Career choices & the twists they take

This post was relying heavily on the arrival of Friday night's Lin's Bin on the wxrt website. It was finally posted and I can finally dive head first into this post which seems to have been writing itself in my head over the past year.

The Lin's Bin came at a lucky time; a perfect question that I will never tire of hearing people attempt to answer it the best they can. "How do you choose the right career path?" Listen to it. It is good.

Me at the age of 6. I won all three events that day.

It all seems rather fascinating; trying to think back, I cannot even remember what was going through my head at the age where all other kids are in their "doctor/lawyer/ballerina" phase. My mind was clouded with figure skating, competitions, sequins, hair scrunchies, and getting out of school early to be encompassed by it all. No complaints, it definitely contributed to who I am today, but who would I have been if I hadn't had people telling me that I was destined for Olympic stardom? When people tell you that when you're 7, you don't know how to have other dreams. So when people ask me "what do you want to do with your life?", I still feel like that confused 7 year old that fumbles with their coat strings when you ask them questions like this.

Seven Bridges ice arena on a perfect day where I had the clean ice to myself.

I did indeed train here an an Olympian, but that Olympian was not me.

The question isn't "What the hell am I going to do?!" it's more like"How am I going to get to everything that I want to accomplish?" It's not that I'm necessarily limited, it's just that I'm not sure which path to take; they all seem so alluring. Trying to explain this to people face to face where I have to present myself verbally versus written word always goes as awful as possible. People just end up not taking me seriously or just viewing me as a 'lost soul'--which I guess I am fine with for now. People say to me-no, bombard me with, "What do you want to do with yourself" and I look at them and say "Take over the world". I am half joking. My dreams always seem like a long shot, but I just want to be successful in whatever I do (isn't this what we all want?) I want the path I take to be a kind one ,where I encounter fabulous people and am greeted with insurmountable inspiration every day. I find myself to be in that unrealistic dream phase sometimes when it comes to careers. As Lin says, blogging isn't a career--not that I prided myself on it being one, but that would be great if it were. I would love to be a ballerina or a lawyer or most of all a rock star, but I need to find the right thing for me now, as a 22 year old, not a 7 year old. Not to think that I couldn't accomplish all of those things. I could. Time and monetary restrictions remain to be my excuse. I'm passionate and I believe my drive can take me far; whether I'm on stage, in a court of law, or sewing seams to pursue my collection.

There are so many careers I could successfully fit into, but I have one significant hinderer; lack of a formal degree (luckily in most careers I want to pursue, it's not necessarily needed) An associates is nice and all, but so many companies want that shiny Bachelors--at the least, to come in that office with you. Business isn't necessarily my focus, but I just want to do something that makes a difference in this world. I want to make an impact; reach people through formal means of product or service. Stand behind a product I believe in and market the hell out of it. I could do that-well. I just need to establish myself in the right way, but which way is that? Hey, could I make a career out of making mix CD's for people? It's taking things that I love and finding out where they could be useful in a career sense. I'm specific about who I share my goals and dreams with. There are many things I want to do and some of them are big, it takes a lot of motivation and time, but I want to get there. Each day I find myself getting closer and closer to figuring out what it is I want to do. I'm so excited that I feel like I'm getting to know more myself more and more each day and what it is that I want out of life. The drive of your 20's is a wonderful thing.

Sometimes I find myself freaking out about my life. Like in those moments where people ask "So, what are you going to do?" as if they need an answer for their own gratification and I literally have no follow up as if I will decorate cookies for the rest of my life (sometimes I want to). Sometimes I find myself in the calm and realize, we never really know what we want to do. We never even really know what we want out of life. We just know we want to live it, experience some great times, and learn a shit ton along the way. Why do we have to go getting all settled in one little path for the rest of our life? Why does the presence of someone under the age of 25 arise the questions of life goals? I suppose this is one part of growing older that I cannot be more excited for; you've established yourself in this world. People take you more seriously, there is less need for you to explain yourself or sell yourself out. You have reached an age of acceptance among both young and old. It will be a golden time when it is indeed reached. I am so sick of the harsh reactions I receive from people when I tell them my plans lie in the wind. Of course, I have a job and I'm making money, you know, doing the thing that everyone told me to do. Now that I'm doing that, there has to be a farther step. I admire having goals and ambitions, but having every little thing planned out step by step doesn't necessarily ensure success either.

"Do you plan on going to Graduate School?"

For now, I don't really know exactly where I'm going with this thing called life. The path I'm on so far has been good to me, but boy, has it taken me down some paths I'd never thought I'd come into contact with. I couldn't be more thankful for that. Life isn't made to be set into stone, careers aren't meant to be permanent, and expectations will come and go, but it is making each experience and encounter count so you can use it towards your next opportunity. That's what I'm here to do. Hopefully when someone asks me where I plan on taking my life, the link to this post will appear on my forehead and we can skip on to the next subject.

-Tessa

Currently listening to: Radiohead's 'The Bends' album

XRT- my kind of people in my kind of town.

::bowing down to radio gods::

Before too much time passes, I must mention the greatness that took place this past Wednesday on 93.1 WXRT. It was the 5th annual Chicago Day! -but this was the first time I've listened in. I remember when I heard them promoting it how excited I was that I was going to be working in a shoppe that received the signal perfectly.

They kicked the celebration off at nine where they talked a bit about it and then I believe Lin Brehmer played Sufjan Steven's "Chicago" to ease us in. I remember I was making the gourmet cookies for the shoppe during this and I said "Aw YAY!!!" That is the huge perk of working alone. You can say things out loud, shed a few tears, laugh extremely loud, dance like you're in a musical, and sing with great enthusiasm- all things that XRT provokes me to do daily. The song definitely kicked off a journey of music that starred this wonderful city I have to close by; it made me appreciate it. It made me want to hop on the Metra and emerge myself in the city of wonderful food, good people, beautiful buildings, and fantastic artists. It made me want to be seated in a ballpark, scarfing down a Chicago Style dog-extra everything. I wanted to be found in Spiaggia on a Saturday night date, only to return to the W on none other than Lake Shore Drive to retire in a room overlooking the water. Chicago Day wasn't just music with a theme or exquisite interviews and insight with the City's finest, it was musical and verbal nostalgia. The stories and great tunes made me wish summer would just get here already!

I am so appreciative to have this line up of DJ's. When I tell people that the folks at XRT are "my kind of people", I'm not kidding. I'm dying to get in a class over at Columbia just to be in the presence of Terri Hemmert. These people are so lucky. They inspire me to tell people the stories behind the music I give them. The information I receive is used to promote shows around to people I work with and encounter. They make me want their jobs-to spread the love and joy of music. Best. Station. Ever.

I was so excited when they played Aliotta Haynes Jeramiah's 'Lake Shore Drive'. I knew they would, but it is always so great to hear that awesome piano intro. A customer was in the shoppe when it came on and I was like "OH MY GOSH, I'VE BEEN WAITING ALL DAY FOR THIS SONG! MY MOM USED TO DATE THIS GUY!" ha ha. I was also revved when they played The Smashing Pumpkins a countless number of times and of course Frank Sinatra's 'My Kinda Town' brought out the best in me and led to compose a fancy little sequence of steps that left a little something special for the cameras ;) I loved; singing along to 'Hands Open', hearing Mavis Staples, and doin' the shoulder shimmy while decorating cookies. Thank you XRT for such an amazing day! I never wanted it to end.

*random note* so excited that Enterprise uses Rusted Root's 'Send Me On My Way' for their commercial.

You can stream XRT on your iPhones!

Oscars- The Best of the Best.

I don't think I've been so heavily invested in my Tweetdeck as I was last night.

Information rolled in at lightning speed about the gowns that leading ladies were draped in as well as what designers the men chose. This year was exquisite. There weren't many dresses that I remember being discouraged about and there the couture choices were to die for.

Here's my wrap up for Oscar night;

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Couture

S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G

This dress is the epitome of everything I want to see on the Red Carpet.

She owned this dress; the poise, the delicacy, the elaborate detail.

It's almost like an elusive insight to who she is.

The beading is phenomenal on this dress and I love the bursts of yellow on the clavicles.

The jewelery was minimal, but nothing else needed to make a statement because this dress made one all on its own.

Best dressed of the night.

HANDS DOWN.

Florence Welch in Valentino Haute Couture

Oh My God.

EXQUISITE!

Of course Ms. Florence found herself in Couture this evening.

She thrives in these kinds of pieces; they are delicate yet strong enough to make a statement.

It gives off that "look what I found while rummaging in Grandma's trunk in the attic"

but in the most glamourous and appealing way.

Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa w/ Ferragamo shoes/clutch.

I think she looks adorable here.

Look at that Red Carpet "Hey I'm only 14!" glow!

I think she looked beautiful and she was so well received with this piece that she helped design herself. You can't hate that, right?

I really wanted her to win, but she has many years ahead of her.

Hopefully this girl will embrace fashion and become someone to look out for.

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab Couture.

I loved this dress on her.

She projects beauty, grace, and strength here.

This is such a delicate colour on a strong personality & I really like that.

I absolutely loved how this clung to her body in all the right places.

This was a really beautiful choice for her.

Colin Firth in Tom Ford

Well of course! No shocker here that Mr. Ford designed this one.

He was definitely the best dressed male of the night-

except perhaps Justin Timberlake who was a close second in his trusty Tom Ford tux.

The buttons were fantastic!

But at the end of the day, it's a tux--what more can I say?

Justin Timberlake in Tom Ford

Felt like I needed to post his picture after mentioning that he

sauntered around in Tom Ford all night.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein

This gown hung over her body so well.

I loved how it made such a statement without being shrouded with detail that made it too over the top. Love the metallic look and how soft everything else was with it.

Nothing was overdone here and it came out really nicely.

Reese Witherspoon in Armani Prive

Ah, taking us back to the days of mod I see?

She looked absolutely adorable.

I cannot say that this dress speaks to me in any way.

However, I can say I like the whole overall look here.

Her high placed 60's ponytail was perfect with this dress-it tied everything together.

I feel like her hair and eye makeup are accessories in this outfit and I love that.

Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier

I just wanted to take a second to say that Mandy Moore looks stunning here.

This is the best I have ever seen her look; mature and full of grace.

The dress is okay, but nothing I found myself drooling over.

Hilary Swank in Gucci Premiere

I love this dress and how it looks like an ostrich!

I love how the colour creeps into a darker shade near the bottom and I love the two contrasting materials used in the bodice and then how they mesh with a fuzzy feathery beautiful mess at the bottom to create this alluring piece.

Anne Hathaway in Givenchy Haute Couture & James Franco in Gucci

Let's not forget our hosts.

I love every outfit change that she had-

especially her metallic blue Armani Prive gown

and how can you not love this Atelier Versace?!

but this one was just adorable and shows masculinity on a woman is completely sexy

Thank you Lanvin for this custom creation!

and THIS DRESS. I loved it right away...

It actually reminded me of Florence. She would look stunning in something like this.

The BIGGEST NEWS OF THE NIGHT!

I actually sheepishly just found out now because I didn't hear anything last night on who designed this last gown;

TOM FORD!

yes!

One of my biggest upsets of the night came from no female being wrapped up in Tom Ford to be presented to the world with a note that says "I'M BACK TO WOMEN'S WEAR!"

Now that I found out one of the most stunning gowns of the evening was designed by this fashion genius I can rest easy!

Anne Hathaway doesn't necessarily come to mind when I think of celebrity fashion icons of today. You don't get that privilege by appearing on the cover of Vogue.

However, after last night, people may start looking to her as one.

What did you guys think?

Tween trends turned into neckware.

Ladies and Gentlemen....

May I present

"The Necklace"

...

Ah, Finally. I've gotten around to posting a couple pictures of my beloved creation. I was first introduced to Silly Bandz by Natalie Merchant. She pulled a young boy fan on stage to read a limerick and they were also talking about Silly Bandz since he had given her a package of them. Then I saw them in stores and saw that they were $4.99- now this wasn't a trend I was looking to get into, but I did want to create something with it. I was going to need about 10 packs of these and wasn't really looking to spend $50. So I waited. & waited. & waited. Then one day I strolled into Hot Rags and saw they were selling them for 99cents a pack! So here was my chance; I snagged 10 packs, went home, dug around for a chain to throw these suckers on, and now have a silly bandz necklace that reminds me of coloured electricity on a string.

At first I thought this trend was exceptionally stupid, but now it totally makes sense. Whenever I wear it I hope a giddy 8 year old comes up to me hoping to trade a few. The necklace itself is HEAVY. I definitely know how Flavor Flav feels when he sports his clock now.

The resemblance is uncanny.

Proenza Schouler + Rodarte Fall 2011 RTW

To New Mexico you say? You don't have to tell me twice.

What a great place for fashion inspiration this time around.

Proenza Schouler 2011 Fall Collection

I love this collection. I love the colour schemes they worked with, the patterns they used & how they were able to change them in just the right ways to make them better suited for pants or sweaters. I love how the heels in certain outfits look like glowing chords around the ankles & how each pair stands out to say something. Everything is very geometric. I especially love the necklace on Chloe Memisevic in picture 5. It reminds me of Mexico but more specifically "Dia De Los Muertos" -Day of the dead, but I have no idea why it reminds me off that but I'll go with it.

next up is

Rodarte 2011 Fall Collection RTW

I love this as well. Another completely inspired collection. I love when the inspiration behind the collection is really obvious or they hint at what gave them the edge to create something so elaborate and beautiful. At this point, it is clear they spent some time in the plains of the U.S.-Kansas & Nebraska, but it reminds me of something else too. Everything is very crisp even if it has a flow, if that makes any sense at all. They make the woman figure more appealing as well with the cuts they chose like in (3,4,6,8). I think these outfits remind me of if they did an "American Gothic" repaint in 2011 and featured a scene of people. I'm just amped on how strong these clothes are, but the colours and patterns are so dainty and flowy. What a beautiful contrast.

I love how these designers were inspired by things they saw here in America. It gives me a little more faith that every body isn't scurrying abroad to find hints at where to sew their next seam. I also really admire when they can make so much with one group of colours. I like when the same colours are used throughout but transformed to make the piece give off a different effect. Both artists did that here. I'm always grouping colours in my head (actually I'll group ribbon that we have at work) and say something like "These colours would make a perfect spring collection for Lacoste." I know, that's extremely lame, but hey! Let's roll with the punches here...

-Tessa

ps: Why yes, "The King of Limbs" is all mine now and I sat and listened to it four times in a row yesterday (aren't all Radiohead albums best broken in this way?) There is so much more to say, but review is coming!