SPRING 2011
The Down toEarth
Issue
Letter from the Editor
Contributors Publisher
Lasell College Spring in is the air and so is sustainability. This season we’ve buckled down and gone green for POLISHED. Explore our vision of down-to-earth living through local charitybased and earth-conscious entrepreneurs, spring trends, consignment fashion boutiques, and the nostalgic days of prom revamped with a splash of style and a warm heart. Keep grounded with our bohemian-chic editorial and join us in our celebration of the art of recycled fashion. Establish your own green reality this issue, and rejoice in your newly POLISHED perception of sustainable living.
Editor-in-Chief
Mary Ruppert-Stroescu
Founder
Richard Bath
Faculty Advisor Stephen C. Fischer
Managing Editor Holly Stephens
Creative Director Shauna Mullin
Assistant Creative Director
Holly Stephens Managing Editor
Shawnda Shaffer
Art Director Erin Patten
Assistant Art Director Rizwan Samma
www.polishedfashion.com blog.polishedfashion.com
Faculty Editor Becky Kennedy
On the Cover Photography: Oliver Klink Model: Paige Barrett, Maggie Inc. Hair and Makeup: Krystal B.
Editors
Courtney Amberg Antonia Graffeo Jennifer Racine Mona Zecevic
Blog Editor Megan Lalli
Marketing Director Christa Langbehn
Marketing
Lauren Metjian Brittany Turgeon Natasha Wood POLISHED Magazine is produced with graphic design support from the Graphic Design League at Lasell College. Visit us at www.graphicdesignleague.com POLISHED Magazine is printed by Wing Press beau@wingpress.com
Styling
Melissa Fraitag Andrea McSheehy Shauna Mullin Rizwan Samma Shawnda Shaffer
Ad Graphics Erin Patten 1844 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA 02466 | www.lasell.edu
Community
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Trends
Art
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Trends That Transcend
Zoetic Green
Writer: Raymon Donis Graphic Designer: Rizwan Samma
Writer: Dana Raine Graphic Designer: Katie Casavant
Writer: Hugh McIntyre Graphic Designer: Rob Conti
Down to Earth
Hot Spots
Equal Exchange
Being Cutting Edge Never Felt So Grounded
Writer: Julianna Caduto Graphic Designer: Rachel Coehlo
Vendors: Regeneration, Proxy Apparel, Shubhra Designs, Zinnia, Birch Street Home and Garden
Belle of the Ball
Menswear + Womenswear Trends Fall 2011
Their Yearly Event Writer: Barbara Wrenn Graphic Designer: Brittney Williams
Ecological Design Created by Christine Ferguson
Something Used
Sustainability Starts Here
Boston Fashion Boston Street Fashion Take a Walk
Graphic Designer: Jon Elia
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Buffalo Exchange
9 Beauty
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Fashion Q&A
Writer: Victoria Bozek Graphic Designer: Alissa Polillio
Johnny Cupcakes
A Sweet Delicacy for Your Wardobe Writer: Alisha Madkins Graphic Designer: Erin Patten
Culture
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Modus Collection
Writer: Lindsay Feeney Graphic Designer: Sarah Holcomb
Writer: Rachel Amiralian Graphic Designer: Jessica Woods
A Matter of Face
It’s My Job The Real Stories of Fashion Retail and Merchandising Alumnae
Writer: Caitlin Wright Graphic Designer: Sarah Holcomb
Writer: Victoria Bozek Graphic Designer: Sara Bamber
Dressing to the T Writer: Antonia Graffeo Graphic Designer: Jon Elia
Organic Makeup Now on the Rise
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elle of the Ball, sponsored by Anton’s Cleaners, collects, cleans, and distributes prom dresses to girls who would otherwise be unable to attend their prom. More than 1,475 girls have received a prom dress since the program began in 2005.
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The prom boutique takes place at Simmons College. Each year, selected high school juniors and seniors are able to choose from more than two thousand gently worn dresses in various trendy styles. Each girl has a personal shopper, trained by Mary Lou Andre of Dressingwell.com, to help her find the ideal dress. In addition to dresses, shoes and accessories are also available. Throughout the event, raffles for awards of various prom-related services take place. Makeup and hair advice is offered to the girls in order to help them complete their look, and each girl leaves the boutique with a professional photo of herself in the gown she has chosen. Danielle Kempe, one of this year’s coordinators, said, “It’s a very moving experience. Many girls had never owned a gown before.” Kempe believes volunteering for this event is rewarding: “As a volunteer you get to see a tangible result. You often hear, ‘I never thought I could look this pretty.’” The organization has received numerous thank-you notes in the mail and Facebook messages from girls who have participated. Many organizations, companies, colleges, and volunteers help out before and during the boutique. Before the event, volunteers collect, sort, and organize the dresses. During the event, three hundred volunteers help by registering the girls, organizing fitting rooms, working on the boutique floor, and making minor repairs onsite.
“The most rewarding part was when the girls finally found their perfect fairytale dress. You could tell how grateful and happy they were,” said Jaber. Lasell College fashion merchandising major Rhonda Jaber volunteered as a personal shopper at the 2010 Belle of the Ball. “The most rewarding part was when each girl finally found her perfect fairytale dress. You could tell how grateful and happy they were,” said Jaber. The coordinators try to improve and expand the event each year; Kempe’s goal for this year’s Belle of the Ball is to serve four hundred young women. One challenge the organizers have encountered is that some girls sign up but do not show up for the boutique. They are always trying to find ways to better schedule people, Kempe said. In addition, the organization would like to offer more shoe and jewelry options. Shoes can be a challenge because they need to be new. Kempe is hoping to raise money so that this year, more girls can leave with shoes.
Photos by michael davis
Their Yearly Event
Kempe said they are hoping to offer three thousand dresses at the boutique this year. Although there are only four hundred girls participating, it is necessary to offer a wide range of sizes and styles. At left: Autumn Reese from the FOX TV show The O.C. shares a special moment with Concetta Brancaccio.
Above: Fatmata Fofana calls home to let her mother know she found the perfect gown at the boutique.
“The most challenging part was finding dresses toward the end of the event. Most of the dresses were taken and the selection was limited, especially in terms of sizes,” Jaber said. Anton’s Cleaners is a family-owned business with forty-three locations in eastern and southern New Hampshire. Anton’s Cleaners had already been running a similar program, Coats for Kids. When they saw a need for prom dresses, “they knew they had the unique ability to be able to clean the gowns and felt a sense of community responsibility.” Anton’s works with many partners and volunteers throughout the community to make the prom boutique possible. Referral partners identify and recommend young women who would benefit from this event; guidance counselors, social service representatives, teachers, and church leaders help with the referral process. Jordan Furniture is a corporate sponsor promoting and collecting gowns; FOX 25, KISS 108FM, and JAM’N 94.5 all help to promote the event. - Barbara Wrenn
www.antons.com/belle/index.html
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POLISHED
HOW IS A CLOTHING LINE BORN?
Photos by Hugh McIntyre & Katie Casavant
In most cases, a designer is inspired by a vision that translates into a line and a new company. However, Something Used was already five years old when its first clothing line was designed and marketed. Before that, the company had been involved in everything from publicity, to music distribution for bands, to concert bookings across the United States. The brand had developed a following: 50,000 online Facebook “friends” who were following what the company was doing. A vast majority of those people were most interested in the fact that the company donated a large portion of profits to charities, no matter where the revenue stream stood. If Something Used planned a concert, the audience was aware of the group that benefited from the performance earnings. This visibility, moreover, represented a business opportunity. All these people were loyal to a brand, yet they had no way of supporting the mission of the company. If a fan didn’t live near where Something Used was having an event, there was no way to contribute. It didn’t take long for the idea of an online clothing company to materialize. The clothing line was to be something very special and yet very simple. The clothes would be nothing fancy: t-shirts
with interesting images and slogans. The business model, however, would grow and become more powerful. The idea behind Something Used was that a person did not have to choose between being charitable and buying something he or she wanted; indeed, by choosing the right company, he or she could have it all. On the other end, Something Used proved that a company could have charitable giving built into its business model and still make a profit. For every item the company sold, a donation was made, and the customer factored this into his or her buying decision. Fast-forward three years, and Something Used is completing its fourth clothing line. Only one line appears each year as a limited-time offer, so as to give people a chance to buy what they want and also for new people to catch on. Working under this model for three years, Something Used has shown that if you donate a percentage of your profits and explain to your customers what their donation will do for the world, this can translate into sales. Over the years, the company has worked to change the world through the following Something Used Impacts: For every clothing line, Something Used pays a nonprofit to cancel out future carbon pollution, thus making the line(s) completely carbon neutral. Over the last
three years, this has added up to over 207,000 pounds of carbon pollution that will never exist. One of the best ways to prevent future poverty is to educate women today. Something Used took this idea seriously. When the second clothing line was launched, a donation from each shirt’s profits sent a girl to school for two months. Each of these girls was a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, and many had been orphaned by it, almost certainly dooming them to a life of prostitution without some form of education. Something Used paid to send 200 girls to school for two months. In the context of this focus on education, the company observed that some of the things keeping children from developing countries out of schools can be addressed. Children who cannot afford shoes cannot walk to school; children who cannot afford daily lunch money will drop out of school. It is unacceptable that a young child should drop out of school because he or she cannot afford lunch; therefore, the sales from another shirt design paid for seven of these children to buy lunch every day for an entire year so they could continue their education. While the business’s main focus is on helping people, there are other causes out there that are more than worthy of
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SOMETHING USED
Spring 2011
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our resources. Over eight years, the company has paid to protect more than 10,400 square feet of rainforest and almost 15,000,000 square feet of animal habitats in Asia. People take precedence, but it can never hurt to share some of the wealth. In its most important and most thoughtful donations, the company dedicated a portion of the profits from its third line of shirts to medicine donations for needy people in developing countries. For every shirt sale, Something Used donated a certain percentage to a nonprofit that could allocate the funds effectively. In addition, another company matched the business’s donation, thus doubling the effect. This has led to a total of $7,500 in donated medicines. Of course, the company has dipped into many other causes, but these are the five that have had the greatest impact. The hope, moreover, is that other businesses will take up the same mission in their own way. Something Used has already offered advice to an individual seeking to start a clothing line with the same social commitment, and Something Used can only hope that there are many more who will see that it is possible to live in a world where capitalism can flourish and yet benefit those in need. - Hugh McIntyre
Please contact Something Used at somethingused@gmail.com / hmcintyre@lasell.edu. 7
Not only does Equal Exchange offer top-quality, organic-based ingredients, but it also works to establish a better future for small farmers. The Exchange has installed training programs for women in Guatemala, has hosted an ecotourism project in Nicaragua, and has even constructed new classrooms in El Salvador. Other sustainable community projects have been developed in Bolivia, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ethiopia, India, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, Sumatra, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Uganda. “Equal Exchange is much more to us than just a buyer of our coffee. We see you as a partner who treats farmers as equals. You share our commitment to growers and to the land, and are helping us to create a better future.”- Pedro Haslam, General Manager CECOCAFEN Cooperative, Nicaragua.
All of Equal Exchange’s containers are 100 percent compostable, and if you stop in after 5:00 PM, certain treats are half priced. It’s a perfect way to be green while saving yourself some of that other green.
Equal Exchange products are available in cafes, co-ops, supermarkets, and natural food stores throughout the United States. Products are also found online through the web café. www.equalexchange.coop/ Faith-based organizations have the option of purchasing products through Equal Exchange’s Interfaith Programs. Equal Exchange also offers wholesale opportunities to retailers worldwide.
Photos by Jon Elia
Equal Exchange works to build on its powerful system by establishing new partnerships and is currently reaching out across the globe to farming cooperatives growing high-quality organic coffees, teas, chocolate, bananas, and other deliciously sustainable food products.
Don’t think we forgot about the thirst quenchers. As the weather warms up, coffee lovers everywhere are switching from hot to iced. Try an iced coffee (spice it up with a flavor shot if you’re feeling bold), add some skim milk and brown sugar, and you’ve got yourself a smooth yet powerful start to any day. Are you a Nutella fan? If so, Equal Exchange’s hazelnut mocha will be a treasure to your taste buds. If you’re not up for coffee and are just looking for a cold, crisp refreshment, try an organic ginger beer.
Photo by Equal Exchange
Equal Exchange offers a variety of organic and sustainably grown teas, coffees, chocolates, cocoas, sugars, bananas, nuts, and berries from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and local Northern American farms.
Got a sweet tooth? Petsi Pies supplies the Equal Exchange with delectable pastries to satisfy any craving. Oatmeal cookies, baked with real oats, maple syrup, and a smidgen of fruit, are a customers’ favorite. Chocolate lovers cannot go wrong with a bite, or two, or even three (we won’t tell) of Equal Exchange chocolates. And for those searching for gluten-free delights, Equal Exchange offers a variety of gluten-free options, including muffins, cookies, and brownies.
BOSTON FASHION
“Together we can create stronger local communities, a more just food system, and a healthier planet.”
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Looking for lunch? Try a fresh sandwich, supplied by Cambridge’s The Biscuit. Popular choices at Equal Exchange are the Veggie Goats’ Gruff (zucchini, roasted red peppers, caramelized red onion, herb goat cheese spread, and greens on whole wheat) and La Bella Mozzarella (fresh mozzarella, roasted tomato, pesto, and greens on rosemary focaccia). If your taste buds are craving something more outside of the box, sample a tofu spring roll. Packed with basil, these spring rolls are flavorful and fresh. Other vegetarian options include vegan chili and soup.
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Based in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, the Equal Exchange maintains the standard of a one-person, one-vote working environment in an effort to minimize faulty corporate practices and maximize its fresh, organic, and sustainable food service.
When visiting the Equal Exchange Café, customers are able to enjoy treats that not only are delicious, fresh, and affordable but also give back to the community.
Spring 2011
Starting out in a fair trade coffee exchange with Nicaragua back in 1986, the Equal Exchange Café never imagined the impact it would have in the twenty-first century on over twenty countries. The founders of this earth-friendly exporter run a food system that works to benefit the earth, farmers, workers, and consumers. Based on the idea of trading food in an honest way in order to oust industrialized agribusiness relying on harmful chemicals, the Equal Exchange believes that by communicating with others, “Together we can create stronger local communities, a more just food system, and a healthier planet.”
POLISHED
Boston
Sustainability Starts Here
- Holly Stephens & Mona Zecevic 9
POLISHED
Pebbles Morning Show. Everyone gathered together to support Modus Collection and the Salem’s Children Charity. The night was a success. Thousands of dollars were donated to the charity, and Modus Collection was able to expand its brand. Although radio and fashion are Deoleo’s career areas, he is a businessman at heart; he has used his position at the radio station to promote his clothing company. Deoleo said that the hardest challenge in the process is getting people to know your clothing is out there and then convincing them to purchase it. However, Deoleo makes that seem easy. Celebrities like the New Boyz, Nelly, Drake, Channing Tatum, and J. Cole all own Modus Collection t-shirts.
Modus Collection is not just your average clothing company. One-of-a-kind designs and signature pieces are not all that Deoleo had in mind when dreaming up his creations. He also wanted a way to give back to the community, and Deoleo prides himself on his involvement with charities. Last January, Modus Collection released a limited edition t-shirt, giving all of the proceeds to the Salem Children’s Charity. Deoleo threw a huge charity event at Murphy’s in Salem, hosted by Ramiro from the Ramiro and
Photos by Savas Studios
Deoleo’s first line, which was released in September 2010, was composed of six men’s t-shirts that are all made from high-quality materials. Every shirt is given a name and a personality: “Clothes aren’t just clothes anymore; we don’t just wear clothes to keep
warm; clothes are a way of expressing ourselves.” Deoloeo has embraced this concept. Men’s t-shirts were just the first stop for Modus Collection; after releasing the initial six shirts, Deoleo added hoodies to his line in December and plans to expand to women’s clothing, sweaters, jeans, and accessories. He wants Modus Collection Clothing to be a complete fashion brand and is eager for the next step. Deoleo plans to release new collections every spring and fall, with a minimum of six pieces, and also to launch limited edition apparel and shirts between seasons to keep his company fresh.
BOSTON FASHION
The name Modus Collection comes from the phrase modus operandi, which means ‘mode of operation.’ Deoleo based his line on designs that he has subconsciously been creating his entire life and that have become
his mode of operation. “I wanted a specific trademark, something that when a person looked at one of my shirts, they would know immediately it was a Modus shirt because of that trademark. Chess has been something I have always been a fan of. It is a game that everyone can play, no matter what age, race, or gender…We all are able to play, so we all are able to relate,” Deoleo said. The chess inspiration appears in the form of a chess piece in every garment. Each season, his line of shirts will incorporate the six main chess pieces: pawn, knight, rook, bishop, queen, and king. At times, creating a clothing company was quite stressful for Deoleo; he stated that at certain points, he thought seriously about setting all of his shirts on fire, but his passion for fashion and his desire to create pieces through which others could express themselves kept him going.
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Boston is an exciting place for today’s entertainment, music, and fashion industries. Every year, Boston gains more credibility as a place for the limelight. In the past year alone, movies like The Town and The Fighter have been written, produced, and filmed in Boston, giving our city new respect in the film industry. Lounges and restaurants have emerged that offer Boston a New York vibe, giving the city a fresh and new look. A new designer line has also stepped up to the plate, helping Boston give New York a run for its money: Modus Collection Clothing. CEO and founder Santiago Deoleo was born and raised in Salem, Massachusetts. In his main job, he produces the Ramiro and Pebbles Morning Show on JAM’N 94.5, but he strives for Modus Collection to become his primary focus. While radio broadcasting was his initial career choice, fashion has always been his biggest passion.
Spring 2011
MODUS COLLECTION
Deoleo’s company was built on a dream; hard work, dedication, and passion transformed this dream into a reality. Although the company is still young and there is plenty of work to do, Deoleo’s ambition will most certainly help him grow from producer to fashion mogul. Deoleo hopes to break into international markets like the Japanese fashion industry, but he still wants to remember why he started Modus in the first place: “[I] hope to provide you with a sense of empowerment and a freedom to express yourself, never forgetting that behind every design there is the fun that went into its creation and is now embodied in the piece itself. When you wear a piece of Modus Collection, the fun is now in your hands. Make it your Modus Operandi.” - Rachel Amiralian
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On the other side of the Charles, just off the Red Line, Lesley University graduate
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From the Green Line to the Red, Bostonians all over town are expressing themselves through fashion. Whether their creativity reflects their career aspirations or just represents the impulse of pure art, you do not have to search hard for style: Just look down the street.
Pantone predicts the following colors will appear in F/W 2011. BAMBOO - a warm, vibrant yellow hue with a hint of green undertone EMBERGLOW - a radiant shade of reddish orange reminiscent of the glow of a fire PHLOX - a deep shade of purple that adds an air of sophistication and drama HONEYSUCKLE - a fun and bold reddish pink nominated by Pantone as the color of the year CEDAR - a neutral mossy green that alludes to nature DEEP TEAL - a strong and mysterious blue-toned green sure to make a statement COFFEE LIQUEUR - a deep, rich brown tone that serves as an ideal neutral NOUGAT- a balanced mix between camel and khaki ORCHID HUSH - a cool grey tone, with the slightest undertone of pale purple to add warmth QUARRY - a medium grey with a hint of blue undertone Give these colors a polished look with bronze, copper, gold, and silver accents, to create a sense of luxury.
- Antonia Graffeo
Photos by ANTONIA GRAFFEO
Emily Res, a Northeastern University student originally from Switzerland, stole the crowd when she walked in, wearing neutral-colored thigh-high boots and an oversized silk shirt. She eagerly struck up a conversation about New York Fashion Week and the excitement in working the show as a Donna Karan intern. Just a few tables down was Camille Pierrard, a
Another day, another train: Victoria Thut, a Parisian-gone-Bostonian, embraced the style Audrey Hepburn made a famous go-to in her 1957 film Funny Face: Thut paired her edgy black boots with sleek-looking leggings and a black peacoat with dark fur and of course, to top it all off, a new allblack manicure.
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student Emily Calvin stood out in the crowd of Harvard students wearing a purple tutu and oversized coat. Calvin said she mainly shops in thrift stores because she “likes the stories that come along with old clothes. They are more than just an item someone made in a factory; there is history.” Calvin’s friend Kelly Gullage, who wore an oversized sweater (are we noticing a trend here?) and red tights, said, “Emily doesn’t wear outfits; she wears costumes. She celebrates.”
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It is no surprise that Boston’s chic of the chic took the Green Line to the Museum of Fine Arts and ditched their jackets at the coat rack to flaunt their looks at the MFA First Friday event.
Boston University student who looked stylish and refined, welcoming the spring weather in a white button-up blouse and a tan pencil skirt paired with a black sweater and tights. Downstairs, two stylish high-school girls were admiring the art. They were cute and casual, both in oversized shirts and leggings, one wearing flats and the other wearing what Nine West calls Old Colony American leather boots.
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oston is the city where young adults come to prosper… and freeze. Thankfully, we have finally put away winter jackets; but jackets or no jackets, Bostonians do not let rain, snow, or heat stop them from looking fabulous.
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Dressing to the
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THEMES: MODERATION - Quality rather than quantity is the rule of thumb. Forget about mass consumption of fads that you know will quickly end up buried in your closet, and focus on timeless staple pieces that you’ll be proud to wear in various ways. FUSION - Be fearless when it comes to mixing and matching colors, patterns, and textures to create one-of-a-kind looks. Combine classic, refined style with eccentric, ethnic aesthetic to create a fresh image. VALUE - Concentrate on acquiring basic as well as unique pieces that will have longevity in your wardrobe. Be conscious of the quality of your clothing: How well the garment is made will determine how good you’ll feel in it. PRACTICALITY - Thinking not only about aesthetic but also about functionality puts everything into perspective. Style doesn’t have to compromise comfort. Fashion is meant to complement your lifestyle, not contradict it. BACKCOUNTRY - A more relaxed and fluid mindset that steers away from severity is the way to go. Simple, organic lines that are inspired by the outer banks of nature are favored: Fashion should look and feel effortless, not forced.
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SINGLE BREASTED SUITS: These suits will always have a place in fashion. For a more conservative look, stick with a small- to medium-sized lapel or shawl. If you like to stand out a little more, go for the peaked lapel that gives you a more prominent presence.
Spring 2011
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Fall 2011 suit trends combine the best attributes from past fashion eras to create the ideal silhouette. References include the formality of the Victorian age, the instinctive charm of the 1930s, and skinny detailing from the 1960s. The preferred shape should broaden the shoulders, slim the waistline, and elongate the leg to achieve a leaner and stronger appearance. For a twenty-first century modern suit, timeless styles and precise workmanship will be updated with contemporary fabric, an impeccable cut, and fresh details.
POLISHED
Menswear Trends Suit Yourself
DOUBLE BREASTED SUITS: This suit is definitely on trend, as its cut accentuates the ideal V-shaped silhouette. Peaked lapels work best with this kind of suit. If you are not completely confident about your body, this may be the ideal choice, as it will definitely create a favored frame.
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THREE PIECE SUIT: For the fashionforward man, this suit is yours to conquer. It consists of a jacket, a waistcoat, and trousers. Make sure that these three components are cohesive (mismatching is not that creative for suits this season). You need to be a risk-taker to pull this look off, but you will be richly rewarded by envious glances. TIPS: The single button that falls lower on the chest makes you appear shorter than you might actually be. Multiple (two to three) buttons help elongate the body. If you are looking for a more formal suit, choose a structured, angular shoulder. A rolled shoulder gives you a less prominent shoulder angle and is more casual. Add a turtleneck or cowl
neck to get a fashionable layered effect while keeping warm. Try the burnt sienna (rich orange tone) and the cadet (mix between grey and blue) colors to stay on trend. Pocket handkerchiefs are a great way to make a suit unique and give it dimensionality. Remember that suits are made to complement you. If the suit does not fit correctly right off the rack, invest in tailoring in order to get the best fit. FABRICS: Wool is the dominant material for suits, as it molds to the body and is durable. Cotton is a good choice, too. Velvet is the fabric to keep an eye on this fall, as it is on trend to make a statement with its luxurious appeal.
PATTERNS:Glen plaid, Damier check, herringbone, Harris tweed, and pinstripe are relevant patterns for fall 2011. Matching lines at the seams and pockets are a sign of quality. Patterns add interest to a suit and make it dynamic, so don’t shy away from them. The great thing about suits is that you can wear the pieces as separates. Wear the blazer and/or waistcoat with straight leg jeans, a crisp tee, and a textured scarf. Pair your trousers with a cardigan and a casual button-down shirt.
Womenswear Trends Stunning Style Classic silhouettes will be complemented by modern prints to create a timeless yet current look. Rich, natural colors fortify your presence. Sheer feminine fabrics will be smitten by the boyish charm of cool textures. It is always on trend to be sophisticated and intellectual, and this fall is no exception. DROP HEMLINES, ELEVATE STYLE: A-line, flared, and pleated skirts are longer, for a more sophisticated and sensible look. The shape and cut are traditional, but vibrant colors and bold geometric, Gothic, and neoclassical inspiration give classic silhouettes an edge. These skirts should sit just above the waist, to elongate the
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body. A high leather or suede boot with a fitted blazer or belted cardigan will take this trend to another level. SHE’S THE MAN: Women’s suits are not a new concept, but they are being reinforced as a staple look in various collections. Form-fitting blazers are being paired with a more relaxed, wider leg trouser that creates an effortless, chic, smart appearance. The structured blazer secures and defines a feminine shape while the trousers produce a lean extension of the leg. Add a turtleneck with a deep saturated color to elevate your sophistication.
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more prominent styles for fall 2011. The roomy swagger coat is both practical and elegant with a classic, A-line silhouette. The military coat has been a favorite for some time now and with good reason: It is structural and edgy, and it evokes confidence. Rich colors, complementary prints, and refined textures will give these coats an eccentric and contemporary look. For fall 2011, classic construction will combine with innovative concepts to unite past and present. Vintage classics will gain new life through modern design. Traditional, sophisticated neutrals will complement rich, vibrant color. Relaxed silhouettes will be accented with sleek structure. Although our economic stability fluctuates, our fashion taste will not be compromised, as our expectations are still strong. Nothing will go to waste this fall season as old is transformed into new.
HAUTE COATS: The 1950s swagger coat and the military coat are the two
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Down to Earth Being Cutting Edge Never Felt So Grounded photography OLIVER KLINK location BOSTON HOTEL BUCKMINSTER hair & makeup KRYSTAL B.
This page: Top - Hooded zip sweater: Regeneration, Goa day top: Shubhra Designs, Earrings: Zinnia, Ring: Regeneration Bottom - Dress: Regeneration, Cuff bracelet: Zinnia, Suitcases: Birch Street Home and Garden Opposite: Left - Dress: Shubhra Designs, Belt: Proxy Apparel, Earrings and cuff bracelet: Zinnia, Right - Feather headband: Proxy Apparel, Dress: Regeneration, Drop earrings: Zinnia
This Page: Top - Spice root embroidered print tunic: Shubhra Designs, Orange wide leg pant: Regeneration, Gold woven earrings: Zinnia Bottom Center - Garland wrap silk chiffon blouse: Shubhra Designs, Turquoise collar necklace and earrings: Zinnia Opposite: India silk and pleated chiffon party dress, Feather belt: Shubhra Designs, Necklace and bracelet: Zinnia
FASHION Q&A
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Less will ultimately be more when you are planning your workday outfit. This is because as a woman in the workforce, you will want to make sure that the first thing colleagues and bosses see is your face. Flashy accessories, low-cut necklines, and too-high hemlines only take away from the respect that you deserve. That said, the best approach to office attire could be summed up in two words: uncluttered and tailored. A great office piece that helps to accomplish this look is the blazer. Sold in a variety of sizes and colors, the blazer is a sophisticated touch that polishes your look. A fitted, neutral blazer is a great starting point. If you have a slimmer body type, accompany the blazer with cigarette trousers, and if you have a curvier figure, pair the longer blazer with trousers that flare a bit. Both add contemporary trends to your professional outfit. An oversized pastel or white blazer is not only appropriate for this spring’s palette but also looks great when worn over an office dress: a dress no more than two inches above the knee. Another corporate staple is the blouse. This broad category is the working girl’s best friend; a plethora of blouse styles equals more options. Since most of your outfit should be neutral in tone, your blouse can add an accent color, texture, or pattern to your ensemble. Spring is in the air, so opt for cotton or linen fabrics to lighten up your outfit.
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How can I wear red carpet trends in my everyday clothes?
Though I’m sure we would all love the opportunity to wear a new designer gown every day, we know it’s not practical. What is practical is to extract trends that we see on the red carpet and incorporate them into our daily wardrobe.
As spring becomes summer and the weather gets hot, try the boots on with destroyed shorts or a bandage mini. The shorts and mini can be topped off with a tasteful trapeze top or oversized sweater to balance out the ensemble. Patterned tights or socks that poke out of the top of your boots are great leg accessories that will draw well-deserved attention to your fashionable feet. - Lindsay Feeney
Rihanna, Mila Kunis, and Mandy Moore have all dabbled in translucent materials during this year’s awards shows. This trend is one to take on with caution, as you don’t want to end up overexposed. Lace has become the material most frequently used for a fashionable game of peek-a-boo, whether in black or white. Some tops have an all-lace back, while others are only lace, inviting a cute camisole to be worn beneath them. Melissa Leo and Gwenyth Paltrow showed up to separate award shows looking incredibly chic in gowns that appeared to be dripping metallic. Since the red carpet is the only place suitable for that kind of head-to-toe shimmer, try to incorporate metallic into your outfit in more subtle ways. Bring attention to your neck and face with a scarf that has metallic strands woven into the fiber, or try a statement silver necklace. To spread the shimmer out a bit, loop a skinny metallic belt into your pant loops or even purchase flats with that touch of shine.
illustrations by emilie boucher
If your career path has led you into the corporate world, you must remember that not every piece of your wardrobe will be considered office appropriate. Therefore, as a fashionista, this is your time to show off your chameleonic abilities.
| BEAUTY
How you choose to wear biker boots completely depends on your personal style. A common way women with more feminine styles are adapting this trend is by pairing the boots with light, floral spring dresses. Together, the two styles create an eye-catching contrast and appear effortlessly put together. If your style is edgier to begin with, don’t be afraid to top off your look with the leather jacket you bought last fall. Keep in mind that two leather items usually look best in the same outfit if they are the same color.
What are the best staple pieces of clothing/accessories to purchase for a new corporate/office job?
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Spring 2011
Every spring season seems have an edgy trend that offsets the season’s typical floral patterns and pastel colors. Spring 2009 gave us hardware and suggestive zippers, spring 2010 offered warrior-inspired sandals, and spring 2011 has arrived bearing biker boots. Biker boots, originally practical footwear for motorcycle enthusiasts, have slowly crept their way across the world of fashion, first taking on the punk scene and then bleeding their way into the closets of fashion-forward women everywhere.
Hello, POLISHED readers, and welcome to the magazine’s new Q & A section. My name is Lindsay Feeney, and for the past few months I have been working to answer your fashion and style questions. Thanks to the ever-advancing internet, readers are able to submit their questions to me personally and anonymously through our formspring account, POLISHED.
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I’ve seen in a lot of magazines that biker boots are “in” this spring, but I have no idea what to wear them with. Help?
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Owner Paula Tierney had previously shared a makeup business with her sister-in-law in Newburyport; soon after she began this collaboration, however, she decided to take her business to Boston’s North End. Tierney chose the North End not only for the demographics but also because of its welcoming neighborhood environment; the location provides a nice blend of tourists and locals. A Matter of Face is conveniently located near the famous Mike’s Pastry. Tierney’s tag line is “selling healthy products that are good for you.” Tierney explained that “at first it was a hard thing to do because companies were selling organic products, but the quality in them was not there.” Tierney’s idea for a makeup store was the result of a “fluke.” She wanted to be selfemployed, and after negotiating with her partner, they chose to begin a makeup business. Clearly the idea found fertile ground in Boston’s North End: A Matter of Face won Boston’s Best 2008 and Best of Boston 2010. When entering the retail store, customers are greeted by an upscale charm and a welcoming atmosphere. Unlike department stores, A Matter of Face has no sales employees hovering over customers. Tierney encourages customers to play around and get a feel for the different brands and products the store offers. The products sold at A Matter of Face are trendy and unique: Not only are these products better for you, but all the lines are paraben and chemical free and are sold at an affordable price.
Organic Makeup Now on the Rise
The business carries over seventeen lines, each different from the other. Some of the vendors are Bliss, Darphine Skincare, The Holy Mud Company, and Julie Hewitt Los Angeles. Each of these four lines provides benefits for the skin while being good to the environment.
skin’s natural immune system. The block not only protects the skin from the sun but also keeps it smooth and fresh without clogging pores. In addition, Coola carries unisex lip balms and day moisturizer to be used underneath makeup, available in both scented and unscented versions.
Julie Hewitt is a well-known makeup artist who is active in Hollywood. Hewitt was in town doing the makeup for a movie and came across A Matter of Face by chance. She stepped into the store and asked Tierney if she wouldn’t mind carrying her line. Since then, Hewitt has visited the boutique and has even done a makeup event onsite. First inspired by a search for the classic red lipstick, Hewitt now includes products for lips, eyes, and face; she even offers a customized palette, and A Matter of Face carries the full line. Hewitt provides the highest quality products, while using natural ingredients that are chemical and paraben free.
The Holy Mud is a brand known for the four face masks that address every skincare need without utilizing parabans. The four different masks firm, hydrate, repair, and exfoliate.
The store also carries the Darphine skincare line. This line revolutionized skincare and aesthetics by becoming Paris’s first body, hair, and skincare solution. Darphin was founded in 1958 and continues to be very successful; Darphin products can have a high price tag, but the benefits are visible. These products are paraben free and are made with the richest plant extract, providing the skin with healthy antioxidants. The line caters to every skin type and to individual needs.
| BEAUTY
If you are looking for a makeup store that carries certified organics and paraben-free products, A Matter of Face is the store for you. Fairly new to Boston’s North End, this store has been open now for five years; A Matter of Face first opened its doors in the spring of 2007. A Matter of Face is the only cosmetic and skincare boutique for both men and women in the North End.
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Bliss is another favorite product that the boutique sells. Bliss uses plant-based ingredients but no harmful chemicals; the line includes skincare, bath, body, and beauty items. When choosing merchandise, A Matter of Face considers each item’s ingredients in order to provide customers with products that not only give the best results but also improve the skin’s look and feel. The store is perfect for customers of all ages and especially for those with sensitive skin who are looking for safe and green products. Stop by A Matter of Face, located at 425 Hanover Street in Boston. - Caitlyn Wright
“Customers are greeted with the store’s upscale charm and welcoming atmosphere.”
In addition, A Matter of Face carries Coola, a well-known sunblockbased product line that was created after a study revealed the effects of sun damage on the skin. Coola’s founders wanted to create a product that would not only protect the skin from the sun’s powerful rays but would also would be environmentally friendly. While creating a line with the highest level of SPF, Coola helps to save our planet from pollution. Coola uses the richest and most natural ingredients, which most sunscreens do not utilize. The product contains natural phytoprotectors, certified organic extracts, age-defying antioxidants, and vitamins that help the
Photos by Sarah holcomb
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Zoetic Green lives up to that standard, creating interiors with all of the style and beauty of any other design. Ferguson is interested in sustainable living, but she is also an artist at heart. Drawing inspiration from all parts of her life, including travels, magazines, architecture, and even her clients, she is able to design chic spaces that have become her trademark. Ferguson stated that a
lot of her inspiration comes from simply “walking down the street and keeping [her] eyes open.” How is she able to combine green and trendy? Ferguson described her process: “I always design with style in mind, then find the green solutions to fit my vision.” As sustainable living gains popularity, she has discovered it is becoming easier to find green products to fit into any design concept. Although the task is still not an easy one, Ferguson is determined to take the time to find the right pieces for each design project.
Zoetic Green works on all kinds of projects. From color and furniture consultation to complete home renovation, Ferguson at Zoetic Green has the skills to turn your space into a chic sanctuary, while adding green elements. She even offers e-design, a way to redesign your space no matter where you are! Even if it is not design help you are looking for, Zoetic Green has a plethora of green lifestyle suggestions to offer its clients. There is simply no excuse not to live in green luxury.
Just as Ferguson begins with the look and then finds sustainable products to fit it, her clients come to her for the look they want and end up learning about sustainability. Most of Ferguson’s clients are drawn to her stylish interior design. By working with Zoetic Green, they are able to have their style and be green, too. Speaking of her clients, Ferguson explained, “It’s been an added bonus when I can educate them about [green design].” However, she believes this will not always be the case. She continued, “I think that’s slowly changing as information about the benefits of green design and healthy indoor environments spreads.” Instead of clients seeking her design services, with the icing being sustainability, soon she hopes to see clients seeking her out because of her green practices. Zoetic Green is committed to helping its clients make green choices throughout the design process. One way the company incorporates sustainability into homes is by using materials that don’t off-gas. These include no-voc paint and solid wood instead of engineered wood. Ferguson also uses carpet or carpet tiles made from recycled and recyclable materials. Carpet tiles are environmentally friendly because they can be easily cleaned or replaced without cleaning or replacing a whole carpet area. This is one simple way to do something good for the earth, without sacrificing style. Ferguson has many other green tricks up her sleeve that she uses to help save the planet, while solving her clients’ design dilemmas. Its Boston area base is a source of inspiration for Zoetic Green. Historical buildings abound in Boston, and Ferguson uses
Living Room, 1930s Residence
Christine Ferguson at Zoetic Green is a leader in green interior design. She has the expertise and artistic flair to help anyone take a space to the next level, both in style and in sustainability. To get started on your next project, whether big or small, visit www.zoeticgreen.com. You won’t be disappointed!
Living Room
- Dana Raine
Photos by CHRISTINe FERGUSON
As a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional), Christine Ferguson is all about creating beautiful spaces that are good for the earth, which is where the name of the firm comes into play. Zoetic means ‘of or pertaining to life,’ and green refers to the sustainability of her designs. Ferguson explained, “I chose that word [zoetic] because I believe green interior design encompasses all parts of life.” She created Zoetic Green in the hopes of making the world of green design accessible to the masses. Her goal is to “design a complete indoor environment that is healthy for its inhabitants while having minimum impact on the planet.” While the average green designer might stop at the planet-friendly elements, Ferguson believes “that designing green doesn’t mean sacrificing style and beauty.”
the history to direct her designs. She has transformed many historical homes into stylish, sustainable sanctuaries, while maintaining the historical integrity of the space. Boston is also full of urban spaces, which allows for a more modern design approach. Ferguson is aware of the differences, stating, “You can’t design an antique farmhouse the same way you would an industrial loft.” She is sensitive to the character of whatever space she is working in. Being in Boston gives Zoetic Green the opportunity to work with historical homes, modern apartments, and everything in between.
| ART
Ecological Design Created by Christine Ferguson
Sustainability in design seems to be popular these days. But when we make a choice to help the planet, the end result so often ends up saying granola. However, sustainability can be stylish. The local interior design firm Zoetic Green is proof. Located in Marblehead, Massachusetts (and coming soon to Boston’s South End), Zoetic Green was started by former financial executive Christine Ferguson. Ferguson left her desk job in 2006 to explore a passion for interior design. She enrolled in the New England School of Art and Design, and in 2010 she earned a master’s degree in interior design. In the spring of that same year, Zoetic Green was born.
Spring 2011
ZOETIC GREEN
“Designing green doesn’t mean sacrificing style and beauty.”
Neutral Bedroom
1740s Colonial
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POLISHED Spring 2011
| HOT SPOTS
Buffalo Exchange D
id you ever think that buying a pair of Seven jeans for less than $40 or a Dolce & Gabbana bag for $250 was possible? If you are a college student who loves to shop for this season’s latest trends but can’t afford to spend a fortune on a whole new wardrobe, then check out Buffalo Exchange. This consignment shop, located at 180 Harvard Avenue in Allston, is a quick and easy train ride away and a venue where you can purchase your favorite designer brands at affordable prices. Buffalo Exchange was started in 1974 by Kerstin Block, who currently owns the company along with her daughter, Rebecca Block. Kerstin always had a “passion for fashion” and for finding the latest trends at the best prices. With this in mind, Kerstin opened the first Buffalo Exchange store in Tucson, Arizona. Since then, the company has pioneered as one of the first consignment shops in fashion history, a place where anyone can come in to buy, sell, or trade clothing or accessories. The mission of the company is to promote sustainability in clothing and lifestyle by helping to reuse, reduce, and recycle. “We want to have a place for people to shop where they don’t feel uncomfortable. Any type of person can come in here and feel welcomed by our staff. They can find different styles for their needs and are given great customer service!” Maggie Windsor, the store owner at Buffalo Exchange in Allston, explains. Windsor first started working for the company in 2005, at its location in New Mexico. She also worked at the San Diego location and opened the store in Somerville, Massachusetts, in September 2009. The company has a strong belief that all stores should be deeply involved with the community in which they operate. There are a number of programs and charities to which Buffalo Exchange has donated millions of dollars over the years, helping to save the environment and raising awareness around sustainability. Since 1994, the company has donated over $380,000 to local nonprofit agencies and has saved over 7.6 million plastic shopping bags. Buffalo Exchange allows any shopper who provides his or her own bag to accept a token promising the store will donate five cents to a charity of the shopper’s choice. Since 1997, the company has also raised over $310,000 for environmental causes through Dollar Day Sales on Earth Day.
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With nearly 70 percent of the store’s merchandise sold from customers, the other 30 percent is brand-new merchandise that customers can also purchase at low prices. If you are shopping around the store and notice a white tag, this means the item was sold by someone else.
So if you are searching for a Burberry trench coat or a pair of pink Coach sneakers this season but aren’t interested in dishing out the cash on a luxury item, then this one-stop shop for all fashion finds is just right for you. Buffalo Exchange is a great place to find fashionable, trendy items at affordable prices while still raising awareness of sustainable efforts. - Victoria Bozek
Windsor and her employees have worked hard to find trendy, affordable fashion items for their customers. The company hires buyers who are knowledgeable about fabrics, styles, and current retail trends as well as fashion eras. They are asked to go on frequent shopping assignments that consist of shopping internet sites, stores on Newbury Street, and other popular shopping areas. “They need to know diverse stores from K-Mart to Wal-Mart, to Forever 21, to Nordstrom, even to Bloomingdale’s,” Windsor explains. In order for customers to get a great price on their shopping finds, familiarity with designers and brands at luxury or affordable prices is a must for Buffalo Exchange employees. A strong interest in recycling fashion is also important for these fashion followers. Jen Bagley, a 2007 Suffolk University graduate student, is a buyer for the company. “My mom was a buyer for Filene’s and I thought it would be a really cool job. I would never work at another retail store, but this company is just so different. I love the control of the inventory I have and how I can give my opinion on what will be sold in the store,” Bagley explains. With handbags and purses as her current fashion obsession, Bagley can’t resist any Marc Jacobs or Kate Spade bag that enters the store. Her favorite item that she has bought at the shop is a pair of Puma shoes.
Photos by Alyssa Polillio
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Today, the independent and privately owned company has a total of forty stores in fourteen states across America. In 2010, Kerstin was named one out of five ATHENA award finalists for her success as a businesswoman. The company has been cited for Best Resale/Vintage Clothing by the Tucson Weekly and by Reader’s Choice in 2009 and 2010. It has also been featured in HOW Magazine and ReadyMade Magazine for its retail success.
“We see a lot of shoppers who love thrift shops and are looking for trendy fashion items.”
But how cheap is cheap, at Buffalo Exchange? With prices ranging from just $5 for a shirt from Forever 21 to $400 for a Louis Vuitton bag, any type of customer can shop at this consignment store. The Allston store has seen a number of brands come through its doors on clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry, and many types of accessories. On any given day, customers can find items from retailers such as Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, The Gap, Zara, Lucky, J.Crew, Club Monaco, H&M, and BCBG Max Azria. And if you happen to be at the store and find luxury designer brands like Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, and Chloe, then you have really hit the jackpot.
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Because the city of Boston is one of the top college destinations in the world, Buffalo Exchange knew that Allston would be the perfect location for a branch. The store opened in Allston on September 18, 2010, and since then the store has been attracting people from all over Beantown. “We see a lot of college students, considering it is a college town. Boston University and Boston College are right on the “B” line, which is the MBTA line we’re located on. We see a lot of shoppers who love thrift shops and are looking for trendy fashion items,” Windsor explains.
If the tag is blue, then the item is new merchandise. By bringing in new and old merchandise, the company allows everyone to shop comfortably at this consignment shop.
| HOT SPOTS
HANDBAGS
When customers bring in merchandise to sell to the stores, the buyers are extremely picky in deciding which items will make or break it on the sales floor. Items that are sold must be current in style, brand-new, unique, and fashionable. They should always be in mint condition and cannot have any stains, faded washes, or tears, because they will be sold again to customers. The company also aims to make the customers feel excited to enter the store doors by making them want to have fun. With vintage and retro items, customers can play dress-up right in the store. When customers sell their items they have the opportunity to receive either cash or store credit. So if you’re tight on paying off a bill this month and are in need of some quick cash, Buffalo Exchange may be your new best friend.
Spring 2011
Buffalo Exchange also supports charities such as Coats for Cubs. Until April 22, 2011, customers were encouraged to donate their furs to Coats for Cubs, which is a program of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) that provides bedding and comfort for orphaned and injured wildlife. Since 2006, the company has collected over 5,256 used furs for this program.
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Zero Fat, Pure Fashion--
Spring 2011
What if people could buy a cupcake that would accessorize perfectly with skinny jeans, a fitted blazer, and designer heels? Well, John Earle has made this possible by creating a clothing line called Johnny Cupcakes that has people wearing cute fitted tees with a fierce, fun edge. Earle, 29, is not your typical designer; he did not attend an Ivy League college, nor did he receive a fashion degree. Instead, he exercised his entrepreneurial skills by starting a lemonade stand and selling pranks to his high school peers. While these tactics did not make him millions, they were essential stepping stones in creating a clientele list and branding a name.
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Key Ingredients in the Success of Johnny Cupcakes--
Earle simply needed two ingredients to make his brand successful: one cup aspiration and three cups dedication. Earle let his businessman’s intuition take full force and started selling t-shirts from the trunk of his ‘89 Toyota Camry during “bathroom breaks” at work. With the aroma of success in the air, Johnny continued to sketch out ideas to improve the brand he was slowly establishing. Then it happened: Johnny came across a logo that stood apart from all the others, a simple crossbones with a cupcake placed above. This iconic logo has been spotted in music videos, photo shots, and blogs all over the web. The rise of Earle’s brand continues to accelerate with the opening of four different stores, one in Los Angeles and three in Massachusetts: in Boston, Hull, and Weymouth. Earle will also open another chic boutique this March in London, but this should be no surprise, considering Earle was named America’s #1 Young Entrepreneur (2008) by Business Week.
A Sweet Delicacy for Your Wardrobe
Donating by the Dozen--
Young adult entrepreneurs ask characteristic questions: How do I get a business started? How do I make it successful? Where do I begin? With these questions in mind, Earle has taken to the streets and started a Johnny Cupcakes Lecturer Series in which he travels to college campuses and speaks to young adults about issues that relate to their own needs. “The difference between Johnny and other Wall Street lecturers is his ability to tell students about his accomplishments, and in return there is a sense of connection with the audience,” stated a Babson College student. Schools Johnny has toured include Lasell College, the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, the University of California at Santa Barbara, Suffolk University, and Babson College.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHNNY CUPCAKES, INC.
Icing on the Cake--
As they say, a chef never sleeps, and Earle also made a 2010 Johnny Cupcakes Back to Basics Suitcase Tour in which he traveled in his vintage cupcake van to major cities across the United States, meeting fans and receiving feedback on his products. In addition, Earle designed six exclusive t-shirts and numerous memorabilia items specifically for the tour, to honor those who helped him establish his brand. Johnny Cupcakes exemplifies the quality of fortitude, which is the strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear adversity with courage. Without Earle’s dedication, hard work, and good taste in fashion, people today might not be able to enjoy a nice cupcake that garnishes a bootleg and embellishes those classic 1980 vans. Hats off to the chef! - Alisha Madkins
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The Real Stories of Fashion Retail and Merchandising Alumnae
Lasell College fashion and retail merchandising alumnae like Maria Borriello know firsthand how difficult that perfect dream job may be to find straight out of college. Some students set their dreams on New York City, Los Angeles, or maybe even Paris, but others like Maria, Bekah Levine, and Danielle Ditommaso have found true happiness and success just a short drive outside the city of Boston. Today, more than ever, it is important to have not only an education but also plenty of experience on your resume. All three of these successful Lasell alumnae have arrived at the conclusion that getting their ideal job is an ultimate goal with steps to take, and they offer a few helpful tips while preparing for that first real-world job. The first post in your field out of college may not be the position that a million girls would die for, but it’s the perfect first step toward finding a career in the fast-paced fashion industry.
Bekah Levine graduated from Lasell in 2004 and soon after found a job in retail as an assistant manager at Brown Shoe. For over a year, she stuck with Brown Shoe, learning about the retail industry and management. Once the company moved to New York, Bekah decided that moving to the city wasn’t her cup of tea. She was back to square one again, with no full-time job. After much anticipation and searching, Bekah found a position at Jjill’s headquarters in Quincy, Massachusetts, as an assistant sourcing manager.
Bekah: After leaving Brown Shoe, I revamped my resume and put it online. I sent my resume directly to Jjill and at first didn’t hear anything for over three months but finally got a call back. During my interview with Jjill, they offered me a position as an assistant sourcing manager. I had never thought of holding a position in sourcing, but I knew that it would be great experience, plus I really needed a full-time job.
Maria: I applied in February of 2010 and ended up getting a phone call shortly afterwards. I originally applied to be a merchandising assistant for shoes. During my interview, though, I was told by the person who was interviewing me that Katie, director of catalog development at Chadwicks, was looking for a position to be filled for a merchandising clerical. The merchandising assistant position ended up getting filled but I got the clerical position instead. I could not have been happier!
What is your favorite part of your job?
What does your job as a merchandising clerical entail?
Bekah: The times the vendors come into the headquarters. It’s so interesting to meet them and listen to the problems that we encounter. For example, the cost of cotton is the highest it’s ever been. This is a major factor for the retail industry.
Maria: I help build the catalog books with my manager Katie, who hired me. Every season there are various books, usually three or four per series/season, so we are constantly working on a book. As a team, we make sure that the catalog follows a certain merchandising grid, which is created through Excel. The grid will include the color, size, and description of the model.
Bekah: During my time at Lasell, I completed my internship at a photography studio. Even if this internship may not have helped my fashion career, it helped me realize other options if fashion does not work out in the long run. I have taken my interest in photography to the next step and am currently trying to balance between working a full-time job and going to photography school.
Jill is a multichannel retailer selling women’s clothing, accessories, and footwear. The Jjill customer loves to wear comfortable but stylish clothing. The brand includes soft fabrics and exclusive designs while still following the leading fashion trends. How did you apply for this job?
Bekah: I can’t tell you how often I use Excel. I also can’t tell you how thankful I am to have had Professor Bath and many other faculty members teach me how important Excel is in a job. I literally use the application every single day at work. Problem solving, thinking quickly on my feet, and great communication skills are also three key players in sourcing. Negotiating with vendors is something I was taught in my job. Because it was an entry-level position, there was no requirement to have this knowledge.
What’s your next career move?
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Photos by Bekah Levine & Maria Borriello
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earching for jobs and updating my resume was like a second full-time job for me at the time. Once I finally got that call, I felt like all my hard work really paid off,” Maria Borriello, a 2009 Lasell College fashion retail and merchandising graduate explains as she recalls getting her job as a merchandising clerical, a great entry-level position in the buying area at Chadwicks, of the Boston Apparel Group.
How did you apply for this job?
more recent graduate from the program is Maria Borriello. She was a 2009 graduate of Lasell who struggled like other alumnae to find her first full-time job in the fashion industry. In February 2010, Maria got a call that changed her life. Since then, she has been working at Chadwicks as a merchandising clerical, an entry-level position in the buying office. Chadwicks is geared to women between twenty-five and fiftyfive. It is for a woman who likes classic looks and is not fashion forward. The company is all catalog and online distributing with no retail stores in operation. Boston Apparel Group is the parent group that includes Chadwicks, as well as Metro Style and Casual Living.
| CULTURE
IT’S MY JOB
What are the skills and qualifications needed to hold this position?
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Bekah: I work with all departments in companies to get deliveries and negotiate pricing with agents. I deal with analyzing, receiving, and costs of products. In order to complete these tasks I have to work closely with the merchandising team, the factories, and managing vendor relationships.
While Maria was in college, she worked at City Sports as an intern/sales associate. She primarily worked on the floor, helping with merchandising, visual merchandising, and management. Keeping a close relationship with her district manager gave her an opportunity to move from sales associate, to clothing manager, up to visual merchandiser for the store. Maria was asked to stay longer with the company, but she wanted to find a company whose style she could relate to.
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What does your job as an assistant sourcing manager entail?
Throughout this process there are various meetings that I must attend with the merchandising team. At the meetings, sometimes the buyers will be there, the creative team, and the big boss, Adrianne, who has the final say on the books. I’ll help merchandise the outfits, creating looks that would appeal to the Chadwicks customer. I also am in charge of being sure that the garments are packaged and shipped out in time after the photo shoots. What are the skills and qualifications needed to hold this position? Maria: Organization is so important in this industry. Without being organized, I would never know what book I would be working on that day or what meeting I should be attending. This job has also taught me how to be assertive. If I have a question I’m never afraid to ask someone. It’s good to ask questions and it shows people you are really interested in what you do.
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Maria: At this time I am happy with my position at Chadwicks. I have no career plans in mind anytime soon, but if a big opportunity does come my way I’ll take it, but only if it’s in Boston. I love the area; it’s my home!
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2010 Lasell graduate, Danielle Ditommaso has learned about the many struggles that come with finding a job at the corporate level. In order to get her foot in the door in the fashion industry, Danielle started in August 2008 working as a sales associate for Janie & Jack at the South Shore Plaza, Danielle fell in love with the children’s retailer and decided to do an internship with the company, where she worked in the store level. Making her way up the ladder, Danielle went from intern to part-time manager and all the way to full-time manager, in just a matter of months. Before she knew it, she was being promoted to store manager for Janie & Jack at South Shore. Janie & Jack shops offer clothing and accessories for babies, toddlers, and children, sizes newborn up to size 12. Janie & Jack and Crazy 8 are owned by the Gymboree Corporation. All three retailers are available online and in store, selling children’s wear at a range of prices. What does your job as a store manager entail? Danielle: A lot of what I do must go through my district manwager. But as a store manager, I have a lot of responsibility. Recruiting and interviewing employees, as well as training, take up a big portion of my time. Dealing with operational audits, doing visual audits, and helping with the corrective process are three other important areas. I also help with store openings at other retail locations throughout the Boston area, which is great to get a chance to do some traveling. Throughout my time as a manager, though, I’ve learned it’s important to follow through with all managers and be sure to delegate tasks so I do not take on too much at once.
What is your favorite part of your job? Danielle: I would definitely have to say the customers and the people I work with. Besides the people, it would include training and developing the staff. I love seeing my accomplishments I have made throughout my time here. What is your next career move? Danielle: Ideally, I would love to move into corporate somewhere in the Boston area, whether it’s in store operations or visual merchandising. Working in a store setting has made me realize how much I love working for a retail store, and I think I have the skills to follow through with both these areas. At the moment, I am taking graduate courses at Lasell in order to complete my master’s degree. I’m hoping with a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree under my belt as well as my working experience, I’ll be on the right track to getting into the corporate world. Although these career paths may not have been exactly what these fashion and retail merchandising students were looking for after college, Maria, Bekah and Danielle have a great start on successful careers, with the endless opportunities in the fashion industry. Besides getting a degree in fashion, it’s also really important to get experience and never to give up even when the going gets tough. If persistence means skipping out on a night with friends and staying in to search websites for a job, it will pay off in the end. By keeping an open mind and by watching for opportunities, your dream job with a big-time designer like Donna Karan or Michael Kors may be just around the corner. - Victoria Bozek
LOOK INTO ALL CAREER PATHS:
There are countless career paths out there. Don’t expect to get your dream job right out of college.
KEEP CONTACTS HANDY:
Maintain all your contacts, because you may need them when you least expect it.
GET INTERNSHIPS AND JOBS:
These offer experience and education and are a great opportunity to meet people. The skills you learn will go a long way and will also build your resume.
GET INVOLVED:
TAKE LEADERSHIP ROLES:
In order to get ahead, ask your manager for more tasks, duties, and responsibilities.
ATTEND CAREER SERVICES:
Career counselors put these on and are the best sources when you are revamping your resume and cover letter. Be sure to stay in contact with them in order to update your resume when needed.
IT’S THE 21ST CENTURY:
Our world is all about technology. Be sure to know useful online applications like Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Internet, and Word. .
Sign up for school clubs, sports, and community service! These activities contribute to your experience and resume.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE MEDIA:
GET TO KNOW AND STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR PROFESSORS:
REFERENCES:
They can give you helpful advice and important contacts. They have worked with thousands of students who could be anywhere!
MAKE A LINKED-IN ACCOUNT:
Read articles in magazines, newspapers, publications, and online sources in order to learn about the job market.
Have a list handy at all times for jobs and interviews.
NEVER GIVE UP ON A COMPANY:
This is a great way to network with people. It’s like the Facebook for jobs!
Jobs open up all the time. Just because a company doesn’t have an opening now, don’t assume it won’t in the future. Send your resume anyway, because you never know what will open up.
STAY IN TOUCH WITH ALUMNI:
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT:
ASK QUESTIONS:
DO YOUR HOMEWORK:
CREATE BUSINESS CARDS:
DRESS FOR SUCCESS:
They could have that dream job you’re aiming for.
People like to know you’re interested. It’s not a crime to want to know more and educate yourself.
It’s a great way to get your name out there, no matter what year you are.
DIRECT WEBSITES:
The more interviews you go on, the better!
Be very prepared before an interview. You should know about the company.
Depending on the job you may be requested to dress a certain way. This may sound simple and easy, but one bad move can leave you on the worst dressed list.
ALWAYS FOLLOW UP:
When applying, go to retailers’ direct websites like Limitedbrands. com or Macys.com. These filter more quickly than any other thirdparty website.
Companies like to know you’re interested and willing to put in effort to get the job.
CHECK OUT WEBSITES:
GO THE EXTRA MILE:
In-Deed and Monster are two of the most popular websites for job searchers. For fashion-related websites, check out stylecareers.com, fashion.net, fashionindustrycareers.net, and fashionjobsearch.com.
PUT IN THE EFFORT:
| CULTURE
What is your next career move?
Danielle: Ideally, someone who wants to be a retail store manager should have two to three years of management experience but internally only a year as a full-time employee. Ability to communicate effectively with people and make decisions quickly is vital. In retail, the hours can be brutal and exhausting, but having a flexible schedule and remaining open to whenever is ideal. Being organized and being detail oriented are also two traits that have brought me a long way. Having great teaching and coaching methods is also important, in order to train my employees so they can sell and give great customer service.
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAREER
Spring 2011
Maria: I love the responsibility I have in my job, and it always keeps me on my toes. Some weeks Katie, my manager, isn’t there, and I have to be sure I take as many notes and am as assertive as I usually am, even when she is present.
What are the skills and qualifications needed to hold this position?
POLISHED
What is your favorite part of your job?
Always send a personal thank you after an interview.
KNOW YOUR OPTIONS:
Keep a list of job titles and descriptions and research those terms you don’t understand. This will help you avoid being offered a job whose title you’ve never heard of.
If you have a job that is not in your field of interest, put in all the effort you would if it were your dream job. You never know who may be watching. 37
Building Community by Design www.GraphicDesignLeague.com
The Silver Woman
Illustration by Charles Neumann
Fine Sterling Silver Jewelry
Daisy Cabrera Owner
www.thesilverwoman.com silverwomanma@aol.com 617.969.9699 49 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459
Lasell College Fashion Department
FASHION
Design and Production Retail and Management Communication and Promotion
E-mail us at fashion@lasell.edu