FIDM Orange County Student Blogger: Linda Tang

Teaching U.S. Marines how to shop till they drop... Santee Alley Style!

The LA fashion district and Santee Alley...My favorite bargain place to shop! Just be prepared to walk, shop and haggle! You must bring your A-game for this kind of shopping experience. I have been a patron of the Alley since my sophomore year at USC.  The Alley has it all! I have bought costumes for our Sorority theme parties, evening gowns for our formal events, knock off designer labels and trendy fashion attire. You can also find unique accessories, “designer” handbags, shoes, perfume and in vogue jewelry.

  

We started the day with a grande cup of coffee from Starbucks on the corner of 9th and Santee Street, then we headed south towards our “Alley Adventure.”  It was just a few good Marines, my friend Kelly, and I.  My boyfriend Nate and his two buddies Erik and Geoffrey serve our beautiful country and it was our turn to show our appreciation! The boys needed suits for the WWI’s 92nd Anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood in Paris, France.

When Marines meet fashion...

We were looking for affordable, comfortable, and stylish suits that could be fitted and tailored in one day--no better place than Santee Alley!   The first suit place was at the front of the alley, they offered a nice variety of suits, however none seemed to fit correctly.  All three boys are of muscular build, two are over 6‘5” in height with long arm spans. Finding suits that fit was definitely a challenge.

Nate trying on a suit that was meant for a 300 pound man...

Finally, the third suit vendor was the winner.  The first suit Erik tried on was a perfect fit. It was a 2-piece slim fit, sliver pinstriped, 2-button charcoal suit. Geoffrey found a 3-piece, single breasted pinstriped suit, and Nate got a 3-piece slim fit, black pinstriped suit. The initial offer from “L” (the owner of the suit shop) was... full suit with any dress shirt and tie in the store for $110 dollars (tailoring not included). Because we were buying 3 sets of suits and paying cash, we had better negotiating power.  We ended up with a steal! Full piece suit, 2 dress shirts, 2 ties, 1 belt, and 1 pair of socks for $100 per person.  "Ballin on a Budget!!!"  After the purchase, L made a call to Rolando (the tailor), he walked us over to his tailoring parlor. The fitting took about an hour for all three boys, they definitely were troopers! Who would have thought that something so natural and fun to us could be so stressful to our U.S. Marines! They didn't realize that shopping and trying on clothes could be such hard work! lol!

Nate practicing his newly acquired fashion skills

Nate's final pick... a 3-piece slim fit, black pinstriped suit, with a royal purple dress shirt, white and purple tie with intricate patterns

Kelly finding ties for the boys

Erik testing out ocean blue... it goes great with his eyes...lol

Geoffrey getting his pants hemmed

Yes, the tailor is half the size of Nate!  His suit needed the most tailoring done because of his rare height and build.

Some tips for the Alley:

1. Compare prices at least 2 shops.  Don’t assume that the vendor is giving you a deal. Some vendors are ready and willing to take advantage of obvious, unfamiliar newcomers.
2. Bring cash... small bills that you can negotiate with.
3. Haggle, whatever price they say... cut into half and work your way up. If they don’t break at the price point, then you say thank you and walk away. There will be another vendor just a couple of stores down with the same item.
4. Economies to scale, the more you buy the more negotiating power you have
5. Park in a garage or lot. if you park in a meter, beware of ticket nazis!
6. Bathrooms are located above the parking garages available to you for only 50 cents, however aren’t very sanitary... enter at your own risk!
7. Bring water, snacks, and antibacterial hand sanitizer 

Corporal Hatfield’s (Nate) experience:
“I thought it was an interesting place because I had no idea that there such high demand or a consistent market for bootleg items. I'd always assumed that tourists looking for a cheap pair of sunglasses were the vendors' typical customer. The closest thing I've seen to the Fashion District was Battery Park, NYC and I wasn't aware that something like it existed on the west coast. There, they have fake Oakley sunglasses, high end watches and purses. But I don't think it's on the same level. When I was 16 I bought a Tag there for $10. Pretty good deal for a watch that lasted exactly 10 days.

The attitude of most of the vendors did strike me as a little shady. They seemed ready and willing to take advantage of obvious, unfamiliar newcomers. Aside from that though, knowing full well you're sacrificing quality for price, it is a very good bargain.

My friends and I were a little overwhelmed by the whole thing. We weren't sure where to start and our price negotiating skills were non-existent. Thankfully Ms. Tang was there to get prices down on our behalf. She also played a big role in fashion aspect; helping us decide what to choose as far as suit styles, color schemes etc. Personally, she helped me break from a more conservative dress style. The result was a great looking suit that I wouldn't have picked on my own. If we had gone by ourselves we wouldn't have been nearly as successful.”

On top of buying "designer" Italian suits, we got some ridiculous sunglasses and illegal pet turtles. =)

Action shot of Kelly and Erik with their stunner shades and illegal pet turtle. 

Sunglass King which is located in the middle of the alley, has the best deals for sunglasses.  Don't pay more than $5 for spectacles in the alley.
 We got a deal: buy 8 get 4 for free...  which came out to $3.33 per pair.

The accomplished expressions of shoppers who mastered the alley!

FIDM Newbie Mistakes: Survival Guide for the Urban Jungle

Crazy first day of school! If you're an OC student, getting to downtown LA will be a great adventure for you.  You will acquire street smarts and public transit savvy. Public transportation such as Amtrak, Metrolink, and the FIDM shuttle will be your best friend.  For me, I had to learn the hard way... but it was worth the fun! 

First, the ticket system... very confusing... if you buy an Amtrak ticket you can use it on the metrolink, but if you buy a metrolink ticket, you can only transfer to connecting buses and shuttles and cannot use it on the Amtrak.  When I got to the Irvine station, I bought a round trip ticket on the metrolink to Union Station. Turns out I read the schedule wrong and needed to be on the 12:28 p.m. Amtrak.  Newbie tip... Make sure to check both Metrolink and Amtrak schedules before purchasing a ticket. I arrived at Union station @ 1:50 p.m. and  wandered aimlessly like a lost Asian tourist for 15 minutes.  A helpful security guard told me to get on the red line and to exit 7th street... “What’s a red line???” I didn’t even know LA had a subway system... that's how clueless I was! 

I ended up at 7th/Hope and headed towards 9th Street.  I was excited and nervous all at the same time. I kinda liked that I had no clue where I was going...lol!  When I turned  left onto 9th street, I saw a shining beacon of Awesomeness... FIDM!!!! I had finally made it!!!

Now the next step, “Where is my class???”  Newbie tip... Check your FIDM portal before school starts, it will tell you your classroom locations. Unlike me, I thought that all my classes were at the main campus... I saw that my room number was L 103...  As I preceded to the elevators, I noticed a flyer.. “WHERE IS MY CLASS, what does the letter before the room number mean?”... it means you're lost!

Annex (605 West Olympic Blvd.; walking distance) ex. A202
Hope St. Annex (corner of 8th and ope; walking distance) ex. H135
Loft (719 S. Los Angeles St. LA 90014, 12th Floor) use FIDM Shuttle ex. L206
Renaissance Building(501 W. Olympic Blvd.; walking distance) ex. R105
S Jewelry Design Studio (640 W. Olympic Blvd. LA 90015) ex. S103 
Note: If your class has a capital letter after the #, it is located at the FIDM Main Campus 5th floor. ex. 525A

How do you get to the loft? Just ask for the “Angel” she’ll show you the way!  =)

Cardinal Rules Before Hitting the Dance Floor with Mick Jagger

After taking Apparel Process 1, you learn how to make patterns with darts, slits, stylelines, cuts, etc. However, it wasn’t until Thanksgiving that I learned why we need slits in dresses and spandex in our jeans. In Vegas with the family I took my little brother Jay to his first Las Vegas nightclub, Moon at the Palms. I was wearing a fitted 100% polyester, knee length woven twill, Kimono dress.

We decide to hit the dance floor... First problem, I can barely get down the stairs  without my dress riding up to my derriere... all I could think about while trying to 'pop lock and drop it' is... “Why is this dress a woven and not a knit? Why is it not a poly blend with spandex or Elastane??? How come this designer forgot to design a slit so I could walk properly to the dance floor?”  As I contemplated these questions in my head our theme song came on,“Now the party don’t start till I walk in,” TIk tok by Ke$ha.  As I was dropping it like it was hot... ripppppp!!! My fitted 100% polyester, knee length, woven twill Kimono dress now has a hand made slit up to my fanny.  =)

Moral of the story... if you are going to get hyphy on the dance floor make sure your attire has the appropriate fiber blends and cuts for the deed. 

"When you plan to “drop it like it’s hot”...

1.    Fiber content: preferably a blend with at least 2% spandex for mobility (even denim should have at least 2% spandex)

2.    Woven or Knit??? I would recommend a knit because it has better stretch. If a woven, at the very least should be on a bias cut.

3.    Dress/skirt: must have a slit, opening or fullness in the cut.

Don't be a victim... 

 

When Things Get Messy

Pop Question??? What happens to you when you think you finally have everything figured out?
Answer: Life throws you a curve ball!
 
After a year in the sports marketing industry and working for an eccentric sports agent... I felt like a caged bird. I have always been a strong, determined, ambitious, and optimistic individual.  However at this point in my life, I had felt drained, lost and defeated.  So, I picked up everything and moved down to Irvine with my boyfriend (man of my dreams).  We took the whole summer off and traveled Europe.  I was refreshed, enlightened, super tan, and in LOVE.  

Europe was an eye-opening experience, I realized life is too short, and it was time to figure out how I was going to make my mark on the world. I did some creative brainstorming; making my vision board (collage of pictures and clippings of your goals and dreams), speaking to friends and family, and answering a very life changing question... “What you would do if you had the time, money, effort, energy, and passion to do whatever you want?” My answer is what ignited my flame again “I want to design my own label of fashionable and functional motorcycle gear.”  

I was finally embarking on a new chapter in my life with the person I loved most.  Everything was perfectly falling into place... I loved my living situation, I got accepted to FIDM with a Merit Scholarship, and found a great part time job that would help me pay the rest of the tuition. I thought I had everything figured out and that everyone one was happy...

I had just received my official FIDM tote bag, I couldn’t wait for school to start, everything was great!  Then: CURVE BALL.... relationship problems.... ouch!

I am a firm believer that what doesn’t kill you, truly makes you stronger. The honest truth is that my panacea from the pain is when I am at FIDM.  The moment I step onto the magenta floor I leave all my problems at the door.  I am so grateful that I am pursuing my passion and that I am so intrigued at what I am learning at FIDM.  There were days were daily activities were challenging for me and all I wanted to do was cry.  However, every time I was in class or working on a sketch, block or burn test, I felt at moment of peace. Even if it was just for an instant, it would be enough to know that there was hope for me.

For anyone that is going through a similar situation, this is when you have to focus on yourself and on the things that make you happy. Life will throw curve balls at you... square up, keep your eye on the prize and swing with all you got! "Rule #76 No excuses, play like a champion!" Wedding Crashers  

Until next time,

Linda

Introducing New FIDM Orange County Student Blogger Linda Tang

Favorite Designer: Emilio Pucci, I love the bright colors, geometric shapes and patterns, each print is unique and exquisite. 

Trend/item you're loving right now: There are lots...The comfy high-waisted skirts, animal prints, and Greek-inspired sandals

Who is your style icon and why? My style icon growing up was my Mom! She is super hip and chic for her age.

What is your dream fashion purchase? The Louis Vuitton "Neverfull MM"  handbag with the Monogram Roses canvas.  It is beautiful, practical, and versatile. I can use it for travel, school and evenings out.

What is the most beloved item in your wardrobe? My gold flats that I got in Rhodes, Greece.  They have a gold disc at the center with Swarovski crystals inside the disc. They're elegant and comfortable and you can wear them on any occasion.

You're spending an afternoon shopping in the city of your choice. What's the city and itinerary? Venice, Italy...  The city is so enhancing and intimate.  We would start in the designer block by St. Mark's square and then go into the local shops in San Polo and Santa Croce.

If you could own the wardrobe of any film or TV character (past or present) whose would it be? Hands down.... Rebecca Bloomwood's wardrobe from Confessions of a Shopaholic

The ultimate accessory is... wood bangles. They compliment almost every outfit in a wardrobe.

How did you become aware of FIDM? From the Fashion Board at Nordstrom during my senior year of High School       

How did you know that FIDM was the right college for you? I have wanted to attend FIDM since I was 17, but decided to go to USC instead.  After a year in sports marketing, I wasn't happy and decided to follow my calling... Owning my own label of performance apparel. Being a part of FIDM and majoring in Apparel Manufacturing Management is one of the vehicles that will help me attain my dream.

Describe how you felt when they told you that you were accepted? I was absolutely elated!!! My advisor came in to congratulate me and I almost fell out of my chair because of sheer excitement!

What part of starting FIDM are you most looking forward to? I am most looking forward to learning how to bring my vision to life, from concept to fruition. 

What do you expect to gain from attending FIDM? The best industry experience and knowledge for owning my own apparel label.  I also anticipate a great network of FIDM staff, alumni and students from attending FIDM.

What is your ultimate career goal after graduating from FIDM? Upon graduating from FIDM I plan to own my own designer line of performance gear. The line will be distinctive and fresh; the company will focus on fusing the creative influences from fashion, the world of sport bikes, and lifestyles in all of its performance creations.  I have been a motorcycle enthusiasts since I was 15, naming my dog after my dream bike... DUCATI. Since the age of 18 I have been riding motorcycles, loving the thrill and excitement but disliking the bulky, uncomfortable and unflattering gear.

What advice would you give to students looking to be accepted into FIDM? Sometimes tasks can be very overwhelming, the key is prioritizing and giving yourself deadlines to get the job done.