you can start by drivin’ a cab on “Another World.”

[…]

J: That’s a two-line part.

R: Joey, you owe $1100 at I Love Lucite.

J: So what?

R: So suck it up, man.  It’s a job.  It’s money.

J: Hey, look, I don’t need you getting all judgmental and condescending and podantic.

R: Toilet paper?

J: Yeah!

R: Look, I’m not being any of those things, okay, I’m just being realistic.

J: Well knock it off, you’re supposed to be my friend.

R: I am your friend.

J: Then tell me things like, “Joey, you’ll be fine,” and “Hang in there,” and “Something big’s gonna come along, I know it.”

R: But I don’t know it.  What I do know is you owe $2300 at Isn’t It Chromantic.

J: Hey Ross, I’m aware of what I owe.

R: Okay, well then get some sense.  I mean, it took you what, 10 years to get that job?  Who knows how long it’s gonna be till you get another?

First, I don’t owe that much (at least not in credit card debt).  Second, I have those friends and family that Joey wants.  But I also have the Ross’ in life.  Pragmatism tells me that if I’m offered this gig, I take it, pay off the debt, look for other gigs, and maybe store up some cash to buy a new pair of shoes.  I’m good with shoes.  Like Dave just told me this morning:

I wore the boat shoes you gave me on Saturday…I was THE MAN.  Everyone loved them!

I should be a personal shopper.  They make money right?

Fashion crash: 90s fashion.  Everyone was HATING on that madness about five years ago saying that the 70s and 80s were fashion heydays and the 90s had nothing to offer in terms of future revitalization.  But Friends alone was just one major game changer for fashion.  High waist jeans, corset tops, maxi skirts, big hair, big hats, harem pants, for crying out loud?!  My favorite is the universal and unisex Jack Purcell Converse that all the Friends cast wore. 

Friends circa 1996 - “The One With the Flashback:”

photo: coolspotters.com

I’ve owned at least one black pair and one white pair every day since the 6th grade.  Thought I’d take ‘em for a spin in the park this afternoon while I played with the new camera.

This weekend, I spent a day at Adaptive Design, an organization that tests and creates tools and furniture for students with disabilities.  The furniture they create are made of recycled (I love recycling) tri-wall cardboard that can hold up to 1100 pounds.  The cardboard is cut and sanded, sealed and painted just like wood but lighter.  They’ve also created a system of communication for students who are blind or can’t speak.  So if a student doesn’t have the motor skills to ask for something to drink, they can point to the cup.  If a student is blind, they can feel for the cup to request a drink.  Since I’m still unemployed, I’m volunteering one to two afternoons a week here, where I won’t wear a dress like I did the other day.

In the summer of 2003, I had already spent six months at East LA College after having dropped out of UC Santa Cruz (half-assedly completing just one quarter there; the Cruz just wasn’t doing it for me - I’m all for protesting solidarity until I find out that you have no idea which campaign you’re yelling about, which actually happened while I was there).  I was down on my luck, out on just a buck and felt completely incompetent when I reunited with my friends who had just come back from their first years at Berkeley, Michigan, Syracuse, and other far off places.

I spent a lot of time reading the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, LA Weekly, Pasadena Weekly, The Fountainhead, Bukowski and in those works I was trying to narrow down what it was I was supposed to be doing with my life.  And then the best distraction came - The OC where the famous “Welcome to the OC, bitch!” and “Chino?  Ew!” and “Pittsburgh?  That’s like the 909 of the east!” were born.  I’m not from Orange County.  I find Orange County dreadful.  But damn, I loved that show.  Intense high school dramas, corrupt adult dramas, fun music, pretty people, Adam Brody, amazing clothes!

Fashion crash: true, some of the fashions of 2003 must die with 2003 - trucker hats, Uggs, vintage tees with everything, expensive designer everything.  But it’s because of that show that I started wearing belts again (both around my pants and low around the hips), I’m bold enough to layer a strapless dress or top over a button down or another top, I color-block, I wear hats, I pair yellow with blue and red and I don’t care what anyone else says.  Yes, The OC is still very influential in my life.

via this link

(I’d still wear any of these outfits except Kirsten’s.  What’s she doing?)

This summer of 2011, I’m seeing a lot of myself in 2003: down on my luck, scraping by on just a buck and feeling a little lost when I think about my friends who are buying houses, getting married, having babies, graduating with master’s degrees.  I’m reading a lot and back to trying to figure out what the hell I’m supposed to do with my life while I spend a lot of time at home watching replays of The OC season one online.  Welcome to New York City, bitch.  This is what dreams are made of.

Now is the time that I should be thriftiest but I know how discouraging vintage and thrift shops can be.  Foxtail + Fern’s 11 Tips for Thrifting reminded me of how much I love my one-of-a-kind finds that I’ve collected over the years digging through thrift shops, vintage stores, flea markets, stoop sales, my mother and father’s closets.  Most of my thrifted items have outlasted tons of my off-the-rack retail buys so maybe this is the way to go during these unemployed days.  Below are a few of my vintage favorites.

Brown saddle bag and eel skin envelope clutch from Daha Vintage; red suede chain strap purse and beaded clutch from Thrift for the Cure

Suede oxfords thrifted at Hester Street Fair; my dad’s cowboy boots; vintage peep-toe pumps from Daha Vintage; my mother’s boots; bench thrifted at Brooklyn Flea

Silk drape neck blouse from Donna Karan closet sale and silk button-down from Daha Vintage

The Gap denim jacket from Housing Works; vintage silk floral and stripe midi skirt (that I wear as a dress sometimes) from Daha Vintage; vintage creme beaded and crochet midi skirt from LES shop (I can’t remember which); military jacket from Thrift for the Cure; hooks from Anthropologie

Elastic and gold bow belt from Zachary’s Smile; my mother’s skinny tan belt; navy suede belt from Goodwill in Connecticut; my mother’s skinny red belt; purple croc-ish skin belt from Goodwill in LA; my mother’s navy leather belt

Vintage me circa December 2007 wearing my favorite vintage boots from a thrift store in Marlybone, London.  I still wear those boots most every day in the fall, winter and spring.

I’ve finally settled back into home after the weekend stay-cation with the homegirls.  It was a crazy weekend not just because of the heatwave but also because in the middle of entertaining the out-of-towners, I was offered two jobs; the second of which I accepted just 30 minutes after I met with them; while I was still in the Forever 21 just downstairs from their offices (a tip: it’s best not to be shopping when accepting a job offer - you end up spending more than you would have, especially considering your friend Kristine has a corporate discount).

Above: an elevator shot as we make our way up to the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the MET; the girls peeking into a closed restaurant on the Lower East Side; French toast from Clinton Street Baking Co. (which sat next to their famously delicious blueberry pancakes); lunch at the Hester Street Fair; crop tops at the Hester Street Fair; my favorite shoes this year (80%20 from Anthropologie); the view from our hotel room (what you get when you book a bargain).