Served on a Silver Platter

I'm at my first out of state conference for work this week. I'm supposed to attend national conventions, but "lucky" me, up until this point they have all been hosted in Texas. Karma has decided to make up for this, BIG TIME. I'm staying at The Breakers in Palm Beach. Since I know absolutely nothing about Palm Beach or Florida for that matter (other than it's reputation for retirees) I, of course, Googled the heck out of the trip. My Internet research did not prepare me for what I just walked into.

First off, The Breakers resort might as well be it's own town; zip code at the very least. I have stayed at and visited some very nice hotels, but this one takes the cake. It's so fancy, I felt under dressed just standing in the lobby. Thank goodness my company is footing the bill. And speaking of bills, after a long day of travel, I decided not to get lost in this monstrous hotel looking for an appetizing restaurant (there are 6 on property). Instead I ordered in from a menu that blew my socks off. I'm not one to be shocked by sticker prices, but $9.25 for grapefruit and $12.00 for one single cup of coffee should provide a small idea at what I'm working with here. At these rates, I really do expect my food to come on a shiny serving tray.

I can already tell it's going to be hard to focus on getting any sort of work done during this trip. I just want to run off to the ocean sailing the afternoon away with the silver-haired crowd wearing a Tommy Bahama muu muu and straw hat.


Just a glimpse at my temptations

Bella Bridesmaids

My good friend, and loyal blog follower Jamie, has just accomplished a great feat. This past year she decided to open her own shop in Las Vegas. Bella Bridesmaids is a boutique catered mainly to providing bridesmaids the same pampered experience created for brides while they choose the perfect dress. Given Jamie's impeccable taste, I knew this place would be nothing short of amazing.

She recently left her prior position as Manager of the Wedding Salon at Wynn Las Vegas (not an entirely shabby role to begin with) to set out on this new venture. Although she is already seeing clients, her grand opening will take place in June. I hope I can make it!

She recently sent over some pictures of the shop. It has her signature style in every inch, right down to the Sex and the City quote on the wall (one of my personal favorites too)

Front Entrance logo

Main room, I love the mirror and chandelier


Dresses. Check out the little dog in the corner by the flower girl mannequin. She even outfits pooches!


Dressing Rooms. I'd like this for a closet! The glass candy jars are another signature Jamie Johnson choice.


Jamie's office

The SATC quote:

And of course, Jamie posing in her shop.

I thought I'd post a couple pictures of the collections she carries too. The Two Birds line is my favorite. It's a one size fits all (Really!) dress, which can be worn a million different ways and comes in just as many colors. Note to my close friends... when the time comes for me to do the whole wedding thing, plan on adding this number to your wardrobe.

Jamie, I am so proud of you!

Cowboy Take Me Away

"Cowboy" the horse, that is.

One of the recreations I did last week during my mock stay was horseback riding, something I haven't done since high school. It's a bit like riding a bike, except a bike would never take off running unexpectedly or kick you with its tire. I was wobbly at first, but felt like it didn't take long to get the hang of it.

Somehow, riding a horse has changed a bit. Some extra support via a sports bra was a good forethought. Also, skinny jeans are not the best choice for this activity, especially when paired with running shoes. They are much better suited for the urban cowboy sort. A boot cut with actual boots would have worked much better (go figure).

I had a blast the entire time! We covered about 8 miles of the ranch. I'm not sure what that translates into acres, which feels like it should be the more appropriate lingo. I don't remember the last time a grin involuntarily swept across my face, but I couldn't help myself when we transitioned from slow walking to trotting and galloping. So fun! (I wasn't smiling as much later on when the soreness arrived)

And yes, I'm well aware that my Juicy top is dayglo in these pictures. The puffy sleeves aren't quite aerodynamic, but the color might come in handy. I wanted to be founded easily by a search party, just in case I got myself lost in the Texas hill country.

Week Two: Just as Crazy

I am halfway into my second week at the new position. Similar to last week, once again, it has been a whole new experience. Since I have not gone through treatment myself, it was decided that I could benefit from some first hand experience and thus would conduct a mock stay at rehab for a couple days.

Upon arrival, my entire luggage was thoroughly searched, including items that were confiscated as they were deemed "a risk:" perfume, my Tide spot remover pen, aerosol hair product, etc. It's weird how personally intrusive the experience felt, having everything examined with a fine-toothed comb. Then my two phones and wallet were collected and placed in a safe (this also explains why I have been unable to answer most calls the last couple days). Laptops and cell phones may only be used during certain recreation hours.

The day proceeded with some group sessions where I became more familiar with the 12 step program, workout and recreation time. After dinner, I attended my first AA meeting. It was everything and nothing I expected it to be. Yes, everyone introduces themselves "Hi, my name is so-and-so, and I'm an alcoholic" responded by "Hi So-and-so" from everyone else, and yes there are many saga stories shared some much less traumatic than others. But what I didn't expect from the meeting was the overwhelming sense of love, giving, and respect. It's no wonder, when there is so much support from other peers at these meetings, that people do whatever it takes to make it through the day just to come to the meetings to find a friendly face. Shouldn't we all have a place like that?

Back "home," I got to experience what night time was like in rehab. I was woken up each hour by a flashlight to check in on me. Although the rooms are very nice and new, the fact that it was a foreign place didn't make for the best night's sleep.

The next day, during group we studied how Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs can be applied to pathology. I found myself digging deep into my past philosophy classes, trying to remember these things, and not appear as if I had no clue. Since my facility appeals to a different demographic (more CEOs and lawyers, less teens checked in by mom) the subject matter of group therapy is catered to their perspectives and education levels. Needless to say, my brain has been spinning since these sessions.

The afternoon gave me some time off from thinking. We had a cooking class with one of the chefs and outdoor Ashtanga yoga session.

Now that I am back home, it's nice to have unlimited Internet access, my phones, and comfortable home environment again. Even though my stay was only two days, it felt much longer! I hope that this experience can help me speak firsthand about the facility I represent, but if nothing else, I think it provided me with a couple days of good personal growth.

The Much Anticipated Report from Week 1 (Well Days 1&2)

I was aware on the first day at my new job that I would be attending a conference on day two. The fact that it was a legislative conference at the state capitol had been a detail conveniently left out.

In order not to feel (and more importantly APPEAR) as if I had no idea what I was doing, I was to prepare by spending my day reading Texas laws, proposed bills, acronyms from the prevention and treatment field, and get a 101 overview of my new place of employment. I took home with me a spiral full of notes to study and by morning I was able to answer what HIPAA laws we were required to comply with, how many LCDC's we had on staff, and what the level of care was offered at our treatment center.

With still less than optimal comfort in my knowledge of this new field, day two arrived with a bit of panic. With 99% of people in recovery themselves, I found myself feeling like the only girl trying to get into the "Old Boy's Club." I sought out a quiet seat in the corner and listened to the morning's speakers who were all reviewing the bill or amendment on their agenda for change. Though I was hardly convinced on those pushing for prevention (after all preventing the problem puts me out of the job), I thoroughly enjoyed the heated debate that seemed to occur with every topic.

Looking back, I actually learned much more than I expected. Although I'm not quite sure it's what I was "supposed" to take away from the lectures. Nevertheless, here they are:

• If you firmly believe in something, take it to your Senator and Representative! Anyone can lobby for the cause they are convicted for. It is actually true, these people work for you! Let me be clear, you will still most likely speak with an office aide, BUT by just calling to discuss the issue, your effort is worth 500 people votes, and a visit is worth 1000 (I picture those people who try to collect petition signatures outside the grocery store). Think if 10 people made the effort to get together to discuss an issue.


• Second, I know that the new stimulus package is controversial, and many people are not sure how to feel about it. Let me offer the same perspective given to me by a Representative whose name currently escapes me (sorry, this politics thing is still new). The money WILL be given out regardless. If not for the stimulus package, then something else. If a governor declines the funds, they will simply go to another state.
  
  In Carina English, why not take the money?!?! If Obama is going to hand your state a fistful of cash to go on a shopping spree, take it! Every state needs a new wardrobe right now! Would you tell your grandma not to send you your Christmas check? She'll just send the same amount to another grandchild. This is the time to be selfish for your community. Help it, fix it, and hey, maybe create a job or two from it.
  
  Don't get me wrong, I'm liberal, but not a big government kind of gal, still, this fundamentally seems obvious to me.

As I left the morning's conference full of new perspective and knowledge, we set off to the capitol to lobby. I felt like such an insider meeting with all the Reps and their aides. It was even more thrilling than getting VIP with a B class celeb at a Hollywood club. I didn't personally do any speaking, let's be serious, I had such impostor syndrome just sitting with these people, I was afraid they might ask me to leave at any moment. Still my signature and 1000 represented votes counted a few times that day.

By 4:00, everyone was exhausted and I had taken the business card of every politician I could get my hands on. After all, their lifestyle has a tendency to kick some cocktails back every now and then, and I would be happy to show them where to get some R&R. I told my boss this was a day like I had never experienced before. Although I felt a bit thrown into the mix too soon, it has definitely created a new job honeymoon period like none other!

They Tried to Make Me Go to Rehab...

It's announcement time once more. I admit, I have sold out. I will soon be leaving my fashion induced coma, er, job at Neiman Marcus for a new role.

I have accepted the position of Director of Marketing for an upscale rehab treatment center outside of Austin. With this role comes the ability to actually pay my bills, have weekends off, work from home periodically, and travel to see all of you.

I will greatly miss my new skill of knowing each label for all clothing on Gossip Girl and The City, however, I plan to keep close ties with the connections I have made and continue to style on the side. Plus with a more liberal schedule, I can address my own personal design projects, and of course, blog more :)

I am also excited to be back in Marketing. Although Neimans gave me a dream work environment, the daily standing around during a recession is less than desirable. My brain had a good rest, but is ready to be used again!

Coco Carina

Tomorrow I have an all morning training meeting about Chanel. I'm actually being paid to sit and learn about my favorite design house. I admit most of the time this job is very boring and I fear the standing around is making me dumber...

... however, I have my fingers crossed that the tides may be turning. I'm also pushing for a Confessions of a Shopaholic movie premiere party at Neimans. Any takers? If I can fill the store, I can host the party. Who doesn't want a pretty dress, free champagne and their make-up done before watching the best fashion showcase movie of the year?

Arts: A Midsummer Night's Dream at Work

I actually have two postings for today's "theme".

The second coincides with my new job :)

Starting Monday, I will be working at Neiman Marcus in their Dress Collections department as a Sales/ Stylist. There were many things to consider when taking this position. The first was stepping into retail. I'm so accustomed to corporate jobs, where being productive means sitting at my computer everyday.

I also can't count the amount of times I have been asked "Are you going to use your FIDM degree and go into fashion?" Well there's no time like the present. Although sales is a portion of my job, the other part is attending the store's fashion events, growing personal clientele, and working with them directly as a stylist. I'm hoping this new role will segway in one of two directions. Either I build a wonderful fashion career with Neiman, or this paves my way to become an independent stylist (how cool would it be to live like Rachel Zoe?) I'd also like to eventually merge fashion with my other two loves, writing and marketing.

Only time will tell what lies ahead for this girl.

Not to get too off the topic. This is what I get to see everyday I come into work:

Hanging from the ceiling over the escalators are hundreds of feather butterflies accented with silver discs which catch the sunlight making the whole thing shimmer. The butterflies are hung just low enough to feel like your ascending into them. My description doesn't do this visual fixture justice, it's so beautiful!

Occupational Hazard

Now I remember why I don't like working retail... I never make any money! The entire paycheck goes to the clothes I'm surrounded by all day.

I recently signed on to work the holiday season for Anthropologie. This helps supplement some cash while I'm working on writing and waiting for a certain marketing firm to get their schedules together. Plus at a 40 - 60% discount, you can bet that everyone will be gifted by Anthro this Christmas!

Here are the items I'm currently restraining myself from purchasing:

The details of this dress are somewhat lost in the photo. It has an exquisite tulle flower atop the asymmetrical shoulder

Hmmm, where to start... The belt! The boots! It makes me want to buy a country home and ride horses all day

The red cords are fitted without being a "skinny fit", which, if you aren't 5'10" always feels unflattering. The camel heels with the small leather ruffle are a dream.

Long gloves... I'll be wearing them all season! And it doesn't even get cold in Austin.

These just scream Carrie Bradshaw to me.

The magic of these lace up heels is they blend perfectly with so many skin tones, making it seem like there is no shoe at all. They are also a great way to add a bit of edge to a fancy flirty dress.

Back on the Transient Train

I've hinted and alluded to it, and now it's time once again to announce. I'm leaving New Mexico...yay! (Although I've hardly felt like a resident of the state in the last seven months). My family and I have decided that although it was out of the best of efforts and intentions, working together wasn't a good fit for either party. I was traveling back and forth an hour and staying the week to work for them, traveling on the road to shows, plus flying to Austin to see Nick, and it has finally caught up with me.

I'm excited for this next step. The problem is, I'm not sure what that next step IS. I'm packing my house up and have no idea WHERE I'm going. This is pretty gypsie, even for me! Everything will be put in storage while I look for work. Nick and I have decided with his work schedule and us wanting to be closer together, I should target the Austin and Chicago job markets. Nothing has been decided and I could just as easily end up in Seattle or LA again.

So now the packing begins. Luckily I have all my boxes still, pre-labeled from their contents of the last move. (what I wouldn't give for some strong magic movers to come and do the job for me!) I hope to be packed and stored by the weekend.

Here's to the new adventure!

Waste of Space

I wonder when I was told to take a couple days off to regroup from Dallas, unpack/ repack, and prep for the next round of cities (Vegas, Portland, and possibly Boise) that really meant I should sit on the couch for 24 hours straight eating pizza and catching up on Desperate Housewives, Greek, Grey's, and How I Met Your Mother.




Probably.

$$$$ for writing

Who would have thought?

I just signed on to a one year contract writing position with an online company to write How To articles for them. In other words, I’ll be paid to tell people what to do (something I have a tendency to do already). I have my first on-boarding meeting this Thursday and should be starting soon after.

Yay!

Working from home

There are many things I have discovered in the past few months that come with the "home office" package. I recently spoke with the husband of Nick's coworker. Peter (or Pete-O as he introduced himself... uh frat boy anyone?) also just joined the work from home club. He said he had slowly been evolving into that nosy neighbor who keeps an eye on everything. Being home, has enabled him to keep tabs on the coming and goings of most people on the block. There is apparently a neighborhood website that he frequently contributes postings to (I imagine they go something like "the Smiths should be notified that a barking dog left unattended is a violation of the home owners association" or "is the new paint color trimming on the Anderson's house an approved palette color?")

I could care less about the people who inhabit my neighborhood. This is mainly because they are crass builders who litter my lawn and leave each night.

Another thing Pete-O talked about was the realization that three days will pass without him leaving the house. Now THIS is something I can relate to. I find myself not getting out of sweats for more than a day, bypassing the makeup option, and utilizing my Bumble and Bumble hair powder a few days too many. To make matters worse, when I was shopping last weekend in Austin, I decided against a lovely pair of stilettos for the sole reason that I just don't wear them as much anymore. LA Carina would be horrified!

Even though I miss my hot shoes, happy hours with coworkers, coffee breaks with friends, and cute accounting guys ;) working from home is not all bad. I'm caught up on my Golden Girls and I Love Lucy, can run or do Yoga whenever I choose during the day, and am getting a lot of use out of my Pucci scarves and Juicy suits!

Most importantly, I'm building my future by working for myself in a company that will be my own sooner than later. Autonomy and a real career have their price, if you ask me, I'm willing to pay it.

Ah Ha! moment

Despite my very best efforts, I just can't get motivated to compose my Red Carpet recap... It'll be there soon I promise!

Instead, I'm having a little venting moment about the oversight I seemed to have had in not working for the man anymore. I never get to leave my work at the office. It consumes me day and night, when I'm on the phone, brushing my teeth, shopping, and most annoyingly when I'm sleeping!

Today was unfortunately less productive than I had hoped in terms of a few projects I'm currently focused on. One of those is the effort to create a hybrid bead show with a new name, new image and new focus. Initially it seemed like a dream to be able to have this sort of creative freedom. Instead, it's been my non-writer's writer's block.

Until about 10 minutes ago.

Understand that I have spent the last five straight hours staring at fonts (again) only to switch it up with stock photos and illustrations (again), and still come up with no inspiration.

Then the light bulb came on (no really... the idea was seriously that instant!) I had a concept for the style, simplicity, and look I've tried so hard to define this entire week. I now have about five mock up ideas to present to "the bosses" tomorrow.

Maybe this means a good night's sleep sans bizarre pregnancy, falling off a cliff, and the dreaded naked at school dreams.

To tide everyone over for one more day until the dress critiques come out (why I think anyone is on the edge of their seats about it, I'm not really sure)

I'll leave you once again with George :)

and my recollection yesterday that I made the goal last year to be one of those Oscar girls (the ones that give the award to the winners and then get to hug them). I hear they're heavy... statues, not the actors. I plan to do a lot of bicep curls to prep for next year's tryouts.