becoming a brooklyn baby

monday: doc martens, masons vest, indigo dress

We just completed a successful full first week in New York City! By now, I'm starting to get the hang of Williamsburg, since we're staying here, and Chelsea, since that's where FIT is. I'm starting to understand the subway system a little better, although not completely. Last night the M train was closed when I was on my way home so I ended up having to take a taxi since it was getting dark and I was alone. Getting to explore/ find my way around New York City on my own is the coolest thing ever! I am so in love with this city and can't see myself living anywhere else. It has the most incredible energy.

the walk to class

FIT classes started Monday, but it doesn't feel like school at all! I'm taking Magazine Design and International Fashion Marketing; both are fascinating to me. Magazine Design feels like a dream. It's more focused on the technical aspects, so we're learning formatting and how to use programs like Illustrator and Photoshop. To apply all of this, each of us are in charge of making our own magazine for our final project, which is the most fun thing I've ever done. I'm making mine a sort of fashion/ literary fusion, inspired by local wolves and rookie mag, of course. I'm sure I'll be updating you as that progresses! International Fashion Marketing is so interesting because we get a taste of other cultures' preferences and how to appeal to that. Both classes are great, and they're really different environments; Magazine Design is more self-focused while International Fashion Marketing is more of a classroom environment.

tuesday: american eagle dress (also here), birkenstocks

Of course, I'm learning lots from my professors, but I'm also loving meeting all the girls I have classes with! There are lots of girls from NYC or the area, but there are also lots from far away! My International Fashion Marketing class has girls from five different countries. Everybody is so cool and passionate and stylish. Walking around campus each day is like a fashion show.

the Williamsburg bridge

The majority of this week has been spent at FIT since I have class until late afternoon Monday- Thursday. All of my family was here this week, but the boys left yesterday morning so it will be just my mom and I for the rest of the time. We went out to dinner each night and tried different restaurants around the Williamsburg area. My favorites were Chai Thai, Patrizas Italian, and Motorino for pizza. I found a nice coffee shop that I like called Blank, so I've been spending some time there.

wednesday: savoir faire kimono, target cami, gap skirt, converse

On Thursday my friend Anna Claire met up with me after class to go shopping and explore midtown. She's in the city for the summer, so she led the way and helped me find the way home!

ny public library

Friday was a big day; I toured Columbia University and the Clinton campaign headquarters. Columbia is my dream school because its campus is beautiful, the curriculum seems fascinating and challenging, it's one of the top universities for English, and of course, because it's in Manhattan. Next presidential election will be the first time I get to vote, and so far my choice is Hillary Clinton because of where she stands on social, economic, educational, and foreign policy issues! I think the whole Clinton family is incredible, and she's a huge role model to me. The opportunity to see her campaign headquarters was something I'll always remember.

thursday: masons dress, steve madden backpack (similar), vintage headband

On Saturday morning the boys left, so mom and I went to Artists & Fleas. They have vendors that range from handmade jewelry to tshirts to name brand vintage to greeting cards and temporary tattoos. I got to check something off my bucket list when I found a vintage Oscar de la Renta dress for only $10! I also purchased some NY state shaped earrings, a few soy candles, NY themed temporary tattoos, and a candle with Mindy Kaling on it. In the afternoon I met up with Anna Claire and a couple other friends to go to the Summer Warm Up event at MoMA PS1. There was live music, modern art, and dancing so I think it's obvious that we had a fantastic time.

from artists and fleas (yes, they're sideways)

On Sunday morning we hit up Williamsburg Flea, which is outdoors and enormous! There are so many stands full of incredible vintage. After that, we took the ferry to the Brooklyn Bridge Park to experience Smorgasburg! We arrived starving and left stuffed with some of the best mac & cheese, bubble tea, and fries ever. Next weekend we will be returning to try more stands!

dresses at Lord & Taylor

Columbia

friday: topshop dress and shoes, vintage dooney & bourke bag via grey dog

thai tea at chai thai

saturday: thrifted hat, brandy melville top (tshirt version), vintage violet shorts

sunday: target shirt, old navy skirt (in white) & sandals, vintage dooney & bourke bag via grey dog

here's to another fantastic week!
claire
outfitsandobservations@gmail.com
instagram: @outfitsandobservations & @coffee.claire