STREET STYLE: FIDM SUMMER EDITION

EFFORTLESS CHIC

COLORFUL MULTI-PRINTS

If there's one thing I am certain about attending FIDM, it is the fact that everyday is a friggin FASHION SHOW. There's just something about being in a creative environment that makes one want to put a little more "effortless" jazz in our wardrobe. Above are some call outs from this past summer that the FIDM digital team shot. Color is of course a stand-out but add a playful mixed pattern for an updated cool, summer look. Then my all time favorite, the business-casual rock-style where a cropped bomber or fitted blazer over jeans just completely pulls together a chic 'oh I just totally rolled out of bed looking this fabulous' look. You can find more inspiring outfit ideas on the official FIDM Flickr page here.

xx

FIDM BLOG GIRL

A Note from Benni Harding

We appreciate any student taking the time to share an opinion and we do value student concerns. Constructive feedback is key in all good relationships.

We read your blog post and would like to correct some misinformation regarding our competitiveness with other colleges, our instructors' academic and career qualifications, our students' and graduates' ability to compete in the workforce with other college graduates, transferable credits of curriculum, as well as the value and quality of a specialized curriculum.

Some examples: In one of the majors, about 70% of the instructors have master's degrees. As a private, for profit college, FIDM is not publicly traded as other colleges that have been negatively profiled recently in the press. As far as transferability of courses, students choose FIDM precisely because of the specialized curriculum which may include courses that are not offered at other colleges. For this reason, some major courses cannot transfer, not because they don't meet baccalaureate requirements, but because there are no equivalent courses existing in the curriculum of other colleges.

As a graduate of FIDM, you have full access to the Alumni Association which offers a Job Search with a dedicated team of Career Advisors who cultivate job leads and assist graduates in launching and evolving their career identities. We're proud to say that over 90% of our graduates (in all majors) who utilize the Career Center find employment within six months of graduation. Also, for peer-to-peer networking opportunities, the Alumni Association has 36 Alumni chapters, as well as the Dialogue alumni magazine, LiveWire newsletter, and other resources, which I hope you'll utilize. FIDM's blueprint is tried and true. If a student does their coursework and takes advantage of all the available resources, they have every opportunity to succeed.

If you have spoken to any administrator and you feel have been disregarded, that is not our intention. Let’s try again.

We would like the opportunity to meet with you in person to address the concerns expressed in your blog post. In regards to complaints of any kind, we have an open door policy here at FIDM. In fact, my door is open to you and any student here at FIDM.

We can assure you, after you meet with appropriate staff members, your pride will be sky high!

Benni Harding
Director of Student Advisement
FIDM

Around Campus

I procrastinated for my Trends assignment, and ended up taking a bunch of the photos on campus, so I thought I'd share them here. Just people walking around campus in the morning :)












-Olivia

My L.A.

If you haven't heard, I'm moving to New York this week. It's quite a mixed of emotions to experience my FIDM graduation just a couple of weeks ago and now have my things all packed for the Big Apple. I must say, time really hasn't slowed down one bit.

In the past two years... LA has really played a character in my time here... both as a student and a person. During the early times of heartache and agony to these last days of bittersweet triumphs, LA has put me through a lot...Like a best enemy or worst friend. If you've kept up with my posts here, it's been a constant battle and a love-hate relationship with LA. But...I can honestly say that I will miss LA so much (probably more than I'd like to admit).

LA has introduced me to some of the most incredible people in this industry...people I know I will have in my life for a very long time... and those who will cross my path again in the future. I've gained so much perspectives on things... life, career, relationships...even a stronger sense of myself. Despite all the ongoing distractions in this crazy city, my LA experience was a time of self-discovery.

Thank you L.A. for all this and more. You will be greatly missed.

Now on to New York City. Follow us in the sequel to FIDM life... at postfidmlife.blogspot.com.

xoFBG

one more week.

Just wanted to check in...

I am 4 finals away from being done! I have my Applied Management FINAL presentation today... one on Thursday, an exam next week, and then my portfolio presentation Wednesday.

WOW. As much as I want school to be over, I get teary-eyed just thinking about graduation.

THIS IS IT.

Today, I am dressed professionally for my presentation... but I feel like a zombie--still dead, halfasleep. This week, I'll tell you, is nothing short of hell.

Just one more week... one more week....ONE more week to get through.

If I make it and I survive... I will be back to blog. Until then, good luck with your killer finals.

xo

talk is cheap.

I can't help but think about how close to the end it is... God, how FAST time flies! I coud've sworn the year JUST started... and we're almost already half way through 2010?! I have some very big decisions to make in these next few weeks.

Until then, it's projects, presentations, and portfolio prep. Oh, and visiting my Career Advisor WEEKLY. Since we're on this topic... the other day my teacher talked about VIRTUAL portfolio in my Contemporary Business Strategies class. Any of you heard of this before? With this competitive market, it's not enough to just have a resume on your job search... now I've got to show MYSELF online with my "personality" and all? Wow. Imagine where our world is going. I've also learned that you need to make sure your "google" self is professional. That means if they look you up on google (and yes, they will), your sloppy-drunk photos from facebook won't pop up. Word to yo mama.

Ahem...Resume, check. Cover Letter, check. Profile Packet, mmmm...check. Online Virtual Portfolio... NOT check. Let's get on it. (http://www.visualcv.com/) ;-)

I'll be back. Maybe this time, I'll attach a video of me talking instead of writing... LOL.

Ciao, xo.

now what?

I thought that I’d be happy about graduating… let me be quite frank…. I’m terrified. Here I am getting to the end of this road and I have not a clue what the next step is. Growing up, we were always told what to do and where to go. There was always a “Next Step” or a “New Level”. You start off in Kindergarten then you go to first grade. Then second, third, middle school, high school, and eventually college. Well what happens when you come to the end of your college days? Graduation is in less than a month and all I can think of is: “What Now?” From here… we are officially adults. We’re left to make our own decisions. There’s no road map, no direction, no recipe for life. We choose what that next step is. As far as I know… I’m not sure I am ready to take that step alone just yet. Where do I go? Have I become so used to being told what to do and where to go that I’m paralyzed and incapable of choosing? 

...and so it begins.

Some weeks go by fast… this week isn’t one of them. Why do I always feel like there’s so much to do and so little time—yet I’m sitting here on my blackberry writing this blog? I want it to be Friday so I can start the weekend but I also wish Friday doesn’t come too soon because there’s that report I have to write for class but haven’t started. Procrastination always gets the best of me. Today, I’m starting the countdown to graduation and I’m taking you with me. Through a series of photos and videos, you’ll see and experience a glimpse of my life as my finish my last days at FIDM. Are you ready? Stay tuned…

Question of the Week

"I am going to attend FIDM in the fall quarter. I am very excited, but nervous at the same time. My question is: Is FIDM what all the hype says it is?"


--Brooklyn

Dear Brooklyn,

Don't believe all the hype. From my experience, all the greatest things you'll encounter here at FIDM really depends on you. I used to tell people that FIDM is a marvelous school--because I made it just that for myself--then I realize the many students who complain about FIDM are the same ones who aren't involved, don't ask questions, and don't take advantage of the resources. The moral of the story is... YOU have to make the hype yourself. FIDM has so many incredible things going on--compared to other public institutions, we're living in luxury. Trust. To be quite honest, we're spoiled. My advice to you is to ENJOY everything while you're here. Create the hype for yourself.

Good Luck.

xoxTFL.

there's an end to everything.

About two years ago, I made the decision to attend FIDM. What I can remember thinking then was how exciting and adventurous it would be to finally go to the school of my dreams, study what I love, and do what my heart was called to do. I never thought of actually being done with FIDM so quickly. I had no idea two years could flash by in a blink of an eye. All things I’ve gone through as a student here—lack of financial aid, threats of being kicked out, moving into an apartment with six others to afford rent, sacrificing food money to buy school supplies, dealing with doubts from family, and so many other predicaments—have tremendously strengthened me, emotionally and mentally. And although I struggled through those times, I’ve been blessed to have made it this far and I sincerely cannot be happier. Ask me if I would do it all over again… I would in a heartbeat.

Today, I took a walk through Grand Hope Park and just looking at the school already got me emotional. I don’t feel like I’m ready to leave yet. Of all the stress, frustration, and late-nighters, FIDM also gave me hope, assurance, and joy. It wasn’t always easy trying to make it on your own in the big city—especially when you don’t have anyone—but what I got and what I experienced, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. FIDM gave me a chance at self-discovery. I am much more certain of myself and my passion now than I have ever been.

Now to my loyal readers. I’d like to extend my gratitude to those who’s followed my journey through this blog for the last two years. Your comments, contributions, and questions have made this FIDM life that much more meaningful. Now that I’m winding down my last quarter, I am sad to say that there are only few blog entries left before The FIDM Life comes to a close. Until then, I urge you to think about your own college experience, what makes you happy… and enjoy every moment of it.

Xoxo,

FIDM Blog Girl

waiting waiting...

One of the things I love and hate about being on a break from school is not having things to do. I’m the kind of person who loves staying busy. That’s why I’m in fashion. But after a full quarter of non-stop work, this “spring break” was a much needed one. Yet here I am wondering when school will start up again. LOL. Anybody else feel the same? I mean, I got my rest, I sat around being lazy, I caught up with all my hulu shows, did all my catching up with friends, I visited the family, etc etc… now I’m out of things to do and I’m anxious to go back to school and get busy again. I know I may regret saying this later… but I WANT SCHOOL TO START AGAIN ALREADY! Let's go, FIDM!

xo.

HELLO "SPRING BREAK"!

While other colleges are enjoying or awaiting their Spring Break, for us FIDM students today was the LAST DAY OF CLASS for the WINTER 2010 quarter! WOO HOO!~

Technically, we don't have a "Spring Break'. FIDM is on the quarter system so between each quarter is a 2 week break. Spring Break for everyone else just happens to be during this time so many of us claim it's our Spring Break : )

It's been a tough quarter, but I must admit, it's probably been one of the most productive and helpful quarter yet! I've heard some say that the last few quarters are the hardest because classes like "Classification+Line Development" & "Brand Portfolio" (I'm a Product Development Major) require you to spend at least 5+ hours on it's homework if you want to do a nice job & get a good grade that is. I am speaking only from experience.. .

During finals week, the Annex is basically my second home.

The portfolio : ]

Powerpoint Presentation+last day of class.

WAH LA!~
Hard work pays off!

I love taking photos to capture every day moments and to visually remember what happened when so I shall share with you all, photos from my Winter 2010 quarter at FIDM!

The cutest Target ad/tear sheet.

My favorite window display!





FIDM looks gorgeous at night! Doesn't it?!

I didn't mind having night classes because THIS was my view on the way there.. .

Not finals week.

Finals week.

"If you look good during finals week you are not taking school seriously." - Anonymous

Finals week = surviving off naps. 1am-3am & class at 8am

Some well deserved final sweet treats!

IF you HAVEN'T tried the gelato @ "The Fashion Cafe" down by the Rennisance building, you must! It's delicious and the best $3 you can spend when you're at FIDM!


& of course, THANK YOU FIDM for feeding us during finals : ]
1 of the many great things you do for us!

& these last 2 photos were taken TODAY!

I don't live in campus nor do I live in Downtown but I am yet still at the Annex all the time. The staff practically is family and they pretty much have to get rid of me or else I won't leave, lol.

Taken right before the Annex closed up today!
Farewell Annex.
See you in 2 weeks!

Enjoy your 2 week break for those who will be returning & for those who are finished, enjoy your 3 months of freedom and see you at graduation!!!

-Anna
My Blog (annaversary) Twitter (annaversary)

it's finally over. at least for now.

How's everybody doing?!!!! FINALS had me walking around campus like a zombie all week! I took my last final today at 3pm -- whew, it's over! I was so ready to crash. Thank goodness, I made it through the presentation! I want to celebrate but I'm way too tired. So tonight, I am staying in and catching up on sleep. Mmm... sleep.....sounds so good. LOL. Though, I am so craving that caramel ice-blended drink from Coffee Bean right about....now.
Good night and good luck to those who still have finals next week! xoxo

3/11/2010 - packed hallways

I just ran into a herd of people on campus while I was on my way to class… It is DEBUT weekend and I didn’t see it coming. High school students and visitors from all over are here on campus for the 2010 Fashion Preview. It’s cool that FIDM puts on such events for community members…what sucks it’s that it falls on presentation week. Here I am carrying big boards and supplies for my final presentation and I can’t even get an elevator up to the 5th floor. The school is jammed packed right now, be warned. I was cracking up when I passed by a fellow student who was annoyed about the traffic in the hallways, “I am claustrophobic, somebody move!” Then I hear her pass the crowd saying, “And you know what kills me about all this? They all have tickets to see Debut and I can’t even get my hands on one. I’m a student here!” LOL… That’s all for now.

saturday, i want you back.

I think the best part about waking up from a good night rest is not having to rush out of bed immediately because you just realized you’re late for something. That’s why I love Saturdays and NOT having class. My Saturdays are always “catch-up” days. Catch up on sleep, homework, shows on hulu, laundry, and catching up with friends. I have to say that today isn’t one of those Saturdays. Okay, I won’t lie… I had a good 7 hours of sleep last night—which is RARE. But that’s because I just woke up. LOL. Now instead of lounging around as I had planned, I have a full schedule of things to do. First—meet with my group member to go over our final project and presentation. Then we have to do a run-through and put our 45 pages of research together. I will have to get ready and head over to the FIDM library (I swear I’ve spent every night there this past week). Afterwards, I have ANOTHER meeting with my editor from Splash Magazine because it is OSCAR weekend we have to a few events to cover. THEN I have a world of laundry to do… besides a whole apartment to clean! Later today I will be out of the house for work events—I won’t get home until it’s incredibly late and I have church SUNDAY morning. I haven’t even said anything about HOMEWORK! I’m missing something…I’m sure there’s something else that I’m supposed to do. UGH. FINALS weekend, please go away! OSCAR weekend, please leave! Why does everything have to happend all at the same time? Why are all my projects suddenly due all at once? I WANT MY LAZY SATURDAYS BACK! I feel like calling in sick or just not show up. But I can’t do that. That’s rude and unprofessional. HAHA…yet here I am on blogger ranting and complaining. Okay, gotta run.

last registration... ever.

I just registered for SPRING quarter 2010. This will be my very LAST quarter at FIDM as I will be graduating this June! Save the date: June 19th. (Hold on, don't quote me... let me find out for sure and get back to you.) It was quite the bittersweet moment when I clicked SUBMIT and there it was... 4 remaining courses before I'm at the finish line. I'll be honest though, I'm not sure I'm ready to go. As much as I hate to admit it, I love FIDM--or at least certain parts of it. This past year and a half--though crazy, sleepless, and at times frustrating--has been the most incredible experience of my life. I really don't want to face the big-bad-real-world just yet. Please. Don't. Make. Me. Leave.

midnight reading, midnight snacks.

further procrastination.

Have you ever started to work on that paper (in this case, my 5-page paper on ethics for INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS) that you ABSOLUTELY need to get done, but look around your messy surroundings and think to yourself, "Self, we can't work on anything in a mess like this," and start cleaning instead of writing...and I mean major cleaning like washing all the dishes, vacuuming, doing laundry, putting your roommate's stuff away, washing the windows, scrubbing the toilet??

Well, that's what I did this weekend. Instead of concentrating on my paper, I did whatever else I could to avoid it. My apartment is now squeaky clean and my page is still........

..................................blank. :/