Fashion's Night Out Grand Rapids

Hey everyone! Sorry that I've been neglecting my blog (like I've been saying for the past few posts..), it's just that I have been swamped with school and my internship as well as our new fashion organization on campus. We're taking off and starting off on the right foot by getting involved with other groups on campus and in the area.

We actually just got the opportunity to volunteer with Fashion's Night Out Grand Rapids with A.K. Rikk's. We got in contact with Jim Murray, General Manager of A.K. Rikk's, where he wanted us to help pass out fliers for trolleys and help promote FNOGR. I helped run the official FNOGR Facebook page that night by posting photos and answering questions that anybody may have had throughout the night.

Here are some photos through the night:

Part of the ice sculpture at A.K. Rikk's. The ice sculpture was actually a bar and shot luge,
decked out with a crescent moon drinking a beer.

Cupcakes and champagne were served at Gina's, where there
was also an aerialist show.

Two of our e-Board members, Avery & Stephanie. Aren't they so cute?!

Jim Murray, GM of A.K. Rikk's and the one who started FNOGR in 2010.
He buzzed FNO into his head - awesome, yeah?

Me, getting my hair done at Lee & Birch (for free!!) by the salon stylists from
Jefferey Richard's. Erin did a great job, but it fell out shortly after :(

This necklace was a designer's hand made piece, made of silver, copper, gold, and
leaves from Santa Fe. It was so amazing, but it was $500...

Other than going to stores, I also stopped at the Brewery Vivant where I instantly fell in love. Kelly Muschiana is a local artist that is inspired by 40s fashion and bridal wear. Her illustrations and paintings are extremely neat and clean. Check out her display:

Kelly is standing by one of her pieces that she auctioned off.
Also, the dress she's wearing was thrifted! She said it came with ruffly sleeves,
but they had holes in them. Instead of passing it by, she decided to turn it strapless
and add the ribbon belt and jewel. I love her creativity and style.

Three of Kelly's drawings.

Another three of her paintings. I am buying a print of the yellow one on the left. All of them are
amazing, but yellow is my favorite color and it would look amazing in my all white room!

Kelly also hung all of her paintings from the ceiling with grey satin ribbons. It put such a delicate and unique accessory to the frame. You better believe I will be putting this into play when I get my print!

Fashion's Night Out was a great experience for myself and for all of the SFA members that attended. It was our very first outing and event as an official RSO, and it was a huge success. A huge thank you to Jim Murray and everyone at A.K. Rikk's; without you, we wouldn't have had the great experience that you offered to us.


There will probably many more SFA things posted on BeYOUtyQueen - the organization really is turning into my child. I care so much about it and I want to see it go above and beyond everyone's expectations. For all my fashion blogger buddies, let me know if you would like to get involved with us! Anybody involved in fashion whatsoever would be great to get ahold of!


Until next time, which will hopefully be very soon, beyouties! :) xo

photos taken by Nicole Finch and Ryan Witten, SFA members!

Bye-Bye Brooklyn

Welp. So long, New York! :( I officially said goodbye on Saturday and am back in beautiful, clean, green Michigan. I of course will always have a special piece of myself devoted and in love with the big city, but it sure feels good to be back home.

Two nights before we left (and after our little shopping spree), I went to dinner with my roomies and my roommate's mom & her boyfriend. I was a little overdressed, but I was determined to wear my new goodies out! Even though Forever 21 didn't take off my security tag on my purse and I looked like a felon carrying it around...

dress: Forever 21
bag: Forever 21

Favorite Fall Essentials

Back to school season is just around the corner which means a new wardrobe will have to commence. These are my picks to get a renewed and revamped closet this autumn.

Jackets/Outerwear

1. Gallery Three Quarter Length Trench Coat, Nordstrom, $78.90
2. Michael Kors Black Leather Vest, K&G, $59.99
3. ASOS Power Shoulder Tailor Boyfriend Blazer, ASOS, $112.05

Cardigans/Sweaters

1. Letterman Sweater, Forever 21, $19.80

2. BKE Loop Closure Cardigan, Buckle, $68

3. Elbow-Patch Sweatshirt, Delias, $38.50

Bottoms

1. Collin Signature Skinny, Hudson Jeans, $165

2. Lexi Skinny Jeans, French Connection, $43.99

3. Faux Leather Leggings, YesStyle, $21

Finishing Touches

1. Sheer Lurex Infinity Scarf, Express, $29.90

2. Pretzel-a-Porter Ear Cuff, ModCloth, $14.99

3. Lace Up Combat Boots, Love Culture, $29.90

What are you guys dying to get your hands on this fall? I want to know!

July Wannahaves / Birthday Wishlist

I know these wannahaves are a little early, but my birthday is coming up soon and I wanted to have a list before the big day! I'll be 20 years old (finally, ditching the "teen"stage!) on August 4 and I'll have the best birthday yet. I'll be in New York and spending some of my time at work (possibly) then meeting Adam & his sister Angela at the airport to spend a weekend with them. :) Anyways, here are my wannahaves/birthday wishlist! Enjoy!

Magic Leopard Platform from NastyGal
I die. I. Die. I have to have!

Lace Cape Top from NastyGal

Double Fabric Dress by Zara
The style of this dress is fabulous and unlike any other dresses I have.

I think it would make a good birthday dress. ;)

Warby Parker Colton Eyeglass Frames
Still don't know if I want the Colton, Zagg, Finn or Webb frames...

Stylestalker Open Back Pleated Shirt by ASOS
Needless to say, I fell in love... Too bad it's a little too expensive. :( ($163)

Striped Bodycon Skirt by Forever21

I've been wanting this for such a long time! Definitely snagging.

A white bedroom

Moving into my new house this year up at school, I decided I want an all white bedroom. It speaks elegance, comfort, and cleanliness. I'm thinking of doing a post of my dream bedroom soon... :)

ASOS Faux Fur Leopard Hooded Coat with Ears
I'm dying for one of these! 

Flower Child

It's flipping hot in New York City. Yesterday was a high of 105 and today was a high of 100. Hence, no clothes, no heavy bags, and no cares with your hair.

top: Love Culture
shorts: Love Culture

earrings: Claire's

black jade necklace: bought in China. one of my favorite pieces.
ring: gift from Tieka :)

bag: handed down from Alex's boss

Sorry the pictures are so... yucky. lol. :(. We were in a hurry to get inside because we were sweating and dying from the heat and overstuffing ourselves at McDonalds. If you ever think you can down a 20 pc, a medium fry, and a chocolate shake, keep dreaming... We also went Salvating today at the Salvation Army and I got some great finds that I'll be sure to blog this week! It isn't much, but I love steals and deals. :)

Until next time, beyouties! xo

Parsons + NYECD Fashion Campus NYC

top: Express
skirt: Forever 21
shoes: Payless
sunglasses: Walmart
earrings: American Eagle
necklace: Juicy Couture

It's been a great weekend in the city. This weekend was the Fashion Campus NYC hosted by Parsons and it gave interns from all around the city to have the opportunity to network and build some great connections with each other. We also got to listen to speakers from the business side of the fashion industry about their insights into their world.

Today, we started the day with career sessions. I attended a PR/Marketing session (of course!) and absorbed some great tips from Tom Handley (@PRProfessor) about interviewing, resumes and cover letters, and working in the industry as well.

Afterwards, it was time for a networking brunch where I met so many great interns from Oscar de la Renta, Nylon Magazine, Barney's, FashionGPS, Teen Vogue, and many other aspiring PR girls and designers. I also got the privilege to speak to the Director of Career Services of Parsons, Director of Communications at Parsons, and the College Recruiter for Under Armour, which it is very likely I will be applying for their summer internship for next year in Baltimore.

Afterwards, we got to listen to Derek Lam speak about his career and answer some Q&A about challenges he has overcome and advice he had for all of us striving to make it in the fashion industry. He said a quote that stood out to me and will stick with me throughout my career: "Be willing and ready to respond to what is happening around you." It says so much about life as a PR girl and it's important for anybody in business to be aware of and keep in mind.

Hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend! xo beyouties!

Diamond in the Rough

I've had a rough past couple of hours. I'm extremely tense and stressed out, but if there is anything that calms me down and makes me feel better, it's primping up and doing my makeup. I think it's because in order for me to do my face, I have to have a steady hand and be relaxed, or else my face will look like crap.

As I was figuring out what to wear, I came across my black slip thrift find. It's so simple but makes me feel so dressed up and pretty. At a time like this, when I feel so upset and stressed, a little treasure like this one really helps me feel a little better.

Can you see how stressed I am in my face? Ha ha.

Tank: Hollister

Skirt: Thrifted

Belt: Forever 21 (came with a skirt)

Gettin' Coney

Alex and I decided to take a beach day to get some color and girl talk in. We wanted to go out to Fire Island or Fort Tilden, but Coney Island is about a 20 minute subway ride away and much more convenient (and free), so on we went. :)

Yucky, yucky, yucky! I'm so white! My color completed faded.

Romper: Love Culture

Belt: Forever 21

Flip-flops: Old Navy

Sunglasses: Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers at the Church Ave. subway station ;)

Bag: c/o Model Lounge

June Wannahaves

Another month has flown by and there are many things my little hands want to get a hold of, but are too poor to grab. :( Here are my June Wannahaves!

TOMS Shoes. Everybody in NYC has them and I hear they're super comfy. 

A keyboard cover for my greasy fingers whilst I'm eating and typing. In yellow. :)

I tried this Make Up For Ever blush at Sephora and I FELL IN LOVE. It's magnificent. 

Too Faced Concealer. I need concealer period, but I trust Too Faced a lot for some reason.

Alex told me Water for Elephants the movie was amazing, so I bet the book is even more amazing!

American Eagle Haul

American Eagle Outfitters just launched their Semi-Annual sale, and since here in New York, I work about a block down from a huge AE, I decided to check it out. I snagged some goodies, so go take a peek. :)

May Wannahaves

So I'm thinking for a new segment of the blog is finding some things that I would really like to buy if I wasn't a poor intern living in New York. Here are my May Wannahaves (it's a little late!):

MAC 187 Duo Fibre Brush

Too Faced's Original Bronzed & Beautiful Bronzing Palette

Mint Nail Polish

Black Blazer

Big Diamond/CZ Tragus Earrings

Lip Stains

Super Shiny Lipgloss

Any beyouties have any tips or recommendations to their favorite products I've been dying to get my hands on this month? I need to know what's good and what's not. :)