There’s nothing quite like a new trend. They are circling around constantly and always sneaking up on us when we least expect it.

There is something so thrilling about discovering a new trend and challenging yourself to incorporate new pieces into your wardrobe- even if it is for a short period of time.

However, as consumers we often don’t realize crazy difficult it is for designers to stay ahead of the game and relevant. So, what do people  not tell you about starting your own brand in 2016? 

As a designer you are truly put to the test. Do you obey to the recurring trends and not satisfy your thirst and creativity that you have put into a sketchbook? Unfortunately competitive is an understatement when it comes to our society today. You either give in to the people telling you to design what will sell, or you put your ideas out into the world and hope they sell.

I decided to get this question answered the best way I found fit. I reached out to someone who I had the pleasure of meeting one of my first few weeks at my new school. His name is Marquise Elmore and he is a fashion design major at Philadelphia University and so very talented.

While talking to Marquise I asked him that very same question and truly admired his response.

Marquise:

“I stick to my own vision. I don’t change, I may tweak things here and there but I usually try to stay as true to my vision as possible. A designer without there own ideas is a designer without a future. Also you have to do what makes you happy and brings joy to you”. 

“What people certainly don’t tell you is that it’s not always about what you know but who you know. Also that it’s not something that just happens over night, you need to work towards your goal and know that this is what you want for yourself. I’ve been at this for five years now and it’s a struggle at times, the bad time occur often but it’s when you get those good moments  that you can appreciate all those bad moments”. 

If you really think about it.. we are constantly remixing styles and trends that were around years and years ago.. high waisted jeans, overalls, platform shoes, the list goes on and on.

I think Marquise’s words are so very profound and hold so much truth. For a designer to be proud and excited about their work it has to come from within. I asked Marquise to send me some photos of his work and I am so happy he did. Take a look at just a few looks that were featured in the Atlantic City Fashion Week Show!

Discovering brands and companies that represent unique and new designs is the best part of the world of fashion. There is nothing like walking into a Buffalo Exchange or discovering a brand that has so much meaning behind it and just knowing you discovered a true treasure.

Combine all of that together and I give you Colabination.

Your “one stop shop” for that desire to stand out and be a little reckless when it comes to fashion. You no longer have to walk into those same old stores and wonder how many people own that same shirt that you just bought.

Every brand that you come across has a story to tell and you can be the reason the story is told. I highly encourage you to take and see for yourself:)

If you see anything you like be sure to use the code SSANDLER at checkout and recieve 10% off your order!

Meet you here again soon,

Sami

I must be feeling inspired because this is my second post in two days, wow! It’s a gloomy Thursday morning in my Text Sound and Image class which I am clearly not paying attention to. These weeks seem to be flying by and it’s crazy to me that I have been at my new school for about 3 months. If you don’t know me, you wouldn’t know that I transferred from Bloomsburg University to Philadelphia University. Random isn’t it? You’re tellin me. I was lucky enough to experience the most amazing two years at Bloom. Not only did I go into my freshman year with my best friend, but I met a group of people that I have the luxury of knowing will be in my life forever. Sometimes I wonder where I would be or what would have happened if I went to PhilaU from the beginning, and then I remember that I wouldn’t have some of the best memories that I hold so tight.

I decided that transferring schools would be the best move for me in order to further my career within the fashion industry. If you asked me around ages 7-13 I would have probably told you I wanted to be a fashion designer or a professional scanner at a market (don’t tell me you’ve never had those thoughts). I used to draw designs in books and my Mommom would have them laminated for me. However, that urge to be in fashion never went away for a second just my desire to be a fashion designer.

I couldn’t even necessarily give a solid reason as to why, but I realized that I had a true passion for writing and organizing and being creative and wanted to submerge myself into the fashion industry in whichever way it so fit. Long story short.. Anna Wintour is everything I want to be and more.

In my short 3 months at this school, I feel like I am truly where I am meant to be. In my short  3 months I met the creator of NYFW and went to New York to tour the Hermes showroom. Like… what…?

I was uncomfortable that I was so comfortable at Bloomsburg. Does that even make sense? That school was my second home and a place where all of my best friends were right around the corner from me. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, and I did.

When September rolled around I entered this brand new school and couldn’t have been more excited. I am majoring in communications concentrating on fashion studies (thinking about PR or journalism). Everyday I am surrounded by people that eat sleep and breath fashion just like I do and that feeling is something I can’t describe.

If I had stayed at the school that I did love, but felt wasn’t helping me achieve my dreams; what good would that have done me? I am so eager to achieve every single aspiration I have in this life and I am now on the road to doing that.

CAUTION: MAY ENCOUNTER A HEAVY DOSE OF RAMBLING. SORRY.

Excuses are like bellybuttons.. everyone has one (probably not the saying). At least that’s what I am told, so therefore I won’t even try to fabricate a reason for my absence! However, I am here now and that is all that matters!

I feel like I have so many things to talk about and I can already tell that I am having trouble forming words that make sense. TODAY however, I have decided to talk about one of my favorite topics: health & fitness. Now- I know what you may be thinking.. how can you incorporate the words favorite, health & fitness into the same sentence? If you asked me that question two years ago I would say that is nearly impossible, and anyone that does feel that way needs to be checked out by a doctor. But, I have done something that seems to be inevitable in this life, and that is grow up and realize what is important to me as I get older. Some of those things being my health, my confidence, and the ability to give myself both of those things.

The word journey sounds so cliche doesn’t it? However everything that we go through in life is a journey to take us somewhere else. We are all constantly going through a journey regardless if we realize it. The journey that I shall be talking about today is my fitness journey, which started about a year and a half ago, and I thank myself everyday for making that change in my life and best of all.. sticking to it. 

One thing I will not do is paint you a pretty picture and tell you that any of this came easy to me. It wasn’t without a lack of blood sweat and tears- and still isn’t. Did I enjoy getting out of my angelic bed in Bloomsburg PA at 7am before my class to realize it is -4 degrees outside (literally) and I needed to put on my workout clothes, trek 1567 miles to the gym completely across campus? Hell no. Did I ever regret it? Hell no.

So let us rewind shall we? I’m not sure if any of you are familiar with Kayla Itsines or KAYLA_ ITSINES on Instagram. She casually has 3.9 million followers on Instagram and if you follow her you know of these insane transformation pictures she is always posting. Anyway, after going to the gym for a short while with one of my very best friends, we decided to purchase Kayla’s 12 week workout guide. One word.. LOL.

I am the type of person that is extremely hard on myself when it comes to working out and keeping a healthy lifestyle. I need to work on this trait because I wouldn’t necessarily consider it to be a positive one all the time. However, I also know that if I wasn’t this way I would have felt defeated a million and one times which essentially tears you down on the journey to success.

One of my biggest struggles when working out is needing direction. I am so quick to feel defeated and dumb if I don’t know exactly what I am doing and when. If I don’t walk into the gym with a set plan I feel off track. I think that is why I began using Kayla’s guides because it did exactly that, it guided me and helped me to gain knowledge about my body and what I was capable of, and not very capable of. For instance, I didn’t know weighted burpees were equivalent to death however I learned that rather quickly. I incorporated Kaylas guides with about an hour and a half of cardio a week.

The guides consisted of 8 different exercises that were focused on abs, legs, arms, etc. These exercises were to be broken up into 4 and 4 and completed as many times as you could in 7 minutes. (reps and instructions listed on the actual guide). I am not going to go into detail about the guides however if you are interested I recommend checking out Kayla’s Instagram or website!

Long story short.. I used Kaylas guides for about 8-9 weeks. Being at college however it was a constant battle trying to find the right foods to incorporate into my diet. I did not have healthy food at my fingertips and it was extremely difficult for me to find a way to remain healthy while being at school. There were times I literally lived off of chocolate rice cakes with peanut butter and bananas (not complaining it is so good). When you are surrounded by unhealthy food it is truly difficult to find a middle ground. I did the best I could with what I was working with and completely changed my diet. When I look back to what I used to eat and how I ate food without a care in the world and best of all not working out, it actually shocks me. Because I have been eating well for so long when I do splurge and eat something unhealthy my body doesn’t even know how to react and I usually end up not feeling well. Yes, I am a college student and a human and still LIVE FOR pizza and everything else you can imagine, however I have found that moderation is key (cliche af sorry). Also, I tend to beat myself up when I fall of track (working on it) that it is easier for me to eat nutritious, healthy and delicious food rather than pizza and fries because it takes my mind that much longer to get back in the game. So therefore, it is easier for me to stay on track and eat well rather than splurge just because I feel like it. This isn’t the same for everyone obviously. This is just the way my mind functions. This is why I would probably not be great at counting macros but if it works for you amen to that.

When I came home from school for the Summer I immediately went down the shore and fell off track which is why I abruptly stopped the guides. However, I would recommend them if you are looking for a guide.

I remember when I came home from school I went to the doctor for an annual check up. I was very eager to be weighed because I really didn’t know what to expect nor did I weigh myself regularly. He weighed me, checked his paperwork, sat back down and looked at me. He asked me if I had made changes in my daily routine and if I was living a healthy lifestyle. I said yes, because I was; and also because my weight for the most part has been consistent years prior. He told me I had lost 10 pounds. I remember not being able to put my smile down because right then and there I knew all of those times that I would have paid a million dollars to skip the gym but didn’t.. payed off.

Everyone’s “journey” differs so much. One of the most important things across the board is finding your own motivation. No one else can make you work out, you need to do it for yourself. You need to find that reason within yourself to get up everyday and go to the gym. You need to realize that this is could be an amazing and permanent change in your life if you let it be. You are allowed to incorporate a healthy lifestyle however you so choose. If that means cutting out pizza to one day a week, or drinking more water, or walking everyday so be it. The worst thing you can do to you is compare yourself to others around you or the people you see on Instagram.

When coming home for the summer I decided to join a gym. Since that day, I have made it a goal of mine to go to the gym 5 days a week. Do I have days where I skipped because I simply didn’t want to go? Yes. Do I force myself to go when I really don’t feel like it and then feel a million times better after I do? Yes. It is all about mindset. You have the ability to make as many changes as you please. The mind is a powerful tool and can do amazing things for you if you let it.

Now, I limit my cardio which is usually the bike or the stairmaster to about 40 minutes or less a week. I usually give myself more freedom on the weekends so by the time Monday rolls around I like to start off my week with cardio, just as my way of starting fresh. I recommend if you are looking for a guaranteed sweat and a challenging workout try the stairmaster. When first starting out I used to last maybe 7-10 minutes on a good day. Now, I can do 30 minutes. It is definitely one of the most challenging forms of cardio and one of my favorites.

The rest of the week I dedicate towards lifting, with one leg day and a few ab exercises incorporated within each workout. I have gained a love for lifting in addition to muscle which I didn’t even know existed. I have upped my weight week by week and it feels great to watch myself get stronger. I have watched thousands of videos, learned from others around me including my brother, and continue to incorporate challenging workouts that really make me feel the burn. There is no easy fix or easy workout when getting toned and in shape. You need to put the work in in order to see results, it’s just the way of life.

Sami’s steps to success:

1. Drink more water. The benefits are unreal, and you will feel like a million bucks $$$
2. Follow some inspirational workout fanatics on Instagram. The first thing I do in the morning is check Insta and I love seeing all of my favorite workout people posting first thing in the morning, it may not sound like much but it does wonders for your mentality (Nikki Blackketter is everything and more)
3. Don’t beat yourself if you have a off day. You’re human for God sake you’re allowed.
4. Everyone progresses in different ways. Everyone’s body is different. Be patient.
5. Don’t stop because you do not see progress. It will come I promise. I tell myself this everyday when I check to see if my tiny tiny baby abs have turned into toddlers. (lol??)
6. Make healthy and delic dishes without completely giving your body culture shock. You don’t have to snap your fingers and be a health fanatic. It doesn’t happen overnight.
7. You need a bomb playlist. enough said.
   

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This is just a rant on my personal experience. I don’t have nearly close to all the answers nor do I think I am a fitness expert by any means! I am learning so much everyday and look forward to continuing that. I hope someone gets a little motivation to make a change in their life big or small.

Didn’t think I would ever post progress pics but then I reminded myself that I woke up too damn early and worked too damn hard to not be proud of what progress I have made.

(these are old because I lost all of the pictures on my phone and computer:) )

Thanks for reading this aggressively long blog post:)

-Sami

I realize that posting as frequently as I used to is becoming more and more challenging. Not with lack of trying though, I promise. Trying to keep up with school work becomes a huge struggle when all you want to do is the complete opposite of that. Also, in a future post I plan to talk about my addiction to a healthy, balanced and new lifestyle change that I am completely dedicated to. With that being said, it is difficult to find that inspiration I need to sit down and write about all things fashion and beauty related when I wake up and throw on my sneakers and workout clothes.

But, being that this is a change in my life and a permanent one, it is crucial I find a way to stay inspired (I am going to school for fashion for

sake).

A few weeks ago when home on spring break, while I was green with envy stalking everyone and their mothers vacation pics I was able to have a photo shoot with Tali. I think my favorite one to date if I may add. We did something a little different and went to a beautiful church and found some really cool spots to take pictures. I absolutely love how they turned out and figured I’d show a few of my faves.

Thanks for stopping by & reading:)  I shall meet you here again soon.

-Sami

Remember that time I mentioned that I was really bipolar about my hair? Yeah.. nothing has changed. In fact today I am in the mood to dye it blue but ya know just a day in the life.  I decided that I needed to go blonder just because I felt my hair was a little drab looking. So, I did it.

This time however I did balayage. From what I understand it is like being in the sun at the beach for hours on end and coming inside with the natural highlights in your hair, just achieved in the winter.. with no sun.. and no beach.

I love the outcome and found that it is much more natural looking then ombre. I cannot wait until the summer when the sun can do its thang and make it that much blonder (addiction)

If you’re in the mood to try something different look up pictures of balayage hair on Google!    You will love what you see and probably schedule a hair appointment within 30 seconds (or is that just me?)

Anyway.. hope you enjoy…!

I did it.. and I feel like it is something I should scream from the mountain tops. I have been blessed with the most perfect pair of black booties. Ever.

I have searched high and low for the longest time for the most perfect pair of booties, and although you may think that is an easy task.. it wasn’t. But, Bloomingdales came to the rescue yet again and I am now a proud owner of Dolce Vita black leather booties (style name Clark).

They are simple, yet edgy with the buckles along the side. I love the detail and the heel height as well, they are so comfortable. I wore them out to dinner for the first time the other night and was shocked at how easy they were to walk in. Not only were they 50% off.. yes your eyes do not deceive you.. they also come in the most perfect nude shade. Which will probably be in my possession shortly. I hate myself.

If you are someone that likes to have a little extra height without wearing 6 inch stilettos, do yourself a favor and find your own perfect pair of booties! Luckily it seems that almost every store carries their own version of the bootie it just depends what your individual taste is. Stores like Forever 21 even have a cheaper alternative if you weren’t looking to spend a lot of money.

So from one shoe addict to another.. I present to you…

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Reminisce —

Sometimes I do this thing where I let my mind wander in forty-five different directions at the most inconvenient times. For instance, last night I was so exhausted, like one of those tireds where you feel like your eyes are swollen shut. You know what I am referring to right? Of course I couldn’t fall asleep and instead just thought about life and how most times things work out..eventually..sometimes.. maybe.. in mysterious ways. The feeling that rests in all of us that things DO have a possibility of working out- that’s the spark that keeps us all going. If we let all of the negative and unfortunate things that go on in this crazy life we lead break us down, then it would eat us alive.

I could write a novel on why it is so important to be yourself and live life to the absolute fullest. However, I think that all of us, or whoever is reading this has experienced something in their life that has affected them in more ways than one. We all know what it is like to hurt and to not see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, that light is brighter than we think and it is always, always there.

DISCLAIMER: I AM LISTENING TO THE 1989 ALBULM WHILE WRITING THIS SO IT MAY BE FUELING THIS POST, SORRY ABOUT IT.

I always find myself scrolling through my iPhoto and looking at old pictures. This has to be one of my favorite things to do. I think in general reminiscing is one of the best things to do. However, it can result in serious serious depression lemme tell ya. Is nostalgia a disease? If so I may or may not have it. Any who.. every summer my best friend Tali and I go down to Maryland for about a week. I look forward to the next years trip the second I get in the car to come home.

It is inevitable that every time Tali and I are together we do something spur of the moment and most likely abnormal. It either ends in hundreds of pictures taken or hours laughing to be honest. But we decided one day to try and find a dock; so we walked in the sweltering heat and went on our merry way. Of course we did not find the dock, but we did find a motel parking lot with a perfect view of the bay and that worked just fine. Just seeing the pictures we took brought back to many memories and made me feel so inspired all over again.

Something so simple like that is so important. So, what drives you? If you don’t have an answer to that question, change it. Make plans that you can mark on a calendar and give yourself something to look forward to. Grab a camera, dress up and take some pictures. Inspiration is so crucial in order to live a fulfilling life.