As soon as fashion month was over, my fashion month in Miami started: time to connect the dots.
Macy's
I was selected to participate as a stylist to a nationwide Macy's event.
Because honesty is what brought me where I am today, I must confess two things and i am doing it beforehand, as an opening act although normally, in a regular opera, they would be left as the finale.
First: it was my first time ever inside a Macy's store (except once a few months back attendeding as a guest at a Q&A with a chef). In 20 years in the US, the closest I had ever gone to a Macy's store were the Christmas windows on 34th Street you know where. Why; you'll figure it out in the book "The Cheat Sheet of Italian Style" coming out in September, for now take it as shocking as it is.
Second: I have never considered myself a blogger, nor I ever introduced myself as one. There are different types of bloggers and overall I never fit in any of them. I have worn so many hats a scholar, as personal stylist, wholesale, business development, marketing, merchandizing, training, communication, product, model (oh that's before I even finished college)that I know a lot and have a bit of stories for everything.
That is what drove the readership to the website (and thank you for reading.) I don't show people how to dress like I do, I have always been behind the lens, I don't propose the #ootd because, that's me. I tell stories, empowering ones, I like inspiring women by telling what goes beyond what I wear, the trend of the season, the must haves and what to buy on sale.
There are so many people (talented and not) that do that, and another one is not needed. "I say it with clothes" is what attracted people to me, without me trying to: that's what convinced me I had an audience. Mindblowing.
With these premises, I accepted, tadaa'.
I was humbled they chose me as one of four, the only one +40. I attended all the pre-event prep meetings, read the rules and and made it to the day invited all the friends I could, but I was so last minute late, no one could make it. Except, the most rewarding experience, K., a fan, a follower turned acquaintance, turned friend, a pen-pal friend who drove a couple of hours from the Keys to meet me for the first time (God bless her and her husband who patiently drove and assisted on a side to the shenanigans). 1 first goal was accomplished: engaging with my audience. I mean, K. drove miles ... OK, over.
Goal n.2: prepare a closet, my theme was "The Good Life". It was immediately a ladies who brunch, polo, golf, tennis, chilling at Soho House or River Yacht Club. I don't need that much to start thinking, if you give me a theme though, my mind goes fast.
Goal n.3: sell. We were not given the hard sell speech, but it was understood. Not really sure how were the floor sales of that day, there was a big event in the shoe department at the same time, but I know I walked a couple of ladies to the corresponding corner of the department because of something I was wearing. Did I mention we were allowed to wear an outfit of our choice that would match our theme?
Natalie @osmblogger being my gracious model
BONUS: we had models assigned to wear an outfit from our selection, but I ended up not having one, and sweet hearted Natalie (@osmblogger on Instagram) volunteered to wear one dress, she twirled around in the closet, pictures were taken and got featured in Times Square. Yes: NYC maga-screen, the heart of the world.
Little more to say other than: mission accomplished.
A special thank you goes to @nikkinovo, @southfloridabloggers and my partners in crime for one Saturday @zeinabkristen @blameitonmei @iamnatalialilly
