"Not all who wander are lost" -- J.R.R. Tolkein

Hi.

I'm not exactly sure who I am saying hi to, or who I feel the need to introduce myself to (probably no one, so I'll just go with my new friend, Blog), but seeing as this is my first attempt at blogging EVER, it seems only fitting to introduce myself!

This of course, is my first blog post in what will hopefully be many that will explore my newly surfaced realization that perhaps I should explore working in the fashion industry. While I have absolutely no credentials relating to fashion aside from working at Abercrombie & Fitch for 2 years (part-time, on and off) and currently American Apparel, I would like to share my observations of new trends and what I believe to be stylish. Having worked in retail, I feel as though I have been exposed to various aspects of the retail and fashion industries. I have always absolutely LOVED clothes shopping to the point that I will consider sacrificing a few days' meals if it means I can buy a pair of shoes that I've been longing for (it's a serious problem...) I am not looking to work as a fashion designer, rather I would like to combine my love for writing with my interest in fashion (i.e. fashion journalism, PR/communications for a fashion company), or I would consider working my way up the retail path, getting into buying or merchandising. That said, I am by no means an expert. I am simply here to learn and share...and keep up with my writing.

I think my interest in fashion has emerged from a few places; obviously, working in retail for 3 years on and off, studying abroad in both Paris and Barcelona, and then the fact that many of my friends or people I know often compliment my style or tell me that I have a "good eye." However, I am still doubtful of this because I feel as though I lack credibilty...

I'll do some quick facts so that you can put my ramblings into some what of a coherent context...here we go:

Name: Nicola (or Nikki)
Age: 23
Current location: Pittsburgh, PA (but moving back to DC end of January 2012 to live with my parents...yippee..)

I...was born in England, moved to Washington DC in 1998 (age 10), am NOT a U.S. citizen (still have my British citizenship hollerrr!!), have a younger sister (2 years younger), HATE my freckles, rode horses for 8 years, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh & majored in English Writing (minored in French, related area in Spanish), was a member of (and president of) Alpha Delta Pi sorority, studied abroad in Paris, France summer 2008 and then Barcelona, Spain spring 2009, speak Spanish better than French, tried for a MBA but hated it so dropped out, love cats, am a concert/live show/rave dance party junkie, am obsessed with the works of Spanish Surrealist painter Salvador Dali, am terrified of spiders & clowns, have a guilty love for Motley Crue & Poison (aka 80's hair metal glam bands), love dubstep and HOUSE MUSIC, and I am moving back to England (planning on London) summer 2012!

Next post will actually relate to my goal of this blog (exploring fashion trends, sharing my observations of what I like, how to wear certain pieces, looking at influences in fashion...and ultimately, practicing writing about fashion)!!

Nicola