CHICSHOCK: March 2013

A few weeks ago I went to Amsterdam. I'm not going to beat around the bush with this one, and I'm sure you can guess it from the stereotypical "American studying abroad in Europe, goes to Amsterdam" scenario, what I did this weekend. I can't help myself, its something that I honestly just need to partake in no matter where I go. And mom, if you are reading this I would stop here and just quickly scroll through the pictures...

So yes, if you know me you probably guessed it, I gave into my vice and continued to vintage shop. It was pretty under control this time, relative to my Parisian splurges. Rachael and I hit up this one shop where I got a gold chained bracelet, and a short sleeve linen button-up, which seems like it would have been intended for a man, because the dimensions don't seem right for women's clothing (unless I just fit menswear better). At a street market I also picked up a present for a certain lovely lady back home (shout out to Paige Peterson's 21st birthday, doing it big in Sota, luh you), and a denim jacket for only 20 euros.

Rachael and I also made a stop at the Heineken factory, which was nice, but the real attraction was us, not to sound cocky or anything. We strolled into that joint sober as pair of judges, and ended up being the most interesting attraction there, by far. This link can shed some light on my explination:

HEINEKEN FUN TIME WITH ALYSSA AND RACHAEL

The city ended up being beautiful with its system of rivers, distinct Dutch architecture, and young atmosphere. I came to Amsterdam to participate in some new traditions, but ended up falling in love with the old culture. [Mom if you are still reading, I think you know what I'm talking about ;) ]

Misspelled, but I forgive them

HEINEKEN

So this post is a little overwhelming and hosts the bulk of my experiences at Fashion Week. Also, if you never really grew out of the picture book phase, this is an excellent post for you and I'm sure my words will pale in comparison to the pictures of all of these beautiful and glamorous people. Also, if you just look at the pictures you can embellish my actual involvement during the week.

So the first show from this post is Jean Paul Lespagnard, who instead of doing a fashion show, did an exhibit... of fashion. I went and waited in line for this show, solo, so as you can imagine I had quite a bit of time on my hands, an hour and a half in fact.. wedged between Asian fashion tourists, who somehow obtain tickets to almost every show, fashion folks or friends of the designer, who also had tickets, and the rest of us, who usually consisted of chain-smoking teenagers, unemployed fashion groupies, and randos (where I imagine I best fit in). His line for the Fall Winter 2013 was an interesting mix of motocross apparel, floral prints, and a dash of glitter and shine.

In case you care to watch the show in its entirety from http://www.filepmotwary.com/motwary/

The next day, Kristen and I swung by one of the holiest of holies in the world of everything beautiful and luxurious, Chanel. Though we knew we had 0.000001% (call me an optimist) chance of getting into the show, knowing that on the other side of those doors there lay a fashion dynasty, was worth the trip. It's harder to get your picture taken at a show like Chanel, because you're in the big leagues of Fashion, baby. Not just old person off the street is worthy of a picture, well except the designer toddlers I witnessed twittling on their iphone, with matching outfits and Chanel bags in tow. The fact that these tweens are dressing like this and getting their picture taken at the world's grandest fashion show is a little astonishing. And though this shouldn't both me the most, it was a school day... Just saying.

So later that day, we tried to get into Agnes B., though my outfit fell behind in the crowd of stilettos, avant garde ensembles, and all things designer, I received some notice outside of this smaller show. I had a few pictures taken and then this moment replaced the one from a few days prior, as the coolest I've ever felt. I was approached by a woman from Yahoo who asked if I would mind doing an on camera interview. In my state of awe, I felt my little French skills liquefy and dribble out of my ears, and all I could muster up was, "..Oui...". I told her I preferred the interview in English (so I wouldn't sound like an idiot in French), and so it began. The review of my outfit, that I mentally compose everyday, "my hat, bag, and jacket are vintage, etc..." was just like I quietly rehearsed in the mirror. Saying things are vintage are like saying your love of fashion compelled you to embark on this endeavor for the perfect black leather handbag. I basically called myself the fashion Indian Jones. My favorite part about saying something is vintage, which makes it sound edgy and unique, is that I bought all of it for Fleet Farm prices. It's the fashion loophole to brand names.

I don't want to bore you with the repetitive on-goings of each fashion show, so I'll be concise: Valentino (stood outside), Allude (went), Miu Miu (creeped outside), Mashama (went). Lucky for me, while waiting for Kristen outside of Allude I met someone who had an extra ticket, what are the chances, actually. He invited me in with him, and though he was basically a stranger, this is the one case where you always follow the stranger. We sat front row, and even scored some lovely things in our gift bags. We got out picture taken quite a few times, and one interview for State of Style (associated with the American Style Network), though his outfit with on point, and homeboy scored way more interviews than myself. But just like everything else in the fashion world, I was cool by association.

JEAN PAUL LESPAGNARD