New York, New York.... where do I start? You're loud, you're dirty, you're smelly, and somehow you're still AMAZING. 

DISCLAIMER: I took all of these on my phone, sorry for the poor quality! 

This past week I had the opportunity to visit New York City with 20 other students from the Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design major at GSU. Not only were we able to attend different meetings and museums that I wouldn't normally do in NYC, but we had SO much "free time" to do as we please. Work & play. We even stayed a few blocks down from Time Square, right in the heart & soul of the city. 

The MET: We took a class trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the current fashion exhibits. The ManusxMachina exhibit is one of their current exhibits and it is incredible.... all the pieces on display somehow incorporated modern day technology into them. There were even garments made from a 3D printer! I don't know how thats possible but man, oh man, were they stunning.

The Museum at FIT: The Fashion Institute of Technology is a well-known public school in the center of NYC. We were able to meet to the museum curator and see vintage pieces dating back to the 1900's. Vintage Channel, Vintage Calvin Klein, Vintage Oscar De La Renta... some of their first garments that really changed the fashion world for women into what it is today.

Broadway: GUYS! I finally saw the famous Wicked show! And it did not disappoint. I am a huge fan of musicals and comedies and this show had it all. I don't want to give anything away so i'll just leave you with this.... if you ever have the chance to see it, you won't regret it! Brings back all those childhood memories from The Wizard of OZ. 

Company Meetings: 

Fossil- We were able to have a meeting with the Fossil company and BOY was it cool. I had no idea Fossil owned the rights to make all watches for Micheal Kors, Karl Lagerfeld, Diesel, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, and about 7 other huge brands! So when your buying your new Micheal Kors watch, it's really a Fossil watch. Be on the lookout for Fossils new technology infused watches coming out to the public! We got a first hand look at these suckers and I can't wait to get my hands on one of my own!

Echo- So this was actually one of the brands that were set up in the Amy J. Hill showroom I interned for at the Atlanta Mart about a month ago! I even was able to meet up with the representative I had met in the Atlanta showroom! Small world. We met some of these designers behind the products who actually hand paint some of the prints on the merchandise themselves. They showed us the original paintings on paper and then showed us the painting printed onto a scarf that Echo sells today! 

Nili Lotan- This was the only showroom we visited that was under a designers name. Unfortunately, Nili Lotan was not there when we visited, but we were still able to see all the work behind the brand. This showroom creates their samples in house. It was amazing to see inside this showroom and see the designers work area where all the genius ideas are formed. 

Lola Phonpadith- So she is actually not a fashion designer like the others. She is a creative specialist who helps to put on huge events like fashion shows or festivals. She is a one-man team and somehow still plans huge events flawlessly. 

I wish I had more pictures to show off but I was busy shopping and eating my life away. My recommendations for visiting NYC would be 1) shop at the vintage/thrift/discount stores! Buffalo Exchange & Century 21 are your new best friends! You'll get a lot more out of your money. 2) Street vendor food is actually delicious (I know it seems sketchy but it taste like a greasy heaven)... also its cheap! 3) NY PIZZA. Don't go to eat at somewhere you can get back at home, boooooring. visit those restaurants and diners you have never heard of before (that goes for all food, not just pizza). The big signs that just say PIZZA and look kinda weird are where you'll get that real New York Pizza everyone talks about. Best food we ate there by far. 

xoxo

Cassidy Alexandra Dean 

Favorite part of my outfit today: western belt around the natural waist. I love this new trend of belting up every outfit. This outfit was inspired by, of course, Coachella.... Call me basic but I would give anything to go to it just once. Butttt Savannah will have to do. For now.
I really love paring all the different pieces of this outfit together because they are all so different yet they came together so well. I feel like this outfit sums up my style: boho chic with lots of leathers and layers. Finding new ways to spice up your clothing is always fun too. This romper from Urban Outfitters is truthfully not the most flattering by itself. Honestly, I started questioning why I even bought it in the first place. Pairing it with this patterned kimono and adding the silver buckled belt made the it look 3278x better. Now, I love it! Excited to see what else I could pair it with.
Also, these shoes are bomb. Leather booties are such a great investment because they never go out of style. You can wear them 10 years from now and they will still look ah-mazing. Seriously, I've actually worn some of my moms shoes from like 10 years ago. Leather ages well and the scratches and scuffs just gives them some character!

xoxo
Cassidy Alexandra Dean

This past weekend I had an amazing opportunity to intern at Americas Mart in Atlanta. I interned with the Amy J. Hill Showroom for the April Market. Being from Atlanta, you would think I would have worked at the Atlanta Mart before. NOPE.... this was my first time. All I can say is I would do it again in a heart beat.

The Amy J. Hill showroom carried a total of nine brands of clothing and accessories
Sanctuary 
modern vintage calssics 

My Tribe
edgy, unique, high end clothing

Driftwood
denim and more
Brightly Twisted
hand dyed one-of-a-kind

RD Style
contemporary clothing

Alternative Apparel
simple & easy athleisure  
Echo

scarves, hats, gloves, outerwear

4Dreamers
contemporary clothing

Peace Love Word
stylish loungewear

I had never heard of most of these stunning brands until this internship (now I love them). They all varied in pricing and styles. Walking in, I had no idea what to expect, but the showroom representatives were very welcoming (thank god). This experience was beyond helpful to me, as I seek to begin my future career. It really gave me the hands on experience any college student in my shoes is looking for in the fashion industry. 

All clothing photos featured in this post were styled by me. Sadly, I could not get pictures of each brand because of the high volume of buyers coming in and out of the showroom. UGH. I did manage to style some merchandise and snap a few pics to show off! All of the brands had their Fall 2016 line samples on display.  
If you are ever offered an opportunity like mine, TAKE IT! I cannot stress this enough. Make connections, learn as much as possible, style different wardrobes... do everything you can to take advantage of the opportunity given to you. Being able to personally experience what goes on behind the scenes has introduced me to the variety of different careers out there. Some I am very passionate about, while others I'd rather eat glass than do. Working this past week has boosted my confidence within the fashion industry tremendously. 
Feel free to contact me about any question or comments about my experience!

xoxo
Cassidy Alexandra Dean

Black, white, & grays are perfect for your upcoming yoga & aerobics classes.  I'm currently swooning over the different mix n' match possibillities that can come from using these three colors. It's like its own color palate in itself. Easy addition to this grayscale color scheme? Yoga mats with a pop of color!

The excesivly bright, annoyingly colorful, and 17-toned athletic apparel is losing its friction, while displaying a more cohesive athlesiure look is taking its place! If you are not quite ready to let go of the color in your workout outfit, then head over to Stone Fox Swim for one of their color patterned athlesiure outfits! As long as you incorporate the same color scheme or pattern throughout your entire outfit, you're set!

These are some of my faves for a complete yoga outfit that will make everyone envy your athletic style. Who says you can't show off your eye for fashion just because your sweatin' it up at the gym?!

Eager to purchase one of these items? 

Head over to Revolve for these Onitsuka Tiger sneakers in the Dualio style! Other colors available on the Onitsuka Tiger main website!

The LVBY Avanti yoga mat can be found on their site or on revolve in the color shown on my page!

Alo Yoga has the most amazing yoga pants/sportsbras/tanks... ect. Grab some of these Moto Leggings in every color!

If you know me, you know I am a good hYOUman advocate. The Aguilera tank is just one of many by good hYOUman that I am currently obsessed with.

I cannot stress to ya'll enough about how this Lululemon Ta Ta Tamer 3 sports bra changed my life for the better. The name is self explanatory. 

Thanks for reading!

XOXO

Cassidy Alexandra Dean

Outfit of the week: BROWNS & GOLDS

Decided to go ahead and show some of my saved outfits in all my online shopping carts right now. If only I had the money....

So I am obsessed with round sunglasses. These Crap Eyewear Sunnies are an amazing ray ban look alike (love me the round metal sunnies from there). These are about a quarter of the price AND come in rose gold lenses. SCORE. 

As seen on my insta, I have had a huge obsession with white lately. Especially white tops. Faithfull The Brand  carries this amazing lace up top (also in blue) and it's on sale ladies. Get em' while they're cheap.

Over this past winter break I had a lot of extra time at work to surf the web and shop. I stumbled across this website that has unique jewelry for my kinda style. This double stick open collar from The 2 bandits is the perfect accessory to add when going down the gold route. Collars and chokers are all the rage and this one is no exception. 

Maybe it's just me, but I think there were a couple recent years where I would not be caught dead wearing a belt. Now, belts are back and ready for you to add them to your everyday look. I am loving this light brown leather belt with the gold shimmer tone to it. It's not too flashy but still has just enough pizzazz to catch your eye. Pair it with some gold jewelry and your good to go.

I have a pair of Freebird booties but they don't even compare to these Eagle Booties. Seriously, wow. The two tone colors just make it complete. Each one of these shoes look as if they were hand made just for you. Love the stitching, the details, the materials used... everything.
Pair this outfit with any type of denim bottom (shorts, skirt, boyfriend jeans) to add your own sense of style.

So, anyone wanna start buying me clothes? I promise I can come up with more if needed.

Thx for reading!

xoxo

Cassidy Alexandra Dean

 GUYS! We had record breaking temperatures in Atlanta this week... all my peeps that are low-key totally okay with this whole global warming thing say ayyyyyeeeeee. 

So, it seems as though I have now realized how hard blogging really is. Its no stroll in the park. This is only my third post in a couple weeks! I promise to try and keep it updated as much as possible.

First let me talk about this fine jewelry I am wearing. All jewelry worn for these photos come straight from MMD Designs (you go mom). Follow her on Insta to get all your amazing handmade jewels for an unbelievable price. 

I am wearing MY ALL TIME FAVORITE shorts. These patched up Levis go with anything. Seriously guys.... anything. You can wear a t-shirt with them and they will still look A1. I am also so into the longer denim shorts look. Plus, I think the baby-boomers will more than approve. 

Urban Outfitters runs the game if you don't already know. This flowy open concept shirt is a festival fave. Girls comfortable with their bodies ATTN: this is the shirt for you. I like to safety pin this shirt together some in the middle to cover my stomach some (more flattering on me), but if you confident then FLAUNT IT. 

Straw is back baby. Whether it's on wedges, platforms, flats... whatever, the straw-like look is making its comeback. Check out other current looks besides these Vince Camutos that I have my eye on, like the Free People High Society Heel, the Raye Dahlia Espadrille Wedge, and of course the Seychelles Charismatic Sandal (all good Vince look alikes).
Keep checking in every week!
xoxo
Cassidy Alexandra Dean