When people talk about corporate hell, they are discussing the souring of the fundamental human relationships in the corporate structure. the man you see every day taking out your garbage and emptying your paper shredder. the overeager secretary who knows everyones business. your boss. Most of us leave our homes before breakfast and don't come back until around dinnertime. The relationships we establish during these hours are crucial and could affect our self-worth, social development and overall mental health.
In the event that their are problems in our work relationships, perhaps we feel we are overworked and undervalued, what is our recourse? Barely one year out of college, lacking experience,and still trying to prove our worth, should we stick up for ourself in front of our superiors and high level management teams when we feel we are being wronged?
In the most recent issue of New York Magazine (March 5th 2007), Robert Kolker's "The Gay Flannel Suit" describes some of the details behind the case Charney vs.Sullivan & Cromwell, a recent case in which Charney (25) sues his firm for sexual discriminating against him because he is gay. Charney's Columbia Law School Professor, Eben Moglen tells the reporter "it goes beyond thinking the world's a meritocracy to thinking your entitled to something because of your own merits. From there its a short leap to feeling wronged when things don't go your way."
Interesting observation from Columbia. Do Ivy Leaguers feel a sense of entitlement?
Should we twenty - somethings accustomed to debating in the classroom stick up for what we think is fair or just take the $160,000 (the recently announced bump in a first year associates salary at top NYC law firms) and shut the fuck up?
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
tales of a travelling saleswoman
Fashionistas take refuge! Fashion week is officially over and NYC is now covered in a salty, grey snow that does not appear to be melting anytime soon. Is there a better time to discuss global warming? Whether you are carrying the latest Al Gore canvas tote bag or you think CO2 is just an acronym leftover from high school chemistry, global warming is making headlines.
Giant corporations and small, family owned businesses are being hit hard with new environmental regulations that require them to reduce their green house gas emissions or pay a price. Last week I traveled through Northern California to educate dairy farmer and cotton ginners and yes, even a kitty litter manufacturing plant on new air and water regulations that will impact their businesses. I meet all sorts of interesting folk, most of whom live amongst extended family and have to drive an hour to the nearest clothing store! Essentially, my job as a saleswoman is to convince them to work with me on offsetting the pollution from their businesses.
The moving scenery outside my driver's seat --vast rows of pomegranate and lemon trees, organic carrot crops, and cotton plants amidst the mountain ranges and wide open sky make the world seem like a much different place when compared to the crowded, noisy streets of Manhattan.
Do the two worlds ever coincide?
While designers showcased spring looks on the runway, did anyone think about where the fabric came from? How it was planted, grown, picked and processed? When we drink at trendy downtown bars do we think about the weather conditions, packing and transport that gets the pomegranates off the trees and into our Pom martinis?
On another note, does the American public even believe, consider, and/or care about American farm life? Given the amount of agriculture products that come from overseas, working the ground in U.S. may strike many as a profession left over the 1800s. But stay tuned! Word out on the pasture is that the new Democratic congress will be working on a progressive farmer's program that will be marketed in conjunction with the promotion of ethanol (corn) and biodiesal (soy) as energy alternatives.
So for now, as your trudge through the leftover snow in your winter fashion footwear of choice, perhaps you might think about how the city snow is black because of pollution. It is likely however that most of us downtown NYC residents will be contemplating whether global warming will affect the early onset of spring and dreaming of the perfect tea party chic dress we will be wearing when it finally comes.
Giant corporations and small, family owned businesses are being hit hard with new environmental regulations that require them to reduce their green house gas emissions or pay a price. Last week I traveled through Northern California to educate dairy farmer and cotton ginners and yes, even a kitty litter manufacturing plant on new air and water regulations that will impact their businesses. I meet all sorts of interesting folk, most of whom live amongst extended family and have to drive an hour to the nearest clothing store! Essentially, my job as a saleswoman is to convince them to work with me on offsetting the pollution from their businesses.
The moving scenery outside my driver's seat --vast rows of pomegranate and lemon trees, organic carrot crops, and cotton plants amidst the mountain ranges and wide open sky make the world seem like a much different place when compared to the crowded, noisy streets of Manhattan.
Do the two worlds ever coincide?
While designers showcased spring looks on the runway, did anyone think about where the fabric came from? How it was planted, grown, picked and processed? When we drink at trendy downtown bars do we think about the weather conditions, packing and transport that gets the pomegranates off the trees and into our Pom martinis?
On another note, does the American public even believe, consider, and/or care about American farm life? Given the amount of agriculture products that come from overseas, working the ground in U.S. may strike many as a profession left over the 1800s. But stay tuned! Word out on the pasture is that the new Democratic congress will be working on a progressive farmer's program that will be marketed in conjunction with the promotion of ethanol (corn) and biodiesal (soy) as energy alternatives.
So for now, as your trudge through the leftover snow in your winter fashion footwear of choice, perhaps you might think about how the city snow is black because of pollution. It is likely however that most of us downtown NYC residents will be contemplating whether global warming will affect the early onset of spring and dreaming of the perfect tea party chic dress we will be wearing when it finally comes.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
it's late and i'm lost
ps
feathers are in! holla!
nymag defines the mj collection as "f. scott fitzgerald meets pedro almodovar." how rad is that?
here is how you get to my album: go to nymag.com then sign in (name: kelseyosgood password: richards9). beware: i was nice and included things i wasn't absolutely dying over. oddly enough i'm more forgiving at 2 am.
after careful reconsideration, i've decided that i actually didn't like rodarte THAT much. i enjoy people taking risks, though, and they did. my new aesthetic is definitely old lady crazy country club tea party chic.
everyone answer this questionnaire (my answers follow my own questions) according to your preferences this season.
color: blue
muse: alice and wonderland and edie beale
events: garden or tea parties OR tea parties in gardens
collection(s) you love: thakoon, philosophy di alberta ferretti
collection(s) you hate: heatherette, alexandre herchcovitch (takes the old bag lady TOO far!)
material: feathers, gauze, satin
trend that's over: sequins
accessory: hat, bracelets
ambitious fashion goal: mini turban
shopping destination: flea market
feathers are in! holla!
nymag defines the mj collection as "f. scott fitzgerald meets pedro almodovar." how rad is that?
here is how you get to my album: go to nymag.com then sign in (name: kelseyosgood password: richards9). beware: i was nice and included things i wasn't absolutely dying over. oddly enough i'm more forgiving at 2 am.
after careful reconsideration, i've decided that i actually didn't like rodarte THAT much. i enjoy people taking risks, though, and they did. my new aesthetic is definitely old lady crazy country club tea party chic.
everyone answer this questionnaire (my answers follow my own questions) according to your preferences this season.
color: blue
muse: alice and wonderland and edie beale
events: garden or tea parties OR tea parties in gardens
collection(s) you love: thakoon, philosophy di alberta ferretti
collection(s) you hate: heatherette, alexandre herchcovitch (takes the old bag lady TOO far!)
material: feathers, gauze, satin
trend that's over: sequins
accessory: hat, bracelets
ambitious fashion goal: mini turban
shopping destination: flea market
Tonight's Shows
See what shit I picked (sort of).
I think my fave o' the day is Rodarte. Beautiful, classy yet unique...a little crazy old lady, which I'm into. Behnaz was pretty, as usual. Bill Blass is nice, but in the boring old socialite lady way, not the Grey Gardens eccentric kind of way (chose your poison). Narciso was beautiful too, not surprisingly. Check out the leopard print coat in Betsey Johnson. Looks like mine but newer. Think she got the idea from me?
Heatherette is a nasty fag duo of publicity hounds parading as fashion designers.
Will send a link to a gallery of my personal picks later.
See what happens when I have to work all night? I get involved in the INTERNET! I hate this "place".
But I looooooove you.
I think my fave o' the day is Rodarte. Beautiful, classy yet unique...a little crazy old lady, which I'm into. Behnaz was pretty, as usual. Bill Blass is nice, but in the boring old socialite lady way, not the Grey Gardens eccentric kind of way (chose your poison). Narciso was beautiful too, not surprisingly. Check out the leopard print coat in Betsey Johnson. Looks like mine but newer. Think she got the idea from me?
Heatherette is a nasty fag duo of publicity hounds parading as fashion designers.
Will send a link to a gallery of my personal picks later.
See what happens when I have to work all night? I get involved in the INTERNET! I hate this "place".
But I looooooove you.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Fashionistas take over Manhattan!
The holiday of all stylish holidays is upon us: New York Fashion week. The well heeled, well tailored, and well groomed are swarming upon our city to watch as American designers unveil their collections for Fall 2007. With baited breath hoards of manolos, chloes, and christian louboutins clack into the Bryant Park tents and into one of the following venues: The Salon (the smallest of three), The Promenade (where among others, Project Runway hosts its finalists) and The Tent (where the big ballers show). In addition, there is the less formal Showroom, where smaller designers showcase their lines opting for a more intimate setting where guest are free to come and go as they please. (I would have loved this luxury at some of the shows I saw yesterday). Speaking of which . . .
In today's installment of fashion week coverage I will offer my humble critique of: John Bartlett, Alice Ritter, Marc Bauer, BCBG, Nicole Miller, and lastly the GenArt presentation and afterparty.
JOHN BARTLETT: A frontrunner in men's ready-to-wear, Bartlett is known for his preppy silhouettes, classic fabrics, and casual elegance. While the models were gorgeous(aside from one who looked constipated and was making a bee-line for the bathroom), and the people watching occupied me for the full 25 minutes we waited before the music was cued, I have to say I was non-plussed. There was nothing I really hadn't seen before: i mean honestly, how many cable-knit vests and v-kneck sweaters does a man need in his closet? The only thing I found interseting were his block-patterned blazers crafted from multiple treated leathers and knits. the last look was beautiful (or was it the perfectly chizeled features of the hunk who modeled it?) but aside from that, the collection looked like a cross between Abercrombie & Fitch and Ralph Lauren. Classic, fine... but BORING.
ALICE RITTER: What a mess. This designer opted to be "unique" and showed at the National Arts Gallery on Gramercy Park South. Truly a charming venue yes, but when you have lines upon lines of eager fashion guests, it's probably not a good idea to keep them ALL cooped up in a lobby that is suitable only for about 50 people, if that. Once settled in our seats, my claws retracted as I awaited what I knew was going to be a good collection (i got some sweet swag to boot, so i was happy) The models sauntered onto the short runway in unique braids, bright iridescent eye-shadow, and gray wool leg warmers. The clothes were tailored to perfection with pleating at the neck, the waist, the chest. I would charecterize the line as a melange of flameco and edwardian proportions with the elegance of tuxedo accents. She also did the most gorgeous coats I have seen in a while: volumonous, yet chic, and the draping was done to perfection. There was also a swing trench, bolero bomber jackets, and a mohair trench that I MUST have. I must admit the show was a little all over the place, and could have benefited from being paired down juuuust a bit, but after my let down from John Bartlett, I thought that Alice Ritter had hit a home run.
MARC BAUER: Oh the controversy! This year, Bauer's invitation noted that his show was to be sponsored by Peta. Seeing as how fur is huge right now, you can imagine the commotion that went on before the show: what to do with my coat? my hat? my scarf? An online-brit-blogger from Marie Claire actually approached me and my co-worker about just that: "how do you feel about going to the show? will you stash away your hat? If you wear it, is it defiant or just blaze?" Got in a picture, so maybe you'll see me online! Anyway, Marc's show was a letdown. For starters, he began the presentation by filling the Salon with fog via a fog machine placed off-stage. NOT A GOOD IDEA. I looked around as people coughed, fanned their faces, and generally made noises and gestures of disgust. But the show is not about the special effects... although the clothing didn't garner a very different reaction: No real inspiration whatsoever. He is an evening- wear designer which to his credit means that he has to satisfy myriad body types and tastes. But come on: velveteen floor length gowns? Even the model looked dumpy and ridiculous. His only saving grace were the 8 (or so) white gowns he did at the end. Sequins, appliques, and tulle, it was really beautiful although probably not so practical. And if I see one more empire waited floor length gown I will stand it protest. come on now! At least offer a twist, lets not add on to a trend that has gone on for long enough. Does it really take that much creativity to bedazzle a waist band and throw it onto some tulle gathered at the bust? His one high point: excellent ruching.
BCBG: Absolutely disgusting. Models wore these hand knit beanie-caps that looked like they had been snatched up from the reduced bin at a Salvation Army. There was an American Indian theme scattered throughout: adorned bibs on baby-doll dresses for one, but would Pochahontas be caught dead in a floor length black gown, slashed at the top with swarovski crystals? Me no think so. My prediction: It will take many many moons for BCBG to make up for this blunder of a collection.
NICOLE MILLER: Finally, something fresh and new! Miller's inspiration came from Colombia (the country, not the school. Sorry girls), and Peru. Models donned swinging skirts of varying lengths(please note that floor length skirts are making a comeback), and beautiful white blouses with front ties, or tiered arms. My favorite piece was what looked like (from the front) a knitted throw draped gently across the waist. When she walked past however I noticed that it wasn't a scarf, but a sweater. it was a great piece. Her gowns at the end were also extremely beautiful, and unlike some other designers who showed yesterday, she had unique twists on her designs that really made the dresses pop. Most notable was her last look, where two pieces of chiffon looped through a low slit on the back and then gracefully floated behind as it moved. Thank goodness that Nicole Miller was my last show of the day . . . it put me back in the mood to continue with fashion week and gave me the hope that maybe not all designers had suffered from a lobotomy that stripped them of all creativity and ingenuity.
GENART: I stayed for only a little (I had 15 minutes to get back uptown to catch Nicole Miller), but this was truly an experience. The presentation/party was held at the waterfront on 27th and 11th. The Warehouse-like space was scattered with vodka bars, lounges, and cocktail tables. At varying distances across the room were little stages where models stood like manequins showcasing the designs of the new and up-and-coming young designers. There was some interested styling, and overall the designs were intriguing. I never really cought which designer went with each stage, but one thing is true: we're in for some great new faces to grace the stages in upcoming fashion weeks! How nice it will be to have a breath of fresh air!
Ok thats all for now: not only because those are the only shows I saw, but also because i'm getting bored of blogging about them! Stay tuned for my next installment of fashion week fall 2007 coverage. Things to look forward to: Abaete, Carolina Herrera, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Peter Som, Chaiken, Badgley Miscka, Max Azria and many many others.
In the meantime check out some images I've posted.
(Marc Bauer and Alice Ritter images were unavailable at time of publication)
"fashion week is really hard for me"
In today's installment of fashion week coverage I will offer my humble critique of: John Bartlett, Alice Ritter, Marc Bauer, BCBG, Nicole Miller, and lastly the GenArt presentation and afterparty.
JOHN BARTLETT: A frontrunner in men's ready-to-wear, Bartlett is known for his preppy silhouettes, classic fabrics, and casual elegance. While the models were gorgeous(aside from one who looked constipated and was making a bee-line for the bathroom), and the people watching occupied me for the full 25 minutes we waited before the music was cued, I have to say I was non-plussed. There was nothing I really hadn't seen before: i mean honestly, how many cable-knit vests and v-kneck sweaters does a man need in his closet? The only thing I found interseting were his block-patterned blazers crafted from multiple treated leathers and knits. the last look was beautiful (or was it the perfectly chizeled features of the hunk who modeled it?) but aside from that, the collection looked like a cross between Abercrombie & Fitch and Ralph Lauren. Classic, fine... but BORING.
ALICE RITTER: What a mess. This designer opted to be "unique" and showed at the National Arts Gallery on Gramercy Park South. Truly a charming venue yes, but when you have lines upon lines of eager fashion guests, it's probably not a good idea to keep them ALL cooped up in a lobby that is suitable only for about 50 people, if that. Once settled in our seats, my claws retracted as I awaited what I knew was going to be a good collection (i got some sweet swag to boot, so i was happy) The models sauntered onto the short runway in unique braids, bright iridescent eye-shadow, and gray wool leg warmers. The clothes were tailored to perfection with pleating at the neck, the waist, the chest. I would charecterize the line as a melange of flameco and edwardian proportions with the elegance of tuxedo accents. She also did the most gorgeous coats I have seen in a while: volumonous, yet chic, and the draping was done to perfection. There was also a swing trench, bolero bomber jackets, and a mohair trench that I MUST have. I must admit the show was a little all over the place, and could have benefited from being paired down juuuust a bit, but after my let down from John Bartlett, I thought that Alice Ritter had hit a home run.
MARC BAUER: Oh the controversy! This year, Bauer's invitation noted that his show was to be sponsored by Peta. Seeing as how fur is huge right now, you can imagine the commotion that went on before the show: what to do with my coat? my hat? my scarf? An online-brit-blogger from Marie Claire actually approached me and my co-worker about just that: "how do you feel about going to the show? will you stash away your hat? If you wear it, is it defiant or just blaze?" Got in a picture, so maybe you'll see me online! Anyway, Marc's show was a letdown. For starters, he began the presentation by filling the Salon with fog via a fog machine placed off-stage. NOT A GOOD IDEA. I looked around as people coughed, fanned their faces, and generally made noises and gestures of disgust. But the show is not about the special effects... although the clothing didn't garner a very different reaction: No real inspiration whatsoever. He is an evening- wear designer which to his credit means that he has to satisfy myriad body types and tastes. But come on: velveteen floor length gowns? Even the model looked dumpy and ridiculous. His only saving grace were the 8 (or so) white gowns he did at the end. Sequins, appliques, and tulle, it was really beautiful although probably not so practical. And if I see one more empire waited floor length gown I will stand it protest. come on now! At least offer a twist, lets not add on to a trend that has gone on for long enough. Does it really take that much creativity to bedazzle a waist band and throw it onto some tulle gathered at the bust? His one high point: excellent ruching.
BCBG: Absolutely disgusting. Models wore these hand knit beanie-caps that looked like they had been snatched up from the reduced bin at a Salvation Army. There was an American Indian theme scattered throughout: adorned bibs on baby-doll dresses for one, but would Pochahontas be caught dead in a floor length black gown, slashed at the top with swarovski crystals? Me no think so. My prediction: It will take many many moons for BCBG to make up for this blunder of a collection.
NICOLE MILLER: Finally, something fresh and new! Miller's inspiration came from Colombia (the country, not the school. Sorry girls), and Peru. Models donned swinging skirts of varying lengths(please note that floor length skirts are making a comeback), and beautiful white blouses with front ties, or tiered arms. My favorite piece was what looked like (from the front) a knitted throw draped gently across the waist. When she walked past however I noticed that it wasn't a scarf, but a sweater. it was a great piece. Her gowns at the end were also extremely beautiful, and unlike some other designers who showed yesterday, she had unique twists on her designs that really made the dresses pop. Most notable was her last look, where two pieces of chiffon looped through a low slit on the back and then gracefully floated behind as it moved. Thank goodness that Nicole Miller was my last show of the day . . . it put me back in the mood to continue with fashion week and gave me the hope that maybe not all designers had suffered from a lobotomy that stripped them of all creativity and ingenuity.
GENART: I stayed for only a little (I had 15 minutes to get back uptown to catch Nicole Miller), but this was truly an experience. The presentation/party was held at the waterfront on 27th and 11th. The Warehouse-like space was scattered with vodka bars, lounges, and cocktail tables. At varying distances across the room were little stages where models stood like manequins showcasing the designs of the new and up-and-coming young designers. There was some interested styling, and overall the designs were intriguing. I never really cought which designer went with each stage, but one thing is true: we're in for some great new faces to grace the stages in upcoming fashion weeks! How nice it will be to have a breath of fresh air!
Ok thats all for now: not only because those are the only shows I saw, but also because i'm getting bored of blogging about them! Stay tuned for my next installment of fashion week fall 2007 coverage. Things to look forward to: Abaete, Carolina Herrera, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Peter Som, Chaiken, Badgley Miscka, Max Azria and many many others.
In the meantime check out some images I've posted.
(Marc Bauer and Alice Ritter images were unavailable at time of publication)
"fashion week is really hard for me"
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