INTERNING AND YOU: DEALING WITH ASSHOLES

If there's one thing I can't stand, it's people fronting. I don't mind when it's applicable like shining on a potential employer but when it's someone who doesn't have the credibility to be acting like Beyoncé, that's when I go off. And not to mention, my eyes roll so hard they fall out of their sockets.

It's just tacky and leaves a bad flavor in everyone's mouth. This is basically the reason why I stopped putting myself out there for the last two years because of dealing with people like this. When it comes to interning, you're literally working for free. Meaning, you're doing that someone a favor. And if there's no revenue coming through other than you gaining experience and maybe school credit, the least this employer could do is treat you with respect.

When I give someone my free time, especially now that I am making money in this field, I expect to be treated as an equal. Not to mention, I'm twenty-two. I'm not a kid just looking for an internship. Yeah, I'm young, eager, and willing but bitch, leave your money on the night stand when we're through.

I encourage anyone to take advantage of my services when I'm laying them out for free but when I'm being taken for granted of and being used for other things other than general clothing related tasks, that's when I draw the line. It just amazes me how high people can get off their own egos especially when they're on that struggle themselves. This is why I encourage anyone who's helping out even a friend in the fashion field to always demand respect and have limitations. I've made mistakes before in not doing so and have ended up nowhere. Empty promises aren't cute and having someone out there with a real, negative image of said person, is even worse.

Know your worth.

-KJM

INTERNING AND YOU

I find that looking up tips and tricks on landing your dream job without pay internship are never very helpful. Those helpful tips are never truly helpful unless you got your head jammed up your ass. So, I figured, I'll be the voice of reason and help out those in need. Let's begin.

- Know what the hell you want to do for a living
Don't just intern for anyone, be smart about it; don't waste your time.
If you fancy having your own womenswear label when you grow up, look up internships for womenswear labels. It's better to intern for someone because you want to than because you need to. I find that it shows you already care about what you'll be doing.
If you can, look up designers who actually run their label in your city so you get an even better experience. I find interning for brands to be less informative and personal; you basically end up being an assistant for some 30 something-year old, running petty errands. And that, is never fun. Especially if you're over the age of 20.

- Aim big
You have nothing to lose, go for the big boys. Literally, nothing is keeping you from interning for your favorite designer(s)/label/brand. Rejection is a part of life, so fucking deal with it. xoxo Gossip Gurl

- Know your worth
If you're going above and beyond or just doing a good job at whats been asked of you, demand respect. I mean, don't be an asshole about it but if someone is treating you like you're less than, bring it up to someone of higher power. You're basically doing the petty shit they'd be doing if it weren't for you. Now unless you're doing a shitty job and not aware of it, like most FIDM students are (sry not sry), then maybe it's time for you to pack up.
Most people will view you as disposable but if you do an amazing job and aren't afraid to put yourself out there when it's applicable, then those around you will treat you like a person worthy of their attention. I mean, that's how I landed my job so I know what I'm talking about. But if you're just being disrespected, leave. If you know your worth and value yourself, you won't let anyone treat you like shit because time is money and at the rate, you'd be better off working retail.

- Be interactive, not hyperactive
I find that the more you interact with those around you, the more they'll value you. Losing the stigma that comes with meeting people of importance made me so much more likable. It also helps take you to knew areas of exploration.

- Ride the wave

Some of the best advice that was given to me was just going with the flow and seeing where it takes you. It's about going from one opportunity to the next and meeting people who can help you grow.

- Take advantage of the opportunity
No, really, take advantage of the opportunity. Working for one of my favorite deisngers has been a dream. I've met some amazing people I never thought I'd brush shoulders with and I've done some pretty cool things both in and out of the studio. And that's what I mean about wanting to intern for the person or label you'd like because you know what they're about and what they could do for you. I've interacted with other interns who didn't even know the value of the clothing they were handling and honestly, you don't want to be that loser.

-KJM

NYC: A LIST

I'm not even going to deny that this is my first time to New York nor am I going to deny that I totally want to do the tourist thing when I get the chance. I'm so excited that I project this false image that I'm not. Even though, I clearly am. I know, it's very LA of me.

1. I really want a Carrie Bradshaw-Sex and the City moment, a Brad-Mo if you will.
I say this because relatively, one of the only ways I've encountered NYC in my life, is through re-runs of SATC on E!. And also from just about every 90's movie ever made because somehow the main character is always from the Big Apple.

2. I want to eat pizza and act like it's the best pizza I've ever had.
Don't deny it, everyone pretends like NYC has the best pizza. Just go with it~

3.Visit the VFiles shop and maybe, possibly, flip off Danielle from Danielle Live.
I said it but you were thinkin' it. *wink*

4. Take a picture on the vench, after I've flipped off Danielle.
Don't worry, it's going on Instagram.

5. Visit Patricia Fields' store because that's just mandatory.
Yeah!

7. Go to Times Square and just start screaming.
Sorry but being a product of the 90's, back when TRL was filmed in Times Square, has always left me envious of those pre-pubescent teenagers screaming their asses off for their favorite musicians.

8. Quote Paris is Burning at least once.
Most likely at a really bizarre, inappropriate time, like during dinner. POULTRY REALNESS

9. Listen to Lil' Kim because why the fuck not?

Obviously, there's plenty of other things I want to do but really, I just plan on going with it.

-KJM

P.S.
I totally like Danielle from V Files and don't actually want to flip her off. I don't need that bad karma.

LET'S PLAY KETCHUP

I've been wanting to get back into writing and blogging but the desire and most importantly, the inspiration has not been there. Ever since my old blog, Portions of Karl, went belly up two years ago and got swallowed up by Google, I've just had zero interest. And truthfully, I miss it. The whole getting excited about fashion and having the need to share my thoughts with the world is the thing I miss most. But knowing that my favorite bloggers have gone to bigger and better things, makes it feel rather empty at this end of the table.

Spring.Summer 2015

Though moving forward, my life has been on a trackless roller coaster for most of this year. I've been floating on through the abyss that is life and I've had absolutely no problem with it. Exactly one week after getting dumped and two days after Christmas of last year, I started interning for one of my favorite designers, Shaun Samson. And as of last month, I am now an employed member of his team. (internal screaming)
It's been a very rewarding year working and being mentored under him but I truly could not have asked for such an amazing (and unexpected) opportunity. And now that I am officially tied to his label, it's all open road from here. (I get really excited when I think about it!)
                           

Honorary boy!

As of, relatively. two weeks now, I've been interning for a mutual friend I made through my boss. The ever lovely and notorious Lulu of Lulu and Your Mom, has allowed me to intern for her. Her label, The Fashion Club, is soon to bloom from the ground up and I'm more than happy for her. I'll be going to New York City for the first time come September to help out with her private showcase of the latest pieces from her label. I'm very excited and hell yes to unforeseen travel to the LA of the East Coast! Ah!

I'm telling you, 2014 has been an adventure.

-KJM

FIRKENSTOCKS

So, would you look at that, this shit talking babe (me) purchased himself some firks. Obvs they're not real Birkenstocks but they really did call out to me. They kind of look like something Acne would have churned out and not mention, silver has been a calling of mine.
This is my second pair of kicks that are a metallic-shiny-ass silver. It's not that I awant attention it's just that I'd rather blind the haters when they look down.

Bros and Comb Overs

Baby boy, Cole Mohr is excused from this article

It's very rare and only happens to me every five years or so-and let it be known, the first time this happened, it was five years ago. It's basically when I feel like we, as a society of youths, have reached a peak. And the first time this peak happened, we were six-feet deep in the, "let's go green! Peace n' Love B.S." trend. And the lovely year was 2008. Remember that? Peace signs, everywhere. And half the time, they were associated with some form of recycling. Like, buying a "reusable" bag made out of tarps with little hearts was worthy of our time. *cough* Target *cough*

The root of all evil.

So, when a specific trend profiles males, preferably, bro-males, I have to write about it. Basically, this is the first time since plaid shorts popped into the scene (like, back in 2005,) that a trend has reached the likes of the every day male but most importantly, the worst kind of male. The bro male. The annoying swag bros that act like filming a Vine of themselves spitting out water and driving in a tricked out car with an "Illest" sticker is like, the best thing ever. So, what I'm getting at is, apparently having a comb over is like, all the rage and I blame Ryan Gosling for this. What an asshole. A sweet asshole, because I feel like Ryan Gosling would slap the shit out of you and then apologize and take you out for burgs' n' fries. With his cute lil' comb over.

I guess my anger doesn't really go directly to Ryan Gosling, even though I blame him for the appeal but, I've had the hair cut for the "comb over" for at least five years now. Maybe I'm just being a hipster about it but, YA'LL LATE TO THIS PARTY. LATE. And THIS article, isn't becoming so it needs to go to the back of the line and have a seat because saying that all guys should have this haircut and style, can honestly suck my left one. I'm so done bumping into guys with tank tops, slim fit jeans, Vans, and worst of all, a gel-ed down comb over.

I. REST. MY. CASE.

Images via Instagram and Tumblr. You posted them so I can use them.

HYPE BEASTS

Hype Beast -

1. A Hype Beast is a kid that collect clothing, shoes, and accessories for the sole purpose of impressing others. Although the individual may not have a dime to their name they like to front like they are making far more then everybody else. Equipped with mommies credit card the Hype Beast will try his hardest to make sure he has every pair of Nike’s he saw Jay-Z wearing on 106 & Park. UrbanDictionary.com

 

Though if you're a visual lad like me, here's a beautiful collage highlighting what a hype beast looks like in the flesh:

 

I usually don't really give a fuck about a new trend and/or label that comes around other than an eye roll or two. (I was still in high school when even saying the word Hipster brought on looks of uncertainty) But I was fairly curious when I found out that what my garb has been consisting of, now has a name.

For the past two years, my wardrobe has gone from conservative meets whimsy to conceptual meets 90's sportswear meets Givenchy meets 90's rave and internet culture meets goth and cholo culture. I take pride in what I wear and am one of the few people who knows what I'm wearing; I wont partake in a trend(s) that takes from subcultures unless I know my shit. So when I found out that I have been partaking in some new found trend, I kind of stumbled in a my stride a bit.

According to THIS Bullet article found in their Culture section of their site, a hype beast is basically anyone who looks like A$AP Rocky. I actually admire Rocky for wearing some of the stuff he wears; it's progressive and allows for the general public to open their eyes to new styles and silhouettes. Though, it's when the public goes full retard with what they see, that I have an issue. Partially when there's even a BLOG mocking this trend. Which has me cringing with second hand embarrassment at times.

 

 

There's really no real reason for me type this post up other than me bitching and face-palming myself. Perhaps I just felt like highlighting the fact that I'm no snowflake. Not that I ever did but I do think I'm a badass motherfucker who doesn't need to be part of 'that life' or any life for that matter. I'm a do me so, suck on that.

THE BIG YELLOW JOINT

I rarely venture into the West side of LA. I may live less than ten miles from all of the action the West side has to offer but I just don't like it. It's everything from the ~vibes~ I get from people who all look the same to the fact that anywhere you go, you gotta pay for damn ass parking. And I refuse to pay for parking. Like, I'm the type of person who will park five miles away from my destination just so I don't have to pay for it. Which is pretty much why I got thighs like Beyonce and a waist like Nicki Minaj, HAY~
Anyways, as much as I detest the West side, I ventured to the most overrated place there is to visit, The Grove, to visit a less overrated joint, The Bluth's Frozen Banana Stand. Yup, that's one benefit to living in LA, you know damn well your favorite [enter person, place, or thing here] will more than likely make a pit stop here. So, as a fan of Arrested Development, me, my sister, and our friend Elias got ourselves a frozen bananer.

- I know you be lovin' my 80's dad mall goth lewk I got goin' on. Also, don't judge on my hairy dooble chin action going on; for unseen circumstances, I can't shave until tomorrow :(

Yes, I can see you're oozing with jealousy but it was actually one of the funnest things I've gotten to do in quite a while and not to mention, it was a perfect way to start the Summer. *insert smiley face hurr*

- Not to mention, I also got the biggest naner of the bunch. TALK ABOUT MCNASTY, MUCH

FASHION 130

Did I mention that I am a fashion design major? Yeah, I don't think I have. Well this past semester, I took it upon myself to take a Senior class that would allow me to make a collection consisting of three to six looks. After weeks and weeks of churning out samples, I chose to make a collection that was inspired by sportswear and conceptual fashion. In the end, I practically pooped out a collection that took all of that and laced it under one ridiculous title:

The entire collection consisted of four looks that tapped into sportswear and a slight Tumblr aesthetic. Now unlike a fellow classmate of mine, I didn't actually name collection after a ridiculous trend spawned off of Tumblr. Yeah, it gave me a case of the giggs when I read that. But whatevs, to each their own, I suppose. Anyways, I'm actually quite proud of my work and hope to do more stuff like it in the future. It's also like a public display of what my wardrobe has been like for the past few months just showcased for the public to see.

Taking orders! Half joking but seriously, I'm taking orders.

R.I.P.

They say that every seven years, you become a new person. That within those seven years, your entire body rids of your old self via new skin cells, blood cells, hair particles, nails, etc. to the point where nothing on you is of the old you. It's quite morbid yet beautiful when you give it thought. Though I don't need to know that to understand that I'm no longer the frustrated fourteen year old I once was.
Turning twenty-one has really been quite subtly pleasant. While most people fret about turning another year older, or not even feeling anything at all, I almost always usually do. And as if by an obvious miracle, it's made me nostalgic.
I've come to realize that I have reached the end of my Ghost World era. That place in life that nearly everyone goes through after high school. That place in your life where you start to build the foundation for the person you want to become. It's been quite the journey but I am glad that I went through it, though unique in it's own right. It's a pleasant feeling when you don't think about the person you where in high school or better yet, when you don't even mention high school at all. It just makes you realize that you're growing up and that the bus you hopped on, the one with no destination ahead of it, the one that allows you to get off of whenever you'd like, just doesn't seem so scary anymore.

Summer 2k13.New Age
.Baby blue.Pink.Off-White
.Hazy feelings of wanting to stay but willing to move on
.Hot Summer nights
.The desert
.Rap culture of the mid to late nineties

 

All images via Tumblr

PLAYED CHIFFONZY

If there is ever an amazing form of satisfaction, it's when someone gives you a gift that showcases that they actually pay attention to your likes and dislikes. Especially when that said gift finally fills in a void of desire you've been feeling since 2010. Now that said gift takes form in the American Apparel Plaid Chiffon over-sized button down. You have no idea how long I've wanted it. I think ever since I saw ChicMuse rocking it in a photograph of her eating pizza (btw that photo seems to have disappeared off the face of the internet), my lust for it has grown. Though to finally have attained it, is an amazing feeling. Especially when it's your boo who gave it to you. Now that's just a bonus.
It's just satisfying when someone finally (other than my sister) actually gets me something that I like and doesn't bust out, "I didn't know what to get you" or my personal eye-rolling favorite, "you're just so hard to shop for!" In all honestly, I'm an insanely easy person to shop for and not to mention, I'm also one to return the favor, always, in one way or another.
It's small gestures like that, that make me feel happy and loved. Not that I need gifts to feel loved but when your own family doesn't get you anything for XXX-mas because "you're so hard to shop for," you'd be over the moon, too.
-Karl

- Decided to wear it as soon as I recieved it due to it being super hot and I was on my way to Las Vegas

- Me and my boo lookin' real cute. ha

xXxPUNX4LYFExXx

The new exhibition at the Met, PUNK: Chaos to Couture, seemed to have brought out the best and worst in celebrities. I really don't care much for celebrity culture, growing up in LA just makes one immune to that shit. But having had to deal with punks and greasers all of my life, I can't help but gawk at what was worn and said last night. Now I'm not one for blasting out assumptions but, come on, do you honestly think Kim Kardashian listens to punk? No, right? I don't know, it sounds really passé and middle school of me to judge people based on their "punk merit." Though, come on, don't lie. You know you still secretly judge people while waiting in line at the grocery store. For example, imagine bimbo-Ali walks in with her bleach blonde hair and obvs brand new Misfits tank. You secretly roll your eyes and assume she doesn't even know Horror Business word-for-word. Yeah, we've all done it and you honestly can't really blame anyone for it considering we all lived and went through 2004 with every girl on the block rocking a Ramones tee. Remember that shit? Yeah, it was horrible.
 
This is obviously not from 2004 but it just goes to highlight that this fad just wont quit. Nice look, Fergie. Ha.
Well, I'm clearly just rambling on here but if there's one thing that came out of last night, it was the amazingly real yet horrible quotes that came out of celebrities' mouths when asked questions relating to punk culture. Though their garb was just the cherry to the shit sundae because it sure as hell had me gagging. But don't think I'm picking sides here, punks generally seem to annoy the hell out of me as well. Trust, being in a car full of closed minded non-conformist-conformists for a few hours will have you crawling out of car, begging for some Britney Spears tunes.

“Punk for me is not probably the mohawk, typical punk that you’d sort of envision. A little bit more like ‘romantic punk'" -Kim Kardashian
Um, is that like, a reference to "pastel grunge" or...?

  
 “Tonight for The Met I am channeling the O.G. queen of PUNK, JOAN of ARC!” — Katy Perry
Clearly didn't think her outfit's concept out properly.
 

 “I dig Green Day and Avril Lavigne” – Hailee Steinfeld
I'll let her slide considering she was probably sheltered as a youngin'.
 

“I went to the [Vans] Warped Tour a lot” – Darren Criss
TAKE A SEAT. ALL THE WAY IN THE BACK. RUDE.
He just gets no picture.

So, I'll end this one with Miley Cyrus because her look, surprisingly, was my favorite of the night. Haha


-Karl
Quotes via Faster Louder
Images via Google

SELENA ETC. NEEDS A COMEBACK

As a dude of Mehican decent, I obviously know who Selena is. I mean, she's practically in my blood stream, considering all the times my chola neighbors, relatives, and sister played her records. It's pretty crazy and weirdly enough, I still haven't gotten tired of her music. (I have a short attention span for music these days) Anyways, the other day, while stuck in traffic, I remembered, Selena had a clothing line. It was a thought I had to dig into which resulted in finding some pretty amazing photogrpahs from 1996: the epitomy of the nineties.
Upon finding these photographs and gawking at the mere presence of them, I realized, these clothes would totally sell today. With everyone on this nineties high I figured, there has to be a market for them. I considered this since Opening Ceremony did that re-edition collab with DKNY and these garments totally give off the same ninties vibes that the others gave off. Even that one flower dress was giving off the same vibes~ as that shirt-dress Ageyness Deyn produced with her collab with Dr. Martens. It all ties in together, man. Though I really do love those reversible denim overalls. Like, damn. Selena was one progressive woman!
A part of me really misses Selena and I think if some company *cough* Opening Ceremony *cough* considered doing a re-edition collab, it would just be the best. Especially at a time when everyone is on this nostalgic high for the nineties.
-Karlito

You can view more images here.

 

DEE-KAY-EHN-WHY

DKNY is one of those iconic brands we all grew up with and even when you had no idea what the DK meant, you knew NY was no short for NYC. Much like Tommy Hilfiger, the nineties just wouldn't be the same without DKNY. So, with this whole revival of the nineties, it's pretty bitchin' of Opening Ceremony to do a re-edition collaboration with DKNY by remaking a few pieces from certain collections from the early nineties.
Though simple in nature, the entire collection is fairly bold but pretty cool. I find it to be pretty rad that in many ways, it's helping fuel this whole trend on clothing with huge logos on them from old companies.
*cough* Boy London *cough*
So, here's a few pieces that I would simple spill over and pass out if I owned them.

Though the pieces are clearly priced on the, I'm-a-broke-fashion-student side, I opted for the side I love and that was hunt me down some classic DKNY via that lovely place we call eBay. I found a cute little backpack, that actually serves the purpose of me needing a cute little backpack for the sake of adventures n' shit. So, I ultimately caved in and purchased it. I now have something to hold all of my goodies while I'm out being a hoodrat. Cute, no?

-Karl