Barcelona

So here's a funny story. I've been to Spain twice now, in less than three months, but I still haven't been to SPAIN Spain. Confused? Well, my first trip was to Tenerife, part of the Canary Islands. So many people told me that it wasn't really Spain that I thought I should return to Spain to be able to properly judge it. Upon arriving in Barcelona, my friend informs me that Barcelona is also not really Spain, it's actually Catalonia.

Ok, Spain. I get the hint. You don't want me.

But that's fine. I was happy to escape the rainy Vancouver-like weather in Milano to enjoy a weekend of sunshine in Barcelona, with two friends that I actually met over Christmas in the other non-Spain.

We were only in the city for less than 36 hours, so luckily Teresa (who lives there) was able to pack those hours full of activities. Here are some highlights:

The market: We started our morning here, and were pretty much in awe of the fruit and veggies here. The colours were incredible. The only thing I can think to compare it to (in terms of visual) is the Granville Island market, in HD. So much variety, and so inexpensive!!! For my photography friends, if you find yourself in Barcelona then make sure to go to the market first thing in the morning to beat the crowds and take tons of beautiful photos.

Starbucks: I know. I'm ashamed. But when you've lived above a Starbucks for 3.5 years and then you move to a country without a single one, it's a bit of a culture shock. I bought a Starbucks latte. The good news is that in the end I didn't really enjoy it. But try me again in October when the Pumpkin Spice latte is out...

€3.50 mojitos.

The beach: What. Is. Up. We walked on the beach, in the sand, in t-shirts and bare feet. The day could not have been any more beautiful. Oh wait, it was! Later that night we went back to the beach to go to the bars! Life is pretty good when you can spend all day and night on the beach if you want.

€3.50 mojitos.

Street performers: The music coming from these artists is incredible. We stopped to watch one group in particular because they were so amusing (and we had to take in some sunshine!). Here are both videos, but watch the old guy on the left in particular. When he wasn't playing, he looked like a grumpy old man, but when he got started on that trumpet he was having a great time!

Shoes, Glorious Shoes!

A Shoe Museum.

I know, right? Some of you had to read that first line 3 times because it seemed too good to be true. But, I'm happy to report that just a short and cheap train ride from Milano, is a museum dedicated to footwear. Even better, entrance is free!

The magic happens in a little town called Vigevano, where every shop closes between 1:30 and 4:30pm,  there's a castle in the middle of the city, and there's a merry-go-round in the town square for no apparent reason other than for pure daily enjoyment.

The museum is small, but packs in a lot of different shoes, from those that are hundreds of years old, to more modern ones made in town; from the smallest shoe in the world, to a size 59 shoe! I'm no guide, so instead I'm just going to share some photos with you for your viewing pleasure!

An "Italy" boot, a shoe with a built in stocking, the smallest shoe, and a size 59 shoe.

Just general shoe-beauty.

And just general shoe-awesomeness.

Milan Fashion Week

Belated updates! But I have a good reason. The last part of February and first part of March flew by because the end of the term ran into fashion week ran into exam weeks ran into Spain ran into the start of term 3. My life was like that run-on sentence!!

Anyway, let's talk Milan Fashion Week. In September I scored tickets to some pretty sweet shows. So, I was pretty happy to have the opportunity to work backstage this season and see things from another angle! In all, I worked backstage as a dresser for the Trussardi and Musso shows, and also worked for a day at Christian Dior as dresser when they presented their Spring/Summer 2013 collection to their clients in-store. All amazing experiences, and all very different.

Trussardi F/W 13/14

I saw the difference between a show where everyone and their dog is allowed backstage, versus a show where only those involved in the show are allowed backstage. It's safe to say that I prefer the latter. Admittedly, I wasn't really familiar with Roberto Musso before the show, but I fell quickly in love with his clothes. So classy, and they made me so excited for <don't hit me> fall!

Backstage at Musso. Tired but happy!

But then I got to flashback to the season that we're getting in to now, Spring/Summer 2013, as a dresser for Dior's in-store presentation. It was a fun group, four dressers and four models, and to spend the day fawning over this collection was pretty surreal. Also, because I got to see one of my favourite tops from the collection up close and personal. Seriously. I fell in love with this top when I came across it during trend research in the fall, and when I saw it on the racks that day I knew that I had to dress the model who was wearing it!

Dior Donne!

By now, you're probably all thinking it was a pretty good week. But, it doesn't end there! Through a stroke of luck / stars aligning / someone hearing my prayers / a horseshoe up my butt, I scored a SECOND ROW TICKET TO THE MARNI SHOW. I actually squealed when I found out. Sorry to those of you who were around me at the time and had to hear that. Anyway, back to business. The collection was beautiful. Definitely one of those moments where you get to the end and wonder why it's over so soon.

Motivational Monday

Ciao tutti!

I had a really interesting evening at school today, and heard a quote that I think everyone needs to hear. For those of you who have seen The Pursuit of Happyness (I actually had to ask Google why the title is spelled incorrectly!), you'll probably remember. At one point during the movie Will Smith tells his son:

"Don't ever let somebody tell you... You can't do something. ... You got a dream... You gotta protect it. People can't do somethin' themselves, they wanna tell you you can't do it. 

If you want somethin', go get it. Period."

Take 2 minutes and watch it if you haven't already seen it.

This hits home, but let me clarify. No one has told me that I won't make it as a Fashion Buyer. But what I do hear constantly is people telling me either that I won't find a job here, or that if I do, I'll make about 100€ per month. As I near the end of my program, this happens more and more often. I usually just try to brush it off, because I know that isn't the case. I'm not saying that it's going to be easy, but I didn't just decide to pursue my dream willy-nilly. I did my research. I'm doing this because there are jobs available as a buyer, especially for those who work hard at it. 

So today, I declare that I will make it as a buyer, where I want, and getting paid what I want. It's my dream, and I'm going to go get it! Period.