Teen Vogue Fashion University Day 3

Bonjour,

I’d like to sum up my wonderful experience at Teen Vogue Fashion U 2015: All good things have to come to a close. The third and final day was exhilarating, as well as sad. My only seminar that day was with one of my idols, Zac Posen. I adore him and covet his dresses each season. He had a completely different take on his seminar than the other speakers. Of course I loved learning about his path to success (especially because I want to emulate what he did and how he did it). But my favorite part was learning about how he constructs his dresses. He had two of his ball gowns with him on stage, and he described each of the layers of fabric and the effort that went into building the shape. This was really fascinating to me, because I want to expand my knowledge on construction and building shapes. If I could ever go into his atelier and intern with him, or take sewing/ construction lessons, I would do it in a heartbeat. I wish there had been more Q & A time, because I had come hoping to ask specific ones. 

Overall, I was amazingly starstruck by Zac Posen. It's weird to see your dream right in front of you.

Teen Vogue closed the weekend by handing out certificates. It happened so quickly, but was an unforgettable experience.  

xoxo,

Larissa

Zac Posen's dress and detailing

Zac Posen's Cinderella dress

As I'm expanding this blog, I'm starting to document some of my own designs. I made this look two summers ago out of raw silk and brocade, but I still love it. It's high-waisted and has cutouts, but it's slightly oversized and reminds me a little bit of Japanese design. 

Sandals, Sneakers and Sketches (the Three Important "S" Words)

Hey,

I'm going to try out something new and post some of my designs! Feel free to give me feedback, post new ideas, or comment.

This one is devoted to shoes. Come back tomorrow to check out more. 

Merci Beaucoup,

Larissa

(inspired by Chanel)

My own sandals

The IT ball gown

 Bonjour,

I’ve been meaning to do a post on this show-stopping gown for a while now, so here it is:

I have always had an obsession with ball gowns, and I’ve never met anybody who can outdo Zac Posen. His finale dress from February’s collection blew me away. Along with the impeccable construction and flawless detailing, which made the dress pop out and curve like nothing I’ve ever seen, the color made that dress. It shone against Naomi Campbell’s skin. The metallic finish was a nod to luxury and glamour, without feeling outdated or glitzy. The hue was better than gold or silver, as it brought something fresh to the table. Naomi's blunt haircut also added the perfect contrast. I would kill to wear it, and it embodied the perfect modern woman (who everyone wants to be: the Zac Posen woman, creative, ambitious, and confident, with inner glamour).

xoxox,

Larissa

Style Crush: Paris Fashion Week Day 8 with Chiara Ferragani and Erica Pelosini

Salut!

These two gals capture elegance in pastel colors. Rose gold, muted pink and small metallic details and wispy hairstyles. Try contrasting their lady like looks with a bold color like Chiara's shoes to modernize the look. The sandal's straps are key in balancing the look.

xoxo, 

Larissa

Erica Pelosini

Chiara Ferragani

shoe steals:

ASOS New Look Sub Bright Pink Ankle Strap Heeled Sandals

Giuseppe Zanotti Pink Strappy Sandals

Teen Vogue Fashion University Day 2 Outfit

Bonjour!

Take a look to see what I wore on Saturday.

xoxo,

Larissa

Blazer: Topshop

Crop Top: Topshop

Maxi skirt: designed and sewn by me

Bag: Zara

Lipstick: NARS Charlotte

My Christian Louboutin boots, which I wore Saturday and aren't visible in the other photo.

Top three lessons from Teen Vogue Fashion University Day 2

A long day worth its while.

For Saturday’s event I had to wake up at 5:50. Luckily, as any fashionista, for the right cause I didn’t mind.  My schedule was packed with glamorous events that made me feel like a five-year-old in a candy shop. Each of the speakers was inspiring, kind and insightful. I had the opportunity to talk to each of them afterwards as well. Their willingness to share their wealth of knowledge and help us was wonderful. I’m now motivated and energized to run out into the world of fashion. 1,2,3 here I go... Sadly, it won't be that quick - but with their words of advice, I’m much more likely to succeed. I’ve summed up the 3 most important things mentioned by all of the speakers:

1. Intern, intern and intern: get any experience you can and keep in touch - the contacts will help you later
2. Don’t let your ego get in the way: be able to step back from the process and let go
3. Be informed: about the fashion world, skill sets, current events, pop culture – absolutely everything that is going on in the world

So take those words and don’t let anything stop you. I’m not going to. Join me on my journey!

Xoxo,

Larissa

*Stay tuned for more TVFU outfits and highlights!

Teen Vogue Fashion University Day 1

Bonjour fellow fashionistas,

Have you ever experienced a life-changing moment?

After applying to Teen Vogue Fashion University in January and being accepted, I carefully awaited my chance to attend the Holy Grail of fashion. I was one of the 549 lucky attendees who were chosen out of thousands. This year it took place from March 13-15, and the kickoff event was at Express in Times Square. I was also lucky to meet up with my friend Allie from vivalalola.wordpress.com . We had an absolute blast: window shopping, taking a video in the photobooth, which turned into a flip book, and mingling.

The cherry on top, however, was meeting the three lovely guests. I was desperate to talk to Andrew Bevan - and even after standing in line for ages, was not disappointed with our chat. He was charming and well-spoken. We bonded over boy problems for a moment and took pictures. I also got to meet Elaine Welteroth, who not surprisingly had on a great lipstick and even loved mine.  Fashion complements from the most knowledgeable gurus themselves are always a plus.

What I didn’t expect was bumping into Amy Astley, who I adore. I always love reading her editor’s note and think her take on the magazine is perfection. (Teen Vogue is my bible, and I don’t take that lightly).  I gave her my business card and received a remarkable response, which was life changing. Having her give me a nod of confidence is what this event is all about: motivation to continue.

I hope you guys take risks too; reaching out can be intimidating, but it will eventually pay off.

Xoxox,

Larissa

Outfit: Kenneth Cole Jacket, H&M pants, Topshop crop top, accessorize satchel

Pictures: featured with Elaine Welteroth, Amy Astley and Andrew Bevan