I like to take in fashion inspiration as much as possible so during our lunch at Scarsdale there were some magazines we swapped (they were free!) that I couldn't wait to take back and read. Feeling a little uninspired by the fashions at the mall, I didn't expect that these would help to inspire me so much.
In these January-February and March issues of Scout Magazine, I discovered the best friend designers behind social media success Neon Island and an interview with stylist/writer Karen Bolilia.
Reading their stories were so strangely relatable with my current connection to my world of fashion and social media. My interest with fashion has always been evident growing up and by studying social media in college, I was bound to make a connection between the two.
With Instagram, it has given me so much more opportunity for everything - from fashion inspiration, eyeing my favorite trends/brands, and even opportunities for potential careers in social media marketing. BTW, I'm not an avid Snapchat user, but I've grown to love it because of the behind the scenes look into live events that were showcased especially these past NY, Paris, and MIlan fashion weeks - revolutionary, I tell you!
If I'm not sounding like such a nerd already, it was such a treat to read about the special connection and balance between best friends Chi Gibb and Aira Medina, which made for their successful clothing brand rise to fame organically with the use of social media. It is such an essential step to brand identity and discovery with all of the free promotion, 'likes', hashtags, and all of the fashion culture on the platform in general.
Both Neon Island’s cover story and Bolilia’s interview highlighted their inspirations and the fact that traveling draws in so much of it and keeps them going, along with that the belief that kindness can go a long way.
Truthfully, their stories encouraged me to believe you never really know about anything until you step into it. Creativity and ever flowing ideas exist no matter where you are in the world and I am in awe of their stories and passions. With technology and social media, it makes it that much more accessible, ever connected and universally prevalent today.
Thinking about my risk to take this whole trip to the Philippines took me back to the interview with Bolivia when asked about her best idea yet:
“Leaving my job at a magazine and traveling here and there after that for the rest of the year. I wanted to feel uncomfortable but at the same time, comfortable with being lost. Does that make sense? It wasn’t finding myself per se- but it was life-changing. Left my eyes open, always wanting more.
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When inspiration comes along. I advise to never let it leave you, let it guide you instead, act upon it and let it manifest into your life. Trust me, it’s just something that’s worth living for.
xo A
I've been wanting to post more fashion inspiration during my travels so stay tuned! Also, if there is anything you'd like to see/hear/suggest about anything in general. Don't be shy, let me know!